‘Grey’s’ Wins Ratings

By BENJAMIN TOFF; Compiled by DAVE ITZKOFF - May 15, 2009

The ambiguous season finale of “Grey’s Anatomy,” in which Dr. George O’Malley (played by T. R. Knight) and Dr. Isobel Stevens (Katherine Heigl) were left for dead — he, after being hit by a bus; she, after surgery for a brain tumor — earned Thursday’s largest television audience. According to Nielsen’s estimates, the episode, on ABC, was watched by 16.4 million viewers, the best showing for “Grey’s Anatomy” since its September premiere. ABC also averaged the most viewers for the night, and CBS came in second with “Survivor” (12 million), “CSI” (14.4 million) and “CSI: NY” (12.8 million). Fox was third with “Bones” (8.7 million) and “Hell’s Kitchen” (7.4 million). No one was killed on the finales of NBC’s shows “The Office” (6.8 million) and “30 Rock” (5.7 million), as the network placed fourth.

Source: http://www.nytimes.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

Di Caprio gets knocked out during basketball game

Agencies - May 15, 2009 

Hollywood star Leonardo Di Caprio came close to being knocked off during a basketball game when one of the players dived into the audience. 

The 'Titanic' star was sitting in the front row with fellow actor Kevin Spacey during a match being played by his favourite team, Los Angeles Lakers, when a player from the opposing team, Houston Rockets jumped into the crowd to grab the ball, reported ‘Mirror’ online. 

The player knocked off a few people in the audience but Caprio saved himself from an embarrassing accident by hunching up. 

The actor is a regular at all Lakers games and is often spotted at the games with girlfriend, model Bar Rafaeli.

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

Jennifer Aniston has a winner with 'Management'

Elizabeth Weitzmen - May 15th, 2009

Romantic comedy about an awkward loner who falls for a successful businesswoman. With Jennifer Aniston, Steve Zahn. Director: Stephen Belber (1:33). R: Language. At area theaters.

Your first thought upon watching "Management" will undoubtedly be, "Jennifer Aniston and Steve Zahn? Who thought that would be a good match?" So it's to everyone's credit that by the time the movie is over, you'll wonder why they were never paired together before. In fact, everything about Stephen Belber's deceptively low-key directorial debut feels designed to throw us off. 

The comic touches are revealed gradually, the plot meanders, the leads keep misconnecting. But if there's a point to be made here, it's that persistence pays off, whether you're onscreen or in the audience. Zahn's disheveled Mike falls for Aniston's tightly wound Sue immediately, as she's checking in to the Arizona motel his parents (Margo Martindale and Fred Ward) own. 

Barging into her room under the pretext of offering a complimentary bottle of wine, Mike initially comes off as a weirdo — or worse. While she eventually gives in to his advances, partly out of loneliness and partly out of pity, Sue writes off their encounter immediately. So she is extremely surprised when he shows up at her Maryland office a few days later, ready to spend the rest of his life with her.

Not only is Sue not in the market for a stalker, she's also involved with Jango (Woody Harrelson), a wild-eyed millionaire who could eat a naive motel manager for breakfast. But Mike, whose creepiness turns out to be another quality altogether, simply won't give up. A lot of factors had to come together to turn this modest indie into something memorable. 

Most important, Aniston and Zahn believe in the material, and as it unfolds, we can see why. Empathy does evade Belber in the very end, with an unkind exchange that sells out Aniston's character to a surprising degree.

But for the most part, his script has just enough sweet-natured quirkiness to keep us interested, both in what he has already made, and what he might be working on next.

Source: http://www.dailynews.com

Dancing with the Stars: Down to the Final Three

Buddy TV - May 14, 2009

Cowboy Ty Murray finally rode off into the sunset after 10 weeks and several close calls on Dancing with the Stars, still proving to some extent that skills (and not a solid fan base) will keep you in the game. And then there were three. Gilles Marini, Shawn Johnson and Melissa Rycroft. They all have proven themselves worthy of the judges' praises, and they're all winners in their own right. But in the end, only one can bring home the coveted mirror ball trophy.

