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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Miss California USA pageant is rocked on its high heels

Miss California USA organizers say Carrie Prejean hijacked the event to spread her views on marriage.

By Carla Hall - May 12, 2009

Ever since Miss California Carrie Prejean declared onstage last month at the Miss USA Pageant that she believed gay people should not have the right to marry, she has battled her critics in TV interviews, been championed by groups opposed to same-sex marriage and pretty much eclipsed the woman who beat her to become the reigning Miss USA.

(Does anyone even remember what state the winner was from?)

But that's nothing compared to what Prejean did to the Miss California organization. She hijacked it, the organizers said, for her own message.
"Up to now, we've just been riding along as a passenger on this runaway train," Keith Lewis, co-executive director of the Miss California USA pageant, said Monday morning at a news conference at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. "But that ends today."And with that, the organizers labeled her a rogue Miss California and, well, ostracized her. They don't have the authority to dethrone her. That power lies only with Donald Trump, the owner of the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageant system. He is scheduled to weigh in on the brouhaha today at a news conference in New York.

Instead the organizers installed the Miss California first runner-up as a kind of shadow Miss California. Tami Farrell, a gleamy-eyed, long-haired blond in a short one-shouldered dress, beamed and took her place on the dais when she was introduced as the "official Beauty of California ambassador" by Shanna Moakler, executive director of the state pageant.The controversy began nearly a month ago, when Prejean was asked about her views on same-sex marriage during the nationally televised Miss USA pageant. Although she said she believed people were entitled to do as they liked, she said marriage should only be recognized as an institution between a man and a woman.

Prejean lost the pageant (she was runner-up to Miss North Carolina, Kristen Dalton). But her statement quickly became fodder for the ongoing culture war over same-sex marriage. Gay-rights activists criticized her, while her backers said she was being unfairly attacked.Yes, there's also some controversy over recently revealed semi-naked photos of Prejean (clad in panties, her arm draped strategically over her chest with nary a nipple in sight) and chortling over a breast enhancement job the local pageant helped finance. ("The majority of women who are titleholders have breast implants . . . I didn't think breast implants were shocking," Moakler said, chuckling.)

But pageant officials said that when Prejean became the darling of the anti-same-sex-marriage movement, she began shirking her duties as Miss California. They say she missed appearances, including the filming of a public service announcement the pageant put together featuring former and current Miss USA, Miss California and Miss California Teen winners speaking about the beauty and diversity of the people of California. Organizers said she was generally unreachable by pageant officials -- technically a breach of her contract, they said.

"Up to now, it's been very difficult to get in touch with her," Moakler said. Asked if she had Prejean's cellphone number, Moakler added: "We do. She doesn't answer her phone. Her pastor does."And that wasn't all. Pageant officials said their sponsors have been getting hate mail because of Prejean's stand. They had nothing but scorn for the National Organization for Marriage, a group opposed to same-sex marriage that used in one of its commercials video of Prejean's now infamous pageant answer."Shame. Shame, shame, shame," Lewis said. "Shame for taking this young woman and exploiting her to further your own agenda."Prejean's backers insist she is being unfairly vilified by pageant organizers for a viewpoint that is far from extreme (California voters last year approved Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage). 

Officials with the National Organization for Marriage say Prejean is not a paid spokeswoman. She did attend the Washington, D.C., news conference at which the group unveiled the ad featuring her Miss USA pageant clip. And she lent her voice to a recorded call the organization used to thank supporters and solicit contributions. "Carrie has always been a spokesperson for herself. She believes what we believe," said Brian Brown, the group's executive director. "We're proud of her. . . . She's standing up for marriage and against the bullying we heard at this press conference today."Quite a maelstrom for a 21-year-old (going on 22) at a Christian college, whose goal was to become a Victoria's Secret model. Prejean, although invited, did not attend the Beverly Hills news conference. She reportedly was on a plane for New York. 

In this post-beauty pageant era, none of these women get much national recognition unless they go astray in some carnal or substance-abusing way -- which makes Carrie Prejean even more unusual.In this case, her real recognition is over a stand on an issue. It's not the message the California pageant had in mind. "You have to understand we never want to take away a girl's beliefs or her voice," Lewis said. "But when you wear the title that says 'I represent everyone,' you can't then polarize the people you represent."

Pageant officials say all would be forgiven if she came back and returned to the business of beauty -- attending red-carpet events, charity gatherings, appearances for sponsors. "We just need to get back to business," Lewis said. "We want her to fulfill her contract."

