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Socializing is an integral part of human behaviour. People gather to enjoy and celebrate as well as communicate news with each other. Most of the time, grand lavish parties are arranged to celebrate. Corporate meetings almost always revolve around drinks and food. Food forms the most important connecting medium and possibly the most talked about aspect too. Catering service companies are gaining popularity as they provide food to mass gatherings of people ranging from 50 people to 10,000 people in one go.

Food catering services are arranged by renowned restaurants or caterers with substantial setups including state of the art kitchens, manpower, resources etc. Catering services are available for an array of different celebrations like birthdays, corporate functions, housewarming parties, anniversaries, bridal showers, product or official openings, weddings etc. The cost and lavishness of an event is based on the budget of the client. The client is allowed to be part of the thoughtful process which ultimately concludes to be a delightful time with guests.

Varied cuisine and foods are prepared at such events. These cuisines range from Thai delights, to Mexican, Indian, Italian, French, Greek, Japanese, continental and European dishes. Some food catering service companies in UK offer efficient and reliable services for every event in various venues. Details of UK’s top Indian caterers are given on Indian-Catering.co.uk .

Food catering services usually also offer event organizing within a package or they have ties with other event management companies. These packages may  include chef, cutlery, suits, marquees, bbqs and waitresses. You can have barbeque parties or even banquet, buffet, canapé, bowl food, picnic and beach events with finger foods. According to occasion and type of food different cuisines are chosen for the customer.

In Italian food, bacon, cheese, biscotti, pastas, pizzas and risottos are quite famous. There are great many starters, main courses and desserts in the Italian menu which you can try out. Besides, there are saucy Mexican, Thai and Asian food as well. Mexican food has varied flavours and colours. Lot more spices and ingredients are common in Mexican and Thai cuisine. Native ingredients are brought in by the food catering service from the food catering suppliers. These are used to make cuisines like Guacamole, Salsa, nopales, Chiles en nogada, Tamales, Mole poblano chicken, Assorted tacos, Caldo de res, etc.

Number of food catering services serves varied cuisines. Food catering service concept is quite popular in UK. Some of names known in this field include: The caterers Ltd, The flying Chef, Tastes catering, Simply catering, Penni Black catering service, etc. Few of them are business caterers. The business caterers serve at offices and business establishments. Others are event caterers. They organize parties and events. First class gourmet catering service is available at affordable prices. Greek and Japanese menu are served. Menu is mostly according to the choice of the customer. Custom made cuisines are available too.

Food catering services hire specialists and learned chefs for their business. They are an experienced group of men from varied institutes who have learned different regional cuisines and have added an extra bit of experience into it. Starting from Yorkshire puddings to Seared Sesame Tuna wasabi, luxury fish and beef pies curry and chips – You can taste a delightful number of dish and cuisines at each services. Specialist Asian, Japanese, Mexican and Californian food catering services are available as well. Indian and Asian food catering Services are the most renowned here at UK. But others have also got there own niche of customers. Most of them are serving here at Britain for over a decade.

One Indian restaurant called Indus the Indian room has recently opened in London, got good reviews from critics and is setting up its catering service company that will specialise in Indian wedding catering.

Iranian Voters (Image courtsey ISNA)

Iranian Voters (Image courtsey ISNA)

WINDS OF CHANGE?
Fire is not always the answer. Especially when the world’s on fire already. Iran’s voter turnout has been astounding and the results are expected to be far more closer than expected before. Similiar to politics in other “third world countries”, the scenes in Iran depicts a stark contrast between two ideologies or ‘marketing capaigns’ as I’d put it.

THE SUPPORT BEHIND THEM
The moderate ex-premier Mir Hossein Mousavi is backed by the youth in major cities while fiery Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has the rural support behind him. With many expecting a close result, the international community is waiting in the wings to restore ties with Iran which have now been severed for almost three decades, with none more so willing than US President Barack Obama.

NUCLEAR ISSUES
The people of Iran may chose the comparatively level-headed Mousavi to lead them to the much-needed financial stability that has been missing during Ahmadinejad’s first four year term. The nation’s nuclear drive has hampered its overall developement and the world waits for a breath of fresh air in the Iranian political scenario. Even today, all four candidates in the running are of the opinion that Iran has the right to all kinds of nuclear research although Mr Mousavi is believed to be willing to negotiate such matters with the West.

THE RESULTS
Looking at the long queues and the astonishing turnout in this year’s elections in Iran, it seems the people have come out in masses to bring a much needed change in the country’s political scenario. It seems the fire has burned too long and its time for things to cool down and settle. The results would be announced within 24 hours after voting ends but it seems this time hardliner Ahmadinejad may end up on the wrong side of a stunning upset. We wait with a hope of peace finally returning to this wonderful country
.

moderate ex-premier Mir Hossein Mousavi.

MY VACATION IN FLORIDA

Escaping the ‘sensationalist’ blogging, I had made a resolution at the beginning of the year to take a vacation every six months. Barely got out in time for my dream Florida holidays.  Even with all the glorified might of internet, my questionable geographical comprehension and some very unfriendly suggestions from my ‘not-so-dear’ friends, my dream vacation to Florida was ‘sunnier’ than expected, largely owing to a techie friend (oh, how we need the geeks) who told me about a website called zipholidays.co.uk . To tell you the truth, although we’ve got a million sites like tripadvisor and lonelyplanet to tell us about great holidays and travels but when it comes to actually booking one online, every site is a mess. Well, almost. I got these guys from Zipholidays to offer me a great deal including the airfare and a great room at Essex house. Somewhere, I couldn’t help but think there must be some hidden frills. Fortunately, my vacation turned out almost perfect.

