Aniston -- hottest woman of all time!

London: Beating big names like screen legend Marilyn Monroe, pop icon Madonna and actress Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston has been named the hottest woman of all time in a new poll by online portal menshealth.com.

The 42-year-old was followed by American actress Raquel Welch at the second stop, Monroe at third and pop icons Britney Spears and Madonna at the fourth and fifth place respectively, reports contactmusic.com.

"Baywatch" beauty Pamela Anderson was at the eighth spot whereas Jane Fonda and Jolie took ninth and 10th place respectively.

According to the site, Aniston was a hands down winner because she is funny. "Funny is sexy, and Jennifer Aniston is funny. Her down-to-earth persona makes her seem attainable. And her all-too-human love life off screen inspires sympathy that not even a string of bland romantic comedies can diminish," the site reported.

Global attention, not business in focus at IRFW

Bambolim: The inaugural edition of India Resort Fashion Week (IRFW) has concluded and the participating designers say the focus was more on brand building and introducing India as a global market for resort wear, rather than doing business.

"Any new thing needs time to establish themselves. Since this is the first time a event like this is happening in India, so one can't expect good business. It was more of a formal introduction of resort fashion week to the world. I think there is a huge market for resort wear in India and it's a great opportunity for designers who are solely into resort line," designer Babita Malkani told IANS.

"No doubt that the market has potential to get some outstanding business... Resort wear collection in our kind of season is definitely saleable through out the year and I am hopeful that the next edition of IRFW will be one of its kind in terms of business," she added.

The four-day fashion fete, which concluded Saturday evening, saw designers James Ferriera, Shantanu and Nikhil, Manish Malhotra, Shivan and Narresh, Narendra Kumar, Anupama Dayal and Pria Kaataria Puri setting new trends in resort wear.

Designer Narendra Kumar says IRFW proved to be an outstanding platform for Indian resort wear designers craving for global recognition.

"This is fantastic platform for resort wear designers. However, I just want more enthusiasm and more people to come and show their support towards the concept like this which was an unknown territory till now. Nobody is thinking about business but the interaction and this is what one can expect from first edition," Kumar told IANS.

But that doesn't mean that business didn't happen. Shivan and Narresh, who launched first-ever swimwear brand in India, are flooded with enquiries and waiting to strike a deal.

"I think India is already five years late when it comes to launching their own resort fashion week, but it's better late than never. I think IRFW is a very promising platform for resort wear designers like us. We are also satisfied with the business as we got the enquiries and questions from Middle East and New York," said Narresh.

IRFW witnessed more than 20 international buyers from Amsterdam, New York and Beirut, as also the Middle East, along with some domestic buyers.

Khaled Mekkawi from Beirut feels India has the potential to sustain fashion weeks like this for years to come.

"This is the first edition so it is the measuring phase but I would say that the some of the designers are really impressive. India is the most potential country in the world; they have all the resource to live on. Some of the designers who impressed with their collection are Narendra Kumar and James Ferriera," he added.

Amsterdam-based buyer Marwa Zamaray is impressed with the way Indian designers bring variety to garments and added: "I was astonished to see how some of the designers experimented with resort wear line. I loved the sequin and embroidered work on swim wear designs and I am really looking forward to order few stuffs," she said.

IRFW COO Shalini Chuganee feels that the event proved an apt platform for designers.

"We have been working with fashion weeks, fashion brands and fashion designers for over a decade now. And we realised that there is a platform missing for resort wear and that's how this idea of IRFW came into being.

"India has some of the finest designers in resort line so we thought of promoting them not only on the national level but also on the global level. Now when the event is over, I am amazed to see the kind of queries people have got for resort wear line. I think designers are satisfied with the way event pulled of," Chuganee told IANS.

She also revealed that many international delegates have shown interest in organising resort week globally.

"There are many people who have come up to say that they want to run IRFW in different countries as well. I have delegates from Spain who showed their interest so I have quite a lot of global brands including five countries who are planning to run IRFW globally," she said.

Now Kochi sees a flashmob - for Mullaperiyar

Kochi: After Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore,  Chennai and Pune it was the turn of Kochi to fall under the tech-spell of the flashmob.