Source: http://news.google.com

'Gossip Girl' Spin-off Rumored to be in Jeopardy

Buddy TV - May 12, 2009

The Gossip Girl spin-off hasn't even aired yet but there are already rumors that show's future is in jeopardy. There's a lot of hype surrounding the series that will chronicle the younger years of Lily van der Woodsen but apparently not enough to overthrow other pilot projects on The CW's slate.  

The network has reportedly four open slots to fill, and according to E!, sophomore drama Privileged seems like a solid candidate for one. That leaves just three slots for the Melrose Place remake, The Vampire Diaries, the Gossip Girl spin-off and The Beautiful Life starring Mischa Barton of The O.C. fame.

Word on the street is that Melrose is already in, as well as The Vampire Diaries given how much fan following bloodsuckers have. The Beautiful Life, which is produced by Ashton Kutcher, who has a good relationship with The CW, appears to be an ideal match for America's Next Top Model. And that may leave the Gossip Girl spin-off out.

Meanwhile, Deadline Hollywood is already reporting that the spin-off is "done." And that "the show went from hot, to lukewarm, to "fading but wouldn't count out", to now dead, according to insiders."

On the other hand, the aforementioned pilots are still very much in the race, according to E! Online and that "nothing is dead." For the record, the CW's official statement on the situation is "No comment." Fans will just have to wait for the network's final decision next week.  

Source: http://www.buddytv.com

Eminem song about Mariah Carey angers husband Nick Cannon

Chicago Tribune - May 12, 2009

Once upon a time, Mariah Carey and Eminem were an item. And, apparently, he wants her back.

Eminem and Carey dated for about six months in 2001, but, according to Us Weekly, the rapper's new tune, "Bagpipes From Baghdad," includes lyrics instructing Carey's hubby, Nick Cannon, to "back up" -- which doesn't make Mr. Mimi very happy. Cannon's blog posts over the weekend seem guarded: "Not only has his music not evolved, but also homeboy is still obsessed with my wife."

Entertainment Weekly cites Cannon's accusations that Eminem is racially insensitive: "I realized that this so-called man has just disrespected ... one of the world's most significantly influential artists, one of the most notable BLACK females of our time, the incredibly cherished, globally loved and world-embraced woman of color, Mariah Carey."

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com

1920 on NTV tonight

By Ariful Islam Mithu - May 12, 2009

The tenth episode of the drama serial 1920 will be aired on NTV at 8:15pm.The drama portrays the desires, dreams, achievements and frustrations of being 19 or 20 years of age.

They are all classmates: Pinky is very fond of flowers, Anila loves cars. Ayon is of a serious nature and is very matured. Pramity is fond of acting in theatres and is thus popular in the university campus, while other students are jealous of him. Srabonti, who is a good dancer, is proud of her talent. Tonmoy is nothing but a joker, in contrast to Sutopa who is quiet by nature.

The drama is scripted and directed by Hridi Huq. The cast includes Tisha, Sharmin Shela, Kusum Sikdar, Dipa Khandakar, Hridi Huq, Nafiza, Jitu Ahsan, Shariar Shuvo, Ovik, Shahir Huda Rumi, Lucky Enam, Irin Parvin Lopa, Proma, Tanvir Hossen Probal, Adnan Sobhan, Sadjad Reja, Shagota, Shomon Sumi, Mirana Jaman,Kanta,Rony, Osib, M E Salim, Imtu, among others.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Bloggers are like my extended family: Amitabh Bachchan

IANS - Mumbai, May 12, 2009

He calls them his extended family, shares his day-to-day life with them and is now looking forward to see the faces of those who regularly visit his blog. Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who completed a year of blogging April 17, doesn't want to tag his online friends who enrich his life as "faceless".

" 'Faceless' is a harsh term. I refer to them as my 'extended family'. They confide in me. They show affection and concern. They get upset at times and reprimand me... they miss me when I am not there on time. Are not all these wonderfully domesticated attributes?

"And now Big Adda (the website that hosts his blog) is developing software and my readers will be able to put up their photographs on the blog against their name. So they shall no longer be 'faceless'," the Big B told IANS in an interview.

Excerpts from the interview:

Blogging seems to have become a leading interest in your life. When and how did you develop an interest in it?
It is not a leading interest, but I can safely say blogging seeks my involvement every day. I had heard of the concept but had no idea what it was and what it entailed. I heard of Aamir (Khan) having one and during a discussion with Big Adda (team), who were designing my website, I enquired about it. They happily put the whole concept together - within days trained me on some essentials ... and I made a soft beginning. It has been most enlightening since.

Did it occur to you that you may not have the time to pursue blogging seriously? 
No. That didn't bother me. What worried me was my absence from it, once having started it... To me, it is a wonderful medium to be able to connect with my fans and well-wishers.

What is it about blogging that you like best? 
The ability to convey individually and personally my feelings to the reader, secure in the thought that it shall reach them without any corruption.

