A 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit central Chile at 3:34am on Feb 27, downing buildings, houses, and a major bridge in the capital area. There have been many aftershocks and tsunami warnings are in place.
Hight Tsunami Alert in Hawai | Hawaii | haway and other Pacific Nations.
A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake capable of tremendous damage struck central Chile early Saturday, shaking the capital for a minute and a half and setting off a tsunami.
Buildings collapsed and phone lines and electricity were down, making the extent of the damage difficult to determine. At least 6 people were killed, President Michele Bachelet said.
"We have had a huge earthquake," Bachelet said, speaking from an emergency response center in an appeal for Chileans to remain calm. "We're doing everything we can with all the forces we have. Any information we will share immediately."
Bachelet said early reports were that six people had been killed, and "without a doubt, with an earthquake of this magnitude, there will be more deaths."
She urged people to avoid traveling in the dark, since traffic lights are down, to avoid causing more fatalities.
The quake hit at 3:34 a.m. (0634 GMT; 1:34 a.m. EST) and was centered 200 miles (325 kilometers) southwest of the capital, Santiago, at a depth of 22 miles (35 kilometers) the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
The epicenter was just 70 miles (115 kilometers) from Concepcion, Chile's second-largest city, where more than 200,000 people live along the Bio Bio river, and 60 miles from the ski town of Chillan, a gateway to Andean ski resorts that was destroyed in a 1939 earthquake.
An Associated Press Television News cameraman said some buildings have collapsed in Santiago, where power was out in parts of the city. An important church was among the buildings that came down in the central city of Providencia, where window glass shattered into the streets and people ran from multistory buildings, according to TV Chile.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for Chile and Peru, and a less-urgent tsunami watch for Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Antarctica. It said a tsunami could also hit Hawaii later in the day.
"Sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated. It may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicenter and could also be a threat to more distant coasts," the center said.
The U.S. west coast tsunami warning center said it did not expect a tsunami along the west of the U.S. or Canada but was continuing to monitor the situation.
The largest earthquake ever recorded struck the same area of Chile on May 22, 1960. The magnitude-9.5 quake killed 1,655 people and left 2 million homeless. The tsunami that it caused killed people in Hawaii, Japan and the Philippines and caused damage to the West Coast of the United States.
Shocking Pictures of Chili Earth Quake. | Time line of Earth Quake and Aftermath.
11:27 AM (Time in Chile)
You can get information about survivors and victims from the Chilean Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela by calling one of these numbers: 9923378 / 9923378 / 9925364 / 9931538 / 9935770. You can also seek information from the Chilean consulate in the Ecuadoran city of Guayaquil by calling (+593-4) 2564619, 2562995 or e-mailing cggye2@gye.satnet.net
11:24 AM (Time in Chile)
There’s bad news. New death toll: 85, according to the Chilean president. However, worse news is that that number is just from one region – Maule – out of the three that have been severely affected by the Tsunami.
11:10 AM (Time in Chile)
Emergency phone numbers inside Chile have been released. You can call (56) 568 1290 or (56) 568 1295
11:05 AM (Time in Chile)
A resident sits near the debris of a destroyed building below. More pictures from the BBC here and from VOA News here.:
10:40 AM (Time in Chile)
All U.S. Embassy personel, about 118, are accounted for, the U.S. State Dept tells BNO. U.S. State Dept tells BNO the US has no information on american casualties. A warning message has been sent to any americans on the ground.
10:35 AM (Time in Chile)
Update on Airport in Santiago: Newest reports indicate that the airport will now be closed for the next 72 hours.
10:30 AM (Time in Chile)
More news streaming out of Chile report of a dire situation in Concepcion, just 70 miles north of the epicenter of the quake. According to twitter sources, collapsed buildings can be seen in many parts of the city and communications are mostly down. CNN’s Betty Nguyen tweets:
Chile TV reporting 15-story building collapsed near epicenter. Witnesses hearing screams from people trapped inside.
10:25 AM (Time in Chile)
A picture of the damage caused by the earthquake in Santiago:
10:20 AM (Time in Chile)
If you are in the US and want to call Chile and inquire about a loved one, [5:18:50 AM] Dave Siavashi: CNN has provided the following number to call if you’re looking for people in Chile: 1-888-407-4747.
10:15 AM (Time in Chile)
ABS-CBN News reports:
Chile’s remote Robinson Crusoe Island was hit by a huge wave after a massive earthquake rocked the country and aid ships had been sent to the rescue, President Michelle Bachelet said Saturday. The island, part of the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, lies some 700 kilometres out in the Pacific from the Chilean mainland.
10:10 AM (Time in Chile)
10:05 AM (Time in Chile)
Dozens of buildings and bridges have collapsed in Central Chile. The death toll remains at 78 at this point. Dozens, perhaps hundreds of people might be trapped under the rubble. News is slowly trickling out.
10:00 AM (Time in Chile)
In Hawaii, waves of up to 5 meters are expected as the Tsunami travels west through the Pacific Ocean. All coasts of the island are dangerous and should be avoided. The tsunami is expected to make impact in Hawaii just past 11 AM.
9:55 AM (Time in Chile)
Concepcion University is on fire in the city of Concepcion and more images from Chile.
9:47 AM (Time in Chile)
In Concepcion – Chile’s second largest city that lay just 70 miles north of the epicenter of the quake – reports of possible wide-spread destruction abound on Twitter. Some twitterers report that many people are stuck under the rubble of collapsing building and volunteers are trying to help them out. So far, major media outlets have not confirmed this.
9:42 AM (Time in Chile\
The USGC has released a map showing exactly
9:37 AM (Time in Chile)
The deadly tsunami generated by Chile’s earthquake is going to strike the US state of Hawaii later today. If you have a loved one in Hawaii, you can pass this information about the state’s evacuation plan. Click here to view the whole schedule.
9:30 AM (Time in Chile)
The first pictures of devastation from the earthquake are slowly emerging from Chile. You can check the whole batch by CLICKING HERE. A picture from the city of Maipú also in Central Chile can be viewed HERE
You can get information about survivors and victims from the Chilean Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela by calling one of these numbers: 9923378 / 9923378 / 9925364 / 9931538 / 9935770. You can also seek information from the Chilean consulate in the Ecuadoran city of Guayaquil by calling (+593-4) 2564619, 2562995 or e-mailing cggye2@gye.satnet.net
11:24 AM (Time in Chile)
There’s bad news. New death toll: 85, according to the Chilean president. However, worse news is that that number is just from one region – Maule – out of the three that have been severely affected by the Tsunami.
11:10 AM (Time in Chile)
Emergency phone numbers inside Chile have been released. You can call (56) 568 1290 or (56) 568 1295
11:05 AM (Time in Chile)
A resident sits near the debris of a destroyed building below. More pictures from the BBC here and from VOA News here.:
10:40 AM (Time in Chile)
All U.S. Embassy personel, about 118, are accounted for, the U.S. State Dept tells BNO. U.S. State Dept tells BNO the US has no information on american casualties. A warning message has been sent to any americans on the ground.
10:35 AM (Time in Chile)
Update on Airport in Santiago: Newest reports indicate that the airport will now be closed for the next 72 hours.
10:30 AM (Time in Chile)
More news streaming out of Chile report of a dire situation in Concepcion, just 70 miles north of the epicenter of the quake. According to twitter sources, collapsed buildings can be seen in many parts of the city and communications are mostly down. CNN’s Betty Nguyen tweets:
Chile TV reporting 15-story building collapsed near epicenter. Witnesses hearing screams from people trapped inside.
10:25 AM (Time in Chile)
A picture of the damage caused by the earthquake in Santiago:
10:20 AM (Time in Chile)
If you are in the US and want to call Chile and inquire about a loved one, [5:18:50 AM] Dave Siavashi: CNN has provided the following number to call if you’re looking for people in Chile: 1-888-407-4747.
10:15 AM (Time in Chile)
ABS-CBN News reports:
Chile’s remote Robinson Crusoe Island was hit by a huge wave after a massive earthquake rocked the country and aid ships had been sent to the rescue, President Michelle Bachelet said Saturday. The island, part of the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, lies some 700 kilometres out in the Pacific from the Chilean mainland.
10:10 AM (Time in Chile)
10:05 AM (Time in Chile)
Dozens of buildings and bridges have collapsed in Central Chile. The death toll remains at 78 at this point. Dozens, perhaps hundreds of people might be trapped under the rubble. News is slowly trickling out.
10:00 AM (Time in Chile)
In Hawaii, waves of up to 5 meters are expected as the Tsunami travels west through the Pacific Ocean. All coasts of the island are dangerous and should be avoided. The tsunami is expected to make impact in Hawaii just past 11 AM.
9:55 AM (Time in Chile)
Concepcion University is on fire in the city of Concepcion and more images from Chile.
9:47 AM (Time in Chile)
In Concepcion – Chile’s second largest city that lay just 70 miles north of the epicenter of the quake – reports of possible wide-spread destruction abound on Twitter. Some twitterers report that many people are stuck under the rubble of collapsing building and volunteers are trying to help them out. So far, major media outlets have not confirmed this.
9:42 AM (Time in Chile\
The USGC has released a map showing exactly
9:37 AM (Time in Chile)
The deadly tsunami generated by Chile’s earthquake is going to strike the US state of Hawaii later today. If you have a loved one in Hawaii, you can pass this information about the state’s evacuation plan. Click here to view the whole schedule.
9:30 AM (Time in Chile)
The first pictures of devastation from the earthquake are slowly emerging from Chile. You can check the whole batch by CLICKING HERE. A picture from the city of Maipú also in Central Chile can be viewed HERE
High Tsunami Alert in Chili, and other Pacific Islands | High Magnitude Earth Quake in Chile
A massive 8.8 earthquake have demolished the South American country of Chile early this morning. The earthquake hit just after 3 a.m. prompting Tsunami warning in areas as far away as the western coast of the United States. The center of the quake hit just 100 miles north from the city southwest city of Concepcion, and caused damaged far into the capital city of Santiago nearly 200 miles away.
Early reports are that 78 people have been confirmed dead, with the death told expecting to rise in the coming days.
Michelle Bachelet, the Chilean President, said an evacuation of coastal areas on Easter Island, the Chilean territory famous for its monumental statues, was under way as the tsunami was expected to make landfall there imminently.
Dr Brian Baptie, the British Geological Survey's Head of Seismology, said: "This is largest earthquake to strike central Chile since a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in 2001.
Early reports are that 78 people have been confirmed dead, with the death told expecting to rise in the coming days.
Michelle Bachelet, the Chilean President, said an evacuation of coastal areas on Easter Island, the Chilean territory famous for its monumental statues, was under way as the tsunami was expected to make landfall there imminently.
British experts said a tsunami was now radiating from the epicentre towards Hawaii and other settlements on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The extent of the tsunami's ferocity is not yet known, but it has already reached the southern Juan Fernandez Islands, about 400 miles off the coast of Chile, where it was reported to have caused "serious damage".
The islands include one named after Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe's protagonist, and another named after Alexander Selkirk, the Scottish sailor whose real life experiences as a castaway are said to have inspired the 1719 novel.
An alert was issued by the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre which predicted damage to the Hawaiian coast from 9pm GMT today.
"Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property," the centre said in a bulletin. "All shores are at risk no matter which direction they face."
The centre had earlier issued a tsunami warning for Chile and Peru, and a tsunami watch for Ecuador, Colombia, Antarctica, all of Central America and French Polynesia.
New Zealand also issued a tsunami alert, warning of a wall of water up to 10 feet high, with landfall due there at just after 6pm GMT.
The New Zealand National Crisis Management Centre warning said the greatest wave heights were expected between six and 12 hours after the initial arrivals.
Dr Brian Baptie, the British Geological Survey's Head of Seismology, said: "This is largest earthquake to strike central Chile since a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in 2001."A 1.3 metre tsunami wave was observed at Valparaiso, 200 kilometres north of the epicentre about 20 minutes after the earthquake.
"Tsunami waves in the deep ocean travel about the same speed as a jet plane and would take about 15 hours to reach Hawaii and about 20 hours to reach the other side of the Pacific."
Massive Earth Quake in Chili; Hundreds Feared Dead.
High 8.8 Magnitude Earth Quake | Chile in Pathetic Condition | Fears that Chile will be another Haiti | Hundreds Under Collapsed Buildings | Tsunami Threat in all Sournding Countries | High Alert in the Region | Santiago, the Capital City is the Country, is Most Devastated.