I am never comfortable on flights. So, this one wasn’t life-changing but you do get some rather nice people on board with you. I met a lady who was going to Florida to write a piece on Love bugs in Florida. I was scared for a moment, fearing another flu epidemic on the horizon when she told me that these things weren’t harmful at all. It took me around six hours to reach Florida and I reached there in the afternoon, around 7 in the evening. Jetlag was getting to me and I was glad I had pre-booked a cab with Zipholidays guys, so I didn’t have to wait around for a ride. I barely remember getting to Essex house but the staff had a big smile on as I grabbed my keys and rushed to my room. A little creepy but nice.

The room was far beyond what I’d expected at the price I had paid on the website. I have to say this has to be one of the best hotels in the land. Value-for money, all the way. The rooms were spacious with nice décor. The staff still had a smile on their faces. They were attentive but not too pushy, just the perfect balance.

Florida is rife with stunning sights. I visited the Kennedy space centre and the tour was worth its weight in gold. What was even more fun was visiting Peanut Island. I had planned to camp there for the night but Everglades was still on the cards. Everyone had told me not to miss out on one of the most renowned national parks in U.S. I did go there but I couldn’t stay for long and had to cut my day short due to the heat.

Had a great dinner back at the hotel. Those guys really know how to please my culinary senses. Everything about the place was just perfect and I still couldn’t believe I found it on an unheard site like Zipholidays.

If any of my readers are planning their holidays to Florida, check out Zipholidays before you go through a million pages on tripadvisor or lonelyplanet. It surely is one of those gems of a website out there.

Calvin Borel and Mind That Bird win Kentucky derby (image courtesy SFGate.com)

Calvin Borel and Mine That Bird win Kentucky derby (image courtesy SFGate.com)

I’ve read that when Calvin Borel rode Mine That Bird past the finish line first to be the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner, it is now being considered to be one of the biggest upsets in the race’s history.The winning margin of Mine That Bird is the derby’s biggest since Assault won by eight in 1946. The payout for Calvin Borel’s victory at $103.20 to win (for $1) is the second-biggest payout in Derby history, and the largest since 1913.

I wonder, with such a huge margin of victory, why Calvin Borel and Mine That Bird were given such shoddy odds at 50 to 1? It’s as if no-one thought they deserved to win?

Well, I’m glad for the people who did have faith in Borel and his ‘Bird’…recession must sure be gone for some time, for those lucky ones!

Watch Calvin Borel’s amazing win the Kentucky Derby with Mine That Bird.

Danny Gans Las Vegas legend (image courtesy ecx-images)

Danny Gans Las Vegas legend (image courtesy ecx-images)

Danny Gans, the legendary singer, comedian and entertainer, passed away in his sleep early Friday morning at his Nevada home. He was 52. The cause of his death is yet to be revealed and still unknown. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and three children, Emily, Amy and Andrew.

Danny Gans was renowned for his George Burns’ impressions. He was a great performer and a true talent. He had an amazing voice and show. Danny Gans started in 1996 with a short three-month stint at Stratosphere Hotel. This gig sparked an amazing run which saw Danny Gans perform at the Encore Theater at Steve Wynn’s Wynn Las Vegas Hotel as well as the Mirage Hotel. The Las Vegas legend was voted Las Vegas “Entertainer of the Year” for 11 consecutive years and is believed to have sold more show-tickets than Elvis Presley or the Rat Pack.

Today, those who knew him mourn the loss of a great entertainer as well as a wonderful human being and a true family-man. Despite being a legend in Las Vegas, he still had the kindest and most humble of hearts. His amazing talent ensured good, clean and first quality entertainment for families to enjoy.

Our deepest condolences. May his soul rest in peace.

Also read about John Madden, the NFL legend.

Watch funny Danny Gans videos here

Not so funny anymore! (image courtsey msnbc)

Not so funny anymore! (image courtsey msnbc)

The recent outbreak of the Swine flu in Mexico and U.S. has had a few alarm bells ringing with Anne Schuchat, Director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, stating that the American cases were found to be made up of genetic fragments from four different flu viruses and viruses with this genetic makeup had not previously been found to be circulating in humans or pigs. Reuters reported that the total number of Swine flu cases in U.S. has totaled to 8 whereas the same pandemic has claimed as many as 60 lives in Mexico. CDC has stated that they presently do not have enough info to fully assess the health threat poised by this new and unusual strain of H1N1 Swine flu.

While everyone is looking to find what they can to be prepared for the Swine flu pandemic, I’ve found a few things that would help you know more about Swine flu.

Swine Flu: Symptoms and Conditions

Swine flu is different from the common cold in a few ways and it usually comes on suddenly, causing mild to severe illness and sometimes resulting in death. Swine flu symptoms are listed below:
* High Fever
* Headache
* Sore throat
* Dry cough
* Extreme tiredness
* Muscle aches
* Stuffy or runny nose
* Nausea
* Loss of appetite
* Stomach symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea (both adult & children)

Precautions for Swine flu

* You can not get Swine flu from eating pork or pork products as the virus can not be transmitted by food. Any pork heated to 160°F while cooking is safe to be consumed.

* Human infection with Swine flu viruses are most likely when people either come in close proximity to infected pigs, such as livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs or in pig barns. This can be further transferred human to human through sneezing or coughing of an infected person, much like common flu.

* CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment or prevention of Swine flu infection. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

* People with Swine flu virus infection should be considered potentially contagious up to 7 days from the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might remain contagious for longer periods.

* As there is no vaccine available right now to protect against Swine flu, readers are urged to follow these everyday steps to protect themselves:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

For more information, visit the official CDC Website

Here is an emergency update video on Swine flu

Post Source: CDC Official Website


With due regards to MSN India and timepassguru, I have finally found the freshest Cheerleader pictures from the second edition of IPL 2009.

