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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

"I Was Wrong" Simon Cowell Says,..

Cowell's Confession: Simon Says, "I Was Wrong"

Reality Rocks


Well, these are six words I never thought I'd hear come out of Simon Cowell's mouth: "I don't always get it right."

Although Simon has very occasionally apologized to a harshly criticized American Idol contestant, Simon rarely admits he's made a mistake. And to be honest, he rarely DOES make a mistake. Sometimes--in fact, most of the time--his critiques are unnecessarily cruel, but they're usually dead-on correct.

However, in a letter to U.K. paper The Daily Mail this past weekend, Simon discussed his other popular show, Britain's Got Talent, after an extremely controversial season that included sobbing underage contestants and the very public post-finale emotional meltdown of frontrunner Susan Boyle after she placed second. "I, of course, am inevitably portrayed as the evil ringmaster. I didn't get into show business to make little children cry or upset a nice lady like Susan Boyle," Simon wrote. "The time has finally come for me to set a few things straight."

He added, candidly: "And I'm the first to hold my hands up and admit I've made mistakes."

First, Simon addressed the children on the show, as much of the BGT backlash has centered on accusations that the younger contenders were exploited for TV drama (like 10-year-old "baby Beyonce" Natalie Okri, who cried and called Simon a "meanie" after he eliminated her in the semi-final round; or 12-year-old drummer Kieran Gaffney, who appeared crestfallen when he was didn't make it to the finals; or 10-year-old singing ballerina Hollie Steel, who nervously broke down in the middle of one of her live performances and bawled hysterically, begging for another chance, until Simon nicely granted her a do-over).

"You just can't imagine how awful it was, sitting in my judge's chair, watching 10-year-old Hollie Steel start to cry in front of millions as she struggled to remember the lines of her song," Simon wrote. "Oh God, it was terrible. Poor child. So I decided to let her come back later in the show to sing again. I was acting on instinct, thinking on my feet, just as I've always tried to do throughout my 30-odd years in the entertainment industry. In this instance, I thought giving Hollie a second chance was the right thing to do. Yet, ironically, I have had more complaints about Hollie being allowed to perform twice than anything else on the show."

Simon continued: "Yet, perhaps my biggest regret of this year was...with Aidan Davis, the 11-year-old street dancer from Birmingham. In the final, I made him cry, too, by describing his performance as lackluster--it was a huge, huge mistake. It almost ruined the whole evening for everyone...I had treated him as I would an adult, forgetting that he was only an 11-year-old child with a dream. I apologized to him afterwards, but it didn't make me feel any better about it. Moral of the story? I don't always get it right. Looking back, I know I could've been kinder."

Simon also admitted he could have been kinder in his treatment of Susan Boyle, who since her meteoric rise to reality-TV fame has suffered an equally swift and dramatic fall, being hospitalized for post-defeat exhaustion and cancelling a couple live performances on the Britain's Got Talent tour amid rumors that she was hysterical and missed her cat Pebbles too much.

"Looking back on it all, it has become clear to me that we didn't handle the situation with Susan as well as we could have," Simon wrote. "Yet to be honest, when I analyze exactly what happened, I don't know that I could have done it any differently...after she sang [in her first audition], I thought she had come over well, but not sensationally. I certainly didn't think: 'Here comes a phenomenon who is going to become the most famous woman in the world, I wonder if she can mentally cope with it?'"

Simon went on to say at first he had no clue that Susan might be emotionally unstable, stating: "She looked a bit eccentric and certainly a character, but that was all....She seemed fine with all the attention--I thought she was utterly charming and really thrilled with what had happened. I thought--perhaps naively--that she was in control. When I asked her if she was enjoying herself, she replied: 'Simon, I am having the time of my life.' I was pleased. I thought whatever happens, we have changed this lady's life."

Simon did write that he started to see cracks in Susan's armor during the semi-finals. "I said [to her]: 'Susan, are you sure this is still all OK?' And again she said, yes, she was fine. I told her the most important thing was that she enjoyed the experience; that it had to be the best night of her life. Even then, I didn't pick up on any unduly troubling signs....Then, during the final show, at the crucial point when the dance group Diversity won, I looked over at her face and thought: 'Christ, she doesn't know how to deal with not winning.' It was a bad moment."

After assuring in his Daily Mail open letter that he will continue to support Susan in everything and anything she does, he posed the two-part question that many people--from regular BGT viewers to media pundits to mental health experts--have been asking for weeks now:

"Should we impose a minimum entry age and introduce some form of stricter psychological screening for applicants?"

Simon argued that the answer was no.