SANTIAGO : A huge 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Chile
early Saturday killing at least 78 people, toppling buildings and triggering a tsunami threatening the Pacific rim of fire, officials said.The massive quake plunged much of the Chilean capital, Santiago, into darkness as it snapped power lines and severed communications.
Agence France-Presse journalists spoke of walls and masonry collapsing while people in pyjamas fled onto the streets.
Television images showed destroyed or heavily damaged buildings and debris-strewn streets.
Residents in the south of the city, which appeared to have borne the brunt of the quake, said roads had crumpled and a bridge had been damaged, as an AFP correspondent said buildings "shook like jelly."
The US Pacific Tsunami warning center issued a "widespread" tsunami warning for all Pacific nations.
A partial evacuation of Easter Island has been ordered in Chile in the face of possible big tidal waves, President Michelle Bachelet announced.
She also said two ships with aid had been dispatched to Robinson Crusoe Island, part of the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, which has been affected by a big tidal wave.
Japan's meteorological agency warned of a tsunami risk across large areas of the Pacific including as far away as the Antarctic, as the Philippines warned low-lying coastal areas to prepare for possible evacuation.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said that the tremor could generate a destructive tsunami that could hit coastlines on the eastern side of the archipelago.
"No evacuation order is in effect but communities along the east coast of the country are advised to wait for further information and to prepare for possible evacuation," Phivolcs said in an advisory.
Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum told the Inquirer that the issuance of the tsunami alert at 3:10 p.m. is standard operating procedure for the Phivolcs. “This is to remind the public that there was a strong earthquake in another part of the world that could cause a tsunami. It would be best for the public to be prepared.”
He added that in 1960, a magnitude 9.5 earthquake hit Chile, the strongest recorded earthquake in history. That quake caused waves as high as six meters to reach the country 24 hours after the actual quake. “We cannot lower our guard here.”
Australia and New Zealand issued tsunami alerts while Russia said it was monitoring the risk.
The tremor struck at 3:34 am local time (0634 GMT) when many Chileans were still in nightclubs partying at the start of the weekend.
It was swiftly followed by a series of aftershocks ranging from 5.6 to 6.9 on the Moment Magnitude Scale.
Chilean President Michele Bachelet and her officials rushed to their offices to coordinate disaster relief, state television said, as the powerful aftershocks panicked the quake-prone Latin American country.
"With the quake of this magnitude and given its timing, we cannot rule out other casualties," Bachelet said as first reports came in of deaths.
Santiago lies 325 kilometers (200 miles) northeast of the epicenter of the quake, which hit at a depth of 35 kilometers (21.7 miles).
It struck 100 kilometers (60 miles) northwest of the Chilean town of Chillan, the US Geological Survey said, and 115 kilometers (70 miles) northeast of Concepcion, a city of about a million people.
"Sea level readings confirm that a tsunami has been generated which could cause widespread damage," the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.
Authorities should take "appropriate action," it added, but said the warning did not apply to the west coast
of the United States.
CHILLI, CHILIE, CHILE, CHILY, CHILEY, HAWAI, HAVAI, HAWAY, HAWAII
Earthquake and Tsunami in south America an Pacific Islands.
Dubai Aquarium Crack, Live Video. | Aquariam Includes Sharks
For Aquarium Crack Videos CLIK HERE
Dubai: The Dubai Mall aquarium was closed on Thursday, due to reports of a leak, Gulf News has learned from eye witnesses.
Civil Defence confirmed that the aquarium has a minor crack and that water is leaking.
A number of teams from Civil Defence and the Mall maintenance attended the scene and were still working on the problem at 2pm on Thursday, according to Mahmoud Hamad, Media Spokesperson, Dubai Civil Defence.
Footage obtained by Gulf News shows water flowing out of the aquarium, and shoppers lifting up clothes to wade through.
t is believed that a leak occurred in the 270-degree acrylic walkthrough tunnel but it was sealed quickly, Gulf News has learned.
Earlier witnesses reported seeing the crack and that the lower-ground and ground floor areas were cordoned off and cleaners were seen mopping the floor.
Staff on the ground said the attraction would be closed for the rest of Thursday.
The Dubai Mall aquarium advertises that 33,000 sea creatures live inside. It has the capacity to hold 10 million litres of water
It is one of the of the largest tanks in the world at 51m by 20m by 11m and features the world’s largest viewing panel at 32.8m wide and 8.3m high.
Aquarium Cracked and water is leaking outside....
Source: GulfNews
The Story of My Name is Khan with Climax | My Name is Khan Review
The Plot Summary
---------------------
Rizvan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a disorder which makes it difficult for people to interact socially, and comes to live with his younger brother (Jimmy Shergill) in the US after their mother dies.
In San Francisco, he meets hairstylist Mandira (Kajol), a free-spirited woman who lives with her six-year old son, Sameer or Sam (Yuvaan Makaar), from a failed marriage. While Rizvan falls in love with Mandira, she too grows fond of the good-natured Rizvan. An unlikely romance later, Mandira gets married to Rizvan, and move to suburban Danville, California.
The Khans' perfect existence gets disrupted, however, after the September 11 attacks on the twin towers in New York City. The family experience prejudice in their community, and Sam gets involved in a tussle with a group of fellow students who beat him up in a racially motivated schoolyard fight.
Sam dies of his injuries and a shattered Mandira blames Rizvan for his death. "He died only because his name was Khan,” yells Mandira and asks Rizvan to leave her. Rizvan tries to assure Mandira that things would get better, but she tells him that as long as he remains a Khan, he would be looked upon as a terrorist, even if he persuaded the US president otherwise.
Rizvan sets out on a journey that takes him from one US state to another, following the movements of the president, for whom he has a message: "My name is Khan, and I’m not a terrorist."
Rizvan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a disorder which makes it difficult for people to interact socially, and comes to live with his younger brother (Jimmy Shergill) in the US after their mother dies.
In San Francisco, he meets hairstylist Mandira (Kajol), a free-spirited woman who lives with her six-year old son, Sameer or Sam (Yuvaan Makaar), from a failed marriage. While Rizvan falls in love with Mandira, she too grows fond of the good-natured Rizvan. An unlikely romance later, Mandira gets married to Rizvan, and move to suburban Danville, California.
The Khans' perfect existence gets disrupted, however, after the September 11 attacks on the twin towers in New York City. The family experience prejudice in their community, and Sam gets involved in a tussle with a group of fellow students who beat him up in a racially motivated schoolyard fight.
Sam dies of his injuries and a shattered Mandira blames Rizvan for his death. "He died only because his name was Khan,” yells Mandira and asks Rizvan to leave her. Rizvan tries to assure Mandira that things would get better, but she tells him that as long as he remains a Khan, he would be looked upon as a terrorist, even if he persuaded the US president otherwise.
Rizvan sets out on a journey that takes him from one US state to another, following the movements of the president, for whom he has a message: "My name is Khan, and I’m not a terrorist."
Full Review By Meri News
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“MY NAME is Khan and I’m not a terrorist.” Is there anything new in this dialogue? Or does it give any ideas what the film is going to be about?
Yeah, yeah its time for some soul searching – the typical ‘post 9/11 drama’ that compels you to understand the plight of Muslims branded as terrorists in the Western world, innocent guy sent behind bars for his Muslim surname and then the quest for the truth – a journey to make the whole world know that – all Muslims are not terrorists.
But between the-obvious plot, lies some excellent drama and appeal by the finest actors of our times – Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
SRK plays Rizvan Khan who moves to San Francisco and lives with his brother Jimmy Shergill and sister-in-law Sonya Jehan. Khan who suffers from a type of autism, falls in love with Mandira (Kajol). After some obstacles, they get married and start a small business together. The couple lives a happy life with their son until September 11, tragedy strikes and the attitudes towards Muslims undergo a sea-change.
Mandira is devastated when she realizes that her ‘cute’ ‘innocent’ child-like husband does not have the capability and strength to protect his family in adverse situations. She finally gives up and realizes that life cannot be lived with a man who lacks maturity and mental ability of a normal adult. She leaves Rizwan and goes away taking their kid.
Rizvan is confused and upset that the love of his life has left him. To win her back, he embarks on a touching and inspiring journey to meet the president of United States (played by Christopher B. Duncan) and he indeed manages to meet the US president and prove his point that Muslims are as much a victim of terrorism as is the rest of the world.
The story reminds you a bit of films like Khuda Ke Liye and New York, but the difference lies in the Karan Johar style of story telling – where even petty details are whetted with emotion, tears, dialogues and vivid imagery.
As a film critic says, “The story unfolds feverishly from the very start itself. So if you miss a scene or two, chances are you would've missed some vital links in the story.”
“The fact is, there's too much happening in the first half. Although the narrative tends to get leisurely-paced at times, the wheels continue to move from one episode to another.”
So, watch the movie if you are a die hard SRK fan. And also if you won’t mind getting enlightened about what is it like being a misunderstood autistic man – who is trying in his own simple and yet powerful way – to prove to the world that terrorism is everyone’s enemy. It hurts everyone alike – all races, Muslims or non Muslims.
“MY NAME is Khan and I’m not a terrorist.” Is there anything new in this dialogue? Or does it give any ideas what the film is going to be about?
Yeah, yeah its time for some soul searching – the typical ‘post 9/11 drama’ that compels you to understand the plight of Muslims branded as terrorists in the Western world, innocent guy sent behind bars for his Muslim surname and then the quest for the truth – a journey to make the whole world know that – all Muslims are not terrorists.
But between the-obvious plot, lies some excellent drama and appeal by the finest actors of our times – Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
SRK plays Rizvan Khan who moves to San Francisco and lives with his brother Jimmy Shergill and sister-in-law Sonya Jehan. Khan who suffers from a type of autism, falls in love with Mandira (Kajol). After some obstacles, they get married and start a small business together. The couple lives a happy life with their son until September 11, tragedy strikes and the attitudes towards Muslims undergo a sea-change.
Mandira is devastated when she realizes that her ‘cute’ ‘innocent’ child-like husband does not have the capability and strength to protect his family in adverse situations. She finally gives up and realizes that life cannot be lived with a man who lacks maturity and mental ability of a normal adult. She leaves Rizwan and goes away taking their kid.
Rizvan is confused and upset that the love of his life has left him. To win her back, he embarks on a touching and inspiring journey to meet the president of United States (played by Christopher B. Duncan) and he indeed manages to meet the US president and prove his point that Muslims are as much a victim of terrorism as is the rest of the world.
The story reminds you a bit of films like Khuda Ke Liye and New York, but the difference lies in the Karan Johar style of story telling – where even petty details are whetted with emotion, tears, dialogues and vivid imagery.
As a film critic says, “The story unfolds feverishly from the very start itself. So if you miss a scene or two, chances are you would've missed some vital links in the story.”
“The fact is, there's too much happening in the first half. Although the narrative tends to get leisurely-paced at times, the wheels continue to move from one episode to another.”
So, watch the movie if you are a die hard SRK fan. And also if you won’t mind getting enlightened about what is it like being a misunderstood autistic man – who is trying in his own simple and yet powerful way – to prove to the world that terrorism is everyone’s enemy. It hurts everyone alike – all races, Muslims or non Muslims.
International Review By - The Guardian News Paper
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“Its Muslim star Shahrukh Khan faces violent protests from Hindu nationalists – but My Name Is Khan shows India's need for tolerance”
A few days ago, the biggest movie star in the world remarked that the Indian Premier League could show "a little more leeway" when no Pakistani players were selected for the upcoming Twenty20 cricket competition. Then all hell broke loose, and it has yet to be recaged.
As of today, more than 1,800 people have been arrested in Mumbai for vandalising cinemas advertising Shahrukh Khan's latest movie, My Name Is Khan. This weekend, 21,000 special police will protect cinemagoers, and there will be security checks at the box office. "This is not Shahrukh, but the Khan in him that's saying all this", said a spokesman for the Shiv Sena, the militant Hindu nationalist organisation in Maharashtra which is behind the trouble. The Sena told Khan – an Indian Muslim – to move to Pakistan, and issued a threat: "There will be dire consequences if Shahrukh defies the orders of the Sena chief."
