John Mayer isn't exactly keeping his bologna hole closed when it comes to his romance with Jennifer Aniston, even if his responses require a bit of reading between the lines.
In a sit-down with USA Today to plug his newly launched tour and live CD/DVD, "Where the Light Is," he handily turns a direct question about his A-list honey of two months into a statement of self-affirmation.
"All I can tell you is that I have made every decision in my life with complete authenticity," pronounces the crooner. "My feet are firmly on the ground. If you do things from the heart, it feels awesome."
Mayer also mentions that he's happy to be back on tour and supporting "the message that I'm a musician, because there's been a lot of periphery lately."
Some well-toned, perfectly coiffed, paparazzi-hounded periphery.
"I don't have a problem with my privacy as much as I have a problem with people messing with my message," he explains. "If you're going to take pictures of me doing mundane stuff, will you at least take pictures of me playing guitar? Because right now it looks like all I do is drink coffee and do dry cleaning and go eat dinner."
Still, if the "Goonies"-loving chatterbox hopes to shift the focus back onto his pop ditties, perhaps he should suggest that Aniston keep her distance while he's on the road.
Jen looks perky after winging to Europe, while John still seems in need of some caffeine outside an Amsterdam coffee shop.
The Los Angeles Times reports she rendezvoused with Mayer earlier this week in Amsterdam, where he was performing, and he was supposedly spied exiting her hotel Tuesday morning.
The actress, who may or may not tag along on John's tour dates in England this week, did manage to squeeze in some work while she was in the pot-tolerant town, attending a press conference to promote her forthcoming doggie-centric flick, "Marley & Me."
But the gab-fest was strictly business, says the paper, with reporters under strict orders not to ask Aniston or leading man Owen Wilson any questions about their private lives.
Mayer, on the other hand, doesn't mind getting personal, at least about certain things.
"I've never cheated on anybody, so you won't have anybody coming out the woodwork saying that I have," the former flame of Jessica Simpson, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Love Hewitt declares to the London Telegraph. "Instead of worrying about career damage, I've dated women."
Heck, he even shares his head-scratchingly successful wooing technique.
"All I've ever done was decided that I fancied somebody, and said, 'Would you like to go out and get a meal somewhere?' And done so in a social setting, where other people can see you," expounds Mayer. "And then maybe, 'Would you like to go have another meal?' Maybe did that a few times."
He also reveals his method for extricating himself from a romance that isn't working out: "And then, when I realized that I didn't wanna wrong anybody by continuing, said, 'I'd rather be a great friend to you than a bad boyfriend.' I swear to God, I have a really good track record!"
That stance is seemingly confirmed by a nugget in the New York Post, which claims he gave sometime squeeze Minka Kelly a buzz to let her know his romance with Aniston was about to go public.
"Minka received a call from John prior to the story breaking about his relationship with Jennifer," a snitch tattles to the paper. "He apologized to Minka, 'Sorry, but I'm really in love.'"
The spy says the "Friday Night Lights" starlet found it funny (as in strange, not ha-ha), because "during his relationship with her, John mentioned, 'I don't really get this Jennifer Aniston thing.'"
Meanwhile, Mayer also wants you to know he's not only a nice guy to date -- he's fun to hang out with.
"I think I'm a good beer-buddy," he asserts to the Telegraph. "The only people I rub up wrong are the people who think I shouldn't be having this good a time, the people who go, 'No one man should be that happy.'"
One person Mayer has apparently rubbed the right way is Aniston's pal David Arquette, who channels Tony the Tiger when asked about the lovebirds, telling Us, "They're great!"
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
I have learnt a lesson from 'slapgate': Harbhajan
Harbhajan Singh has no hesitation in admitting that he erred in slapping India team-mate S Sreesanth but the off-spinner says that he has learnt his lesson from the entire episode.
Currently serving a five ODI suspension, Harbhajan said to err is human and he was no exception.
"There are lot of things that I would have done differently. But we are all human and make mistakes. And we learn from our mistakes too. But yes, curbing temper would solve most of my problems," the belligerent off-spinner said.
Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth in the April 25 match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, following which he was banned from playing in the IPL, which cost him Rs three crore.
BCCI subsequently appointed Sudhir Nanavati to separately probe into the issue and the spinner was handed down a five-ODI ban.
Harbhajan blamed the entire episode to his passion, while representing India.
