Last week, even if Maoists had killed over 2000 and left them on any main street in New Delhi including in front of Parliament House or if T Rajendhar had won both the Oscars and the Grammy for lifetime achievement or if Barack Obama and Osama bin Laden were revealed to be gay partners, we would not have had even a clue about them from the various sections of the Indian media. You know they (the media) had no time for them as they were fully immersed in giving us the most inside of info and up-close details on the IPL shenanigans.
The coverage of the IPL has been so comprehensive that even a man in the street can tell you now with authority as to what brand of inner-wear Lalit Modi sport inside his bespoke suits or whether Sunanda Pushkar and Shashi Tharoor use...well, forget it, this is getting too intimate.
The point is we are all so well fed on the IPL that we know everything about it, except the part that is shady ---- that is to say all parts of it. The round-the-clock frenzy on television over the murky sideshow in the IPL must go down in history as those moments that were accompanied by round-the-clock frenzy. Beyond this, nothing is clear.
Here is what happened on three main English news channels. What you are going to read may sound silly and stupid. But understand, satire has its limitations. The reality was far worse.
Times Now
Arnab Goswami: We can now confirm to the viewers that this channel is the first one to break the news this afternoon after breaking news in the morning and also breaking news last night in the continuing saga of rapidly unfolding events of fast breaking news for the benefit of viewers of this channel.
We now have on the phone line our chief political editor who has been constantly tracking all that is happening on the cricketing arena for the last 20 years or so (To the correspondent on the phone line) Okay, tell us what breaking news do you have for the viewers of this channel that has been breaking news in breaking news?
Correspondent: Arnab, our sources in the Home Ministry, which has been probing cricket events, have just confirmed to us to that the latest developments that we have been breaking to the viewers of this channel are indeed confirmed. We can also tell the viewers of this channel that we break only confirmed news. Back to you, Arnab
Arnab Goswami: Indeed it is a very damning piece of information. It has been a momentous period and the time has come to ask the question that every cricket fan in every corner of this country who has been watching this channel is dying to ask in the light of what has been unfolding before us in the last week ever since we first reported the first-ever reported ..... and as I am speaking to you, we have more breaking news coming in from our chief cricket correspondent who has been keeping track of politics for the last 20 years...
CNN IBN
Rajdeep Sardesai: As the clamour for the nationalisation of the IPL gets louder and louder, CNN-IBN has learnt from extremely reliable sources in the External Affairs Ministry, which takes care of cricket played across the globe, that the government has decided to completely internationalise the IPL and bring it under the ambit of the UN. For the latest on this development, we are joined in by our sports editor who is in charge of foreign affairs.
Correspondent: Rajdeep, indeed sources close to the development aver that the government has moved close to the idea of internationalising the IPL in the face of mounting concerns in Parliament. With heavyweights like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav, who are neither allies nor rivals but wouldn’t mind if Ministerial posts are offered to them, making it clear that they want to do something to the IPL including banning it, the government has veered down to the view of internationalising cricket and pushing it to the UN.
Rajdeep: To get a true perspective on this new turn, we have now with us, okay he never gets anywhere out of the studio, Suhel Seth, who is an expert in being an expert on all matters whenever a mike is proferred near him.
Suhel Seth: This is backdoor cronyism. The government seems to have bowed to the pressures of the lobby that wanted the IPL banned.
Rajdeep: How does IPL being taken to the UN amount to it being banned?
Suhel: (Shaking his head and dishevelling his already dishevelled hair further), Rajdeep, who heads the UN? It’s Ban. So taking IPL to UN is prima facie, not to speak ipso facto, banning it.
Anyway, the way out of this mess is more clarity. The need of the hour is transparency, especially since Shilpa Shety and Priety Zinta are involved in this. As far as Sunanda Pushkar goes, let Shashi Tharoor bother about transparency. But any way, her case is a see-through.
NDTV
Barkha Dutt: According to reports just in, the Congress has made it clear that the IPL mess has to be cleaned at the earliest. In fact Congress sources are telling us that Sonia is discontented with the developments that has brought disrepute to the game and also seen several thousand crores of rupees flow to the NCP. It is also learnt that Rahul Gandhi is unhappy with the state of affairs. (Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, for his part, continued to maintain a facial expression that means to mirror Sonia’s anguish. Of course, Barkha did not say this).
We have in our studios, Shashank Manohar, the president of the BCCI, which is supposed to run the affairs of cricket in this country.
Barkha: Mr Manohar, Hasn’t IPL done more harm to cricket than develop it?
Shashank: The game of cricket is...
Barkha (interjecting): So you mean to say cricket is just a game; if so how do you explain the crores and crores of rupees flowing to the game that has caused anguish to Sonia, Rahul, and perhaps others?
Shashank: Money and market forces....
Barkha (interjecting): You are suggesting that the market is forcing things upon your organisation? Are these forces inimical to the nation’s secularism and Sonia Gandhi (and Rahul Gandhi)?
Shashank: Modi is....
Barkha (naturally interjecting): Ok, without needing to put any words into his mouth, Shashank has eloquently stated that Modi’s presence is detrimental to the country’s secular fabric and leather.
(clang, cling, bang ...sound of TV screens being smashed to smithereens in many households).
Friday, April 23, 2010
IPL now hit by match-fixing, betting allegations-27 players under scanner
Serious allegations that matches were fixed during the second season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) add to concerns that Indian cricket is skidding towards an apocalypse now.