The film itself has not provoked the fuss, though its title, a declaration of Islamic identity, does resonate. It's a honey-coated melodrama about an autistic Indian Muslim man finding love in California after 9/11. If that sounds singular, just wait for the second half, in which George W Bush stands idly by while the desi hero singlehandedly saves a community of African-Americans after a Katrina-style hurricane. Several screens in Maharashtra have already pulled My Name Is Khan. Too bad for audiences, who will miss the remarkable scene in which Khan wins the hearts of the aforementioned African-Americans by expressing to them in passionate Hindi his love of Manchester United.
But there's nothing funny about the Sena's threats. "The Shiv Sena is one of the most extreme faces of
Hindu nationalism," says Edna Fernandes, whose book Holy Warriors explores religious fundamentalism in India. "Its leader, Bal Thackeray, is like a godfather. His modus operandi is to whip his people up to a frenzy, and then it's up to them what they do. He can be charming in person, but at the other end of the line you've got people getting murdered in Muslim communities. It's not a joke."
Going after celebrities, says Fernandes, is part of the Sena pattern. In the past, its targets have included artist MF Husain and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Husain's studio was ransacked, as was a television station that defended Tendulkar. Several of the station's staff were beaten up. In 2008, a Sena splinter organisation, the MNS, pilloried Jaya Bachchan, wife of veteran Bollywood A-lister Amitabh Bachchan, for speaking a few words in Hindi rather than Marathi at a film premiere.
Indian celebrities, including the Bachchans, have often caved under such pressure. So far, Khan has not.
He continues to put forward a moderate line, with a dignity you might not expect from a 44-year-old man whose career consists largely of dressing up in tight trousers and miming to someone else's vocals. Fellow megastar Aamir Khan, whose recent film 3 Idiots smashed multiple box-office records, has stepped in to support him. The Sena termed both men the "2 Idiots", and its supporters burnt them in effigy.
"A large section of India finds the Sena repugnant," says Fernandes. "India wants to see itself as a modern economic power. These communal conflicts are hugely damaging to that." If Khan surrenders today, the Sena will find another example of free speech and tolerance to besiege tomorrow. The message of My Name Is Khan is that extremism must be challenged. This weekend, we will see whether Bollywood's reality lives up to its talk.
Tags : My Name is Khan, MNIK, Myname is Khan, Shahrukh Khan, MNIK full story, full plot with climax, My Name is Khan Review by Viewers.“Its Muslim star Shahrukh Khan faces violent protests from Hindu nationalists – but My Name Is Khan shows India's need for tolerance”
A few days ago, the biggest movie star in the world remarked that the Indian Premier League could show "a little more leeway" when no Pakistani players were selected for the upcoming Twenty20 cricket competition. Then all hell broke loose, and it has yet to be recaged.
As of today, more than 1,800 people have been arrested in Mumbai for vandalising cinemas advertising Shahrukh Khan's latest movie, My Name Is Khan. This weekend, 21,000 special police will protect cinemagoers, and there will be security checks at the box office. "This is not Shahrukh, but the Khan in him that's saying all this", said a spokesman for the Shiv Sena, the militant Hindu nationalist organisation in Maharashtra which is behind the trouble. The Sena told Khan – an Indian Muslim – to move to Pakistan, and issued a threat: "There will be dire consequences if Shahrukh defies the orders of the Sena chief."
The film itself has not provoked the fuss, though its title, a declaration of Islamic identity, does resonate. It's a honey-coated melodrama about an autistic Indian Muslim man finding love in California after 9/11. If that sounds singular, just wait for the second half, in which George W Bush stands idly by while the desi hero singlehandedly saves a community of African-Americans after a Katrina-style hurricane. Several screens in Maharashtra have already pulled My Name Is Khan. Too bad for audiences, who will miss the remarkable scene in which Khan wins the hearts of the aforementioned African-Americans by expressing to them in passionate Hindi his love of Manchester United.
But there's nothing funny about the Sena's threats. "The Shiv Sena is one of the most extreme faces of
Hindu nationalism," says Edna Fernandes, whose book Holy Warriors explores religious fundamentalism in India. "Its leader, Bal Thackeray, is like a godfather. His modus operandi is to whip his people up to a frenzy, and then it's up to them what they do. He can be charming in person, but at the other end of the line you've got people getting murdered in Muslim communities. It's not a joke."
Going after celebrities, says Fernandes, is part of the Sena pattern. In the past, its targets have included artist MF Husain and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Husain's studio was ransacked, as was a television station that defended Tendulkar. Several of the station's staff were beaten up. In 2008, a Sena splinter organisation, the MNS, pilloried Jaya Bachchan, wife of veteran Bollywood A-lister Amitabh Bachchan, for speaking a few words in Hindi rather than Marathi at a film premiere.
Indian celebrities, including the Bachchans, have often caved under such pressure. So far, Khan has not.
He continues to put forward a moderate line, with a dignity you might not expect from a 44-year-old man whose career consists largely of dressing up in tight trousers and miming to someone else's vocals. Fellow megastar Aamir Khan, whose recent film 3 Idiots smashed multiple box-office records, has stepped in to support him. The Sena termed both men the "2 Idiots", and its supporters burnt them in effigy.
"A large section of India finds the Sena repugnant," says Fernandes. "India wants to see itself as a modern economic power. These communal conflicts are hugely damaging to that." If Khan surrenders today, the Sena will find another example of free speech and tolerance to besiege tomorrow. The message of My Name Is Khan is that extremism must be challenged. This weekend, we will see whether Bollywood's reality lives up to its talk.
Why Mr. Big B Keep Mum? | Where is Amitabh Bachcahn?
First, Rahul Gandhi gave a blow to Shiv Sena, and now SRK and Mumbaikar shows that no Sena can stop them from doing what they choose to. Kudos to all proud Indias! The Shiv Sena’s rule will not be there anymore in Mumbai.But where is Mr. Big B all these times? When the entire Bollywood and politicians woke up and supported SRK, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan is keeping mum, not to say anything, keeping the Bal sahib happy!!
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he has chosen to remain tight-lipped over Indian Premier League (IPL) issue because he fears his statement could be misinterpreted.
'They (the media) ask all the same questions on the film ('Rann') and the media and the angst among them. And then the real reason they are their - 'What sir are your takes on this IPL and Pakistan and Balasaheb and Shah Rukh events?',' Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com Sunday from his Pratkeesha residence in Mumbai.
Shiv Sena activists demonstrated in front of superstar Shah Rukh's house in Bandra here Sunday to protest his comments favouring inclusion of Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They dubbed him a traitor and have demanded that he apologise.
'These are sensitive issues and I must remain out of it. Who and which channel shall distort, amend, cut paste, slow motion, back ground music my comment, one does not know. And also one does not know what stance the channel shall take on it. So, it is best to not comment at all,' he added.
Shah Rukh is the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team.
MNIK : Is it a Movie Produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Marketed by Shiv Sena?
See, how mumbaikars are rushing to box office to see this much ‘controversial movie’. The excitement, the protest, all make the movie a mega hit. So, here is the question; Who has the credit for this? The posters? The media? The Fox entertimenent? No.. The real marketing hero is Bal Takerey and his Shiv Sena.
How, if someone is thinking in this manner that ‘it is a plot and a new marketing strategy played by MNIK crews and the Shiv Seiniks?
So, ultimately, the fool is; ‘The people’!!
This is how India is in the eyes of foreign media persons:
Moviegoers in Mumbai filled cinema halls to see My Name is Khan, starring Bollywood leading man Shah Rukh Khan, ignoring protests and the threat of violence from a right-wing political party opposed to the film star.
At an Inox Leisure Ltd. multiplex in Mumbai’s Nariman Point business district police at a checkpoint frisked moviegoers before allowing them in. Mumbai multiplexes decided Friday afternoon, after an assurance of safety from local police, to open bookings for the film.
“I wasn’t scared,” said Rasika Jain, a 19-year-old college student, who came with her family to watch the film. “I would have been angrier if I was forced to miss his movie.”
Khan is involved in a dispute with Mumbai’s Shiv Sena, a political party, that’s targeted the Muslim actor since he publicly regretted the absence of players from Islamic Pakistan in the Indian Premier League, the world’s richest cricket competition, which starts March 12. Khan owns the Kolkata Knight Riders, an IPL team, which did not bid for any Pakistani players.
“This is not for political points,” said Subhash Desai, a Shiv Sena spokesman, by telephone from Mumbai. “Khan wants players from the same country that sent people to murder hundreds of Indians. He must apologize.”
A terrorist attack in November 2008 on Mumbai, India’s financial capital, left 166 people dead. India blamed terrorist “elements” from Pakistan for the attack. Pakistan acknowledged last February that its territory was used to plot the attack.
Shivaji’s Army
Supporters of the Shiv Sena, or Shivaji’s Army, damaged movie screens and stoned buses in Mumbai earlier this week. They scuffled with police at a few movie halls in the city today, said Deven Bharti, a Mumbai police spokesman.
“If there is any violence, the police are here to handle it,” he said, adding the government had arrested over 2,000 people to prevent disruptions.
Karuna Badwal, Khan’s executive assistant at his company Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt., hung up when called for comment.
The militant Shiv Sena’s campaigns against migrants from poorer northern states and in favor of majority Hindus are often violent. The party is named after a 17th-century local hero called Shivaji who formed a Hindu kingdom and fought off attacks by Muslim rulers.
The Sena was formed by a former cartoonist in 1966 and its partners ruled the state of Maharashtra, of which Mumbai is the capital, for one term from 1995. It has lost the last two assembly elections to an alliance led by the Congress Party.
In the movie, co-produced by News Corp.’s Fox Star Studios and marketed internationally by Fox Searchlight Pictures, Khan plays an Indian Muslim with Asperger’s Syndrome living in the U.S. whose life changes after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Khan, whose house in Mumbai is being guarded by police while he is overseas, turned to Twitter Inc.’s social networking service to send messages to his fans, which were repeated all day on television news channels.
How, if someone is thinking in this manner that ‘it is a plot and a new marketing strategy played by MNIK crews and the Shiv Seiniks?
So, ultimately, the fool is; ‘The people’!!
This is how India is in the eyes of foreign media persons:
Moviegoers in Mumbai filled cinema halls to see My Name is Khan, starring Bollywood leading man Shah Rukh Khan, ignoring protests and the threat of violence from a right-wing political party opposed to the film star.
At an Inox Leisure Ltd. multiplex in Mumbai’s Nariman Point business district police at a checkpoint frisked moviegoers before allowing them in. Mumbai multiplexes decided Friday afternoon, after an assurance of safety from local police, to open bookings for the film.
“I wasn’t scared,” said Rasika Jain, a 19-year-old college student, who came with her family to watch the film. “I would have been angrier if I was forced to miss his movie.”
Khan is involved in a dispute with Mumbai’s Shiv Sena, a political party, that’s targeted the Muslim actor since he publicly regretted the absence of players from Islamic Pakistan in the Indian Premier League, the world’s richest cricket competition, which starts March 12. Khan owns the Kolkata Knight Riders, an IPL team, which did not bid for any Pakistani players.
“This is not for political points,” said Subhash Desai, a Shiv Sena spokesman, by telephone from Mumbai. “Khan wants players from the same country that sent people to murder hundreds of Indians. He must apologize.”
A terrorist attack in November 2008 on Mumbai, India’s financial capital, left 166 people dead. India blamed terrorist “elements” from Pakistan for the attack. Pakistan acknowledged last February that its territory was used to plot the attack.
Shivaji’s Army
Supporters of the Shiv Sena, or Shivaji’s Army, damaged movie screens and stoned buses in Mumbai earlier this week. They scuffled with police at a few movie halls in the city today, said Deven Bharti, a Mumbai police spokesman.
“If there is any violence, the police are here to handle it,” he said, adding the government had arrested over 2,000 people to prevent disruptions.
Karuna Badwal, Khan’s executive assistant at his company Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt., hung up when called for comment.
The militant Shiv Sena’s campaigns against migrants from poorer northern states and in favor of majority Hindus are often violent. The party is named after a 17th-century local hero called Shivaji who formed a Hindu kingdom and fought off attacks by Muslim rulers.
The Sena was formed by a former cartoonist in 1966 and its partners ruled the state of Maharashtra, of which Mumbai is the capital, for one term from 1995. It has lost the last two assembly elections to an alliance led by the Congress Party.
