EveryDay Life becomes a hit among Americans

EveryDay Life, a book based on the life of Afro-Americans on the West Coast, has been receiving rave reviews from all over the United States. The author, MG Hardie, recently revealed the secrets of the book in an interview with Cyrus A Webb.

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Ghajini Aamir, Asin rise above a mediocre fare

Ever heard of the term star-power? What is it exactly? Watch ‘Ghajini’ and you will know for sure. Aamir Khan scores another with this film. Asin is another prize-watch. She is very spontaneous and her comic-timing is amazing..

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The Joy of Living Formula for happy ageing

Would you like to develop a positive attitude towards life and enjoy rest of your life graying gracefully? I recommend a book called, The Joy of Ageing written by Prof PV Ramamurti of SV University. Read on to find out more..

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Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi: It's wonders and it's blunders

The latest offering from Aditya Chopra's directorial baton disappoints on all fronts and is unlikely to lift the pall of gloom that enveloped Bollywood for most of 2008. The only takers for this film might be small pockets in Punjab.

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Balika Vadhu

Balika Vadhu is not aimed to eradicate the practice by condemning and criticizing it, instead the intent is for the people to see the consequences of it. In Rajasthan, where child marriage still occurs, the audience gets to see the results clearly.

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Dil ka Buddy

Love and the complexities surrounding it were always difficult to comprehend; more so in today’s age of excessive work and little quality time, thereby giving rise to insecurities, divorce, flings and sexual moorings. Dil Kabaddi tackles these..

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Muslim Almanac: Encyclopedia of Islam and Muslim

The Muslim World Almanac 2008 is a comprehensive encyclopedia about Islam and Muslims. It provides a complete coverage of the culture and civilisation of Islam and of contemporary Muslim societies. It’s more than a valuable reference manual..

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Muslim Almanac: Encyclopedia of Islam and Muslim

The Muslim World Almanac 2008 is a comprehensive encyclopedia about Islam and Muslims. It provides a complete coverage of the culture and civilisation of Islam and of contemporary Muslim societies. It’s more than a valuable reference manual..

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Girish Karnads A Heap of Broken Images

Girish Karnad's 'A Heap of Broken Images' is a scathing look at the Indian literary establishment as well as a moving story of conflict and desire for fame. The play highlights the conflict between writing in one’s own language and foreign language.

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Fashion A take on the fashion industry

Madhur Bhandarkar's ‘Fashion’ has set the box office on fire. Fashion exhibits how a small town girl with a dream to become a supermodel, paves her way to the top. The USP of the movie is the backstage scenes and the drama of the fashion industry..

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Kashmir - heaven on earth

Kashmir will win you over – be it Vaishno Devi temple or its snow-covered hills where temperatures often fall below zero and last but not least, its hospitable people, who eke out a living by hauling sledges , selling woollens and gumboots..

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Global warming: An inconvenient truth

Al Gore's book, 'An Inconvenient Truth' bares the stark facts of global warming, which it treated as a moral issue, political and economic implications aside. It is inspiring and underscores the need of action before it is too late..

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'Welcome to Sajjanpur', stay away from 'Hulla'

Of the movies released this Friday, Welcome to Sajjanpur is your ticket to entertainment, which has lots of rustic fun and A-rated performances by all caste, including Shreyas. However, sapless release Hulla doesn't rise to that tempo!. more on 'Welcome to Sajjanpur', stay away from 'Hulla'

Ru-Ba-Ru – Cry Boo Hoo!

Tahaan, A Wednesday, Rock On – I was actually surprised, how come suddenly Indian cinema is churning out watchable (and not classic) fare week after week? Does this Friday's release Ru-Ba-Ru fit in with these watchable films? Read on..... more on Ru-Ba-Ru – Cry Boo Hoo!

