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How Did The World Cup Affect South Africa's District 9?

Benn suspended for antics in third Test

Sulieman Benn, the West Indies left-arm spinner, has been suspended forbreaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third Test against South Africa in Barbados last month. South Africa had asked the ICC to take disciplinary action against him last week following his altercation with fast bowler Dale Steyn on the third day of the Test.

Benn pleaded guilty to a Level 2 breach of the code and was penalised by match referee Jeff Crowe. His previous disciplinary troubles means he now faces a ban of one Test or two ODIs or two Twenty20s, whichever comes first.

The incident took place during lunch on the third day at the Kensington Oval when Benn barged into the South African dressing room and taunted some of the players and management. This followed the dismissal of Steyn a few overs before lunch when the fast bowler appeared to spit in the direction of Benn as he walked towards the pavilion. That cost Steyn his entire match fee, though the match referee agreed that Benn had provoked Steyn in the overs leading up to his dismissal.

"Whatever had gone on before Sulieman entered the Proteas' dressing room, while helping to explain his behaviour, cannot justify it," Crowe said. "Clearly, Sulieman has acted inappropriately here and in a way that is contrary to the spirit of cricket."

Benn has had behavioural issues over the past year, including a dust-up with Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin during the Perth Test in December, which earned him a two-ODI ban. He was fined his full match fee by the West Indies management last month after he was ordered off the field by captain Chris Gayle for failing to follow his instructions during the fourth ODI against South Africa.

His spat with Steyn was not the only ugly incident in an ill-tempered final Test in Barbados. Fast bowler Kemar Roach lost half his match fee after a run-in with Jacques Kallis during the closing stages of the match. He repeatedly walked up to and exchanged words with the batsman after testing him with a series of bouncers. The stand-off threatened to escalate and required the intervention of the umpires and West Indies fielders to come under control.

Sunil Pal at his best, Nana KBC

Spain Vs Netherlands...Who will be the winner???

I Hate Luv Storys draws worse than Raavan and Kites

Much as a lobby in media papers and some affiliated portals have been reporting bloated figures and occupancies for I Hate Luv Storys as a commercial grosser, comparing it to All India hits like Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani and what not, the reality on the ground is much different, even at the multiplexes. The Karan Johar film featuring Imran Khan-Sonam Kapoor has lower figures and occupancies than even last month's disaster Raavan in India (Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai), and less than Kites (Hrithik Roshan-Barbara Mori), which too was a disaster, and quite a lot worse than Prakash Jha's Rajneeti which was a hit.

Even in overseas in North America where it released mid-week Wednesday itself looking to capitalize on 4th July holiday coming up there, IHLS the film's collections were not upto expectation given it's a Karan Johar production, collecting a subpar 375K over the 3 day weekend and 535k over the extended 6 day wednesday-monday period there. Raavan which was a disaster overseas also 2 weeks before fetched $482k over its 3 day opening weekend despite opening below expectations and crashing on Sunday. Rajneeti earlier in June did $850k in USA for its 3 day weekend despite supposedly being an Indian interiors themed film.

In India, contrary to opening average of 80-90% claims across all multiplexes last Friday for IHLS, the multiplex opening average for this 'youth-centric' fare was actually closer to 40%-50% opening average with single screens much much lower. And by Wednesday, with possible exception of Delhi metro, the same multiplexes were drawing hardly 10-20 people for this 'multiplex hit'. This can be verified by visiting a multiplex like Cinemax in Andheri in Mumbai or Fame in Highland park in Calcutta. Coming up 2nd weekend too is equally shaky. The multiplexes have been asked to allocate large number of screenings again but the actual advance bookings are sad. Not even 1% in some cases.

The collections are barely over 26-27 crores (even less according to some distributors) with occupancies worse than the flops of recent past.

Sonam and Rhea's childhood pic!!