Sources confirm to NDTV that 27 cricketers are being investigated for match-fixing during IPL2. In a report submitted to the Finance Ministry, income tax officials discuss allegations of betting involving IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi.
The owners of different IPL teams have expressed their unhappiness with reports of match-fixing; they want clarifications as soon as possible.
The IPL, earlier celebrated as an infusion of cricket, fans, and Bollywood has been passing through its darkest hour, ever since IPL Chairman unloaded on twitter revelations that forced Shashi Tharoor to resign as minister, PUT Modi's own job on the line, and forced Parliament to confront the very real possibility of senior politicians holding dangerously vested interest in a sport that is bursting at the seams with crores (the Indian cricket board is the richest in the world).
The government has ordered a wide inquiry involving the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate. Among the charges are foreign exchange violations, tax evasions, proxy ownership of different teams, and sweet deals for relatives and friends of politicians and cricket organizers and administrators.
In an interview to NDTV, IPL Governing Council member Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi said that of the many problems that the IPL is riddled with, it's the prospect of match-fixing that worries him the most
Sources confirm to NDTV that 27 cricketers are being investigated for match-fixing during IPL2. In a report submitted to the Finance Ministry, income tax officials discuss allegations of betting involving IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi.
The owners of different IPL teams have expressed their unhappiness with reports of match-fixing; they want clarifications as soon as possible.
The IPL, earlier celebrated as an infusion of cricket, fans, and Bollywood has been passing through its darkest hour, ever since IPL Chairman unloaded on twitter revelations that forced Shashi Tharoor to resign as minister, PUT Modi's own job on the line, and forced Parliament to confront the very real possibility of senior politicians holding dangerously vested interest in a sport that is bursting at the seams with crores (the Indian cricket board is the richest in the world).
The government has ordered a wide inquiry involving the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate. Among the charges are foreign exchange violations, tax evasions, proxy ownership of different teams, and sweet deals for relatives and friends of politicians and cricket organizers and administrators.
In an interview to NDTV, IPL Governing Council member Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi said that of the many problems that the IPL is riddled with, it's the prospect of match-fixing that worries him the most
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Indian techie builds low cost robot for household chores
A Bangalore based Microsoft techie, Ramaprasad has built robots that can cook, keep the house safe when he is away and help him spend his leisure the way he likes it best. Also, these robots tell him news that interests him, and show him ads of products he would like to buy.Talking to Bangalore Mirror on the sideline of Microsoft Tech Ed being organized in Bangalore, Ramaprasad said that it is awesome letting smart robots do all the humdrum work at home. What thrills him even more is that he made all the robots, which he calls Buddyhomes.
The software, hardware, design and implementation are all his. For the past 15 day, Buddyhomes do every work for Ramaprasad. They wake him up with an alarm. If he does not wake up, they pour some water over his head! He goes for his breakfast. He puts the noodles into a pan on the stove. Then he leaves because he wants to read the newspaper. Meanwhile, a buddyhome stirs the noodles. In two minutes, he gets the message that noodles is ready. He scans the newspapers. He is interested in Lalu Prasad Yadav. He smiles. Immediately, the screen on the wall before him shows the latest available news about Lalu.
Building these robots with software including cloud computing, Microsoft.Net, Visual Studio 2010 and Open Computer Vision, Ramaprasad said that the technology to build the robots is 'very simple'. It has three webcams and a screen, gesture-recognising software, and hardware from SP Road near Town Hall. "It costs me just Rs.16,000. It is so reasonable because most parts are from SP Road. The motors, chips, atmega, and H bridges are all from SP Road."Now Ramaprasad is trying to finetune the robots to do wet mops of the floor, and do more sophisticated cooking. In particular, he wants to pursue gesture-reading robots because he sees great potential in it for the hearing- and speech-impaired. "I think it is possible to interpret gestures, and turn that into voice. Think how it can help those who cannot speak," said Ramaprasad, who studied in College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai, and has a BE in computer science and engineering from Anna University.
The software, hardware, design and implementation are all his. For the past 15 day, Buddyhomes do every work for Ramaprasad. They wake him up with an alarm. If he does not wake up, they pour some water over his head! He goes for his breakfast. He puts the noodles into a pan on the stove. Then he leaves because he wants to read the newspaper. Meanwhile, a buddyhome stirs the noodles. In two minutes, he gets the message that noodles is ready. He scans the newspapers. He is interested in Lalu Prasad Yadav. He smiles. Immediately, the screen on the wall before him shows the latest available news about Lalu.
Building these robots with software including cloud computing, Microsoft.Net, Visual Studio 2010 and Open Computer Vision, Ramaprasad said that the technology to build the robots is 'very simple'. It has three webcams and a screen, gesture-recognising software, and hardware from SP Road near Town Hall. "It costs me just Rs.16,000. It is so reasonable because most parts are from SP Road. The motors, chips, atmega, and H bridges are all from SP Road."Now Ramaprasad is trying to finetune the robots to do wet mops of the floor, and do more sophisticated cooking. In particular, he wants to pursue gesture-reading robots because he sees great potential in it for the hearing- and speech-impaired. "I think it is possible to interpret gestures, and turn that into voice. Think how it can help those who cannot speak," said Ramaprasad, who studied in College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai, and has a BE in computer science and engineering from Anna University.
Awesome Flags
There is absolutely no doubt that american-flag.com is by far the best store where we can order and buy flags..United states flag store, a division of online stores inc. is by far the best ever place where we can buy exclusive US flags.They facilitate us with flags for both commercial and personal use, as well as indoor and outdoor flags.
