I'm not one to encourage piracy, but sooner or later this is gonna be out on all forums that I had better put it up on my site as well.
Billa 2007 movie is available for download in the following website. But, beware- you must tread carefully. Use the second option for each part. It downloads faster- but it starts a pop-up, just wait for it to start and immediately close the pop-up. Then wade through the process of downloading- you don't need to register. Just type the verification code and voila- you've started downloading the file.
Each part is 82.4 MB. I haven't checked out the quality though- mine is being downloaded even as I type.
Billa Movie Film Free Download Rapidshare Megaupload
http://tinyurl.com/2lofmp
http://preview.tinyurl.com/2lofmp
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment. If you still don't believe me- click on the preview link posted below to verify.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Hussey in Mastercard Ad
Michael Hussey a.k.a Mr.Cricket, one of the most consistent batsmen of Test cricket today and one of the Brand ambassadors of Mastercard is slated to appear in its latest ad. The ad reads thus (in typical Mastercard fashion)-
Two tickets to the one-dayer $50.
Replica team shirt $65.
Getting sledged by Michael Hussey: priceless.
The ad is in its post production stages, and is due to hit the silver screen soon. I cant wait to see the AD, although it might not be aired in India (who'd watch Mike Hussey sledging while we have Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh etc etc.
Two tickets to the one-dayer $50.
Replica team shirt $65.
Getting sledged by Michael Hussey: priceless.
The ad is in its post production stages, and is due to hit the silver screen soon. I cant wait to see the AD, although it might not be aired in India (who'd watch Mike Hussey sledging while we have Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh etc etc.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Sewhag in test squad: Master stroke by selectors
Indian selectors are usually considered as next only to their Sri Lankan counterparts- who were recently dubbed by Atapattu as a "bunch of muppets headed by a joker", in their eccentricity, but the latest move of theirs to include Sewhag in the test sqaud touring Australia in 2007-2008 would surely gain immense respect for their fraternity.
The Indian selectors have made some silly decisions from the beginning of Indian Cricket, and the most crazy blunder was the manner in which Ganguly was unceremoniously dropped from the National Squad last year. But, some others may conclude that (on hindsight) it was a good move, considering how tremendously Ganguly has upped the ante to make a fairy-tale comeback which means he has peaked at the most opportune moment, in time for the Aussie series- where the top two test teams of the world- Australia and India clash in a high-voltage series of 4 tests.
Although it would be ridiculous for the selectors to draw any credit for Ganguly's phenomenal growth (and rightly so- they won't), they can be praised for the aggressive stance taken by them ahead of the all important Aussie series.
In selecting Sewhag, they have sent out a message to the Aussies that they shall not be conservative, and that the Indians too have the so-called "ruthless aggression" amongst them. In banking on Sewhag to provide some fireworks in his own demolishing style, they actually send out shockwaves to the Aussie camp.
Not to mention the motivation Sewhag might feel by this move, and thereby he would strive to perform great deeds like he did last time Down Under.
I think the selectors must double up this incusion by selecting him in the playing XI for the 1st test, after seeing how well he is coping upto the conditions in the Warm-Up matches. It could be a gamble- but given Dinesh Karthik's poor form, it wouldn't matter much. In fact, I suggest the selectors judge both players from the Warm-Up matches and pick their squad.
We must forget that Sewhag is as good a fielder as Karthik, a fantastic slip catcher, and a very handy off-spinner well known to break partnerships. He will surely add to the team's strength.
Sewhag had already mentioned to one and all, that it hurts to be out of the team, and this unexpected inclusion, and thereby display of faith would no doubt spur him to perform more responsibly.
The pitches in Australia have pace and bounce aplenty- which batsmen of Sewhag's kind would relish. He is the kind of batsman who likes the ball coming onto his bat. So he shall do well there.
Mcgrath with his accurate line and length, along with his "infinitesimal" movement was a mighty threat for batsmen like Sewhag, with little technical prowess, but right now, without Warne and him- the Aussie bowling attack is not so special as it was a few years back.
But, even without Mcgrath, the Australian Bowling attack looks potent enough to threaten Sewhag with his traditional weaknesses. Brett Lee is bowling accurately now, and with his pace (which is only a bit lower than earlier) he'll be deadly.
But, as I always say- an aggressive approach to the Aussies is the best way to keep them off- and that's the only way Sewhag knows. So it'll be a nice contest- one that would liven up Sewhag's name Down Under for many more years to come. I think Sewhag will come on tops- it's my gut feeling he's a far better batsman than we think he is.
But, if he fails (which I'm sure he will not) he could as well as kiss his Test career goodbye... T20 wouldn't get anyone far, yet it got you a shot at the Aussies, in a transition phase. If you don't cash in now- lightning will never strike twice Sew- T20 and all of cricket will forsake you.
Go on Viru- show 'em! We love you- and we believe you! (so say the selectors- and me as well)
The Indian selectors have made some silly decisions from the beginning of Indian Cricket, and the most crazy blunder was the manner in which Ganguly was unceremoniously dropped from the National Squad last year. But, some others may conclude that (on hindsight) it was a good move, considering how tremendously Ganguly has upped the ante to make a fairy-tale comeback which means he has peaked at the most opportune moment, in time for the Aussie series- where the top two test teams of the world- Australia and India clash in a high-voltage series of 4 tests.
Although it would be ridiculous for the selectors to draw any credit for Ganguly's phenomenal growth (and rightly so- they won't), they can be praised for the aggressive stance taken by them ahead of the all important Aussie series.
In selecting Sewhag, they have sent out a message to the Aussies that they shall not be conservative, and that the Indians too have the so-called "ruthless aggression" amongst them. In banking on Sewhag to provide some fireworks in his own demolishing style, they actually send out shockwaves to the Aussie camp.
Not to mention the motivation Sewhag might feel by this move, and thereby he would strive to perform great deeds like he did last time Down Under.
I think the selectors must double up this incusion by selecting him in the playing XI for the 1st test, after seeing how well he is coping upto the conditions in the Warm-Up matches. It could be a gamble- but given Dinesh Karthik's poor form, it wouldn't matter much. In fact, I suggest the selectors judge both players from the Warm-Up matches and pick their squad.
We must forget that Sewhag is as good a fielder as Karthik, a fantastic slip catcher, and a very handy off-spinner well known to break partnerships. He will surely add to the team's strength.
Sewhag had already mentioned to one and all, that it hurts to be out of the team, and this unexpected inclusion, and thereby display of faith would no doubt spur him to perform more responsibly.
The pitches in Australia have pace and bounce aplenty- which batsmen of Sewhag's kind would relish. He is the kind of batsman who likes the ball coming onto his bat. So he shall do well there.
Mcgrath with his accurate line and length, along with his "infinitesimal" movement was a mighty threat for batsmen like Sewhag, with little technical prowess, but right now, without Warne and him- the Aussie bowling attack is not so special as it was a few years back.
But, even without Mcgrath, the Australian Bowling attack looks potent enough to threaten Sewhag with his traditional weaknesses. Brett Lee is bowling accurately now, and with his pace (which is only a bit lower than earlier) he'll be deadly.
But, as I always say- an aggressive approach to the Aussies is the best way to keep them off- and that's the only way Sewhag knows. So it'll be a nice contest- one that would liven up Sewhag's name Down Under for many more years to come. I think Sewhag will come on tops- it's my gut feeling he's a far better batsman than we think he is.
But, if he fails (which I'm sure he will not) he could as well as kiss his Test career goodbye... T20 wouldn't get anyone far, yet it got you a shot at the Aussies, in a transition phase. If you don't cash in now- lightning will never strike twice Sew- T20 and all of cricket will forsake you.
Go on Viru- show 'em! We love you- and we believe you! (so say the selectors- and me as well)
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Billa 2007 Music Review: Appalling Misjudgment by Yuvan
It’s finally out- The music for the remake of Billa starring Ajith as the eponymous character. It has been the subject to a lot of hype and hoopla- understandably so, considering its an old Rajini super hit we’re talking about being remade, and to frankly put it- its just not lived up to the expectations.