"I'm not so sure. How could that work? There is no easy way of achieving fame, and no guaranteed or trusted way of dealing with it. Yes, there have been problems, but overall I think it is a positive experience for [Susan]. I'm glad we gave her this opportunity and--more importantly--I think Susan is as well. Then there are the children. We have to go through a ton of regulatory bodies and red tape to get them to appear. It would be far easier not to have them, but I like having youngsters on the show. Why shouldn't they have a chance to show off a talent if they've got one? And win or lose, I want it to be a fun experience for them. We take as many precautions as we can. They have minders or their parents with them at all times, and we take great care of them, too. Yes, on stage things can go wrong, as it can with any live broadcast."

Simon concluded his lengthy letter with this:

"I accept I've made mistakes along the way. I like to believe, however, that there are more positives than negatives from the shows I've made. I'm proud that we've found real stars and given normal people a chance to fulfill their dreams. I also accept, as the shows grow, that I have new responsibilities to my contestants. But, most importantly, I'm proud to be making a show in Britain that shows British character at its best. Amid all the controversy over Susan Boyle, it's easy to forget that this year's Britain's Got Talent was won by a bunch of young guys who worked extraordinarily hard for months on end to get that coveted opportunity to perform in front of the Royal Family. I think Diversity are incredible, totally amazing. They prove to me, without a doubt, that while it may have its fair share of sour cynics and bitter moaners, Britain really has got talent."

I have to say, I commend Simon for taking the time to write this. Viewers tend to see him as an unfeeling, dream-crushing bully who has no concern for how his nasty barbs affect contestants, as long as his sardonic soundbites generate big ratings and morning-after watercooler buzz. And naturally, what transpired during the course of the most recent Britain's Got Talent season seemed to only cement Simon's tough image. However, this letter--in which he turns his coldly critical eye on himself for a change--humanizes Simon Cowell. It's refreshing to see that his brutal honesty also applies to his own behavior.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) The Movie

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Liev Shreiber, Danny Huston, Lynn Collins, Ryan Reynolds, Dominic Monaghan
Director: Gavin Hood
Running Time: 107 mins

The much anticipated series of prequels to the marvel franchise X-Men kicked off with exploring the beginnings of probably one of the most beloved superheroes in the Marvel Universe. Opening in the mid 1800s, young James Howlett is witnessed to his father’s murder at the hands of his best-friend’s father. What initially looks to be a crime of passion turns unto a life altering few minutes for young Howlett, who avenges his father by the use of his unique abilities. Howlett and his best-friend Victor Creed (later to become one of Wolverine’s arch-enemies) are told that they are half-brothers after which they leave their homes with new found regenerative powers.

After battling in numerous wars together the two mutants are recruited by Major William Stryker who assembles a team of mutants called Team X (very imaginative). After James realizes the unnecessarily brutal aspect of the team’s conduct he opts to quit the team leaving his brother Creed behind. Wolverine is later dragged back into the thick of the action as the conspiracy unfolds and he seeks revenge for the death of his girlfriend Kayla Silverfox. The film covers the aspects of Wolverine’s name change and adamantium enhancement while adopting a few biographical features from recent graphic novels and even tweaking a bit of his background story in classic Hollywood style.

The film sees Hugh Jackman thankfully reprising his role as the gritty and animalistic superhero while new additions such as Liev Shreiber as the future sabretooth, Ryan Reynolds as the wisecracking Deadpool and Taylor Kitsch as Gambit were notable inductees to the Marvel-to-film industry. Jackman largely owes his career to the mutant community and as evident in the film, took his role very seriously. In fact it is hard to picture anyone else playing the clawed hero as he has clearly made it his own.

A highlight in the film though was Liev Shreiber’s performance as Victor Creed which was intense to say the least. Reynolds played a very minor role in the film but the alterations made to his character’s story and the fusion of Weapon X and Deadpool were downright criminal. Kitsch employed this year’s worst accent to impersonate a Remmy LeBeau who would have Gambit fans reeling with anger. One aspect of the film that needs mentioning is Will.i.am’s portrayal of John Wraith. I hope it’s safe to say his acting career is hereby over.

The film was quite entertaining in its own right but the changes made to Wolverine’s background story will not go down well with Marvel fanatics or any old X-Men fan.

The film sacrificed too much of the essence of Wolverine’s past for mere entertainment and the film really didn’t need to do that. However, for all you superhero film fans who don’t care much about accuracy this film is solid fun and entertainment with some memorable scenes to last up until the next superhero flick and is definitely worth a watch.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

A Love Song "Ahasa Nuba metharamm" >> Rumesh-Lakshan's song with new visual Hirthik Roshan and Kareena in..



