Web Development Tool Firebug 1.5 Released For Firefox


Firebug is well known to web developers as one of the best tools to have at your side when trying to debug website issues. Many have said that it’s a priceless tool, and at one point Joe Hewitt wasn’t sure if it would remain free. He questioned whether users would be willing to shell out $15-$25 for an extension, but he strayed from the paid route in favor of keeping it open source.

Here we sit just days after the 4-year mark of the first public release, and this incredible extension has been downloaded well over 21 million times and has roughly 2.5 million people who start up a version of Firefox that is Firebug-equipped. With nearly 800 reviews this extension has an average 5-star rating, which is an incredible accomplishment no matter how you spin it.

The cherry on top is that Firebug 1.5 was released yesterday after about 6-months of development time. The release notes for this version are quite extensive, and you’ll quickly see that the update touches on just about every area that the extension covers. One of the more important things may be that Firebug 1.5 includes support for Firefox 3.6 that should be available sometime soon (possibly this week from what I’ve read). Here’s a quick rundown on the areas that have been improved upon:

* Mike Radcliffe’s Inspector. A key feature, now solid as a rock
* Jan ‘Honza’ Odvarko’s expanded and refined Net panel, with accurate timings
* Steve Roussey’s reworking of HTML editing and entity support
* Kevin Decker’s CSS and Style side panel improvements
* Support for dynamic, graphical breakpoints through out Firebug
* Tested support for the soon-to-be-released Firefox 3.6

If you use the add-on stop by and leave a quick review. It never hurts to say thanks for developing such an extensive and free add-on.

Firebug Homepage Firefox extension

Thesixtyone unveiled (Music Discovery Site) a radical—and gorgeous—redesign a couple days ago. The redesign presents a single, lush full-screen photograph as each song plays, while smaller snapshots fade in and out screensaver-style. The controls are minimized to rollover menus on the upper right, an account-info strip along the lower left, and green arrows to skip to the next or previous songs. You are supposed to just select a type of playlist (top songs, hot, moods) and let it play. Thesixtyone adds Digg-like voting and gaming elements to surface the best indie music.

Users hate it. Or at least the vocal ones complaining about the change on the startup’s Facebook wall, organizing a boycott, and sending us tips. This backlash is predictable and always happens whenever a site goes through a radical change. But some of the complaints are valid. For instance, the biggest change is that you can no longer see the playlist of songs you are listening to or skip around willy-nilly. You can see the old design here or in the screenshot below. The old design was more conventional, but it was certainly easier to navigate.

I asked founder James Miao about the backlash, and he responds:

We’ve had an interesting history with change. The reality is that we’re doing some very experimental things and I feel it’s important to have the freedom to explore new directions. Nearly every change we’ve done since releasing in 2008 has been met with a very similar reaction.

He also notes that "we find that lists aren’t very effective for browsing music you don’t already recognize," but agrees that it should be easier to navigate the site, and more changes are coming which will improve the experience.

There is another issue. Thesixtyone was able to build a small but loyal community of artists and music lovers. The biggest complaint is that many of the community features have been stripped out. Esteban, one "pissed off t61 user," writes us:

Not sure if you guys cover this sort of thing, but there’s a lot of angry users over at thesixtyone over the big website overhaul. As you may or may not know, thesixtyone is a music discovery website where many indie artists could easily find listeners. The community aspect and fun features of the site were what drove users to be so passionate, when the redesign (most likely design whores) did away with the greatest features, and killed usability it left a big hole in all the hearts of the users and artists alike.

Miao says that there were problems with the old community features. Specifically, some artists were abusing the system, trying to game the ratings or spamming users with mass messages. The new site is designed to create conversations between fans and artists around songs, and more features in this area are also going to be introduced in the future.

I personally like the new design and the way music just plays with minimal fuss. Many of the navigation and discovery issues can be solved simply by bringing back a playlist view as an option for when you want to dive deeper into the playlist or skip around.

Source: Techcrunch

IPL Season 3 is on and there are reports that IPL Season 3 will be live streamed on YouTube (update: the deal is confirmed).

BCCI will announce the deal with Google India on Wednesday

While Multi Screen Media (formerly known as Sony Entertainment and the company that owns SET Max, which airs IPL) holds the satellite telecast rights, the global media rights are held by World Sports Group (WSG), which implies BCCI cannot sell the new media rights to any other company. According to sources, WSG’s rights only include telecast rights.

YouTube is the world's largest entertainment platform where people enjoy the biggest selection of videos and collaborate to create a unique viewing experience and brands get access to a highly engaged audience.

Under the terms of this agreement, Google will have exclusive online rights for IPL content for two years and both Google and IPL will jointly share revenues from sponsorships and advertising on www.youtube.com/ipl and on www.iplt20.com (the official website of IPL).

This is the first time Google is live streaming - a mega cricket tournament spanning 60 matches over 45 days- for a major global sport on YouTube. This partnership also marks a first-of-its-kind innovation in live streaming of any global cricketing event providing boundary-less access to the billions of fans across the world, except in USA where re-broadcast options will be available. Now fans from Mumbai to Melbourne will be able to enjoy all the 60 matches of DLF IPL 2010 and join the action with cricket fans from all over the world on-demand and share their experiences on YouTube.

They will also enjoy special content, which includes match highlights, player interviews, wickets of the match, top sixes of the match, award ceremony, pitch reports, and much more, at any time convenient to them. Those who watch IPL matches live on YouTube will also get a special treat - an exclusive "YouTube View" that will provide viewers with an alternative view of the match not available on television or any other media.

"We are thrilled to have the IPL as our global partner and bring to the YouTube community around the world and here in India an interactive, unique experience building greater awareness around the world for the sport", said Shailesh Rao, Managing Director, Google India and Media and Platforms, Asia Pacific.

He added, "YouTube offers an open platform for sports and entertainment companies to take their content to a global audience and a great opportunity for advertisers to interact with a large number of viewers through interactive video formats. During the IPL season, the biggest and most talked-about cricket tournament in the world, YouTube will offer innovative and engaging advertising opportunities to companies which help them build stronger online brand associations and engage the audience."

Lalit Modi, Chairman and Commissioner, Indian Premier League said, "This unique initiative by IPL to partner Google India will give the league a global reach on a single distribution platform. This will allow IPL fans anywhere in the world to view the action on-demand as per their convenience, thus making the new dedicated IPL channel on YouTube the biggest virtual stadium in the world. Fan interactions with players, owners and other fans worldwide will ensure that the IPL YouTube destination becomes the most compelling and comprehensive online destinations for the league. I am certain that this new innovation will significantly enrich the user experience of the global cricket fan with a direct window to the on-field action through generation next technologies. I am really confident and that this year's season will be bigger and more exciting than the last."

In addition to live streaming of matches on YouTube, Google will also host a special IPL branded Orkut Community which will host live chats with Man of the Match, team owners, contests and match polls to engage fans and audiences while the tournament is on. Users will also be able to enjoy short clips of highlights and other special video content on the YouTube mobile - http://www.youtube.com/mobile.