Yuvan Shankar Raja has composed five songs and the Billa 2007 theme, and amazingly, he has not sung any of them- might be the result of all the criticism he gets regarding his imitating A R Rahman’s style in singing. Anyway his voice wouldn’t have fit well with the macho Billa.
Yuvan has infused his best efforts on Vethalaiya Pottendi and it shows. In fact it is easily the best song of the album. It is a medley of Digital Electronica and it has so many different, infinitesimal, yet distinct sounds that an electronics student could very well do a project on dissecting the various sounds (signals) in the song.
Of course Shankar Mahadevan’s voice is digitally enhanced giving it a cool techno feel. It is a quintessential “Techno Kuthu” (portmanteau of Techno and Dappankuthu- my little invention) song, and it is bound to be the latest party number. Shankar Mahadevan and Yuvan Shankar Raja pull it off again in the “Techno Kuthu” genre. (Remember Saroja Saman Nikalo from Chennai 600028)
If Yuvan had spent atleast half the energy or enthusiasm he has shown for this song, on the Billa score, he would’ve a winner in his hands. As it is, this is going to be the most inconspicuous song of the movie- meant only as a peripheral addition to interface with viewers of a cruder taste (or in non-technical terms, it is an extraneous fitting meant to appease the B and C center audience).
It’s like hitting a century in a dead rubber; and half of the accolades actually go to Shankar Mahadevan. He carries the song like Atlas carries the World- nobody else could’ve sung this number so well. He’s got a voice that has “Let’s Party!” written all over it that you subconsciously unwind as soon as the song begins.
The Billa theme is most disappointing. After having listened to the Theme of Don, expectations were running high for this, but sadly, it scores way below them. Someone’s gotta explain to Yuvan what a Theme song is. The key to any theme song is a short portion (maybe 5-10 seconds long) of the whole song that sounds best, is easily identified by the audience (who hum it all day long), and repeats itself at various points in the movie.
This theme starts off like The Stranger In Black (Anniyan Theme), then traverses various dimensions, transgressing into different directions and finally coming back where it started and you still can’t find music anywhere, let alone a theme music! Trying to be futuristic and techno cool, Yuvan botches up the whole score. Pathetic! I can’t imagine Ajith smashing villains with that music behind him!
The Seval Kodi is a pretty good number; in fact it’s good enough to be an intro song for Vijay (an implied reference to the lack of sophistication in his intro songs) - a typical folk song invoking a God. Enough said!
Naan Meendum is a song that owes its tune to the Billa theme, and I guess it’s the song where the Kamini character seduces Billa. It’s a bouncy track with dark shades, mysterious tunes and complete with philosophical lyrics. Worth listening a couple of times- passes muster, some of you may like it. It is like “Entha Kuthirayil” from “Satham Podathey”.
The surprise package is the song Sei- it’s a complex, highly versatile Arabic style number (that gives us the feeling of having heard it before) with highly suggestive lyrics and an overdose of the various versions of the Guitar. Neha Basin’s strange Tamil accent is another lovable feature. It’s the kinda song you find is incredibly slow, yet you can’t stop liking it!
The other most talked about remix from the original is the highly popular “My Name Is Billa”- every Rajini fan worth his salt would’ve heard it at least once. I safely say- the original is better anyday. He has retained the same tune of the original, added a few digital novelties and credited a new song to his name! The song has the traits of the typical discotheque number, but still you feel its not moving at all.
It’s pretty disappointing that Yuvan should waste one of his biggest breaks like this, and one wonders why he even took up the offer in the first place. Any composer must create music to gel with the movie.
Stand alone singles might be the craze in the US, but they don’t go well with the Tamil audience. Unless Yuvan can create masterpieces (which we all know he can’t) like “Munbe Vaa” he’d better concentrate on complementing the film. We can see that he has overlooked those regions vital to the movie- Billa Theme, My Name Is Billa (it's the song that establishes the hero), the Kamini dance number etc. Or he has been heinously lazy in composing these.
Final Verdict: Overall Average.
Vethalaiya Pottendi is special. Sei is refreshingly new. Seval Kodi a nice folk song. Naan Mendum is nice and bouncy. My Name is Billa is a confused attempt. The Billa Theme deserves more effort and respect than this.
Well Yuvan, a mélange of digital interludes doesn't a Billa make!
Yuvan Shankar Raja has composed five songs and the Billa 2007 theme, and amazingly, he has not sung any of them- might be the result of all the criticism he gets regarding his imitating A R Rahman’s style in singing. Anyway his voice wouldn’t have fit well with the macho Billa.
Yuvan has infused his best efforts on Vethalaiya Pottendi and it shows. In fact it is easily the best song of the album. It is a medley of Digital Electronica and it has so many different, infinitesimal, yet distinct sounds that an electronics student could very well do a project on dissecting the various sounds (signals) in the song.
Of course Shankar Mahadevan’s voice is digitally enhanced giving it a cool techno feel. It is a quintessential “Techno Kuthu” (portmanteau of Techno and Dappankuthu- my little invention) song, and it is bound to be the latest party number. Shankar Mahadevan and Yuvan Shankar Raja pull it off again in the “Techno Kuthu” genre. (Remember Saroja Saman Nikalo from Chennai 600028)
If Yuvan had spent atleast half the energy or enthusiasm he has shown for this song, on the Billa score, he would’ve a winner in his hands. As it is, this is going to be the most inconspicuous song of the movie- meant only as a peripheral addition to interface with viewers of a cruder taste (or in non-technical terms, it is an extraneous fitting meant to appease the B and C center audience).
It’s like hitting a century in a dead rubber; and half of the accolades actually go to Shankar Mahadevan. He carries the song like Atlas carries the World- nobody else could’ve sung this number so well. He’s got a voice that has “Let’s Party!” written all over it that you subconsciously unwind as soon as the song begins.
The Billa theme is most disappointing. After having listened to the Theme of Don, expectations were running high for this, but sadly, it scores way below them. Someone’s gotta explain to Yuvan what a Theme song is. The key to any theme song is a short portion (maybe 5-10 seconds long) of the whole song that sounds best, is easily identified by the audience (who hum it all day long), and repeats itself at various points in the movie.
This theme starts off like The Stranger In Black (Anniyan Theme), then traverses various dimensions, transgressing into different directions and finally coming back where it started and you still can’t find music anywhere, let alone a theme music! Trying to be futuristic and techno cool, Yuvan botches up the whole score. Pathetic! I can’t imagine Ajith smashing villains with that music behind him!
The Seval Kodi is a pretty good number; in fact it’s good enough to be an intro song for Vijay (an implied reference to the lack of sophistication in his intro songs) - a typical folk song invoking a God. Enough said!
Naan Meendum is a song that owes its tune to the Billa theme, and I guess it’s the song where the Kamini character seduces Billa. It’s a bouncy track with dark shades, mysterious tunes and complete with philosophical lyrics. Worth listening a couple of times- passes muster, some of you may like it. It is like “Entha Kuthirayil” from “Satham Podathey”.
The surprise package is the song Sei- it’s a complex, highly versatile Arabic style number (that gives us the feeling of having heard it before) with highly suggestive lyrics and an overdose of the various versions of the Guitar. Neha Basin’s strange Tamil accent is another lovable feature. It’s the kinda song you find is incredibly slow, yet you can’t stop liking it!
The other most talked about remix from the original is the highly popular “My Name Is Billa”- every Rajini fan worth his salt would’ve heard it at least once. I safely say- the original is better anyday. He has retained the same tune of the original, added a few digital novelties and credited a new song to his name! The song has the traits of the typical discotheque number, but still you feel its not moving at all.
It’s pretty disappointing that Yuvan should waste one of his biggest breaks like this, and one wonders why he even took up the offer in the first place. Any composer must create music to gel with the movie.
Stand alone singles might be the craze in the US, but they don’t go well with the Tamil audience. Unless Yuvan can create masterpieces (which we all know he can’t) like “Munbe Vaa” he’d better concentrate on complementing the film. We can see that he has overlooked those regions vital to the movie- Billa Theme, My Name Is Billa (it's the song that establishes the hero), the Kamini dance number etc. Or he has been heinously lazy in composing these.
Final Verdict: Overall Average.