Peepli [Live] (2010) ~192Kbps-VBR *ExclusivE*

Peepli [Live] (2010) ~192Kbps-VBR *ExclusivE*

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FULL ALBUM

THE 2010 PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS NOMiNATIONS!

the 2010 emmy awards (kind of like the TV version of the oscars) nominations came out today & here's the major ones:

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Lost
The Good Wife
Breaking Bad
Dexter
Mad Men
True Blood

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights)
Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife)
Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit)
Glenn Close (Damages)
Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer)
January Jones (Mad Men)

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights)
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
Hugh Laurie (House M.D.)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Matthew Fox (Lost)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Sharon Gless (Burn Notice)
Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife)
Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)
Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)
Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)
Rose Byrne (Damages)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
John Slattery (Mad Men)
Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad)
Martin Short (Damages)
Terry O' Quinn (Lost)
Michael Emerson (Lost)
Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age)

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Mary Kay Place (Big Love)
Sissy Spacek (Big Love)
Shirley Jones (The Cleaner)
Lily Tomlin (Damages)
Ann-Margret (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit)
Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost)

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Beau Bridges (The Closer)
Ted Danson (Damages)
John Lithgow (Dexter)
Alan Cumming ( The Good Wife)
Dylan Baker (The Good Wife
Robert Morse (Mad Men)
Gregory Itzin (24)

OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Friday Night Lights
Mad Men
Dexter
Big Love
The Good Wife
True Blood

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Breaking Bad - One Minute
Dexter - The Getaway
Lost - The End
Mad Men - Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency
Treme - Pilot

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Friday Night Lights - The Son
Lost - The End
The Good Wife - Pilot
Mad Men - Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency
Mad Men - Shut The Door. Have A Seat.

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OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
Nurse Jackie
Glee
Modern Family
Curb Your Enthusiasm
30 Rock
The Office

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)
Lea Michele (Glee)
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Toni Collette (The United States of Tara)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine)
Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm)
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Matthew Morrison (Glee)
Steve Carell (The Office)
Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
Tony Shalhoub (Monk)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Jane Lynch (Glee)
Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live)
Jane Krakowski (30 Rock)
Julie Bowen (Modern Family)
Sofia Vergara (Modern Family)
Holland Taylor (Two and A Half Men)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Chris Colfer (Glee)
Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family)
Jon Cryer (Two and A Half Men)
Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family)
Ty Burrell (Modern Family)

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Christine Baranski (The Big Bang Theory)
Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives)
Kristin Chenoweth (Glee)
Tina Fey (Saturday Night Live)
Betty White (Saturday Night Live)
Elaine Stritch (30 Rock)
Jane Lynch (Two and a Half Men)

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Eli Wallach (Nurse Jackie)
Mike O' Malley (Glee)
Neil Patrick Harris (Glee)
Fred Willard (Modern Family)
Jon Hamm (30 Rock)
Will Arnett (30 Rock)

OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Glee
Nurse Jackie
The United States of Tara
Modern Family
30 Rock

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Glee - Pilot
Glee - Wheels
Modern Family - Pilot
Nurse Jackie - Pilor
30 Rock - I Do Do

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Glee - Pilot
Modern Family - Pilot
The Office - Niagara
30 Rock - Anna Howard Shaw Day
30 Rock - Lee Marvin vs. Derek Jeter

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a few facts:
- one time emmy favorites, 24, Law & Order, and Ugly Betty were shut out of the major categories for their final seasons
- of the 48 acting nominees, less than half were nominated in 2009 and 14 are from new shows
- elizabeth mitchell is the first & only female from Lost to get acting recognition
- edie falco is now one of the few actors/actresses who have been nominated in their career for both a drama (the sopranos) and a comedy (nurse jackie) series
- new comedies cougar town, the middle, and community were shut out
- several nomination streaks were broken this year: after 5 consecutive nominations, grey's anatomy's sandra oh gets shut out, after 4 consecutive nominations, grey's anatomy chandra wilson and two and a half men's charlie sheen get shut out, after 3 consecutive nominations, weeds' elizabeth perkins, brothers & sisters' sally field, weeds' mary-louise parker, the office's rainn wilson, and entourage's kevin dillon were shut out
- after 4 straight nominations, house is shut out of best drama series while, after 3 straight nominations, entourage is shut out of best comedy series
- after being the only "friend" not nominated during the show's 10 year run, courteney cox continues to be snubbed by not getting nominated for cougar town
- of the six adult characters on modern family, only one was not nominated: ed o' neill
- every award considered, glee leads with 19 nominations, mad men with 17, 30 rock with 15, modern family with 14, Lost with 12, and the good wife with 9.

other nominees listed at emmys.com

SRK's Two Good For 'Ra.One'

Shah Rukh Khan's most ambitious venture 'Ra.One' will be given an artistic Hollywood boost. AfterHrithik Roshan garnered big praise with 'Krrish', SRK is attempting the sci fi superhero genre and is sparing no effort to ensure a production with the highest artistic standards.