Every single picture of the IPL Cheerleaders have been verified to be genuine and from this season. I had to go through a whole lot of crappy galleries full of old Cheelrleader pics to get these. Worth the effort i’d say. What about you?

My page would be duly updated as and when pictures arrive so keep it close. This is what all true IPL lovers have been waiting for…also check out two more gallery links after this gallery.

See all of last season’s cheerleaders and gorgeous Bollywood ladies

Check out Mandira Bedi’s new debonair look

My two previous posts about Kristen and Jennie Dalton did not go down well with a few of my readers and i got some stick from them. So, as a writer not looking for sensationalism within a family story, i bring you what my readers said to shed some light on the truth.

I had questioned if Kristen was a ‘Manufactured Beauty’ or if the Dalton household was setting a good example for American parents?

My readers,who i believe are personally close to the Dalton family,had the sweetest things to say about Jennie and her daughters Kristen, Kenzie and Julia. One of my readers, Meranda said that she had gone to school with Boger/Dalton children in the small, southern town of Sanford, NC. She believed Jennie Boger Dalton was one of the sweetest women in North Carolina. I was informed that Jennie had set an example in the way she had raised her daughters. That both parents were beautiful people who had taught their children wonderful morals.

Michele, another follower, stated that the Dalton sisters were blessings to both Jennie Boger Dalton and her husband, Alan.

With my two previous posts, i had intended to question the truth behind the circumstances and my readers have surely done so for me. I will carry on my stand against exploitation of children by parents for meaningless beauty pageants. I hope you stand with me…

My previous two posts have some stunning pictures of Kristen, Kenzie and Julia Dalton along with Chad Michael Murray ( Kenzie’s fiance). I agree, they are beautiful, in every sense of the word!!

Miss USA Kristen Dalton’s photo gallery

The amazing Dalton sisters




Hundreds of Fishing boats sink every year...many more lives lost to the sea.

Hundreds of Fishing boats sink every year...many more lives lost to the sea.

The story about the Katmai boat sinking is really tragic and viewers like me are extremely interested to know more about the ship that lost several crew-members to the sea, last October. Discovery‘s ‘Deadliest Catch‘ is going to examine the tragic incident of the sinking of Katmai and what really went wrong.There are hundreds of media hounds at the doorsteps of the Katmai survivors these days to get an ‘exclusive account’ of what really made the the fishing boat sink. It makes me feel repugnant as nobody was interested in the Katmai sinking till Discovery’s ‘Deadliest Catch’ suggested they’d be delving into the Katmai incident.

Viewers, like me, find it very easy to enjoy the sea on a television from home. We love the torrid sea thumping against the metallic walls of the ships and boats. Its a feeling of acceptance for what Mother Nature has in her arsenal. Stories of monstrous vessels like Titanic still evoke such strong feelings among television audiences. Sitting at home, we feel one with nature, her beauty and sometimes even her fury. We would dare not brave, the sea that the Katmai faced that day.

Fishermen, all across the world, have to brave such fears every single day as they look out to earn their bread. The perils they face at sea is exemplified by the Katmai sinking. It surely is one of the most dangerous jobs out there. Discovery’s ‘Deadliest Catch’ are believed to work on footage of the rescue and recovery, captured by one of the Discovery film crew. This has resulted in a media frenzy with everyone looking for a fresh take on the Katmai boat sinking.

I can hardly wait for ‘Deadliest Catch‘ to air as there are millions of viewers out there anxious to find out what really happened to the Katmai fishing ship on that fateful day.


According to an exclusive interview given to E-Online, Miranda Tozier Robbins has said she actually is a fan of the Spice Girls and not Britney Spears. I guess Scary spice is not the scariest thing about Spice Girls anymore.

She also said that she was just trying to prepare for a documentary near Britney’s residence when she was arrested. That was why she was carrying the camera and wearing camouflage clothes. Ya sure, in that case it’d be a while till someone sees Michael Moore. He,too, must be lying hidden in poisnous weed near some celebrity’s gun-weilding ranch-house.

Anyhow, i just have one thing to say to the Spice Girls. A reunion is probably not the best idea considering the circumstances as well as the fact that Miranda still owns those camouflage outfits. Who knows, which one of the Spice Girls would be the first to hear their plants sneeze!!

Read more about Miranda the ‘Stalker’ and her ticket to fame

Read about the scam behind Susan Boyle

What does Susan’s cat Pebbles have to put up with

Canadian hostage drama in Jamaica...the funniest hijacking...probably ever (image courtsey swissinfo.ch)

Canadian hostage drama in Jamaica...the funniest hijacking...probably ever (image courtsey swissinfo.ch)

This must be one of the funniest hijacking incidents in the world. I know hijacking is never a laughing matter. Not unless, you’ve got Harrison Ford fighting the Russians bare-fist but this recent hijacking of a Canadian charter jet in Montego Bay, Jamaica is a very funny episode. Here’s why.

Reason why Stephen Fray (the hijacker and with no relation to the band, The Fray even though he might already be singing “How to save a life” soon) is going to have a tough time explaining his crime in prison:

1) Reuters reported “A would-be hijacker surrendered to authorities on Monday after agreeing to free the last of more than 180 hostages”.

What exactly does the phrase “would-be hijacker” mean? Are the officials not going to count this hijacking? Is it a one-off for Stephen? He’s not getting married to hijacking, is he? Do people expect him to be a successful hijacker with more exposure? Do they expect him to hijack a plane again? Would he never get a window seat again for the rest of his life? My questions wait for their “would-be” answers…

2) Reuters reported “The suspect, armed with a .38-calibre revolver, surrendered peacefully to heavily armed police and soldiers who stormed the CanJet plane he had commandeered”

If Stephen Fry knew what he was doing, he would’ve got a bigger gun. Maybe even outsourced some of his work to Al-Qaeda or Taliban but hey, it’s trendy to be against outsourcing. This is what you get for being trendy. Let me reiterate the fact with some pictures.