Vethalaiya Pottendi is special. Sei is refreshingly new. Seval Kodi a nice folk song. Naan Mendum is nice and bouncy. My Name is Billa is a confused attempt. The Billa Theme deserves more effort and respect than this.
Well Yuvan, a mélange of digital interludes doesn't a Billa make!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
India Authentic : Remix the Puranas!
India has been a land of rich and plentiful mythology. Almost every foreign person has heard a story of at least one of the various Gods in India (it is said there are 3,300,000 Gods) and surely they have been fascinated by the depth and moral value in each of the stories.
Virgin Comics India Authentic is a series that aims to re-create the stories of the Gods in a manner relevant to the present age- an age that expects even superheroes' powers to be logical. They portray Gods as part human, with powers only the Gods can wield fused with emotions found only in humans.
It is an ongoing series with seven parts out on the stands and another is expected in December 2007. It showcases some of the most famous Gods- Ganesha, Shiva, Indra, Kali and Vishnu, along with the well-known tale of Uma- the girl who became God, through love.The latest issue is about Yama merged with the legendary tale of Savitri- the devoted and loyal wife who saved her husband from Death.
Of course, the Puranas have been modified for a dramatic effect in the stories (because otherwise stories about Gods would most always be cliched), but the Puranas themselves have been mangled through the centuries, so it is said, and so the Virgin Comics version wouldn't go amiss.
The illustrations are all top-class, showing shades of emotions, action, depicting fury of battles, all with ease. They blend smoothly with the story.
It's pretty interesting- just like any comics series from Virgin Comics. So enjoy!!
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #1 Ganesha
Size: 26 MB
http://tinyurl.com/2qllp6
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #2 Kali
Size 26.5 MB
http://tinyurl.com/3x5sxy
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #3 Indra
Size: 6.7 MB
http://tinyurl.com/36osdr
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #4 Uma
Size: 3.4 MB
http://tinyurl.com/3xzk8k
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #5 Shiva
Size: 13.2 MB
http://tinyurl.com/2mgt8o
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #6 Vishnu
Size: 16 MB
http://tinyurl.com/2qanmz
Size: 14.8 MB
http://tinyurl.com/3a43d4
Virgin Comics India Authentic is a series that aims to re-create the stories of the Gods in a manner relevant to the present age- an age that expects even superheroes' powers to be logical. They portray Gods as part human, with powers only the Gods can wield fused with emotions found only in humans.
It is an ongoing series with seven parts out on the stands and another is expected in December 2007. It showcases some of the most famous Gods- Ganesha, Shiva, Indra, Kali and Vishnu, along with the well-known tale of Uma- the girl who became God, through love.The latest issue is about Yama merged with the legendary tale of Savitri- the devoted and loyal wife who saved her husband from Death.
Of course, the Puranas have been modified for a dramatic effect in the stories (because otherwise stories about Gods would most always be cliched), but the Puranas themselves have been mangled through the centuries, so it is said, and so the Virgin Comics version wouldn't go amiss.
The illustrations are all top-class, showing shades of emotions, action, depicting fury of battles, all with ease. They blend smoothly with the story.
It's pretty interesting- just like any comics series from Virgin Comics. So enjoy!!
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #1 Ganesha
Size: 26 MB
http://tinyurl.com/2qllp6
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #2 Kali
Size 26.5 MB
http://tinyurl.com/3x5sxy
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #3 Indra
Size: 6.7 MB
http://tinyurl.com/36osdr
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #4 Uma
Size: 3.4 MB
http://tinyurl.com/3xzk8k
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #5 Shiva
Size: 13.2 MB
http://tinyurl.com/2mgt8o
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #6 Vishnu
Size: 16 MB
http://tinyurl.com/2qanmz
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Virgin Comics India Authentic Download Rapidshare #7 YamaSize: 14.8 MB
http://tinyurl.com/3a43d4
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Stop!! Entry Restricted!! New features in Yahoo Chat
Yahoo chat servers have been around for aeons, from the very beginning of Yahoo itself. Of all the successful features of Yahoo, this has been the toughest to replicate- and has been quite a monopoly (although MSN live messengers did exist- they have not been able to unsettle Yahoo's popularity).
But the rise of Google Talk- which is faster and compact, compared to Yahoo's Instant Messenger has upstaged Yahoo- I notice so many people preferring Google Talk to chat with friends, Yahoo has understood that its position is vulnerable. It has made Yahoo sit up and pay attention.
It has much to do with Yahoo's nonchalant attitude to the perenial problem of Chat Bots. There have been countless complaints and innumerable Trojan attacks through the Chat servers, not to mention all the spam that fills up precious bandwidth (which makes Yahoo chat servers so slow, and prone to frequent crashes), yet Yahoo has maintained a stand that these never existed.
But, with the rise of Google Talk, Yahoo has decided to do something about this scourge. Its quite a simple method- just prevent automated IDs from entering the Chat rooms. Which means you can have a million automated IDs (and use them for mails etc.) but you cant come into a Chat room unless you're real.
By the new security laws in Chat servers- you need to type a special code displayed as a Captcha (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captcha) every time you enter into a Chat room (So if you change 5 rooms- its 5 codes you need to enter).
So effective is the system that you find instant relief for all the real (loyal) users. While Chat rooms were flooded with Bots earlier, they've all been eliminated, or rather replaced by the real people- the ones they can chat with. Of course, there are real spammers, but that's a minority and besides its blatantly clear who is the spammer and who is the real person.
What this means is- Yahoo has finally decided to listen to its customers, and has understood that customer is God and that everyone else has to bow to them.
Enough said, Yahoo direly needs its old customers back from Google Talk. Lets see how this new move from Yahoo works out.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Advantage Term Life: Making you Fully Loaded for Life
Driving my nephew to his school I noticed that life has its perils hidden everywhere. We just cannot predict whats going to happen tomorrow. The other day I was preparing meticulously for an exam when I get a call telling me that my grandma is seriously ill and fighting for dear life in the ICU. Fortunately, she's now back to normal and I was thankful to the insurance guys as much as to the doctors.
Well, that's about life's uncertainties- and I guess now you see the reason behind insuring oneself. You could try Advantage Term life insurance- they help you Save Money on Insurance and Reduce Premiums
Above all that- they have Insurance Quoting Services which something very novel.
If you run a company and want to provide insurance cover to your employees, they offer Corporate Insurance Plans for Employers
They even offer practical insurance plans like Cheap Smoker Insurance Rates.
Now that's what I call- fully loaded for life.
Well, that's about life's uncertainties- and I guess now you see the reason behind insuring oneself. You could try Advantage Term life insurance- they help you Save Money on Insurance and Reduce Premiums
Above all that- they have Insurance Quoting Services which something very novel.
If you run a company and want to provide insurance cover to your employees, they offer Corporate Insurance Plans for Employers
They even offer practical insurance plans like Cheap Smoker Insurance Rates.
Now that's what I call- fully loaded for life.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Reason: Autumn In My Heart
This is the famous song Reason from the TV series "Autumn in my heart". Its a pretty sad song, and is slow most of the times- and twice in the song it builds up gradually to a crescendo and the pattern is very predictable, although enchanting to listen to. It has almost the same instruments Endless Love from "The Myth" (http://hardshipalarmnot.blogspot.com/2007/10/greatest-love-songs-of-all-time-endless.html) used and in fact there is a common phrase in the lyrics for both songs -"ijineun marayo" which roughly translates to "never forget".
Anyway, here's the song-
Rapidshare Free Download Reason from Autumn In My Heart sung by Jong Il Young
Size: 3.9 MB
Correct Lyrics for Reason from Autumn In My Heart sung by Jong Il Young
http://tinyurl.com/yunbnd
http://tinyurl.com/yunbnd
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Tiger Tiger Burning Bright
Tiger Tiger Burning Bright,
In the forests of the night!
So goes the famous poem "The Tiger" by William Blake. I could go on singing the praise of the Tiger- its my favorite animal, and it is the National Animal of my country (India). It is the perfect creation of God.
A splendour and regalia unmatched even by the Lion, a mix of Speed and Strength unfounded in any other living being in the World- a beauty in its ruthless method, a fire in its eyes- the Tiger evokes gasps of admiration and terror alike from all those who see it- maybe because if they do see it eyeball to eyeball (in point blank range), that's the last sight they will ever see I guess.