In addition to that they also facilitate us with wall mounted flag poles for commercial and residential purpose. They are well known for their exclusive customer service and they are very much focused in offering high quality customer service.Apart from patriotic decorations they also facilitate us with exclusive US stick flags. All the outdoor flags offered by them are always in high demand.The most attractive feature of their service is that they sell 500 to 1000 flags per day and they sell better flags for less and ship them faster.
They are the largest flag store that enables us to buy american flags, flag poles, custom flags, patriotic decorations, world flags etc. They enable us to buy valley forge flags, small flags, state flags, military flags, sports flag, flag cases etc. They are also renowned for their elegant indoor flags. If you wish to know more information then just log on to their website. Order your flags now!
In addition to that they also facilitate us with wall mounted flag poles for commercial and residential purpose. They are well known for their exclusive customer service and they are very much focused in offering high quality customer service.Apart from patriotic decorations they also facilitate us with exclusive US stick flags. All the outdoor flags offered by them are always in high demand.The most attractive feature of their service is that they sell 500 to 1000 flags per day and they sell better flags for less and ship them faster.
They are the largest flag store that enables us to buy american flags, flag poles, custom flags, patriotic decorations, world flags etc. They enable us to buy valley forge flags, small flags, state flags, military flags, sports flag, flag cases etc. They are also renowned for their elegant indoor flags. If you wish to know more information then just log on to their website. Order your flags now!
Summer without AC
Dear friends! The heat of the summer has clearly taken over the throne and the icy cold winds have stopped brushing our face. It is indeed one of the toughest jobs for any homeowner. People are now running after the air conditioning experts to get their ACs repaired, like those who want arizona air conditioning service with the expertise of AC by Jay's Home Comfort Team. You can bank on their service experience, just read all the testimonials on their site. They help to make your ACs just fine so you can feel the difference between Jay's Comfort Team service and others. They are inexpensive and give complete value to your hard earned money. With thisarizona air conditioning helping you to make your summer cooler, you do not have to worry about chasing another AC repair firm. This is the right time to install this arizona ac for your home/ office. They are completely different when compared to other competitors. Make use of their service and you will really like it. They also have a complaint free record unlike the other Arizona air conditioning companies. All these features have made them the best among the rest. When one thinks of AC repair, the very next thought of theirs is AC by Jay’s Comfort Team
Free $770 Paid vacation
All-inclusive holidays take the stress out of traveling. Just take a good book and a healthy appetite and the rest is done for you. Great food and sun-baked shores, it's just what the doctor ordered. But we must pay the price for it. Can we save $770 per couple for visiting one of these exotic places. Yes! It’s damn true!! Guess what? I am going to hit Jamaica along with my wife for the seven-night/eight-day getaways. I got a wonderful opportunity to save up to $770 per couple until August 31, 2010 on Breezes.com. Breezes Resorts and Spas; that where you can find all your destinations of the Caribbean such as Jamaica, Bahamas, Curacao, Brazil and Panama. They offer all inclusive vacation packages. Jamaica is also known as "Land of Wood and Water", or the "Land of Springs".I am very interested in playing golf, oo the first place for me, would be Runaway Bay Jamaica. It has a superior Golf Club along with the Spa. Then the next hot spot would be Bob Marley Museum. I love his music. Hail Bob Marley!! Then along the way, I could do some mountain biking, para-sailing. The great one to do is the Catamaran Cruise. I would like to experience the Blue Mountain bicycle adventure. I would like to do all these favorite activities before I reach Negril Jamaica. The reason is that there is a great Breezes spa at that resort, waiting for me.
Monday, April 19, 2010
10 Great cars we look forward in 2010 for Indian Sub continent!
2010 has so far been a very significant year for the Indian automobile sector. India has seen a number of launches by global car manufacturers and world class products coming to India.
The country also saw the incoming of made-for-India cars and production bases shifting to the country. Some Indian manufacturers like Tata grabbed global attention and are on the road to entering into the developed markets. But this is just the tip of the iceberg as there are many more significant events lined up to happen in the year.
Here is a look at all those brand new cars that will soon set Indian roads ablaze.
1 BMW X1
German auto giant BMW showcased this beauty at the Delhi Auto Expo and this next generation car has state of the art technology and features and is comparatively low priced.
BMW X1 is expected to be powered by a diesel engine and would fall in the price range of Rs 25-30 lakh (Rs 2.5-3 million).
It is not just the looks of the BMW X1, which in any case are stunning, but this beauty also promises to be a safe car equipped with ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), dual front airbags and side ITS head airbags, alarm system with remote control and engine immobilizer, front and rear anti roll bars, central locking, child lock, crash sensor, front and rear fog lamps, halogen headlamps, front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioner and belt force limiter, side impact protection and many more features.
2 Tata Aria
Tata Aria is a versatile crossover, with features common to premium SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and it is thus bound to make a mark for itself.
It is an eight-seater luxurious MUV (multi-utility vehicle) built on the roadster concept and comes with a 2.2L, DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) engine.
This is being hailed as the most sophisticated Tata car ever and is expected to be in the price range if Rs 10-15 lakh (Rs 1-1.5 million).
The Tata Aria in India will come with a four-wheel drive option. The Aria was also on display at the recently-concluded 80th Geneva Auto Show. The Aria has a plethora of new and advanced features.
