IT’S a common complaint of marathon runners and soldiers. As they generally tend to overdo exercise and fall victim to illness, particularly chest infections. Now it seems that quercetin - a flavonoid found in fruits such as apples, berries and tea - may aid in protecting them as per American researchers’ newly conducted research.

DARPA, the Pentagon’s research arm, has been sponsoring studies into whether quercetin could be used to help protect US troops.

For the past few years, DARPA - the Pentagon’s research arm - has been sponsoring studies of quercetin in the hope that it could protect US troops. “During missions, soldiers are running around for two or three days with heavy packs on. They don’t eat or sleep, and infections are as much of a problem if not a more serious issue than injuries,” says David Nieman at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, who led the research.

The latest trial saw 40 male cyclists either given one gram of the flavenoid every day - equaled eating 100 apples - or a placebo for three weeks.
According to an article in the New Scientist journal, the cyclists spent a three-day period training at maximum intensity for three hours a day. Two weeks later, nine of the cyclists in the placebo group had chest infections while only one of the quercetin group was ill.
Tests showed the cyclists taking the supplement had high levels of quercetin in their blood.
The scientist believes quercetin’s ability to bind to viruses and bacteria to stop them replicating had stopped the cyclists getting sick.
He also found the cyclists had reduced levels of IL-8, a chemical that helps mediate the immune response to antigens, indicating the flavenoid could also be influencing the immune system in some way.
Holden MacRae, at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, said the study provided “important new evidence” about the health benefits of polyphenols in general and quercetin in particular.
Bye - bye to vows of illness as apples are there to save the day!

link:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/dietfitness.html?in_article_id=481598&in_page_id=1774&ito=1490″>

The Thai entrepreneurs have developed a way of processing skins of the tropical tilapia fish to make durable leather.

The fish-skin bikini was exhibited at a Bangkok fashion show last month and its makers are hoping for orders from Europe and the United States for the bizarre yet unique product.

“It’s comfortable! The bikini can really breathe,” said Sudarat Sae-lim, modeling the scaly, cobalt-blue two-piece. “I like that its waterproof, it means it can dry more easily.”

Each tilapia skin fetches around $1.25, and is dried, treated and dyed to make products from key-rings to couches. One bikini needs 15 fish skins to make, and will go on sale for $75.

The fishy affair has kept lots astounded. The creation really raises eyebrows but has left its foot prints in the Fashion arena and indeed is a great creation!

link: http://spluch.blogspot.com/2007/09/theres-something-fishy-about-that.html

The drug is a synthetic version of the hormone Amylin, which regulates gastric emptying. The results are promising as a life-saver for people who are chronically obese. Certainly, the consumption of it would do wonders to patients taking it, who most probably would end up thin. But as per the second side of the coin, they won’t necessarily be healthy — the hearts may still be compromised, there will still be a higher risk for many diseases, and chances of unhealthy diets and little to no exercise.

True health only comes from a healthy diet and plenty of exercise — there’s no pill that will help you achieve it. There is absolutely no substitute to fitness. For perfection one needs to put in equal amount of hard -work too. Moreover, playing with your system would lure one at present but is surely prone to highly destructive long term effects.

Nikita Mathur, a dietician says, ‘A proper timely diet and exercise is an unbeatable upshot, along with proper sleep. Artificial thinning will certainly risk the future.’

The ‘magic pill’ would certainly trim up your fat but would cost you your health.
Think before compromising on your health!
link:
http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/09/14/are-diabetes-drugs-good-for-weight-loss

The movie a great blend of comedy as well as emotions, after realizing grossing over Rs.41 Crores worldwide in just its opening weekend, has now received an offer from an international firm to make the animation version of the film. “I’ve no idea. It’s fine as long as the producer makes money on it,” an ecstatic Sajid Khan quips. “Yes, there’re offers; we’re in talks with an international firm’ he adds.
This is clear that mega success and mostly unexpected success can give one all the ideas in the world. Sajid Khan’s ‘Heyy Babyy’ is all game to draw the maximum benefit out of his successful debut.
With the season of animation in the air, another flick is added to the list. However, stands the question will the trio recreate its magic; though animated? The audience might well get a new baby as in an animated version soon...

http://www.indiafm.com/news/2007/09/05/10057/index.html
picture: google.com

It’s official now. The rights of ‘Sholay’ will finally go to Pritish Nandy Communications following a $100 million deal between Pritish Nandy and Sascha Sippy. PNC will makes its sequel along with an animated version as well.