Reportedly, SRK has lassoed in two top Hollywood technicians: cinematographer Nicola Pecorini ('Fear'; 'Loathing In Las Vegas') and special effects expert Jeffrey Keisler ('X Men' series).

Says an 'Ra.One' insider, "The two have come on board and SRK and the entire team is very happy with the manner in which the film has shaped up. 'Ra.One' will resemble a glossy Hollywood film and will be a visual treat. It's a difficult project as it will combine sci fi effects and state of the art visual effects."

Abhishek impressed by Vivek?

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Time and again Vivek Oberoi has tried to mend his ways with the Bachchans. But to no avail! However, now it looks like Abhishek Bachchan is in a mood to reciprocate Vivek's earnest actions. Recently, Abhishek Bachchan was all praise for Vivek's upcoming film.

He wrote on the micro-blogging site, twitter, "Shooting for dum maaro dum and @RGVzoomin just dropped in for lunch. Showed me a bit of his new film rakthcharitra. Looking awesome!"

CHECK OUT: Vivek refuses to work with Chitrangada

Vivek Oberoi is playing the lead role in Ram Gopal Varma's RAKTA CHARITRA. We all know that Abhishek and Vivek don't share a very pleasant past. After all, Vivek was dating Aishwarya Rai before she got married to Abhishek Bachchan.

Can we now expect a new relationship to begin between Vivek and the Bachchans? Only time will tell.

Why Abhay is not promoting AISHA?

Abhay Deol, who has been receiving rave reviews after the promos of his forthcoming AISHA hit the airwaves, is disappointed at not being part of the film's promotions which took a backseat due to Abhay's hectic schedule.


Abhay Deol who is currently shooting for Zoya Akhtar's ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA in Spain has often spoken about the great time he had shooting for AISHA also starring Sonam Kapoor. However, the star had already committed his dates to Zoya Akhtar and hence is unable to be part of the initial promotions of the film that marks his return to commercial rom-com cinema.

Says a source, "Abhay is trying to wrap things for ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA so that he can make it here for some of AISHA's promotions. He is very disappointed that he could not be part of the film's promotions but then again he had already promised Zoya his dates much in advance. He is really looking forward to the film."

Abhay Deol known for his expertise in unconventional roles now takes on a commercial film that sees him in a novel avatar very unlike the roles he's accustomed to doing. And if sources are to be believed, Abhay who plays a pivotal role in the film, has done a stellar job in the film and is ready to wow audiences like he has never failed to do time and again.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI going GHAJINI way?

Ekta Kapoor partners with a leading multiplex for the promotion of her forthcoming filmONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI. The promotional campaign that will be running across 28 locations and 93 screens spread over the country will see the ushers in the multiplex dressed in a 70's get up keeping with the theme of the film. The promotional campaign reminds one of GHAJINI's promotions in which the ushers of some leading multiplexes sported Aamir Khan's bald look from the film.

Seen through the eyes of a police officer, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI traces the changing face of the Mumbai underworld. The film, set primarily in 1970 Mumbai, follows the rise of Sultan (Ajay Devgn), and his eventual fall, when his protege Shoaib (Emraan Hashmi), challenges his supremacy, and usurps power to rule the murky underbelly of Mumbai.

