India (Ind) vs Sri Lanka (SL): Nehra most likely ruled out but Gambhir fit: Dhoni

MUMBAI: India were dealt a blow ahead of Saturday's World Cup final against Sri Lanka with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni saying that pacerAshish Nehra is "most likely" out of the match due to a fractured right-hand finger.

There was widespread speculation over Nehra's fitness and Dhoni said the lanky pacer, who returned impressive figures of 2/33 in the semifinal against Pakistan, was virtually out of reckoning.

"Nehra is most likely ruled out. He has got multiple fractures (in his right hand finger)," Dhoni said at the pre-match press conference.

But opener Gautam Gambhir, who left the field during Pakistan's innings due to a hamstring problem, is expected to be fit for the final.

"Gautam looks right now. He is most likely to be fit for the game," was Dhoni's response when asked about the left-hander's fitness status.

Nehra picked up the injury while attempting a catch against Pakistan when fielding at deep midwicket. He hurt himself while trying to pick up a pull by Shahid Afridi off Yuvraj Singh's bowling.

Nehra had missed the first two matches of the event due to a sore back. He went for 65 runs in 8.4 overs against South Africa in a group game after coming back.

He was then left out for India's next two games, before making a comeback in the semifinals.

F.A.L.T.U - Movie Review

When charting out a film that takes you to the college hallways, introduces an ideal group of 'buddies', and shows all things vibrant and 'happening', the makers are actually hanging by a thin chord; you'd either get the collegian razzmatazz bang right, or there'd be a herd of wannabes belligerently trying to amaze their way into believable adolescents.  

In Vashu Bhagnani produced FALTU (it's a naff acronym), which evidently steals inspiration from Steve Pink's 2006 comedy Accepted, Ritesh (Jackky) and Nanj (Angad Bedi) are utterly hopeless when they write exams, and accompanying them is Pooja (Puja Gupta). Just about managing to get clearance with percentages ranging in the bracket of 35-40, the trio faces rejection from every institute, much to the dismay of their respective parents. 

This triggers the leading star to think 'innovative', and from what starts just as a token letter of acceptance in Fakeerchand and Lakeerchand Trust University soon cumulates into a big gamble, as the fictitious college website leads to uproar and an army of students -- all other rejects, throng to the campus where they got 'admitted'. 

Most of FALTU is pleasing. Although the premise is unrealistic, to stretch the parameters that decide authenticity, the movie convinces you, and moreover, even in its fabricated fashion, it does succeed in confronting the flaws in our educational scenario.

Drawing comparisons with a Rajkumar Hirani [ Images ] film wouldn't be just because, FALTU targets the challenging tour of transition from high school (junior college) to a well-recognised degree institute whereas the latter stressed on the pressures post entering. 

FALTU is indeed an underdog story. They are underperformers academically but not wholly uninspired. Their transformation, fuelled by Baaji Rao (Riteish Deshmukh [ Images ]), who again is guided by Google (Arshad Warsi [Images ]), is subtle and cleverly brought out. 

Thus, after a lot of hullabaloo, there are courses of choice in the college, and here passion compliments the theory, and quite remarkably the film utilises digital exploitation for sundry tutoring benefits, like the videos of experts instructing uploaded on their website. This might not look immediately pragmatic but it isn't far-fetched either.

The film's weakness reflects in its rushed characterization, in fact, their very inception. Like Arshad Warsi's Google's origin is unexplained. Although he is a likeable guy, but you wonder how he is immensely resourceful, monetarily and influentially, as he without much trouble gets the massive college property, and also invests on its gleaming renovation. 

Riteish's Baajirao, is initially introduced as a person incapable of responsibility, however by the time the movie cumulates, he comes across as a valuable constituent. Both the actors, share appraisable camaraderie and infuse the much needed youth-like humour. Boman Irani [ Images ], however, as a BMC school principal is under-utilised but evokes occasional giggles. The 3 Idiots hangover doesn't seem to dry off till now.