You are an extremely private person. And yet you seem happy sharing your day-to-day activities with your bloggers' community. How and why did that happen? 
I think this is a completely erroneous notion in the minds of those that form opinions on me. Every day of my life for the last 40 years I have been going in front of the camera and exposing every possible emotion or attitude that I possess. Actors are indeed as transparent as they can possibly be when in front of the lens. You come to know how they speak, how they laugh, how they cry, how they dance and run and emote and.... What more would you want to know about them to declassify them from privacy?

How close do you feel to these faceless friends who visit you regularly on the blog? 
'Faceless' is a harsh term. I refer to them as my 'extended family'. They confide in me. They show affection and concern. They get upset at times and reprimand me. They share their dreams and ambitions with me... they miss me when I am not there on time. Are not all these wonderfully domesticated attributes? And now Big Adda is developing software and my readers will be able to put up their photographs on the blog against their names. So they shall no longer be 'faceless'.

You've certainly enriched their lives by your presence. How have your blogging buddies enriched your life? 
Brilliant question! And one that I am so happy to answer. They enrich my life by their honesty and frankness. By pulling me out of my closet at times and showing me a mirror. By critically analysing events and moments. By educating me on my faults.

How much time do you devote to blogging? Is it now a mandatory part of your daily life? 
I blog whenever I get the time. Sometimes I convey rapidly, most of the time not. But I do convey every day...And may I have the strength to continue in this fashion.

Do you feel liberated of the need to put your thoughts and voice across on the media? 
Yes, I do. Liberated to give my expression as opposed to that which is perceived. Liberated to contradict a mischievous accusation. Liberated to be able to inform in the correctness of things... Liberated to share a private moment with those that understand and show sympathy... And finally, liberated to stand up to 'wretched' puerile kindergarten rhymed opinion makers and be able to exercise the constitutional right of every living Indian; the freedom of my expression.

Finally, has blogging freed you of the inhibitions regarding your privacy? Are you now more inclined to write an autobiography? 
I'm incapable of writing an autobiography.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service, Mumbai.

Fortifying the Bengali identity, being a true global citizen

Call to disseminate Gurusaday Dutt’s ‘Bratachari’ movement

Karim Waheed - May 12, 2009

In 1934, Gurusaday Dutt started the 'Bratachari' movement. In his words, in "The Bratachari Synthesis" (first published in 1937), "the movement is to bring back to humanity, in all countries, the ideal and practice of the wholeness of life which, alike in the individual, the national and the international sphere has been so grievously shattered in the modern world in every country by the fragmentary outlook on, and treatment of, life in education, science, work, play and social functioning."

The aim of the movement -- in other words, Dutt's aspiration -- was to reinstate a well-rounded sense of being by upholding the inherent values of individual and regional diversities. As Dutt used to say, "Bishwa-manab hobi jodi, shashwata Bangali haw." (If you want to be an effective global citizen, be a true Bengali first.) 

On the occasion of Dutt's 127th birth anniversary, on May 10, Finance Minister AMA Muhith, noted cultural activist Dr. Sanjida Khatun and VC of Dhaka University Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique went over the life and philosophies of the visionary Bengali. The programme, organised by Bratachari Samiti, Bangladesh and assisted by BRAC Bank Ltd, was held on DU campus.

A small, uniformed group of children and teenagers in red and white marched to the venue; pulsating 'dhol' generated interest among the passers-by, some stuck around out of curiosity. 

The Finance Minister provided a brief account of the life and accomplishments -- highlighting the 'Bratachari' movment -- of Gurusaday Dutt. 

Gurusaday Dutt, a Barrister-at-Law, politician, folklorist, writer and social reformer, was born in Birasri village of Sylhet district, in eastern Bengal (now Bangladesh) in 1882. He stood first in the F.A. exams (prior to Graduate studies) from Presidency College, Calcutta, in 1901 and was awarded the Scindia Gold Medal. He went on a Scholarship from the Sylhet Union to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, UK and took the Indian Civil Service (ICS) exams, in which he stood first in the Second Part in 1904. In 1905, he returned to India and started working as an ICS officer.

The Bratachari (from 'brata,' vow) movement aims at creating a sense of global citizenship as well as national identity among people, irrespective of caste, religion, gender and age. Dutt believed in developing the mind and body, and urged people to work for national and individual progress through encouraging traditional and folk culture, especially dance and songs. The bratacharis, or followers of the movement, pledge to build their moral fibre and serve the country on the five principles of knowledge, labour, truth, unity and joy. 

As the Finance Minister put it, "the Bratachari movement did not catch on in Bangladesh but, fortunately, followers of this concept are still active."