'Shadow lines': Should be shadowed these days

Partition should be considered as cultural intermixing, all cultures should be respected irrespective of the country it belongs to. People instead of feeling deprived from their place, should rather generate a sense of their belonging to two places. more on 'Shadow lines': Should be shadowed these days

The Last Lear

The Last Lear is a story of 65-year-old “young man” named Harry, who is living his life with his wife Vandana in the cubbyholes of Kolkata, oblivious and invisible to the world. No one remains the same after they have met Harry, no one can hate him.. more on The Last Lear

Srinivasan's 'The Jamdani Revolution'

Srinivasan titled his diary entries during the period 1989-1992 The Jamdani Revolution because, it was only the second such turning point in the whole of Asia after the upsurge, which overthrew Marcos in the Philippines in 1986.. more on Srinivasan's 'The Jamdani Revolution'

What promoted citizen journalism?

Press is comprised of monopolised islands. Either it is in private hands or under government control. People get no space in newspapers even if they have valid reasons to be heard. Even letters to the editor do not find a place in newspapers. more on What promoted citizen journalism?

Tahaan: Worth a watch

There have been many films on militancy in, what was once the paradise on earth – Kashmir. Some have been good, others bad and yet some more that have been relegated to the film archives of yore. Does Tahaan break any new grounds? Read on.. more on Tahaan: Worth a watch

Media kills journalism for TRP burger

Laxity of Indian judiciary to try news channels for using excessive sensationalism to lure viewers has made them go unabatedly cynical. Alarming, certain channels can't imagine their survival without adding horror and gossip in reportage. more on Media kills journalism for TRP burger

Flock on!

The best aspect of Rock On is that it is true to it's plot and there are no force-fit item-songs or comic gags in it. That being said, is the film really another take on a group of buddies - a la Dil Chahta Hai? Read on. more on Flock on!

'Rock on': a must-see for rock music lovers

Farhan Akhtar's debut movie Rock On, will definitely be a hit with rock music lovers. The movie can be categorized as one belonging to a different genre altogether owing to its music. On the whole, a new- age film, with a Bollywood touch to it. more on 'Rock on': a must-see for rock music lovers

'Rock on': a must-see for rock music lovers

Farhan Akhtar's debut movie Rock On, will definitely be a hit with rock music lovers. The movie can be categorized as one belonging to a different genre altogether owing to its music. On the whole, a new- age film, with a Bollywood touch to it. more on 'Rock on': a must-see for rock music lovers

Mumbai Meri Jaan: A must watch

Mumbai Meri Jaan is based on the 7/11 blasts on Mumbai trains. The movie shows the other side of our lives, which is completely unseen or not visible. All the actors have portrayed their character brilliantly. It's a must watch movie.. more on Mumbai Meri Jaan: A must watch

Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam: A review

Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam starring Rahul Bose, Mallika Sherawat and Paresh Rawal is about a small-town theatre company, which helps a RAW agent foil a terrorist plot. However, the movie crashed on the box-office due to inane script and flat jokes.. more on Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam: A review

Hyderabad: Screening of 'The Message' withdrawn

Leaders of Majlis-e-Ittehaadul Muslimeen in Hyderabad have stopped the screening of 'The Message'. Produced and directed in Hollywood by Egyptian director Moustapha Akkad in 1976, its Hindi and Urdu versions have been released in India.. more on Hyderabad: Screening of 'The Message' withdrawn

Tagore's Chokher Bali: A masterpiece

One feeling stifled underneath the veneer of another gets manifested like the colour of a chameleon. Every character goes through a gamut of emotional and behavioral changes through out the course of the novel.. more on Tagore's Chokher Bali: A masterpiece

Bachna Ae Haseeno: It's love you know!

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Bachna Ae Haseeno, which hit the threatres on August 15, is about a lucky boy and his three romantic moorings. The storyline is pretty simple, but technically it's a delight. What lifts the storyline is Ranbir's brilliant act.. more on Bachna Ae Haseeno: It's love you know!

Bachna Ae Haseeno: It's love you know!

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Bachna Ae Haseeno, which hit the threatres on August 15, is about a lucky boy and his three romantic moorings. The storyline is pretty simple, but technically it's a delight. What lifts the storyline is Ranbir's brilliant act.. more on Bachna Ae Haseeno: It's love you know!

Rural images and voices on food sovereignty

Affirming life and diversity does make a strong case. With the weight of respected organisations such as the IIED behind it, this publication will indeed help in bringing about widespread change of the sort it showcases so holistically in action.