It might be argued that the over-dramatic background score is mandatory to keep the turn of events pepped up, but at points it drenches the film of seriousness, and portrays it as a frivolous musical dramedy with its recurrent songs, although the music by Sachin -- Jigar is feet-tapping good. Frivolous, the film opens. Run of the mill, the characters debut. But, over a brief period, they attract beguilingly and also take you in sympathetically as you want them to do well. This is pretty much an accomplishment. 

Although FALTU's screenplay is openly lifted from Accepted, as the movie terminates it takes its own course resulting into an unexpectedly charming climax that metaphorically demonstrates the teething troubles of students stuck in a just passed to an average category. 

The dialogues don't sound contrived, and sensibly enough have been strictly kept measured and under-toned. This helps the film in not getting too preachy and yet be effective.

All you wish was that the story would've been nourished more, fine-tuned here and there.

Jackky Bhagnani's re-launch would after all be successful, as without being dominating, he emits confidence, and portrays the role of the rebellious youth very comfortably. His body-language shows no trace of uneasiness and expressions click and convey. 

Angad Bedi is a discovery, whereas Chandan Roy Sanyal soaks Vishnu [Images ] and arouses humour as the geek-gone-wild. Puja Gupta, facially resembles Prachi Desai [ Images ], but acts mediocrely.   

FALTU might not be revolutionary or inspiring, as it attempts to be, that slot primarily reserved to Rang De Basanti [Images ], but Remo D'Souza's level-headed direction amidst impressively enacted supporting roles by parents of the central characters keeps it uplifted.

An ambitious sophomore story of scholastically dim students coursing an almost impossible journey to prove their worth, enrolling for once in FALTU, might not be a faltu idea after all. 

GAME - The movie Review

GAME releases at a time when a different game, of bat and ball is at its peak. You guessed right; the Cricket World Cup mania has gripped the entire country, with India beating Pakistan for a clash against Sri Lanka in the finals. 


Anyway, leaving the excitement of Cricket aside, let's talk about GAME here, shall we? It's about four troubled individuals from different parts of the world - casino owner Neil Menon (Abhishek Bachchan), politician OP Ramsay (Boman Irani), actor Vikram Kapoor (Jimmy Shergill) and journalist Tisha Khanna (Shahana Goswami). All of them receive personalised handwritten invitations by billionaire Kabir Malhotra (Aupam Kher), offering them a helping hand if they arrive at his private island of Samos in Greece. Getting easily convinced and without wasting much time, all of them reach the exotic island, only to find out, they have been tricked. It turns out; they were all responsible in some way or the other, for the death of Kabir's daughter Maya (Sarah Jane Dias), three years back. Before Kabir can avenge the death of his daughter, he is found dead, in what looks like a suicide. Detective Sia Agnihotri (Kangna Ranaut) feels otherwise and interrogates the four visitors, holding them murder suspects.


The first rule of a suspense thriller is that it should be succinct. Debutant director Abhinay Deo breaks it by having copious songs and some irrelevant sub-plots which add no value. The first half is a drag, and the story doesn't move much. At one point a character says: I can't take this nonsense anymore. You know what, as a viewer, you share exactly the same sentiment. 


The narrative picks up in the second half which has some adroitly done twists. But they fall short of elevating the overall impact. Too much emphasis is made on the look and feel of the film, but the plot isn't exciting enough. If you pay attention to details, chances are you will know the suspense way before it is actually revealed. 


Some of the scenes defy time and logic like Vikram's story is out in a film magazine minutes after he has actually made the confession. Talk about real time updates! Amitabh Shulka's editing needed to be much tighter. Kartik Vijay's cinematography is fine. Shankar Ehsaan Loy's music is below the mark.

Abhishek Bachchan acts decently but some of his dialogues are cringe worthy. Debutante Sarah Jane Dias is impressive in her act. Kangana Ranaut is surprisingly good and her dialogue delivery has improved greatly. Excellent actors like Shahana Goswami, Jimmy Shergill and Boman Irani are wasted. Anupam Kher doesn't have much scope. Gauhar Khan is nice in her small role. 