Dr. Sanjida Khatun, chairperson of Bratachari Samiti, Bangladesh, said, "Scout activities are very popular and encouraged in our schools, but Bratachari lessons, which can instil a sense of patriotism in children and inspire them to be well-rounded individuals, is never considered as an extra-curricular activity."

Performance by young bratacharis at the programme started with "Agowan Bangla." Two rows were formed by younger performers; senior bratacharis led with a crescent-like formation. The performance was more like an articulate version of a P.T. session; the moves were certainly inspired by indigenous dances, like the 'Jhumur.' Lyrics were basically vows: serving the motherland and thus serving the world. 

An interesting aspect of this is that Dutt realised the need for nurturing the body, along with the mind, through physical labour at a time when the contemporary urban Bengali 'Babu' culture looked down upon it. Bratachari songs like "Kodal chalai," (working the shovel) emphasises that concept. 

As the young performers demonstrated -- with music and dance -- the philosophies of Gurusaday Dutt to a growing audience, it became evident to one just introduced to the Bratachari movement that this concept needs to reach the grassroots.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Whoopi urges Amy to quit drugs

Agencies / May 12, 2009

Amy Winehouse has been urged by Academy winning actress Whoopi Goldberg to quit her drugs and alcohol habit so that she can live to sing. 

The 'Ghost' star was on Radio 4's show Desert Island Discs when she revealed that she is a huge fan of Winehouse's music as it reminds her of her childhood. 

"I love this girl, that talent is just so great. Amy, come on baby, you can do this," said the 53-year-old actress. Goldberg also warned Winehouse that her lifestyle will kill her if she lets her alcohol and drug addiction gain control of her, reported ‘Femalefirst’. 

"For me, I like living. So if you really come down this path pretty much, you are going to die, that's a given fact," said Goldberg. 

Winehouse, 25, a multiple Grammy wining singer was booed off stage during a recent performance at the St Lucia Jazz Festival as she slurred and stumbled on stage. 

Winehouse who is currently in the Caribbean island working on her third album, has been battling substance abuse for years.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Tagore’s lyrical imagery

Discussion at Bangla Academy on Rabindranath’s paintings

Cultural Correspondent - May 12, 2009

On the occasion of the 148th birth anniversary of Rabidranath Tagore, Bangla Academy organised a discussion on Tagore's paintings titled, “Rabindranath-er Chitra Bhabna: Tukro Kothar Bhashyo,” and a musical programme. 

Dr. Ahmed Rafiq read out an essay on Tagore's views as a painter. Professor Ahmed Kabir, Bangla Department, Dhaka University and Professor Kaisar Haque, Department of English, DU were presented as discussants. The welcoming speech was delivered by Dr. Syed Mohammad Shahed, director general, Bangla Academy. The programme was presided over by Professor Nazrul Islam, chairman, University Grants Commissions. Dr. Rafiq said, “Tagore's art did not follow any particular type or style. He didn't have any academic education on art. He enjoyed drawing, created rhythmic lines and had a keen sense of colours. His works carried an individual touch. Tagore's art denotes beauty, truth and delight.” 

Professor Ahmed Kabir said, “In Tagore's time, several Indian painters were greatly influenced by European art. Tagore disliked the trend and emphasised individuality. In 1930, his first solo exhibition was held in Paris and his friend, noted Argentine intellectual Victoria Ocampo assisted him.” Professor Kaiser Haque said, “Tagore's images have several aesthetic aspects. Tagore's paintings don't conflict with modern art. He wrote many articles on aestheticism and art. The articles have clearly articulated his great eagerness on art.” 

Professor Nazrul said, “Tagore was a revolutionary force in Indian art. He started painting in his childhood but his craft was at the peak between 1928 and 1940. Tagore completed at least 3,000 paintings. The National Museum should have a separate section to display Tagore's paintings (reproductions).” Dr. Syed Mohammad Shahed said, “Tagore had carved so many paths in literature, poetry, art, drama etc. Every year we explore several topics through discussions or researches. His creations are unique and unparalleled.”

After the discussion, a musical programme was held. Iffat Ara Dewan, Shama Rahman, Mita Haque, Fahim Hossain Chowdhury, Abdul Wadud and Chhayarani Karmakar performed Rabindra Sangeet on the occasion.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Rawshan Ara Mustafiz on tonight’s Gaanalap

Cultural Correspondent - May 12, 2009

Banglavision will air the musical programme "Gaanalap", featuring noted Nazrul singer Rawshan Ara Mustafiz. Rawshan Ara will perform some of her popular songs and share her memories and thoughts on the world of music, future plans and more.