In the movie, co-produced by News Corp.’s Fox Star Studios and marketed internationally by Fox Searchlight Pictures, Khan plays an Indian Muslim with Asperger’s Syndrome living in the U.S. whose life changes after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Khan, whose house in Mumbai is being guarded by police while he is overseas, turned to Twitter Inc.’s social networking service to send messages to his fans, which were repeated all day on television news channels.
Democracy wins..!! MNIK Shows houseful in Mumbai | SRK fans beat Shiv Sena
SRK fans across India proved that they are in support of bollywood, and gave a huge blow to antinationals such as Shiv Sena and VHP.After much negotiation and a meeting on Friday morning, multiplexes in Mumbai have decided they will have limited screenings of Shah Rukh Khan's
new film, My Name is Khan. Most single-screen cinemas, however, have ruled against the film for security reasons. (Watch: Bollywood for SRK)
Here's how other cities across India greeted the film:
Delhi: Shiv Sainiks attacked the Satyam cinema hall in Janakpuri in Thursday night. Some hoardings of Shah Rukh Khan were burnt at Nizamuddin also last night. Bookings for the film, though, have been good in Delhi and it released per schedule.
Kolkata, Bangalore: In cities like Kolkata and Bangalore, fans have ensured packed shows, stressing that they want to support Shah Rukh Khan for having the courage of his convictions, and for refusing to apologize to the Shiv Sena. (Watch)
Ahmedabad: In Ahmedabad, there was a brief scare after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad threatened to attack cinemas showing the film. The first show at all theatres was cancelled, but after reassurances by the state government, the second show rolled out on schedule.
Gurgaon: The first show of My Name is Khan began at 10 am Gurgaon's Ambience Mall. (Watch)
Chandigarh: The film is running to packed houses in the city though multiplexes have increased security.
new film, My Name is Khan. Most single-screen cinemas, however, have ruled against the film for security reasons. (Watch: Bollywood for SRK)
Here's how other cities across India greeted the film:
Delhi: Shiv Sainiks attacked the Satyam cinema hall in Janakpuri in Thursday night. Some hoardings of Shah Rukh Khan were burnt at Nizamuddin also last night. Bookings for the film, though, have been good in Delhi and it released per schedule.
Kolkata, Bangalore: In cities like Kolkata and Bangalore, fans have ensured packed shows, stressing that they want to support Shah Rukh Khan for having the courage of his convictions, and for refusing to apologize to the Shiv Sena. (Watch)
Ahmedabad: In Ahmedabad, there was a brief scare after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad threatened to attack cinemas showing the film. The first show at all theatres was cancelled, but after reassurances by the state government, the second show rolled out on schedule.
Gurgaon: The first show of My Name is Khan began at 10 am Gurgaon's Ambience Mall. (Watch)
Chandigarh: The film is running to packed houses in the city though multiplexes have increased security.
Some Disputes.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists on Friday tore down the posters of Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name is Khan and caused ruckus in a bid to halt the release of the film in Ahmedabad and Jamnagar in Gujarat.
The VHP on Wednesday had backed the Shiv Sena's [ Images ] protest against Shah Rukh Khan, saying there was 'nothing wrong' in it as the country is not prepared to tolerate a 'Pakistani sympathiser.'
"Multiplexes have decided not to screen the film for the first couple of shows, which have been cancelled. But if the situation improves, they will be screening the film later," Multiplexes Owners' Association (MOA) President Ashok Purohit told PTI.
VHP international general secretary Praveen Togadia, however, opposed Sena's 'Mumbai for Marathis' campaign.
The VHP on Wednesday had backed the Shiv Sena's [ Images ] protest against Shah Rukh Khan, saying there was 'nothing wrong' in it as the country is not prepared to tolerate a 'Pakistani sympathiser.'
"Multiplexes have decided not to screen the film for the first couple of shows, which have been cancelled. But if the situation improves, they will be screening the film later," Multiplexes Owners' Association (MOA) President Ashok Purohit told PTI.
VHP international general secretary Praveen Togadia, however, opposed Sena's 'Mumbai for Marathis' campaign.
The Disision of Bravery
Meanwhile, some multiplex owners in Mumbai have decided to screen the film, post noon. However, several single screens have decided against the release till the issue is resolved between the Sena and the actor.
Over 1,800 Sena activists, including functionaries, have been arrested in the last three days to thwart protests by the Sena, which is demanding an apology from Shah Rukh for his remarks favouring Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League [ Images ] 3.
MNIK got a smooth release in Delhi [ Images ], amid beefed-up security.
Isolated cases of protest against the film's screening were, however, reported last night when five persons claimed to be Shiv Sainiks tore posters of the film and damaged window panes of Satyam [ Get Quote ] cinema hall in west Delhi. They have been detained by the police.
"Policemen are deployed near the theatres in adequate numbers to avoid any violence. We are keeping close watch," a senior police official said.
The film, which is banking on the chemistry of Shah Rukh and Kajol [ Images ], recieved a good response in Delhi theatres. "Morning shows have 85 percent occupancy but the post noon shows are all sold out. Our theatres are booked till Sunday," Jayendra Banerjee, Vice President Satyam Cineplexes told PTI.
"Some 75 screens in Delhi are screening the movie. The film has also benefited from the Shivratri holiday today. On an average, multiplexes are running 11 to 12 shows a day," a distributor said.
Meanwhile, a sell-out crowd greeted MNIK in West Bengal [ Images ], which released in 131 cinema halls across the state without any trouble.
Police sources said that there was no untoward incident in any cinema hall or multiplex when the film released.
"The only crowd we can see is that of cine-goers. There has been no protest of any sort," an officer of Kolkata [ Images ] Police said. "Security arrangements have, however, been beefed up at the halls and multiplexes in view of the controversy."
A multiplex in Nagpur screened the morning show of MNIK amid tight security arrangements. However, uncertainty prevailed over the film's screening in most single screen theatres, as they refunded the tickets of the noon show.
Cine exhibitors and distributors met up this morning to discuss the situation. Heavy police was deployed in all the theatres where the film was slated to be screened.
In the picture: An MNIK poster on a Kolkata theatre gets garlanded. Photograph: Indian Blooms News Service.
Meanwhile, some multiplex owners in Mumbai have decided to screen the film, post noon. However, several single screens have decided against the release till the issue is resolved between the Sena and the actor.
Over 1,800 Sena activists, including functionaries, have been arrested in the last three days to thwart protests by the Sena, which is demanding an apology from Shah Rukh for his remarks favouring Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League [ Images ] 3.
MNIK got a smooth release in Delhi [ Images ], amid beefed-up security.
Isolated cases of protest against the film's screening were, however, reported last night when five persons claimed to be Shiv Sainiks tore posters of the film and damaged window panes of Satyam [ Get Quote ] cinema hall in west Delhi. They have been detained by the police.
"Policemen are deployed near the theatres in adequate numbers to avoid any violence. We are keeping close watch," a senior police official said.
The film, which is banking on the chemistry of Shah Rukh and Kajol [ Images ], recieved a good response in Delhi theatres. "Morning shows have 85 percent occupancy but the post noon shows are all sold out. Our theatres are booked till Sunday," Jayendra Banerjee, Vice President Satyam Cineplexes told PTI.
"Some 75 screens in Delhi are screening the movie. The film has also benefited from the Shivratri holiday today. On an average, multiplexes are running 11 to 12 shows a day," a distributor said.
Meanwhile, a sell-out crowd greeted MNIK in West Bengal [ Images ], which released in 131 cinema halls across the state without any trouble.
Police sources said that there was no untoward incident in any cinema hall or multiplex when the film released.
"The only crowd we can see is that of cine-goers. There has been no protest of any sort," an officer of Kolkata [ Images ] Police said. "Security arrangements have, however, been beefed up at the halls and multiplexes in view of the controversy."
A multiplex in Nagpur screened the morning show of MNIK amid tight security arrangements. However, uncertainty prevailed over the film's screening in most single screen theatres, as they refunded the tickets of the noon show.
Cine exhibitors and distributors met up this morning to discuss the situation. Heavy police was deployed in all the theatres where the film was slated to be screened.
In the picture: An MNIK poster on a Kolkata theatre gets garlanded. Photograph: Indian Blooms News Service.
Will Google Buzz Dominate Tweeting World? Is it a Real Competition Google Buzz v/s Twitter?
I just started playing with Google buzz since today morning. It is an awesome tool; moreover, it’s introduced by the giant, The Google. So beware Mr. Twitter!
Google has adopted twitter techniques for buzz, and from facebook too. ‘Like’ is from Facebook and ‘Follow’ is from Twitter.
But Google buzz has some awesome features that Twitter doesn’t have. Especially, the ‘comments’ which will appear just below the original message. But in twitter, the reply will be hardly noticed by the owner of original message, this looks sometimes weird. Now, Thanks to Google buzz!
Next, if you want to add a hot new sensation picture with your tweet, you have to always approach some un trusted and ‘ad ready’ third party website, but here with Google buzz, you can just add photos in your message itself, moreover you can integrate with Picasa as well.
It is the only question, how long it will take, but there is no doubt that Google buzz will beat Twitter in the race soon, because it is highly integrated with world’s most powerful Email tool, The Gmail.
The 140 letter limit in twitter is sometimes making you angry, because you can’t just express what you want to tell, you might used some ugly English such as ‘bcos’ and ‘gr8’. But, as far as I know, it seems Google buzz doesn’t have such limit.
But it is very interesting to see that google buzz still respect Twitter (because it had adapted the ‘tweeting’ formula from them) by Integrating Twitter to your google buzz. In this way, you can still tweet using your twitter; those tweets will appear in google buzz as well. What an idea. This is the way google ‘promotes’ tweeting. No matter from wherever you tweet, eventually it should appear in all your social networking sites.
Google also provide the facility to integrate your Google Buzz with Gtalk, Picasa, Flickr, Twitter, Blogger etc.
Does anybody remember Google Wave? It was a great launch, but eventually it seems it was a big flop. But the fate of Google Buzz will be different, it will smash, just like what Gmail and Gtalk had done in the past.
But I still wonder, why Google selected the name ‘Buzz’, which is exactly resembles Yahoo!’d Buzz It up tool, which they started in 2008? That is why yahoo tweeted like this:
"Two years after #Yahoo! launched #Buzz, Google follows suit. Check out the original: http://buzz.yahoo.com/".
And, another rival, Microsoft has a difference view point about the launch of Google Buzz:
"Busy people don't want another social network, what they want is the convenience of aggregation," Microsoft said in a statement. "We've done that. Hotmail customers have benefited from Microsoft working with Flickr, Facebook, Twitter and 75 other partners since 2008."
Do you really feel you have messed up with so many social networking sites? Let us start thinking about another open platform, just like defunct OpenSocial?
But as of now, ‘Google Buzz Rocks!!’
Google has adopted twitter techniques for buzz, and from facebook too. ‘Like’ is from Facebook and ‘Follow’ is from Twitter.
But Google buzz has some awesome features that Twitter doesn’t have. Especially, the ‘comments’ which will appear just below the original message. But in twitter, the reply will be hardly noticed by the owner of original message, this looks sometimes weird. Now, Thanks to Google buzz!
Next, if you want to add a hot new sensation picture with your tweet, you have to always approach some un trusted and ‘ad ready’ third party website, but here with Google buzz, you can just add photos in your message itself, moreover you can integrate with Picasa as well.
It is the only question, how long it will take, but there is no doubt that Google buzz will beat Twitter in the race soon, because it is highly integrated with world’s most powerful Email tool, The Gmail.
The 140 letter limit in twitter is sometimes making you angry, because you can’t just express what you want to tell, you might used some ugly English such as ‘bcos’ and ‘gr8’. But, as far as I know, it seems Google buzz doesn’t have such limit.
But it is very interesting to see that google buzz still respect Twitter (because it had adapted the ‘tweeting’ formula from them) by Integrating Twitter to your google buzz. In this way, you can still tweet using your twitter; those tweets will appear in google buzz as well. What an idea. This is the way google ‘promotes’ tweeting. No matter from wherever you tweet, eventually it should appear in all your social networking sites.
Google also provide the facility to integrate your Google Buzz with Gtalk, Picasa, Flickr, Twitter, Blogger etc.
Does anybody remember Google Wave? It was a great launch, but eventually it seems it was a big flop. But the fate of Google Buzz will be different, it will smash, just like what Gmail and Gtalk had done in the past.
