German Football Coaching tips for Mizoram

~Arunava Chaudhuri

On their current trip to Mizoram, German coaching instructors Lutz Pfannenstiel and Felix Imm of the German Football Association (DFB), have stated that Mizoram can produce footballers of world class if the abundant talent among young footballers is properly harnessed, as the duo feel there was no reason why budding footballers from the Northeastern state cannot graduate to world standard players.

The coaches, who are in Aizawl to train local footballers and local coaches, were pretty impressed by the potential and high spirits of the young players.

“The potential is clearly visible in the spirited and entertaining game played by the young players," former goalkeeper Lutz Pfannenstiel said.

Lal Thanzara, President of Mizoram Football Association had requested Rainer Schmiedchen, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kolkata, to provide good coaches for Mizoram, the Consul General promptly expressed keen interest in exploring football talent in the state and took initiative to bring German coach to the state back in May 2012.

The world goalkeeper Lutz Pfannenstiel, who is the first footballer to have played professional football in all the six continents of our planet, said that for the past few days he and Felix Imm had been watching the local Mizo football keenly and concluded that the state has enough talent to make it to international standards.

The German duo is in the process of training local football coaches who will be participating in the upcoming Mizoram Premier League.

"We hope that some coaches may be inspired by what they learned during the training to try to find those same footballing truths for themselves and having found them, apply them to their own teams in Mizoram," said the German duo.

"The players need psychological, physical, moral, medical and sports support. This is how we do it back in Germany and there is no reason why we can’t do it in India or Mizoram," Lutz said at the press confidence.

"Our sincere thanks go to Lal Thanhawla, chief minister of Mizoram who paved the way for Mizoram Football Association to meet Consul General of Germany and our President Lal Thanzara, their efforts have paid off, not only for Mizoram, but also for India," said Lalnghinglova Hmar, Honorary Secretary of the Mizoram Football Association.



The coach education programme with the German coaches started on October 1 and runs until October 6 with 28 coaches from Mizoram attended the programme.

Source: http://arunfoot.blogspot.in

The Lunglei love story

~Sanjukta Sharma

The story behind the biggest ever Mizo film, a tale of star-crossed lovers, and its 38-year-old guerrilla film-maker

Filming in progress at Lunglei. Photographs by Mapuia Chawngthu

Until recently, Mapuia Chawngthu was just a wedding photographer of repute in the small town of Lunglei, Mizoram, where he lives. He had made two short films, in 2003 and 2010, but the town knew his church nuptial compositions better. Now, with his third film,Khawnglung Run—the biggest Mizo film ever made, with a budget ofRs.11 lakh—attracting audiences all over the state, he is a celebrity.

People curiously spot his lead actor, 24-year-old Alex Lalchhuankima, on the streets of the state capital Aizawl. “It has just gone beyond expectations!” the 38-year-old film-maker almost exclaims on the phone, before cautiously concealing his excitement. Our connection is interrupted frequently. It could be the heavily misty night there, he tells me in Hindi. Mizoram is a dominantly Catholic, English-speaking state. Chawngthu is among few who prefer Hindi over English if you’re not conversant with Duhlian, the local dialect.

Lunglei, which means “bridge of rock”, is 120km south of Aizawl. The bridge is an actual formation over a tributary of Tlwang, the river that flows through Mizoram.

Khawnglung Run is shot by the Tlwang, a river known to be ferocious downstream.

Chawngthu recreates the invasion of Khawnglung, once a prosperous village, in Lusei by the Pawi clan fro’m a neighbouring village in the 1800s. Khawnglung was surrounded by treacherous hills, with only one narrow way to enter it fro’m outside. Every night, seven men guarded this entrance. Once, during the annual Chancharkut festival, when men and women were lost in feasting and drinking, a large group of men fro’m the Pawi clan entered the village and kidnapped its residents, among them a young woman named Thangi (played by Zoremsangi Hnamte). Thangi was an upper-caste woman, being wooed by a young man fro’m the labour class named Chala (Lalchhuankima). Khawnglung Run is about Chala’s battle to rescue his love, which ends in a catastrophic chase on the Tlwang.

The film is shot on the Canon EOS 5D, a versatile camera used for films. Chawngthu has co-written, directed and shot it, with a crew of around 20. He edits at home, where he lives with his 61-year-old mother, on a Mac FCP post-production set-up.

[caption id="attachment_9770" align="alignleft" width="330"] Chawngthu with his home editing set-up[/caption]

Like all promotional trailers, the film’s first YouTube spot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K8J9CcpBrQ) with English subtitles, is a hurried glimpse of Chawngthu’s romantic gaze on his lustrous land. His storytelling is linear and simple, hitting shrill, melodramatic chords in some sequences. The performances show off amateur tricks. But as a film, the visual scheme of Khawnglung Run is much better realized than what Rs.11 lakh would allow in a conventional, multi-hierarchical set-up.

There are some wide, sweeping, poetic shots. The violence is visualized through age-old gimmicks, like red splurting on the camera lens, but the story’s bad-against-good canvas, on which the tragedy is based, is unmitigated. Its breathless pace and rhythm, and a haunting score by C. Lalruatkima, the lead singer of Mizoram’s Battle Cry Band, match its visual beauty—the camera doing wonders with the lilting backdrop of streaming water, slopes and bushes. Chawngthu’s language is pure and lyrical.

Khawnglung Run has been selected by the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, for screening there as an example of self-sufficient film-making. “I don’t see it releasing in a mainstream theatre anywhere, but I am sending it to a host of film festivals all over the world,” Chawngthu says.

“I have heard this story many times. It is supposed to have happened right around here. So I thought, since I have the real location, the same river, the same mountains, why not visualize it my way?” He says not much has changed in the topography of Khawnglung. “Back then we used to pray to the river and the hills. We didn’t have to go to church every day.” Mizoram’s Christian establishment is rigid. “Non-Christian ideas won’t go down very well,” Chawngthu says.

Ironically, the state does not have movie theatres. The few which came up after independence have been unused for almost two decades. So Khawnglung Run is being screened with projection facilities at auditorias across the state, with ticket prices varying fro’m Rs.30 in a village to Rs.200 at, say, a swank hall in Aizawl. “There is no film-making culture here, no industry. So the government does not think it’s necessary to revive the theatres. Bollywood also is not very big,” Chawngthu says. He says he has few idols fr’om the world of movies other than some popular Hollywood films he watched while in college in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Subir Bhaumik, a former BBC correspondent and former editor of the Seven Sisters Post, who has written on Mizoram, says: “The movie-viewing culture in Mizoram is family-centric. People like to watch fr’om home. And now there is a DVD explosion that makes it possible. Korean and Thai films are particularly popular even though there is a language problem.” Mizos are known for their penchant for music—many Mizo bands perform outside their state and the region—and like some other states fro’m the North-East, its musicians are schooled in Western genres. Singers Judith Lalremruati, Lalthuthaa, the Mizo Idol of 2011, Valentina Gangte, and writer Lalnunsanga are some of the state’s artistic icons. “Frankly, compared to the success of Mizo boys and girls in national competitive exams like civil services, the state does not have many public intellectuals or creative figures,” Bhaumik says. Incidentally, in the 2011 census, Mizoram’s literacy rate was 91.58%—it is India’s second most literate state after Kerala.

Lalchhuankima, the leading man of Khawnglung Run, has the screen presence of a teen hero, somehow charmingly at odds with his character’s theatrical intensity. He works with Bajaj Allianz in Aizawl; acting is a hobby. In 2010, a National School of Drama (NSD) workshop in Aizawl selected him for the lead role of a Mizo/Duhlian adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, which he later performed in Delhi at the NSD’s theatre festival. This is his first major film, he says in a phone interview, “After Khawnglung Run, which taught me a lot about my own culture and about film-making, I want to work in more films.” He is not yet comfortable with his new-found fame in Aizawl.

Lalchhuankima has grown up on local music bands, American pop and hip hop, and is a singer who was among the top 10 of Mizo Idol 2007. “I am very much into Western music. But my favourite actor is Shah Rukh Khan. I want to be an actor like him,” he says.