Personally, I'm rooting for Gilles though he wasn't my first choice when ABC revealed the show's season 8 cast. I actually liked Lil' Kim and Shawn initially (and I still do) but somehow Gilles emerged as a low profile underdog among a cluster of celebrities with a bunch of accolades attached to their names and he blew everyone by surprise with his captivating stage presence and flawless execution. Heck, he might as well be a professional dancer!

But it's still anybody's game and if there's one thing I learned from Dancing with the Stars, it's don't assume. I was so sure that Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower would be eliminated in week 9. But Lil' Kim and partner Derek Hough, whom I thought would be in the final three, got the boot instead. Perhaps no one is really safe in the game and even the front runners can go home if fans don't vote because they assume that their favorite players are already secure for the finals. 

This week's performance actually proved to be a close fight. While Gilles got a 60 (a perfect 30 in both the Latin and the Ballroom round), Melissa and Shawn respectively earned a total of 55 and 56. And based our polls, 22 percent of BuddyTV readers claimed they voted for Gilles, while 22 percent voted for Melissa as well. Shawn got 19 percent of the votes while the remaining percentage either voted for Ty or didn't vote at all.

Though Shawn is a great dancer, I'm inclined to believe that it's going to be a battle between Gilles and Melissa. If Melissa wins, it would serve as the sweetest revenge after being dumped by The Bachelor's Jason Mesnick, as well the perfect intro to the new season of The Bachelorette, featuring Jillian Harris, who was also rejected by Mesnick. How do you think will the finale play out?

Source: http://www.buddytv.com

Aishwarya Rai dazzles at Cannes opening

Agencies - May 14, 2009

Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stood out amongst the bevy of international beauties at the opening of this year's Cannes Film Festival in her off shoulder white Roberto Cavalli gown. 

The 35-year-old actress attended the premiere of the inaugural film 'Up' at Palais De Festival in Cannes on Wednesday with the newly announced L'Oreal world spokesperson, Elizabeth Banks. The actress, who was accompanied by her actor husband Abhishek Bachchan, sashayed down the red carpet in the ruffled gown that accentuated her stunning figure. 

Aishwarya accessorised it with red peep toe heels, swarovski red box clutch, pearl drop earrings and chunky rings. The actress paired her designer gown with minimalistic makeup and her hair with auburn highlights, was elegantly styled in an updo. Her latest Cannes outings are a far cry from her first appearance at the French festival where she was criticised for her bad fashion choices. 

Aishwarya, who became the first Indian actress to become a part of prestigious Cannes jury in 2003, said, "As a jury member at Cannes I had the experience of enjoying cinema as it is irrespective of where it come from, who is the maker from which country which is similar to the diverse Indian cinema."

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Images on plights of ethnic people

Cultural Correspondent - May 14, 2009

Two ten daylong photography exhibitions titled ‘The Story of Tea Workers’ and ‘Stolen Forest’ organised by Society for Environment and Human Development (SHED) are being held simultaneously at Drik Gallery in Dhanmondi.

 ‘The Story of Tea Workers’ includes photographs of Philip Gain that he took in different tea gardens with the tea workers in focus. Around 60 photographs, portraying the daily lifestyle of these workers, have stirred the interest of the visitors to the exhibition, as they create pathos in their mind. Possibly the most highlighted photograph is the one where an elderly female worker is sharing her house with a cow.

The exhibition also enthrals the visitors through the scenic beauty of the gardens, where some photographs are in panoramic view. The exhibition ‘Stolen Forest’ is a dual photography exhibition by Ronald Halder and Philip Gain. The exhibition focuses on the perilous condition of the country’s natural forests. Through the images, Ronald and Philip have shown the gradual destruction of Sundarban, forests in Chittagong Hill Tracts and especially, the Sal forest in Madhupur.