Barring some astute twists in the second half, this GAME isn't worth playing. 

Some Hilarious Leave Applications

Infosys, Bangalore : An employee applied for leave as follows:
"Since I have to go to my village to sell my land along with my wife, please sanction me one-week leave."

This is from Oracle Bangalore: From an employee who was performing the "mundan" ceremony of his 10 year old son:
"As I want to shave my son's head, please leave me for two days.."

Another gem from CDAC. Leave-letter from an employee who was performing his daughter's wedding:
"As I am marrying my daughter, please grant a week's leave.."

From H.A.L. Administration Dept:
"As my mother-in-law has expired and I am only one responsible for it, please grant me 10 days leave."

Another employee applied for half day leave as follows:
"Since I've to go to the cremation ground at 10 o-clock and I may not return, please grant me half day casual leave"

An incident of a leave letter:
"I am suffering from fever, please declare one-day holiday."

A leave letter to the headmaster:
"As I am studying in this school I am suffering from headache. I request you to leave me today"

Another leave letter written to the headmaster:"As my headache is paining, please grant me leave for the day."

Covering note:
"I am enclosed herewith..."

Another one:
"Dear Sir: with reference to the above, please refer to my below..."

Actual letter written for application of leave:
"My wife is suffering from sickness and as I am her only husband at home I may be granted leave".

Letter writing:-
"I am well here and hope you are also in the same well."

A candidate's job application:
"This has reference to your advertisement calling for a ' Typist and an Accountant - Male or Female'... As I am both(!! )for the past several years and I can handle both with good experience, I am applying for the post.

Be Careful What You Wish For

A man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him, and as he sits down, the waitress comes over and asks for their order.

The man says, “I’ll have a hamburger, fries and a coke,” and turns to the ostrich. “What’s yours?” “I’ll have the same,” says the ostrich.

A short time later the waitress returns with the order. “That will be $6.40 please,” and the man reaches into his pocket and pulls out exact change for payment.

The next day, the man and the ostrich come again and the man says, “I’ll have a hamburger, fries and a coke,” and the ostrich says, “I’ll have the same.” Once again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.

This becomes a routine until late one evening, the two enter again. “The usual?” asks the waitress. “No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato and salad,” says the man. “Same for me,” says the ostrich.

A short time later the waitress comes with the order and says, “That will be $12.62.” Once again the man pulls exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table.

The waitress can’t hold back her curiosity any longer.

“Excuse me, sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change out of your pocket every time?”

“Well,” says the man, “several years ago I was cleaning the attic and I found an old lamp. When I rubbed it a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, just put my hand in my pocket, and the right amount of money would always be there.”

“That’s brilliant!” says the waitress. “Most people would wish for a million dollars or something, but you’ll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!”

“That’s right! Whether it’s a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there,” says the man.

The waitress asks, “One other thing, sir, what’s with the ostrich?”

The man sighs, pauses, and answers, “My second wish was for a tall chick with long legs who agrees with everything I say!”

Pencil Decorations Artwork

Not many people would foresee pencils as a form of art or decoration but they do create one of a kind art that appeals.

These pencil carvings are created by Mizuta Tasogara and Kato Jado. The delicate woodwork is much harder than it looks, pattern carves has to be made without making any miscut on the naked lead inside. These pencil carvings had been entered in the 11th ‘Hands Taisho’ contest and won the Planning Prize. 9 more pics after the jump.

They even make furniture out of pencils. Incredible. These pencil sculptures was created by German artist Kerstin Schulz. Well I don’t see how people are going to sit on a pencil chair though. 6 more pics after the jump.

Another Love Story

                         When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why? I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her! With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see.


                   To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now. The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane. When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again. In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage. This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.  I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.


                         My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office. On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her. On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger. 


                              She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily. Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head. Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made me sad. 


                         On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy. I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore. She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death does us apart. Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away. At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.


                                  That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead. My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband.... The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage! If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you. If you do, you just might save a marriage. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

By: Kimmies Floral