Anyway, here are some close-up shots of the Tiger in the wild, for us unfortunate souls who could never get to a Tiger so close in our lives (if at all we value them that is).
Click here to see the entire collection:
Free High Resolution Tiger Wallpapers
Monday, November 19, 2007
Australia's answer to Kamal Hassan's Dasavatharam!
If you ever thought the Aussies were nothing more than a bunch of bullies (if you think that is ridiculous, you must watch cricket regularly to know otherwise) with no sense of art or culture- well think again, because good old Warney- the Spin Wizard, has become their new Mascot for his histrionics.In the latest TV ad, Shane Warne plays the roles of his dad, mum and himself as their baby in this innovative take on Dasavatharam (of course, unintended)- but I guess he goes one step more than all our Indian actors, being cast as a baby as well. (Sorry I couldn't get pics of the baby!)
Well, he may not be the family man in real life (he is a divorced man), but he seems to say to the World- I am the family I need; I can be the mother, father and the baby! :-)
Look at this pic- doesn't he look like Satyaraj?
Here're some links to articles:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22732925-2,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22733144-661,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22732925-2,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22733144-661,00.html
Falling Standards of Indian Education : Shaking the foundation
The latest survey on world educational institutions brings out a startling fact- that no Indian University is among the top 200 of the world. What this suggests is of far greater consequence than one can imagine.
This has shaken the very bedrock of our country's growth in recent years- of NRIs (Non Residential Indians) and Indian penetration into the West.
We all know the phenomenon of the Brain Drain- of talented, intelligent Indians offering their services to the US and other developed countries for greater monetary rewards. So far, Indians have been well respected with regards to matters of the intellect. But, with the fall in institute standards, the next generation of students might find it tough to continue the legacy of being the best "foreigners" in these lands.
China has so far been behind the race due to their inherent difficulty in learning English- their language being the major hindrance, but now with reports like these, the language fluency maybe overlooked for pure quality by the Western employers and we might find more Chinese competing successfully against Indians.
The government's push for more and more reservations in all National institutes has not helped. If the situation has to change- it is we, the students who must stand up to our rights for a better education. How many of you know how rotten, cluttered and outdated is our syllabus?
More on the nature of our syllabus in another special editorial- watch out for that.
Here's the complete article:
TOP STORIES
No Indian varsity among top 200 universities
By IE Tuesday November 13, 04:38 PM
No Indian varsities, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology, figure among world's top 200 universities this year, while six Chinese universities were listed, signalling the rapid stride the Communist giant is making in higher education.
Harvard University tops the league table followed by Cambridge and Oxford at second and third positions respectively.
The top 10 universities are all either in the United States or the United Kingdom, a survey has found.
Besides China, other Asian countries figuring in the list of world-class universities are Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea.
The IITs, which figured regularly in all the previous surveys, since The Times Higher - Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings began three years ago, have fallen off the map this year partly because of a change in evaluation norms.
For this year's survey, individual IITs were assessed, and not the "IIT system as a whole." And none of the seven IITs was considered good enough to find a place among the top ranking world universities, according to the survey.
However, IIT Delhi and IIT Mumbai find mention among the world's top 50 technology institutions, with the former at 37 and latter at 33 -- both way behind China's Tsinghua University, placed at 16.
The six Chinese universities included among the world's top 200 are Peking University, Tsinghua University (also listed among the 50 best technology institutions), Fudan University, Nanjing University, the University of Science and Technology of China and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
The survey covering 28 countries, confirms the English-speaking world's dominance in higher education with America and Britain leading the pack.
This has shaken the very bedrock of our country's growth in recent years- of NRIs (Non Residential Indians) and Indian penetration into the West.
We all know the phenomenon of the Brain Drain- of talented, intelligent Indians offering their services to the US and other developed countries for greater monetary rewards. So far, Indians have been well respected with regards to matters of the intellect. But, with the fall in institute standards, the next generation of students might find it tough to continue the legacy of being the best "foreigners" in these lands.
China has so far been behind the race due to their inherent difficulty in learning English- their language being the major hindrance, but now with reports like these, the language fluency maybe overlooked for pure quality by the Western employers and we might find more Chinese competing successfully against Indians.
The government's push for more and more reservations in all National institutes has not helped. If the situation has to change- it is we, the students who must stand up to our rights for a better education. How many of you know how rotten, cluttered and outdated is our syllabus?
More on the nature of our syllabus in another special editorial- watch out for that.
Here's the complete article:
TOP STORIES
No Indian varsity among top 200 universities
By IE Tuesday November 13, 04:38 PM
No Indian varsities, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology, figure among world's top 200 universities this year, while six Chinese universities were listed, signalling the rapid stride the Communist giant is making in higher education.
Harvard University tops the league table followed by Cambridge and Oxford at second and third positions respectively.
The top 10 universities are all either in the United States or the United Kingdom, a survey has found.
Besides China, other Asian countries figuring in the list of world-class universities are Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea.
The IITs, which figured regularly in all the previous surveys, since The Times Higher - Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings began three years ago, have fallen off the map this year partly because of a change in evaluation norms.
For this year's survey, individual IITs were assessed, and not the "IIT system as a whole." And none of the seven IITs was considered good enough to find a place among the top ranking world universities, according to the survey.
However, IIT Delhi and IIT Mumbai find mention among the world's top 50 technology institutions, with the former at 37 and latter at 33 -- both way behind China's Tsinghua University, placed at 16.
The six Chinese universities included among the world's top 200 are Peking University, Tsinghua University (also listed among the 50 best technology institutions), Fudan University, Nanjing University, the University of Science and Technology of China and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
The survey covering 28 countries, confirms the English-speaking world's dominance in higher education with America and Britain leading the pack.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Google Desktop : Search Extreme!
When was the last time you tried to find a long-forgotten file using your in-built Windows search and were actually successful?
Have you ever had the feeling of helplessness of not remembering to bookmark certain pages of the net (that you reached after copious amounts of searching) to find that you have deleted the history, and therefore all traces of that page? Now you wanna go there, but cant remember the address, only the site name- and the page you found needs a lot of navigating from the main page.
If that had been a blog, and if you had bookmarked the blog (and not the permalink to that page), chances are you may never find that page after a month- you might have forgotten all critical data about the file.
So how do you get back to pages that you've deleted from history?
The answer is simple- Google Desktop!
Yes Google is the best search engine that's available out there, and it now offers its services to help you bring order to the clutter that is your desktop- your complete PC.
Its shrewd, fast and comprehensive. If you've ever used Google toolbar, you'll find Google Destop pretty similar, only it searches your files and web-history and a lot more.
Simply press Ctrl twice in quick succession (like a double click), and the friendly Google Desktop Seach Bar appears in the middle of your screen (you can disable it if you want).
Have you ever had the feeling of helplessness of not remembering to bookmark certain pages of the net (that you reached after copious amounts of searching) to find that you have deleted the history, and therefore all traces of that page? Now you wanna go there, but cant remember the address, only the site name- and the page you found needs a lot of navigating from the main page.
If that had been a blog, and if you had bookmarked the blog (and not the permalink to that page), chances are you may never find that page after a month- you might have forgotten all critical data about the file.
So how do you get back to pages that you've deleted from history?
The answer is simple- Google Desktop!
Yes Google is the best search engine that's available out there, and it now offers its services to help you bring order to the clutter that is your desktop- your complete PC.
Its shrewd, fast and comprehensive. If you've ever used Google toolbar, you'll find Google Destop pretty similar, only it searches your files and web-history and a lot more.
Simply press Ctrl twice in quick succession (like a double click), and the friendly Google Desktop Seach Bar appears in the middle of your screen (you can disable it if you want).
Click here for a closer look:http://www.freewebs.com/pujyam/toolbar.JPG
It makes suggestions for keywords even as you type in the search terms. It neatly sorts out the search results as files or web-history e-mails, chats or other, providing results in order of latest used. The results presented may contain the search-term in any way- as filename, as inline text, or in a web-page recently viewed, even in your mail-box (for example, in Yahoo mail).