The photographs create awareness among the viewers that the country is rapidly loosing its forest patches and many of them have already been razed. The photographs on the hill tracts and on Sal forests show the miserable conditions of the destruction of eco-system of those regions. While presenting images of the endangered flora and fauna and the plights of the ethnic forest people, the photographers also did not forget to include the natural beauty of the images in their photos.

The exhibitions, inaugurated on May 10, will remain open from 3:00pm to 8:00pm till May 19.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Simpson dismisses pregnancy rumours

ANI - May 14, 2009

American singer Jessica Simpson has dismissed rumours that she is pregnant with her boyfriend, American footballer Tony Romo’s child. 

Rumours about her pregnancy started spreading at the weekend after she was pictured performing at the San Antonio Bud and Beer Festival in Texas with a bulging belly. But 28-year-old Simpson’s representative, Lauren Auslander, has put down the rumours. 

“She is not (pregnant),” ‘Contactmusic’ quoted Auslander as telling ‘TheCelebrityTruth.com’.

Source: http://www.mtv.com

'America's Next Top Model': It's Allison vs Teyona

By Lisa B. |  May 13, 2009

Upon this hallowed day, wherein we experience the revelation of the "America's Next Top Model" heir-apparent (oh, come on, we saw it coming from a mile away) ... all I keep thinking is: what the hell, they fired Paulina? 

Paulina Porizkova, she of the effortless snark and withering critiques, has left the building. Fired due to some combination of ANTM cutbacks and/or her alleged "ego problem." Paulina: call me. I will brush your rock-n-roll hair and laugh at all your goofy, deadpan Czech jokes. Whomever they bring on next won't hold a candle to you. We shall never forget.

The Bones

Okay, where were we? Oh right: it's the finale, and to no one's surprise Teyona wins it. The judges have been steering the Good Ship Teyona for weeks now. She is a perfectly good winner. Consistent, pretty, versatile, driven. Yet she could be unimaginative at times, a little unaware of her body, and packing a grin that straddles a fine line between toothy and feral. Still, possibly the biggest point against her was her monstrous mess up in the Cover Girl commercial (yet she does join the hallowed ranks of girls who completely flubbed the commercial and still won ... what's up with that?).  

Judging by Zap2it's unbiased, highly scientific survey system -- you know, that poll at the end of each recap -- Allison was the overwhelming fan favorite (69% of you voted her your choice). She definitely brought her A Game in tonight's episode, stomping around the runway show like she owned the place and doing pretty well at the Cover Girl commercial. Alas, it was not to be for Crazy Eyes. Still, I suspect she'll have a decent career, and she won't have to endure those terrible My Life As A Cover Girl commercials.  

For those of you seeking to relive the magic -- or just needing to know the basics -- we opened the show and immediately tossed the models into the Cover Girl commercial/photo shoot. McKey shows up and delivers the pat CG speech about how fabulous her lipstick is in a terribly mechanical, rehearsed manner ... she may be very pretty but hoo-eey, that girl is not a spokesmodel. Aminat worked hard at her script and delivered a strong performance, knowing she was the underdog; Allison's wasn't bad but Teyona had a sobbing meltdown.  

At panel Allison was called first, then Teyona: both girls had amazing photos. But that meant Aminat was out, told she needed to learn to control her face better and be a better model (oh, wait, the latter was my commentary).  Allison and Teyona departed for their runway show, which instead of the usual couture seemed to be swimsuits. (Hm, more budget cuts?) While the girls are getting gussied up backstage, the judges show up at the show and dear God, what is Miss Jay wearing? It's a muu muu ... it's Carmen Miranda ... it's a tranny ... oh, heck, I give up. It's a trainwreck. 

Teyona does well on the catwalk but doesn't surpass any expectations; well, not until her hairpiece falls off and -- staying in the moment -- she starts swinging it around like a cat-o-nine-tails. Allison blows the doors off the place with her Miss Most Improved performance, sassing Miss Jay and looking especially fierce.  At final panel, Allison was praised for having wonderful photos and a surprisingly good show. But, of course, Teyona wins it. 