But I still wonder, why Google selected the name ‘Buzz’, which is exactly resembles Yahoo!’d Buzz It up tool, which they started in 2008? That is why yahoo tweeted like this:
"Two years after #Yahoo! launched #Buzz, Google follows suit. Check out the original: http://buzz.yahoo.com/".
And, another rival, Microsoft has a difference view point about the launch of Google Buzz:
"Busy people don't want another social network, what they want is the convenience of aggregation," Microsoft said in a statement. "We've done that. Hotmail customers have benefited from Microsoft working with Flickr, Facebook, Twitter and 75 other partners since 2008."
Do you really feel you have messed up with so many social networking sites? Let us start thinking about another open platform, just like defunct OpenSocial?
But as of now, ‘Google Buzz Rocks!!’
Tags : Twitter, Yahoo Buzz, Google Buzz, Google buz, Social Networking, Tweeting, Google Buzz features.
Siv Sene Threat on MNIK, Theaters Stopped Booking
Multiplex chain INOX Cinemas restarted advance bookings for My Name is Khan in Mumbai on Wednesday evening after shutting it down for much of the day due to the threat of violent protests by Shiv Sena activists.
My Name Is Khan hit as multiplexes halt bookings
"Advance booking is now on at our halls," an official from INOX Cinemas said..
Cinema halls in India's film capital had stopped advance bookings for the Shah Rukh Khan starrer following violent protests by Shiv Sena activists on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the violence was restricted to tearing of hoardings, at least till the afternoon.
Mumbai cops assure security for SRK film
Multiplex chains like PVR and Cinemax halted their advance bookings for the film in the morning, as did single screen theatres like Mehul in Mulund and Shreyas in Ghatkopar, their officials said. Fun Cinemas also halted advance bookings.
Activists of the right wing Shiv Sena continued to demonstrate against the movie since Shah Rukh supported the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Why is Bollywood silent on Shiv Sena attack?
The activists have been vandalising cinema halls and tearing up hoardings, despite the Mumbai Police assuring security cover at the 63 cinema halls and multiplexes that are still scheduled to show the movie here from Friday.
Set in post 9/11 US, the film also features actress Kajol.
Courtecy : Sify News
My Name Is Khan hit as multiplexes halt bookings
"Advance booking is now on at our halls," an official from INOX Cinemas said..
Cinema halls in India's film capital had stopped advance bookings for the Shah Rukh Khan starrer following violent protests by Shiv Sena activists on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the violence was restricted to tearing of hoardings, at least till the afternoon.
Mumbai cops assure security for SRK film
Multiplex chains like PVR and Cinemax halted their advance bookings for the film in the morning, as did single screen theatres like Mehul in Mulund and Shreyas in Ghatkopar, their officials said. Fun Cinemas also halted advance bookings.
Activists of the right wing Shiv Sena continued to demonstrate against the movie since Shah Rukh supported the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Why is Bollywood silent on Shiv Sena attack?
The activists have been vandalising cinema halls and tearing up hoardings, despite the Mumbai Police assuring security cover at the 63 cinema halls and multiplexes that are still scheduled to show the movie here from Friday.
Set in post 9/11 US, the film also features actress Kajol.
Courtecy : Sify News
Release Centers of My Name is Khan Ready to Witness the Mega Hit
My Name is Khan officially released in below screens and running without threat. Happy viewers are coming out after show.
Mumbai
1- BIG CINEMAS WADALA...
2- INOX NARIMAN POINT
3- FUN REPUBLIC ANDHERI
4- BIG CINEMAS WADALA...
Bangalore
PVR – Forum Mall, Koramangala
INOX – Garuda Mall, Magrath Road
Fun Cinema – Sigma Mall, Queens Road
Urvashi Cinema, Near Lalbagh
Delhi
PVR - Gurgaon
Everyone's watching ‘My Name Is Khan’, and and provig that Indians are dare enough to defend the 'Talibanism' of Shiv Sena. MNIK, which will have the widest release ever for a Bollywood film in the international markets. In U.K., the film will open with an unheard of 125 prints, in U.S. the rough estimates are 115 to 125 prints, in Australia-NZ-Fiji it's [unheard again] 50 prints, in Middle East it's the same number of prints [50] and Pakistan [yes, it opens this Friday] will see a 25 print release.
In phase two, the film will open in Poland in April with 50 prints and also in Germany [dubbed German version] with 50 prints again. Which means, by April, approx. 550 to 600 prints of the film will be in circulation in Overseas alone.
U.K. BOX-OFFICE
ASAL [Tamil film] has debuted at No. 19 position. In its opening weekend, the film has collected £ 40,895 [approx. Rs. 29.83 lacs] on 10 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 4,090.
3 IDIOTS [last weekend: No. 19, this weekend: No. 22]: In its seventh weekend, the film has collected £ 32,562 on 20 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 1,628. Total: £ 18,18,316 [approx. Rs. 13.26 crores].
RANN [last weekend: No. 20, this weekend: No. 29]: In its second weekend, the film has
collected £ 13,577 on 15 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 905. Total: £ 76,176 [approx. Rs. 55.56 lacs].VEER [last weekend: No. 22, this weekend: No. 30]: In its third weekend, the film has collected £ 12,432 on 16 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 777. Total: £ 2,88,094 [approx. Rs. 2.10 crores].
CHANCE PE DANCE [last weekend: No. 37, this weekend: No. 41]: In its fourth weekend, the film has collected £ 2,704 on 5 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 541. Total: £ 1,40,655 [approx. Rs. 1.03 crores].
U.S.A. BOX-OFFICE
3 IDIOTS [last weekend: No. 39, this weekend: No. 44]: In its seventh weekend, the film has collected $ 37,486 on 40 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 937. Total: $ 64,66,218 [approx. Rs. 30.16 crores].
RANN [last weekend: No. 34, this weekend: No. 49]: In its second weekend, the film has collected $ 29,914 on 36 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 831. Total: $ 1,65,873 [approx. Rs. 77.37 lacs].
ISHQIYA [last weekend: No. 44, this weekend: No. 51]: In its second weekend, the film has collected $ 25,869 on 18 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 1,437. Total: $ 91,468 [approx. Rs. 42.67 lacs].
VEER [last weekend: No. 36, this weekend: No. 68]: In its third weekend, the film has collected $ 8,887 on 92 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 97. Total: $ 5,27,193 [approx. Rs. 2.46 crores].
MIDDLE EAST BOX OFFICE
MNIK will release all the Gulf countries on the same day I it is releasing world wide. It is premiering in Abu Dhabi. MNIK will show in full swing in Dubai, Sharjah, Doha - Qatar, Manama - Baharain and other major release centers. It is expected to cross all other box office hits including 3 Idiots.
Tag : my name is khan, mnik movie review, mnik review, shah rukh khan, shahrukh khan
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MNIK Set to Release with Huge Expectation | My Name is Kan Review
The countdown has begun. There are just three days (13th February 2010) left for the release of Bollywood’s most-hyped flick, filmmaker Karan Johar’s My Name Is Khan,and the uproar is deafening.The ongoing row between Shah Ruk Khan and the Thackerays notwithstanding, it is not only in India that movie buffs are awaiting the February 12 release of Sha Rukh Khan's
Over 1600 Shiv Sena (Siva Sena) activists were today arrested ahead of the release of Shah Rukh ( Sharukh Khan ) Khan starrer 'My Name Is Khan' as the Maharashtra government beefed up security enabling theatre owners to re-open advance bookings.
The latest poll by the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), which calls itself `the biggest, best, most award-winning movie site on the planet,' shows that MNIK is among the 12 releases this month that filmgoers in Hollywood are looking forward to.
Some of cinema halls in the city had suspended advance bookings after Sena activists targeted them. But they decided to restart bookings after the Maharashtra government increased security and issued fresh guidelines.
"So far, 1600 have been arrested approximately...Many of them have been remanded to judicial custody up to February 12 and some to police custody up to February 15," Joint Commissioner of Police Himanshu Roy told reporters here.
The Sena activists, including office bearers, were charged with rioting, damaging property, unlawful assembly and trespassing, police said. Police also picked up some from near Broadway cinema at suburban Borivali.
The Sena is demanding that Khan apologise for supporting inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the upcoming IPL but the actor has refused to do so, saying his comments were not anti-national and there is nothing to retract.
Under the new guidelines to the theatre owners, the first three rows will be kept empty to prevent miscreants from damaging the screens.
"Also, we are thinking of deploying some cameras in select theatres and police men in uniform as well as plain clothes will be present in and outside the cinema halls," Roy said, adding many of the theatre owners have started the advance booking of the film.
The Scorsese-DiCaprio reunion movie, Shutter Island emerged as the most-awaited movie with 47.8 per cent of the votes polled. The classic horror remake, The Wolfman polled 16.6 per cent votes while the Kevin Smith action-comedy, Cop Out garnered 6.9 per cent.
MNIK is there at the 11th place, polling 0.8 per cent votes.
Some of cinema halls in the city had suspended advance bookings after Sena activists targeted them. But they decided to restart bookings after the Maharashtra government increased security and issued fresh guidelines.
"So far, 1600 have been arrested approximately...Many of them have been remanded to judicial custody up to February 12 and some to police custody up to February 15," Joint Commissioner of Police Himanshu Roy told reporters here.
The Sena activists, including office bearers, were charged with rioting, damaging property, unlawful assembly and trespassing, police said. Police also picked up some from near Broadway cinema at suburban Borivali.
The Sena is demanding that Khan apologise for supporting inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the upcoming IPL but the actor has refused to do so, saying his comments were not anti-national and there is nothing to retract.
Under the new guidelines to the theatre owners, the first three rows will be kept empty to prevent miscreants from damaging the screens.
"Also, we are thinking of deploying some cameras in select theatres and police men in uniform as well as plain clothes will be present in and outside the cinema halls," Roy said, adding many of the theatre owners have started the advance booking of the film.
The Scorsese-DiCaprio reunion movie, Shutter Island emerged as the most-awaited movie with 47.8 per cent of the votes polled. The classic horror remake, The Wolfman polled 16.6 per cent votes while the Kevin Smith action-comedy, Cop Out garnered 6.9 per cent.
MNIK is there at the 11th place, polling 0.8 per cent votes.
TAGS: MY NAME IS KHAN REVIEW, MY NAME IS KHAN TRAILER, MY NAME IS KHAN WALLPAPERS, MY NAME IS KHAN RELEASE, SHAHRUKH KHAN, THE MNIK IN CINEMAS
The Valantines Day Varieties , Rose day (Feb 7), propose day (Feb 8), chocolate day (Feb 9), teddy day (Feb 10), promise day (Feb 11), kiss day (Feb 1
Mothers Day, Father's Day, Women's Day, Valentine's Day.... and the list is endless! The are many such days dedicated to events or relationships. One such day happens to be Chocolate day. 
Chocolate day celebrated on February 9th is a part of the countdown to the Valentine's Day. Rose day (Feb 7), propose day (Feb 8), chocolate day (Feb 9), teddy day (Feb 10), promise day (Feb 11), kiss day (Feb 12)and hug day (Feb 13) are all marked to celebrate the season of love.
There is another Chocolate day on July 7th and the National Chocolate Day on October 28th. Whatever the reason be, in a year we have at least three wonderful days to indulge in chocolates. Just blame it on the day!
Chocolate day celebrated on February 9th is a part of the countdown to the Valentine's Day. Rose day (Feb 7), propose day (Feb 8), chocolate day (Feb 9), teddy day (Feb 10), promise day (Feb 11), kiss day (Feb 12)and hug day (Feb 13) are all marked to celebrate the season of love.
There is another Chocolate day on July 7th and the National Chocolate Day on October 28th. Whatever the reason be, in a year we have at least three wonderful days to indulge in chocolates. Just blame it on the day!
Chocolates Day and Valentines Day
Tags : chocolate day sms, valentine week, chocolate day scraps, chocolate day greetings, chocolate day 2010, Chocolate Valentines week, What is chocolate day, chocolat day, choclate day.
Chocolate day is celebrated as a part of Valantines Week. Saint Valentine's Day (commonly shortened to Valentine's Day) is an annual holiday held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The holiday is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
Can you actually make a whole day dedicated to chocolate?? Well there are actually quite a few days that let you celebrate chocolate. There is Chocolate Day on July 7th and National Chocolate Day on October 28th. There is also World Chocolate Day on September 4th. So you have a least three wonderful days to indulge. Take your time. Eat slowly and as much as you like. Just blame it on the day!!!