"I don't plan to get into troubles. I'm very passionate because I love to play for my country. I just get too involved. I try to win each and every match and I want to be there for my team, for my nation to deliver when it is required the most. In that you are not aware of what you are actually doing. But nobody wants to get into trouble," Harbhajan said.
Wiser after the incident, the Punjab spinner now sees the episode as a lesson for him that would stand him in good stead in the future.
"Whatever happens, happens for good. Had this not happened, I would not have learnt all this thing. I guess it was God's way of teaching me a lesson," Harbhajan said on a philosophical note.
Currently serving a five ODI suspension, Harbhajan said to err is human and he was no exception.
"There are lot of things that I would have done differently. But we are all human and make mistakes. And we learn from our mistakes too. But yes, curbing temper would solve most of my problems," the belligerent off-spinner said.
Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth in the April 25 match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, following which he was banned from playing in the IPL, which cost him Rs three crore.
BCCI subsequently appointed Sudhir Nanavati to separately probe into the issue and the spinner was handed down a five-ODI ban.
Harbhajan blamed the entire episode to his passion, while representing India.
"I don't plan to get into troubles. I'm very passionate because I love to play for my country. I just get too involved. I try to win each and every match and I want to be there for my team, for my nation to deliver when it is required the most. In that you are not aware of what you are actually doing. But nobody wants to get into trouble," Harbhajan said.
Wiser after the incident, the Punjab spinner now sees the episode as a lesson for him that would stand him in good stead in the future.
"Whatever happens, happens for good. Had this not happened, I would not have learnt all this thing. I guess it was God's way of teaching me a lesson," Harbhajan said on a philosophical note.
Govt okays doubling of IIT fees
New Delhi: The government has approved doubling of fees in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) even though the fee hike at Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) remains unresolved.The HRD Ministry has approved the recommendation of the C N R Rao Committee that the fee for B.Tech and M.Tech courses be raised from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 per annum, ministry sources said.The committee said a hike was necessary for IITs to cope with the rising cost of education and running the Institutes, a view also shared by the ministry.Sources said the new fees structure would be effective from the new academic session.The last fee hike in IITs was effected in 1998 and since the cost of education on account of infrastructure and faculties has gone up, the ministry accepted the fee hike proposal, they said.There are seven IITs at Kharagpur, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur, Guwahati and Roorkee and every year about two lakh students vie for seats in these prestigious institutions.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Your Hair Dilemmas, Solved!
Q. Why does my hair look totally fabulous one day but crappy the next, even when I style it the same way?A. Just like snowflakes, no two hair days are identical. Subtle switches in your styling routine plus the weather can change the way your do looks from day to day, says Scott Rottenberg, stylist at Tiffani Kim Institute on the Park in Chicago. While it's obvious that humidity causes frizz, you may not know that really dry air can also make your hair puffy. Plus, when your body heats up (like on a hot day), your scalp perspires slightly, and as a result, your hair can look flat. As for styling, keep consistent by making sure you're rinsing out all of your shampoo and conditioner and using the same blow-drying technique and amount of products every day. Q. More hair than usual is coming out when I shampoo (the shower drain is totally clogged). Am I going bald?A. Don't panic — most likely you are not losing your hair for good, assures Christopher Mackin, resident trichologist at Gil Ferrer Salon in NYC. You normally lose between 70 and 120 strands a day. Altering your diet, starting or ending a medication, or experiencing a lot of stress in the last three months can cause more to fall out, but that type of hair shedding is only temporary. If there isn't any obvious reason why you're losing strands, visit your doctor to rule out a thyroid problem. Regardless of the cause of your hair loss, start massaging your scalp every time you suds up. Doing so increases the blood flow to your follicles and promotes healthy hair growth.Q. I had my curly hair blown out pin-straight at the salon. It looked fantastic, so I bought the same brush and styling products my stylist used, but I can't manage to re-create the look. What's up?A. "You brought the brushes and products home with you but not the stylist," says Ric Pipino, owner of the Pipino salons in New York City and Miami. Beyond the fact that a pro gets more practice than you ever will, there are several advantages that your stylist has over you. "Since we stand above you, we're able to work at a downward angle, which is ideal for straightening hair," says Pipino. "It allows us to create the tension to stretch out the curl." Since you can't work on your own head from above, you should keep the nozzle aimed down the hair shaft so the cuticle lies flat and reflects more light. Finally, your stylist doesn't have to hold his arms up in the air like you do, so he doesn't get tired after five minutes. To avoid wearing out your arms, keep in mind that pros spend the first 80 percent of the styling process just blow-drying haphazardly before they begin the meticulous sleekening strategy, says Rottenberg. "Don't bother starting to straighten when it's still sopping wet — that takes forever."