Apart from Nazrul songs, Rawshan Ara has won recognition for her rendition of classical and adhunik songs. She has had the privilege of presenting the songs of eminent composers Abdul Ahad, Samar Das, Dhir Ali Mansur, Satya Shaha, Alam Khan and others. A recipient of several prestigious awards such as Ekushey Padak, Nazrul Institute Gold Medal and Shilpaklala Academy Award, she has traveled far and wide as a member of cultural delegations. 

"Gaanalap" is aired every Tuesday at 9:05 pm. The programme is hosted by singer Nakib Khan and produced by Nahid Ahmed Biplob.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Posh says Becks helped her strip for Armani ads

ANI - May 12, 2009

Victoria Beckham has revealed that the support of her hubby David is what helped her to strip for the saucy Armani adverts. 

The couple has posed half naked for Emporio Armani’s new underwear collection, and could be seen in their sexy avatar on huge billboards around the world. 

“When David and I got to the first shoot we were both standing in our bathrobes, looking at each other and saying, ‘Okay, who’s going to drop their dressing gown first?’ the ‘Sun’ quoted her as saying.  She added: “It can be a little intimidating standing half-naked in a studio full of strangers, so it’s good to have the support of each other, reassuring and encouraging one another. David is always incredibly supportive of everything I do.” 

Talking to ‘Hello’ magazine, the former Spice Girl also revealed how the ads helped her get in shape.  “I never used to go to the gym before working with Armani – but if you’re going to be photographed in your bra and knickers you want to look as good as you can,” she said. 

“I started running four to five miles every day, and focused on eating healthily. I really like having something to work towards, so I actually enjoyed the whole process. “David was working out a lot as well, so we motivated each other. It was fun. “I still work out every day. I drop the kids at school, and from the school I go to the gym and do the miles on the treadmill. 

“After that I start work, and there’s enough time to work before doing the school pick-up. It all works out really well.  “I have worked hard, and if you are going to agree to be photographed in underwear you have to put the hours in, so when you turn up on the day and take off your robe you feel confident that you can do the job. 

“As a 35-year-old mother of three, I’m looking okay,” she added.

Source: http://www.google.com

Fahmida Nabi charms the NRBs

Cultural Correspondent - May 12, 2009

Recently singer Fahmida Nabi visited the United States. The purpose of her visit was to attend a Dhallywood award giving ceremony, which featured nearly 60 Bangladeshi artistes and cultural personalities. Arranged by the Bangladeshi expatriates in the US, the programme was held on May 2 in Columbus, Ohio. 

Fahmida also attended a programme in Jackson Heights, New York, responding to expat Bangladeshis' requests. Talking about the tour, the singer said, "Both programmes were hugely successful. NRBs are very cordial and remain passionate about Bangladeshi music." The artiste informed that at the New York show, she performed several Rabindra Sangeet and songs from her recent album "Swapno Chhowa Bhalobasha." "I was surprised that they requested me to perform songs which I don't sing often. This implies they listen to a range of songs by me," she said.

So far a solo album, "Aamar Bela Jey Jaye," featuring Tagore songs by Fahmida, had been released and she wants to record more Rabindra Sangeet but not very soon. "I promised Bangladeshis in the US that I will record another album of Tagore songs but it will take time as I ardently want to delve into the genre," said Fahmida. During her short tour, the artiste also enjoyed her new image as one of the judges on the popular talent hunt show "Close Up 1." 

Fahmida returned home on May 6 and is getting busy with her upcoming projects. At present, she is working on a new album featuring songs written by the late theatre icon Selim Al Deen. The album is expected to be released on Al Deen's birth anniversary.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Drama serial Tomtom ends today

Cultural Correspondent / May 12, 2009

The last episode of the drama serial "Tomtom" will be aired on Ekushey TV tonight at 9:30 pm. Written by Hafiz Redu and directed by Kaisar Ahmed, the serial marks the 400th anniversary of Dhaka city as a capital.

The serial centres on Shamsher Ali, a resident of old Dhaka. For generations, Shamsher Ali's family have been professional drivers of "Tomtoms", traditional horse-carts. More than a mere source of income, Ali has a deep feeling for his Tomtom. Reputed ship trader Aziz Sardar is Ali's childhood friend. Their friendship cuts across their class differences. Despite his low income, Shamsher manages to realise his dream to educate his daughter at a medical college. On the other hand, widower Aziz Sarder's daughter Nuri is not academically inclined. The hearthrob of many a local youth, Nuri is infatuated with her private tutor, Azad. The serial unfolds, building on these characters.