Stephen Fry .38 calibre-revolver

This is what Stephen Fry carried...a .38 calibre-revolver...

and this is what 'Heavily armed police' looks like.

...and this is what 'Heavily armed police' looks like.

With much pondering over both the pictures, I’m starting to get a feeling maybe Stephen was a bit short-handed. What do you say?

3) Jamaican Information Minister Daryl Vaz told CNN that “This is the case of a troubled young man. He definitely has had some mental challenges.”

He said that “Originally, his demands were to be flown to Cuba because the flight actually was going to Cuba and then back to Halifax. That really was his demand. Then, Fray had an apparent change of heart about flying to communist Cuba and changed his request to Europe.”

How do you explain that to your fellow mates in prison? “I couldn’t choose where I wanted to escape to; I had rest of the plan etched on my mind“!!!

Maybe they didn’t have a window seat on the flight to Cuba? It wasn’t like Cuba became communist when he was trying to hijack the plane. Make your mind up, Stephen.

4) Reuters reported that the Jamaican government had said that it would compensate passengers for cash or other valuables they forked over to the “would-be hijacker”, some in an apparent bid to win their safe release.

I’m sure if we get some footage of an on-board camera on the plane, we would see that it was actually Stephen who was ‘forking valuables‘ over to the passengers in exchange of some information on the best holiday spots in Europe…or was it Cuba…? Stephen might have even offered his .38 calibre revolver’ to someone who could tell him if Cuba was still communist or not?

We’ll be keeping track of Stephen Fray’s story for the weeks to come. I’m sure the lad is not going to disappoint. Wishing the ‘would-be hijacker‘ all the very best for the future. I’ll see you on the next flight to Cuba…No wait…Doh!!

Here are the ingredients Jeannie Dalton used to create hers.

1) Jeannine Dalton was born Jeannine Boger in February 1959.

2) Jeannine was Miss North Carolina USA in 1982 and her state’s representative at Miss USA the same year.

3) Jeannine is the mother of three ‘fabulous’ beauty queens (that sounds like your average American family, right?)

4) Her daughter, Kristen Dalton is in the limelight with her recent victory at the Miss USA 2009. Just like her mother, Kristen also won Miss North Carolina USA this year. That sure does her mother proud. (Wonder, how she would have fit in the family if she hadn’t won?)

5) Then Jeannine has Kenzie Dalton, who is a model and an upcoming actress. She has already chalked up appearances on television shows such as One Tree Hill. If that’s not enough for her mom to be proud, she is also engaged to Chad Michael Murray. (Well, who isn’t, right?)

6) Last but not the least; Jeannine has Julia Dalton, the youngest of three, who was Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2008 and also the second runner up at Miss Teen USA 2008. (I’d say, she’s well on her way to upkeep the Dalton legacy)

Kristen Dalton Miss USA 2009: Let's not make her an idol or an ideal

Kristen Dalton Miss USA 2009: Let's not make her an idol or an ideal

chad-michael-murray-and-kenzie-daltonbeautiful-julia-dalton-1

The recipe I see here is certainly one of a moral and social disaster. This is not your average American family. Does this not look like a family ‘manufacturing’ beauty queens? Do you think children deserve a childhood of vanity over innocence? Then, what stops us from doing something about it and creating more awareness. Let’s give every child a reason to smile for themselves, not for the cameras or judges.

Shaheen Jafargholi - Susan Boyle and Simon Cowell are shaking

Shaheen Jafargholi - Susan Boyle and Simon Cowell are shaking

Simon Cowell and Susan Boyle are shaking in their pants, respectively. Britain’s finally got some talent. Enter boy wonder Shaheen Jafargholi.  The 12 year old from Wales has taken the world by surprise. A week ago and nobody would have beleived if you’d said Susan Boyle may not win the show. She practically owns the show or atleast almost all of the psychic air-waves in Britain which she uses to convince viewers that she is in fact a “never-been-kissed virgin” living with her cat, Pebbles(who by the way i totally believe deserves some recognition for putting up with someone as ‘deliberatley unkempt’ as Susan)

Shaheen Jafargholi is the nemesis and i’m loving it. I know he’s small and cute and all but the lad sings really well. Demi Moore is in love with him. She tweeted “Wow this kid is something else!” after watching the boy’s performance online. Once Twitter loves this boy, he should be a worthy opponenent to the “not-so-cute-anymore” Susan Boyle.

Shaheen performed the Motown hit, Who’s Lovin’ You. The song was originally sung by the young Michael Jackson who also happens to be Shaheen’s idol. Bookies consider the kid to be the strongest threat to the much-hyped Susan Boyle and her wily ways.

Simon Cowell went on GMTV last week to say that there is still a contest. Of course there is..there needs to be one..or else why would anyone turn their televisions on. The shrewd businessman he is, Simon Cowell has sensed that rumours are starting to gather heat whether Susan Boyle really is what she claims to be (which she is, so not). He needs the show to stay ‘riveting’ for atleast a couple of more weeks before everyone knows the ‘oh-so-obvious’ truth.

The only problem with Shaheen’s performance was that even though he passed the goosebump test, he did’nt make anyone cry like Susan did. I still think people cried beacause when she sang, they realised that they would have to look at ‘that face’ for a long time to come.

Time will tell if the boy-wonder could defeat the evil Simon Cowell and his wily ‘cash-cow’ Susan Boyle.