Q. My hair gets so staticky this time of year. What can I do to tame it?A. Static strikes your strands when they become electromagnetically charged due to a lack of moisture in the air. Vigorous brushing and wool hats make it worse. Try switching to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner during the winter, and follow up with a leave-in conditioner, says Dianna Sandonato, director of product testing at Matrix. Try Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo, $11.99, and Balm, $15.99. Another flyaway fighter: Spritz Static Guard onto your brush, let dry, then give strands a few swipes. Also spray some on the inside of your hat before you wear it to prevent a static attack. Q. Can taking vitamins make my hair healthier?A. Getting enough of certain vitamins, especially B vitamins such as biotin and folic acid, is essential for having strong, healthy hair. You should be able to get plenty of these nutrients from a balanced diet that includes such B-rich foods as salmon, eggs, and dark, leafy greens. But if you're not certain you're getting enough nutrients from your diet, you may want to take a daily vitamin pill to ensure that your strands stay in shape, says Audrey Kunin, MD, president of Dermadoctor.com. Look for multivitamins that contain at least 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B. Try Olay Vitamins Complete Woman's Multivitamin, $9. Q. Is it possible to heal damaged hair? If your strands are already dead, how can you feed them nutrients?A. Since your locks don't have a digestive system, it's impossible to feed them nutrients from a bottle. What shampoos and conditioners can do is help stressed-out tresses look healthier by coating the cuticle and even filling in holes with ingredients like fatty acids, proteins, and silicone. This will make each strand look shinier and feel softer, says Mackin. The best way to repair dry, damaged hair and prevent future breakage (other than cutting it off) is by using an intensive deep conditioner once a week. Look for one that contains proteins or acids to help strengthen weak strands and moisturizers to hydrate and soften. We like Frédéric Fekkai Protein Rx Reparative Treatment Mask, $52, and Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner, $3.99.
Q. How does snipping split ends help your hair grow from the root?A. Cutting your mane doesn't make it grow, but frequent trims ensure healthy locks. Frayed ends will continue to split up the hair shaft, making your hair weak and vulnerable to breakage. Trims prevent that breakage, so even when you're aiming for longer locks, you need to cut off a quarter of an inch every six weeks. Oh, and if you're thinking of cutting them on your own, don't you dare. "If your scissors aren't sharp enough, you can end up making the split ends even worse," says Pipino. While frequent snipping may make the growing process seem longer, it'll be worth the wait since your hair will be full and strong when it does reach your desired length. Q. I've been using at-home color kits for a year, and now my ends are darker than the rest of my hair. Why is this happening?A. Since the bottom inches of your hair are drier than the rest of your mane (especially since you've been chemically treating them), they absorb more color and require less time to process than the rest of your hair, says Monika Sullivan, owner of Studio Biba in Atlanta. That's why it's a good idea to deep condition your ends the day before you dye them. Also, if you apply hair color to your whole head every month or so, you'll end up coloring the older hair (the ends) much more than the newer hair on top, so over time, the ends will get darker. To fix: Apply a semipermanent hair color in the shade closest to your ends to your root area only.Q. I've heard it's bad to brush your hair a lot. Is this true?A. Teen beauty queen Marcia Brady may have followed the 100-strokes-a-day rule, but then again, she also worshiped Davy Jones from the Monkees! In reality, overbrushing can actually hurt your hair by wearing off the outer cuticle and overstimulating your scalp's oil glands. But the right amount of brushing will dislodge scalp flakes, get rid of product buildup and increase shine. All you need are 10 to 20 strokes a day with the proper brush. "The best brushes have a mix of synthetic and natural bristles, which gently distribute the oils down from your scalp," says Pipino. Two to try: Sephora Smoothing Hair Brush, $48, and Denman D81, $21.