The brakes would be disc type coupled with ABS and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system. The ESP is the first of Tata cars to be offered with.
Aria is likely to handle very well on city roads and also off the road, as it is packed with a number of best-in-class features. Aria's power steering, efficient braking system with ESP and standard ground clearance ensure hassle free driving.
3 Skoda Yeti
With a price tag of approximately around Rs 12-15 lakh (Rs 1.2-1.5 million), the Yeti would be placed between Skoda Fabia and Skoda Octavia.
The Skoda Yeti is an all new compact SUV (sports utility vehicle) and will have both petrol and diesel engine options.
This one is expected to be a great performer. Skoda Yeti would be introducing new engines and new technical solutions. Yeti's off-road regime that adapts the settings of the electronic systems to driving on rough terrain and movable hooks in the luggage space are going to be a few new features..
Skoda Yeti's front has a markedly shaped radiator grill surrounded by four headlights, whereas the rear is very basic. The car has compact dimensions and boasts of easy controllability and manoeuvrability. Skoda Yeti's enhanced mudguards and silver under body protection strips assist while driving in rough terrain.
The glass spaces of the windows on Skoda Yeti stand-out in design and complement the electrically controlled two-part panoramic sunroof and crossways roof rack.
4 Nissan Micra
Nissan Motor Company's first made-in-India car is expected to make its debut with a price tag of about Rs 4-5 lakh (Rs 400,000-500,000).
Nissan Micra will come with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and has been developed on Nissan's V-platform. Micra was designed and tested in Japan and would be available in 150 countries worldwide. Nissan Micra would have stylish dual tone interiors with dual tone dashboard and an advanced instrument panel.
Micra will also have dual front airbags, ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and anti-skid system make up for the car's safety gear. News is that the Nissan Micra would come in six variants with both petrol and diesel engine option.
5 Maruti Cervo
The Maruti Cervo is all set to give competition to the higher models of Tata Nano. It is being speculated that the Maruti Cervo would be priced at Rs 1.5-2 lakh (Rs 150,000-200,000).
The car is a five-door hatchback model and has a spacious passenger cabin. It would come with a 0.7L, 660 cc petrol engine with a claimed fuel economy of 21-22 kmpl.
The braking system in Maruti Cervo will be conventional type that will follow front disc and rear drum brake. We can't expect ABS system in this price range.
The car will also house newer shock absorbers. The suspensions are responsible for smooth driving which not only increase riding pleasure but safety also.
6 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Popularly called Evo X, the car would be available in 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed twin clutch transmission.
The price tag is expected to be around Rs 30 lakh (Rs 3 million) and this launch is a part of the revamped strategy from Mitsubishi Motor.
The car's engine would have turbocharged MIVEC technology that controls valve timing electronically. The top speed of the Indian EVO X is said to be 250 kmph.
7 Toyota Avanza
Toyota Avanza is to be positioned below the Toyota Innova and is likely to be a sort of mini Innova. The MUV (multi utility vehicle) is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 6-9 lakh (Rs 600,000-900,000).
The Toyota Avanza might have the 1495 cc engine present in Thailand model. This 1.5L petrol engine consists of 4 cylinder, DOHC 16 valve matted with VVTi technology.
8 Maruti Kizashi
Kizashi is Maruti Suzuki's first product in the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. Kizashi falls in the D segment and is expected to come with a 2.4 AWD engine sporting 18-inch alloy wheels and a 425 Rockford Fosgate audio system with iPod and bluetooth connectivity.
The car is expected to cost around Rs 12 lakh (Rs 1.2 million). Kizashi reached North American showrooms in December last year and so far about 300-400 units have been sold.
Suzuki showcased all four trims of the 2010 Kizashi at the Chicago Auto Show in February.
9 Skoda Roomster
Skoda Roomster will come as a five-door MUV from the Skoda stable. The MUV is likely to get 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines and 1.4-litre and 1.8-liter diesel engines.
The Skoda Roomster will compete with Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Captiva and Toyota Fortuner and would fall in the price range of Rs 16-18 lakh (Rs 1.6-1.8 million).
10 Toyota Etios
This is Toyota's first hatch especially designed for India. The car is suppose to have DOHC 16-valve engine with a 1200cc displacement and is expected to be priced around Rs 5 lakh (Rs 500,000).
Toyota will be manufacturing the Etios in, both, hatchback and sedan variants. The Etios was at display at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 and evoked a lot of curiosity among onlookers.
The hatch and notchback segments of Etios have a sharp and big smiling grille that has been high-mounted especially for India and give the car a very tough look.
The launch date is not yet confirmed, but as per the speculations in the market Etios is expected to hit the roads by 2010 end
This is Toyota's first hatch especially designed for India. The car is suppose to have DOHC 16-valve engine with a 1200cc displacement and is expected to be priced around Rs 5 lakh (Rs 500,000).
Toyota will be manufacturing the Etios in, both, hatchback and sedan variants. The Etios was at display at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 and evoked a lot of curiosity among onlookers.
The hatch and notchback segments of Etios have a sharp and big smiling grille that has been high-mounted especially for India and give the car a very tough look.
The launch date is not yet confirmed, but as per the speculations in the market Etios is expected to hit the roads by 2010 end
The country also saw the incoming of made-for-India cars and production bases shifting to the country. Some Indian manufacturers like Tata grabbed global attention and are on the road to entering into the developed markets. But this is just the tip of the iceberg as there are many more significant events lined up to happen in the year.