Chawngthu’s circumstances were dramatically different fro’m Lalchhuankima’s—and it’s not just because of the 14-year age difference between the two men. Chawngthu is a man of the soil who had left for bigger, better opportunities, but who returned to Lunglei and decided to realize his dream there. His father, Jay Prakash Tyagi, an Indian Army jawan—“a subedar major”—was transferred to an army cantonment at Lunglei in “the late 1960s”. Jay Prakash, the young man fro’m Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, fell in love with Baiktluangi, a local girl. They got married and lived in Lunglei for many years before moving back to Hapur in the 1980s.

Chawngthu went to college for about two years in Hapur and returned to Lunglei in 1994 when his father died. “Hindi is like my second language. My UP family is very close to me, so my film may as well have been in Hindi,” Chawngthu says.

He believes the mountains have at least two more stories for him. “After all, who gets to shoot in the location in which stories actually happened?”

Source: www.livemint.com

First big-budget Mizo movie an instant hit

Aizawl, Aug. 24: Mapuia Chawngthu’s long-anticipated film Khawnglung Run ((The plunder of Khawnglung) was released here yesterday to packed halls and community centres.

People here, who had been eagerly waiting for Chawngthu’s latest offering since he started the protect two years ago, thronged the film venues — community centres and halls (as there are no cinemas here). Tickets for the inaugural show at the Chanmari community hall sold out within half a day, while another venue, Vanapa hall, was virtually mobbed by viewers.

Being the first “big budget” (more than Rs 11 lakh) production in the Dulian dialect, the lingua Franca of the Mizos, the film was an instant hit, as evident from the applause reverberating in Vanapa hall at the end of the show.

Produced by Leitlang Pictures, Lunglei, the film tells the story of a star-crossed couple against the backdrop of petty feuds between the Pawi and a Lusei villagers in the late 1850s which led to the plunder of Khawnglung village by Pawi chiefs, marked as the bloodiest and cruellest attack in the entire history of the Mizos.

Khawnglung Run’s epic love angle, which has been kept alive through the ages by numerous versions of the story of Chala’s bleak search for the love of his life, Thangi, who had been carried off from the plundered village as a slave by one of the Pawi warriors, was more captivating for the viewers than anything else.



Singer Alex Lalchhuankima did his best to give a spirited rendition of Chala’s evolution from a boyish young Lusei hunter in a happy village to a desperate man hunting for his lost soul mate, while Zoremsangi Hnamte brought Thangi to life on screen with her beautiful earthy looks and her fine acting.

The film was set in a specially created village near the original Khawnglung village, 145km from the capital. The cast and crew spent around six months on the set shooting the film. As history goes, the entire village was burnt down and the people massacred. The set, too, was burnt down, providing the film some of its best shots against the eerie light of the fires and the dancing shadows, while portraying the harsh realities of tribal warfare in the 18th century as well as the nuances of honour and friendship in time of distress among the villagers.

The director told The Telegraph that his objective was to create interest in youngsters about their own history and culture, which he felt, he had achieved through the film.

Many non-Mizo viewers, however, felt that English subtitles were urgently required.

The actors who played the chiefs and warriors were outstanding, particularly, the one who played the role of Thangi’s slave master, who lent the screen the brooding presence of the legendarily feared Pawi raider. Chawngthu said though many of the actors were amateur, some among them, including the female lead, were National School of Drama products.

The theme song was the much-loved old Mizo ballad, Khawnglung Run, which was sung by C. Lalruatkima supported by the Battle Cry Band. Kima Chhangte was the music director while voice recording was done at Small World Multimedia, Serkawn, Lunglei. Another unique feature of the film is that it was produced totally at Lunglei.

Chawngthu said the film would take time to break even as the budget was high, but he planned to take it to several film festivals. He was confident that he was true to his calling as a filmmaker, which was to entertain. “The public find my film entertaining and this is enough to make me happy,” he said.

~The Telegraph/ Linda chhakchhuak

 

ICI Central Choir: From NE to Bengaluru, with music of peace

They came to Bangalore undeterred by the fact that their own ilk was leaving the city in droves. For they knew that their music had a message of harmony, love and peace and be a balm for the troubled times.

The first performance of the Independent Church of India's central choir outside the northeast may not have been perfectly timed, keeping the recent incidents in mind, but the choir decided to go ahead shrugging off security concerns.

"We are not afraid of staying in Bangalore though many of our brothers and sisters have left the city scared for their lives," said Rev Jothanghrim Joute, youth coordinator for the choir. "Though we look like foreigners because of our Mongoloid features, we are very march a part of India. We bring the message of love and pray for peace and harmony to prevail in Bangalore and different parts of the country marred by communal tensions," he said.



The choir comprises members mostly Mizo Hmar tribals from Churachandpur district in Manipur. Hundreds attended the show by the Manipuri choir at Richmond Town's Methodist Church, which was highlighted by an extraordinary performance on Sunday evening. While the group of 25, accompanied by their conductor, sang church songs and hymns praising the Lord, their performance was infused with vibrant rock, jazz and blues influences that had the audience in thrall.

The choir, which has 12 albums to their credit, sang a set list of 20 songs, consisting of hits like Hallelujah, The Lord's Prayer, Longing for heaven and The Glory of the Lord, in English, and local North Eastern languages like Hmar and Dulian. "Amidst the prevailing tensions, the choir arrived at the right time to rejoice life. We all are children of God and we celebrate our oneness with the music," said Pastor Jonathan Bangera. (TNN)

 

PASSING THROUGH

Dr Micky Morton,who spoke to BTon behalf of the Independent Church of India Central Choir,says choral music is popular in the city
~Taniya Talukdar 

How many cities has the ICI (Independent Church of India) Central Choir toured outside the northeast 
The choir is performing for the first time outside the northeast.Church budgets are low and they cannot afford too many tours.

Is gospel music popular in Bangalore 
Yes,gospel music is very popular among the youth in Bangalore,irrespective of religious beliefs.For example,Ernie Hasses show was a sell-out last Sunday.The older audience is also very appreciative of classical choral church music.

The Shillong Chamber Choir which won a reality show last year went on to perform at the White House for Obama.Do you see the ICI Central Choir doing the same in the near future 
No,chamber music with intricate musical arrangements and full orchestral backing is out of their budget.

The Shillong Chamber Choir is very experimental in terms of singing non gospel music.Have they tried experimenting too 
No,they are a church choir,so contemporary popular nonreligious music is not in their agenda.

The choir has 12 albums to its credit,how popular have they been 
The 12 music albums released are all hits,but restricted only to the northeast region.Almost everyone in the northeast,especially from the Christian community,is aware of these songs.

Mizos are known to have good voices but do you think their talent is explored enough 
Yes,they have immense vocal talent.This tour is to expose them to the rest of India,starting from Bangalore.More exposure will definitely create a greater awareness in mainland India,as you can see from the story of Mary Kom.I want to clarify that Mizo people are broadly clubbed together,but there are different sub-tribes among them.This choir is from the Hmar tribe.

What languages does the choir sing in 
They are singing in English,Hmar and Dulian for the concerts in Bangalore.

How do you intend to make gospel music and the choir popular 
Based on the feedback we receive from the audience,we plan to bring them back during Christmas.They might produce an English album and take it forward from there.

Pic:SinlengNews

Miss China is Miss World 2012

In a glittering ceremony held at the Dongsheng Stadium, Wenxia YU from The Peoples Republic of China has been crowned the 2012 Miss World. In a record breaking year 116 contestants represented their countries on the world stage in what was a celebration of Ordos and a gathering of friends from around the world.

The first runner-up is Sophie Elizabeth Moulds of Wales and the second runner-up is Jessica Michelle Kahawaty of Australia.

The 23-year-old Wenxia Yu studied music, and would like to become a music teacher. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, travelling, singing, dancing and playing the piano. She describes herself as someone who follows her dreams with a smile, and says her favourite food is dumplings.