It gives a preview of the page or file, and it has a cached version as well, even in case the page is invalid now, or if the file has been deleted. (of course, if its a word file etc.)
This applies even if the history has been deleted- Google Desktop will have a cached version of every single page visited- so it can serve as a great tool for parents to keep an eye on their children (without them knowing), instead of using Netnanny etc.
Click here for a closer look:
http://www.freewebs.com/pujyam/search_results.JPG
In fact- so powerful it is that it gives you a cached version of even your mail-box page, which means anyone can see the mails you've got (not read them of course, but you can see the inbox page, which is saved as a screenshot by the Google Desktop Software)
And so using this- you can actually search your Yahoo mails too (I know how idiotic Yahoo Mail searches are- absolutely irrelevant) and directly goto your mailbox from Google Desktop search (of course, you must provide the username and password) and read the mail!
Its like those portkeys and fireplaces you've in Harry Potter- just tell them the location and you're right there.
The search results are so relevant, and you can sort them out pretty quickly as you get screenshots with previews of every result. Its like identifying your mom hidden in a group of young girls- so damn easy.
Its an amazing search utility, and it is actually more than merely a search. And whats more, its absolutely free!
To read more about it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Desktop
Download it from the official site here:
http://desktop.google.com/
Matrubhoomi becoming a reality?
Tell me folks- how many of you saw the movie Matrubhoomi (2003), starring Tulip Joshi- that innocent-faced girl with a look and build of a teen(She's 28 it seems), dealing with themes like female foeticide and infanticide and fratenal polyandry?
If you didn't you better check out this wiki page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrubhoomi
Once you've some basic idea of the story, and start thinking how fantastic, unrealistic is the plot- then you must read this article by Kalpana Sharma, a brilliant and fearless writer- who writes on women empowerment.
Here are some excerpts from her article: World without women published in today's Hindu Sunday Magazine (dated 18th November 2007).
In the late 1980s, when we had the first indications that technology was being used to ensure that girls were not born, a few people made rather prescient predictions about the future. They predicted that women would face much greater violence. They suggested that women would be trafficked.
These campaigners against sex-selective abortions were condemned as scare-mongerers. They were told they were exaggerating to make a point. Fewer women would mean a greater demand for them. That instead of dowry, women could demand a higher price for marriage. Realities now
We know now that the opposite has happened. Many of the dire predictions made in the 1980s are coming true. In the States where sex selection is most rampant, there are entire villages where the men cannot find women to marry. So they are “buying” women from other States. And in some instances, where the family can afford to buy just one woman, she is expected to “service” all the men in the family.
The 2001 census was a wake-up call. It exposed the damning Indian reality of falling sex ratios in the 0-6 years age group. The national average stood at 927 girls to 1,000 boys.
(I've already written an article regarding the disproportionate sex-ratio read that article here
http://hardshipalarmnot.blogspot.com/2007/09/alarming-fall-of-girls-population-in.html)
Meanwhile, according to recent reports, in villages in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, women are being sold as “wives” for as little as Rs. 3,000. Impoverished women from Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Jharkhand are finding themselves in households where they do not speak the same language as their “husbands” who have paid for them. They are expected to clean, cook and procreate. Ideally, they should bear boys. If they have girls, they have several reasons to worry. For one, girls in these villages are unwelcome. Second, in villages full of men, many of who cannot find women to marry, girls are unsafe. They cannot be sent out of the house alone. And even within the household, they have to be protected.
In some villages in Punjab, however, all the men in a household have access to the bought bride. She has no choice. Even if she is married to one brother, she must be available to all the other brothers in the house. Thus, polyandry exists, particularly in poor households where only one man can “buy” a wife.
Yet, sex selection has clearly shown that prosperity enhances and deepens inherent prejudices and provides the resources to act upon them. It is no coincidence that the most prosperous districts have the lowest sex ratios.
Read the full article here:
http://www.hindu.com/mag/2007/11/18/stories/2007111850070300.htm
If you didn't you better check out this wiki page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrubhoomi
Once you've some basic idea of the story, and start thinking how fantastic, unrealistic is the plot- then you must read this article by Kalpana Sharma, a brilliant and fearless writer- who writes on women empowerment.
Here are some excerpts from her article: World without women published in today's Hindu Sunday Magazine (dated 18th November 2007).
In the late 1980s, when we had the first indications that technology was being used to ensure that girls were not born, a few people made rather prescient predictions about the future. They predicted that women would face much greater violence. They suggested that women would be trafficked.
These campaigners against sex-selective abortions were condemned as scare-mongerers. They were told they were exaggerating to make a point. Fewer women would mean a greater demand for them. That instead of dowry, women could demand a higher price for marriage. Realities now
We know now that the opposite has happened. Many of the dire predictions made in the 1980s are coming true. In the States where sex selection is most rampant, there are entire villages where the men cannot find women to marry. So they are “buying” women from other States. And in some instances, where the family can afford to buy just one woman, she is expected to “service” all the men in the family.
The 2001 census was a wake-up call. It exposed the damning Indian reality of falling sex ratios in the 0-6 years age group. The national average stood at 927 girls to 1,000 boys.
(I've already written an article regarding the disproportionate sex-ratio read that article here
http://hardshipalarmnot.blogspot.com/2007/09/alarming-fall-of-girls-population-in.html)
Meanwhile, according to recent reports, in villages in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, women are being sold as “wives” for as little as Rs. 3,000. Impoverished women from Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Jharkhand are finding themselves in households where they do not speak the same language as their “husbands” who have paid for them. They are expected to clean, cook and procreate. Ideally, they should bear boys. If they have girls, they have several reasons to worry. For one, girls in these villages are unwelcome. Second, in villages full of men, many of who cannot find women to marry, girls are unsafe. They cannot be sent out of the house alone. And even within the household, they have to be protected.
In some villages in Punjab, however, all the men in a household have access to the bought bride. She has no choice. Even if she is married to one brother, she must be available to all the other brothers in the house. Thus, polyandry exists, particularly in poor households where only one man can “buy” a wife.
Yet, sex selection has clearly shown that prosperity enhances and deepens inherent prejudices and provides the resources to act upon them. It is no coincidence that the most prosperous districts have the lowest sex ratios.
Read the full article here:
http://www.hindu.com/mag/2007/11/18/stories/2007111850070300.htm
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Hips Don't Lie: Latino Magico!
Well folks, it had to happen sometime- I had to put up this song someday or the other- its my one of my all-time favorites, and most favoured song from Shakira- Hips Don't Lie.When I first heard about this song- that it had made it to the Grammys, and that the performance of Shakira and Wyclef Jean at the MTV Awards 2007 function had been choreographed Indian-style by Farah Khan, I didn't read much into it.
There was a review that praised Shakira with no-bounds- that the song was out of this world, and that it was something totally different all her offerings- a song that'll plummet her to the pinnacle of pop glory.
It sure did- by far, in the United World Chart it is at the #1 position.
In fact- it has been at the top of the charts of almost all major countries! Amazing for any song!
Everybody loves it!
It was awarded the World Single of the Year 2006, besides various other awards.
Everybody loves it!
It was awarded the World Single of the Year 2006, besides various other awards.
Well, there's very little I would like to say about the song, it's a mishmash of a pop number with traditional Latin beats and interludes. It contains shades of Salsa, Cumbia, Reggaeton and maybe main-stream pop as well.
The video contains a lot of belly dancing by Shakira (boy can she dance!), and no wonder- she got the MTV Award for best Choreography.
A modified version of the song was performed by Shakira at the World Cup 2006 Finals (Football, of course), and its as cool a number as it can get. The song, called Bamboo, was remixed as a much faster dance version.
A modified version of the song was performed by Shakira at the World Cup 2006 Finals (Football, of course), and its as cool a number as it can get. The song, called Bamboo, was remixed as a much faster dance version.The song actually evolved through a lot of stages, and right now, there're a lot of versions- I've provided them all.
The MTV Awards function song has some cool new instruments that actually make it even more enjoyable, although eliminating the feel of the more traditional effect of the song- that was made possible through minimal music from the traditional instruments.