Here is a look at all those brand new cars that will soon set Indian roads ablaze.
1 BMW X1
German auto giant BMW showcased this beauty at the Delhi Auto Expo and this next generation car has state of the art technology and features and is comparatively low priced.
BMW X1 is expected to be powered by a diesel engine and would fall in the price range of Rs 25-30 lakh (Rs 2.5-3 million).
It is not just the looks of the BMW X1, which in any case are stunning, but this beauty also promises to be a safe car equipped with ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), dual front airbags and side ITS head airbags, alarm system with remote control and engine immobilizer, front and rear anti roll bars, central locking, child lock, crash sensor, front and rear fog lamps, halogen headlamps, front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioner and belt force limiter, side impact protection and many more features.
2 Tata Aria
Tata Aria is a versatile crossover, with features common to premium SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and it is thus bound to make a mark for itself.
This is being hailed as the most sophisticated Tata car ever and is expected to be in the price range if Rs 10-15 lakh (Rs 1-1.5 million).
The Tata Aria in India will come with a four-wheel drive option. The Aria was also on display at the recently-concluded 80th Geneva Auto Show. The Aria has a plethora of new and advanced features.
The brakes would be disc type coupled with ABS and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system. The ESP is the first of Tata cars to be offered with.
Aria is likely to handle very well on city roads and also off the road, as it is packed with a number of best-in-class features. Aria's power steering, efficient braking system with ESP and standard ground clearance ensure hassle free driving.
3 Skoda Yeti
The Skoda Yeti is an all new compact SUV (sports utility vehicle) and will have both petrol and diesel engine options.
This one is expected to be a great performer. Skoda Yeti would be introducing new engines and new technical solutions. Yeti's off-road regime that adapts the settings of the electronic systems to driving on rough terrain and movable hooks in the luggage space are going to be a few new features..
Skoda Yeti's front has a markedly shaped radiator grill surrounded by four headlights, whereas the rear is very basic. The car has compact dimensions and boasts of easy controllability and manoeuvrability. Skoda Yeti's enhanced mudguards and silver under body protection strips assist while driving in rough terrain.
The glass spaces of the windows on Skoda Yeti stand-out in design and complement the electrically controlled two-part panoramic sunroof and crossways roof rack.
4 Nissan Micra
Nissan Micra will come with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and has been developed on Nissan's V-platform. Micra was designed and tested in Japan and would be available in 150 countries worldwide. Nissan Micra would have stylish dual tone interiors with dual tone dashboard and an advanced instrument panel.
Micra will also have dual front airbags, ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and anti-skid system make up for the car's safety gear. News is that the Nissan Micra would come in six variants with both petrol and diesel engine option.
5 Maruti Cervo
The Maruti Cervo is all set to give competition to the higher models of Tata Nano. It is being speculated that the Maruti Cervo would be priced at Rs 1.5-2 lakh (Rs 150,000-200,000).
The braking system in Maruti Cervo will be conventional type that will follow front disc and rear drum brake. We can't expect ABS system in this price range.
The car will also house newer shock absorbers. The suspensions are responsible for smooth driving which not only increase riding pleasure but safety also.
6 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Popularly called Evo X, the car would be available in 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed twin clutch transmission.
The car's engine would have turbocharged MIVEC technology that controls valve timing electronically. The top speed of the Indian EVO X is said to be 250 kmph.
7 Toyota Avanza
Toyota Avanza is to be positioned below the Toyota Innova and is likely to be a sort of mini Innova. The MUV (multi utility vehicle) is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 6-9 lakh (Rs 600,000-900,000).
The Toyota Avanza might have the 1495 cc engine present in Thailand model. This 1.5L petrol engine consists of 4 cylinder, DOHC 16 valve matted with VVTi technology.
8 Maruti Kizashi
The car is expected to cost around Rs 12 lakh (Rs 1.2 million). Kizashi reached North American showrooms in December last year and so far about 300-400 units have been sold.
Suzuki showcased all four trims of the 2010 Kizashi at the Chicago Auto Show in February.
9 Skoda Roomster
The Skoda Roomster will compete with Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Captiva and Toyota Fortuner and would fall in the price range of Rs 16-18 lakh (Rs 1.6-1.8 million).
10 Toyota Etios
This is Toyota's first hatch especially designed for India. The car is suppose to have DOHC 16-valve engine with a 1200cc displacement and is expected to be priced around Rs 5 lakh (Rs 500,000).
The hatch and notchback segments of Etios have a sharp and big smiling grille that has been high-mounted especially for India and give the car a very tough look.
The launch date is not yet confirmed, but as per the speculations in the market Etios is expected to hit the roads by 2010 end
This is Toyota's first hatch especially designed for India. The car is suppose to have DOHC 16-valve engine with a 1200cc displacement and is expected to be priced around Rs 5 lakh (Rs 500,000).
Toyota will be manufacturing the Etios in, both, hatchback and sedan variants. The Etios was at display at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 and evoked a lot of curiosity among onlookers.
The hatch and notchback segments of Etios have a sharp and big smiling grille that has been high-mounted especially for India and give the car a very tough look.