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Rural images and voices on food sovereignty

Affirming life and diversity does make a strong case. With the weight of respected organisations such as the IIED behind it, this publication will indeed help in bringing about widespread change of the sort it showcases so holistically in action.

More on Rural images and voices on food sovereignty

Miss on Istanbul!

Mission Istanbul is an average fare. A mere dozen odd audiences in the auditorium confirmed that the film is for action-buffs; but the point is Angelina Jolie in a DVD of 'Wanted' makes for much better action, both, on and off-screen..

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Rural images and voices on food sovereignty

Affirming life and diversity does make a strong case. With the weight of respected organisations such as the IIED behind it, this publication will indeed help in bringing about widespread change of the sort it showcases so holistically in action. more on Rural images and voices on food sovereignty

'Dirty Pictures': A review of lust and sin

Dirty Pictures' is a story of two sisters from Ajmer, whose beauty became their enemy, who are engulfed in the bog of destiny and they are the centre of criticism. Well crafted narrative and perfectly molded incidents make this novel a must read.. more on 'Dirty Pictures': A review of lust and sin

The Dark Knight weaves magical web

Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight has smashed box office records for more than its commercial reason. It has been praised for its superb storyline, special effects and the actors have given brilliant performances in weaving the magical web.. more on The Dark Knight weaves magical web

Review: Kismet Konnection

Kismet Konnection was keenly anticipated because the producers' Tips, gave the biggest hit of 2008 Race. But it turns out that Kismet Konnection is an average fare that will appeal to audiences with a taste for escapist fare.. more on Review: Kismet Konnection

Is India poor, who says? Ask Swiss banks

With personal account deposit bank of $1500 billion in foreign reserve which have been misappropriated, an amount 13 times larger than the country's foreign debt, one needs to rethink if India is a poor country?.
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BJP: perfecting the art of engineering defections

Deve Gowda may have found a formidable rival in the Reddy brothers. He gets voluble and tries to hog the limelight whenever he indulges in engineering defections. The Reddy brothers on the other hand are smooth operators and ruthlessly efficient. .

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A fresh take on America's role in the world

Zakaria's book is serious and insightful. There is a slight tendency among America's critics, at home and abroad, to toy with or even savor the idea that America in 2008 is Rome in 476, China in 1430, the Ottomans in 1683 or Great Britain in 1899..
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'Fragrance Beyond Borders' by Amarendra Narayan

This is a noble effort by an Indian author from Bangkok for the betterment of Indo-Pak relations, in which the principal character forms a friendship society called, 'Fragrance Beyond Borders' and dwell upon new means to bring the two nations closer..
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Xenphobia and the Kingdom of Night

Looking at my own apathy and the apathy of most people around me, I wonder if the principal problem for most of us is that we have not been victims – yet and so we know nothing of the psyche of the wounded: The writer's reflection....

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3G iphone to be launched on July 11

Second-generation iPhone will be available worldwide from July 11. With its unique features like 3G wireless technology, global positioning system (GPS) mapping, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange would certainly make it a hit..

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Book Review : Speaking of Empire and Resistance

In this... extremely articulate book, Tariq Ali, reaches way back into history to recreate the history of imperialist involvement in the world -- both the overt, in your face British imperialism, and the comparatively overt, American imperialism..

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Book Review : Speaking of Empire and Resistance

In this... extremely articulate book, Tariq Ali, reaches way back into history to recreate the history of imperialist involvement in the world -- both the overt, in your face British imperialism, and the comparatively overt, American imperialism..

More on Book Review : Speaking of Empire and Resistance

Kalikatha: Via Bye Pass by Alka Saraogi

Kalikatha: Via Byepass by Alka Saraogi tries to document the story of the Marwaris in Kolkata. It bridges the idealism of the past and disillusionment of present and reflects it through the grit of a community determined to survive at all costs..

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RGV's Sarkar Raj will rule longer

After Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag failed to make any impact on the box-office, viewers are quite apprehensive of his forthcoming film. But Sarkar Raj supersedes the prequel and is sure to create lasting impact of Sarkar Raj in the hearts of the viewers..

