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Home/Gay News Domestic & U.S. Politics/NY Daily News Publishes Lies & Propaganda About Occupy Wall Street: Declares Bloomberg Victor
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NY Daily News Publishes Lies & Propaganda About Occupy Wall Street: Declares Bloomberg Victor
The New York Daily News went to press this afternoon publishing with the biggest piece of bullshit propaganda ever, declaring Mayor Bloomberg the victor against the Occupy Wall Street protesters, while ignoring the rampant NYPD brutality and harm caused to the protesters.
"They didn't occupy Wall Street for long, shut down the Brooklyn Bridge, or win many new fans.
And by Thursday night, the thousands of protesters flooding lower Manhattan seemed to have worn out their welcome after tying the Financial District in knots.
"Occupy Wall Street had predicted on their website that tens of thousands would be participating in today's protests, but there have been far fewer – and so far they have caused what can accurately be described as minimal disruptions to our city," he crowed. Unless you were in the thick of it."Today they proved that they're able to piss off the 99% by stopping them from getting home," said City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Queens). "In my opinion, this is their last gasp.
"With silly stunts like this, they've angered people they're supposed to represent."
The Daily News also incredulously reports that only one protester was injured because a policeman cut his hand:
NYPD cops in riot gear seized control of Zuccotti Park after an officer's hand was badly gashed by a protester, setting off a ruckus inside the Occupy Wall Street outpost. Rookie cop Matthew Walters, 24, took 20 stitches to his left hand at Bellevue Medical Center after he was slashed with a star-shaped piece of glass taken from a protester's Captain America costume.
The scuffle led to a tense lockdown of the park as cops searched for a suspect in the bloody assault. The fracas came shortly after the demonstrators ended their morning march aimed at cutting off access to Wall Street. The officer was one of seven wounded during the day, said NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly. Scores of cops already at the scene flooded the park after the incident. No one was allowed in or out, and police were seen taking one protester, Brandon Watts, 20 – his face covered in blood – out of Zuccotti after the scary incident.
No mention of the physical harm and abuse hundreds of the protesters suffered at the hands of the NYPD, the baton beatings, the pepper spray, the Sonic Noise Machines, and indiscriminate arrests.
What complete and utter yellow journalism reminiscent of the propaganda reports used during during World War 2. The inconsistencies and lack of truth compounded by the complete blinding of objectivity makes me wonder if the NYPD, JP Morgan, and Bloomberg themselves didn't right this egregious article.
The Daily News was never a fountain of integrity when it came to reporting the news. But did you ever think you'd see the day when it sunk lower than The New York Post?
Lies, garbage, and complete utter BULLSHIT (And not even well written bullshit at that.)
The Daily News: New York's Hometown Newspaper. More like homegrown because their reporters are either smoking some killer shit, on the take, or BOTH.
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Athani is a locality in the Thrissur district, Kerala, India. It is located about 13 km from the district headquarters Thrissur. The Government Medical College, Thrissur is situated about 1.5 km from the town. Also it is the main industrial area of the Thrissur city. There are several government owned and private industries in Athani.

See also
Thrissur
Thrissur District

References

Villages in Thrissur district

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Muslim Kambohs (Kambojs) became especially influential and powerful during Mughal rule. GeneralShahbaz Khan Kamboh was the most trusted general of Akbar. Shaikh Gadai Kamboh was the Sadar-i-Jahan in Akbar's reign. Numerous other Kamboj are known to have occupied very key civil and military positions through out the Mughal reign.
A. L. Basham writes: "The administrative reforms of Akbar changed the structure ofeven the Muslimleadership. The state was no longer the monopoly of the Mughals, or even the Iranis; the Afghans, and Indian Muslims suchas Shaikhzadas, Saiyids,and Kambohsshared in its management. The hereditary status of a new entrant was animportant consideration in assigning his first mansab, but promotion dependedmainly upon talents and loyalty" .
There are numerous notable names of Muslim Kamboj in Indian history which canbe mentioned here but more important of them are listed below and described forthe knowledge of general readers.
Shaikh Jamali Kambohwas also known as Shaikh Hamid bin Fazlullah, Dervish Jamali Kamboh Dehlwi or Jalal Khan. Jamali came from a Sunni merchant family of Kamboh lineage but was initiated into Sufism by the respected teacher Hazrat Shaikh Samayuddin Kamboh. Jamali was a noted Sufi of the Suhrawardiyya sect who died in AD 1536 while accompanying the Mughal Emperor Humayun in the latter's expedition to Gujarat. He was married to the daughter of Hazrat Shaikh Samayuddin Kamboh and was the tutor of Sultan Sikandar Lodi. He lived at Mehrauli during the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodi and later composed panegyrics to the first of the Mughal emperor, Babur and his successor Humayun. A great poet of Persian language, Jamali wrote Siyar-l-Arifin (completed between AD 1530 and 1536) in Persian which is an account of the Chishti and Suhrawardi Sufis of the period. Shaikh Jamai died in 1536 AD and his tomb and a mosque known as Jamali-Kamali is situated near the Qutab Minar opposite the Ahinsa Sthal on Mehrauli's bypass.