The advertising options on YouTube will be available only for a limited number of sponsors over the course of the season. Companies will have the opportunity to sponsor live streamed matches, match re-broadcasts, and ongoing viewership of clips and highlights. Advertisers will be able to advertise on the YouTube homepage, the live stream page, video ads during the match itself amongst several other innovative formats.

Jean Simmons has died aged 80 of cancer in California.

A child star, she made her breakthrough in 1946 in Charles Dickens' classic Great Expectations.

She went on to star with Laurence Olivier in Hamlet and to sing with Marlon Brando in Guys And Dolls.

Jean, who won an Emmy for 1980s mini-series The Thorn Birds, also co-starred with Gregory Peck, Paul Newman and Kirk Douglas.

She left Britain for Hollywood in 1950, accompanied by her future husband Stewart Granger. Reclusive tycoon Howard Hughes organised their wedding.

She went on to become one of Hollywood's leading ladies, starring alongside Gregory Peck, Paul Newman and Kirk Douglas.

Born in London in 1929, Simmons began her career at the age of 14, when she was plucked from a dance class to make her movie debut in the 1944 British production Give Us the Moon.

She then appeared in several minor British films before her breakthrough role in Great Expectations, followed by Black Narcissus and then Hamlet in 1948, where she earned an Oscar nomination.

The actress also proved her mettle playing Desiree to Marlon Brando's Napoleon, appearing alongside him again in Guys and Dolls in 1955.

She picked up a second Oscar nomination for 1969's The Happy Ending, before moving largely to television roles in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Simmons' first marriage was to fellow British film star Stewart Granger, who she met on the set of Caesar and Cleopatra.

The couple had been befriended by reclusive tycoon Howard Hughes in LA, who arranged their marriage in Tucson, Arizona.

Simmons and Granger had a daughter, Tracy, and starred in several films together.

However the pair divorced in 1960, with Simmons going on to marry Richard Brooks, who had directed her in Elmer Gantry.

Their marriage, which produced a daughter, Kate, ended in divorce in 1977.

An ecstatic Priyanka Chopra, who won the best actress award at the 56th National Film Awards today for Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion, thanked God Almighty for the coveted honour.

In a post on micro-blogging website Twitter after the win, Chopra, who portrayed the role of an aspiring model in the film, wrote, "Won the National Award for fashion! Aaaaaaaahhhh! Too excited!! God is kind and so are all of u! [sic]."

The 27-year-old actress also thanked her cast and congratulated co-star Kangna Ranaut, who bagged the national award for best supporting actress for the same film.

Bengali film Antaheen by director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury was chosen as the Best Film while Tamil filmmaker Bala won the honour of Best Director for his film Naan Kadavul at the 56th National Film Awards announced here on Saturday.

Antaheen, starring Sharmila Tagore, Rahul Bose, Aparna Sen and Radhika Apte, is a relationship drama.

The award for Best Actor went to Upendra Limaye for Marathi film Jogwa, which also fetched the trophy for the Best film on social issues. Hindi film Oye Lucky Oye by Dibakar Banerjee was adjudged as the Best Popular Film.

Rock On got the best Hindi film award in language category. Neeta Lulla got the best costume designer for Jodhaa Akbar.

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra bagged the Best Actress award for her role of a aspiring model in Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion which also bagged the Best Supporting Actress Award for Kangana Ranaut who played the role of a troubled model.

Actor Arjun Rampal won the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role of a failed rocker in Rock On.

Shreya Ghoshal won the Best Female Playback award for Antaheen and Jogwa, which also brought the Best Male Playback Singer award to Hariharan.

Kannada film Gubbachigalu was adjudged the Best Children's film. The award for Best Special Effects went to Mumbai Meri Jaan.

Malayalam film Bioscope won the Best Jury Award while the trophy for Best Child Actor went to Shams Patel for Hindi film Thanks Maa.

Best film: Antaheen
Best film (language): Rock on
Best director: Bala(Naan Kadavul)
Best Actress: Priyanka Chopra (Fashion)
Best Actor: Upendra Limaye Jogwa
Best Supporting actress: Kangna Ranaut (Fashion)
Best Supporting actor: Arjun Rampal (Rock On)
Best Debut Film: A Wednesday
Best Special Effects: Mumbai Meri Jaan
Best Popular Film: Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye
Best Male Singer: Hariharan
Best Female Singer: Shreya Ghoshal
Best Animation Film: Roadside Romeo
Best Jury Award: Bioscope
Best Child Actor: Shams Patel (Thanks Maa)

Mozilla has launched the latest version of its popular Firefox web browser – version 3.6. They say this version is a whopping 20% faster than version 3.5. New features in Firefox 3.6 include:

* Personas: Personalize the look of your Firefox by selecting new themes called Personas in a single click and without a restart

* Plugin Updater: To keep you safe from potential security vulnerabilities, Firefox will now detect out of date plugins

* Stability improvements: Firefox 3.6 significantly decreased crashes caused by third party software – all without sacrificing our extensibility in any way

* Form Complete: When filling out an online form, Firefox suggests information for fields based on your common answers in similar field

* Performance: Improved JavaScript performance, overall browser responsiveness, and startup time

* Open Video and Audio: With the world’s best implementation of HTML 5 audio and video support, now video can be displayed full screen and supports poster frames

Here’s a video from Mike Beltzner, Director of Firefox Development, who gives an overview of the new features.

For developers, Firefox 3.6 supports the latest HTML5 specification, including the file API for local file handling, font support (in addition to OpenType and TrueType fonts, it supports the new Web Open Font Format), CSS gradients (linear and radical), and device orientation – it exposes the orientation of the laptop or device to web pages.

The browser is available for download for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux in over 70 languages, which Mozilla claims is more platforms and languages than any other browser. It can be found here.

Fierfox 3.6

Nokia Software Updater is now Windows 7 Ready

Will be released soon

Previous versions of the Nokia Software Updater came with a big flaw that did not allow Non-Windows XP and Vista users to update the firmware on their computers. Nokia has taken a first step to resolve that issue by releasing a version of the NSU that supports Windows 7.

With many computers now shipping with Windows 7 preloaded, this move was expected. This release was announced by folks at Nokia Beta Labs who are calling it a release candidate. This obviously means that the final version will be expected in the months to come.

Along with Windows 7 support, the new version has added some features and boasts of improved USB connectivity. Nokia has confirmed that any critical improvements needed for this new version will only be included in the actual release, while smaller items will be fixed in coming releases. In the meantime, you might want to check the updater out on your new Windows 7 laden PC.

MOTOROI (Motorola) coming to the US in March

Someone from up above must have been listening to our prayers as we’ve just got confirmation that the MOTOROI aka Motorola Sholes Tablet will indeed be coming to the North American region. Actually, based on what the Korean Herald reports, it’s only the US that was specifically mentioned. Nonetheless, we’re now more optimistic than it’ll eventually be released in Canada as well.

Bae Joong-dong, senior vice president of SK Telecom, disclosed in a press conference that the MOTOROI (Motorola XT720) will be launched in the US this coming March. It will also be released in other countries later this year though he didn’t go as far as to say which particular markets will be fortunate enough to be getting this QWERTY-less twin of the Droid.