For the uninitiated a flash mob is a group of people who suddenly assemble in a public place, perform an act for a while and then disperse.

It was 6.30 pm Friday and a group of around 150 youngsters descended at Oberon Mall, egged on by messages on their mobile phones or social networking sites. Their jig was based on a number from Salman Khan's bodyguard. 

The tagline for the event was a message of peace: ‘No Hate Mate: Not Keralites, Not Tamilians, But Indians’.

Chennai recently witnessed flashmobs as part of Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF) where youngsters danced to popular tunes of Kolaveri Di and  Boom Boom Robo Da and also Rajnikanth's 62 birth day.

Experts devise ’defence’ against Facebook spying

London: Scientists have created an interface that will help Facebook users to keep their personal information secret.

Signing up for an app or game, Facebook users could override their global privacy settings. But now Penn State University researchers have devised a sign-up interface to tackle the problem, the Daily Mail reported Monday.

Researchers claim that many Facebook app developers may try to profit from their games and tools by selling or sharing the data with advertisers and other companies.

The information could also be leaked to identity thieves.

Members who sign up for an app must agree to new terms of information disclosure that are often different from their main Facebook privacy settings, they say.

Penn State assistant professor of information sciences and technology Heng Xu pointed out that although each app must provide a link to its terms and conditions, the consequences for your privacy settings are obscure.

"The only way to find out how the information is going to be used is to go to each app's website and review the terms of use. And many people won't do that," the Mail quoted Heng as saying.

The sign-up screen currently is a general agreement that shows information third-party developers are requesting. If the member does not agree, the member cannot use the app.

The screen designed by the researchers allows members to decide what types of information they are comfortable sharing and with whom they want to share it.

The researchers, who presented their findings Sunday at the Association for Computer Machinery Symposium on Computer Human Interaction for Management of Information Technology, Boston, asked a group of Facebook members to try two app sign-up page designs.

Privacy settings allow members to determine how much information the member wants to display or share with their members of their network and Facebook.

This data can include birthdate, hometown and current city, as well as pictures the members uploaded to their pages.

Members may not consider data like hometown or birthdates vital information, but Heng said that hackers can use such information to guess social security numbers.

However, a Facebook spokesperson vigorously denied that using apps is a risky process for its users, according to the newspaper.

He said: "This research was conducted using a sample size of just 11 people and makes a number of misleading claims."

"Facebook has used feedback from the 800 million people who use the site to develop a strict app permissions process, where apps have to ask you what information they need in order to run."

Hazare begins daylong fast

New Delhi: Anna Hazare Sunday morning began his daylong token fast from Jantar Mantar in the national capital to protest the 'weak' government version of the Lokpal bill.

Stating that he will not say much, Hazare raised slogans like "Bharat mata ki jai", "Vande mataram" and "Inqilab zindabad" before starting the fast.

The activist reached the protest venue around 10.10 a.m. after paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat memorial, where he meditated for some 20 minutes.

Supporters had already gathered at the protest venue, waving the tri-colour and singing patriotic songs.

Team members Kiran Bedi, Manish Sisodia, Prashant Bhushan and Shanti Bhushan were seen on the stage with the activist.

ജീവിതം

ചിലപ്പോള്‍ അങ്ങനെയാണ് അത്.
...ചിലര്‍ നമ്മുടെ ജീവിതത്തിലേക്ക് എവിടെ നിന്ന്,
...എപ്പോള്‍ എന്നറിയാതെ കടന്നു വരുന്നു. അതില്‍ ആരൊക്കെയോ
...ഒരു മാത്ര നിന്ന് കടന്നു പോകുന്നു ഹൃദയത്തില്‍ ഒരു കൈയ്യൊപ്പിട്ട ശേഷം.
...നാം ഒരിക്കലും ഒരേ പോലെ ആവുന്നില്ല.
...ചില കഥകള്‍ പോലെ വ്യക്തമായ തുടക്കമോ, ഒടുക്കമോ ഇല്ലാതെ.
...അടുത്തത് എന്ത് എന്ന് അറിയാനാവാതെ.
...ജീവിതം പലപ്പോഴും ഒരു തിരിച്ചറിവാണ്.
...ഒരു നിമിഷത്തെ ഏറ്റവും മനോഹരമാക്കുന്നതും അതു തന്നെ.
...ചില സൌഹൃദങ്ങള്‍ ദൂരമോ, നിറമോ,
...ഒന്നും അറിയാതെ സമാന്തരങ്ങളില്‍, സമാനതകളില്‍ ഒത്തു ചേരുന്നു.
...അന്യോന്യം നിശബ്ദമായി സംസാരിക്കുന്നു...........