Read more about Simon Cowell’s new ‘Cash-cow’

What Susan Boyle’s cat Pebbles has to say about her…


Kristen Dalton Miss USA 2009: Let's not make her an idol or an ideal

Kristen Dalton Miss USA 2009: Let's not make her an idol or an ideal


Kristen Dalton of North Carolina was named Miss USA 2009 on Sunday night. A fine example, according to media reports, of another American girl’s dream coming true. The greatest night of her life. The greatest night in the life of Jeannie Bogerwait a sec…you don’t know who that is?? She is Kristen Dalton’s mother. Let me show you how Kristen’s family looks like…

MEET THE DALTON FAMILY…

I learnt (from Wikipedia, of course) that Kristen Dalton is the daughter of Jeannie Boger who was Miss North Carolina USA 1982. Her younger sister Julia Dalton was Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2008 and placed 2nd at Miss Teen USA 2008; the third Dalton sister Kenzie Dalton is engaged to Chad Michael Murray and also competed in the Miss North Carolina Teen USA pageant.
Does it look like an average American family to you? So, is Kristen being crowned the new Miss USA really a fairytale story or is it another alarming picture of parents adhering to America’s ideal image of beauty. Is it just another run-of-the-mill creation from the Dalton household? I fear for the girls and parents to watched Kristen on their television sets as she was crowned Miss USA 2009. How many girls would be wishing to be just like her? How many parents would be thinking of turning their innocent children into cosmetically and politically correct ‘zombies of beauty’?

BEFORE SHE BECAME THE QUEEN…

-I would have been glad if Kristen was from an average American family where physical ‘perfection’ was not the primary value to judge children. I wonder how many times she has broken down and cried for not being able to put up that ‘perfect smile’ for everyone to see? How many sleepless nights she must have spent worrying about a zit or a broken nail?
-I don’t know who runs the Dalton household but if Miss USA is a stage for America to setup an ideal for little girls, then I would make sure nobody gets to see what the other Daltons look like…because they are perfect…maybe even too perfect to be true…a beauty factory producing the absolute best in America with an impressive success rate. Kristen Dalton is the latest model, for now.

Don’t let your daughter be like her. Don’t turn your happy-but-average life turn into a never ending pursuit of ‘physical beauty’.
As we all celebrate another glorious chapter in the American beauty industry, is anyone thinking of the rest fifty girls who didn’t win? Do you think their ‘perfect’ parents would be ‘forgiving’ their daughters anytime soon? When will the manufacturing of beauty come to a rest?

The beautiful stars are for the world to rejoice but the beauty scars on daughters are without choice.

What do you think…?

Kristen Dalton photo gallery

(images courtesy of missuniverse.com, hectorjoaquin.com, photobucket(AAA1982), chicstarentertainment, misscontest, shopdazzles.com,  nydailynews.com)



This is what  poor Pebbles has to wake up to every morning

This is what poor Pebbles has to wake up to every morning

Susan Boyle is a sensation. She is Britain’s talent, the new face of “embracing womanhood” and a living example of success sans beauty. She is “oh my god…blah…blah…love her…and some more blah“. I have had enough of it already. Somebody please wake up the viewers from their fantastic journey into the dreamy lands of Susan Boyle and the despised comb. I’m still reeling under the fact that not just Britain but Simon Cowell’s masterpiece has spread like wildfire all across the world. The media lights go flashing and Simon Cowell goes cashing. Every time I see Susan Boyle and Simon Cowell together, I can’t hear her ‘brilliant’ songs but all I hear is ‘Ka-ching‘.

The reason why I wrote this and you read this
I am amongst the chosen few on the path of enlightenment, attempting to wake the gullible millions but my attempts go futile daily. Well, there’s always a tomorrow and if I don’t get them, reality sure will. I am sure the recession has had some effect on the feel-good factor that Susan Boyle brings to the table. I wonder how many of the job seeking men and women wake up everyday to go for an interview and show up with ‘unkempt hair’. How many actually ‘dare to dream that dream‘? I sometimes feel helpless, sitting there watching millions of videos being thrust in your face of a woman who is against washing her hair and being hailed for it. Billions of people searching online for her, if she has clean teeth, six fingers on a hand or tattoos under those grandma dresses. I feel like the last guy on the planet to see through this bullsh** but there is someone or something that lurks behind the shadows. Someone who knows all about Susan Boyle, her ‘boyfriends‘, her ‘virginity‘,’kisses‘ and a lot more…Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you Pebbles, Susan Boyle’s cat.

Pebbles : I dreamed a dream and Susan killed it

Pebbles has seen it all and very tired of its owner’s startling episode of stardom. Pebbles has been with Susan since she had been singing with combs but never brushing with them. Pebbles was with Susan when Simon Cowell came up with one of the biggest scams in the history of ‘reality television’. Pebbles was there when Susan dreamed a dream to become the female Paul Potts. Pebbles has seen it all and is very tired. It had hoped that Susan would start combing her hair at least for television but that never happened. It had hoped that the Grandma dresses would return to the drawers but they never did. It had hoped that Simon would stop visiting but that’s not going to happen anytime soon. So, Pebbles, too, had dreamed a dream but Susan, not life, killed it. A dream of a clean owner with less than two chins, lazy mornings with no choir practice and some Tuna once in a while. It not working out well for Pebbles. I feel for it. Maybe we all should be feeling for Pebbles rather than Susan Boyle because if anyone or anything has got talent to putting up with sh** 24×7…it’s my good friend, Pebbles.

If you feel for Pebbles, leave a word, shout or a meow for him…

Susan Boyle and Simon Cowell - Meant to be

Susan Boyle and Simon Cowell - Meant to be


Susan Boyle is an enigma in reality TV circles these days. The 47 year old Scottish woman has touched millions of hearts with her unkempt hair, her puppy dog face and her blanked expressions. The lady is an overnight superstar with more searches and hits than Britney Spears at the present moment, which brings me to the worrying realisation that what if it’s all a gimmick? What if under her loose clothes and even looser skin, lurks a diva just biding her time before the finale erupts on unsuspecting Britain. Considering the fact that she is the most popular thing in Britain at the moment, what would you say is stopping her grabbing a comb, throwing out her grandma pants and unleashing the ‘diva’ within? Well it is the dark lord, alright. The dark side of Simon Cowell is much darker than we thought. His ‘cruel remarks’ on reality television is an art in itself but with Susan Boyle, he has taken the game to a whole new level.