Miss India World Vanya Mishra wins two subtitles - Miss World Beauty with a Purpose and Multimedia Award. She was in the top 7 with the highest number of points.

Miss India Vanya Mishra answers in simple words who should win the title of Miss World " She should be a woman with kind heart and humility, who has simple values in complex world."

Mary Kom loses in semis, settles for bronze at London Olympics

LONDON (PTI) : Great Britain's Nicola Adams dashed MC Mary Kom's hopes of making it to finals as she outclassed iconic Indian pugilist 11-6 in the women's flyweight (51kg) semifinal on Wednesday, leaving her to settle for a bronze.

The five-time world champion was no match for her British opponent who was egged on by a vociferous home crowd that included Prime Minister David Cameron and last edition's silver medallist Aamir Khan.

It was Mary's 5ft 2 inches frame that became her undoing as Nicola used her big body and greater reach to a good effect, landing punches from a distance and then also staying out of her opponent's reach.

The first round was 3-1 in favour of Nicola better known as "Babyface" in the boxing fraternity. The second round saw Nicola land a lethal right hook followed by a powerful straight left which caught Mary off-guard. Three more points and consolidating the lead at 5-2, it became very difficult for the Indian to come back.

The penultimate round saw a desperate Mary trying to make a comeback but Nicola evaded the 'pint-sized' Indian dynamo as she couldn't land a few decisive blows that could have turned the tide. The round was 3-2 in favour of the British and decisive lead of 8-4.

The final round was all about how the British boxer would keep Mary Kom at bay and she did that effectively tiring the Manipuri girl, who out of frustration landed a couple of blows at the back of her opponent's head.

An 11-6 result may depict that there was some fight but it was crystal clear that the two-time World Championship runner-up was an emphatic winner.

However, a bronze is certainly a great effort from 'Magnificent Mary', whose name would be etched in the history of Indian sports as she will certainly remain the first among equals as far as women's boxing is concerned.~(PTI)

Sorry I couldn't win Gold or Silver: Mary Kom after winning Bronze

London: "Sorry, I couldn't win Gold or Silver but I gave my best," said MC Mary Kom after her 6-11 loss against Britain's Nicola Adams in the semi-final of the 51-kg category event. But she clearly doesn't need to be apologetic; she has made the country proud with her valiant effort.

Mary Kom, the diminutive Indian woman boxer who carried into the Olympic semi-finals the weight of an entire nation's expectations, will bring home a Bronze medal. She lost a closely fought bout against World number 2 Nicola Adams today. The score in each round, 1-3, 1-2, 2-3, 2-3. As former boxer Poonam Beniwal, a friend of Mary's said, "Mary fought and lost like a champion. She shouldn't be sorry."

British Adams held all the cards. A home advantage and a height and reach advantage against the 5 feet 2 inches tall Manipuri. Mary praised her opponent and said, "She was better in 1st and 2nd rounds".

Mary Kom is also new to the 51 kg category - she used to fight in the 48 kg category earlier. But the focused 29-year-old Indian mother of twins put up a gritty fight in every round.

Hours before her semi-final bout, Mary Kom had tweeted: "Ready for my match. Thanks all for your wishes. Hope to make my country proud. Jai Hind!" She did India proud with her effort.

In her last two bouts Olympic bouts before the semi-final, she had looked unbeatable, winning both convincingly to reach the semis. She beat Karolina Michalczuk, a much taller and bigger boxer from Poland, to enter the quarterfinals. And later she won her quarter-final bout against Maroua Rahali of Tunisia by 15-6 margin.

A mother of two, Mary Kom started her career as an athlete but later switched to boxing following the success of fellow Manipuri boxer Dingko Singh. She started her boxing career in 2000 after which there was no stopping her.

In 2001, she lost in the final and had to settle for a silver medal. In 2002, she started her domination at the AIBA World Championships where she won her first gold. She continued to dominate women's boxing till 2006 after which she took a 2-year sabbatical due to the birth of her twins. She returned with a bang in 2008 winning her 4th successive World Championship.

Her feat earned her the title of 'Magnificent Mary' from the AIBA. In 2010, she had the honour of bearing the Queen's Baton in the opening ceremony run at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the stadium. She has also been awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2004, Padma Shri Award in 2006 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2009 for her achievements in Boxing.

In 2010, she was voted India's Sportswoman of the Year. Mary Kom also became the International Boxing Association's Ambassador for Women's Boxing in 2009.

~NDTVSports

 

 

Nail polishes cause diabetes in women

A new study has found an association between increased concentrations of phthalates in the body and an increased risk of diabetes in women.

[caption id="attachment_8992" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="File Photo"][/caption]

Phthalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals that are commonly found in personal care products such as moisturizers, nail polishes, soaps, hair sprays and perfumes. They are also used in adhesives, electronics, toys and a variety of other products.

Researchers, lead by Tamarra James-Todd, PhD, a researcher in the Division of Women's Health at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), analysed urinary concentrations of phthalates in 2,350 women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

They found that women with higher levels of phthalates in their urine were more likely to have diabetes. Specifically:

Women who had the highest levels of the chemicals mono-benzyl phthalate and mono-isobutyl phthalate had almost twice the risk of diabetes compared to women with the lowest levels of those chemicals.

Women with higher than median levels of the chemical mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate had approximately a 60 per cent increased risk of diabetes.

Women with moderately high levels of the chemicals mono-n-butyl phthalate and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate had approximately a 70 percent increased risk of diabetes.

The study population consisted of a representative sample of American women and was controlled for socio-demographic, dietary and behavioural factors.

However, the women self-reported their diabetes and researchers caution against reading too much into the study due to the possibility of reverse causation.

"This is an important first step in exploring the connection between phthalates and diabetes," said Dr. James-Todd.
"We know that in addition to being present in personal care products, phthalates also exist in certain types of medical devices and medication that is used to treat diabetes and this could also explain the higher level of phthalates in diabetic women. So overall, more research is needed," she noted.

This finding is published in the July 13, 2012 online edition of Environmental Health Perspectives

~ANI

Avoid placing laptop directly on lap

Placing a laptop directly on your legs for prolonged periods can harm the skin.

The laptop was invented to provide user mobility — so we don't end up being chained to our desk computers. But working for hours with the lappy perched on your lap could result in discoloured patchy skin.



While you could be enjoying the heat emanating, you could also develop Toasted Skin Syndrome. Here's more about the condition...

What is it?
It is clinically known as Erythema Ab Igne and also known by names such as 'laptop thigh' and 'hot water bottle rash'. Swiss doctors

call it 'laptop-induced dermatosis'. Cosmeto-dermatologist Dr Anuya Manerkar defines it as "A coarsely reticulated pigmentation which is produced by prolonged exposure to excessive heat without the production of a burn."

Who is at risk?
"People who spend prolonged periods of time studying, reading, or playing games on laptops resting on their upper legs could develop this skin syndrome," warns dermatologist Dr Shreyas Kamath.

This skin condition is common among people often exposed to heat while working (blacksmiths, silversmiths, cooks, etc). Now, people using laptops for long hours are facing this.

Causes
The prolonged placement of laptop on the thighs results in thermal build of around 44 degrees of heat to which the skin responds by developing persistent redness and pigmentation.

This has been reported in medical literature between 2004 to date, explains dermatologist and dermatosurgeon Dr Shenaz Z Arsiwala.

Harmful effects
"The skin develops a patch which is mottled (caused by local hemostasis — stagnation of blood) and later becomes reticulated erythema (patchy striped erythema) leaving behind pigmentation," says Dr Manerkar.

Cosmeto-dermatologist Dr Swati Srivastava warns that repeated skin exposure can waste tissues, typically due to the degeneration of cells. If there is a persistent soreness that does not heal, a skin biopsy should be performed to rule out the possibility of skin cancer.

Treatment
First of all, identification of the root cause, i.e., the source of the heat, needs to be identified. If it is excess duration of
laptop usage, it should be cut down.

Also, direct contact of the laptop and the skin should be avoided by placing a barrier in between. Dr Arsiwala says laptop coolers are also available.