The 1975 super - duper blockbuster, backed by a strong story line, and adding to its glory was the terrific star cast. The story of a cop’s revenge, to save a village from the clutches of a neurotic, foul-mouthed bandit by two reformed crooks, who were as well the best of friends. The movie in fact set new trends for others to follow. It did not merely rule the theatres for a limited span, but till date, its magic follows on.

The 3D animated version of the movie in all probabilities will not be made by Florida based Motion Pixel Corporation with whom PNC has already got into a deal for eight animation features. “We haven’t decided yet who will be the animation arm for this project. Sholay is an iconic movie and a number of generations have seen the movie, and we are in talks with quite a few studios”.
The project of the new ‘Sholay’ was repackaged various times, but an official remake is now going to be made by the Pritish Nandy Communications which has signed a deal with the producers of the original.
According to Nandy, the production of the movie will begin next month and is expected to release towards the end of 2008. The budget of the movie is still being contemplated, and in addition to the animated version of the movie, PNC intends to remake the movie in live action as well.
‘As for the size, it could be $100 million. It could be more, we really don’t know at this stage, but yes, $100 million seems reasonably close to it’, says Nandy.
Unlike the other animated features of PNC (Pritish Nandy Communications) which will be a blend of new ideas and creativity, this feature will remain loyal to the original script of this movie giving a realistic feel to the characters as well as the plot, with an ideal adaptation of the original story including actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini all in animated form.
On being asked about the revenue sharing model, Nandy remarked, “The revenue sharing model will be based on the terms and conditions of the licensing and acquisition agreement.”
Sholay Media & Entertainment, headed by Sasha Vijay Sippy, holds the official franchisee rights of Sholay which was produced in 1975 by his grandfather GP Sippy and directed by Ramesh Sippy.
However the latest attempt to remake ‘Sholay’ sparked a copyright controversy.
Vinay, a student comments, ‘I did not like Aag only Big B’s performance is worth a look otherwise it is nothing in comparison to Sholay.! However, I would like to see an animated version of Sholay.’
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who reversed roles of some of the characters in his remake and has added his own creativity ends to the story, has renamed the film as ‘Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag’, but didnot recreate the same magic as of the orignal Sholay.

picture: Google .com

Pooja Bhatt’s creations include - Paap and Holiday, However in this particular attempt she charters into a new — and most difficult — terrain with Dhoka. With terrorism raising its ugly head in Hyderabad recently, a film like Dhoka is all the most topical. In this case, the suicide bomber is the cop’s wife.

What sets Dhoka apart from films of its ilk is that the film never takes sides. It doesn’t blame any particular community, in fact it’s not pro or anti any religion. It blames the people who spread terror in the name of religion. Also, it denounces terrorism in very clear words. Dhoka hits where it hurts. You want to know the reason why people turn into jehadis. Dhoka probes into the issue and provides the answers.

The film, directed by Pooja Bhatt, seems to be a lecture to the Hindu community in India about the serious issue of terrorism.

Some of the questions asked are: Why are Muslims always viewed suspiciously when there is a bomb blast? Why is there so much angst among Muslims against the Indian State? Why are police forces so communal and one-tracked in their investigations? Why do some Muslim youth turn to terrorism? Why are Muslim youths picked up in the name of interrogations and then never heard of again? Why does no one talk about State terrorism in police lockups?

It is a good issue highlighted by Pooja Bhatt, but she fails in the execution. If only she handled the message as subtly as Shimit Amin handled the issue in Chak De India!, where Shah Rukh Khan is targeted as the hero here, because he is a Muslim. Yet, Chak De does not feel like a lecture.

To sum up, Dhoka is one of the finest and powerful films to come out of the Bhatt camp. This one dares to unruffle a few feathers; however, it fails to leave an impact on the masses.

The story is of Zaid, [Muzamil Ibrahim] a Muslim police officer in Mumbai. On the night of a deadly bombing at the New Century Club, he works tirelessly to help the shocked and shattered patients brought to the hospital. But this night of turmoil and death takes a horrifying personal turn. His wife’s body, the beautiful Sara [Tulip Joshi], is found amongst the dead. Things turn even more horrific when the police coldly announce that Sara’s injuries were typical of those found on fundamentalist suicide bombers. As evidence mounts that his wife, Sara, was responsible for the catastrophic bombing, Zaid is torn between cherished memories of their years together and the inescapable realization that the beautiful woman he loved had a life far removed from their comfortable existence together.

Dhoka is two creative minds at their best — director Pooja Bhatt and writer Shagufta Rafique. Sure, a film like this is not everyone’s idea of entertainment, but one needs to face the music too and get real. After all, Cinema isn’t only entertainment, but enlightenment too.