Masum Aziz, Chitralekha Guha, Mita Nur, Ahmed Rubel, Litu Anam, Tony Dias, Rumana and Lara Lotus are the main casts of the serial.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

A tale of tea workers

Rahad Abir - May 12, 2009

On the inaugural day of the ten-day festival of documentary films on environment and people, the organisers screened ‘The Story of Tea Workers’, jointly directed by Philip Gain and Ronald Halder in the evening of Sunday at Drik Gallery in Dhanmondi.

The festival is organised by the non-government organisation called Society for Environment and Human Development (SHED). The 45-minute documentary film on the workers of tea gardens shows the plight and pleasure of their life in different gardens across the country. The directors also uphold the history of the gardens, tea business and they have also compared the condition of the tea workers of the country with that of its neighbours.

According to the film, there are 163 tea gardens in Bangladesh including seven in Panchagarh. It is said that there are over five lakh people belonging to the community of tea workers. Among them about one lakh and 18 thousand tea workers are involved in the gardens directly.

The film reveals the untold stories of the tea workers to the viewers. For example, according to the film, a tea worker in Bangladesh got Tk 32.50 as as the maximum daily cash payment in 2008 but the tea workers in the gardens in West Bengal in India are paid the equivalent of Tk 53 and the amount will increase to Tk 63 by 2011.

The film portrays that the tea workers suffer acute accommodation crisis. All members of a family live in a small room. Festival mood of the workers especially during Durga Puja is also depicted in the film.

Today, the organisers will screen two documentaries: ‘Riders to the Sundarbans’, directed by Tanvir Mokammel and ‘Chokoria Sundarban: A Forest without Tress’ Junaid Halim at 6:00pm at the gallery.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

An evening of Hemanta Mukherjee classics

Performance by Soumitra Bandopadhyay

Kavita Charanji - New Delhi, May 12, 2009

It is unlikely that a musical soiree to celebrate the 148th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore would attract strong protests from a section of the audience. However, that is just what transpired at a recent concert in Delhi by singer Soumitra Bandopadhyay, who presented an evening of Rabindra Sangeet and other popular melodies of the celebrated singer, composer, lyricist, film director and producer Hemanta Mukherjee in Hindi and Bengali. For starters some members of the audience objected to the clubbing of Hindi film songs with Bengali numbers and Rabindra Sangeet. What got their goat even more was the playful yodeling of Kishore Kumar songs by Indranil Banerjee, Soumitra's son.

The angry people had to be pacified by Bijan Mukherjee, president of Impresario India, one of the organisers of the programme. As he said, “Hemanta Mukherjee sang in both Hindi and Bengali. This concert is for all communities, not just Bengalis.” Another unruffled person questioned, “We are gathered here to celebrate music, so why the objections?”

Anyway, barring the protests, the evening effectively centred on the music of the Kolkata-based Soumitra. Among his melodious and meditative Rabindra Sangeet were “Tumi ki kebali chhobi,” “Purano shei din-er kotha” and “Pagla hawar badal din-e.” The Hemanta classics included a song of longing, "Tum pukar lo..," "Naa tum ham-e jaano naa hum tumhe jaane" and the famous "Jaane ye woh kaise log thhe jinko pyaar me pyaar mila" (the latter from the Guru Dutt classic "Pyaasa").

Talking to Soumitra was an eye opener as he related many interesting anecdotes about his late guru Hemanta Mukherjee. As the singer asserted, he knew Hemanta for a span of 13 years until his death in 1989. While Soumitra excelled in Rabindra Sangeet and the Bengali musical items he can be faulted on one score -- the heavy Bengali accent in the Hindi numbers, which detracted from the soothing ambience of the summer evening. But Soumitra had the humility to ask the audience to bear with his imperfect Hindi pronunciation.

While the young Indranil rendered some fun Kishore Kumar numbers with great aplomb, his Bengali songs lacked the depth and intensity of his father Soumitra. But this is only the beginning for Indranil, who can clearly make a mark on the music world.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Danny Boyle honoured with prestigious civic award

ANI / May 12, 2009

Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle has been honoured with a prestigious civic award from his hometown. 

The Oscar-winning filmmaker was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Bury, along with rock band Elbow and gold-medal winning Paralympic athlete Zoe Robinson, at a special ceremony in the Town Hall. Boyle said that receiving the Freedom of his hometown was "very touching". "It's really nice. It really means a lot to me, and to my family – my dad still lives in Radcliffe," the ‘Telegraph’ quoted him as saying. 

“It was all very good-humoured today. You need to take these things quite lightly really because although they're significant and very meaningful in many ways, you should always have a lightness about them. "The natural humour here doesn't allow you to take yourself too seriously," he added. 

Mark Sanders, chief executive of Bury Council, said: "Danny Boyle's, Elbow's and Zoë Robinson's successes over the past 12 months have really put Bury on the map, both nationally and internationally. 