He says Britain’s got Talent. I say they got talent alright. It takes a lot of effort to reassure audiences initially that Susan Boyle got through the first few rounds as she could sing well. Well, my cat can sing well too but it never leaves the house without brushing its hair. What reality television demands are lookers and by god, Susan Boyle is precious in these times. She is Simon’s hidden weapon which disarms viewers from their personal insecurities of the contestants looking better than them and then takes the same viewers to a whole new level filled with pity, sympathy and admiration. Simon Cowell has endured Paula Abdul long enough to know that ‘Make-up’ is not the answer to everything. He has gone for the ugly duckling instead.

Media is filled with reports of “The Woman Who Shut Up Simon Cowell.” She is the new face of hope. Susan Boyle is the ray of light that has banished the ‘Dark Lord’ from his lair. I say give me a break and a big one at that ’cause while everyone seems to be falling head over heels on Simon’s masterpiece, I wonder how many of us can actually see the light?

This is what is happening ( or could have happened for all those who are going to come back to this page when I’d be saying” I told you so”). Susan Boyle is not what she seems. Susan Boyle is youngest of nine and I’m scared to think what the other eight look like. She has a ten year cat Pebbles that probably gets a spanking every time it tries to fix Susan’s hair. It’s not the cat’s fault. They like owners with combs and Pebbles hasn’t seen one on Susan since she got used to the fact that Simon visits more now than ever before.
She say’s she’s never had a boyfriend. I say not till she met someone like Simon. She say’s she’s never been kissed. I say once she wins this thing, we’ll have her singing “I kissed a girl” live with Katie Perry. They say she is the most talented woman on TV today. I’d say if you look closely through that lovely set of hair and you’ll see Paul Potts beaming at his second coming.

Simon Cowell has created an enigma which he knows very well how to market. He’s got talent. Britain’s got Susan Boyle. Everyone’s got fooled. She is a dream come true but only for the producers who are laughing all the way to the bank, right as we speak. Media suggests Simon Cowell showed his softer side after Susan’s performance. I say he was just falling in love with the woman who’s giving him what none could give before. Sky rocketing TRP’s.

When this show gets over, everyone would be glad Susan won. Simon Cowell might be the richest in UK, maybe after the Queen. Susan would get a long-due make-over and transform herself into another Paula Abdul (well she’s been kept away from the mirror too long, I think she deserves it). Simon would then be heart-broken at what could have been. Susan would become a multi-millionaire pop star. The viewer’s would be shocked. The world would be in a tizzy at all that’s happening around them. All that would be left are me and Pebbles shaking our heads. If only you had taken Pebbles more seriously. I did.

Cute Kris Allen: "Falling Slowly" at American Idol (image coutesy of joesplaceblog)

Cute Kris Allen: "Falling Slowly" at American Idol (image coutesy of joesplaceblog)

The Final 7 results of American Idol saw Kris Allen’s brilliant performance  transforming him from a ‘cute looker’ participant to almost a second favorite to win this season’s American Idol. The bookies, namely William Hill, have Kris Allen down to 6/1 whilst Danny Gokey is 4/1 with a couple of the bookies. Even American Idol David Cook has singled out Adam Lambert and Kris Allen as his favorites this year.

Kris performed “Falling Slowly” from the soundtrack of the movie “Once”. The song was  the 2007 Academy-Award winner for Best Original Song, composed by professional partners Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.

On the results show, Kris stood with Lil Rounds, while Ryan announced one of them was in the bottom three. I felt kinda silly to feel tense ’cause i knew Lil Rounds had the worst night amongst everyone so she had to be the one to be in danger and as expected, she was. What was not expected and very surprising was Simon Cowell when he said that he did not get to comment last night but “Kris, you were brilliant”. Coming from Simon, I’m sure the weeks to come would see Kris Allen slipping past Danny Gokey to set up a finale with Adam Lambert, who i must say is worthy to win so far. I think the Season 8 heartthrob is just about to bring his best his best to the show in the coming weeks.

As expected, the Oscar winning song has become the latest craze for music lovers.It is currently at the 29th most downloaded song on iTunes. After Kris’ performance, millions of fans swarmed the internet for lyrics and details of “Falling Slowly“.

Do you think Kris has got what it takes to go all the way? Leave me your opinions below…

Reports suggest that Miranda Tozier Robbins,alleged Britney Spears stalker, was found looking in through windows of Britney’s home in Calabasas, California. It is believed that she was in a camouflage outfit and carried a backpack and a video camera.

”]Miranda Tozier Robbins -alleged Britney Spears stalker[image courtsey of newsamericanow.com]I’m still waiting to see which news channel brings us an “Exclusive interview with Miranda Tozier Robbins” before sunrise!! Sorry to sound skeptic but with her Circus tour still under wraps and her wearing shoes covering more than her shorts, i vote for Britney to go all guns blazing on her PR while poor Miranda hops between courts till she gets “Everytime” right for Simon to “get her out of jail” and into the next American Idol.So, here’s Miranda coming to court near you on June the 16th.