The MOTOROI might not be the ideal device for QWERTY lovers, but it does boast of a more powerful 8-megapixel camera complete with 720p HD video recording and an HDMI slot which both Verizon’s Motorola Droid and Telus’ upcoming Motorola Milestone don’t have. We’ll probably be hearing an official announcement from Motorola in the coming weeks or at next month’s MWC event in Barcelona.

3 Scandinavia to launch World’s First 84Mbps network this year

Soon, the greater majority of Canada will be able to enjoy 21Mbps HSPA+ goodness courtesy of the Rogers, Bell and Telus and other carriers like Videotron who will be following in their footsteps. However, hopping across the Atlantic over in Scandinavia, 21Mbps is a thing of the past as they’ve already set their eyes on a bigger goal, and that’s to launch an 84Mbps network this year. This is 3 Scandinavian’s target which they’re currently working on with the help of Ericsson. Their timetable pegs a Denmark roll out in the first half of 2010 with four major cities in Sweden getting a taste of what 3’s new trailblazing network has to offer as well.

To help improve coverage, they’ll also be deploying a new 900Mhz 3G network, a first in Sweden. Once 3 goes live with their new record setting 84Mbps network, they can then lay claim to the having the world’s fastest HSPA network. It’s groundbreaking alright, but we highly doubt that anyone can really advantage of its maximum speed since there isn’t even a 21Mbps capable handset yet. On the bright side though, when the devices come finally come out, at least they’ll be more than ready to support it.

You can read the full press release here.

How to Copy a DVD Movie


What would you do if you lost your entire movie collection? Wouldn’t it be nice to have some backups laying around in case someone scratched your precious Rudy video or your dog ate an entire season of the Simpsons?

A popular application called DVD Decrypter lets you copy an entire DVD onto your computer’s hard drive, and it bypasses any copy protection mechanisms that would make duplicating a store-bought DVD otherwise impossible. The only problem is that new copy protection algorithms are frequently being created, and this application hasn’t been updated since 2005.

For that reason you should use Free DVD (kudos to xpgeek in the forum for pointing this out). It can copy an entire movie to the hard disk while removing all traces of copy protection (CSS, RC, RCE, APS, UOPs and Sony ARccOS). This application is frequently updated, and best of all it’s not hard to use nor does it require any installation.

How you copy a DVD movie:

1. Put the movie you want to copy in the DVD drive of your computer. Open up the contents of the DVD using a file explorer, such as Windows Explorer, and copy the VIDEO_TS folder to a location on your hard drive.



2. Download and run Free DVD (the free version, not the Platinum). It’s only 44KB, and doesn’t require any installation.



3. In Free DVD, select the VIDEO_TS folder you copied to your hard drive in the first step. You’ll receive a prompt notifying you of the restrictions that will be removed.



4. You probably won’t need to adjust any of the settings, but go ahead and do so if it’s needed. Then press the Free DVD! button to remove all copy restrictions from the movie.

5. Then if you want to put this video on a DVD you can use DVD Shrink. This program will also remove copy protections, but it is well over a year old and you’ll probably run into some DVD’s that it doesn’t work with. If you use Free DVD first then all of your issues should be solved. The great thing about DVD Shrink is that it will also cut down the size of the video so that it will fit on a normal DVD instead of needing a dual-layer disc.

Backing up your DVD’s has never been so easy! Now remember, these instructions are for educational purposes only, and I guess they should only be used on your own home-made movies that you apply copy protection to.

Enjoy

Katrina Kaif is inspiring, India’s biggest actress: Ranbir Kapoor

Bollywood’s latest heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor can go on and on about his “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani” co-star Katrina Kaif. He finds her drive and passion for work inspiring and says she is “the nicest person in the industry”.

“The drive that Katrina has is inspiring. She is there and she just doesn’t stop. She has come a long way from where she started and where she is today,” Ranbir told IANS in an interview here.


“She is India’s biggest actress and there is a lot of hard work, sacrifice and passion she has put behind that and I totally respect that. And the best part is that she doesn’t take that for granted,” the 28-year-old actor said.

Ranbir, who will be seen again with Katrina in Prakash Jha’s political thriller “Rajneeti”, describes Katrina as the “nicest person in the industry”.

“There is an amazing positive energy about her. She is hardworking and everything she does is for the betterment of the movie. She is fun loving, passionate about cinema and passionate about her work. I share a great rapport with her,” he said.

His “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani” is slated for release Nov 6 and shows the story of a happy-go-lucky boy, who falls in love with a girl. But the girl is in love with someone else. The film also has a special appearance by Salman Khan.

Asked about his on-screen chemistry with Katrina, Ranbir said: “As far as chemistry is concerned, I always believe that chemistry never happens between two actors, it happens between two characters in the movie. It depends how the characters are written in the script and the moments and the scenes between them. That’s when chemistry happens.

“Katrina and I are working for the first time, so people are finding this pairing new and fresh, but unless the film releases and unless it becomes a hit, you never know whether the chemistry has worked out or not,” he said.

Ranbir, son of actors Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, made his acting debut in 2007 with Sanjay Leela’s Bhansali’s “Saawariya” opposite newcomer Sonam Kapoor. The film failed at the box office, but it didn’t deter his growth as he received positive reviews for his performance and got good offers.

Siddharth Anand’s romantic comedy “Bachna Ae Haseeno” was his second film and it hit the jackpot at the box office. And now everyone – from critics to audiences – are going ga ga over his performance in “Wake Up Sid”, in which he was paired opposite Konkana Sen Sharma.

After “Ajab Prem…”, Ranbir will be seen in Shimit Amin’s “Rocket Singh: Salesman of The Year”, “Rajneeti” and Siddharth Anand’s “Anjaana Anjaani”.

“Veer” movie is of a different genre – Salman Khan


Salman Khan says period dramas usually give the impression that people in past eras never used to laugh, but promises that his new movie “Veer” will have its light moments.

“We haven’t followed the regular format. This has emotion, drama and comedy unlike other period films, which always casts an impression that no one used to laugh in those days,” Salman told IANS in an interview.

“The language has undergone a huge change. The dialogues are in contemporary language but would show that people of that time used to speak and behave like this,” he added.

“Veer”, slated to release Jan 22, is a story of bravery, treachery and love. The story revolves around the 18th century Pindaris who preferred death to dishonour and fought to their last breath to save their land. Salman plays the lead role.

Throwing light on how his co-star Zarine Khan joined the cast, Salman said: “The film is of a different genre, so we needed a young fresh look. More than that we needed somebody with a yesteryear look. How our grandmothers and great grandmothers used to look, we needed someone like them.

“Just two weeks were left to start the film and we didn’t have anyone who would fit the role. We were searching left, right and centre and met her by coincidence on the set of Subhash Ghai’s ‘Yuvvraaj’.”

Salman denies any resemblance between Zarine and his girlfriend Katrina Kaif.

“Except being fair and having a sharp nose, I don’t see any similarity between them. Give god that credit for not making two people identical,” said Salman.

