Print of iconic Einstein photo sells for $74K

CONCORD, N.H. — One of the original signed prints of Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out at photographers has been sold by a New Hampshire auction house for $74,324.

Bobby Livingston, of RRAuction.com in Amherst, says the picture was taken in 1951 after a 72nd birthday celebration for the physicist.

Einstein had nine prints made. He signed the print that was auctioned on Thursday and gave it to journalist Howard K. Smith.

In his inscription, Einstein said his gesture was aimed at all of humanity. Livingston says it also was aimed at the Red Scare and the McCarthy anti-Communist hearings of the 1950s.

David Waxman of Great Neck, N.Y., is the new owner. He is a specialist in important scientific books and autographs.

Source: Associated Press.

“Bijoyini”: Special play on Sufia Kamal’s birth anniversary

By Cultural Correspondent

On the 98th birth anniversary on poet-litterateur-activist Sufia Kamal, Rtv will air a single-episode play “Bijoyini” tonight at 9 pm. Adapted by Delwar Hossain from a story by Sufia Kamal, the play has been directed by Rawshan Ara Nipa.

The play follows Kashem, who comes from an affluent family, and his infatuation with his childhood friend Masuma. But Kashem's father does not approve of his interest in Masuma, whose family is not well off. Kashem marries a girl of his father's choice and Masuma also gets married, to a schoolteacher. Years later, Kashem meets Masuma again, and after her husband dies of typhoid, expresses his interest in Masuma despite having a wife. Masuma does not agree, as she believes in true love and not lust. An infuriated Kashem does not take this refusal well. He becomes vindictive and spreads vicious lies about Masuma, who is forced to leave the town. Searching for her for years, Kashem eventually finds Masuma again.

The cast includes Farzana Chhobi, Mahmud Hassan, Aforza Sultana, Tanzina Lily and others.

Source: The Daily Star.

Sugar Babes perform for Shilpa Shetty on her birthday

By Agencies

Bollywood bombshell Shilpa Shetty got a surprise of a life time on her 34th birthday when fiance Raj Kundra roped in none-other-than British girl band Sugar Babes for a surprise party. 

The actress who celebrated her birthday in London with Kundra, sister Shamita Shetty and a group of 55 friends also enjoyed an exclusive performance by 'Britain's Got Talent' sensations violinist group Escala. 

"Ok guys am a year older but like I always say I am like wine I get better with age, or at least that’s what I tell myself! Yesterday was such a fun day, don't know where to begin. Actually still reeling from the pleasant but shocking surprise party thrown by Raj," Shetty wrote in her blog. 

Shetty was set to have a quite dinner with her multi-millionaire boyfriend but was surprised when all her London friends who ignored her all day turned up at the Penthouse suite at Mayfair for celebrations. And the icing on the cake was the show put together by the Sugar Babes. 

"I nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw this girl band walk in They performed and everyone loved them, my jaw was still open from the shock but never mind that. It was amazing how Raj pulled it off all on his own and still managed to keep it a surprise, genius!," Shetty wrote. 

"On the whole it was definitely my best and most special birthday, it was perfect! I have only Raj and my Friends and Shamita to thank for that. Thanks to all those who have written in and wished me too...," the actress added.

Monroe lives in the heart

By Culture Desk

Born Norma Jean Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California to a single mother — Gladys Baker struggling with mental illness and a travelling salesman who would not claim her, Marilyn Monroe was baptised Norma Jean Baker.

She later dominated the world of movie stars and become the most famous woman of the 20th century. Traded in and out of orphanages and foster homes, Monroe’s early childhood was defined by emotional neglect and sexual abuse at the age of eight.

As many other film stars from the studio system era in Hollywood would report, movie-going cultivated in Monroe a driving desire to join the privileged, shining faces, and outsized personalities of the silver screen. More than a 1950s sex goddess, Monroe personified Hollywood glamour, but always felt unfulfilled as an actress.

‘My illusions didn’t have anything to do with being a fine actress. I knew how third rate I was. I could actually feel my lack of talent, as if it were cheap clothes I was wearing inside. But, my God, how I wanted to learn, to change, to improve!’ she is quoted to have said.

Brief roles in The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve (1950) led to stardom in many films, notably, The Seven Year Itch (1955) and Some Like It Hot (1959). She never won, nor was nominated for an Oscar.

She married the baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and later the playwright Arthur Miller, who wrote her last film, The Misfits (1960). After she had divorced Arthur Miller, she was madly in love with John F Kennedy, a love that ‘probably’ cost her life.

In 1962, at age 36, and after completing only 29 films, Marilyn Monroe died in the bedroom of her Brentwood, California, home from an overdose of barbiturates, leaving a legacy as one of the most recognizable movie stars and powerful cultural images in film history.

Candle in the Wind, a song with music by Elton John and lyrics by Bernie Taupin, could be listened up once again on her birthday.