With terrorism raising its ugly head time and again, in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, New York and London, one cannot shut your eyes to all that’s happening around us.

Dhoka tells the story well. The director and her competent writer open the cards at the very outset, within 10 minutes of the start. But it’s the second hour that’s a complete eye-opener. The ugly past, narrated by Anupam Kher, shakes you completely. Brilliantly penned and executed, you’re stunned by the atrocities committed by the men in uniform.

The writing wobbles at times. Take the end, for instance, Ashutosh Rana getting caught for his misdeeds looks too sudden. Prior to that, the confrontation between Munish Makhija and Muzamil, although interesting, is long-drawn and tends to get preachy. However, the climax at a Mumbai Railway Station — the culmination to the horrific tale — is spell-binding.

Dhoka is Pooja’s third and also her finest work so far. She has handled the disturbing issue with utmost maturity. Shagufta Rafique’s writing packs a solid punch. Music [M.M. Kreem] is soothing and is smartly woven in the narrative. Anshuman Mahaley’s cinematography is topnotch.

But the film fails mainly because it does not give attention to details. Sarah wraps the bomb around her waist. While 20 people die in the blast, Sarah’s face remains intact and perfect.

A viewer of the movie Swati says,” the concept is nice but I did not enjoy it much.”

Anupam Kher is first-rate. Only a veteran with a terrific range could’ve essayed the part with such understanding. Gulshan Grover is perfect. He looks the character. Ashutosh Rana is menacing; very effective. The actor enacting the role of Tulip’s brother is good. Bhanu Uday is admirable. Aushima Sawhney does a fine job. Anupam Shyam is alright. Munish Makhija is competent. A real surprise, a pleasant surprise! Tulip Joshi looks gorgeous and although she hardly has any lines to deliver, she makes it up with the right expressions.

On the acting front, model-turned-debutant actor Muzammil Ibrahim disappoints. He tries hard but fails to impress. He looks like he is still walking the ramp. His character needed a powerful actor, and Muzammil looks miscast.

Gulshan Grover and Anupam Kher are brilliant, however, as is Tulip Joshi.

Dhoka has a relevant story, but is truly disappointing in the execution department.

website:

However, Ugly Betty is a replica of the Indian show, ‘Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin’. Our Jassi is the Indian answer to the US based Ugly Betty.

The cast of ‘Ugly Betty’ came to Hollywood’s Mondrian Hotel Monday night to celebrate this week’s release of the show’s season one DVD, but they also spoke to Access Hollywood about the rumored season two appearance of a rather ‘posh’ guest star, Victoria Beckham!

‘I’ve heard rumors that she might come on the show and do a little guest spot, which would be fun,’ said ‘Betty’ star America Ferrera. ‘She definitely belongs in the world, in the MODE world. She’d definitely be somebody that Wilhelmina is good buddies with.’

According to co-star Eric Mabius, Ferrera may not be wrong about Posh being ‘good buddies’ with the devilish MODE magazine creative director, played by Vanessa Williams.

‘I have heard she is going to be a bridesmaid for Wilhelmina’s wedding,’ said Mabius, who plays Betty’s boss, Daniel Meade. He also implied that Victoria would be playing herself in the planned episode.
‘That is what I’ve heard...I don’t know for sure,’ he coyly added
Victoria Beckham, the fashionista wife of English soccer player David Beckham, and a highly applauded singer will play a celebrity bridesmaid in an episode of the popular show based on life at a fashion magazine. The episode will be filmed in the autumn.

Posh, a member of the reunited Spice Girls British pop group arrived in Los Angeles in July in a media blitz as her husband began a five-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team worth $250 million. Victoria Beckham insisted she had no desire to launch a Hollywood career as an actress, saying she was devoted to expanding her fashion line, ‘dVb’ Style. Earlier this month, US publishers acquired rights to her UK best-selling style guide That Extra Half an Inch - a reference to her love of high heels.

But the Beckhams have struggled to establish themselves in the United States as the mega stars they were in Europe.