Q. My hair gets so staticky this time of year. What can I do to tame it?A. Static strikes your strands when they become electromagnetically charged due to a lack of moisture in the air. Vigorous brushing and wool hats make it worse. Try switching to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner during the winter, and follow up with a leave-in conditioner, says Dianna Sandonato, director of product testing at Matrix. Try Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo, $11.99, and Balm, $15.99. Another flyaway fighter: Spritz Static Guard onto your brush, let dry, then give strands a few swipes. Also spray some on the inside of your hat before you wear it to prevent a static attack. Q. Can taking vitamins make my hair healthier?A. Getting enough of certain vitamins, especially B vitamins such as biotin and folic acid, is essential for having strong, healthy hair. You should be able to get plenty of these nutrients from a balanced diet that includes such B-rich foods as salmon, eggs, and dark, leafy greens. But if you're not certain you're getting enough nutrients from your diet, you may want to take a daily vitamin pill to ensure that your strands stay in shape, says Audrey Kunin, MD, president of Dermadoctor.com. Look for multivitamins that contain at least 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B. Try Olay Vitamins Complete Woman's Multivitamin, $9. Q. Is it possible to heal damaged hair? If your strands are already dead, how can you feed them nutrients?A. Since your locks don't have a digestive system, it's impossible to feed them nutrients from a bottle. What shampoos and conditioners can do is help stressed-out tresses look healthier by coating the cuticle and even filling in holes with ingredients like fatty acids, proteins, and silicone. This will make each strand look shinier and feel softer, says Mackin. The best way to repair dry, damaged hair and prevent future breakage (other than cutting it off) is by using an intensive deep conditioner once a week. Look for one that contains proteins or acids to help strengthen weak strands and moisturizers to hydrate and soften. We like Frédéric Fekkai Protein Rx Reparative Treatment Mask, $52, and Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner, $3.99.
Q. How does snipping split ends help your hair grow from the root?A. Cutting your mane doesn't make it grow, but frequent trims ensure healthy locks. Frayed ends will continue to split up the hair shaft, making your hair weak and vulnerable to breakage. Trims prevent that breakage, so even when you're aiming for longer locks, you need to cut off a quarter of an inch every six weeks. Oh, and if you're thinking of cutting them on your own, don't you dare. "If your scissors aren't sharp enough, you can end up making the split ends even worse," says Pipino. While frequent snipping may make the growing process seem longer, it'll be worth the wait since your hair will be full and strong when it does reach your desired length. Q. I've been using at-home color kits for a year, and now my ends are darker than the rest of my hair. Why is this happening?A. Since the bottom inches of your hair are drier than the rest of your mane (especially since you've been chemically treating them), they absorb more color and require less time to process than the rest of your hair, says Monika Sullivan, owner of Studio Biba in Atlanta. That's why it's a good idea to deep condition your ends the day before you dye them. Also, if you apply hair color to your whole head every month or so, you'll end up coloring the older hair (the ends) much more than the newer hair on top, so over time, the ends will get darker. To fix: Apply a semipermanent hair color in the shade closest to your ends to your root area only.Q. I've heard it's bad to brush your hair a lot. Is this true?A. Teen beauty queen Marcia Brady may have followed the 100-strokes-a-day rule, but then again, she also worshiped Davy Jones from the Monkees! In reality, overbrushing can actually hurt your hair by wearing off the outer cuticle and overstimulating your scalp's oil glands. But the right amount of brushing will dislodge scalp flakes, get rid of product buildup and increase shine. All you need are 10 to 20 strokes a day with the proper brush. "The best brushes have a mix of synthetic and natural bristles, which gently distribute the oils down from your scalp," says Pipino. Two to try: Sephora Smoothing Hair Brush, $48, and Denman D81, $21.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Haiti court drops charges against Jean-Juste
PORT-AU-PRINCE -- A politically influential Roman Catholic priest has been cleared of criminal weapons charges in Haiti, freeing him to seek elective office, his lawyer said Monday.
Haiti's highest court dropped charges that the Rev. Gerard Jean-Juste conspired to illegally import weapons because of a lack of evidence, according to Mario Joseph, a lawyer for the ally of ousted former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Jean-Juste ''is free to exercise all his rights and his political rights,'' Joseph said. ``He can vote, run for office and do whatever else he wants.''
The charges were dropped June 9, but no public announcement was made by the court. Court officials confirmed the decision to the newspaper Le Nouvelliste.
Jean-Juste, in his 60s and suffering from leukemia, was cleared last year of homicide charges related to the 2005 killing of Haitian journalist and poet Jacques Roche.
The interim government that followed Aristide's ouster jailed Jean-Juste on suspicion of involvement in that killing. He was released in January 2006 to be treated in Miami for cancer and pneumonia.
Jean-Juste has remained active in Haitian politics despite the charges against him, leading thousands in an April rally for Aristide's return at an amphitheater in the oceanside slum of Cite Soleil.