These publicity stunts have gone too far and are more obvious than America having accepted change..what do you think…?

hot-women-of-dlf-ipl-t20-20091

Finally, its here. The moment we all been waiting for. The stadiums are packed, the television is SET on MAX, billions of fans wait with bated breath for the South African curtains to rise.The second edition of DLF INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE T20 2009 is finally here. The masses go hysterical, VIP’s and Politicians align and we are ready to go. Here comes Mandira Bedi looking scorching on her return to MAX for another ‘Extraa Innings’, Preity Zinta maybe getting a bit plump but she still is as cute as a button and Shilpa Shetty with her never-ending legs. You’ve got Juhi Chawla and Gauri Khan too but hey, who’s looking at them! I AM NOT EVEN GOING TO START ABOUT THE CHEERLEADERS..well maybe not in the next two lines..i know what you’re here for..wait a minute…What are you here for?..I’ve almost been writing for half a page and i have not said cricket once..you just noticed that, didn’t you?..and you call yourself a cricket fan…well, i don’t judge you.

Half of India is crazy for the new shorter version of the game and the other half is crazy for even more shorter versions of skirts on the girls in ipl t20. The politicians cant wait to drool over the cheerleaders to later label them as ‘vulgar and obscene’. I’ve heard reports of Mumbai policemen going on strike as they have been robbed of an opportunity to ‘check’ whether the girl’s performances don’t violate entertainment licences. I feel for them. Actually, i feel for all Indian cricket fans who’ve been denied a chance to watch the games in stadiums in India, not getting to see the match up close and the cheerleaders up closer.

The IPL Cheerleader hunt shows were a hoot this season. Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab held hunt shows to find talent in India. Shah Rukh Khan said it would create great opportunities for the youth brigade. Then, he went on to have ‘young gun’ Sourav Ganguly to be the judge.Well, i think he did well.He thinks he should’ve voted for Nagma…but that’s a tale for another day.

Last year, Shahid Afridi slammed the decision to use cheerleaders in the Indian Premier League. He felt scantily-clad dancers were a distraction to both players and spectators. He also felt that bowlers were bowling too quickly and he wasn’t getting enough time to look ‘around’.

Well, I’ll leave you with some wonderful ‘cricketing’ memories from last season.in the meanwhile you can find me ‘discussing’ cricket with the all-new Mandira BediEnjoy them, you ‘cricket’ lovers…

Image courtesy of ipl-streaming.blogspot.com, news.com.au and others.


Freedom Alliance: A step in the right direction [ image courtsey of larrycrisp on Photobucket]

Freedom Alliance is a non-profit organization devoted to honor military service and to appreciate the members of the services along with their families and children for the sacrifices they make to protect the freedom of our country. If only we could do it more often.

Freedom Alliance recently organized an Appreciation Dinner at Wagon Steakhouse in Leesville, Louisiana for 55 members of the service, along with their families, stationed at Fort Polk. The night was organized to honor service members for their service towards protecting freedom and their country. Such nights must be organized more often to show appreciation to everyone in the armed forces and to show them that everyone doesn’t laze on their couches and watch TV all day while they are defending the sovereignty of the United States. Some of us are indebted for what they do.

Organizations like Freedom Alliance make it a point to thank and appreciate the service members for their service and sacrifice. They host Appreciation Dinners for stationed as well as wounded members of the troops on a regular basis at all its branches across the country. Freedom Alliance also hands out “Gifts from Home” packages to service members stationed overseas. It also organizes several other programs for service members and their families including scholarships to children of celebrated war heroes. Sometimes, these little things make all the difference.

Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon stated that “”Words like duty, sacrifice and honor are defined by the men and women of the U.S. military.” He said that his organization worked very hard to show soldiers that they are understood and supported. Freedom Alliance hopes that through these dinners, they can honor the brave service members as much as they honor us. A noble thought indeed.

America needs more people like Tom Kilgannon to stand up and show the world that American troops are more than puppets of manipulative agendas of politicians; and they too are people who need a pat on the back from time to time for the work they do. Freedom Alliance may the first but I sure hope it’s not the last avenue for such appreciation. You can visit Freedom Alliance at http://www.freedomalliance.org/

Do you feel American service members are getting their due share of appreciation? Leave me your thoughts and comments…

John Madden retires from broadcasting

John Madden retires from broadcasting

As if he needs any introduction. John Madden, the Hall-of-fame NFL coach has decided to call it quits from television broadcasting of football games. He revolutionized football broadcasting with his eagle eye and exquisite animated sounds.Oh, how we would miss him.

In a statement issued by him, John Madden said that “It’s time”. He rose to legendary status in the broadcasting circle with his stint at CBS. Madden said that NFL had been his life for more than 40 years, it has been his passion – and still is. I can never doubt that.

The Chairman of NBC Universal Sports stated that Madden had decided to retire just because it was time – nothing more and nothing less.

I’m sure it might have shaken a few in the broadcasting circuit to see a legend like John Madden give it all up and walk away but I’m sure it wouldn’t have any effect on his “Madden NFL Football” franchise, still the top-selling sports video game ever according to The New York Times. That game is here to rule forever.

What effect would John Madden’s retirement have on the game and especially viewers? Leave me your comments….

Tax Day protestors for Fair Tax

Fair Tax supporters

Fair Tax supporters come together on Tax Day

This April 15 was different from previous years as thousands of protesters came together at Tax Day “Tea Parties” in several cities from Atlanta to Anchorage to lend their voice to the growing outrage over recent government spending. It seems the American people’s animosity towards IRS is raising the tide of Fair Tax proposal. It is believed that the taxpayers view the passing of Fair Tax as a channel to vent their anger at the federal spending.

I find it hard to be on top of things when it comes to Tax Day and especially the Fair Tax proposal. I find graphs, charts and complicated tax reports to be a tad more baffling than plans to find “Weapons of Mass Destruction”. So, I’ve made four 60-second lists to keep you in the loop and ahead of the times…

Five things to know about Fair Tax:

FairTax.org

FairTax.org

1) It has been introduced by Georgia Republican John Linder in the House and by Georgia Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss in the Senate.