Source: NewAgeBD.

Jolie gorges on chocolates

By Agencies

Actress Angelina Jolie is famous for her skinny frame but that doesn't stop her from relishing on chocolates.

The 33-year-old actress, who has been frequently branded underweight, was spotted gorging on chocolate cake to celebrate the birthday of Simon West, the director of her upcoming thriller 'Salt' on the New York set, ‘Daily Mail’ online reported.

Wearing a sleek black wig, smokey eye-makeup, and a set of handcuffs dangling from her left wrist, the star was back to work after a break to join partner Brad Pitt in Cannes.  Jolie has been constantly filming the spy drama in and around the New York and the couple have rented a house in Long Island for brood of six children.

'Salt' sees the actress playing CIA officer Evelyn Salt who is on a mission to clear her name after being accused of being a Russian sleeper agent.  The film features several action-packed scenes which the actress has reportedly executed herself without a stuntwoman.

The film was originally earmarked for actor Tom Cruise, before being rewritten for Jolie and is due to be released next year.

Source: 

Jon & Kate Celebrate Sextuplets' Birthday Together

By Cristina Gibson - May 18, 2009

Jon, Kate, their eight, a certain bodyguard and a TLC camera crew all convened this weekend for a belated birthday bash.

Cameras rolled as the Gosselin sextuplets were feted by the whole family and hangers-on Saturday—nearly a week after they turned 5 on May 10. First, Kate took all eight kids to Party City in Reading, Pa., to stock up on streamers, balloons, candy and two piñatas.

Although Jon didn't join them on that outing, he showed up for Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah and Joel's party at the Blue Falls Grove Water Park. Also present and accounted for was security dude Steve Neild, who's been accused of guarding Kate's body a little too closely.

Not on the guest list for the kids' party? DeAnna Hummel, whom Jon was spotted stepping out with. Both Jon and Kate have denied any cheating. But while the family appeared all hunky-dory for the cameras, Us Weekly reports the two parents left in separate cars.

Their hit TLC series returns May 25...We know we'll be watching.

Source: http://www.eonline.com

Wishing Shiney Ahuja a very happy Birthday

BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork - May 15, 2009

As they say the children of army officers can't stay in one place, this may be true but in case of Shiney he has definitely found a home in Bollywood. Son of an army commander Shiney was born on May 15 in New Delhi. After finishing his early schooling from St. Xavier's School, Ranchi, he studied at The Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi. 

Harbouring the ambition to join the armed forces Shiney worked his way, but somehow he got attracted to Theatre and he joined Barry Johns acting School in Delhi, while studying at Hans Raj College, University of Delhi, before moving to Mumbai. Shiney later made his acting debut with the critically acclaimed ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’ which debuted at various film festivals in 2004 and was released in theatres in 2005. for his performance in the film Shiney was also awarded the Best Debut Award in 2006. ever since then there has been no looking back for this shining star as he has forged ahead carving a niche for himself in the industry. 

So folks we wish this rising star all the very best in the year to come and may he shine like the sun on his birthday. Join us in wising him by posting your messages below.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

‘Tipsy’ George Clooney celebrated 48th b’day by throwing up!

ANI - May 14, 2009

Hollywood hunk George Clooney celebrated his 48th birthday stumbling and throwing up at a nightclub last week, it has emerged. 

The Oscar winner partied like a rock star at Blade nightclub at the Fountainebleau, and seemed to have gone overboard in drinking. 

"He was drinking vodka and Patron, but it looked like he'd had enough," the ‘New York Daily News’ quoted a snitch as saying. 

The witnesses saw a "stumbling George throw up in the VIP area.” 

However, the ER star has denied getting drunk. 

"That never happened, although I was sitting next to someone who did throw up," he said.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Book fair by Muktadhara

Arif Mahmud - May 13, 2009

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, famous publication house Muktadhara is arranging a 20-day book fair on the premises of the Central Public Library in Shahbagh.

The organisers have displayed some of their rare books at a concession rate. The custormers will get a commission of 35 to 70 percent on every purchase. According to the organisers, if a customer buys books worth Tk 300 they will get a one-year membership of the readers’ association of Muktadhara.

The organisers further said that customers who purchase books worth Tk 500, will get a lifetime membership.The fair that began on May 8 will remain open to all from 10:00am to 8:00pm till May 28.

Source: http://www.newagebd.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

Jagoron celebrates Tagore

Cultural Correspondent / May 11, 2009

Cultural organisation 'Jagoron Shangskriti Chorcha O Gobeshona Kendra' (JSCGK) held a two-day special event titled “Kobi Pronaam” at the Department of Dance of Music, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), celebrating the148th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, starting from May 8. 

The event featured solo and group rendition of songs, dance, recitation and more. An exhibition on Tagore's paintings was also held as part of the celebration. A total of 20 reproductions of Tagore's paintings were put on display. 