So many wonderful gooey chocolate treats. In July you might want to try some cool treats like chocolate ice cream or Chocolate soda.
Go ahead, enjoy your chocolate fix. All DAY Long!!
Links to Chocolate day Websites.
Chocolate Day: Countdown To Valentine's Day
Oneindia
One such day happens to be Chocolate day. Chocolate day celebrated on February 9th is a part of the countdown to the Valentine's Day. Rose day (Feb 7), ...
Related Articles »
Editorial: National Chocolate Day and Valentine celebration
Joy Online
The National Chocolate Day was therefore instituted to allow Ghanaians, and visitors alike, the opportunity to use cocoa, the nation's most significant crop ...
Celebrate Valentine Week Days: Teddy Day Promise Day Kiss Day Hug Day in ...
Daily Latest News (blog)
Many lovers keenly waits for the Valentines weekend to come, which brings the events of Rose day, kiss day, chocolate day, teddy rose etc. ...
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Chocolate day is celebrated as a part of Valantines Week. Saint Valentine's Day (commonly shortened to Valentine's Day) is an annual holiday held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The holiday is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
Can you actually make a whole day dedicated to chocolate?? Well there are actually quite a few days that let you celebrate chocolate. There is Chocolate Day on July 7th and National Chocolate Day on October 28th. There is also World Chocolate Day on September 4th. So you have a least three wonderful days to indulge. Take your time. Eat slowly and as much as you like. Just blame it on the day!!!
So many wonderful gooey chocolate treats. In July you might want to try some cool treats like chocolate ice cream or Chocolate soda.
Go ahead, enjoy your chocolate fix. All DAY Long!!
Links to Chocolate day Websites.
Chocolate Day: Countdown To Valentine's Day
Oneindia
One such day happens to be Chocolate day. Chocolate day celebrated on February 9th is a part of the countdown to the Valentine's Day. Rose day (Feb 7), ...
Related Articles »
Editorial: National Chocolate Day and Valentine celebration
Joy Online
The National Chocolate Day was therefore instituted to allow Ghanaians, and visitors alike, the opportunity to use cocoa, the nation's most significant crop ...
Celebrate Valentine Week Days: Teddy Day Promise Day Kiss Day Hug Day in ...
Daily Latest News (blog)
Many lovers keenly waits for the Valentines weekend to come, which brings the events of Rose day, kiss day, chocolate day, teddy rose etc. ...
Related Articles »
Yankees Sign Marcus Thames
Tags : thames, snowstorm, george miller comedian, philly weather, tea party movemen
The Yankees signed Marcus Thames, tweets SI's Jon Heyman. Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweets that it's a minor league deal worth $900K if he makes the team. Thames originally came up through the Yankees' system but was traded to the Rangers in '03 for Ruben Sierra.
Thames, 33 in March, hit .252/.323/.453 in 294 plate appearances for the Tigers last year, logging 125 innings in left field. He also has experience in right field and at first base in his career. He's a right-handed hitter with a .263/.326/.541 line against southpaws over the last three years.
Thames became a free agent in November, as the Tigers were not going to tender him a contract at a salary higher than 2009's $2.275MM.
The Yankees signed Marcus Thames, tweets SI's Jon Heyman. Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweets that it's a minor league deal worth $900K if he makes the team. Thames originally came up through the Yankees' system but was traded to the Rangers in '03 for Ruben Sierra.
Thames, 33 in March, hit .252/.323/.453 in 294 plate appearances for the Tigers last year, logging 125 innings in left field. He also has experience in right field and at first base in his career. He's a right-handed hitter with a .263/.326/.541 line against southpaws over the last three years.
Thames became a free agent in November, as the Tigers were not going to tender him a contract at a salary higher than 2009's $2.275MM.
JACK MURTHA DIES, JACK MURTHA DEATH, JACK MURTHA DEAD, JACK MURTHA DIED, JOHN MURTHA, JOHN MURTHA, JACK MURTA
Rep. John Murtha, the first Vietnam War combat veteran to serve in Congress and a powerful advocate for both the military and for the interests of his Pennsylvania district, died Monday at the age of 77.
His office didn't give a cause of death. Mr. Murtha, a Democrat, had recently undergone gall
bladder surgery.
Mr. Murtha chaired the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and was a confidant of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.), and an important backer of her rise to the party's leadership. Mr. Murtha's 2005 speech against the Iraq war marked a turning point in the congressional attitude toward the effort.
Mr. Murtha often stirred controversy with his unapologetic championing of the congressional earmark process, which he used to direct federal money to his district. He also faced ethical scrutiny. In 1980, the Federal Bureau of Investigation videotaped him during its Abscam investigation turning down a bribe, but appearing to leave the door open to future payments.
More recently, Mr. Murtha came under an ethical cloud again, when federal investigators focused on PMA Group, a lobbying firm with ties to the congressman. He was not accused of wrongdoing.
Mr. Murtha's death comes as Democrats are fighting to avoid deep losses in the 2010 mid-term elections. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell said he had not yet decided whether to set the special election to succeed Mr. Murtha for May 18, the same date as Pennsylvania's primary, or earlier. The southwest Pennsylvania district has centrist politics, having voted for Democrat John Kerry in 2004 and Republican John McCain in 2008, though Mr. Murtha generally won with comfortable margins.
A colorful and outspoken presence in the House for 36 years, Murtha was never one to shy away from a fight, whether with his fiscally conservative critics or military leaders who disagreed with him on where to direct defense dollars. He once threatened to have the genitals "cut off" any Pentagon leaders who withheld information from his committee on the Iraq war.
Republicans joined Democrats Monday in paying tribute to Mr. Murtha's long service, military record and support for the Pentagon. "I have never seen a more valiant defender of the men and women of our armed forces, nor a more steadfast advocate for our country's unequaled national defense," said Rep. Jerry Lewis (R., Calif.), the top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee.
"Jack Murtha was a giant," Ms. Pelosi said. "All who served with him were honored to call him colleague. I was privileged to call him friend."
Mr. Murtha's most likely successor as chairman of the powerful Appropriations panel is Rep. Norm Dicks (D., Wash.), whose district includes Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and who is a big booster of Boeing Co.
HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI'S FIRST CHOICE FOR MAJORITY LEADER, PENNSYLVANIA REP. JOHN C. MURTHA, DIED TODAY OF COMPLICATIONS RELATING TO A GALLBLADDER SURGERY. MURTHA WAS 77.
A decorated Vietnam War hero, Pelosi credited Murtha with helping to turn public opinion against the war in Iraq after he announced his opposition to the war in 2005. Murtha had voted to send troops to Iraq in 2002 but over the years changed his mind after no weapons of mass destruction were found and questions emerged about the intelligence leading up to the war. “The American public is way ahead of us,” Murtha wrote in November 2005 as he was sponsoring a resolution asking President Bush to set a timeline of withdrawal of troops from Iraq. “The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction.”
Murtha “understood the misery of war,” said Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey in a statement on Murtha's passing. “Every person who serves in the military has lost an advocate and a good friend today.”
Murtha was born in 1932 in New Martinsville, West Virginia, near the Pennsylvania border to an Irish American family. The Eagle Scout left William and Jefferson College to enlist in the Marines, becoming a drill sergeant at the Marine's training facility on Parris Island before he was selected as an officer. He left the Marines in 1995, enlisting in the reserves, only to raise his hand for the Vietnam War in 1966-67, winning a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry.
In 1969 he became the first Vietnam veteran elected to Congress. Over the years he weathered several tough reelection challenges exacerbated by scandal, in particular, the 1980 FBI Abscam investigation during which he told a person he believe to be a Saudi national looking to bribe his way through the U.S. immigration process with $50,000, “I'm not interested... at this point. [If] we do business for a while, maybe I'll be interested, maybe I won't."
His office didn't give a cause of death. Mr. Murtha, a Democrat, had recently undergone gall
bladder surgery.
Mr. Murtha chaired the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and was a confidant of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.), and an important backer of her rise to the party's leadership. Mr. Murtha's 2005 speech against the Iraq war marked a turning point in the congressional attitude toward the effort.
Mr. Murtha often stirred controversy with his unapologetic championing of the congressional earmark process, which he used to direct federal money to his district. He also faced ethical scrutiny. In 1980, the Federal Bureau of Investigation videotaped him during its Abscam investigation turning down a bribe, but appearing to leave the door open to future payments.
More recently, Mr. Murtha came under an ethical cloud again, when federal investigators focused on PMA Group, a lobbying firm with ties to the congressman. He was not accused of wrongdoing.
Mr. Murtha's death comes as Democrats are fighting to avoid deep losses in the 2010 mid-term elections. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell said he had not yet decided whether to set the special election to succeed Mr. Murtha for May 18, the same date as Pennsylvania's primary, or earlier. The southwest Pennsylvania district has centrist politics, having voted for Democrat John Kerry in 2004 and Republican John McCain in 2008, though Mr. Murtha generally won with comfortable margins.
A colorful and outspoken presence in the House for 36 years, Murtha was never one to shy away from a fight, whether with his fiscally conservative critics or military leaders who disagreed with him on where to direct defense dollars. He once threatened to have the genitals "cut off" any Pentagon leaders who withheld information from his committee on the Iraq war.
Republicans joined Democrats Monday in paying tribute to Mr. Murtha's long service, military record and support for the Pentagon. "I have never seen a more valiant defender of the men and women of our armed forces, nor a more steadfast advocate for our country's unequaled national defense," said Rep. Jerry Lewis (R., Calif.), the top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee.
"Jack Murtha was a giant," Ms. Pelosi said. "All who served with him were honored to call him colleague. I was privileged to call him friend."
Mr. Murtha's most likely successor as chairman of the powerful Appropriations panel is Rep. Norm Dicks (D., Wash.), whose district includes Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and who is a big booster of Boeing Co.
HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI'S FIRST CHOICE FOR MAJORITY LEADER, PENNSYLVANIA REP. JOHN C. MURTHA, DIED TODAY OF COMPLICATIONS RELATING TO A GALLBLADDER SURGERY. MURTHA WAS 77.
A decorated Vietnam War hero, Pelosi credited Murtha with helping to turn public opinion against the war in Iraq after he announced his opposition to the war in 2005. Murtha had voted to send troops to Iraq in 2002 but over the years changed his mind after no weapons of mass destruction were found and questions emerged about the intelligence leading up to the war. “The American public is way ahead of us,” Murtha wrote in November 2005 as he was sponsoring a resolution asking President Bush to set a timeline of withdrawal of troops from Iraq. “The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction.”
Murtha “understood the misery of war,” said Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey in a statement on Murtha's passing. “Every person who serves in the military has lost an advocate and a good friend today.”
Murtha was born in 1932 in New Martinsville, West Virginia, near the Pennsylvania border to an Irish American family. The Eagle Scout left William and Jefferson College to enlist in the Marines, becoming a drill sergeant at the Marine's training facility on Parris Island before he was selected as an officer. He left the Marines in 1995, enlisting in the reserves, only to raise his hand for the Vietnam War in 1966-67, winning a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry.
In 1969 he became the first Vietnam veteran elected to Congress. Over the years he weathered several tough reelection challenges exacerbated by scandal, in particular, the 1980 FBI Abscam investigation during which he told a person he believe to be a Saudi national looking to bribe his way through the U.S. immigration process with $50,000, “I'm not interested... at this point. [If] we do business for a while, maybe I'll be interested, maybe I won't."
TCS.com Hacked by French Hacker | Tata Consultancy Service Website Hacked | Tata Consultency
The website Tata Consultancy Services, India's largest software vendor, has been hacked. The hacker has posted a "For Sale" message on the site, which is written in both French and English. Ironically, the company produces security systems software.
The website TCS.com which belongs to India’s largest software vendor, Tata Consultancy Services, was hacked today by a French hacker. This hack will definitely lead to total embarrassment for the software firm who thrives on creating software and security systems day in and day out.
However, TCS is not the only high profile site to be hacked, in recent times the Orkut Brazil blog was hacked along with the high profile TechCrunch being hacked as well. Just goes on to show that hackers could easily get into your system if you do not use secured software.