Onam - the state festival of Kerala

Onam - the state festival of Kerala - is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The festive season of Onam, which falls on the Malayalam month of Chingam, every year (between August and September), is a ten-day carnival for the Malayalees all over the state, country and abroad. Being a harvest festival, it is time to thank God for the bountiful yield. According to the stories in Hindu epics, Mahabali, the legendary King of Kerala, visits the state every year during the Onam festival, to ensure the wellbeing of the people. He is welcomed to his kingdom with reverence. The festival is all about relishing on the grand Onasadya (traditional feast of Onam), shopping, family reunion and welcoming King Mahabali by spreading good cheer.

A number of rituals are performed during the ten days of Onam, which starts on the Attam nakshatram of Chingam. Rituals such as Maveli Puja, Onathallu, Onakazhcha are rooted in the ancient legends and are followed in many parts of the state, since a long time. Apart from the rituals, enthralling games are played during the ten days, wherein small children, men and women take part with equal enthusiasm. Games such as 'Thumbi Thullal (folk dance performed by women), Kaikotti Kali, Pulikkali form a prominent part of the celebrations of Onam. In addition to this, sporting events such as Uthratadhi Vallamkali (snake boat race) are organized with zeal.

Onasadya is an inevitable part of Onam festival. Thiruvonam is the important day of Onam, wherein the lavish feast is organized. Lip-smacking recipes are prepared by the women in every Malayalee household. Intricate designs of 'rangolis' (with colored rice paste) and 'pookkalam' (with flowers) in front of the homes. There is a tradition of bestowing Onakkodi (new clothes especially purchased for Onam) upon the younger members of family by the elder ones. All the traditions and rituals of Onam attract thousands of tourists from across the country and the world, to Kerala, during the festival of Onam.

10 differences between Jan Lokpal Bill and Govt Bill

 The streets are witnessing a demand that the government's Lok Pal Bill be replaced by the Jan Lok Pal Bill (JLP) as drafted by the team led by Anna Hazare. There are several significant differences between the two bills. In this note, we describe the some of these differences.

First, there is a divergence on the jurisdiction of the Lok Pal. Both bills include ministers, MPs for any action outside Parliament, and Group A officers (and equivalent) of the government. The government Bill includes the Prime Minister after he demits office whereas the JLP includes a sitting Prime Minister. The JLP includes any act of an MP in respect of a speech or vote in Parliament (which is now protected by Article 105 of the Constitution). The JLP includes judges; the government Bill excludes them. The JLP includes all government officials, while the government Bill does not include junior (below Group A) officials. The government Bill also includes officers of NGOs who receive government funds or any funds from the public; JLP does not cover NGOs.

Second, the two Bills differ on the composition. The government Bill has a chairperson and up to 8 members; at least half the members must have a judicial background. The JLP has a chairperson and 10 members, of which 4 have a judicial background.

Third, the process of selecting the Lok Pal members is different. The JLP has a two stage process. A search committee will shortlist potential candidates. The search committee will have 10 members; five of these would have retired as Chief Justice of India, Chief Election Commissioner or Comptroller and Auditor General; they will select the other five from civil society. The Lok Pal chairperson and members will be selected from this shortlist by a selection committee. The selection committee consists of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, two Supreme Court judges, two high court chief justices, the Chief Election Commissioner, the Comptroller and Auditor General and all previous Lok Pal chairpersons.
The government Bill has a simpler process. The selection will be made by a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the leaders of Opposition in both Houses of Parliament, a Supreme Court judge, a high court chief justice, an eminent jurist and an eminent person in public life. The selection committee may, at its discretion, appoint a search committee to shortlist candidates.