Here you go,
Rapidshare Free Download Hips Don't Lie by Shakira and Wyclef Jean
Size: 8.5 MB
http://tinyurl.com/2yt8op
http://tinyurl.com/2yt8op
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Rapidshare Free Download Hips Don't Lie Bamboo World Cup 2006 Song by Shakira and Wyclef Jean
Size: 5 MB
http://tinyurl.com/ynntdx
http://tinyurl.com/ynntdx
Rapidshare Free Download Hips Don't Lie Bamboo World Cup 2006 Song Dance Remix by Shakira and Wyclef Jean
Size: 4.8 MB
http://tinyurl.com/yr34ca
http://tinyurl.com/yr34ca
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Correct Lyrics for Hips Don't Lie by Shakira and Wyclef Jean
http://tinyurl.com/2dnh8q
http://tinyurl.com/2dnh8q
Correct Lyrics for Hips Don't Lie Bamboo World Cup 2006 Song by Shakira and Wyclef Jean
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Do Ya Do Ya (Wanna Please Me) : Achtung Baby!
This is one of my favorites from Samantha Fox, although I love her Touch Me more.
It starts with a challenge- with Samantha crooning “Are you strong enough? Gimme what I want!” It sets the tone of the song- only the strong and fast can keep pace with it. The first few moments is the only peace you’ll get in the song- the rest of it hurtles ahead like a runaway train leaving you gasping and panting by the time you reach the first crescendo. The electric guitar blares in the background and the chorus blazes your ears, yet for all its high decibel levels- its more pleasure than pain.
Of course, there is a lull in the middle, but that’s just the calm before the storm, giving you time to take a few breaths-for the last minute is pure mayhem. What must’ve been a fade out finish (like her Touch Me), its total bedlam here, concentrating all the blood to your head- it literally pulls you out onto the floor to gyrate vigorously to its beats. (naa, just shake your body as if possessed)
You needn’t understand the lyrics (there aint much anyway), to enjoy the song- its more the music kinda song than meaning, but the lyrics do have a relation to the song (as I already mentioned), it (the song) depicts the power of the girl, who can be satiated by none but the strong.
You needn’t understand the lyrics (there aint much anyway), to enjoy the song- its more the music kinda song than meaning, but the lyrics do have a relation to the song (as I already mentioned), it (the song) depicts the power of the girl, who can be satiated by none but the strong.
Following the popularity of the song, an extended version was released. The problem is- the original version is too short, while the extended version is too long! :-)
It’s full of power- female power! Samantha Fox rocks! Enjoy the song!
Rapidshare Free Download Do Ya Do Ya Wanna Please Me by Samantha Fox
http://tinyurl.com/2enqyn
http://tinyurl.com/2enqyn
Rapidshare Free Download Do Ya Do Ya Wanna Please Me (Extended Version) by Samantha Fox
http://tinyurl.com/2npllt
http://tinyurl.com/2npllt
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Touch Me: Yeah It touched me (in my heart, if you're curious)
They say “It is not the Disciple who finds the Guru, rather it’s the Guru who knows the Disciple”. Well, I must say, I felt the above, when this song found me at a mall. It was crowded like hell out there, and yet amidst the pandemonium, I could hear a sweet voice crooning some inviting lines. It was like honey to my ears. I tried my best to discern the words, but the only words I could fathom were “Touch Me”, “I wanna feel your body”.
I normally get to hear songs at the mall, and forget them later in the day, but somehow, this one refused to leave my mind. The lines just kept coming back. I had to listen to the song I decided.
Its not easy downloading a song not knowing the name or the album or the artist, I thought. No not at all- just type in the words you heard along with the magic word “lyrics”, and voila, you get the info of any song that contains your lyrics. Its just child’s play to single out the song from that list (yeah I felt like Madhavan writing this- his explanation of homing in on his love-interest in Alaipayuthe in my mind).
Well, back to the song- once I downloaded it, I couldn’t wait to listen, and I wasn’t disappointed either. In fact, I liked it more than I thought I would- I was smitten with it for days together. It’s now one of my all-time favorites.
The whole song is one beautiful composition in Rock- just the kinda song you’ll hear in night clubs accompanied by some dancing ravishing beauties.
It starts off with a drum beat followed by the words “Touch Me”, and transcends into another dimension- and once you are safely landed there, the woman starts to seduce you- that’s how you feel when you first listen to the song, and what a great job she does of it!
I can’t describe the song, part by part- the whole song is a symphony of the first order- it must be heard! It can’t be categorized as a dance number, or a love song- it’s merely a song, only it’s not merely another song! And its lyrics won’t be amiss amidst a cluster of great love poems.
The song was so successful that Samantha’s popularity sky-rocketed after this, and the song alone has a cult following, inducing a techno-heavy remake in 2004 which featured Gunther and Samantha Fox (the video of which contains more perverted content than an XXX store). The song was released with two versions- a blues and a rock version (the rock one being the more famous).
I’ve provided all three versions- the original Rock, blues and remake. And just in case you don't know who Samantha Fox is- here's the askmen.com notes on her. (with footnotes from me)
why we like her?
Sam Fox not only sang deep, meaningful songs (with a hint of sarcasm, of course), but she jiggled while doing it...
why is she famous?
Samantha Fox is one of the world's most famous singers. Her song "Touch Me," is instantly recognizable anywhere. Her posters (nude and clothed) are among the most common in any of the world's car garages, and one of the most successful ever.
Rapidshare Free Download Touch Me ( I want your body) by Samantha Fox
http://tinyurl.com/2ymdjx
I normally get to hear songs at the mall, and forget them later in the day, but somehow, this one refused to leave my mind. The lines just kept coming back. I had to listen to the song I decided.
Its not easy downloading a song not knowing the name or the album or the artist, I thought. No not at all- just type in the words you heard along with the magic word “lyrics”, and voila, you get the info of any song that contains your lyrics. Its just child’s play to single out the song from that list (yeah I felt like Madhavan writing this- his explanation of homing in on his love-interest in Alaipayuthe in my mind).
Well, back to the song- once I downloaded it, I couldn’t wait to listen, and I wasn’t disappointed either. In fact, I liked it more than I thought I would- I was smitten with it for days together. It’s now one of my all-time favorites.The whole song is one beautiful composition in Rock- just the kinda song you’ll hear in night clubs accompanied by some dancing ravishing beauties.
It starts off with a drum beat followed by the words “Touch Me”, and transcends into another dimension- and once you are safely landed there, the woman starts to seduce you- that’s how you feel when you first listen to the song, and what a great job she does of it!
I can’t describe the song, part by part- the whole song is a symphony of the first order- it must be heard! It can’t be categorized as a dance number, or a love song- it’s merely a song, only it’s not merely another song! And its lyrics won’t be amiss amidst a cluster of great love poems.
The song was so successful that Samantha’s popularity sky-rocketed after this, and the song alone has a cult following, inducing a techno-heavy remake in 2004 which featured Gunther and Samantha Fox (the video of which contains more perverted content than an XXX store). The song was released with two versions- a blues and a rock version (the rock one being the more famous).
I’ve provided all three versions- the original Rock, blues and remake. And just in case you don't know who Samantha Fox is- here's the askmen.com notes on her. (with footnotes from me)
why we like her?
Sam Fox not only sang deep, meaningful songs (with a hint of sarcasm, of course), but she jiggled while doing it...
why is she famous?
Samantha Fox is one of the world's most famous singers. Her song "Touch Me," is instantly recognizable anywhere. Her posters (nude and clothed) are among the most common in any of the world's car garages, and one of the most successful ever.
Rapidshare Free Download Touch Me ( I want your body) by Samantha Fox
http://tinyurl.com/2ymdjx
Rapidshare Free Download Touch Me ( I want your body) Blues Mix by Samantha Fox
http://tinyurl.com/2p72ba
Rapidshare Free Download Touch Me ( I want your body) 2004 by Samantha Fox featuring Gunther
http://tinyurl.com/2pllpr
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Hybrid Cats: Pets From Dreamland
Well folks, when was the last time you wanted to have a Tiger for a pet? Or perhaps a Leopard? Maybe you wanted to show off like the Kings of the Moghul dynasty, or were inspired by "Scarface" Tony Montana to buy one, as a mark of your courage, but seriously speaking- could you ever have a wild cat for a pet?