Haiti's next presidential election is in 2011.
Haiti's highest court dropped charges that the Rev. Gerard Jean-Juste conspired to illegally import weapons because of a lack of evidence, according to Mario Joseph, a lawyer for the ally of ousted former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Jean-Juste ''is free to exercise all his rights and his political rights,'' Joseph said. ``He can vote, run for office and do whatever else he wants.''
The charges were dropped June 9, but no public announcement was made by the court. Court officials confirmed the decision to the newspaper Le Nouvelliste.
Jean-Juste, in his 60s and suffering from leukemia, was cleared last year of homicide charges related to the 2005 killing of Haitian journalist and poet Jacques Roche.
The interim government that followed Aristide's ouster jailed Jean-Juste on suspicion of involvement in that killing. He was released in January 2006 to be treated in Miami for cancer and pneumonia.
Jean-Juste has remained active in Haitian politics despite the charges against him, leading thousands in an April rally for Aristide's return at an amphitheater in the oceanside slum of Cite Soleil.
Haiti's next presidential election is in 2011.
Heroes of 1983 re-live their triumph
New Delhi: The heroes who changed India's cricketing landscape by winning the 1983 World Cup were felicitated by the Indian cricket board here on Sunday as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the historic win.
The 15 men including manager PR Man Singh penned a new chapter in Indian history 25 summers ago on the hallowed turfs of Lord's by beating Clive Lloyd's invincible West Indies.
With their fond memories they transported the audience at a city hotel, as they recalled the eventful day of June 25 when a bunch of no-hopers emerged world champions.
The players, who have since become legends, were given a red carpet welcome by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
As world Cup winning captain Kapil Dev introduced his so-called "Devils" one by one on the dias, he was overcome with emotions.
"It is very difficult to talk at this moment. We will never know how it happened. In life many such things happen. Later in your life you come to know how beautiful those moments were," said Kapil.
He paid rich tributes to the fans. "Twenty-five years back the love and affection that we got from the people was unparallel. It can never match any amount of money."
Kapil also thanked the selectors and then board president NKP Salve for extending all support to them.
"Salve's leadership skills were par excellence," he said.
Former captains Chandu Borde and Bishan Singh Bedi, who were in the selection committee then, were also present at the occasion.
Another former captain Sunil Gavaskar, who was also a part of the World Cup winning squad, praised Kapil for his impeccable leadership abilities.
"He was the man, who showed us the way. The moment when Kapil lifted the Prudential Trophy high above his head is the best moment of my life. Can you imagine India, no-hopers before the tournament became the world champions," said Gavaskar.
He also said Kapil's match winning 175, when India were struggling at 77/6 against Zimbabwe in the group stage, showed them the way. "The innings was simply remarkable," said Gavaskar.
Kapil, who was barely 23 during that time, said that he made lots of mistakes at an young age. "I didn't have the finesse. But I had senior players like Sunil and Jimmy (Mohinder Amarnath) around me to always rely on," said Kapil.
Board president Sharad Pawar said the victory accelerated the popularity of the game in the country and put Indian cricket on an upward path.
"The win gave us a strong position that we enjoy in world cricket right now," he said.
Each of the team members was presented with a cheque of Rs.2.5 million and were felicitated by Pawar and Sports Minister MS Gill. The Prudential Cup trophy was again presented to the team.
Also present on the occasion were Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Mohammed Azharuddin and former board presidents Salve, Raj Singh Dungarpur, Inderjit Singh Bindra and Ranbir Singh Mahendra.
Source: IANS
Turning back the years 1983 World Cup triumph: A story of grit and determinationSummer of 1983 - The clinical demolitionAn Ode to the King of Tunbridge WellsSummer of 1983: Binny’s Day Out 1983 World Cup: India's path to gloryDespite BCCI’s efforts, Kapil’s feat indelibleWorld Cup win revolutionised cricket in India: Yashpal Sharma
More on Cricket The best five ODI centuries ever madeRahul Dravid on his life and careerWhy Sachin should go for gold and moreNo favourites, all equals in Asia Cup: Malik England cricketers threaten to boycott Champions TrophyICC wants to popularise Test cricketAsif to pay legal bills if found guilty in PCB inquiry
The 15 men including manager PR Man Singh penned a new chapter in Indian history 25 summers ago on the hallowed turfs of Lord's by beating Clive Lloyd's invincible West Indies.