The film’s story has been written by Salman himself and while scripting it he was scared whether his father Salim Khan, a noted writer, would approve. “I showed the story to my father and the biggest fear was what is he going to say. But he said it’s a good story.”

When asked why he chose to make a period film now, he said, “I had written the story 20 years ago but at that time it wasn’t possible to make the film. I thought now is the right time to make it, so I did.”

This is Salman’s second film as a scriptwriter. His first was the 1990 movie “Baghi” and there is a common thread running through both the scripts – the father-son relationship.

” ‘Baghi’ showed a good relationship between a father and son, ‘Veer’ does that too. I believe that father and son should be the best of friends. Today, my father and me chat, drink and chill out together.

“But if I cross my line, I run away. I stay outdoor for two months. That’s the chemistry they should share. The respect should also be there,” said Salman who claims that he could be a good father.

“I am not sure how good I would be as a husband, but I believe I would be a good father. One has to get married, I will also get married but haven’t decided when.”

The actor has been in the industry for more than two decades and has played a variety of roles, worked in various genres and sported different looks.

Asked if there was anything particular he looked forward to as an actor, he said, “No yaar. I do whatever comes my way.”

I don’t compete with Amitabh - Abhishek Bachchan

For Abhishek Bachchan, constant comparisons with dad Amitabh are an “honour” and not a problem. But as he gears up for his television debut with game show “National Bingo Night”, he says he is not competing in any way with Bachchan senior, who hosted the popular “Kaun Banega Crorepati” TV show in 2000.

“If you are not going to compare me to him (Amitabh), whom are you going to compare me to? I have never had a problem being compared to him and, like I said, who doesn’t want to be compared to Amitabh Bachchan? He is the best we have and the best that we ever will have. It’s a matter of great honour for me,” Abhishek told IANS in an interview.

The 33-year-old has faced comparisons with his father ever since his Bollywood debut with “Refugee” a decade ago. Now he says he doesn’t want to be weighed on the same scale.

“He (Amitabh) has been on TV and he created history on the medium. Do I hope to be able to outdo that? No, because that’s not possible. Nobody is going to be a better actor than him, nobody is going to be able to make a bigger mark than him on Indian cinema and on world cinema and the same goes for TV. Do I have aspirations of outdoing him? No, I don’t compete with my father,” he said.

Abhishek, who will be seen hosting the show on entertainment channel Colors starting Jan 23, says such comparisons don’t bog him down.

“You can’t allow comparisons to deter you. You still have to do what you believe in. I am his son, I love him very much and I am his biggest fan. I want him to be around forever and I want him to be the best. I don’t think any son competes with his father. In fact, they are very happy to stand behind and support their father – just as I do, and I am proud of that,” he said.

The actor, who has shown his acting skills in films like “Yuva”, “Sarkar”, “Guru”, “Delhi-6″ and “Paa”, is excited about his newfound role as a TV show host. He says he made an instant decision to host “National Bingo Night”, which will have celebrities as well as common people playing two fast-paced rounds of the popular game Bingo.

“When the concept was explained to me and when I saw the Australian version of the show, it was right there that I knew that it is something that I want to do. The fact that it was interactive and would give me an opportunity to interact with the common man was a major draw for me,” said Abhishek.

The show will feature a line-up of celebrities like Farhan Akhtar, Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan, Arshad Warsi and Kirron Kher, but the star attraction will be his father Amitabh, who will grace the opening episode.

“I have called dad just to make sure the show’s TRPs are good,” Abhishek remarked.

After shooting for “National Bingo Night”, the actor says he will be back to his film schedules.

“I think one new thing in a year is good enough. I don’t believe in taking on too much. After ‘Bingo’, I’ll get back to my films as there are lots lined up,” he said.

Abhishek is currently shooting for Abhinay Deo’s “Crooked”. He will also be seen in films like Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey” and Mani Ratnam’s much-awaited “Ravana”, in which he will feature alongside wife Aishwarya Rai.

Aamir Khan seeks disabled-friendly infrastructure

Mumbai, Bollywood star Aamir Khan, whose recent release “3 Idiots” takes a critical look at India’s education system, feels that the infrastructure in the country should be remodelled so that physically challenged people can move around without hindrance.

“Our society barely thinks about the physically handicapped people. It’s necessary. There should be proper infrastructure – be it buildings, theatres, roads – everywhere so that they can too have a comfortable access to every places like a normal person does,” said Aamir, honouring 18 achievers of the IBN7 Bajaj Allianz Super Idols awards here at the Taj Lands End hotel Tuesday.

The award is an initiative by the channel in partnership with the Dainik Bhaskar newspaper group to recognise and celebrate those who have overcome their physical challenges to achieve success as well as the individuals who worked tirelessly for the rights of people with special ability.

Rajdeep Sardesai, the editor in chief of IBN 18 Network, told IANS: “I think there is so much negativity in the media. Unless we focus on these kinds of positive stories how will we inspire the next generation? In my case, it happened by working with Ability Foundation (a charitable trust that works to empower disabled) on a project. I realised the remarkable work these people were doing and it shook me.”

“It will be an annual event. There are so many such people and it won’t be that difficult to find 18,” he added.

Television actress and politician Smriti Irani, who was also present at the award ceremony, appreciated the effort and said she is also planning to work with Ability Foundation.

“This is extremely appreciable and an inspiration to those who want to achieve something. People who don’t try because of their disablility, I think this award will be an inspiration for them. I am going to work on a project with Ability Foundation and it will be a new beginning for me,” she said.

Music director Anu Malik, Lalit and Aadesh Shrivastava were also present.

Nana Patekar to direct second film with Deepika Padukone

Bangalore, Versatile actor Nana Patekar says he will direct his second Hindi film soon and that he has finalised Deepika Padukone for the lead role.

“Yes, I am directing a film,” Nana told reporters at a press meet of his first Kannada film “Yaksha” here Wednesday.


“I have already written the script of the film and have selected Deepika Padukone to play the lead role. I haven’t yet finalised other artists and technicians for the film.”

“I am going to my native village in Maharashtra in a few days to make preparations for the film. I have not finalised the launch date of the film. But it will be worked out very soon,” he added.

Nana wielded megaphone for the first time for “Prahaar” that had Madhuri Dixit in the lead role.

The actor, who will be seen in Prakash Jha’s political thriller “Rajneeti”, also said: “I have not signed any new film after ‘Rajneeti’.”

Nana has completed 13 days’ shooting schedule of “Yaksha”, which is his second south Indian film after “Bommalattam”. He played a possessive film director in the thriller that didn’t score well at the box office.

“This Kannada film features me in a special role,” said Nana.

“Yaksha” is being produced by Siddaraju and is directed by debutant director Ramesh Rao.

Young actor Yogeesh is playing the lead, while Ruby will be seen as his love interest. Chandrashekhar is the cameraman of the film while Manju Mandavya has written the dialogues.