Fourth, there are some differences in the qualifications of a member of the Lok Pal. The JLP requires a judicial member to have held judicial office for 10 years or been a high court or Supreme Court advocate for 15 years. The government Bill requires the judicial member to be a Supreme Court judge or a high court chief justice. For other members, the government Bill requires at least 25 years experience in anti-corruption policy, public administration, vigilance or finance. The JLP has a lower age limit of 45 years, and disqualifies anyone who has been in government service in the previous two years.

Fifth, the process for removal of Lok Pal members is different. The government Bill permits the president to make a reference to the Supreme Court for an inquiry, followed by removal if the member is found to be biased or corrupt. The reference may be made by the president (a) on his own, (a) on a petition signed by 100 MPs or (c) on a petition by a citizen if the President is then satisfied that it should be referred. The President may also remove any member for insolvency, infirmity of mind or body, or engaging in paid employment.
The JLP has a different process. The process starts with a complaint by any person to the Supreme Court. If the court finds misbehaviour, infirmity of mind or body, insolvency or paid employment, it may recommend his removal to the President.

Sixth, the offences covered by the bills vary. The government Bill deals only with offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The JLP, in addition, includes offences by public servants under the Indian Penal Code, victimization of whistleblowers and repeated violation of citizen's charter.

Seventh, the government Bill provides for an investigation wing under the Lok Pal. The JLP states that the CBI will be under the Lok Pal while investigating corruption cases.

Eighth, the government Bill provides for a prosecution wing of the Lok Pal. In the JLP, the CBI's prosecution wing will conduct this function.

Ninth, the process for prosecution is different. In the government Bill, the Lok Pal may initiate prosecution in a special court. A copy of the report is to be sent to the competent authority. No prior sanction is required. In the JLP, prosecution of the Prime Minister, ministers, MPs and judges of Supreme Court and high courts may be initiated only with the permission of a 7-judge bench of the Lok Pal.

Tenth, the JLP deals with grievance redressal of citizens, in addition to the process for prosecuting corruption cases. It requires every public authority to publish citizen's charters listing its commitments to citizens. The government Bill does not deal with grievance redressal.

Given the widespread media coverage and public discussions, it is important that citizens understand the differences and nuances. This may be a good opportunity to enact a law which includes the better provisions of each of these two bills.

India Against Corruption: Anna's fast enters seventh day

NEW DELHI: Activist Anna Hazare had lost five kg of weight as he entered his seventh day of fast for a strong anti-corruption bill on Monday, Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal said.

"Ketone particles have been traced from his blood and urine... He has lost five kg of weight, his health is all right otherwise," Kejriwal told reporters at Ramlila Ground where Anna Hazare is sitting on fast.

Ketones are particles created by the body during starvation, and are meant to provide an alternate source of fuel from fatty acids.

Anna Hazare was detained on August 16 and taken to Tihar Jail, where he remained until Friday when he shifted to Ramlila ground.

The Anna Hazare camp on Sunday stepped up its campaign by demonstrating at the PM's residence and the Gandhian leader delivering a "Lokpal bill lao ya jao (bring Lokpal bill or go)" call.

The campaign's escalation came on a day that saw crowd support for the protests swelling dramatically, with large turnouts at India Gate and Ramlila Maidan.

Efforts to resolve the standoff also got underway, with intermediaries meeting telecom minister Kapil Sibal late on Sunday evening. Veteran Maharashtra bureaucrat U C Sarangi and longtime Hazare associate Bhayyuji Maharaj met the fasting leader for around 20 minutes earlier in the day. They were later closeted with Sibal.

Sarangi and Maharaj had taken a summary of the government's Lokpal bill to Hazare, but the activists dismissed it, saying it did not amount to any new proposals.

After the meeting with Sibal, campaign leaders said discussions were of a general nature and no proposal was conveyed to the government. Bhayyuji Maharaj said the talks were positive and both sides were flexible.