2) It is a proposal to replace all federal income taxes with a single national retail sales tax.

3) The tax would be levied once at the point of purchase on all new goods and services meant for personal consumption.

4) The sales tax, as stated in the legislation, is going to be 23 % of the total payment including the tax.

5) All family households of lawful U.S. residents would receive a monthly payment known as “Family Consumption Allowance” (FCA). It would be a ‘prebate’ or an advance rebate on purchases up to the poverty level.

Why people support it?

1) It would decrease tax burdens by broadening the tax base and effectively taxing wealth.

2) With the advance rebate of “Family Consumption Allowance”, the Fair Tax would be progressive on consumption.

3) An individual spending at poverty level, as per the proposal, would have a 0% effective tax rate. Whereas a person spending twice the poverty level would have an effective tax rate of 11.5%

4) It would enable the federal government to reduce the size of federal tax administration by 73%, by cutting the IRS budget to $8 billion from $11.01 billion (figure for 2007).

Why people stand against it?

1) It would decrease tax burden on high-income earners and increase it on the middle class.

2) The size of such a consumption tax makes it very complex to collect and may lead to widespread tax evasion.

3) It would cause an increased budget deficit as the new tax rate would raise less tax than its predecessor.

4) Imposing a national retail sales tax would force transactions underground and lead to an extensive underground economy.

What happens next?

1) The proposal, introduced in 1999, has not since moved from committee and is yet to have any say on the present tax system.

2) An advisory panel on tax reform, established by President Bush in 2005, had deemed such a tax system as undesirable to recommend in their final report.

3) President Barack Obama does not back the bill, arguing instead for more progressive reforms to the payroll and income tax systems.

Now that you know it all, what do you feel about the Fair Tax proposal…leave me your comment below…

Mandira Bedi changes clothes and look for IPL T20 2009

Hot Mandira Bedi

Mandira Bedi has been roped in by MAX for the new season of DLF iplt20 to add some spice to the already hot proceedings. The small screen diva has returned to co-host ‘Extraaa Innings T20’ and is sure to have millions of pulses fluttering with her image makeover. At a show organised by MAX at Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai on Monday, Mandira Bedi was brought back in the fray for another ” Extraaa Innings ” at the show that she says gave her an opportunity to live her passion for cricket.

Mandira Bedi started six years ago with MAX and her involvement in the first edition of Indian Premier League created wholesome entertainment for millions of Indian households. She is rightly considered as the ‘First Lady’ of Indian cricket with millions tuning in daily to watch her insights on the game along with her fashion choices. Strapless blouses, Bright Sarees and that weren’t all as when she spoke about the game, she made sense too.

The second coming of Mandira to ‘Extraaa Innings T20’ is accompanied with a new wardrobe and fashion statement. She was seen strapless, but in a dress than a blouse. She looks more toned, fresh and debonair.

So she is back with a bang. The new season of DLF iplt20, which kicks off this Saturday, promises another chapter in the path breaking story of how IPL transformed Indian cricket and how Mandira Bedi turned it into a complete family experience. Let’s see how she manages to capture the hearts as well as eyeballs of cricket fans in India, once again…

Do you like Mandira’s new look…? Leave us your comments below.

American Idol: Kris Allen sings “Falling Slowly” from the ‘Once’ movie OST

American Idol: Kris Allen sings “Falling Slowly” from the ‘Once’ movie OST

With “Songs from the Movies” as the theme and Quentin Tarantino as a “music” mentor this week, viewers were sure the show promised a few surprises but none more than Kris Allen performing “Falling Slowly” from the ‘Once’ movie OST. The performance sans his guitar was one of his best. The emotions were perfect, the audience swooned and the judges didn’t get it, which usually adds up to a great performance. Randy feels it was pitchy and the song never “caught on” while Kara believes it was one of his “best moments” despite the obscure choice. Precisely. The song, despite being an academy-award winner for Best Original Song in 2007, was still obscure and unknown to American audiences.

The Song: “Falling Slowly”

"Falling Slowly" from movie OST "Once"

"Falling Slowly" from movie OST "Once"

Kris Allen’s performance has brought this song into limelight once again. “Falling Slowly” is the 2007 Academy-Award winner for Best Original Song, by professional partners Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. It featured in the movie “Once” starring the couple. The song’s Oscar eligibility had caused a controversy as it had already featured in the couple’s performances in Europe in 2006 much before the movie was released. It even featured on ‘The Cost’ an album released in 2006 by Hansard’s band, The Frames. However the Academy ruled that as the song was composed for the movie and the public exposure of the song during the extended production of the movie had been minimal, so it was eligible. Hansard’s relationship with Irglova evolved during the making of “Once”. Said Hansard about Irglova: “”I had been falling in love with her for a long time, but I kept telling myself she’s just a kid”. Maybe when they wrote the song, Hansard was “Falling Slowly” for Irglova.

The relative obscurity of this Academy Award winning song should soon be gone thanks to Kris Allen and his performance this week. People are googling the lyrics of the song, itunes  warming up to the downloads and more people know Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova today than maybe ever before. I can help out with lyrics, they’re below.

Lyrics: “Falling Slowly” from the “Once” movie OST

I don’t know you

But I want you

All the more for that

Words fall through me

And always fool me

And I can’t react

And games that never amount

To more than they’re meant

Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home

We’ve still got time

Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice

You’ll make it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me

And I can’t go back

Moods that take me and erase me

And I’m painted black

You have suffered enough

And warred with yourself

It’s time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home

We’ve still got time

Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice

You’ve made it now

Falling slowly sing your melody

I’ll sing along

What’s worth waiting for is if this “obscure song” could keep Kris Allen on American Idol for another week ’cause he is getting better with each week passing. Do you think Kris Allen got the song choice right? Leave us your comments below…


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