Most Expensive Cars In The World: Top 10 List 2009-2008

What is the most expensive car in the world? The 1931 Bugatti Royale
Kellner Coupe was sold for $8,700,000 in 1987. However, that car and
many alike will not be included in this list because it is not
available on the market today. It is hard to imagine someone would
actually spend 8 million dollars on a car instead of using it for
something more productive. However, if you have the money and the
opportunity, you will definitely spend a small fraction of it to place
a few of these supercars in your garage. Here is the 10 most expensive cars available on the market.

1.Bugatti Veyron $1,192,057.
This is by far the most expensive street legal car available on the
market today. It is the fastest accelerating car reaching 0-60 in 2.5
seconds. It claims to be the fastest car with a top speed of 253 mph+.
However, the title for the fastest car goes to the SSC Ultimate Aero
which exceed 253 mph pushing this car to 2nd place for the fastest car.




2.Pagani Zonda C12 F $667,321 Produced
by a small independent company in Italy, the Pagani Zonda C12 F is the
8th fastest car in the world. It promises to delivery a top speed of
215 mph+ and it an reach 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.



3.SSC Ultimate Aero $654,400
Don’t let the price tag fool you, the 3rd most expensive car is
actually fastest street legal car in the world with a top speed of 257
mph+ and reaching 0-60 in 2.7 seconds. This baby cost nearly half as
much as the Bugatti Veyron, yet has enough power to top the most
expensive car in a speed race. It is estimated that only 25 of this
exact model will ever be produced.



4.LeBlanc Mirabeau $645,084
Doesn’t this look like a race car? Yet, with $645k, you can get this car and
legally drive to your local supermarket and buy groceries. It has a top
speed of 229 mph+ and although it was intentionally made for racing, it
may be bought and show off to your neighbors.



5.Saleen S7 Twin Turbo $555,000
The first true American production certified supercar, this cowboy is
rank #4 for the fastest car in the world. It has a top speed of 248
mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. If you are a true American
patriot, you can be proud to show off this car.



6.Koenigsegg CCX $545,568
Swedish made, the Koenigsegg is fighting hard to become the fastest car
in the world. Currently the 3rd fastest car in the world with a top
speed of 250 mph+, the car manufacture Koenigsegg is not giving up and
will continue to try and produce the fastest car.



7.Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren $457,250
A GT supercar, the SLR McLaren is the fastest automatic transmission car
in the world with a top speed of 207 mph+ and reaching 60 mph in 3.8
seconds from stand still point.



8.Porsche Carrera GT $440,000
A supercar with dynamic stability control and a top speed of 209 mph+ and
it can reach 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. The Porsche Carrera GT applies the
absolute calibers of a true racing car to offer an unprecedented
driving feeling on the road.



9.Maybach 62 $385,250 The first
4-doors sedan to make the list, the Maybach 62 includes many luxurious
features and it was made for comfort rather than speed.



10.Maybach 57 S $367,000 High-end luxury saloon with sporty handling and top performance technology.

The bachelor tenley pregnant

With the drama of Rozlyn Papa and her "inappropriate" relationship with producer Ryan Callahan dying down, you knew The Bachelor had a new scandal brewing.

Tenley, who works in admissions for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Huntington Beach, Calif., confesses in a preview of next week's episode that she's pregnant.

The 25-year-old was previously married, and said last week, "I haven't dated anyone since my ex-husband," leaving us wondering who the father of her baby is.

The promo cuts SO quickly to the "I'm pregnant" line and SO quickly away that it almost seems as though they cut it from the middle of a sentence, i.e. "I wanted to tell him 'I'm pregnant'" or "I couldn't tell my parents 'I'm pregnant.'" There's also then a quick cut to Tenley sniffling, like she's making some big confession.

What do you think? Is Tenley Molzahn pregnant?

MANDA Holden's looking lovely

MANDA Holden's looking lovely and golden as she tops up her tan in the Caribbean.

Britain's Got Talent, but it sure hasn't got sunshine so Amanda - a judge on the hit ITV show - has jetted off for a winter warm-up.

And the 38-year-old columnist with our Fabulous magazine looked a truly yummy mummy with a nice taut tummy as she played with her three-year-old daughter Lexi on the deserted Jumby Bay in Antigua.

Amanda, who is married to record producer Chris Hughes, starts filming the fourth series of Britain's Got Talent this summer.

Her buddy on the show Simon Cowell, 50, is also holidaying in the Caribbean on a neighbouring island.

But Amanda resisted the temptation to say Woah, I'm Going To Barbados... and stuck with her family instead.

HIDDINK AGENT CLAIMS LIVERPOOL CONTACT

Cees van Nieuwenhuizen claims four clubs and five international teams have spoken to him about the former Chelsea boss, who failed in his bid to take Russia to the World Cup finals.

Hiddink is under contract until June but his position is in doubt and he's already expressed an interest in returning to England.

Manchester City also sounded out the Dutchman before opting for Roberto Mancini as Mark Hughes' replacement.

There is interest from Juventus, Turkey and a nation qualified for the World Cup finals - although Hiddink has ruled out going to South Africa this summer.

"I have spoken with representatives of four clubs and five national associations," van Nieuwenhuizen told Sovetskiy Sport.

"Almost all options have already been mentioned in the press, including Manchester City, Liverpool and Juventus. But I've said before we negotiate with anyone, first we will talk with the new president of the Russian Football Federation."

The outstanding candidate for that post, Sergei Fursenko, has gone on record as saying he wants a cheaper option than Hiddink - preferably a Russian.

It is Liverpool's alleged interest that will cause the biggest stir with Rafa Benitez under pressure at Anfield.

The Merseysiders take on Tottenham in a crunch clash on Wednesday night and the club have continued to throw their full support behind Benitez despite his team's poor performance this season.

InvisibleHand Does Behind-the-Scenes Price Comparisons for Firefox/Chrome Users

We heard about the InvisibleHand Firefox/Chrome extension on the Windows Weekly podcast, and it sounded like something that would be useful for all the online shopping that we do. Its purpose is to notify you when something you’re looking at or searching for can be found even cheaper at another site on the web. As you can see above when we was searching for a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium on Amazon it notified me that it was $6.50 cheaper on Buy.com. It’s very unobtrusive, which is a must for an add-on like this.



It supports 52 different retailers in the United States, 46 in the U.K., and 15 in Germany. What’s nice is that the “View all offers” button doesn’t take you to ad-ridden site, and instead presents you with a simple drop-down list of the other retailers, sorted by price, who match your product.

The add-on obviously makes money through affiliate programs thereby giving the developers a percentage of the purchases that you make. That doesn’t bother me because we think that it’s a no-brainer way to help support the add-on development cycle. From my point of view the downside is the data they collect:

* The URL of the site that you originally search for your chosen product on.
* The characteristics of the product that you search for.
* The URL of any site that you visit that is notified to you by the Add-on.
* Other anonymous technical and routing information relating to your product search and any visit that you may make to a third party site that you were alerted to by the Add-on. This information may include your IP address, but you will not personally identifiable from this information.

This add-on is awesome and all, but we are not a huge fan of products that are keeping tabs on my surfing habits. Unfortunately the only option you really get with InvisibleHand is whether you want it to automatically do price lookups for the things you’re Googling for, too. You can’t actually turn it on or off as needed, which for me is a necessity. Personally we are going to leave the extension installed, but we have disabled it in the add-ons management screen so that we can switch it on only when we need it.