As a word of advice, I would like to ask users to keep their web software up-to-date, no matter if it is a pain to do, because you could be the next in line to get hacked for using software which has vulnerabilities.
Update: The TCS.com hack looks like a DNS job and not a web software hack. Twitter was also recently hacked using a DNS loophole.
Update: The hacker may not be from France, however, the language used by the hacker is French. I have updated the post to reflect the same.
If you visit TCS.com right now you will be greeted with a screen which looks similar to the screenshot below.
The hack is believed to be a DNS hijack, which is similar to the breach that Twitter succumbed to last year. TechCrunch was also recently hacked earlier this year.
The website TCS.com which belongs to India’s largest software vendor, Tata Consultancy Services, was hacked today by a French hacker. This hack will definitely lead to total embarrassment for the software firm who thrives on creating software and security systems day in and day out.
However, TCS is not the only high profile site to be hacked, in recent times the Orkut Brazil blog was hacked along with the high profile TechCrunch being hacked as well. Just goes on to show that hackers could easily get into your system if you do not use secured software.
As a word of advice, I would like to ask users to keep their web software up-to-date, no matter if it is a pain to do, because you could be the next in line to get hacked for using software which has vulnerabilities.
Update: The TCS.com hack looks like a DNS job and not a web software hack. Twitter was also recently hacked using a DNS loophole.
Update: The hacker may not be from France, however, the language used by the hacker is French. I have updated the post to reflect the same.
If you visit TCS.com right now you will be greeted with a screen which looks similar to the screenshot below.
The hack is believed to be a DNS hijack, which is similar to the breach that Twitter succumbed to last year. TechCrunch was also recently hacked earlier this year.
Franco Ballerini Died in Cycle Crash | Italian Cyclists Crash Death | Franco Balerini / Ballerrini Died
Former Paris-Roubaix winner passes away in Italy at the age of 45Italian national cycling coach and former Paris-Roubaix winner Franco Ballerini died on Sunday morning after being involved in a crash during a rally car event in Tuscany, Italy.
According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Ballerini, 45, was competing in the rally within the municipality of Larciano as a navigator for pilot Alessandro Ciardi when their vehicle left the road and crashed.
Both were rushed to nearby Pistoia Hospital where despite the efforts of doctors Ballerini passed away soon afterwards.
Ballerini rode as a professional between 1986 and 2001. He won Paris-Roubaix twice, in 1995 and 1998. The cobbled Classic was also his last race as a professional when he retired in 2001.
He quickly became the Italian national professional men's road coach and was in charge of the team that won the rainbow jersey with Mario Cipollini in 2002, Paolo Bettini in 2006 and 2007, and most recently with Alessandro Ballan in Varese in 2008.
Paolo Bettini also won a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics under Ballerini's management.
Cyclingnews spoke to Pat McQuaid as the UCI President was about to board a plane for Vancouver, Canada. He hadn’t heard the news, and was stunned to hear of Ballerini’s passing.
“What can you say - it is a tragedy for Italian and world cycling,” he stated. “He was a very good figure in the Italian team over several years now, creating an importance within the Italian cycling as regards to the title of World professional Champion.
“[The World Championships] has been his biggest day every year with the Italian team. He had a very successful tenure as coach, and he was also a great cyclist too. It is a tragedy that he goes like this.”
Euro Cup Soccer 2012 Team Draw | Euro 2012 | Euro Football 2012 Draw | Live Update from BBC
Scotland will find out on Sunday who they will have to overcome to reach the Euro 2012 championships in Poland and Ukraine. Proceedings get underway at 11am and you can follow all that’s happening in Warsaw with our live text from the draw here on stv.tv/sport.
Craig Levein was talking up a possible showdown with England before he flew off to Poland on Friday and they are one of the two home nations teams available to play against Scotland, with Wales also a possibility from pot four.
Pot one contains all of the big nations in European football, with no chance of the situation from the qualifiers four years ago that saw Scotland placed in a group with France and Italy, who had only just contested the 2006 World Cup final.
There are a number of possible ties from the second pot that Levein will be eager to avoid. An away trip to Turkey won’t be high on his wishlist, while the ever-improving Switzerland and Serbia are ones to avoid.
Spain are the holders of the tournament, having defeated Germany in the 2008 final in Vienna. One of those countries could also be paired with Levein’s side.
How will the draw work?
51 countries are in the draw this time round, with both host nations earning an automatic qualifying spot. That means this year’s qualification format will follow pretty much the same as that for the World Cup in recent times, with nine groups and play-offs for eight of the teams that come in second.
Because of the odd number that doesn’t divide into the six pots available, six groups will contain six teams and three will contain five. Groups will be drawn with six teams until pot six is empty, with the three groups with five drawn last.
With 14 places available in the tournament, only the nine group winners and the second placed team with the best results against the teams that finish in first, third, fourth and fifth place will go through.
Scotland’s European Championship qualifying history
The Tartan Army haven’t graced a European Championships since Euro 1996 in England. Scotland qualified for that tournament after finishing second behind Russia, before going on to draw with Holland, lose to England and defeat Switzerland before exiting on goal difference.
In the qualifiers for the 2000 and 2004 tournaments, Craig Brown and then Berti Vogts took the country to play-offs against England and Holland courtesy of second place finishes, without success.
In the Euro 2008 qualifiers, they were given no chance having been picked out with France and Italy but the nation was gripped after two wins against the French. An all-or-nothing home game at a drenched Hampden against Italy followed and Scotland were level until the very last minute of the game, ending their hopes.
Going even further back, Scotland won their group for the 1992 tournament ahead of Switzerland; finished fourth behind Ireland, Bulgaria and Belgium in the 1988 qualifiers; came bottom in a four team group in the 1984 preliminaries and also flopped in trying to reach the 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980 tournaments. The Belgians were a inevitable foe throughout many of those failed qualifiers and those who believe in omens will be worried to see them in pot four this time round.
Scotland have been drawn against Lithuania in the last three qualifiers for the European Championships and against Faroe Islands for the last four. With the eastern Europeans in pot four and the Faroes in the bottom pot, it’s possible that they could be picked out again in our group.
Good draw, bad draw
In the first pot, any team Scotland are drawn with will be automatic favourites to take the group. Previous form will see many fans wanting another few games with France and they are arguably an even poorer side than the one that Gary Caldwell and then James McFadden sunk in two memorable victories.
Pot two contains a mixed bag of teams and the obvious trips to Serbia, Romania and Turkey are ones to avoid. Czech Republic are in decline and the friendly against them at Hampden in March will provide a useful barometer of the standard of teams contained in that pot.
In pot four, Wales ended George Burley’s reign and trips to Lithuania and Macedonia in recent times haven’t been successful ones. Belgium were the perpetrators of Scotland’s consistent failure to reach the Euros during the 80s and there is a score to settle, although they are an improving team after years of decline.
Montenegro are the stand out team from pot five and there Estonia and Georgia have caused Scotland problems in the past. Iceland on the other hand would be a good draw, as would Liechtenstein, while the nightmare trips would be to Kazakhstan, Albania or Moldova.
Pot six might not be applicable to the Scots but the Faroe Islands could provide opposition for the fifth European Championships in a row.
Full seeding for European Championship 2012 qualifying:
Pot One: Spain, Germany, Holland, Italy, England, Croatia, Portugal, France, Russia.
Pot Two: Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, Denmark, Slovakia, Romania.
Pot Three: Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Pot Four: Slovenia, Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Belarus, Belgium, Wales, FYR Macedonia, Cyprus.
Pot Five: Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Iceland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.
Pot Six: Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Malta, Faroe Islands, Andorra, San Marino.
Craig Levein was talking up a possible showdown with England before he flew off to Poland on Friday and they are one of the two home nations teams available to play against Scotland, with Wales also a possibility from pot four.
Pot one contains all of the big nations in European football, with no chance of the situation from the qualifiers four years ago that saw Scotland placed in a group with France and Italy, who had only just contested the 2006 World Cup final.
There are a number of possible ties from the second pot that Levein will be eager to avoid. An away trip to Turkey won’t be high on his wishlist, while the ever-improving Switzerland and Serbia are ones to avoid.
Spain are the holders of the tournament, having defeated Germany in the 2008 final in Vienna. One of those countries could also be paired with Levein’s side.
How will the draw work?
51 countries are in the draw this time round, with both host nations earning an automatic qualifying spot. That means this year’s qualification format will follow pretty much the same as that for the World Cup in recent times, with nine groups and play-offs for eight of the teams that come in second.
Because of the odd number that doesn’t divide into the six pots available, six groups will contain six teams and three will contain five. Groups will be drawn with six teams until pot six is empty, with the three groups with five drawn last.
With 14 places available in the tournament, only the nine group winners and the second placed team with the best results against the teams that finish in first, third, fourth and fifth place will go through.
Scotland’s European Championship qualifying history
The Tartan Army haven’t graced a European Championships since Euro 1996 in England. Scotland qualified for that tournament after finishing second behind Russia, before going on to draw with Holland, lose to England and defeat Switzerland before exiting on goal difference.
In the qualifiers for the 2000 and 2004 tournaments, Craig Brown and then Berti Vogts took the country to play-offs against England and Holland courtesy of second place finishes, without success.
In the Euro 2008 qualifiers, they were given no chance having been picked out with France and Italy but the nation was gripped after two wins against the French. An all-or-nothing home game at a drenched Hampden against Italy followed and Scotland were level until the very last minute of the game, ending their hopes.
Going even further back, Scotland won their group for the 1992 tournament ahead of Switzerland; finished fourth behind Ireland, Bulgaria and Belgium in the 1988 qualifiers; came bottom in a four team group in the 1984 preliminaries and also flopped in trying to reach the 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980 tournaments. The Belgians were a inevitable foe throughout many of those failed qualifiers and those who believe in omens will be worried to see them in pot four this time round.
Scotland have been drawn against Lithuania in the last three qualifiers for the European Championships and against Faroe Islands for the last four. With the eastern Europeans in pot four and the Faroes in the bottom pot, it’s possible that they could be picked out again in our group.
Good draw, bad draw
In the first pot, any team Scotland are drawn with will be automatic favourites to take the group. Previous form will see many fans wanting another few games with France and they are arguably an even poorer side than the one that Gary Caldwell and then James McFadden sunk in two memorable victories.
Pot two contains a mixed bag of teams and the obvious trips to Serbia, Romania and Turkey are ones to avoid. Czech Republic are in decline and the friendly against them at Hampden in March will provide a useful barometer of the standard of teams contained in that pot.
In pot four, Wales ended George Burley’s reign and trips to Lithuania and Macedonia in recent times haven’t been successful ones. Belgium were the perpetrators of Scotland’s consistent failure to reach the Euros during the 80s and there is a score to settle, although they are an improving team after years of decline.
Montenegro are the stand out team from pot five and there Estonia and Georgia have caused Scotland problems in the past. Iceland on the other hand would be a good draw, as would Liechtenstein, while the nightmare trips would be to Kazakhstan, Albania or Moldova.
Pot six might not be applicable to the Scots but the Faroe Islands could provide opposition for the fifth European Championships in a row.
Full seeding for European Championship 2012 qualifying:
Pot One: Spain, Germany, Holland, Italy, England, Croatia, Portugal, France, Russia.
Pot Two: Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, Denmark, Slovakia, Romania.
Pot Three: Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Pot Four: Slovenia, Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Belarus, Belgium, Wales, FYR Macedonia, Cyprus.
Pot Five: Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Iceland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.
Pot Six: Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Malta, Faroe Islands, Andorra, San Marino.
1215: Hey people, I'm gonna grab a sarnie now so I'm ready to rock for the Premier League later. That's the Euro 2012 qualifying draw dealt with, see you at 1300 GMT for some build-up to Birmingham v Wolves. In a bit.
1212: That was brilliant from Fabio Capello. He saw the question coming and nipped it in the bud immediately, walking off before the second one could even follow. Vintage.
England manager Fabio Capello: "No questions about Rio Ferdinand, John Terry or the captaincy. I have spoken with John and will speak with Rio. No problem with the captaincy. Thanks and bye."
Ex-Switzerland manager Roy Hodgson: "I know they qualified for the World Cup, but they didn't have a very hard group. I think England's main concerns will be about the derbies with Wales."
From robertearnshaw on Twitter: "What a tough group. But we need to believe. England is going to be a great game. We'll look forward to it."