Sanders added: "We are really proud of all these individuals' outstanding achievements in their respective professions and by granting them Freedom of the Borough we want to acknowledge their hard work, determination and commitment. This is the council's way of congratulating them all on their successes."

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Jennifer Aniston wants to star in ‘Mad Men’

ANI - May 12, 2009

Jennifer Aniston has admitted that she would love to star in hit TV show ‘Mad Men’. 

The former ‘Friends’ star has confessed that she’s a huge fan of the US series, which recently won a Bafta for best international drama. The show, broadcast on the BBC, tells the story of a New York-based advertising agency in the early Sixties. Filming has begun on the third series. 

“I like Mad Men,” the ‘Daily Express’ quoted Aniston as saying.  “I would love to be in that, it’s great. I love the era. I would love it if they offered me a role,” she added.

Source: http://www.news.google.com

"Star Trek" weekend box office nudged higher

By Alex Dobuzinskis - May 11, 2009

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - "Star Trek" keeps getting hotter at the North American box office.

The eleventh movie in Paramount Pictures' reenergized sci-fi franchise earned $75.2 million during the three days beginning Friday, according to final data issued on Monday.

A day earlier, the Viacom Inc-owned studio had issued a preliminary estimate of $72.5 million. Including early sales from Thursday night, the tally now stands at $79.2 million, said Paul Dergarabedian of Hollywood.com Box Office.

The acclaimed film, which follows the origins of Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and the rest of the crew of the Starship Enterprise, was easily the top film at the box office.

The previous weekend's champ, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," slipped to No. 2 with $26.4 million, off a little from its $27 million Sunday estimate. The Hugh Jackman movie was released by Twentieth Century Fox, a unit of News Corp.

© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved

Source: http://www.reuters.com

‘Jade Goody effect’ sends women rushing to UK’s NHS for cervical tests

ANI / May 12, 2009

A record number of women have been rushing to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for cervical smear tests since Jade Goody lost her life to the disease on March 22. 

According to Sara Hiom from Cancer Research UK, the tragic demise of the late reality star, who passed away aged 27, had sent the number of examinations soaring sky high. “The Jade effect” had left waiting time for the tests leap from two weeks to as much as two months while the number of hits on the Cancer Research UK website’s cervical cancer pages had also jumped from 100,000 in January to almost 400,000. 

“Jade’s legacy will be to help save lives. Her tragic plight brought important cervical cancer awareness messages into living rooms across the UK,” the ‘Daily Star’ quoted Sara as saying. She added: “Jade’s story has led to hundreds of thousands of people wanting information on the disease.” 

The NHS Cancer Screening Programme further said it was trying to keep up with the towering demand. A Department of Health spokesman said: “We are aware that there has been increased demand on cervical screening services due to recent media attention. 

“Some laboratories are experiencing backlogs but these are being dealt with at a local level.”

Source: http://www.google.com

‘We want to spread the melody of bhawaiya’

The music band ‘Bhawaiya’ recently celebrated its first founding anniversary. The main vocalist of the group, Shafiul Alam Raza talks to Robab Rosan about their planning and objectives

By Robab Rosan - May 12, 2009

New Age: Would you tell us something about the history and objectives of the band group Bhawaiya?

Shafiul Alam Raza: It was my long cherished dream to form a music band that will sing only bhawaiya, one kind of popular folksongs of this country. The band, formed on April 20 last year, aims to spread the melody of bhawaiya songs among the audience of younger generation. We have selected the word ‘bhawaiya’ as our band’s name.

We are mingling the modern instruments with the traditional ones so that the melody of the bhawaiya songs get a new dimension and become suitable for the modern audience both at home and abroad. But primarily, our target audience are the people of the Bengali nation. We want to make the word ‘bhawaiya’ popular among them.

NA: Who are working in your group?

SAM: Ziaul Haque is working as the music director of the band and I am working as the chief vocalist of it.

NA: Is it decided that your band will sing only bhawaiya?

SAM: Yes, we have decided that we will sing only bhawaiya. I take the pleasure of repeating the answer that the band group called ‘Bhawaiya’ is formed only to spread the melody of the folksongs bhawaiya.

NA: How do you want to spread bhawaiya?

SAM: First of all, I believe that if we can sing bhawaiya carefully and keeping the traditional style unhurt or undistorted then we will get many good listeners and hope that their number will gradually increase. We are planning to arrange regular stage programmes to present bhawaiya songs in different places of the country so that the music lovers can enjoy its melody.

NA: You have told us earlier that your band will present the traditional bhawaiya. How will you ensure that you are following the traditional style?