Get InvisibleHand for Firefox or Chrome

Get O&O Defrag 10 Professional for Free

I’ve always been pretty good about defragmenting my computer, and I think it was a good choice when Microsoft decided to make defragmenting PC’s a scheduled job on Vista and Windows 7 by default. For some users the built-in defragmenting is still not good enough, and that’s where third-party apps like O&O Defrag come into play.



O&O Defrag is normally a $50 app, but if you don’t mind running a slightly older version you can get it for free. All you have to do is provide your name and email address to get O&O Defrag 10 Professional (released in May 2007). The good news is that it comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, and is available for Windows 2000/XP/Vista.

If you decide you want the latest version of their software you can also use this as a way to save some money. Once you get your serial in an email (which you should receive almost immediately after filling out the form) you can then use that to purchase an upgrade to the latest release for $30 (40% off).


Grab O&O Defrag 10 Professional for Free (Windows 2000/XP/Vista)

Create Daily/Session Computer Usage Time Limits

The demand for parental controls on computers is rapidly growing as kids continue to get their own personal machines. That’s why Microsoft started to include some of that functionality in Vista and Windows 7, but it is generally pretty basic when it comes down to limiting the amount of time a user can spend on the machine.



Romaco Timeout is a free application that is a little different than other parental controls in that it doesn’t focus on filtering out web content or controlling what games a user can play. All it does is enforce usage time limits in a variety of different ways:

* Daily quota: Specify how much time the user is allowed to spend on the computer on any given day.
* Session time limit: Specify how much time the user is allowed to spend on the computer each time they login.
* Online usage restrictions: Specify how much time the user can spend online before their browser is locked. It considers you “online” when you have a web browser running. If you close the browser the quota will be paused.

If you’re going to use Romaco Timeout I highly recommend grabbing the Beta version because it has some extra features and bug fixes that previous versions don’t have. I don’t expect everyone to go out and grab an app like this, but there quite a few scenarios where I could see this being useful. The obvious use is if you have kids, but it may also be helpful for shared computers and/or kiosks that are in public places (which is where the “per-session” limits would really apply).


Romaco Timeout Homepage (Windows only; Freeware)

Screenpresso: A Free and Fancy Screenshot

It seems like there are a lot of free screenshot tools popping up lately, which is not something you’ll see me complaining about. SnagIt has held the crown when it comes to professional screen capturing with its advanced editor and wide array of options, but these alternatives are slowly creeping up on the rather mature application.



Screenpresso is another one of these free tools that will eventually have a “Pro” counterpart that you can buy. Don’t worry though, from the looks of it the Pro version will add features like audio and video recording (a.k.a. screencasts), but if you’re just looking to snap some screenshots the free version should serve you well.

* Capture windows and region – Simply capture part of the screen or a specific window with the same shortcut. Simple.
* Screenshot history – Don’t bother to save screenshots on your drive, Screenpresso does for you. Practical
* Attach screenshots to emails – Drag and drop screenshots from history directly to your favorite email editor. Webmails like GMail are also taken into account! Swift.
* Built-in image editor – Crop, spotlight an area or comment parts of captured image. Efficient.
* Capture scrolling part – Can’t fit it on the screen ? Make a unique image thanks to the stitching mechanism. Smart.
* Add effects – Look like a pro. Add drop shadow, round corners and reflection and more. Sleek.
* Resize bunch of images – Need to export images or create thumbnails at specific size, one click.
* Share screenshots on Twitter – Easy share screenshots on Twitter thanks to Twitpic integration.






Screenpresso Homepage (Windows only; Freeware)

Grand Theft Auto Comes To The iPhone

Rockstar Games has released one of the most popular PC game called the Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars [$9.99, App Store]. Grand Theft Auto was first developed for the PC and then it was also ported onto Nintendo DS and Sony PSP.

Chinatown Wars for the iPhone seems to lie somewhere in between the DS and PSP versions in regards to graphical quality, but as far as pure GTA gameplay, everything so far seems intact. (Complete with an awful lot of swearing.)



TouchArcade has a very interesting review, check it out:

The basic premise of the game involves a man named Huang Lee, the son of a Triad gang boss who was recently sent to sleep with the fishes. He flies in to Liberty City with a heirloom sword his father won in a poker game, deciding to deliver it to his uncle. Of course things never go as planned, and not long after landing Huang finds himself in the middle of a gunfight and winds up getting kidnapped. After stealing the sword, the assailants assume Huang is dead, and looking to dispose of the body drive the car he’s in off the side of a pier. In the same vein of other GTA games, story isn’t really anything revolutionary, but it gets the job done.

Digg Founder Kevin Rose Demos ‘Square’ iPhone Credit Card Payment Dongle

We all have been hearing about the first Credit Card Payment accessory on the iPhone for quite sometime now. Its called Square and with this accessory you can start accepting payment cards immediately. The Square website says that this iPhone accessory will be available in few more months and describes it as – No contracts, monthly fees, or hidden costs. Effortlessly manage all the money you take with an easy and intuitive interface.



Here is the Demo of Square by Kevin Rose, the Digg found:

Microsoft announcing Windows Mobile 6.6 next month, Full Capactive touchscreen support included

Mobile 7 might be launched at the MWC, but based on what DigiTimes is reporting, it’s actually Windows Mobile 6.6 which will be unveiled at next month possibly at the big event in Barcelona. Codenamed Windows Mobile Maldives, this upcoming version of Windows Mobile is expected to feature full capacitive touchscreen support to make it compete better with the iPhone and Android-based touchscreen handsets. Their post further goes on to say that sales of Windows Mobile 6.5 devices “have been flat since the platform was launched in the fourth quarter of 2009.” As a result, Microsoft was forced to come out with this new version which, in turn, may have further delayed the release of Windows Mobile 7 to as far back as 2011.

Given the track record of DigiTimes, we’re not fully sold on what their proposing. However, based on previous reports, this could be one and the same as the leaked new Windows Mobile 6.5 UI we talked about back in November. Anyway, February is just a couple of weeks away so we’ll know soon enough if Microsoft will indeed be announcing a new Windows Mobile platform next month or not, and if so, what version it’ll be.

Sachin Tendulkar reached another milestone Sunday, surpassing 13,000 Test runs during India’s first innings against Bangladesh in the first Test here Sunday.

Tendulkar needed 30 runs to achieve the feat when he came to bat. He reached the milestone with a pull shot for four off Mahmudullah in the 36th over, becoming the first batsman in the world to cross the 13,000-run mark.

Tendulkar, while batting on 16, got a life when Imrul Kayes dropped his catch in the slip off Shafiul Islam.

The batting maestro stood alone even as wickets around him kept falling and India were left struggling at 213 for eight at stumps. Tendulkar scored his 55th Test fifty remaining unbeaten after a 140-ball 76 with the help of six fours and one six.

Tendulkar went into the match having amassed 12,970 runs from 162 Tests at an average of 54.72 with the help of 43 centuries and 54 half centuries.