The two-day event featured performances by nearly 25 noted and emerging Tagore artistes. On May 8 the show started with a recitation of the Tagore poem, “Aji ei probhatey rabir kor” by Ahkamullah. A group performance of the Tagore number “Hey notun dekha dik aar baar” by Sur-er Dhara followed.

On the first day a total of 10 artistes -- Himadri Shekhor, Shoma Rani Roy, Mamun Zahid Khan, Chhaya Karmakar, Azizur Rahman Tuhin, Salma Akbar, Pijush Barua, Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya, Mahiuzzaman Chowdhury and Papia Sarwar -- performed at the programme. Ahkamullah and Dalia Ahmed presented recitation. Lively dance performances by Nrityam added to the attraction.

On the second day solo performances were staged by Mita Haque, Sajed Akbar, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Fahim Hossain Chowdhury, Sharful Alam, Farhin Khan, Swati Sarkar, Ashim Dutta and others. Group performances were staged by Surtirtha and Jagoron. Laila Afroz and Belayet Hossain presented recitations and dance performances were staged by Nritya Nandan.

This was the first programme by Jagoron. The organisation was founded on April 2008. The event was supported by Step Media Ltd.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Tagore’s birth anniversary celebrated at Silpakala Academy

By Rahad Abir / May 10, 2009

To celebrate Rabindranath Tagore’s 148th birth anniversary, the ministry for cultural affairs organised a cultural programme at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Silpakala Academy on Friday.

The entire programme was comprised of solo and group musical performances, dances and recitations based on Tagore’s works. Noted singers of Tagore music, recitation and dance artistes from all over the country participated in the programme. The event started off with a dance performance along with the song ‘Aguner parashmani chhoyao prane’, choreographed by Anisul Islam Hero and performed by the members of Srishti Cultural Centre.

Popular singers of Tagore music; Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Azizur Rahman Tuhin, Salma Akbar and Rezwana Chowdhury Banya, among others, sang and delighted the audience with popular Tagore music. The songs included ‘Majhe majhe tobo dekha hoy’, ‘Anbo na anbo na’, ‘Tumi ki kebali chhobi’ and ‘Aami kan pete roi’. Bhaswar Bandapaddhay recited a poetry written by Tagore and is titled ‘Prithbi’. And Ranjit Raxmit of Chittagong recited the poetry ‘Ora Achhe’.

The members of the dance organisations, Nritya Nandan, performed a dance which was choreographed with the song ‘Shefali boner moner kamana’. The Odissi and Tagore Dance Movement Centre presented a dance choreographed with ‘Baje baje ramya bina’, and Nrityam presented ‘Oi mahamanab ase’. Some noted Tagore singers such as; Papia Sarwar, Lily Islam, Tapan Mahmud, Kader Kibria, A M M Mahiuzzan, Khandakar Khairuzzaman Kaium, Shama Rahman and Ashok Saha of Kustia, among others, sang in the programme. The members of the cultural organisations Pratiti, Abhudyaya and Rabirag presented group performances directed by Mansura Begum, Ajit Roy and Saadi Muhammad respectively.

The entire show seemed to have enchanted the audience. And the hall was fully packed, as the cultural programme was open for all.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Chhayanaut holds Tagore programme

Ariful Islam Mithu / May 10, 2009

On the occasion of the 148th anniversary of birth of Rabindranath Tagore one of the leading cultural organisations Chhayanaut arranged a cultural programme in its auditorium in Dhanmondi in the evening of Friday.

A good number of singers and recitation artistes delighted the aficionados of Tagore by singing songs and reciting from the works of the poet. The programme started with a recitation by Tamanna Tithi. Then one after another the singers showered the rains of melody on the audience amid summer-heat.Kanchan Mustafa sang ‘O hey sundar momo grihe aji’; then Tanzina Pervin sang ‘Probhu aji tomar dakshin haat’ and Nirjhar Chowdhury sang ‘Majhe majhe tobo dheka pai’.The song ‘Tomar preme dhanya koro jare’ was sung in chorus.

Following the chorus, Partha Protim Ray came with the song ‘Joraye achhe badha’. Shankori Saha sang ‘Bolo bolo kobe tomar’ and Johirul Haque Khan came on the stage and recited the ‘Khaya Kabya’. Besides the younger artistes, noted singers of the country also attended in the soiree. Among them, Iffat Ara Dewan sang ‘Dhay jeno mor sakol bhalobasa’.