With their fond memories they transported the audience at a city hotel, as they recalled the eventful day of June 25 when a bunch of no-hopers emerged world champions.
The players, who have since become legends, were given a red carpet welcome by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
As world Cup winning captain Kapil Dev introduced his so-called "Devils" one by one on the dias, he was overcome with emotions.
"It is very difficult to talk at this moment. We will never know how it happened. In life many such things happen. Later in your life you come to know how beautiful those moments were," said Kapil.
He paid rich tributes to the fans. "Twenty-five years back the love and affection that we got from the people was unparallel. It can never match any amount of money."
Kapil also thanked the selectors and then board president NKP Salve for extending all support to them.
"Salve's leadership skills were par excellence," he said.
Former captains Chandu Borde and Bishan Singh Bedi, who were in the selection committee then, were also present at the occasion.
Another former captain Sunil Gavaskar, who was also a part of the World Cup winning squad, praised Kapil for his impeccable leadership abilities.
"He was the man, who showed us the way. The moment when Kapil lifted the Prudential Trophy high above his head is the best moment of my life. Can you imagine India, no-hopers before the tournament became the world champions," said Gavaskar.
He also said Kapil's match winning 175, when India were struggling at 77/6 against Zimbabwe in the group stage, showed them the way. "The innings was simply remarkable," said Gavaskar.
Kapil, who was barely 23 during that time, said that he made lots of mistakes at an young age. "I didn't have the finesse. But I had senior players like Sunil and Jimmy (Mohinder Amarnath) around me to always rely on," said Kapil.
Board president Sharad Pawar said the victory accelerated the popularity of the game in the country and put Indian cricket on an upward path.
"The win gave us a strong position that we enjoy in world cricket right now," he said.
Each of the team members was presented with a cheque of Rs.2.5 million and were felicitated by Pawar and Sports Minister MS Gill. The Prudential Cup trophy was again presented to the team.
Also present on the occasion were Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Mohammed Azharuddin and former board presidents Salve, Raj Singh Dungarpur, Inderjit Singh Bindra and Ranbir Singh Mahendra.
Source: IANS
Turning back the years 1983 World Cup triumph: A story of grit and determinationSummer of 1983 - The clinical demolitionAn Ode to the King of Tunbridge WellsSummer of 1983: Binny’s Day Out 1983 World Cup: India's path to gloryDespite BCCI’s efforts, Kapil’s feat indelibleWorld Cup win revolutionised cricket in India: Yashpal Sharma
More on Cricket The best five ODI centuries ever madeRahul Dravid on his life and careerWhy Sachin should go for gold and moreNo favourites, all equals in Asia Cup: Malik England cricketers threaten to boycott Champions TrophyICC wants to popularise Test cricketAsif to pay legal bills if found guilty in PCB inquiry
Sunday, June 22, 2008
'Get Smart' gets audience with $39.2M debut
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Audiences still get Maxwell Smart. Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway's "Get Smart," the Warner Bros. big screen update of the 1960s spy sitcom, raked in $39.2 million to debut as the No. 1 weekend movie, according to studio estimates Sunday.
But movie-goers did not get Mike Myers' "The Love Guru," the weekend's other new wide release. The Paramount Pictures comedy about a self-help mentor took in just $14 million to open at No. 4.
In limited release, "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" opened strongly with $222,697 in five theaters, averaging $44,539 a cinema, compared with $10,012 in 3,911 theaters for "Get Smart."
"Kit Kittredge," released by Picturehouse and based on the popular line of American Girl dolls, stars Abigail Breslin as a 9-year-old aspiring newspaper reporter during the Depression. The film expands into wide release July 2.
The weekend's No. 2 spot was a photo finish between DreamWorks Animation and Paramount's "Kung Fu Panda" and Universal's "The Incredible Hulk."
In its third weekend, "Kung Fu Panda" pulled in $21.7 million, raising its domestic total to $155.6 million. "The Incredible Hulk" was right behind with $21.6 million in its second weekend to lift its total to $96.5 million.
"Panda" and "Hulk" were close enough that their rankings could change when final numbers are released Monday.
Hollywood's summer surge continued, with total revenues climbing for the fourth straight weekend compared to last year. The top 12 movies took in $136.9 million, up nearly 10 percent from the same weekend in 2007, when Carell's "Evan Almighty" opened at No. 1 with $31.2 million.
The industry is on track to beat the revenue record set last summer, when receipts topped $4 billion for the first time.