In response to the government's overtures, Team Anna said they were willing to talk and that a negotiator should be appointed by the government. While Arvind Kejriwal said the government should tell them whom to meet and when, Swami Agnivesh added that the government should introduce the Jan Lokpal bill in Parliament to create trust.

The real truth.... Lokpal

The real truth

Team Anna to move Supreme Court against detentions

New Delhi, Aug 16 (ANI): Terming the detention of veteran social activist Anna Hazare as totally undemocratic, senior lawyer and member of the committee constituted for the Lokpal Bill, Prashant Bhushan on Tuesday said they will approach the Supreme Court.

"The action showed that the government has no regard for fundamental rights of the citizens. We will move the Supreme Court," said Bhushan.

"Time has come to rise up against this government. We appeal to people to protest against the government peacefully," he added.

The 73-year-old Gandhian was taken into custody from a residential area in Delhi before he was to proceed to the venue of his fast in Jai Prakash Narain Park where prohibitory orders are in place.
Three other prominent activists Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and Shanti Bhushan were also taken into preventing custody.
According to sources, senior police officials, including DCP (Crime) Ashok Chand, met Hazare this morning at an east Delhi apartment where he was staying in a bid to convince him to not go ahead with his planned protest.
However, Hazare turn down the request following which he was detained, Times Now reports.

Around 500 supporters were with Anna at the time of his detention.

Around 500 police personnel have been deployed from early morning itself after the city police imposed Section 144 around the park, police sources said.

Hazare had yesterday asked his supporters to fill up jails across the country if he was arrested after being denied permission to hold fast here.

He said once he is arrested, people should fill up the jails in every village across the country. "Going to jail for the country is no crime...It is a decoration," he said.

Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat had said that prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC has been imposed in some areas of Daryaganj and IP police stations, which include Jai Prakash Narain Park and Shaheed Park. (ANI)

How To Detect Two Way Mirrors

“When we visit toilets, bathrooms, hotel rooms, changing rooms, etc. How many of you know for sure that the seemingly ordinary mirror hanging on the wall is a real mirror, or actually a 2-way mirror i.e., they can see you, but you can’t see them. There have been many cases of people installing 2-way mirrors in female changing rooms or bathroom or bedrooms.

It is very difficult to positively identify the surface by just looking at it. So, how do we determine with any amount of certainty what type of mirror we are looking at?

CONDUCT THIS SIMPLE TEST:

Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface and if there is a GAP between your fingernail and the image of the nail, then it is a GENUINE mirror.

However, if your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the image of your nail, then BEWARE, IT IS A 2-WAY MIRROR! (There is someone seeing you from the other side). So remember, every time you see a mirror, do the “fingernail test.” It doesn’t cost you anything. It is simple to do.This is a really good thing to do. The reason there is a gap on a real mirror, is because the silver is on the back of the mirror UNDER the glass.
Whereas with a two-way mirror, the silver is on the surface. Keep it in mind! Make sure and check every time you enter in hotel rooms. May be someone is making a film on you. “

This one is false. Here are few tips how you can detect real one:

1. Realize that a popular email about two-way mirrors you may have received is a hoax. It is simply an urban legend that has gained credibility as it has gone from one recipient to the next. You can check suspect stories you hear against the urban legends database at Snopes.com.

2. Understand that a two-way mirror is specially treated glass that allows light to pass through in both directions, but which also reflects light back into the room. If lights are off on one side of the mirror and on in the other, those on the bright side will see a reflection and those on the dark side will see through the glass.

3. Know that because they function as windows, two-way mirrors are generally set into the wall; they are not hung on a wall. If the mirror is not flush with the wall, it is most likely not a two-way mirror.

4. Test the mirror. Cup your hands around your eyes and place your face next to the mirror. If it is a two-way mirror, you will be able to see something on the other side—unless there is absolutely no light on that.

5. Turn out the lights. The two-way mirror only works if light is more intense on one side. With the lights off, you will see through a two-way mirror. It may take a few moments to detect the mirror as your eyes adjust.

6. Tap the mirror. A two-way mirror will produce a hollow sound like a window because there is no backing on the other side. A regular mirror will sound dull.