CHECK OUT: ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI Music Review

Speaking about this innovative marketing idea, Mr. Vikram Malhotra - COO - Motion Pictures at Balaji, said, 'It is imperative to create the right kind of buzz for a film especially in the environment where the film is viewed by its audience. ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is a stylish ode to the retro cool era of the 70s and we felt that it would be perfect if we could present the film in an exciting manner to its patrons in advance of the film's release. From now to the release of the film, the customer-facing personnel of our partner multiplex chain would be clothed in the chic 70s style which will give our audience a flavor of things to come. This is just one amongst several such innovative and exciting efforts that are woven around Once UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI. Get ready for 30th July!'

'It's a very interesting promotional tie-up. We have chosen average 3 to 4 ushers/cafe boys from each location which totals around 150 promoters. Their body-measurements are taken and the designers of film are working on the wardrobe based on the 70s theme of dressing. They will wear tight shirts and bell-bottoms keeping intact the element of our corporate dressing,' adds Devang Sampat, President Cinemax India Ltd.

Balaji & Milan Luthria's ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is all set to release worldwide on 30th July 2010.

Kangna: I am the romantic force of OUATIM

Kangna Ranaut has made a career out of playing characters that have been biographical in nature, case in point being GANGSTER (Monica Bedi) and WOH LAMHE (Parveen Babi). Even in FASHION, her character was said to be modelled on a couple of prominent high flying models. No wonder, when a film was announced - ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI - about the gangs of Mumbai (then called Bombay), with the 70s battle of Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim, there was immense curiosity to know more about the presence of leading ladies in the film. This is the reason why Kangna is happy that she was the chosen one and hence didn't hesitate in going ahead and playing yet another character that stems from a biographical tale. "The brief that was given to me by Milan (Luthria) was that I have to project such a woman with whom every man should fall in love", she smiles, "On the face value this seems simple but enacting this is a different challenge altogether. To play a Bollywood Diva who is so real isn't something that is easy to portray. I had to act a lot through eyes and emotions." CHECK OUT: Kangna took inspiration from Zeenat Aman In the film, Kangna gets the perks of playing a reel life Bollywood superstar. "Ajay's (Devgn) character feels connected to the one enacted by me (Rehana) because he knows her only through the big screen", divulges Kangna, "Once the two fall in love, Rehana becomes really vulnerable. You can say that while Ajay is the positive force of the film, Emraan is the negative force and I am the romantic force." Of course Kangna, we would like to believe that!

Mugdha overshadows Bobby Deol in HELP?

It is known by now that Mugdha Godse plays a woman possessed in HELP. Since in horror films, it is the presence of troubled characters that drives the narrative, one wonders if the film is totally woman centric. Also, because Bobby too would be seen in a new assignment after a hiatus, one waits to see how his character unfolds in this horror film. A source attached to the film does inform that Mugdha is indeed a pivotal element in HELP. He says, "The film moves ahead with her character. There is a marital discord between her and Bobby but that is just one of the problems when seen in the larger perspective. Once Mugdha's character becomes possessed, there is no turning back in the story. HELP is one of the most shocking horror films that has come out of Bollywood." If Mugdha plays a central character in the film, where does that leave the lead hero Bobby Deol? CHECK OUT: Mugdha Godse bares for HELP! "Of course both Bobby and I are in parallel roles", comes an immediate reaction from Mugdha in her co-star's defense, "He definitely has a major part to play. If one character is possessed then another has to do something to help her out. Even though our characters are shown to be going through problems, a few unfortunate incidents only bring us closer. It all boils down to love eventually." Now that should lay all speculations to rest. Bobby Deol's first ever horror flick, HELP releases all over on 13th August along with Aamir Khan's PEEPLI [LIVE].

Farah Khan: Akshaye is Bollywood's best actor

Farah Khan's TEES MAAR KHAN is already under way big time and is all set to for a Christmas release. The director of the film, Farah Khan was all praises for Akshaye Khanna, who is playing a pivotal role in the film. Said the filmmaker, "I have worked with Akshaye Khanna in his very first film, BORDER. He has changed a lot. He has matured a lot. I don't think we have a better actor than Akshaye Khanna in our industry. He's a superb actor." CHECK OUT: Farah's TEES MAAR KHAN to release on December 24th 2010 Farah Khan also feels that Akshay Khanna is very underrated. "He's highly underrated. But only he is responsible for it because he never does his own publicity. He doesn't go to parties or does photo shoots. He is very low key. But in TEES MAAR KHAN he is absolutely the surprise package," said the director. TEES MAAR KHAN, which releases on 24th December 2010, also stars Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif.