The skin change, if detected early and is mild in nature, can settle on its own without treatment. For persistent redness, anti-inflammatory creams can be used.

For pigmentary changes, addition of topical tretinoin (a drug related to retinol or vitamin A) cream may be mandatory. In some cases, one may require laser therapy.

~NP

Vanya Mishra is Miss India World 2012

[caption id="attachment_8240" align="alignleft" width="350" caption="Vanya Mishra, Prachi Misha, Rochelle Maria Rao win Miss India crowns"][/caption]

The winners of the Pantaloons Femina Miss India (PFMI) 2012 pageant were declared at a star-studded event at Bhavans Ground, Andheri. The winners are Vanya Mishra (Pantaloons Femina Miss India World 2012),Prachi Mishra (Pantaloons Femina Miss India Earth 2012),Rochelle Maria Rao (Pantaloons Femina Miss India International 2012).

Chandigarh girl, Vanya Mishra who got a direct entry in the final 20 after winning Dabur Gulabari Miss Rose Glow 2011 contest is finally PFMI'12 Miss World.In answer to th final question, If you have an option, 'will you create thousand jobs or feed thousand children daily?'Vanya said, "Little children are innocent and anybdy's heart will melt. I wil also try to give them education so that they can feed themselves and their family too."The PFMI 2012 winners were crowned by Pantaloons Femina Miss India World 2011 Kanistha Dhankhar, Pantaloons Femina Miss India Earth 2011 Hasleen Kaur, Pantaloons Femina Miss India International 2011 Ankita Shorey.Mr Kamal Basu, Head Marketing Skoda Auto India Private Limited gave away car keys as part of grand prize to the three finalists.

Name: Vanya Mishra

Age : 19 years

Height : 5'7"

Vital statistics (in inches): 34-25-37

Place of Birth : Jalandar

Crowned : Dabur Gulabari Miss Rose Glow 2011

City : ChandigarhProfession : Student

Relationship status : Single

College : PEC University of Technology

Interest: Badminton, Listening to music, Dancing & Reading

A quote or saying that has had profound impact on you
"If you believe that you can touch the stars, then you really can but if you think that you are a nobody then you will always remain a nobody".

What gives you a high?
Good Party Music & My Ambition

One law you would like to break?
I would not like to move away from my family post marriage

If you win the "Miss India" title what would be your first big splurge?
I want my own car preferably an Audi

Best pick up line you have ever heard?
"If u were a burger from McDonalds you would be Mc gorgeous"

Rate in order of priority the three qualities every woman must possess
Sensibility, modesty and beauty with brains.

A tune you cannot get out of your mind...
DJ got us falling in love again

Three achievements that will make you feel your life was a huge success!
Making my mom proud, being satisfied with what I have achieved and winning the Femina Miss India Crown

The weirdest thing you have ever tasted...
Orange Paratha

Last Movie that made you cry?
Rang De Basanti

Rate in order of personal preference the three qualities you admire in a man
His behavior with women, kindness and intelligence

If a Star was to give a solo performance whom would you pick and why?
Shahrukh Khan, because I have always found him a true entertainer

Craziest rumour you have heard about yourself?
I have stopped eating as I want to become size zero

How can you be sure whether a guy is the right man for you?
I would leave it to my instincts; I feel my heart will call out if he is the right man

With which celebrity would you like to go on a vacation?
Roger Federer

Do you think live-in is a good way to check out a relationship?
Personally I would say no, because if I'm sure enough to live with him, then I might as
well marry him

If you were to give one bit of advice to the youth today, what would that be?
To believe in yourself
If you are good, good things will happen to you someday sure

Your body to you means...
It's everything that represents who I am, I worship it and would like to keep it healthy
always

A man's most attractive physical feature...
His smile

One word in which you would like to be described to a guy...
Versatile

Favorite actor
Priyanka Chopra & Robert Downy Jr.

Favorite movie?
Due date

Love is...
A feeling of total contentment and happiness.

Food is...
One of the biggest loves of my life.

 

 

Name : Prachi Mishra

Age: 24

Height: 5' 7"

Vital statistics (in inches): 33- 24-36

Place of birth: Allahabad

City: Pune

Crowned: PFMUP '11, 1st Runner up

Profession: Investment advisor

Relationship Status: Single

College: Symbiosis, Pune

Interests: Reading and travelling

A quote or saying that has had profound impact on you
"The best way to predict your future is to create it".

What gives you a high?
Success gives me a high

One law you would like to break...
Drinking age of 25 years and above

If you win Miss India, what would be your first big splurge?
Europe trip with my family

Best pick up line you have ever heard?
Never got any pick up line from anyone

Rate in order of priority the three qualities every woman must possess
Intellectual, open and warm, soft spoken

A tune you cannot get out of your mind...
'You are so beautiful'

Three achievements that will make you feel your life was a huge success!
The international pageant crown, maintaining it and finally to be a good mother.

The weirdest thing you have ever tasted...
Raw Maggi, during my hostel days in the middle of the night

The last movie that made you cry?
Viruddh (Amitabh and Sharmila Tagore)

Rate in order of personal preference the three qualities you admire in a man
Firstly would be the way he talks, his eyes and his overall personality

If a star were to give a solo performance for you, whom would you prefer and why?
Aishwarya Rai. Since my teenage years, I have been dancing to her songs. I have always loved her on screen and copied her in the mirror. So it will be a dream come true for me.

What is the craziest rumour you have heard about yourself?
None

How can you be sure whether a guy is the right man for you?
When I will meet him, I will get a gut feeling!

With which celebrity would you like to go on a vacation...
Akshay Kumar, any day. I am his biggest fan.

Do you think live-in is a good way to check out a relationship?
Yes, I think as we always hear that things change after marriage, love is not the same. So, why not try out this situation before settling down!

If you were to give one bit of advice to the youth today, what would that be?
Dream big, follow your dreams and don't take shortcuts!

Your body to you means...
Temple ... I love, worship and respect my body

A man's most attractive physical feature...
His eyes

One word in which you would like to be described to a guy...
Mesmerising

Favourite Actor:
Akshay Kumar

Favourite Movie:
Jab We Met

Love is...
Love is a beautiful feeling only if you respect it

Food is...
A basic necessity
Name: Rochelle Maria Rao

Height :5'7"

Vital Statistics : 32-23-36

Place of birth : Chennai

Crowned: PFMI South'12 1 st Runner-up

City: Chennai

Profession : Anchor

Relationship Status : single

College: M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Woman

Interests : I love nature, exploring new cuisines and meeting new people, apart from doing social work, reading, music and traveling

A quote or saying that has had profound impact on you
"If you don't stand for something, you would fall for anything"

What gives you a high?
The stage and watching an underprivileged child taste a plum for the first time

One law you would like to break ...
Wish we could travel anywhere without visa or passport

If you win Miss India, what would be your first big splurge ?
Probably a long vacation abroad!

Best pick up line you have ever heard?
"If you let me, I will treat you like the goddess you are"

Rate in order of priority the three qualities every woman must possess
Confidence, elegance which is not artificial, intelligence

A tune you cannot get out of your mind ...
'Moves Like Jagger' by Maroon 5

Three achievements that will make you feel your life was a huge success!
Winning the Miss India and Miss World crowns, starting my own church and NGO, and a successful career in media.

The weirdest thing you have ever tasted
Stingray - I loved it!

The last movie that made you cry:
Jesus 2000, only spiritual movies make me cry

Rate in order of personal preference the three qualities you admire in a man
He should be confident
He should be talkative as I love to talk a lot
He should be able to dance with me or sing well for me

If a star were to give a solo performance for you, whom would you prefer and why?
I would have liked Patrick Swayze to do a solo, but I suppose that dream shall never materialize now. Rest his soul.

What is the craziest rumour you have heard about yourself? .
That I was going to become a nun

How can you be sure whether a guy is the right man for you?
He should work well with me, we should enjoy each other, we should be able to ignore each other's quirks, and finally we should be a good team together.