Bonus: Allison is a very gracious loser. Way to go.

The Pretty

All the girls looked gorgeous this episode. Teyona and Allison's Cover Girl photo shoots were just fabulous: sassy, sweet, a little sexy. Both girls rocked the runway and were fun to watch. (I could not say the same for Tyra. She looked especially worn out this episode.)

The Ugly

According to the judges, one of the reasons Teyona won was because "she wanted it more." This seems sort of weak to me. Celia wanted it pretty bad, but she was deemed "desperate." No one is giving me a pair of Christian Louboutin heels because I really, really want them. It seems a contest like this should be decided by talent ... but what the heck do I know?

The End 

Gentle readers, thanks for coming along on this cycle with me. We laughed, we cried, we were emotionally reborn. (Okay, maybe not, but we were entertained.) Best of luck to our models and more importantly: best of luck to you. See you soon.

Source: http://blog.zap2it.co

Oscars do not make 'Slumdog' great film: Mrinal Sen

Agencies - May 14, 2009

Eminent filmmaker Mrinal Sen is not impressed with the representation of Mumbai's ghettos in 'Slumdog Millionaire' and believes that Oscar awards are not the ultimate parameter of good cinema. 

The Dada Saheb Phalke award winner says that some of the greatest filmmaker Chaplin never won an Oscar for their cinema. 

"I don't think that Oscars are the parameter for quality work. Did any of Chaplin or Satyajit Ray film get Oscars? I don't remember that any of such great filmmakers had ever received this award," Sen, who turns 87 , said. 

(Satyajit Ray was honoured by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with an honourary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement in 1992) The filmmaker said that the ghetto to glory theme in 'Slumdog Millionaire' was not very appealing. 

"Though I have not seen the movie but it must be a bad film. I don't think that 8 Oscars make it a great film. I don't understand what they want to show by the story of a slum dweller becoming a millionaire. The theme is not appealing," said Sen. 

Pioneer of 'new wave cinema' in India with his 1969 Hindi film 'Bhuvan Shome', Sen is one of the most respected names in Indian cinema alongside Satyajit Ray and Ritiwik Ghatak. He has made over 30 films besides scripting and producing several films in 50 years of his career. 

Sen's path breaking cinema has been inspired by Marxist movement and social issues. 

Maker of classics like 'Bhuvan Shome', 'Raat bhor' and 'Mrigya', Sen is disappointed with present day cinema. "I don't like today's movies. I have seen some of them but did not like them at all. Let us not talk about them," the seasoned filmmaker said. 

Sen's desire to experiment and revise has not changed over the years as he has the same creative hunger though he has not made any film after 2002 'Amar Bhuvan' 

"Everyday I get up, I think of writing a new script. I have been doing so since last 7 years. I don't know what I am going to do. But I feel one year younger on my every birthday," the filmmaker said. 

"I wish I can relive my whole life and make some more meaningful cinema. I want to do many things I could not do earlier. Every time I look back to my work I think it was a dress rehearsal and I can do better but I know that it can not be done again," he said. 

The filmmaker is upset over the lack of proper preservation system for classics as Sen fears that he may lose some of his recent works like Shabana Azmi starrer 'Khandhar: 1984' as it is not in good shape. 

The master prints of Sen's sixties classics like Saumitra Chatterjee and Kanika Majumdar starrer 'Punashcho (once again) and 'Pratinidhi' (representative) have been destroyed while the sound of 'Aakashe Bhor' and 'Calcutta 71' is in danger. 

"We urgently need a proper restoration system for our cine heritage. I have lost master prints of some of my good work. I don't have money to save my movies. 

"There have been talks with the central government and I hope that something will be materialised in this regard after the elections," said Sen. 

The iconic filmmaker has been awarded Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest distinction given for contribution in the field of Indian cinema. He is also the recipient of French government's Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters award. 

His 'Bhuvan Shome' is considered one of the greatest films in the history of Indian cinema. The film which was made on a shoe-string budget is credited for starting the new wave cinema in India.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com