INDEPENDENCE DAY WISHES

                        INDEPENDENCE DAY WISHES

PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN .                 JAI HIND Aug. 15, 1947: Mountbatten swears Nehru in as Prime Minister of India TRAIN TO PAKISTAN; India 1947. Trains packed with refugees - Hindus and Sikhs headed for India, and Muslims headed for Pakistan - were convenient targets for gangs of killers on both sides of the border. Inadequately protected 'Refugee Specials' were typically stopped, and the occupants butchered, several times in the course of the journey.  The dead - Punjab, 1947 1971: Indira Gandhi reviews the troops, in the context of militaryand diplomatic preparations for the Bangladesh War. Ghandhiji Addressing people Nehru and Gandhi at AICC meeting, July 1946 Mountbatten arrives at Delhi airport; received by  Nehru and Liaquat Ali. March 25, 1947 1948: The news of Gandhi's assassination hits the streets.  A stunned crowd gathers in Calcutta. 1948: Crowds in New Delhi wait for a glimpse of  Gandhi's funeral procession. A Library being divided at the time of partition. Heart trembles to see this sight and it is tough to  imagine the state of the nation at the moment  when people needed to hold hands. This is our 67th Independence Day! Freedom is not a Right but a Feeling! Let's be proud to feel the Freedom! Let's say loud we are INDIANS!!! Let all of us get to-gather & Let's Celebrate Our Freedom! It is our duty to preserve this Freedom! Carry this forward to the future! We did,We do,We will do!!! Set the celebration on Air, Share your Joy, You're Free to do it, Send this to every  Indian, to say Vande Mataram! Jai Hoooo...

Google, Intel, Makemytrip among the 'Best Companies to Work'

Google India, Makemytrip, Marriott, Intel and American Express were adjudged as the 'Best Companies to Work' in India this year in a study conducted by Great Place to Work Institute.
As per the study, Google India, Intel Technology, Makemytrip, American Express India, Marriott Hotels are top five among the top 50 companies in India, Great Place To Work Institute India's CEO, Prasenjit Bhattacharya said here.
Great Place to Work Institute is a pioneer in studying and recognising best workplaces around the world. For over 25 years and in 45 countries, the Institute has been conducting studies to identify and understand the best workplaces.
Bhattacharya said that the overall expectation of employees remain the same as in 2010.
Companies are putting in place new initiatives to retain the talent like Makemytrip.com offering 70 per cent Esops to its workforce and American Express has special pregnancy care programme for female employees etc.
The top 50 best workplaces are concentrated in Mumbai, NCR and Bangalore, but also have representation from Chennai, Pune, Vizag, Ahmedabad and Ludhiana.
38 of the top 50 have more than 1000 employees, with 19 out of 50 having more than 5000 employees. Only 12 of the top 50 best workplaces saw increase in employees at more than 30 per cent in the previous year, and five actually reduced its workforce.
While 8 out of top 50 best workplaces have employee attrition of over 20 per cent, however, in all major industries, attrition for the top 50, on an average, is less by one-third to two-third of the industry average, Bhattacharya said.
Overall, one of the biggest improvements in workplace culture shown by the best workplaces over the years has been in the area of work- life balance, flexibility in being able to take time off when required, and creatively designing and implementing practices and policies which are perceived as special and unique benefits, by employees.
One of the most difficult areas where the best employers have fared much better than others is in fair pay and fair share of profits. Corporate India has loosened its purse strings in 2011 and in the Top 50 best workplaces this year, 4 per cent more respondents in our survey are agreeing with the statement that they receive a fair share of profits made by their company and 3 percent more agreeing that they are paid fairly for the work they do, Bhattacharya said.
Fair pay and fair share of profits had seen the biggest dip in our previous study at the beginning of 2010, he said.
Bhattacharya also pointed out that the company now plans to expand its operations in neighbouring SAARC countries and may have segment wise studies for corporate sector.

Jackson ’Thriller’ jacket sells for $1.8 million

Los Angeles: A leather jacket worn by Michael Jackson for his "Thriller" video sold for $1.8 million at an auction on Sunday to a Texas gold trader who plans to use it to raise money for children's hospitals worldwide.