Apart from the seemingly impossible task of catching one (in its infancy), training it to be a docile pet, keeping it under a leash and feeding it through the year, there's also the government to appease- they aren't gonna allow you to grow an endangered species without special permission.
So why go through all that trouble when you can simply get yourself one of the Hybrid Cats? What are they?
Well, they're feline pets right out of your dream- they are exactly what you wanted pets to be- they are miniature and docile versions of the Big Cats.
Yes! By artificial breeding, many varieties of Cats 'cat'ering to customers needs have been created.
Some of them are the Bengal Cat, The Savannah and The Ashera. Of these Bengal cat has attracted my attention the most. It is the cross of an Asian Leopard Cat and the domestic cat, and voila, you have a cat that resembles the Tiger (or a Leopard) in appearance with all the domestic characteristics of a normal Cat.
Here's a set of pics for you to see the difference:
As you can see clearly, the one on the left is the Bengal Cat, and on the right is the Royal Bengal Tiger (Ganguly, anyone?)
The Savannah is derived from a cross of the regular cat with the African Serval. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serval)
It resembles a long slender bodied cat with long ears- its more like a Cheetah and I think its the least adorable of the three varieties. (It looks like a malformed Cheetah more than a Cat)
Here's a pic of the Savannah:
The Asherah however is a new variety- something pitted as the rarest and most exotic of domestic Cats. They are a cross between a Serval and the regular cat, and a further cross with the Asian Leopard Cat- to produce an amazing triple traits Cat- having the spots of a Leopard along with contrasting stripes of a Tiger! And guess what does it cost- a whopping 22 grand ($22,000)! All for a Cat??!!
Here're some pics of the Asherah:
But from what I see- The Bengal looks most regal, while the Asherah seems nothing special- its mishmash of so many varieties leaves the final product neither here nor there. Growing up to 30 pounds, the Ashera is believed to be the largest pet cat available today. US based company Lifestyle Pets Inc. has already sold three of these felines, which are made to be uniform in size by genetic motoring.
Besides that, they are extremely social, and also allow being handled with a leash (unusual for cats). And sources say the breeding of these cats is severely limited, thereby only under a 100 cats will be available each year.
Well, all in all- unless you become one of those tibetan monks who play with tigers, this is as close you'd get to a real Tiger.
Bikini Bandits: Crazy, yet effective
Leave it to the Danes to pull out the most crazy trick out of the box. The recent move by the RFSF (Rådet for større færdelssikkerhed-Danish commission for increasing road safety) to allow a trained gang of so called Bikini Bandits to patrol the roads has been greeted with an overwhelming response from motorists.
Surveys suggest a 30% decrease in the number of cars crossing the speed limit (of 50 km/h).
So who or what are these Bikini Bandits. They are a gang of trained volunteers who prowl the streets TOPLESS (yes, topless) holding up the sign-post indicating the speed limit.
No wonder any guy would slow down or even stop to look at the sign-post (and obviously the "pole" which is holding it). Although it has been a desperate effort, and has produced favourable results, it has evoked an equal amount of criticism, especially from the female community.
Motorists stopping to gaze at the Bandits' uncovered assets has brought traffic to a standstill sometimes, while the girls jiggling their bosoms doesn't make a pretty sight for the women (who they say find such sights in public "disgusting"). Not to mention the fate of parents who would've a long bout of explanation to their little kids, if the children happen to be witnesses.
Head Bandit Heidi Svendsen (in first picture) reckons all such talk is crap and that she "couldn't care less for what others have to say. People are starting to notice!". She then sidetracked to commenting on her team as being the best (well, are there more baby? Where then?) and that they'll continue to do their jobs with full passion- that is to make Denmark sit back and pay attention.
But, of course, one mustn't forget- the Danes never worry and have no great cares to cause them stress- they've always had a care-free attitude to all things in life and why should something as innocuous and trivial as this cause them to drain their nervous energy?
On the contrary, the move is very popular among (no marks for guessing) the men.
No wonder- The Danes are the happiest people in the world (survey results).
Imagine something like this in India to stop people from littering? Dust-Bin Bandits, anyone? ;-)
Here's the link for the video of a news item on The Speed Control Bikini Bandits (Warning: Explicit Content Viewer Discretion Advised):
http://speedbandits.dk/
http://speedbandits.dk/
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Call of Cthulhu: Graphic Novel
Well folks, here's a graphic novel of the Lovecraft classic "The Call Of Cthulhu" which I found (after an excruciatingly painful search) in the Internet.
The illustrations nicely blend with the dark writing style of HP Lovecraft, (better known for "The Alchemist", which he wrote in 1908 at the age of 17) and if you found the book too recondite to understand, or too lumbering to read, you had better switch to reading the novel first, and then the book if you'd please. Of course, most of the success of Cthulhu is attributed to the slow building of the suspense- of the fear of the unseen, unimaginable Cthulhu, and if you read the novel first, you would miss out on that thrill.
But, in this fast paced world, who cares??
Anyway, here's the novel folks. Enjoy!!
Rapidshare Free Download The Call Of Cthulhu by H P Lovecraft
http://tinyurl.com/3bjms6
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Here's the Wikisource link for the original book The Call Of Cthulhu by H P Lovecraft
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Call_of_Cthulhu
The illustrations nicely blend with the dark writing style of HP Lovecraft, (better known for "The Alchemist", which he wrote in 1908 at the age of 17) and if you found the book too recondite to understand, or too lumbering to read, you had better switch to reading the novel first, and then the book if you'd please. Of course, most of the success of Cthulhu is attributed to the slow building of the suspense- of the fear of the unseen, unimaginable Cthulhu, and if you read the novel first, you would miss out on that thrill.
But, in this fast paced world, who cares??
Anyway, here's the novel folks. Enjoy!!
Rapidshare Free Download The Call Of Cthulhu by H P Lovecraft
http://tinyurl.com/3bjms6
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Here's the Wikisource link for the original book The Call Of Cthulhu by H P Lovecraft
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Call_of_Cthulhu
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Music is My Hot Hot Sex: The song in the iPod Touch ad
Well, this is the song for the latest iPod commercial- a number from the album Cansei de Ser Sexy of the brazilian band Cansai de Ser Sexy (meaning "tired of being sexy" in Portugese). It has two names though (the other is Music Is My boyfriend), the more popular one being Music is my hot hot sex (The latter is used more because it prevents any mixing up with a song by Skye Sweetnam).
Its quite a nice song- a dance number reminiscent of another song I reviewed here- Le Disko, but this one is snazzier and the electric guitar is lighter on the decibels. Besides, this's an out and out dance song, with lyrics extolling music, tailor-made for iPod or any music player for that matter.
Well, the song has the electric guitar rolling throughout, with the same drum beats as well- with some funny lyrics, and a nice tune that even kids will catch up with fast.
And it ends with a fast Portugese Rap. Its from a genre called Electronica (the ones that have a large dose of the electric guitar with a funky dance tune).Here's the Ad ( on youtube)
Here's the song along with the lyrics, enjoy!
Rapidshare Free Download Music is my boyfriend ( Music is my hot hot sex ) from Cansai de Ser Sexy
Correct Lyrics for Music is my boyfriend ( Music is my hot hot sex ) from Cansai de Ser Sexy
http://tinyurl.com/2m9r5o
http://tinyurl.com/2m9r5o
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Greatest Love Songs: Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai
Well folks- this one aint not a masterpiece from a what-was-its-name Band from a far-off country, but by a famous Music Director from India- Pritam's virtuosity combines with the flair and panache of Kay Kay to produce a masterpiece fit enough to hold its own in the Western World.
Its Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai from the critically acclaimed modern classic Woh Lamhe starring Shiney Ahuja and Kangana Ranaut. Well, where do I start folks- its one of my all time favorites, and I rarely have words to express the feelings I get whenever I listen to it (And I am loquacious, folks!).
Well, as the name suggests- the hero has started to fall in love, and he feels so many beautiful things happening around him as a result of that. His struggles and strife seem to vanish and whenever he meets her, his world transforms into paradise, with the sky growing amazingly colourful, without a rainbow. He asks himself, "Am I falling in love?" (Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai) and remarks, "Oh how beautiful it is!" (Kaisa Kumaar Hai).