1204: Haha, I love that I'm being accused of bias already today. You know it wasn't me who chose the groups, yeah? Probably good practice for being pro/anti Chelsea/Arsenal later, in fairness to you.
From henrywinter on Twitter: "Swiss v England. Let's hope Frei doesn't gob at Gerrard again. Great to go back to Millennium, Cardiff - far better atmosphere than Wembley."
From Carl, Rushden, via text to 81111: "England and Wales must be favourites! Wales first major tournament in how many years on the cards?"
Ex-Scotland midfielder Craig Burley on BBC Radio 5 live: "Um, yeah. Goodbye. European champions Spain, that's very difficult. The Czechs struggled in World Cup qualifying, but it's a tough one. They'll all be difficult for Scotland because we haven't been to a tournament for such a long time."
1153: England last played Wales in September 2005, winning a World Cup qualifier 1-0 in Cardiff thanks to Joe Cole's deflected strike.
From gunner-zp on 606: "Wales have some great young talent, Swiss and Bulgaria are good teams and Montenegro are no slouches either."
1147: Let's summarise, briefly: great draw for England, pretty tough for the other home nations. Northern Ireland and Scotland have been handed horror draws. I love Euro 2012 already. Bring it on.
Group I: Spain, Czech Republic, SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: ENGLAND, Switzerland, Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: France, Romania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Italy, Serbia, NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: Russia, Slovakia, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Germany, Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1142: Here we go - the big boys, the Pot One-ers...
Group I: Czech Republic, SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: Switzerland, Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Romania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Serbia, NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: Slovakia, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1138: We move on, to Pot Two. Ooh, the tension...
Group I: SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1135: Pot Three's turn, and Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are in this one.
Group I: Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Cyprus, Iceland
Group G:WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1131: Now time for Pot Four - Wales are in this one.
Group I: Liechtenstein
Group H: Iceland
Group G: Montenegro
Group F: Georgia, Malta
Group E: Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group A: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
Group B: Armenia, Andorra
1128: That's the Pot Six teams done, then. From now on, there will be nine countries in each pot.
Group F: Malta
Group E: San Marino
Group D: Luxembourg
Group C: Faroe Islands
Group B: Andorra
Group A: Azerbaijan
1125: BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Dennis is doing a magnificent job of talking through the details of the draw to fill time. We're going to start with the weakest teams first, I think. That's Pot Six to you and me.
1123: Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino comes out on to the stage. That's progress, because he's the master of ceremonies today, this man with arguably the most Italian name of all.
From robertearnshaw on Twitter: "Euro 2012 draw is soon... didn't even know it was today. It's gonna be a tough group, but I want Spain."
From Ryan, Coatbridge, via text to 81111: "As a Scotland fan my ideal group would be, England, Romania, Cyprus, Armenia, Andorra. Need to avoid San Marino, not got a good record against them. Bring on England."
1117: In Saturday's rehearsal draw, Republic of Ireland were paired with France. This what Uefa's French president Michel Platini made of it: "It is my wish they play against each other. It would be great," said the Euro 1984-winning skipper. "I am not conducting the draw but I hope it happens." Shamelessly, I do too.
1115: Some details: The former Soviet Union states of Russia and Georgia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan, will be kept apart.
1113: I don't know how to describe what we just saw. There were about eight of them on stage, dudes, youngish, massacring tunes. It momentarily made me feel ill for the world. That's better - they've rolled out the greatest Polish player of all time, Zbigniew Boniek, and Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko. Phew.
1111: The clamour for Stevo's Predos is somewhat alarming. To placate the baying mob, here goes: France will meet Republic of Ireland and England will be in a group with Scotland and Wales. More happy days. By the way - what a time for this entry.
1108: Reckon we'll be getting under way shortly and when we do, this is how it'll work: we will end up with nine groups - six with six countries and three with five - and the group winners will qualify for Euro 2012, along with the best runner-up. The other eight runners-up will meet in play-offs to decide the final four berths alongside hosts Poland and Ukraine. Capiche?
From AaronLieber on Twitter: "In Israel where we don't have a coach, but we would like to play: Russia, Switzerland, Cyprus, Lichtenstein and Faroe Islands."
1102: "Stevo, for the love of everything that is holy please tell us what pots these European countries are in for this blessed draw, will ya?" I hear you cry, impatiently. Very well...
POT ONE: Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, ENGLAND, Croatia, Portugal, France, Russia.
POT TWO: Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, Denmark, Slovakia, Romania.
POT THREE: Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, Austria, Bosnia-Hercegovina.
POT FOUR: Slovenia, Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Belarus, Belgium, WALES, FYR Macedonia, Cyprus.
POT FIVE: Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Iceland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.
POT SIX: Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Malta, Faroe Islands, Andorra, San Marino.
From RKW - Heart and Pole on 606: "Looking ahead to the draw today. So glad my country has the chance to host a major tournament. I don't think it'll disappoint in two years time. England, Scotland and Wales all to be drawn together in a qualifying group."
1056: But first, to Warsaw. I know you love draws. Want to know how I know? Well you wouldn't be here otherwise, see? Smash me a glorious morning text to 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666; get in the 606 mixer; and @Stevo_football me up on Twitter to boot. Bang, bang, bang.
1052: Don't worry, there will be actual football later today too. The derby theme continues on Sunday as Birmingham and Wolves go tete-a-tete at St Andrews at 1330 GMT, before Chelsea and Arsenal meet in a top-of-the-table carve up at Stamford Bridge at 1600 GMT. Happy days.
1049: Yep, we're getting ready for yet another draw. This one's for Euro 2012 qualifying and it takes place in the Polish capital Warsaw. Poland are the co-hosts, along with Ukraine. You knew that already, right?
1045: It only seems like a few weeks ago that the magnificent spectacle of Euro Two Thousand And Great climaxed with that sizzling Spanish side ending 44 years of hurt by lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy. But can they become the first country in history to defend their European Championship crown? The process of finding out begins here, 876 days before the Euro 2012 final in Kiev.
1212: That was brilliant from Fabio Capello. He saw the question coming and nipped it in the bud immediately, walking off before the second one could even follow. Vintage.
England manager Fabio Capello: "No questions about Rio Ferdinand, John Terry or the captaincy. I have spoken with John and will speak with Rio. No problem with the captaincy. Thanks and bye."
Ex-Switzerland manager Roy Hodgson: "I know they qualified for the World Cup, but they didn't have a very hard group. I think England's main concerns will be about the derbies with Wales."
From robertearnshaw on Twitter: "What a tough group. But we need to believe. England is going to be a great game. We'll look forward to it."
1204: Haha, I love that I'm being accused of bias already today. You know it wasn't me who chose the groups, yeah? Probably good practice for being pro/anti Chelsea/Arsenal later, in fairness to you.
From henrywinter on Twitter: "Swiss v England. Let's hope Frei doesn't gob at Gerrard again. Great to go back to Millennium, Cardiff - far better atmosphere than Wembley."
From Carl, Rushden, via text to 81111: "England and Wales must be favourites! Wales first major tournament in how many years on the cards?"
Ex-Scotland midfielder Craig Burley on BBC Radio 5 live: "Um, yeah. Goodbye. European champions Spain, that's very difficult. The Czechs struggled in World Cup qualifying, but it's a tough one. They'll all be difficult for Scotland because we haven't been to a tournament for such a long time."
1153: England last played Wales in September 2005, winning a World Cup qualifier 1-0 in Cardiff thanks to Joe Cole's deflected strike.
From gunner-zp on 606: "Wales have some great young talent, Swiss and Bulgaria are good teams and Montenegro are no slouches either."
1147: Let's summarise, briefly: great draw for England, pretty tough for the other home nations. Northern Ireland and Scotland have been handed horror draws. I love Euro 2012 already. Bring it on.
Group I: Spain, Czech Republic, SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: ENGLAND, Switzerland, Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: France, Romania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Italy, Serbia, NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: Russia, Slovakia, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Germany, Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1142: Here we go - the big boys, the Pot One-ers...
Group I: Czech Republic, SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: Switzerland, Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Romania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Serbia, NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: Slovakia, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1138: We move on, to Pot Two. Ooh, the tension...
Group I: SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1135: Pot Three's turn, and Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are in this one.
Group I: Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Cyprus, Iceland
Group G:WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1131: Now time for Pot Four - Wales are in this one.
Group I: Liechtenstein
Group H: Iceland
Group G: Montenegro
Group F: Georgia, Malta
Group E: Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group A: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
Group B: Armenia, Andorra
1128: That's the Pot Six teams done, then. From now on, there will be nine countries in each pot.
Group F: Malta
Group E: San Marino
Group D: Luxembourg
Group C: Faroe Islands
Group B: Andorra
Group A: Azerbaijan
1125: BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Dennis is doing a magnificent job of talking through the details of the draw to fill time. We're going to start with the weakest teams first, I think. That's Pot Six to you and me.
1123: Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino comes out on to the stage. That's progress, because he's the master of ceremonies today, this man with arguably the most Italian name of all.
From robertearnshaw on Twitter: "Euro 2012 draw is soon... didn't even know it was today. It's gonna be a tough group, but I want Spain."
From Ryan, Coatbridge, via text to 81111: "As a Scotland fan my ideal group would be, England, Romania, Cyprus, Armenia, Andorra. Need to avoid San Marino, not got a good record against them. Bring on England."
1117: In Saturday's rehearsal draw, Republic of Ireland were paired with France. This what Uefa's French president Michel Platini made of it: "It is my wish they play against each other. It would be great," said the Euro 1984-winning skipper. "I am not conducting the draw but I hope it happens." Shamelessly, I do too.
1115: Some details: The former Soviet Union states of Russia and Georgia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan, will be kept apart.
1113: I don't know how to describe what we just saw. There were about eight of them on stage, dudes, youngish, massacring tunes. It momentarily made me feel ill for the world. That's better - they've rolled out the greatest Polish player of all time, Zbigniew Boniek, and Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko. Phew.
1111: The clamour for Stevo's Predos is somewhat alarming. To placate the baying mob, here goes: France will meet Republic of Ireland and England will be in a group with Scotland and Wales. More happy days. By the way - what a time for this entry.
1108: Reckon we'll be getting under way shortly and when we do, this is how it'll work: we will end up with nine groups - six with six countries and three with five - and the group winners will qualify for Euro 2012, along with the best runner-up. The other eight runners-up will meet in play-offs to decide the final four berths alongside hosts Poland and Ukraine. Capiche?
From AaronLieber on Twitter: "In Israel where we don't have a coach, but we would like to play: Russia, Switzerland, Cyprus, Lichtenstein and Faroe Islands."
1102: "Stevo, for the love of everything that is holy please tell us what pots these European countries are in for this blessed draw, will ya?" I hear you cry, impatiently. Very well...
POT ONE: Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, ENGLAND, Croatia, Portugal, France, Russia.
POT TWO: Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, Denmark, Slovakia, Romania.
POT THREE: Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, Austria, Bosnia-Hercegovina.
POT FOUR: Slovenia, Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Belarus, Belgium, WALES, FYR Macedonia, Cyprus.
POT FIVE: Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Iceland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.
POT SIX: Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Malta, Faroe Islands, Andorra, San Marino.
From RKW - Heart and Pole on 606: "Looking ahead to the draw today. So glad my country has the chance to host a major tournament. I don't think it'll disappoint in two years time. England, Scotland and Wales all to be drawn together in a qualifying group."
1056: But first, to Warsaw. I know you love draws. Want to know how I know? Well you wouldn't be here otherwise, see? Smash me a glorious morning text to 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666; get in the 606 mixer; and @Stevo_football me up on Twitter to boot. Bang, bang, bang.
1052: Don't worry, there will be actual football later today too. The derby theme continues on Sunday as Birmingham and Wolves go tete-a-tete at St Andrews at 1330 GMT, before Chelsea and Arsenal meet in a top-of-the-table carve up at Stamford Bridge at 1600 GMT. Happy days.
1049: Yep, we're getting ready for yet another draw. This one's for Euro 2012 qualifying and it takes place in the Polish capital Warsaw. Poland are the co-hosts, along with Ukraine. You knew that already, right?
1045: It only seems like a few weeks ago that the magnificent spectacle of Euro Two Thousand And Great climaxed with that sizzling Spanish side ending 44 years of hurt by lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy. But can they become the first country in history to defend their European Championship crown? The process of finding out begins here, 876 days before the Euro 2012 final in Kiev.
(c) BBC News
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