Victoria Beckham’s reality TV special chronicling her move to California and intended to showcase her humor and personality backfired amid mediocre ratings and damning reviews. David Beckham has been dogged by injuries that have kept him on the bench for much of his two months wit months with the Galaxy
Source

‘O Yaara Dhol Bajake’, the title track of the movie, in simple terms commences synthesized rhythm and the word sexy defines the rocking track. True to its title, it’s a full dhamaal and masti number, a type of composition that the GenX will freak out on, in the clubs and discos, not to mention the lavish baraat processions. It has all the right elements, the ample use of dhol, drums and the usual rap that makes this a lively dance track. Daler’s younger brother Mika rocks this track with his total mast and bindas rendition. Irshad Kamil’s lyrics deserve applause - “Aisi to hazaron yahaan, Roop ki ballyein hongi, Dekhte rahein hum jinko, Kahan who adaayein hongi, Pyaar ka karaar woh ho, Chahton ka noor woh ho, Bane jo hamari soni, Heer woh ho, Hoor woh ho.” The only hitch is that this destined to succeed composition is inspired by ‘Koi Shehri Babu Dil Lehri Babu’(’Loafer’). However, Inspiration or no inspiration, this number is bound to hit the charts.

Soham and Sohail keep up the festive, masti spirit alive with their lovely rendition, in the other version of the title track. The icing on the cake is Labh Janjua’s version. Punjabi flavoured song ‘O Yaara Dhol Bajake’, which undoubtedly turns out to be the best of the lot.

The next track, ‘Namakool’(meaning fool/idiot in Urdu) literally had us fooled, as we thought that it was the starting portions of the still rocking title track from the super hit ‘Partner’. Of course, Pritam is not a namakool, so we know that it’s a definite coincidence. So it turns out to be, as later, the track changes completely, taking the shape of a carefree, lively situational track. It’s nice to hear Ganjawala back after a short time and of course, Shaan, both of whom have such fresh and sweet voices. Ashish Pandit’s lyrics are as per the demand of the script, and depict the characters of the male lead protagonists well.

‘Bheega Asmaan’, anther track, has trademark Pritam’s musical arrangements, the sort that he keeps reserved for Abbas-Mustan’s thrillers (case in point, ‘Naqaab’). A super fast, passion-filled composition, the lovely male chorus in the background only enhances the effect. Shaan is superb as always. Vijay Yesudas is a good singer and does well here.

Shreya Ghoshal, proves yet again that she deserves all the awards and accolades with her flawless rendition of ‘Dil Liya, Dil Liya’, anther rocking track. It’s a solo love song. One can describe it as a seduction number too. Lyrics are routine, so are the arrangements, but Shreya manages to lift this average number with her lovely singing.

Some very good rapping, reggae styled singing and synthesized rhythm extends a warm welcome to our all-time- favourite singer, the rarely heard but highly versatile , the original Pop Diva, Usha Uthup! ‘All Night Long’ is just the kind of composition that Usha simply relishes and needless to add, delivers to perfection. The English-cum-Hindi mix, the racy beats all combined together makes it another good party track, the sort that people would love to dance to in functions. Yet once again, the antara is a straight lift (sorry to say), from the antara of the classy, Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu, from B. R. Chopra’s classic, ‘Waqt’.

Girls Rule! After Shreya and Usha, its all girl power in the situational ‘Haadsa’, that suggests that this may not be a pure comedy but there can be a thriller aspect, here as well. Akriti Kakkar and Sunidhi Chauhan sing well in unison, which is a unique aspect of the song.

Pritam has compiled a mixture of all sorts of compositions, to suit the script of the movie. Some of them are sure to climb up the charts and can be instrumental in giving a good opening to this (major) starless movie. Of course, if publicized well, that is. Up till now, the across-the-counter sales are not very encouraging, but with the lady luck ever smiling on Pritam, one can never say.

The music of the movie would surely score a 7 on 10 (7/10). In a nut shell the music of Dhol Is a complete package for the youth, a package including diverse facets.

picture- google.com

The most talked about and famous character of Indian cinema- Gabbar Singh, the famous and successful bad -man of Indian Cinema history! Amitabh Bachan has played Babban (gabbar singh) in Ram Gopal Varma’s remake of Sholay. In the Dark Underbelly of Mumbai city a nihilistic new leader has risen to rule the fetid underworld. His Name is Babban (not gabbar). No body has ever seen him and if they have, they did not survive to tell the tale, but one man believed in his existence, and that is inspector Narsimha. He is an encounter specialist who has a single minded determination to finish Babban. Babban perceives other human beings as objective to amuse or occupy him with. When he speaks, he does so to voice his own thoughts, he does not engage in conversation with anyone. He likes to play with his victims. When he is angry, his eyes take a glazed look. He seems to looking at you as you speak, but the focus of his glaze rests in the middle distance. It’s as if he is looking right through you. He loves people who challenge him, as then he can enjoy killing them more. So this is Babban a cruel acted new era Gabbar Singh.

The testing time is on the cards, with great hopes set for release. And time will indeed tell, if ‘Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag’, shares the same glory as the timeless ‘Sholay’ did !!!

Pictures - Google.com