The singers of Chhayanaut sang the song ‘Aji pranami tomare chalibo nath’ in chorus. Tania Mannan sang ‘Jani jani kon adikal hote’, and ATM Jahangir sang ‘Prane khushir tufan uthechha’.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Poetry in the pain of ecstasy

148th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore

Syed Badrul Ahsan / May 8, 2009

Rabindranath Tagore is at the core of your being. The Bengali in him approximates the Bengali in you. As you recite his poetry or sing his songs, you remain aware of certain inalienable truths. And they are pretty simple ones as well. The bard speaks to you through the turnings in the seasons. In your turn, you speak to him, absorb his sentiments as it were. The result is a harmonious whole. 

And harmony is what Rabindranath has consistently focused on. Think of shimar majhe ashim tumi / bajao apon shur. It is a song that takes you closer to Creation, indeed imbues you with thoughts of the ties that bind you to your Creator. In his puja songs, there emerges all the brilliance of the universe as it goes through a dawning somewhere deep within time and space. And so you hear the gentle tones of tumi daak diyechho kon shokale / keu ta jaane na. In Rabindranath, it is the gentle and the tranquil which flows through the leaves of the trees. The poetry is the breeze.

And the poetry caresses, all the way through the verses given over to a celebration of love. Imagine the beauty and the poise of the one you adore, you worship. Imagine the silk softness of her being as you hum aha tomar shonge praaner khela. The soul is all in Rabindranath, be it in the links between man and woman or between you and the gods. Praan, the soul, takes on a sadder dimension when the loved one moves away, which is when you lose yourself in the pale light of the moon and sing dekhate parine keno praan. No pain can be more intense than that which the beloved does not see. Close your eyes and hear the pain of the one who sings amar praaner pore chole gelo ke / boshonter bataash tukur moto . . .

And yet there is sometimes pleasure in Rabindranath's evocation of pain. You call it the agony of reaching for the heights and at the same time know that you cannot quite scale the peaks of desire. The soul wriggles through a delicate dilemma in the song, shunil-o shagorer shyamal-o kinare. The pain begins at the beginning and then rises clear of you, of the earth your feet are firmly planted on, until it reaches its crescendo in imone kedaraye behaage bahare. There is ecstasy in that song, as there is in the sadder, quieter jokhon eshe chhile ondhokare chand utheni / shindhu pare chand utheni.

There is forever the primordial in Rabindranath. It is life he celebrates and death he glorifies. The universe is a pattern of ever widening ripples and experience is the insistent falling of the rain on monsoon nights. When the melody of tomaye gaan shonabo / tai to amay jagiye rakho seeps into you and goes into an intensification of your sensibilities, you realise that this canvas of aesthetic beauty will pass into a wider cosmos one day, in the way the river finds itself anew in the bosom of the sea. Somewhere deep in the night, the wind brings to you the strains of ogo nodi apon bege pagol para. The beating in your heart is a sign of the expansiveness of melody. You know then that the earth is now poised to meet the sky, that the river prepares to consummate its romance with the heavens. The climactic comes through the whispered megh bolechhe jaabo jaabo / raat bolechhe jai / shagor bole kul milechhe / ami to ar nai. You are at peace. You lie back, until the pounding at the gateway of the heart tells you that newer songs have arrived.

Images of the one lost to time flash before you. The sense of loss reveals the vacuum that the passing of a soulmate has left behind, crater-like. Your loneliness comes encompassed in noyono shommukhe tumi nai / noyoner majh khane niyechho je thain. And then, swiftly and surely, you are pulled back to thoughts of your own mortality . . . amar din phuralo / byakul badolo shanjhe.

The universe is what God has made of it. We are but atoms, infinitesimal beings in the consistently expanding frontiers of the universe. But we are the universe too, for the Creator redefines Himself within us, humbling us with His munificence. And so we cheerfully sing amare tumi oshesh korechho / emoni leela tobo.

You are thus part of the miracle. God's beauty comes conjoined with your song. At the edge of twilight is a new beginning . . . amar bela je jaaye shanjh bela te / tomar shure shure shur mela te. 

Poetry has triumphed.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Ray’s birthday celebrated

By Ariful Islam Mithu / May 4, 2009

The Indian Cultural Centre celebrated the 88th birth anniversary of the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray by screening a documentary on Ray and a film by him at the centre’s auditorium in the city’s Gulshan area on Saturday.

The organisers screened a documentary titled ‘Satyajit Ray retrospective’ directed by K. Bikram Singh and also screened a film ‘Samapti’, directed by Satyajit Ray.The documentary was based on an interview of the prolific writer and director, Satyjit Ray and it described his childhood and different aspects of his works, and also his philosophy of life.

The total interview was taken in the room which clearly tells the audience about his thirst for knowledge. The documentary showed Ray’s room that was full of books and the armchair on which he used to sit. Ray said in the interview that he spent most of the time in the chair when he stayed at home.On his death Satajit Ray believed that he was not concerned about his death as it would come naturally.

 The screening of the documentary was followed by the screening of the film ‘Samapti’ directed by Satyajit Ray. The story is based on the short story by Rabindranath Tagore of the same title.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com