"While the country may be suffering with a so-called recession, people are finding movies a fairly inexpensive way to get their entertainment," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. "This proves the conventional wisdom that, during tough economic times, the movies flourish."
In "Get Smart," Carell re-creates the bumbling Max Smart character created by Don Adams, with Hathaway playing the capable Agent 99 as the duo try to stop a plot to arm unstable governments with nuclear bombs. Dwayne Johnson co-stars as a superstar spy colleague.
Critics picked apart the movie for emphasizing action over the crisp verbal comedy of the TV show, but Warner Bros. figures that was a wise commercial move. While 60 percent of the audience was 25 or older, that still meant a sizable younger crowd that was more keen on the movie's action, said Dan Fellman, the studio's head of distribution.
"We were very pleased to have 40 percent under 25, because they did not grow up on the television show," Fellman said. "The filmmakers did a great job in making that happen. They broadened the audience and brought it into a modern-day bent."
Myers — who dreamed up the "Love Guru" character, co-wrote the script and was a producer on the movie — has been accustomed to blockbuster openings with the three "Shrek" flicks and his two "Austin Powers" spy sequels.
"Mike Myers, the master of the spy spoof, opens his movie against a spy comedy, and the spy movie genre was obviously a lot more appealing to audiences," Dergarabedian said.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "Get Smart," $39.2 million.
2. "Kung Fu Panda," $21.7 million.
3. "The Incredible Hulk," $21.6 million.
4. "The Love Guru," $14 million.
5. "The Happening," $10 million.
6. "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," $8.4 million.
7. "You Don't Mess With the Zohan," $7.2 million.
8. "Sex and the City," $6.5 million.
9. "Iron Man," $4 million.
10. "The Strangers," $1.9 million.
But movie-goers did not get Mike Myers' "The Love Guru," the weekend's other new wide release. The Paramount Pictures comedy about a self-help mentor took in just $14 million to open at No. 4.
In limited release, "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" opened strongly with $222,697 in five theaters, averaging $44,539 a cinema, compared with $10,012 in 3,911 theaters for "Get Smart."
"Kit Kittredge," released by Picturehouse and based on the popular line of American Girl dolls, stars Abigail Breslin as a 9-year-old aspiring newspaper reporter during the Depression. The film expands into wide release July 2.
The weekend's No. 2 spot was a photo finish between DreamWorks Animation and Paramount's "Kung Fu Panda" and Universal's "The Incredible Hulk."
In its third weekend, "Kung Fu Panda" pulled in $21.7 million, raising its domestic total to $155.6 million. "The Incredible Hulk" was right behind with $21.6 million in its second weekend to lift its total to $96.5 million.
"Panda" and "Hulk" were close enough that their rankings could change when final numbers are released Monday.
Hollywood's summer surge continued, with total revenues climbing for the fourth straight weekend compared to last year. The top 12 movies took in $136.9 million, up nearly 10 percent from the same weekend in 2007, when Carell's "Evan Almighty" opened at No. 1 with $31.2 million.
The industry is on track to beat the revenue record set last summer, when receipts topped $4 billion for the first time.
"While the country may be suffering with a so-called recession, people are finding movies a fairly inexpensive way to get their entertainment," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. "This proves the conventional wisdom that, during tough economic times, the movies flourish."
In "Get Smart," Carell re-creates the bumbling Max Smart character created by Don Adams, with Hathaway playing the capable Agent 99 as the duo try to stop a plot to arm unstable governments with nuclear bombs. Dwayne Johnson co-stars as a superstar spy colleague.
Critics picked apart the movie for emphasizing action over the crisp verbal comedy of the TV show, but Warner Bros. figures that was a wise commercial move. While 60 percent of the audience was 25 or older, that still meant a sizable younger crowd that was more keen on the movie's action, said Dan Fellman, the studio's head of distribution.
"We were very pleased to have 40 percent under 25, because they did not grow up on the television show," Fellman said. "The filmmakers did a great job in making that happen. They broadened the audience and brought it into a modern-day bent."
Myers — who dreamed up the "Love Guru" character, co-wrote the script and was a producer on the movie — has been accustomed to blockbuster openings with the three "Shrek" flicks and his two "Austin Powers" spy sequels.
"Mike Myers, the master of the spy spoof, opens his movie against a spy comedy, and the spy movie genre was obviously a lot more appealing to audiences," Dergarabedian said.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "Get Smart," $39.2 million.