With which celebrity would you like to go on a vacation...
Johnny Depp

Do you think live-in is a good way to check out a relationship
No, you lose respect for each other, when you live together without the security of wedding vows, it will never lead to marriage

If you were to give one bit of advice to the youth today, what would that be?
Slow down, enjoy every moment, and pay a little more attention to those around you, whom you could help with very little effort.

Your body to you means...
Temple of God, meant to do his work on earth

A man's most attractive physical feature...
His eyes

One word in which you would like to be described to a guy...
Absolute fun

Favorite Actor :
Johnny Depp

Favorite Movies:
Now and then

Love is...
Understanding + compromise with an amazing result

Food is ...
My life

~TNN

Nuhmei/Nunghak lungril hne dan

~By Hmar Love Guru (I don’t mend broken shoes, I mend broken hearts)

A chang chu ieng leia nunghak lungril inhne thei naw am ana / an dit thei naw che am ana / an hmangai thei naw che am ana? Ti hai hi ilo ngaituo ve hlak chu ka ring. Nang a neka hmelsie, zeilo le tawngkam thiemnaw pa khan iengtin am i nunghak dit em em, i thei tawk a i buoipui nu kha awlsam deuiin a zuk hne bik el thei am ana? A nunghak hai ditzawng in naw lei chu ni nawng i tih, pasal dang hai kha an hmel a tha bik lei khawm ring a um nawh. Nuhmei lungril hi pasal nekin an nem lem ti hi hriet ding a nih. Nuhmei/ nunghak lungril hne dan thenkhat ka hung tarlang hai hi i zawmfamkim chun i dittak le i hmangaitak lungril chu i hne thei ngei ka beisei.

Nuhmei pan, hnai le biek tan dan ding: Pasal in nuhmei/nunghak va biek hi thilmak a ngai ding an nawh, hi hi society fe dan reng a nih. I dittak chu huoisen tak’n pan chawt la/bi pap el rawh. Nuhmei hin pasal zuk biek hmasa ti vel hi an inzak hlak leiin, an biek hmasa che in chan ngai naw rawh. Alo dit hle che ni khawm’n mi pangngai alo ni chun pan hmasa ngai naw reng reng a ti che. Chuleiin, a dit le ditnaw ding che a buoi lovin nang’n i pan/biek hmasa a ngai a nih. Nuhmei ei zuk biek hin thil pahni char a um thei a um:- an mi hnawl thei a, an mi pawm thei bawk. Mihriem reng reng chu mi’n an mi hnawl hun hi a um ngei ngei hlak. Chulleiin, hnawl ding ti lova va pan chawt el ding a nih.

I mizie sukdanglam ngai naw rawh: Pasal tam takin an thaw suol rawp hlak chu mani mizie ni lova mizie siemfawm a um hi a nih. Nuhmei hin mi titak, mi indik, thudik tan mi an dik hlak. In ringzo takin i nina ang ang khan um tawp el rawh. Nuhmeiin i nina indiktak kha a nih an hmangai lem ding chu, i mizie siemfawm kha sawt dei ngai naw nih, an hriet dawk hun a la um tho tho hlak. I nina bak bak nuhmei kuoma hril ngai naw rawh.

Incheidan le insukfai ngaipawimaw: Nuhmei hin taksa sukfai le thuomhnaw hi an ngaipawimaw lei hin i fimkhur a tul hle nih. Chapel/pheikhawk/ke bal deua nunghak leng chu a scoring hmel naw hle. I thei ang tawk tawk in i taksa vawng tha hlak rawh. Chun incheidan ah khawm fimkhur a ngai hle, a nunghaknu nal ti zawng le a dit zawng hriet a tha. Pheikhawk bal deu bun pum’n nunghak leng ngai naw rawh, a mak ve khawpel, nuhmei hin mi pheikhawk bun hi anlo en hmasatak hlak an ti chu.

Nuhmei ngaisak, duot dan thiem a pawimaw: Mi duot thiem deu le an beidawng changa mi ngaisak/ thawidam thiem mi hi nuhmei hai hin an ngaina hlak. An thil hril hai hi tha deu’n i ngaituona pe pek hlak la, an beidawngthu an inzawt khum pha che khawm tosan el lovin a thawidam dan ngaituo hlak lem rawh. Nuhmei hi pasal kuoma insek hi an hmang a, hieng hun ahin i lo buoi deu a ni khawma tha deu deua biek a suk lungawi hlak ding an nih.

Buoina dang I nei naw phawt chun a pawimaw hun hun che a in hman pekzie hlak rawh. I hun awl remchang a “I dam tha maw” ti bek phone a inthawkin indawn hlak ding, chuonga i thaw chun i ngaituo zie kha a lo hriet ve hlak a nih. Amiruokchu hun sawttak tak inbiekpui ngai naw la, i dit taluo suklang ngai naw bawk rawh. Nuhmei hi mizie maktak nei an na, remchanga lain anlo kawi nuom in an lo insek nuom hlak ti kha hriet zing a tha. A nuhmeinu lungril hrechieng si lova, hmangai le duot ti leia sex thila hun hmang kawp kher tum ngai naw rawh, chu nek hman chun ngaituona lungrila i hmangai hi a hlu lem a, a dei sawt lem hlak a nih.

Inpak hlak rawh: Mihriem hin inpak ka nuom nawh ei ti hlaka chu a ruk deua inpak lawm vawng ei nih. I hmel a tha de, I fel de, i sam chu a nal de, i mawi chuong ngei, lalthakim, khawvel sukmawitu i nih etc.ti hai dam hi a nep ti inla khawm nuhmei hai lawm zawngtak a nih ti kha hriet zing ding.  Thil pakhat hriet ding chu an umdan le an incheidan hai hi inchik tlat hlak la, a dang met i hmu pha inpak ngei ngei hlak rawh.

Venghimna, thlamuongna an mamaw: Nuhmei hin an ngaizawng hai bula an um pha hin an thla a muong em em hlak. Chuleichun, an beiseina kha suk hlawsam pek ngai naw rawh. Nuhmei hin ti ding hi an nei rawn bik ti hi hriet zing ding. Lampuiah an khata an lawn ding nek chun i thei phawt chun fepui/thak hlak rawh. An ti/thlaphang huna duot deu’n enkawl hlak la, a thei lem chun an dara kuo hlak rawh, khanga i thaw khan an thla hi a muong em em hlak a nih. An beidawng hun le an tap huna i dar annawleh i awm innghai tir la, innem deuin thlamuong la, an sam annawleh an darah tuoi pek hlak rawh.

Taksa suk tha rawh: Nuhmei hi a tlangpui’n pasal sa tha deu met le piengnal hin an mit a lak deu a anga, chuleiin i thei ang tawk le i hriselna phaktawk’n i sa suk that tum rawh. A lo tha rak naw ani khawm’n in ngaitlawm chuong naw rawh.

A mizie, nuomzawng le a ditzawng hai hriet tum rawh: Relationship tha dit si chun i ngaizawngnu mizie kha hriet hne tum la, a ditnaw zawng thil reng reng thaw tum ngai naw rawh. A nun a hlim i dit si chun ngaidan alo in ang rak naw khawm'n a lawmzawng thil hai kha thaw rawn tum bawk rawh.

Thil pek ngaipawimaw rawh: Nuhmei lawmna hi chite ani leiin thil pekna kawng hi ngaitha lo ding a nih. A birthday le ni pawimaw thenkhat inchik hlak la, hieng hun ahin thil a tha am, a tha naw am pek ve hlak reng reng ding a nih. Entirna ding’n sum tieng harsatna a tuok chang a phone zuk recharge/top-up pek zo hai dam kha thil thaw chi tak a nih. Ama ta dinga inpekzo zie a suklang ding a nih.