I've visualized this amazing love song "Ahasa Numba Metharamm" of Rumesh - Lakshan's first music album.Now all of can enjoy this song also If you like to download the original quality video use Rapidshare link below mentioned.

Download Here - Rapidshare

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Mihintale, the holy city comes alive for Poson

Mihintale, the holy city comes alive for Poson
Gaveshaka discusses the cradle of Buddhist civilization

June is the month of Poson – a most significant month for Sri Lanka, particularly for Sri Lankan Buddhists. Poson marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka which in effect meant the beginning of a great civilization over many centuries.

With Arahat Mahinda, the son of King Asoka of India, arriving at Mihintale, eight miles to the east of the country's capital Anuradhapura, pilgrims flock to the sacred mountain to commemorate the event.

"There the Elder arose like the king of swans in the sky and established himself on the cloud-like mountain, to the east of the best of towns, on top of the Missaka mountain, like swans on the summit of a mountain." This is how Dipavamsa, the Island Chronicle written in the 4th century A.D., describes the arrival of Arahat Mahinda on the hilltop.

Under the shadow of 'araliya' trees, pilgrims traverse the main flight of stone steps at the foot of the mountain to reach Ambastala, where several places of worship have been established.

It is an easy trudge with the steps being situated at very convenient levels. The 1,840 steps have been arranged in three flights, the pilgrims being able to rest at every level, if they wish to. They can even divert from each flight to view ruins dating back to the days of the Anuradhapura kings.

At the highest plateau at the end of the flight of steps is the Ambastala Dagaba or Sela Chetiya, which is believed to have been built on the site hallowed by the Buddha himself.

(Sela Chetiya is mentioned as one of the 16 places sanctified by the Buddha during his visits to Sri Lanka). It is surrounded by concentric circles of stone pillars. After resting for a while, the pilgrim would worship these sites and then make his or her way to several significant places related to the visit of Arahat Mahinda.

On the left on the hillock is the Maha Stupa, the largest of the stupas at Mihintale. Going down a footpath on the left, one reaches the 'Mihindu Guhawa,' the cave where Arahat Mahinda spent most of his time. It is a picturesque setting with the view of the surrounding mountains through the cave most arresting. The rock bed used by the sage can still be seen.

The pilgrims queue up to reach the 'aradhana gala' – the top of the rock where Arahat Mahinda and his five disciples appeared. The chronicles describe the dialogue between Arahat Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa (247 – 207 BC), the ruler of Anuradhapura who was on a hunting expedition at the time Arahat Mahinda arrived. The dialogue was to test the king's ability to grasp the doctrine and being satisfied with the intelligence he displayed, Arahat Mahinda preached a sermon after which the king and his retinue became Buddhists.

Kantaka Chetiya is one of the most popular sites at Mihintale because of the elaborately sculptured 'vahalkadas' or frontispieces. The 'vahalkada' is considered the most important architectural feature of a 'stupa.' Four of them are seen at the four cardinal points – east, west, north and south. The 'vahalkada' is supposed to have evolved from the flower dais where the devotees offer flowers to the 'stupa.'

There is also evidence of a developed hydraulic civilization at Mihintale. 'Kaludiya Pokuna' (Pond of black water) is the largest of the ponds at Mihintale.

A large amount of ruins are found at Mihintale including residences of monks, assembly halls and the like. This proves that a large community of monks had lived there having donned the robe.

"Kung Fu" Actor David Carradine Found Dead in Bangkok

"Kung Fu" Actor David Carradine Found Dead in Bangkok

A look back at five of the star's most memorable roles

A note on David Carradine's official Website confirms that the 72-year-old actor, perhaps best known for his role as Shaolin priest Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970s TV series Kung Fu, died June 3rd in Bankok. Carradine was on location in Thailand shooting a film called Stretch. According to a Thai police official, Carradine's body was discovered hanging by a nylon rope in his closet at the Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel, CNN reports. An autopsy is being conducted and an investigation has begun, though there were no signs of forced entry.

Photo

Carradine, who played a kung fu master in the Jonas Brothers' video for "Burnin' Up," came from fine theatrical stock. He was the son of legendary character actor John Carradine, and his brothers Keith (Dexter) and Robert (Revenge of the Nerds) are also actors. He is also the uncle of Ever Carradine (Party of Five) and Martha Plimpton (The Goonies). Carradine appeared in more than 100 films, and worked with such directors as Martin Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman, Quentin Tarantino and Hal Ashby.

While he was easily recognizable from recent appearances in Yellowbook and Lipton television spots, Carradine's lengthy career was filled with memorable performances. Here are five must-see roles from the four-time Golden Globe-nominated Carradine's impressive career:

Bill: In Quentin Tarantino's two-part Kill Bill series (released in late 2003 and early 2004, respectively), Carradine plays "Snake Charmer," the leader of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. Carradine's portrayal of the heartless killer who puts a hit out on his pregnant lady love, The Bride (Uma Thurman), introduced him to a new generation.