His record is equally impressive in ODIs with the batting great piling up a record 17,394 runs from 440 one-dayers, averaging 44.71 and including 45 centuries and 93 half centuries.

Windows Live Onecare 2.0 Releases Microsoft

The Redmond, Washington based software giant, Microsoft has released the stable edition of their Windows Live OneCare 2.0 security application. This edition of Live OneCare was in beta since July this year. Microsoft said that the version 2.0 of this application offers many enhancements to existing tool and offers several new tools. This latest addition now comes with new Wireless network security features. It now allows the users to monitor and change their router’s settings. There is also a start-time optimizer which can be used to remove applications from the booting sequence to speed up boot times. The users would now be able to centralize all their backups to one external drive or one central computer. Protection Plus - includes antivirus, 2-way firewall, antispyware, Microsoft Update integration, and More. OneCare version 2.0 will perform better. "We're deeply committed to investing in our ongoing anti-malware efforts," said Barzdukas in an interview conducted by Microsoft's public relations department and posted on the company's site.

Google adds new features to its Social Network Orkut


Internet search giant, Google Inc. has come up with new look for its social networking website Orkut by introducing additional user friendly features.
The move is apparently aimed to woo more users and beat the challenges posed by rivals Facebook and other social networking websites.

The firm claims that the new appearance would provide better user interface besides giving easy and speedy access to the site. Video scraps would also be possible from now onwards in addition to text scraps.

Google India Head (Products) Vinay Goel explained, “With the new user interface (UI), the user does not have to visit each page for viewing videos, or say posting scraps. He gets to see all updates and respond to his friends from the homepage itself."

The new changes would allow users to speedily upload their photos, video chat and other such features on the same homepage.

Google boasts of having around 80-100 million users across the world. Brazil is the leading market for Orkut followed by India. Rahul Kulkarni, Google Product Manager, added, "Orkut is a fun thing. It provides seamless experience to users."

MySpace Teams Up With Google To Spread Reach

Social networking site MySpace.com has revealed that it has teamed up with Internet search leader Google.

According to sources, the team up will extend company’s reach and counter the expansion of their common rival Facebook.

As a part of the initiative, MySpace is trying to diversify its network by making its login system, MySpaceID, compatible with any website that wants to cover it.

According to reports, by working on a similar service offered by Google, MySpace is betting that more sites will welcome its audience.

The sources further revealed that the alliance builds upon MySpace's seven-month-old effort to make it easier for the 127 million global users of its online hangout to connect with their social circles while they are at other Internet destinations.

MySpace and Google previously joined forces a year ago to promote the service - OpenSocial - that competes against Facebook's warehouse of online software programs.

Giant social networking website Facebook, on Tuesday announced that it will be providing its user base with a free of cost 6 month trial of McAfee security software suite which has been released as Internet Security Suite. With the effort, the website is looking to offer better protection to its users.

The major player of the computer security world, McAfee is offering an independent online tool that would look to scan and remove any cyber attacks from a Facebook user's computer.

As confirmed by the social networking site, the scanner would be offered free of charge to users, and if the users purchase the software after 6 months of trial, Facebook would not be taking any share in the revenue.

As of now, only the English version of the scanner is available, but soon users of other languages will be able to make use of it as well.

"Facebook is very serious about security and has made significant efforts to protect its users and service by investing in dedicated teams and sophisticated systems, and this partnership with McAfee furthers that mission. We believe our partnership will make a real difference in the battle to secure the Internet", said McAfee Consumer, Mobile and Small Business executive VP, GM Todd Gebhart.

Nokia 5230 is the recent release from the Nokia. The handset offers wide variety of functionality with touch screen and internet connectivity. The phone is very economical and comes with a price tag of Rs.8500 in India. The handset offers unique features such photo editor, document viewer for Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents as well as flash lite 3.0 and a voice command/dial function.

As far as looks are concerned, the phone is available in two colors black and white. The white color considered as an impressive color variant. The phone has efficient technology and excellent looks . It measures 111 mm x 51 mm wide and 15 mm thick. A compact handset with an effective touch screen as its primary means of navigating around functionality this phone adds to the already burgeoning reputation of Nokia.

Not only this, Nokia 5230 is encased within a stylish casing, which is resonant of several other Nokia models, it is comfortable to hold and emphatically simple to use.

The handset features 2.0 Mp camera, which also takes VGA quality video at 30 frames per second as well as an MP4/MP3 player which will play all major audio and video file types.

An FM radio with RDS capability and a raft of games are also included as standard and complete the entertainment element of this handset.

The display screen is a TFT resistive touch screen which is 3.2 inches in size and is able to perfectly display up to 16 million colours, thus providing imagery of outstanding quality and depth of colour.

Proximity and accelerometer sensors are also included within the package, as is handwriting recognition which offers an alternative form of data and text entry.



The phone comes with an internal memory capacity of 70 MB, SD cards can be used to expand the memory up to 16 GB. GPRS, EDGE, blue tooth and micro USB are all included as standard on the other hand internet access is provided via its HSDPA connection.

The phone utilises the Arm 11 434 MHz processor as its central processing unit. Nokia 5230 operating system is the Symbian operating system, version 9.4.

Jyoti Basu dies at 95

Marxist patriarch Jyoti Basu today lost the long battle with life and breathed his last at AMRI hospital.

Jyoti Basu, veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader who was West Bengal chief minister for 23 years and straddled Indian politics for over six decades, died here Sunday after a prolonged illness. He was 95.

"Jyoti Basu is no more," said party state secretary Biman Bose.

He died at 11.47 a.m., he added.

He was admitted to AMRI hospital on January 1, 2010 following complaint of acute respiratory problems.

The CPI(M) leader's condition deteriorated on January 6 and he was put on ventilator support. Basu's condition was stated very very critical on Saturday. Medical bulletin said that the key organs of veteran communist leader failed and he was extremely critical. He was on maximum ventilator support.

Jyoti Basu's demise has been unbridgeable loss for the country, West Bengal and Communist Party of India. Several senior communist leaders have been gathered outside the hospital.

Jyoti Basu was India's longest serving chief minister (1977-2000).

Comrade Jyoti Basu's death: An irreparable loss

Comrade Jyoti Basu's demise is irreparable loss for political fraternity and his party CPI(M). The longest serving chief minister of India today breathed his last at AMRI hospital in the state capital.

Born on July 8, 1914, Basu was the founding member of CPI(M) from 1964 untill 2008.

He started his political career in 1946 when he was elected to the Bengal Legislative Assembly from Railway constituency. He was introduced to Communist Party by Bhupesh Gupta in Great Britain.

In 1967 and 1969, Basu served as Deputy Chief Minister of West Bengal. On June 21, 1977, Jyoti Basu was appointed as the chief minister on West Bengal. He stepped down as chief minister in 2000, citing health grounds.

After the fractured mandate in the 1996 general elections, the veteran comrade was all set to become the Prime Minister of India but the party decided not to join the United Front government. Later, the United Front formed the government at the Centre under the Prime Ministership of HD Devegowda.