The black and red calf leather jacket with winged shoulders was one of two used for the shoot. The other one, in scuffed condition, is owned by the Jackson estate.

The one sold by Julien's auction house in Beverly Hills is in better shape and is signed on the sleeve by Jackson. It was designed by Deborah Landis, the wife of "Thriller" director John Landis. Jackson presented it to the vendors, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, his longtime costume designers.

It sold to Milton Verret of Austin, Texas, who showed up in person to triumph over about a dozen bidders from around the world.

"It is one of the most important pieces of rock 'n' roll memorabilia in history," Verret told Reuters. His collection also includes another Jackson jacket and guitars signed by members of U2.

Plans are underway to show the "Thriller" jacket at Dell Children's Hospital in Austin, before sending it around the world to display during charity events. A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit an animal reserve where Jackson's two Bengal tigers reside.

Jackson, who died two years ago on Saturday, filmed the video for the title track to his blockbuster album "Thriller" in 1983. The 14-minute clip, in which Jackson turns into a zombie and dances with other undead types, is considered one of the most influential music videos ever made.

Exclusive News: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's office goes live on...

Exclusive News: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's office goes live on...: "Thiruvananthapuram: Surfers logging on to a Kerala government's website will be able to see the functioning of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy..."

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's office goes live on internet

Thiruvananthapuram: Surfers logging on to a Kerala government's website will be able to see the functioning of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's office now as it has gone live online Friday, thanks to live webstreaming.

The live webstreaming on the chief minister's new website was inaugurated Friday in the presence of cabinet ministers and other top officials.

The address of the site is www.keralacm.gov.in. The site can also be used for lodging complaints to the chief minister. The site will be renewed each year. The site is also a part of making the governance transparent.

The new webstreaming would include a host of new features as compared to what he did in 2004 when Chandy was the chief minister the first time a statement said.

This is the only chief minister's office in India that makes live streaming.

New Tsunami Video by a Mobile Camera | Share it with your friends at lea...

Private bus strike on Wednesday

Thiruvananthapuram: Registering their protest against the hike in diesel prices, the Private Bus Operators Cooridination Committee has declared a bus strike on Wednesday.

They are demanding raising the minimum bus charge to six rupees from the current four and abolishing student concessions.

The Committee said that they will launch an indefinite strike if their demands are not met at the

Muthukad gets top honour from US society

Climbing a rope suspended in air or conjuring up a tree out of his hat is mere child's play for ace magician Gopinath Muthukad who has won this year's International Merlin Award, or the magicians' Oscar.

The master illusionist and stunt performer is the second Indian to be chosen to receive the Merlin Award for outstanding contributions to magic in 2011 conferred by the US-based International Magicians Society.

Previously, P C Sorkar Jr had received the award. "The award is equivalent to the Oscars and am elated for the recognition by the magic fraternity. It will definitely add to the popularity of the art and attract more young people to pick it up," Muthukad, who ventured into the world of magic at the age of 10 and has not looked back since, said.

The Kerala-based magician heads a Magic Academy in Thiruvananthapuram, which runs certificate courses recognised by the University of Kerala and boasts of high-profile students like superstar Mohanlal among others. Over the past 35 years Muthukad has also organised a series of global magic conventions and campaigns across the country. However, the illusionist says his motto is "Magic with a mission."

"I want to work towards the cause of social upliftment. We conduct shows to promote national integration and fight against social evils like alcoholism, tobacco and terrorism," says Muthukad who in the year 2010 under the Ministry of Defence had organised special shows for Army personnel across the country for two months.

In India while traditional magicians and street tricks are going strong, in western countries they rely more on sophisticated machinery and high tech gadgets to mesmerise audiences with their stunts and tricks. "In the end magic is all about presentation because there are only a total of 13 tricks which individual performers mix and combine to create new illusions," says Muthukad.

"Houdini, David Copperfield, Franz Harary and Criss Angel are fairly well known globally. All of them use sophisticated gadgetry and expensive equipments. Even I had performed the fire escape trick invented by Houdini, but it requires sustained and rigorous practice," says the Indian magician.