The launch date is not yet confirmed, but as per the speculations in the market Etios is expected to hit the roads by 2010 end
Inclusive Deals at Breezes Resorts in the Caribbean
It was year closing and I was working all month long. I really need a break. After reaching home, I discussed with my wife about this. She also agreed and we planned to go for a holiday tour. At First, it was very tough to find the right choice and package, all inclusive holidays can be a good choice for a low stress holiday. The stress of our everyday life and work is a great deal that each one of us would love to fly to another country or island. My small age dream was hitting anything like Caribbean. The thought cam to my mind. Why not Caribbean?? Voila!!That trip should be a tension free hence you have to be prepared for all carrying things before the trip. A small search on the internet fetched me great results. If you choose Caribbean as your all inclusive holiday place then you might to know about breezes. The offer many all inclusive deals. We will have unforgettable experience at Blue mahoe spas, exclusively at super clubs resorts and you can find the finest ingredients from the plant and sea world are used in the spa treatments, the product and facials to keep a balance with nature and improve the mind, body, and spirit connection. Breezes offer free nights this spring and summer. I have already booked them and as a result of their great offer my 3rd, 4th or 5th night is free. This has saved me lot. Breezes Rocks!!! You can also find many vacation package deals on breezes.com!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Jet Airways unveils Singapore package
These holiday packages to Singapore were available with immediate effect with travel validity until 30 June 2010. Guests may choose between accommodation in 3, 4 and 5 star hotels with individual package prices.
The Singapore Bonanza includes return Economy class fare, three nights and four days stay in applicable hotels, airport transfers, an open bus tour with Singapore flyer to explore Universal Studios in Resorts World, Sentosa, travel insurance and a chance to earn 5 JPMiles on every Rs 100 spent, apart from baggage allowance for extra 10 kg. On the other hand, Singapore Extravaganza would have all the benefits of Bonanza package and would come with features like more sight seeing around the island nation.
According to Jet Airways chief commercial officer Sudheer Raghavan, ‘we are pleased to introduce Jetescape packages created for families with tours to some of Singapore’s popular spots at competitive prices.
We are confident the new packages will be popular with our guests thus complementing our thrice-daily services to Singapore from India.’ Jet Airways flies daily to Singapore from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai respectively.
IPL semi final venue shifted to Navi Mumbai
Both the semifinal matches of ipl 3 will now be played at Dr. DY PATEL cricket stadium in navi mumbai. the semi finals which were scheduled to be held in bangalore have been shifted due to the following developments at the chinnaswamy stadium in bangalore..
Two small bombs exploded outside a Bangalore cricket stadium as fans were heading to an Indian Premier League match on Saturday, injuring 10 people.
The blasts set off panic among the thousands of people streaming into Chinnaswamy Stadium to see the Bangalore Royal Challengers play the Mumbai Indians. The game started an hour late amid increased security.
Explosion: An ambulance pictured after a bomb blast in Bangalore
Initial investigations show the explosives used in the blasts were locally made and of low intensity, M.R. Poojar, the city's additional police commissioner told The Associated Press. He said no other details were immediately available.
Earlier, police and local cricket officials said the explosion was the result of an electricity generator blowing up.
Search: Police and forensic officials inspect the area (above and below) after a bomb exploded outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore
Two small bombs exploded outside a Bangalore cricket stadium as fans were heading to an Indian Premier League match on Saturday, injuring 10 people.
The blasts set off panic among the thousands of people streaming into Chinnaswamy Stadium to see the Bangalore Royal Challengers play the Mumbai Indians. The game started an hour late amid increased security.
Explosion: An ambulance pictured after a bomb blast in Bangalore
Initial investigations show the explosives used in the blasts were locally made and of low intensity, M.R. Poojar, the city's additional police commissioner told The Associated Press. He said no other details were immediately available.
Earlier, police and local cricket officials said the explosion was the result of an electricity generator blowing up.
Search: Police and forensic officials inspect the area (above and below) after a bomb exploded outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Endhiran music in April
As the D- day is nearing we have more on Endhiran coming out. Now it is about the theme music. AR Rahman who is working on Endhiran songs from London has completed the theme music first at the behest of director Shankar. The theme music comes where ever the Robot Rajni appears. Shankar will plan and film the visual sequences based on the music. The story boards for the sequences are being readied at a frantic pace by the team of Shankar.
Apart from its music Endhiran is also is special for its choreography by Prabhu Deva, lyrics by Vairamuthu, art direction by Sabu Cyril and cinematography by Ratnavelu. Another specialty will be the exclusive sound effects crafted by the Oscar winner Resul Pookutty. Pookutty creates the unique metallic sound effects for the Robot charcter.
Other than the Endhiran team there is one more person who very closely following Endhiran developments right from its scratch. That is the chief minister M. Karunanidhi. He had already enquired about the release date to Rajnikanth many times.
With plans perfect Shankar has allotted six months only for the graphics, animation and other special effects. So the release may be pushed little further than previously expected. Our sources tell us the music will rock in April and the film is a Diwali pleasure.
Apart from its music Endhiran is also is special for its choreography by Prabhu Deva, lyrics by Vairamuthu, art direction by Sabu Cyril and cinematography by Ratnavelu. Another specialty will be the exclusive sound effects crafted by the Oscar winner Resul Pookutty. Pookutty creates the unique metallic sound effects for the Robot charcter.
Other than the Endhiran team there is one more person who very closely following Endhiran developments right from its scratch. That is the chief minister M. Karunanidhi. He had already enquired about the release date to Rajnikanth many times.
With plans perfect Shankar has allotted six months only for the graphics, animation and other special effects. So the release may be pushed little further than previously expected. Our sources tell us the music will rock in April and the film is a Diwali pleasure.