Mani nghirhmun sukdet/siem: Tulai khawvel ei hmang mek a hin chu hmangaitak hai le bahra khur ti policy kha chu a fe bek ta nawh, chu nek hman’n dittak hai le Maruti Car sunga ti hai dam hi a fe ta lem. Chuleiin, mani hmangaitak hai chawmna tawk le insung indin theina khawpa thlatina Gandhiji Lu lakna ding nei kha a pawimaw lem an tah. Nuhmei khawm’n an hmatieng thil ding hi an thlir ve kar ani leiin thang lak nasa a tul takzet. Amiruokchu, i sin nei hma, inriengtaka i um laia lo hmangaitu che kha maksan ngai naw rawh, sin i nei hnunga hmangaitua in sal hai kha ringzo tak tak ding an ni nawh ti hi hriet zing ding a nih.

Thildang hriet ding: Ngaizawng i nei ta si chun, i lungril po po pe tawp el raw, nunghak dang chu mel kai tha ta naw hleng a tih, thil reng reng a titak deua um hi mi ringum hai thawdan a nih.

A thikthu alo sie deu khawm’n ngainawtieng ngai naw la, a hmangai zie che a suklangna a ngai lem rawh. Mi lai i ngaizawngnu inzapui ngai naw rawh, chu nek chun inpak lem hlak rawh. Thil pawimaw pakhat chu, thukhel hril ngai reng reng lo ding, a hnunga sietna intluntu mei mei in an chang hlak!

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29.03.2013
Hmangaina Run

Mami Varte "Tawn Thar Di Valmawi'

Mami Varte chun Vanlalruati (L) hla hlui 'Tawn thar di valmawi' a record meka, hi hla hi a album thar a thangsa ding a nih.Mami Varte hin album thar March-April lai vela tlangzar tum in kumbul laia inthawk khan hma alo lak tan taa, amiruokchu hlasak dinga fielna state dang dang ah a hmu rawn leiin ti ang'n a album tieng hun a pek hman rak naw leiin a hun taka a tlangzar hman dal el thei a nih.

Mami Varte album hmasatak 'Dawmlai Par' ti kha 2007-a tlangzar ania, tukum hi a album hmasatak a tlangzar ainthawka kum-5 a tlingna alo ni nawk der tah.Ama khawm'n chawl sawt anti ve ta khawpel.

Mami album thar ding ahin hla hlui hai a thangsa zeu zeu ding ni awm a nih, a tam lem chu hla thar deu vawng ning atih. A album thar hming ding hi ala nei naw , Damlai Par ti khawm kha tlangzar tawm trepa a hming phuok ve chau alo nih. Tulai chu Mami khawm in suk cher ve tum'n games hai inhnel'n an lak fit mek.
A album thar chu nghakhla takin lo thlir phawt ei tih.

Soon, a simple blood test to reveal your lifespan and pace of ageing

NEW DELHI: Want to know how long you may live? A simple blood test - like the one that calculates cholesterol - will soon offer Indians a clue to their longevity and pace of ageing.

The test, to be available in India this year, measures Telomeres - protective caps at the end of chromosome that are the best indicators of biological age as against chronological age.

Scientists say the length of Telomeres is crucial in deciding biological age.

There is extensive scientific evidence showing the strong correlation between the percentage of short Telomeres and the risk of developing diseases associated with ageing such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's.

Similarly, lifestyle habits (nutrition, obesity and exercise) are increasingly being shown to impact telomere length. The finding that human chromosomes are protected by Telomeres had won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2009.

Dr Jerry Shay, professor of cell biology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center who has been instrumental in creating this blood test, told TOI during his India visit last week, "Now, more Indians believe in healthy living. Many would want to know how healthy their cells are and how long they may live. Telomeres are essential in preserving the regenerative capacity of different tissues and organs and significantly contribute to ageing when they become short. The blood test will tell the length of Telomeres."

Dr Shay's technology known as Telomapping determines the length of Telomeres of every single cell in biopsies and all tissues, such as skin. However, the test will be a costly affair at around $500. According to scientists, biological age is more than important chronological age. No wonder, some people look younger that they actually are.

Dr Shay, who is associated with Life Length - the Telomere testing company based in Spain - said, "Telomeres act like a clock of the cell's lifespan. Reduction in Telomere length means the cell's lifespan is shortening. Long telomeres are related to healthy ageing and overall longevity."

He added, "A short Telomere represents a persistent and non-repairable damage to the cells, which is able to prevent their division or regeneration. The Telomere length test will tell whether the percentage of short Telomeres of a person is within normality for a given age or indicates a younger or older biological age."

Dr Shay said Telomeres progressively shortens over life. "We also know that Telomeres are genetically inherited. Every child inherits 23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 from the father. At the end of each chromosome, there are around 92 Telomeres. Telomeres are like the plastic ends of a shoelace. As the plastic ends shred, the shoelace becomes frayed and damaged. Similarly the shortening of our telomeres can leave our cells vulnerable to damage."

Interestingly, the findings of a study involving nearly 20,000 Danes announced on Thursday showed that there is a direct link between Telomere length and heart diseases.

A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen isolated each individual's DNA to analyze their specific telomere length - a measurement of cellular aging.

"The risk of heart attack or early death is present whether Telomeres are shortened due to lifestyle or due to high age," said professor of genetic epidemiology Borge Nordestgaard from the University of Copenhagen.

The study followed people for about 19 years and the conclusion was clear: If the Telomere length was short, the risk of heart attack and early death was increased by 50% and 25%, respectively.

"That smoking and obesity increases the risk of heart disease has been known for a while. We have now shown that the increased risk is directly related to the shortening of the protective telomeres - hence, smoking and obesity ages the body on a cellular level, just as surely as the passage of time," says Nordestgaard. "Stress reduces Telomere length," Dr Shay said.

~TNN

Mumbai world's 2nd least expensive city, Delhi 4th: Survey

 NEW DELHI: A high rate of inflation may be pinching hard on day-to-day life of people in the country, but a global survey has named two Indian cities -- the financial hub Mumbai and the national capital New Delhi -- among the four least expensive places across the world.

As per the worldwide 'cost of living' survey by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Mumbai is the second least expensive city globally, while New Delhi is ranked fourth.

Karachi in Pakistan has been named as the cheapest destination globally, while Zurich in Switzerland is the most expensive place across the world, as per the survey.

Inflationary pressures have figured among the key concerns facing the government as well as the public in India for many months now, although the rate of inflation has declined a bit in recent past.

The country's headline inflation fell to 6.55 per cent in January 2012. It had stood at 7.47 per cent in December 2011.

Despite the drop in inflation in January, finance minister Pranab Mukherjee had said the rate of price rise is "still not at acceptable level" and hoped for further dip.

Headline inflation was near double digit for most of 2010 and 2011. The apex bank hiked key policy rates 13 times, totalling 350 basis points between March 2010 and October 2011, to tame inflation.

In the EIU survey, three of the four cheapest locations globally -- Karachi, Mumbai, Tehran and New Delhi -- are from the Indian subcontinent.

"India has been such a target of labour outsourcing, relocation and FDI over the last decade," EIU said.

"With cheap labour and land costs making India and Pakistan incredibly attractive to those bargain hungry visitors or investors willing to brave some of the security risks that accompany such low prices, especially in Pakistan," it added.

All the four cheapest cities have retained their positions from the previous year's list.

However, Zurich has toppled Tokyo as the world's most expensive city, although both of them have become relatively expensive in the past one year.

"Both Japan and Switzerland have seen strong currency movements over the last few years which have made them relatively more expensive," EIU said.

After Karachi, Mumbai, Tehran and New Delhi, the report has named Muscat, Dhaka, Algiers, Kathmandu, Panama City and Jeddah among the least expensive cities.

In the list of ten most expensive cities, Zurich and Tokyo are followed by Geneva, Osaka Kobe, Oslo, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and Frankfurt.

The survey compared over 400 individual prices across 160 products and services. They include food, drink, clothing, household supplies and personal care items, home rents, transport, utility bills, private schools, domestic help and recreational costs.

The main reason behind low cost of living in the Middle Eastern cities was the use of price controls and the pegging of currencies to the US dollar, the report said.

This year's list interestingly features cities from the Asia Pacific region (including Australasia) in the ten most expensive cities, while on the other hand, three of the four cheapest locations hail from the Indian subcontinent.