2. "Kung Fu Panda," $21.7 million.
3. "The Incredible Hulk," $21.6 million.
4. "The Love Guru," $14 million.
5. "The Happening," $10 million.
6. "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," $8.4 million.
7. "You Don't Mess With the Zohan," $7.2 million.
8. "Sex and the City," $6.5 million.
9. "Iron Man," $4 million.
10. "The Strangers," $1.9 million.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Gavaskar to host gala dinner for Kapil’s Devils
It remains the seminal moment in Indian cricket. In 1983, Kapil’s Devils stormed their way to the unlikeliest of World Cup wins at the starchy headquarters of the game - Lord’s. Beginning the tournament as 66-to-one outsiders, they went on to upset the two-time defending champions West Indies in a fairytale final. On the 25th anniversary of the epoch-making win, PR Man Singh, the manager of the victorious team, relives the journey to glory in this exclusive column for Sify.com.
India had only played six matches in the first two editions of the World Cup in 1975 and 1979 and won only one match, that too against East Africa.
Our early unwillingness to take the ODIs seriously is evident from the fact that in the opening game of the 1975 edition between England and India at Lord’s, Sunil Gavaskar batted through the entire 60 overs, scoring 36 and remaining unbeaten.
In 1979, we even lost to Sri Lanka, who had not attained Test status then.
This early lack of interest in the ODIs became evident to me on yet another occasion too: the tour of Pakistan in 1978, when I was the assistant manager of the Indian team.
Pakistan had already adapted to the shorter version of the game, and in the tour itinerary, they included three ODIs. Our Board accepted this with reluctance, but when Pakistan undertook a reciprocal tour in 1979-80, the Indian authorities did not bother to fit in even a single ODI.
Such being the backdrop, the BCCI was under no pressure ahead of the 1983 World Cup. Preparation for the Cup was a low-key affair, as if it were a formality that had to be gone through. As a Test-playing nation, which had been invited, we had to fulfil the obligation. No importance was being given to the tour.
After the selection of the squad, I, for one, felt that this Indian team had the potential to reach the semis. But it never crossed my mind that we could get into the final, let alone win the Cup.
The reason I felt the team could make it to the semis was because of the bits-and-pieces players we had. They were the ones best suited to ODIs.
Also, the number of overs was going to be 60 per innings, which would give batsmen like Sunil (Gavaskar) the opportunity to build an innings, while (Krishnamachari) Srikkanth could have a go at the other end. No doubt the West Indies were a strong side, and as the winners on the previous two occasions, the favourites. But we had just beaten them in Berbice (in the tour of the West Indies that preceded the World Cup) and I felt if we could beat them once, we could do it again.
Next
India had only played six matches in the first two editions of the World Cup in 1975 and 1979 and won only one match, that too against East Africa.
Our early unwillingness to take the ODIs seriously is evident from the fact that in the opening game of the 1975 edition between England and India at Lord’s, Sunil Gavaskar batted through the entire 60 overs, scoring 36 and remaining unbeaten.
In 1979, we even lost to Sri Lanka, who had not attained Test status then.
This early lack of interest in the ODIs became evident to me on yet another occasion too: the tour of Pakistan in 1978, when I was the assistant manager of the Indian team.
Pakistan had already adapted to the shorter version of the game, and in the tour itinerary, they included three ODIs. Our Board accepted this with reluctance, but when Pakistan undertook a reciprocal tour in 1979-80, the Indian authorities did not bother to fit in even a single ODI.
Such being the backdrop, the BCCI was under no pressure ahead of the 1983 World Cup. Preparation for the Cup was a low-key affair, as if it were a formality that had to be gone through. As a Test-playing nation, which had been invited, we had to fulfil the obligation. No importance was being given to the tour.
After the selection of the squad, I, for one, felt that this Indian team had the potential to reach the semis. But it never crossed my mind that we could get into the final, let alone win the Cup.
The reason I felt the team could make it to the semis was because of the bits-and-pieces players we had. They were the ones best suited to ODIs.
Also, the number of overs was going to be 60 per innings, which would give batsmen like Sunil (Gavaskar) the opportunity to build an innings, while (Krishnamachari) Srikkanth could have a go at the other end. No doubt the West Indies were a strong side, and as the winners on the previous two occasions, the favourites. But we had just beaten them in Berbice (in the tour of the West Indies that preceded the World Cup) and I felt if we could beat them once, we could do it again.
Next
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