Yes, its the kind of song you'll be singing if you've ever fallen in love, especially first love. Well, this song deserves a thesis from me- but I'll provide a mini version of it.
It starts off with a Guitar overture accompanied by a female chorus providing a dreamy touch, transporting you to the ethereal realms of Love. The Male chorus sets up the song nicely for a start with a bang and it sure does give you a bang-you'll be hooked to the song from the first half minute- waiting to know how the song develops. It never gets boring- rather it goes from strength to strength.
Every verse brings in something new, with lyrics penned so wonderfully like Love itself by, it stays in your heart like the first moment of happiness you cherish.
The electric guitar which gives the final touches (as well as some interesting interludes that allow the song to change gears) along with an extended fade-out finish lets the song linger in you for long.
The sudden stop in the middle (the part where the song goes over the edge, giving you the feel of a fall from a great height), when the song is at a cusp comes as a surprise- albeit an admirable one at that. Super Touch Pritam!
Controversy surrounds this song (like most of the Hindi songs and movies, nowadays), that it is direct lift from song Tak Bisakah by the Indonesian band Peterpan (yes its a band). The tunes are very much the same, although Pritam has worked on the song and enhanced most effects, like the drums, chorus and different sounds as well, not to mention that sudden stop I talked about. Besides the lyrics are totally different, the Pritam version's lyrics are mind-blowing (even if you don't know Hindi) and all in all, it can be safely said that Pritam's version is the best.
This is a love song like you've never heard before- its a celebration of Love!
There're two versions- the original (the one that appeared in the movie) and a perfect bouncy remix (by DJ A Myth and DJ Kiran) for a jive with your girlfriend/boyfriend at a party. The Tak Bisakah song from Peterpan has also been provided here.
Rapidshare Free Download Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai from Woh Lamhe composed by Pritam sung by Kay Kay ( KK )
Size: 9.1 MB
http://tinyurl.com/33qzng
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Rapidshare Free Download Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai REMIX from Woh Lamhe composed by Pritam sung by Kay Kay ( KK ) REMIXED BY DJ A Myth and DJ KiranSize: 8.4 MB
http://tinyurl.com/2r2ky5
Rapidshare Free Download Tak Bisakah performed by Peterpan
Size: 5 MB
http://tinyurl.com/39z7e6
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Tu Tienes Lo Que Quiero
It’s a nice bouncy Latin number by the Latin American Mexican Rock Band Mana, which has been around for quite a while in the circuit- almost three decades. Surprising how I didn’t get to hear their songs until now. A friend of mine who is a voracious devourer of Western songs tells me he hasn’t even heard of the name!
Anyway- they’re quite a famous group with three Grammys and five Latin Grammys under their belt. They’re still going strong, although team members have come and gone.
I’ve heard only two songs of their vast Discography, and I feel Tu Tienes Lo Que Quiero (puzzled as to how to pronounce it?- listen to the song, I’m damn sure you wouldn’t have guessed it.) is enough to keep you hooked to this band. I don’t understand the lyrics- the metaphor “Its all Latin to me” is literal here- it’s truly Spanish and Latin I guess. But anyway it has all the regular fare you expect in a Latin number of its kind- some bouncy beats, along with a general dose of the Guitar.
A refreshing addition is the usual drums combined with the African drum Kpanlogo and some other traditional instruments as well, and so it has a tropical flavor as well. (No wonder really- becoz Mana has been termed as a band with versatile music ranging from hard rock, Latin pop, Calypso and reggae) The drum beats are so perfectly placed that you never want to take your ears off the song- it flows like a river smoothly.
It follows a nice pattern- the kind we are used to in India- The initial few lines that identify the song (Pallavi), some more lines to build up the crescendo (AnuPallavi) and some nice Verses (Saranam), of course interjected with some really cool music.
Rapidshare Free Download Tu Tienes Lo Que Quiero by Mana
Anyway- they’re quite a famous group with three Grammys and five Latin Grammys under their belt. They’re still going strong, although team members have come and gone.
I’ve heard only two songs of their vast Discography, and I feel Tu Tienes Lo Que Quiero (puzzled as to how to pronounce it?- listen to the song, I’m damn sure you wouldn’t have guessed it.) is enough to keep you hooked to this band. I don’t understand the lyrics- the metaphor “Its all Latin to me” is literal here- it’s truly Spanish and Latin I guess. But anyway it has all the regular fare you expect in a Latin number of its kind- some bouncy beats, along with a general dose of the Guitar.
A refreshing addition is the usual drums combined with the African drum Kpanlogo and some other traditional instruments as well, and so it has a tropical flavor as well. (No wonder really- becoz Mana has been termed as a band with versatile music ranging from hard rock, Latin pop, Calypso and reggae) The drum beats are so perfectly placed that you never want to take your ears off the song- it flows like a river smoothly.
It follows a nice pattern- the kind we are used to in India- The initial few lines that identify the song (Pallavi), some more lines to build up the crescendo (AnuPallavi) and some nice Verses (Saranam), of course interjected with some really cool music.
Rapidshare Free Download Tu Tienes Lo Que Quiero by Mana
Size:10.6 MB
http://tinyurl.com/36gn63
http://tinyurl.com/36gn63
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Greatest Love Songs: You're Beautiful
Well- this is one of the most famous songs (You're Beautiful by James Blunt for the album Back in Bedlam) I'm reviewing, and quite critically analysed by Giants and Conoisseurs far above my level, but no matter-I'll have my say, and you can bet for sure it'll have something different than all those voices that preceded me.
This song has a story behind it, as many love songs do. From the article in wikipedia- Newspapers have claimed that "You're Beautiful" is about a former girlfriend of Blunt's, Dixie Chassay, casting director for the Harry Potter films. On March 8, 2006 episode of the Oprah Winfrey program, Blunt said of the song, "It's kind of miserable. It was about seeing my ex-girlfriend on the Underground in London with her new man, who I didn't know existed. She and I caught eyes and lived a lifetime in that moment, but didn't do anything about it and haven't seen each other since."
Quite a tragic end to a relationship that obviously meant a lot to James Blunt. But anyway, it has given us a great song. The song is so famous and popular that it has topped the US, Canada, UK and Aussie charts, featured in the Top 10 of Latin Charts and has come 3rd in the United World Chart!!
Quite massive for the kind of song that it is- not very special, but surely if you were ever a lover, you'll feel what Blunt feels through the song, its quite emotional. The lyrics of the song aren't flowery in language or generously dosed with metaphors- they're the simple words of any sad man you'll find in everyday life.
Blunt's rendition is accompanied by a Guitar, and some soft beats. The music aint too much, but the tune and the feeling in Blunt's voice carry the song through. Most of the music comes from what he sings, and not the orchestra. He has given life to the song; any budding singer trying to know how to emote in a song need search no more- here's a perfect example.
The lyrics are quite good too- he talks about the meeting earlier mentioned (seeing his ex-girlfriend with another man), and extols her smile and beauty to great heights and feels he should be with her, flies high with such dreams, but finally falls back to earth- facing the truth, that all this would never happen, and that he has lost her forever.
Its very much like all the songs our own heroes sing in the movies, of course movies with tragic endings.
Its really really touching- and if you've had a similar experience, all the more so.
Well folks- enough of talk- here's the song. Go on, listen to it! Keep your hankies right beside you- just in case :-)
Rapidshare Free Download You're Beautiful by James Blunt from the Album Back in Bedlam
Its very much like all the songs our own heroes sing in the movies, of course movies with tragic endings.
Its really really touching- and if you've had a similar experience, all the more so.
Well folks- enough of talk- here's the song. Go on, listen to it! Keep your hankies right beside you- just in case :-)
Rapidshare Free Download You're Beautiful by James Blunt from the Album Back in Bedlam
Size:5.6 MB
http://tinyurl.com/2hx6hf
http://tinyurl.com/2hx6hf
Correct Lyrics for You're Beautiful by James Blunt from the Album Back in Bedlam
http://tinyurl.com/2k85f7
Note: Tinyurl is just a masked version of Rapidshare links. Its perfectly safe. It will redirect you to the rapidshare link in a moment.
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