Shane: Carradine played the title role in this American Western television series based on Jack Schaefer's 1949 book. He was praised for bringing his role of a traveler and ex-gunfighter who defends a woman's land from a ruthless baron to glorious life.

Kwai Chang Caine: Carradine starred in the long-running ?70s series Kung Fu as Caine, a Shaolin monk-trained journeyman who seeks out his half-brother, Danny Caine, and exacts justice along the way.

Woody Guthrie: In the 1976 biopic Bound for Glory, Carradine portrays the legendary folk singer as he attempted to bring attention to the desperate plight of the Okie Dust Bowl refugees in California during the Great Depression.

Poon Dong: In this year's Crank: High Voltage, Carradine plays the 100-year-old head of the Chinese Triad, who orders his men to track down and remove (for transplantation in his own chest) the seemingly indestructible heart of Chev Chelios, played by Jason Statham.

BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai coroners completed an autopsy on the body of actor David Carradine Friday, a day after the star of 1970s-era U.S. television show "Kung Fu" was found naked and hanging dead in his luxury hotel room.

Coroners at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn hospital said they had not yet determined how the 72-year-old actor died and were waiting for the results of a toxicology screen. Police said it could take several weeks before the reason was known.

"We are now running tests and then we will decide the cause of death," the hospital's chief coroner, Nantana Sirisap, told Reuters. "This certainly was not a natural cause of death."

A maid found Carradine hanging naked by a rope in the closet of his hotel suite at the plush Swissotel Nai Lert Park hotel Thursday, police said.http://www.nndb.com/people/840/000022774/david-carradine-1.jpg

Initial reports indicated a possible suicide, but his family representatives in Los Angeles have repeatedly said the actor was not suicidal.

Representatives for Carradine also declined to comment on media reports that the death was related to autoerotic asphyxiation, which involves intentionally cutting off oxygen supply for strong sexual arousal. And a former lawyer for Carradine said she suspected foul play.

But investigators in Bangkok said there was no indication other people had been in the room where Carradine was staying while shooting the movie "Stretch." Police and forensics teams were still gathering evidence as of Friday.

"We are currently interviewing witnesses, film crew, hotel staff and the last person who saw David alive," Lumpini police chief Colonel Somprasong Yentuam told Reuters.

"So far, no one saw anyone enter David's room around the estimated time of death."

HAPPY IN HIS FINAL HOURS

A hotel employee, who gave her name as Oi, said Carradine was in good spirits in the final few hours he was seen alive.

"He was in the hotel lobby, relaxing and playing the piano -- he looked very happy," she told Reuters television.

Tiffany Smith of Carradine's Los Angeles-based talent manager Binder & Assoc. repeated assertions that the actor's family believes Carradine could not have committed suicide.

"It's not where he is in his life right now, he was completely full of life, extremely happy to be going to Bangkok and doing this film," she said.

Smith declined comment on media reports about the possibility of an accidental death by autoerotic asphyxiation, pending the police report. Autoerotic asphyxiation involves intentionally cutting off oxygen supply for strong sexual arousal.

When long-time family friend and Carradine's former lawyer Vicki Roberts, who represented the actor in a past divorce, was asked whether he had a history of using autoerotic asphyxiation, she replied: "No, absolutely not."

Roberts said details of the way the actor was found in his hotel caused her to suspect foul play, but she conceded she was only reading news accounts out of Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Smith said Carradine's family was making arrangements to have his body flown back to Los Angeles, but as of Friday there were no details on when that might occur.

Carradine is married to Annie Bierman and he comes from a family of performers, including actor Keith Carradine, whose father is the late character actor John Carradine.

He enjoyed a long career on Broadway, TV and in movies such as Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" and "Kill Bill: Vol. 2." But he was most famous for his role in "Kung Fu," playing a martial arts specialist known as Caine who wandered through the American Old West seeking wisdom and beating up bad guys.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Tironda Lal Egodage >> Heroes Welcome in Matara

Tironda Lal Egodage - One of the Army solder of Sri Lanka security forces has returned to the home town in Matara , Hittatiya after the Sri Lankan government victory over deadly LTTE terrorists who had killed thousands of innocent people of Tamil and Sinhala, even Rajeeve Ghandi, the Prime Minister of India, leaded by the worlds No.1 butcher Prabakaran.
Now the President of Sri Lanka Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksha is recognized as a world Hero for the entire history as he is able to end the 30 years old war in Sri Lanka.
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