SAM: We have decided that we will follow the style of Abbasuddin, the great maestro of bhawaiya songs as the authentic style of the songs. We will bring some changes in using music instruments.

NA: Is there any stream of modern bhawaiya songs in the country?

SAM: There are many lyricists of bhawaiya songs who are writing bhwaiya on modern events, such as, the Language Movement and the war of country’s independence. The singers are also getting good response from the audience.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Avril Lavigne rumoured to be cheating on husband with oil heir

Agencies / May 12, 2009

Singer-actress Avril Lavigne has added fuel to the rumours that her marriage to musician Deryck Whibley is in trouble with some public display of affection with oil heir Brandon Davis. 

The 'Complicated' singer was spotted cozying up to the multi-millionaire during a recent night out, with reports suggesting that she is cheating on Deryck with Davis who is a well known playboy in Hollywood's party circles. Davis who is a close friend of hotel heiress Paris Hilton entered the party at a Los Angeles club with Lavigne and the pair spent all their time together with the Canadian singer sitting on his lap, reported ‘Ace Showbiz’.  The 25-year-old singer married Deryck two years ago and they have been dogged by split rumours since the very beginning. 

While the couple have repeatedly denied that their marriage is in trouble they did not react to the last separation report which was run by X17 Online a month ago.

Source: http://www.news.google.com

For Ultrareality, ‘Housewives’ Turns to Jersey Girls

By Alessandra Stanley - May 11, 2009

All the other housewives, those passels of pampered, primping, social-climbing, Botox-injecting spendthrifts in Orange County, Atlanta and New York, are not the real thing.

All those McMansions, swimming pools, boutiques, charity auctions and spa splurges have been merely rehearsals, introductory rounds leading to the apotheosis of the Bravo “Real Housewives” franchise, “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.”

The New Jersey housewives are more real and more riveting than their predecessors because, well, they are from New Jersey, and also because they so closely mirror the make-believe characters in “The Sopranos.”

The best reality shows look like fiction.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com

2 week gap between each new release

Bollywood Hungama / May 12, 2009

Last week, the producers and distributors had adopted the tough stand of releasing new films at single screens and independent multiplexes. It was decided to work out the release dates in a cordial atmosphere, so that they don't eat into each other's business. 

The latest is, the films will be release from May 29 onwards [starting with Vashu Bhagnani's ‘Kal Kissne Dekha’], but to give enough breathing space to the new releases, it has been decided to give a 2-week gap between each new release. Which means, the next big film, after ‘Kal Kissne Dekha’, will arrive on 12th June and the subsequent one on 26th June.

Source: http://www.bollywood.com

‘Terminator’s’ McG takes blame for blow-up

Director says staffers will identify person who leaked audio of tirade

Access Hollywood / May 11, 2009

LOS ANGELES - “Terminator Salvation” director McG said the now-infamous July 2008 blow-up on the film’s set, between star Christian Bale and director of photography Shane Hurlbut, was entirely his fault. 

“It broke my heart, because I take all the responsibility for protecting my actors on the set day in and day out," the director told Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell. "And it’s my responsibility to make sure that they can be free to express themselves in any way they like and it’s a real violation of the family of the set community.” “You can take anything out of context and you also don’t want artists censoring their performance, so you gotta be really careful with that,” McG continued. “You have faith that those outtakes never get out, to the Web sites or on the streets, in any capacity that would be unflattering or not in the service of the picture.”

The director told O'Dell that tensions were running high on the set that day intentionally. “We were making effectively a war scene, and I wanted the blood up of all my actors … what would be more offensive — if people just sort of sleep their way through a performance?” he said. “Everybody was very wound up and everybody was fired up and I wanted (Bale) that way … I riled him up! I deserve all the blame, in fact, throw me right under the bus.” And despite the severity of Bale’s tongue-lashing, McG said the actor and cinematographer are close and quickly made up after the incident. “I’m happy to report that Christian and Shane Hurlbert are actually friends and later that day we just kept on truckin’, so (the tirade) was indeed taken out of context,” he said. He added, “Christian is a very good guy, he’s got no entourage, drives around in a pickup truck, no assistant, he’s just focused on being an actor, and he’s really really a good guy.” 

McG also told O'Dell that the release of the audio is currently being investigated. “That’s the proprietary material of Warner Bros. and Sony and the owners of the franchise … it was wildly illegal for that to be leaked in that capacity,” he said, explaining that staffers are in the process identifying the person responsible for the leak. 

“I feel like I owe it to my actor because it happened on my watch," the director said. "And I take it very very seriously in that respect.” “Terminator Salvation,” directed by McG and starring Bale, Sam Worthington and Bryce Dallas Howard, opens May 21 in theaters.

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Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com