Not much is known about Bahawuddin Kamboh. He was however an important person in Darbar-i-Akbari since emperor Akbar had deputed him as his embassy to Yusuf Chak , the king of Kashmir, to persuade or force the latter to come to an understanding with Akbar.
Amadul Malik was grandson of Shaikh Hasham Khan Kamboh. In the later years of Aurangzeb, he was the chief judge of Lahore. During Bahadhur Shah's reign, Amadul Malik was appointed the governor of Multan. Nawab Amadul Malik held a mansab of 5000 person.
====Nawab General Shahbaz Khan Kamboh==== Shahbaz Khan was one of the most trusted and ablest generals of Mughal emperor Akbar. His real name was Shahrullah and his sixth ancestor was Haji Ismail, a disciple of the renowned saint Bahauddin Zakariya of Multan. He had entered Mughal service during the time of Akbar, drew his attention and was elevated to the rank of Mir Tozak (Quarter-Master General) and later to an Amir. In 1572 he was appointed Mir Bakhshi (Paymaster-General) and the title of 'Shahbaz Khan' was conferred on him. As a Mir Bakshi, Shabaz Khabn introduced the system of Dag-o-mahali which had considerably cut down the over-heads as well as the corruption in the military departments of the Crownr. During 21ist year of his service, Shahbaz Khan proceeded against Kalah Rai and Maldeo Rai, the rebel Rathod Rajputs of Jodhpur and brought them under control. He also attacked the fort of Daigur which resulted in the deaths of numerous Rathods. Later, he also reduced the forts of Dunar and Siwanah and was made commandant of these forts by the Crown. During 23rd year of his service, Shahbaz Khan invaded Komelmer and subdued the pride of Rana Partap. Rana Partap escaped in the disguise of an ascetic to avoid the further wrath of Shabaz Khan. Bahadhur Khan-i-Shaibani and his brother Khan Zaman-i-Shaibani were Amir Viziers in the court of Akbar and both were holding big Jagirs. But they rose in rebellion against the crown. With the help of Shabaz Khan Khan, Akbar crushed the rebellion with iron hand. General Khan Zanan-i-Shaibani was killed in the battle but Bahadhur Khan was executed by Shahbaz Khan Kamboh and Rai Bansi Das Kamboh on orders of the Crown . The princes of Goganda, and Udepore also submitted to him. Shahbaz Khan setup 50 police posts in mountainous regions and 30 in the plains to keep control over the rebellious Rajputs. On 18 May 1583, he was appointed Governor of Bengal. Initially, he had commanded 5000 men and had distinguished himself greatly in Bengal, but later when operating in Brahmputra, he had commanded 9000 strong cavalry (Aina-i-Akbari, Blochman's trans, I, p 399-402). On 15 November 1583, he defeated Masum Khan Kabuli and compelled him to flee to Bhati while Jabbari, an ally of Masum Khan, fled to Kooch Bihar. In 1584, he led an expedition against Isa Khan, initially achieved a considerable success and even ravaged Katrabo, Khizirpur, Sonargaon and Egarasindhur but finally suffered a defeat in the battle of Egarasindur and Bhawal and was forced to turn back to Tanda. With reinforcements sent by Akbar, Shahbaz Khan again marched towards Bhati in 1586 and defeated Isa Khan and forced him to come to an understanding with the Crown. In November 1586, Shahbaz Khan was appointed Bakhshi (Paymaster) of Bengal in which capacity he served for two years before leaving Bengal in 1588. Shahbaz Khan Kamboh had also subdued the pride of Raja Ram Chander Sain, Rai Surjan Handa & Dauda, Raja Gajpati, Rana Sangram and the officers of Surat. He had participated in some of the most difficult expeditions of emperor Akbar and much of the territorial expansion of Akbar was due to General Shahbaz Khan Kamboh. Shahbaz Khan was a very able and efficient General and his military division was always found in excellent conditions. Shahbaz Khan died of illness on 11 November 1606 at Ajmer at the age of over 70 years. He was then on a military expedition against the Rajputs of Rajasthan. Historian Abu-L-Fazl Alami, the author of Aiana-i-Akbari, attests that Shahbaz Khan was a very competent and capable General but Abu-L-Fazal also accuses him of his Sunni fanaticism and arrogance. Many a times, he strongly opposed the emperor, but Akbar had a great regard for Shahbaz Khan and took it lightly. But once, the defiant Shabaz Khan had to be imprisoned and was released only after two years. Emperor Akbar tried his best to bring Shahbaz Khan and another General Qutb-ud-din Muhammad Khan Koka into his new faith known as Din-i-Ilahi but the move was vehemently criticized both by Shabaz Khan Kamboh as well as General Qutb-ud-din Khan. > This had created obstacles in his promotion upwards. On the other hand, many incompetent and junior officers got promoted which they did not deserve. The 9000 strong cavalry of General Shabaz Khan is said to have comprised mostly the Kamboj horsemen which included both the Muslim as well as the Hindu Kamboj soldiers. The total annual expenses on his division was over 30 Lakh Indian Ruppees during those times. Shahbaz Khan so much helped the Kamboj that no Kamboh was in economically bad condition at that time (Abu-L-Fazl Alami). He left behind a huge Jagir and treasure which was seized by Jahangir (Salim), son of Emperor Akbar.