Eminem is back. New album called Recovery from June 22, 2010
The much-anticipated new album from Eminem, Recovery (Aftermath/Interscope), will be released June 22nd, 2010, it was announced today by Interscope Records. On Recovery, his seventh major label studio album, Eminem has reached out to an exciting list of first-time collaborators, including DJ Khalil, Just Blaze, Jim Jonsin and Boi-1da, among others. Eminem releases Recovery just over a year after his last album, 2009’s Relapse.
Relapse put the cap on an impressive ten years of recorded output, and contributed to Eminem being the biggest selling artist of 2000-2009. In recognition of this, Neilsen SoundScan named him their Artist of the Decade. Relapse entered the charts at #1 and, at nearly double platinum, was the best selling rap album of last year. It also earned Eminem his 11th Grammy award, winning in the Best Rap Album category.
Relapse’s first single, “Crack A Bottle” from Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (Eminem’s second #1 after 2002’s “Lose Yourself”) and set a SoundScan record at the time of its release for opening week download sales (418,000). The album also spun off two other hits; the Top 10 “We Made You” and Top 20 “Beautiful.”
“I had originally planned for Relapse 2 to come out last year,” remarked Eminem. “But as I kept recording and working with new producers, the idea of a sequel to Relapse started to make less and less sense to me, and I wanted to make a completely new album. The music on Recovery came out very different from Relapse, and I think it deserves its own title.
Blasts outside Bangalore stadium before IPL match
There were 40,000 people in the stadium for a match between Bangalore and Mumbai
There have been two low-intensity explosions outside gate no 12 of Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore, minutes before an IPL match was to begin.
Eight people have been injured, mostly policemen and security personnel. Police are carrying out extensive searches outside the stadium and there are huge jams.
An IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians was scheduled to be played at the stadium today. The match was to begin at 4 pm and the about 40,000 people in the stadium. There is huge security at the stadium.
The toss, which was to have taken place at 3:30 pm, has been delayed. The players are back in the dressing room. But an official said the match would be played.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has said it is too early to know the nature of the blast, but the local police said it was not an accidental blast. It was not a generator blast, the Bangalore Police Commissioner said.
The Police Commissioner said the explosive material had probably been placed between a poster and a wall.
There have been two low-intensity explosions outside gate no 12 of Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore, minutes before an IPL match was to begin.
Eight people have been injured, mostly policemen and security personnel. Police are carrying out extensive searches outside the stadium and there are huge jams.
An IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians was scheduled to be played at the stadium today. The match was to begin at 4 pm and the about 40,000 people in the stadium. There is huge security at the stadium.
The toss, which was to have taken place at 3:30 pm, has been delayed. The players are back in the dressing room. But an official said the match would be played.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has said it is too early to know the nature of the blast, but the local police said it was not an accidental blast. It was not a generator blast, the Bangalore Police Commissioner said.
The Police Commissioner said the explosive material had probably been placed between a poster and a wall.
Toyota is recalling another 600,000 vehicles in US
"In the worst case, the carrier cable may fail and the spare tyre could become separated from the vehicle," Toyota said in a statement. The company said it was working on a solution to the problem. On Tuesday, the Japanese carmaker halted sales of its Lexus GX 460 SUV worldwide after a US magazine, Consumer Reports, said the vehicle's handling during its tests posed a "safety risk".
Toyota also said it would test all of its other SUV models, including the Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado and Rav4.
Concerning the Sienna recall, Toyota said prolonged exposure to road salt could result in excessive corrosion of the spare-tyre cable, and that they should be inspected by dealers.
Rapid expansion:
Toyota overtook General Motors in 2008 as the world's biggest carmaker, but has since blamed its quality control problems on its rapid expansion. Executives from Toyota were fiercely criticised in the US Congress and the company's once high reputation has been left in tatters.
Toyota has recalled more than 8m vehicles since late 2009 for brake and accelerator defects, and is facing 97 lawsuits for damages for injury or death linked to claims that cars were faulty.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Ajith Kumar's Personal E-Mail To His Beloved Fans
To, 15th April 2010
My Dearest Fans & Well wishers,
Thank you all very much for the love,support,encouragement & loyalty you shower upon me. My family and I are extremely grateful to each and everyone of you.
Ever since I started working at the age of 16 have worked extremely hard.After having entered the Tamil film industry in the year 1993 have worked even harder and spent sleepless nights to give you all quality films. Sometimes I have succeeded and sometimes I have failed. In the process have seen good times & also bad times. I have also faced many a crisis both personally & professionally. Yet you all continue to love and support me. I am speechless. Honestly, I would not have survived 18 long years in the Tamil Film Industry without your love,support & encouragement.
Formula Two (F2) is a fiercely competitive championship.Most of the drivers on the F2 grid have been racing for many years now and have loads of experience under their belt.
I had attended the official tests at Snetterton Circuit (6&7th April) & also at Silverstone Circuit (12th April). At the Snetterton test I was off the pace by 3 secs and at Silverstone Circuit was off the pace by almost 6 seconds.I still have a lot to learn & catch up. It is going to be a very tough task ahead. I may or may not succeed but I am definitely doing the best I can.
Wishing you all good health,happiness and prosperity now & forever.
Love,
Ajith Kumar.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Indians knew gravity laws 500 years before Newton : Really?v
Ancient Indian mathematician Bhaskaracharya, in his book Siddhanta Shriromani, had defined laws of gravity in 12th century, 500 years before Newton defined them for us. The speed of light was known to Indians since Vedic period, centuries before it was calculated by the Western world.