"Although Asian hubs are making their presence felt at the top of the cost of living stakes, another kind of Asian hub is making its presence felt at the bottom, EIU said.

Singapore's presence in the top ten most expensive cities highlights a shift away from Western Europe towards Asian hubs, the report said.

"Cities from the Asia Pacific region (including Australasia) now make up half the ten most expensive," EIU said adding Western Europe still accounts for 24 of the most expensive cities in the top 50, with 14 hailing from Asia.

Interestingly, despite Eurozone weaknesses German and French cities are still relatively expensive with Paris and Frankfurt holding firm in the ten most expensive. Besides, Oslo, which was considered the world's most expensive city only a few years ago also sits towards the top of the ranking.

 (PTI)

 

Djokovic beats Nadal in thrilling Australian Open final

Melbourne, Jan 29 (Agencies): Novak Djokovic confirmed his place at the top of men's tennis by outlasting Rafael Nadal in a five-set epic to retain his Australian Open title.

[caption id="attachment_6648" align="aligncenter" width="590" caption="Novak Djokovic of Serbia kisses the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the men’s final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at Melbourne Park, Sunday."][/caption]

The world number one edged an gripping battle against with the second seed 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 in five hours 53 minutes to win his fifth Grand Slam.

It was the longest final in Grand Slam history, finishing at 0137 local time.
Djokovic, who also beat the Spaniard in their previous six meetings, has now triumphed at the last three majors.
But this might be the sweetest of the all for so many reasons.

His semi-final against Britain's Andy Murray was played a day later than Nadal's with Roger Federer, and lasted four hours 50 minutes.
The Serbian also fought down from break down in the final set as Nadal did everything he could to reverse the balance on their recent rivalry.

Djokovic fell to the floor after planting the winning forehand, tore his shirt off and celebrated with his team in the stands.
"Rafa is one of best players ever and one of the most respected guys on tour," said Djokovic, who will hold all four Grand Slam trophies if he wins the French Open in June.

"Unfortunately there couldn't be two winners and I hope we have many more matches like this."
Nadal knew he needed to play more aggressively to halt his losing sequence against Djokovic and the plan initially worked as he opened with two service holds and then broke for 3-2.

He was attacking Djokovic with ferocious pace and accuracy and, although the top seed pulled level at 4-4, Nadal upped the ante when it mattered.

A huge off-forehand helped him break for 6-5, and he served out the first set with a roar of delight.
But Djokovic gathered himself to register break points in Nadal's first two service games of the second set, striking for 3-1 with a forehand volley to the baseline.

Djokovic's service statistics were vastly improved and although a rare double-fault made it 5-4, Nadal returned the favour in the following game to level the contest.

The momentum had shifted and Djokovic was unwilling to let go, a poor Nadal forehand putting Djokovic 3-1 ahead in set three.
Djokovic dropped only two points on serve and broke again in game eight with a crushing forehand to lead for the first time.

Tension was palpable in a 88-minute fourth set as the crowd feasted on the latest thrilling encounter between two greats of the sport.
Neither man showed any vulnerability until game eight, when Nadal faced 0-40 but brilliantly saved all three break points to level at 4-4.
He was suddenly buzzing and twice successfully served to stay in the set before overturning a 5-3 deficit to edge the tie-break.

Nadal dropped to his knees with joy and it was he who made the first move in the decider, going 4-2 in front when Djokovic fired long.
However, Nadal then missed a routine backhand at at 30-15 in game seven, throwing the momentum away and helping Djokovic hit back.

The right-hander could not take an opportunity in game nine but made no mistake in game 11 when Djokovic netted a backhand.
He finally brought proceedings to a close by wrong-footing Nadal - but only after saving the 26th break point of the match.

"Congratulations to Novak and his team, they deserve it, they are doing something fantastic," stated Nadal.
"I've had a fantastic two weeks. Thanks to my team for their support - without them it would be impossible for me to be here."

Victoria Azarenka win the Australian Open

London, Jan 29 (Agencies): Victoria Azarenka revealed she is ready to raise the level in women’s tennis after destroying Maria Sharapova 6-3 6-0 to win the Australian Open.

[caption id="attachment_6644" align="aligncenter" width="590" caption="Victoria Azarenka of Belarus with her championship trophy, left, and world number one trophy on the banks of the Yarra River, Sunday. (AP)"][/caption]

“I can’t wait to be back next year, I’ve had an amazing month in Australia. It’s a dream true. “
The Belarusian overpowered the 2008 champion in 82 minutes to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup and become the fourth women’s first-time grand slam winner in a row.

Azarenka, 22, dropped her opening service game and was down 2-0 after a nervous start before winning 12 of the next 13 games to take the match away from Sharapova, a three-time major winner, to earn top spot in the rankings.

“Wow,” Azarenka said as she first spoke to the crowd, then started giggling. She thanked her support team, saying “You made me realise I can believe in myself and I can finally raise this trophy. “Belarusian people have a mentality of really hard-working people. You can see outside the capitals, big cities, how neat and clean the areas are. So I think that speaks a lot.

“It’s just amazing to see how much people work, and we are here playing tennis and sometimes complaining about little things. It’s a little bit silly. It’s really interesting to see a different kind of life.” Azarenka singled out her grandmother “who inspires me most in my life”, before adding: “I can’t wait to be back next year, I’ve had an amazing month in Australia. It’s a dream true.

“I’m proud of what I’m doing. I just want to keep going and keep raising that level.” Asked whether she felt she played the perfect match, Azarenka said: “I don’t think so. Just the perfect ending.

“I didn’t think going into the match I had to play the perfect match. I just had to play better than my opponent. “The first two games was a bit of a disaster but then I got the momentum going. I relaxed and started focusing on each point, trying to do whatever it took to win that point.”

Azarenka becomes the first Belarusian grand slam champion, going one better than Natasha Zvereva, who finished runner-up at the French Open in 1988, representing the USSR.
She is also the first woman to win both the junior girls and women’s singles titles in Melbourne since Australia’s Chris O’Neil in 1978.

Messi wins third straight FIFA Ballon d’Or

ZURICH: Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, still only 24, won the World Player of the Year award for the third time in a row on Monday.

[caption id="attachment_6303" align="aligncenter" width="590" caption="Women’s soccer player of the year 2011 Homare Sawa from Japan, Japan’s coach Norio Sasaki, Brazil’s Dani Alves and the player of the year 2011 Lionel Messi from Argentina, (From L) at FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony in Zurich, Monday. (AP)"][/caption]

 

Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo was second in the vote for the 2011 FIFA Ballon D’Or and Messi’s Barcelona team mate Xavi third.

Messi, who inspired his Spanish team to win the Champions League, La Liga and Club World Cup, was also first last year when the award was created by joining together the separate annual prizes handed out by FIFA and France Football magazine.

“To win it three times running is a very big honour,” Messi, who also won both old awards in 2009, told the audience after being presented with the trophy by former Brazil striker Ronaldo a three-time World Player of the Year.

“I want to share it with the people who helped me, my team mates and coach. This is very special, I want to divide it with me team mate Xavi.”

No player has previously won the FIFA award three times in a row, although Michel Platini claimed the France Football prize three years in succession in the 1980s.

Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola won the coach’s award ahead of Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid.

Ferguson took the FIFA presidential award for outstanding service to the sport.

The ceremony, co-presented by former Netherlands striker Ruud Gullit, also saw Japan’s Homare Sawa voted women’s player of the year, ending a run of five successive wins for Brazil’s Martha.

Brazil and Santos forward Neymar won the award for the goal of the year, a stunning effort in a Brazilian championship match against Flamengo.

Messi swept home with 47.88 per cent to votes in the survey among national team coaches, captains and selected media.

Ronaldo took 21.6 percent and Xavi 9.23 per cent. “I would like to share this award with Mourinho and Ferguson and all the coaches around the world who love this game,” Guardiola said.

Blatter heaped praise on Ferguson before handing him his prize.