However, Basu had criticised the party's move and termed the decision not to join the government as major blunder.

In the 19th CPI (M) Congress in 2008, Basu took retirement from Politburo. However, he was appointed as Special Invitee to the Politburo.

An irreparable loss: Comrade Jyoti Basu's death

"I hadn't even met Shahid before Chance Pe Dance" - Genelia

Genelia D'Souza is all set for an eventful 2010 with Chance Pe Dance, It's My Life and Hook Ya Crook lined up in quick succession. This is not all as her South career is continuing to flourish as well with at least a couple of movies in Tamil and Telugu in the wings. With a good enough success rate behind her in recent times with Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa turning out to be a super hit and Life Partner making money as well, Genelia has managed to sail smooth. On the eve of the film's release, she gets talking to Joginder Tuteja about audience expectations from her post Jaane Tu..., the 'chanced' and the 'dance' element in Chance Pe Dance and the Jiah Khan controversy. So Genelia, is Chance Pe Dance one film where you get to look good as well as emote to a reasonable extent? (Says after a brief pause) I won't say that there aren't any serious moments in Chance Pe Dance.

In fact there are times when you stop smiling for a while and reflect upon what's happening in the lives of the protagonists. There is a definite story running in the background and though there is comedy for sure, it is situational rather than slapstick. There are some tender scenes which are heart-warming as you start relating to the characters played by Shahid and me. In CPD there are times when you stop smiling for a while and reflect upon what's happening With 'chance' already making it's presence felt, is it the 'dance' element that takes centre stage from here on? (Laughs) Nahi nahi, the film is more about chance than dance. It's this one chance that Shahid gets and he goes all out to ensure that he makes best use of it. Dance just remains as a peripheral element. If you remember his Ishq Vishk, you would recollect that there were all kinds of moments in the film, whether happy, emotional, comic or heart warming. It's a similar combination with a different setup and storyline that we get to see here. Overall, Chance Pe Dance is a very 'Ken film'. Errr... a Ken film? Now what's that? I will explain. See, Ken is very good with his characters. An actor may be playing a second lead or a supporting role but still he/she would be remembered after the film is over. Say for example Shenaz (Treasurywala) in Ishq Vishk. Now she was really loved in spite of playing the character of someone due to whom Shahid moves away from Amrita (Rao). Still, no one really hated her in the film. Or for that matter Vishal who played the role of Mambo in the same film. I still remember him from the film. You know, when Ken narrates a scene to you, you enjoy it first hand and grasp it there and then. He creates those nice little sweet moments that remain etched in your heart. Chance Pe DanceNeedless to say, one can expect such 'nice little sweet' moments in Chance Pe Dance too? Yes, you can. After all it brings back the oft told belief that behind every successful man is a woman (laughs). Just kidding. I do have a very significant role in the film even though Chance Pe Dance is rightly being projected to be the story of this lead character who is an aspiring actor and goes through various phases without getting much success during his struggle period. As his girlfriend, I am there with him in his lows and highs and share his moments of sorrow or euphoria. I am indeed the driving factor in his life. While one looks forward to how much do audience see the two of you together, one fact which cannot be denied is that it's a welcome relief to see a fresh new 'jodi' in the form of Shahid and Genelia. Yeeeeaay, now that's so encouraging. And to think of it, let aside shooting with him, I hadn't even met Shahid before Chance Pe Dance. However, the moment promos of the film came on air first, there were hundreds of tweets that I got which stated how people were really enjoying our pairing. I guess there is this innocence factor which worked in our favour Ken is very good with giving a likable depth to his characters Well, on a different note, it wasn't really an innocent outing last year when your Life Partner released. There were quite a few detractors who come out in open and commented on your act. Many believed that not just did you go over the top in your portrayal of a rich arrogant girl but also lost the reputation of a sweet and simple girl that you had gained from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa days. Aah, now I take it all as a backhanded compliment (smiles) that's because I was required to be that high headed, loud and a spoilt brat. I guess it was quite a thin rope to walk while never loosing that lovey-dovey side of my persona. This is why I take whatever criticism which came my way quite positively. But since you were shrieking and throwing tantrums at every given juncture, many filmgoers complained that your character got on their nerves. Which means mission accomplished! I had to make audiences feel miserable for Fardeen and empathise with him. If I got on their nerves then it means the character worked. That was always the intent. I had to stay true to the character and bring to life Sanjana who was just so unreasonable and knew nothing, whether it was art or house-hold affairs. This is why she continued to make all these false attempts at singing, painting, cooking etc. Chance Pe DanceComing back to Chance Pe Dance, the fact is that the film is clearly being sold as a Shahid Kapoor starrer. Given the fact that you had made a definite place for yourself after Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa where you had a role equal to that of Imran Khan, don't you crave for more author backed characters? Are you willing to be a good looking arm candy? Let's be practical, one can't expect every second movie to be Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa. What should be of utmost importance is that everyone remembers the character that I play. Just now you mentioned about my presence in Life Partner. Now that was a multi starrer with five principal protagonists, but still we are talking about Sanjana, right? I have to make a place in the film and give my best there. One can't expect to reach the highest level in each of the outings though I hope and believe that one day, the benchmark set by Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa will also be crossed Meanwhile, even as the film's release is round the corner, what's your take on the entire controversy around Jiah Khan being dropped and you being roped in instead? Let's not say that I replaced Jiah because that's not the fact. Main nahi karti toh koyi aur yeh role karta. It wasn't like after looking at me, the makers suddenly had a change in heart and asked Jiah to leave. In fact she was already out and the role was open for any other actor. The makers were hunting for a leading lady and they felt I suited the character. It's as simple as that. Let's not say that I replaced Jiah because that's not the fact. Main nahi karti toh koyi aur yeh role karta Now that Chance Pe Dance is carrying positive vibes, you must be utterly confident about 2010 beginning on a hit note for you? I am a firm believer in destiny. People come and tell me that Chance Pe Dance is looking good and it's a definite hit in the offering. But really, I take it all with a pinch of salt. Of course while you are working in a film, you know the direction it is headed towards. Still, you can never be too sure. Success as well as failure are pre-written. If a film sails through then great but if it doesn't then one cannot be blaming anyone. This is why when I sign a film; I pick a subject thinking if it will make me happy as an actor. I don't work for hits of flops.

HTC Bravo Expected in March



HTC s upcoming Android based flagship, the Bravo, was first seen in December. While the phone is yet to be officially announced by HTC, chances are that the Bravo would be launched in less than two months from now.

Swedish mobile operator 3, which has a Facebook page, has mentioned about it launching the Bravo sometime in. Keeping that in mind, it can be safely assumed that the Bravo would by then, make it to other countries of Europe as well as Asia.

The HTC Bravo boasts of a 3.7 inch WVGA AMOLED touchscreen display, Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU at 1GHz, HSPA, Wi-Fi, GPS, 5MP camera with autofocus, and Android 2.0 or 2.1. This makes it quite similar to the Google Nexus One which is also made by HTC for Google. The phone is expected to be priced in the same range as the Nexus One and hopefully, this one will make it to India
as well, before the Nexus One (if it ever does arrive).