Maitree, a group of professionals from Tata Consultancy Services and Bengaluru-based NGO Sanskrit Bharati have come together with a unique exhibition, Pride of India, to spread awareness about India’s rich scientific heritage.
The exhibition will showcase 150 posters, each explaining one Sanskrit shloka from ancient Indian scientific literature. “The shlokas (verses) by ancient scientists and mathematicians like Bhaskaracharya, Baudhayana, Apastambha, Bhaskaracharya’s daughter Leelavati have been showcased in the exhibition.” says Aashish Manjaramkar, exhibition coordinator. “Our aim is to tell that zero is not the only contribution that Indians have made to science and maths.” he adds.
Manjramkar tells, “Very few of us know that speed of light was known to Indians in Vedic period. A shloka says that the speed of light is 2202 yojana per half nimish. Yojana is a unit of distance which equals to 9.06 miles and half a nimish (nimishardha) is one tenth of a second. The figure is very close to the modern measurement of speed of light.”
Geography:
“One of the shlokas in the exhibition describes a conversation between and his daughter Leelavati, who also was a mathematician. The conversation beautifully explains spherical shape of earth, gravitation force that keeps planets revolving in space,” says Manjaramkar.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Indian student wins top US research honour
Prasun Chatterjee, an Indian environmental engineering student whose research has contributed to a new way of detecting toxic lead and copper in water, has won one of the highest US research honours.
Chatterjee, a research student at the University of Lehigh, Pennsylvania, will receive the 2010 C. Ellen Gonter Environmental Chemistry Award from the American Chemical Society's (ACS) Environmental Chemistry Division when ACS holds its fall national meeting in Boston in August.
Chartered by the US Congress, ACS is the world's largest scientific society and the premier international organization for chemists, chemical engineers and related professions.
The Gonter award, named after a noted research chemist and consultant, is given to a graduate student for an outstanding research paper.
Chatterjee, who received his BS and MS in chemical engineering from Jadavpur University in India and is hoping to complete his PhD in environmental engineering this year.
He will deliver the invited Gonter lecture, "Rapid Detection of Toxic Metals in Water through pH Changes Using a Novel Hybrid Material."
At Lehigh, Chatterjee's faculty adviser is Arup K SenGupta, the P C Rossin Professor of civil and environmental engineering and also of chemical engineering. SenGupta has won numerous awards for applying the principles of ion exchange and physical chemistry to environmental challenges.
Chatterjee's doctoral research has led to the development and synthesis of an inexpensive inorganic material that can detect toxic lead or copper in water at the parts-per-billion level by using a pH meter or pH paper.
He and SenGupta coauthored a paper on the material for the AICHE (American Institute for Chemical Engineers) Journal.
Chatterjee is also co-inventor of a technology called "Rapid Sensing of Toxic Metals through Use of Hybrid Inorganic Materials," for which a US patent has been applied.
Students in Lehigh's freshman engineering projects classes use hybrid inorganic materials to make easy-to-use gadgets that detect toxins in drinking water.
Chatterjee, a research student at the University of Lehigh, Pennsylvania, will receive the 2010 C. Ellen Gonter Environmental Chemistry Award from the American Chemical Society's (ACS) Environmental Chemistry Division when ACS holds its fall national meeting in Boston in August.
Chartered by the US Congress, ACS is the world's largest scientific society and the premier international organization for chemists, chemical engineers and related professions.
The Gonter award, named after a noted research chemist and consultant, is given to a graduate student for an outstanding research paper.
Chatterjee, who received his BS and MS in chemical engineering from Jadavpur University in India and is hoping to complete his PhD in environmental engineering this year.
He will deliver the invited Gonter lecture, "Rapid Detection of Toxic Metals in Water through pH Changes Using a Novel Hybrid Material."
At Lehigh, Chatterjee's faculty adviser is Arup K SenGupta, the P C Rossin Professor of civil and environmental engineering and also of chemical engineering. SenGupta has won numerous awards for applying the principles of ion exchange and physical chemistry to environmental challenges.
Chatterjee's doctoral research has led to the development and synthesis of an inexpensive inorganic material that can detect toxic lead or copper in water at the parts-per-billion level by using a pH meter or pH paper.
He and SenGupta coauthored a paper on the material for the AICHE (American Institute for Chemical Engineers) Journal.
Chatterjee is also co-inventor of a technology called "Rapid Sensing of Toxic Metals through Use of Hybrid Inorganic Materials," for which a US patent has been applied.
Students in Lehigh's freshman engineering projects classes use hybrid inorganic materials to make easy-to-use gadgets that detect toxins in drinking water.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Economic Eye Saver!
Last weekend, I went to my see my Cousin. He is in Grade 6. Something was different when I looked at him. I just noticed that he has changed his prescription Glass.
Then I asked, how long this glass has been with him? He is using this for past 4 months!! I took the glass and looked at the quality, it was great. He said it was a $ 8 Rx eyeglasses, and he saw the Zenni Optical on TV!!!
I searched the internet about Zenni optical and found that it is one of the best optical.It's The #1 online Rx glasses store.
To get the professional side of this, you can check Eric's Review of Zenni Optical.
They have glasses of all types. I am going to pick My favoritehigh fashion eyeglasses from Zenni optica which has the Lowest Price Progressive Glasses .
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