Harry Houdini is considered a legend in magic and noted for his sensational escape acts. Muthukad who was introduced into the world of magic by his cousin says he later went on to train under masters like R K Malayath, Vazakunnam Namboodiri, P C Sorkar junior, K Lal and Podderman from Holland.

"I was so much in love with magic that as a child I was once duped by a snake charmer who showed me a trick that later turned out to be fake," reminisces Muthukad with a chuckle. The 47-year-old illusionist is scheduled to receive the Merlin award in the national capital on June 23 from Tony Hassini, President of the 27,000 member strong International Magicians' Society. Magicians from across the world are expected to perform here.

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Exclusive News: Youth will drive content in Indian cinema: Amitabh...

Exclusive News: Youth will drive content in Indian cinema: Amitabh...: "He has devoted over four decades to the film industry, witnessing major changes in content along the years, but megastar Amitabh Bachchan ..."

Youth will drive content in Indian cinema: Amitabh Bachchan

He has devoted over four decades to the film industry, witnessing major changes in content along the years, but megastar Amitabh Bachchan has always made it a point to keep in sync with the tastes of youth, who constitute the bulk of the audience as, he stresses, "you have to listen to them".

The 68-year-old icon, whose latest "Bbuddah...Hoga Tera Baap" releases July 1, says while he is happy with most of the changes, he still has reservations over the use of expletives and doing explicit scenes in films.

He says youth will continue steering changes in content - from candyfloss romance dramas to dark comedies, hardcore action fights, and hard-hitting reality films.

"Indian cinema will change with every generation! When we came in the 1970s and 1980s, people, the old timers, didn't necessarily agree with what we did. They said, 'What is this man like? In every film he has a frown on his face, bashing up people!' The old timers didn't like it. But youth seemed to like it, and so we went ahead," Amitabh told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"The modern generation now likes romantic and young films and films that show more stuff that is very prevalent in youth today. I'm happy that changes are taking place in the industry," he added.

The veteran admits that sometimes he doesn't find the changes appealing, but it's hard to ignore what the audience demands.

"Sometimes we regret changes... I personally feel that the same kind of writing is not happening as it used to in the past. I just feel that content is not as poetic or lyrical. Some of the language has the use of expletives... it's very common nowadays.

"I am uncomfortable using expletives, I am uncomfortable doing explicit scenes and, therefore, I refrain from doing it. That's my personal choice. But the younger generation is okay doing it; so we have to go with it.

"But you know... how do you change the maximum percent of audience that is between 18 and 30? These are the cinema-going audience and this is the largest percent of audience in the country. So you have to listen to them!" said the actor, who is awaiting the release of "Bbuddah...Hoga Tera Baap" and "Aarakshan" - both as different as chalk and cheese. The former is a fun-filled film and the second one deals with the issue of reservation.

Amitabh, who still manages to give stiff competition to younger stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and even his son Abhishek, has begun to feel a generation gap. Nevertheless, he finds it pertinent to keep a tab on the pulse of youth to make films that are in keeping with the audience's tastes.

"I'd like to know what youth is seeing, what is happening, how are tastes changing. I see many films, and when I don't like certain films and hear that it worked, I question 'Why the hell did it work... because I didn't find anything attractive? And then when I like a film, I ask myself... 'Hey this film didn't work? This is such a fantastic film!' So there's obviously something wrong with me!

"I don't want to challenge the decision of the audience. They are going to be the masters in any kind of situation. I think it is a continuous process of wanting to learn what is working and what's not working," the nation's most revered and respected actor told IANS.

Just like "old timers" that Amitabh mentioned before, the actor himself feels there's a contradiction in his taste and youth's choice. But he is glad to find some like-minded people too.

"There is a huge change as far as the perspective and the age of the audience is concerned. I like the lyrics and melody of the past. Yes, I also enjoy the happy beats and stuff, I genuinely like it. But I am happy that a lot of people are appreciating the soft and emotional song 'Haal-e-dil' from 'Bbuddah...'. I am happy that there is a liking for this kind of song as well."

Amitabh's "Bbuddah...Hoga Tera Baap" releases July 1 and "Aarakshan" will hit theatres Aug 12.