DABAANG theatrical promo from July 23

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Here's some good news for all the fans of Salman Khan. The theatrical trailer of his upcoming film, DABAANG will be out soon.

Producer Arbaaz Khan, who is also acting in the film revealed on a social networking site, "Just finalized my theatrical teaser promo. It shld be in theaters all ovr by 23rd july soon followed by the tv promos. Do giv me ur feedback"

CHECK OUT: Salman, Sonakshi starrer DABAANG showcased at IIFA

Apart from Salman and Arbaaz Khan, the film will see Shatrughan Sinha's daughterSonakshi Sinha making her acting debut.

Directed by Abhinav Kashyap and set in the state of Uttar Pradesh, DABAANG is the story of a corrupt police officer played by Salman Khan. It highlights the flaws and loopholes in the system.

Is Shah Rukh Khan worth Rs 300 crores ?

Ajay Devgan in six different Avatar

The first ever game show of India is coming back with its fourth installment

Hrithik Roshan star is next on the list of Madame tussaud's museum

Milenge Milenge and Red Alert release clash at the Box Office

Priyanka Chopra all set do the Tango

Stars Dhamaka At IIFA

The "u.p bihar lutne" gal is back on stage

Imran-Sonam's adventurous act

Implantable eye telescope approved for use in patients

Updated at: 2333 PST, Saturday, July 10, 2010 NEW YORK: A miniature telescope that is implanted in the eye to solve sight problems has been approved for use in the US. The new device is for people with an irreversible, advanced form of macular degeneration in which a blind spot develops in the central vision of both eyes. The telescope replaces the eye’s nature lens and can provide an image that is magnified by almost three times. The device then magnifies and projects the images onto a healthy portion of the retina. The firm behind the telescope claims that it will help patients suffering from end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease which is the leading cause of vision loss in the US. It can only be used in one eye because the other is needed for peripheral vision. Patients who receive the telescope will need rehabilitation to help retrain their brain to merge the views from the two eyes into a single image. It is intended for patients 75 and older with severe vision impairment caused by blind spots and clinical tests found that for 75 per cent saw an improvement in their eyesight. The drugs watchdog, the FDA, said that the telescope’s size might mean that patients will also need a corneal transplant after the operation. Wet AMD is caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels around the eye, and can be treated by stopping the growth of a natural protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The firm behind the telescope, VisionCare, must now carry out two further studies, following up existing patients and beginning a study of 770 new patients. Each telescope will cost $15,000.

Spain, Dutch set for World Cup final battle

Updated at: 0701 PST, Sunday, July 11, 2010 JOHANNESBURG: Spain and Holland championed unity as the key to Sunday's World Cup final battle while Germany's impressive collection of young talent set out their stall for the 2014 title by clinching third place. Spain coach Vicente del Bosque believes victory at Johannesburg's Soccer City can strike a blow for national cohesion, a day after a million people marched in northeastern Spain in support of Catalan autonomy. "There are players from all over Spain here in the squad, we are united and I hope the same feeling of unity occurs back in Spain," said Del Bosque. "I think sport does many good things and I hope football could lead to better relations in our country." Barcelona supplied seven of the starting line-up when Spain beat Germany in the semi-finals with that figure likely to be replicated when del Bosque's stylish side look to add a first world title to their European crown. Dutch skipper Giovanni van Bronckhorst also stressed the significance of team spirit as he confirmed there had been none of the tensions between players that have hampered Holland's chances of success at previous tournaments. "I think the spirit in the camp has been extremely important," said Feyenoord star van Bronckhorst, who will retire after Sunday's final. "As players you have to spend six or seven weeks together to achieve your goal and I believe, if the atmosphere is good off the pitch, it will be good on it - you will go that extra mile for a team mate." It has not always been like that for the Dutch, whose chances of success on the international stage have been frequently sabotaged by squabbling.