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Kung Fu Panda: Delightful hilarious movie

If you want some action and laughter, then you might enjoy watching 'Kung Fu Panda'. It is a funny narration about a panda called Po. The movie is based on animation with animal characters performing some shills of kung fu..

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Hastey Hastey has hush-hush fun but no laughter!

Hastey Hastey is a hit-and run-formula film. It falters on basic grounds – good script. Actors are but of little worth. The film is another mediocre impression shouting for freshness. The film needs no attention. Look for other choices..

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Woodstock Villa: Sikander's debut an average fare

Woodstock Villa marks the debut of Sikander (the Kher is missing, blame it on numerology). The first question is, has he got the acting skills of Anupam Kher or Kirron Kher, or the screen presence of a leading man?.

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Key Tumi?: Exploring one's life

Key Tumi?, an animated movie by Kunal Sen, has been listed among the 13 films by student filmmakers at the Fifth Annual Student Film Showcase. Sen, 26, is a student at the Emily Carr institute of Art and Design, in Vancouver..

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Sony Ericsson W700i better than Nokia N-72

Though Nokia is a preferred phone by many, to my surprise I found the Sony Ericsson piece far more impressive, reliable and user friendly..

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Consumer India unravelled

Rama Bijapurkar's book, 'Consumer India unraveled', tries to inform people about the consumer market in India. Will India be the world’s next consumption powerhouse?, Does the Indian middle class really exist? She answers such questions wisely..

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Consumer India unravelled

Rama Bijapurkar's book, 'Consumer India unraveled', tries to inform people about the consumer market in India. Will India be the world’s next consumption powerhouse?, Does the Indian middle class really exist? She answers such questions wisely.
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'Changing Gods' by Rudolf C Heredia

Rudolf C Heredia, a Jesuit sociologist, in his book, 'Changing Gods', very eruditely unpacks the rather prickly subject of religious conversion tradition. He looks at the subject from several angles and poses some probing questions.

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Thinking Through Communication: A review

Communication is an important part of life. It is very hard to imagine life without communication. In the book, 'Thinking Through Communication', the author talks about the various dimensions of communication that play a role in our daily lives.

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A Review of Patti Smith's ‘Twelve’

This article is a review of the rock album "Twelve", by the legendary Patti Smith. It is a must have if you are a fan and if not, it can be an excellent introduction.

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Mohanty's 'Kramasah' reflects Freudian influence

The poems of Mohanty, being psychological, occupy a unique place in the gamut of Oriya poetry. No other modern poet, be he Sachi Routray, or, Guru Prasad Mohanty has written poems based on psychology.

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25 years on.. Nellie still haunts

The traumatic events of the day keep coming back. The book, '25 years on. Nellie still haunts', contains eye witness account of the Nellie massacre and government and non-official documents, which put the distressing Assam events in perspective.

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'A case of Exploding Mangoes' waiting for Bollywood

'A Case of Exploding Mangoes', written by Mohammed Hanif, sets an example of how to make fun of deeply religious villain without getting blasphemous. Though many think it can make big in Bollywood, is there any film maker to bag this hilarious novel?

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Sony Ericsson W series: Live the music

Sony Ericsson W series mobile phones are the best music phones, among a huge list of phone models from mobile manufacturers globally. The power-packed walkman series is adorned with amazing music phones.

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Sam Bourne treats readers with The Last Testament

Sam Bourne, has just finished his second novel, The Last Testament. It is based on the conflict over the holy land of Jerusalem. For the first time in the Indian publishing industry, the book will be advertised on television and FM channels.

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Tashan makes viewers gasp 'To Shun'

Tashan, released on April 25, boasts of a major star cast – Kareena, Anil, Akshay and Saif. But the movie fails to hold the attention of the audience. Vijay Krishna Acharya, writer of the hit 'Dhoom' series, fails miserably as a director.

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Kalam was willing to appoint Sonia Gandhi as PM

Ending speculation that had raged on for four years as to whether former President APJ Abdul Kalam was unwilling to appoint Sonia Gandhi as Prime Minister, it has been disclosed that he had a letter of appointment ready for her.

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