“In a world in which coaches are expected to produce instant results or be changed, his longevity is a shining example of what can be achieved through stability, continuity, investment in development and trust and confidence in the personality himself,” said Blatter. (Agencies)

Bayern stars to grace Bhutia farewell match

New Delhi, Dec 29 (Agencies): Philipp Lahm, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger headline a star-studded Bayern Munich side that will take on India at the Audi Football Summit. The countdown to the highly-anticipated match has begun as the respective squads for both the Indian national team and 22-time German Bundesliga champions Bayern were announced.

German captain Lahm will lead the star-studded 24-man squad for the Bavarian out at the Audi Football Summit, which is to be held at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on January 10, 2012.

The exhibition match, , titled “Audi Football Summit”, is a farewell for the Indian football icon Baichung Bhutia. Bayern boast some of the best talent in the world, with Lahm a class apart in the defence, while their attack comprises of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner Thomas Muller and star striker Mario Gomez.

The Bundesliga outfit also have one of the strongest midfield in the business, led by Ribery, Robben and Schweinsteiger.
Meanwhile, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) National coach Savio Medeira named a 23-member Indian squad for the Audi Football Summit, led by Bhutia. The members of the Indian squad have been asked to report for the camp in Delhi on January 7, 2012.

However, missing in action will be Indian star striker and AIFF Player of the Year for 2011, Sunil Chhetri, who is recuperating from an injury. Bhutia, looking forward to the occasions, said it was an honour to play his farewell match against a team like Bayern. “Playing my final India match against Bayern Munich is a great honour, but also a tough finale for me. Bayern are one of the best teams in the world and I rate them better than Germany,” Bhutia said.


Bayern Munich
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Hans-Jorg Butt, Maximilian Riedmuller, Rouven Sattelmaier.
Defenders: Holger Badstuber, Jerome Boateng, Breno, Diego Contento, Philipp Lahm, Daniel van Buyten, Rafinha.
Midfielders: Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Takashi Usami, Danijel Pranjic, Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba, Toni Kroos, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk.
Forwards: Mario Gomez, Thomas Muller, Nils Petersen, Ivica Olic.
Coach: Jupp Heynckes

Indian national team
Goalkeepers: Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC), Subhasish Roychowdhury (Dempo SC), Felix (Churchill Brothers).
Defenders: Jaspal Singh (Salgaocar), Sameer Naik (Dempo SC), Gouramangi Singh (Churchill Brothers), Govin Singh (United Sikkim Football Club), Nirmal Chhetri (Kingfisher East Bengal), Syed Rahim Nabi (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Adil Khan (Sporting Clube de Goa), Gurjinder Singh (Pune FC).
Midfielders: Reisangmi Vashum (Kingfisher East Bengal), Jewel Raja Shaikh (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Climax Lawrence (Dempo SC), Rakesh Masih (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Baldeep Singh (Pune FC), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), Lalrindika Ralte (Churchill Brothers), Rocus Lamare (Salgaocar).
Forwards: Jeje Lalpeklua (Pune FC), Bhaichung Bhutia, Sushil Singh (United Sikkim Football Club), CS Sabeeth (Pailan Arrows).
Coach: Savio Medeira.

Backstreet Boys get back for eighth album

American band Backstreet Boys are all set to get back together for their eighth album in 2012. “That’s one of the things that we’re going to be happening this next year, is we’re going to be in the studio working on a new record,” contactmusic.com quoted bandmate Howie D as saying.

The band which comprises of Brian Littrell, Nick Carter and A. J. McLean will go on a Europe tour in 2012. “That’s always the challenge working on new albums; trying to push the envelope, trying to always top the last album. But that’s what we do. That’s one of the reasons why we take our time to make the record the best it can be. To not rush it and to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s hot,” he added.

~NP

7 Interesting facts about women's breast

They are soft, warm, beautiful, bouncy, sensitive, sexy, curvy, but apart from these are you aware of any other interesting fact about a woman's breasts?

Breasts are probably the most beautiful part of a woman's body. They can easily be counted among one of the first things men notice in women. Women are always conscious about their breasts; however, with all due respect, they know very little about them. Apart from arousing sexual desire, breasts also symbolise beauty, femininity.

We put together some lesser-known facts about breasts which every woman, or man for that matter, must know.

1. The left breast is usually bigger: It's little hard to notice but the left breast is always bigger than the right one. They are never exactly the same size. Nipples also come in varying sizes, and they also point in different directions.

2. Every woman has some nipple hair: It's a big turn-off for men but it's a fact. Each woman has between 2-15 dark, straight strands growing. The darker your skin and hair, the darker the nipple hair. Breasts can also get blackheads and pimples. So, always take special care of your breasts.

3. Average breast weighs 0.5 kilogram: The average breast weighs about 0.5 kilograms. Each breast contributes to about 4-5 per cent of the body fat and thus 1 per cent of the total body weight of an average woman. Breasts get fatter as women grow older. Also remember that smokers will have saggier breasts than non-smokers.

4. Over 2 million women have fake breasts: From Pamela Anderson to Katie Price more than 2 million women have breast implants. The figure shows how much women think about their breasts. Not every woman who went under the knife is always pleased with the results. The average age of a woman who gets implants is 34.

5. Breasts get bigger when aroused: Just like the penis, breasts swell up and become taut when aroused. The same goes for nipples.

6. Breasts don't like bouncing around: Jogging, walking and aerobics can cause your breasts to bounce around. Always wear a proper bra to minimize the bounce, so that you can also reduce your breast pain. Remember, the main function of bras is to protect the health of your breasts.

7. Breasts can go out of shape: It sounds strange but sleeping facedown can sometimes misshape your breasts. Always take care of your sleeping position so that you maintain the firmness and shape of your breasts. The best sleeping position is to sleep on your side, with a pillow under them for support as you sleep.

~Biben Laikhuram (TOI)

Tips for smooth and sexy skin

Good skin is very important for all round sex appeal in men and women. While we pay attention to our bodies, we tend to miss out on feeding our skin and ensuring that it gets adequate care.

[caption id="attachment_6139" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Image courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images"][/caption]

The importance of skincare, however, cannot be overlooked, if you want all round self confidence which adds to looking sexy. As people get older their skin tends to lose the suppleness, firmness, vitality, and glow. Bring that sexy young skin back with these skin care tips.

1. Skin Creams- There are thousands of skin creams in the market. Some are very effective if used properly. The problem with most of these special skin creams is that once you stop using them the improvements revert. Look for skin creams that include alpha hydroxy acids, kinetin, coenzyme 10, or antioxidants. Researchers found these ingredients bring rapid results and the sexy glow back to dull dry skin.

2. Pay close attention - Observe your skin for any imperfections. If there are acne, pimples or irregular patches, visit your dermatologist to determine the root cause of your problem. It may be the food you eat, or your lack of sleep. It can also be hormonal. Before you can even think of smearing your face with irritating creams, determine the cause of your skin problem and eradicate it. Eliminating the root problem will solve your problem once and for all. In serious, incurable skin conditions, plastic surgery may be an option.

3. Personal hygiene is important - Sexy skin is clean skin. Washing your face before going to bed is one routine facial skin care that you should do. This simple personal hygiene will eliminate make-up, dirt, dust and oil on your skin and face. Going to bed with the dirt, oil and grime still on your face will allow them to lodge deeply into your skin pores causing blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Your skin would not be able to breathe too because oil and dirt has clogged its pathway to fresh air.

4. Try cutting down on alcohol - Alcohol contains acetaldehyde, which is its active component. Acetaldehyde has the property to keratinize cells too. It can cause irreversible liver cirrhosis. If this substance can do that to the liver then how much can it do to your skin? Alcohol also causes malnutrition, because it prevents the proper re-absorption of essential nutrients, which are vital to health.

5. Feed you skin from the inside - Nutrition, good fats, eating healthy and exercising are of course basics you need to follow for healthy, sexy, glowing skin. Read more tips on great skin with emphasis on nutrition.

~Aloka Mehta Gambhir, Health Me Up