Was official biographer of the Emperor Shah Jahan and the teacher of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Little is known of the life of Muhammad Saleh Kamboh Lahori other than the works he composed. He is stated to be younger brother of Inayat-Allah Kamboh and worked as Shahi Dewan with Governor of Lahore. Muhammad Salih is best remembered for his work Amal-i Salih, also referred to as Shah Jahan Namah (The History of Shah Jahan), which work he completed in 1659-60 AD. Amal-i-Salih is an account of the life and reign of Shah Jahan. However, the work also includes information on Shah Jahan's predecessors (particularly Akbar and Jahangir) and a compendium of biographies of the Shaikhs, poets, and other notables who were contemporaries with Shah Jahan. Muhammad Saleh Kamboh died in 1674 AD.
(1608-1671): Shaikh Inayat was a historian. He spent his early life in the service of the Mughals and was a Mir Munshi (General) of Shah Jahan, but later retired from the world and lived as a recluse beside a shrine in Delhi. Inayat-Allah Kamboh wrote several historical works, but it was his collection of tales entitled Bahar-i-Danish (completed in 1651 AD), one of the most popular textbooks of Persian, which had brought him the most fame. He died in 1671 AD at Delhi. Historian Muhammad Saleh Kamboh, younger brother of Inayat-Allah Kamboh, has praised Bahar-i-Danish(Springtime of Knowledge) as a model of sophisticated workmanship (See: Muhammad Saleh Kamboh, Vol. 2, 1660: 862). It became part of the syllabi of the Persian schools because it is mentioned in a manuscript-copy of Khulasatul Makatib, written in 1688. Thus it was used in all the Persian schools, and by all educated men and women, both Muslims and Hindus, were acquainted with it in Mughal India. During British rule too, according to the education reports, it was taught in nearly all the schools and its style and idiom were regarded as the best models of composition (Reid 1852: 54). Bahar-i Danis is a "collection of romantic and lascivious tales dealing with the tricks employed by faithless wives to deceive their doting husbands", freely adapted from an earlier Indian source Shuka-Saptati into Persian. His another important work is Takmilah-yi-Akbar-Namah which is a continuation of Abu-al-Fazl's Akbar-Namah as Kamboh narrates the last four years of emperor Akbar's reign.
Mian Jamal belonged to Jahangir's era. He was a noted scholar of Persian and Arabic languages. Tarikh Khan Jani v Makhzan Afgfhani addresses him as Fazal-i-Rozgar Janab Mian Ahmed Kamboh Dehlvi (p 516). Around 1614 A.D, Jamal wrote a famous book called Madan-e Akhbar-e Ahmadi in Persian language. The author of Makhzan Afghani pays very glowing tributes to his book. The original draft of the book is said to lie at British Museum London.
He was grandson of Khawaja Hasan and was the ruler of Marehra during Akbar's reign. He was the son-in-law of famous general of Akbar, Nawab Shahbaz Khan Kamboh.
He was the son of Nawab Mohabbat Khan. After Dara Shikoh was assassinated, he joined Aurangzeb's administration. With competency and his loyalty to the Crown, he was given a mansab of 5000 and was also awarded the title of Kheir Andesh Khan. He was also given an award of 0.7 million Darham for his meritorious military service as Faujdar at Etawa. During Bahadhur Shah's reign, his mansab was upgraded to 6000 men.
He held a mansab of 1500 during emperor Bahadhur Shah Alam Sani's reign.
was Royal Physician of emperor Bahadhur Shah Alam Sani. Was conferred the title of Hazakat Khan.
Hakim Anayat Hussain Mahravi was a good scholar and writer. Wrote many books including Silsilah-i-Aliyah, which treats of the history of the Muslim Kambohs i.e the Shaikh Kambohs. The book contains supplements from Faid Ahmad b. Dildar Ahmad (Meerut).
He was brother Asadaulla Khan and son of Ahmed Alla Khan. He was the first Indian to occupy the position Deputy Superintendent of Police and was also conferred the title of Nawab by the English Government.
Subhan Ali Khan was the Deputy Viceregent of Ghaziuddin Hyder, the ruler of Lucknow. Mirza Ghalib received an invitation to a reception in audience by the ruler's viceregent and was received splendidly in Lucknow through the mediation of Subhan Ali Khan Kamboh.
He was born in the Meerut in 24 March 1841 and came of lineage of Shaikh Abdul Momin Kamboh who held the office of Dewan-e-Tun in Shah Jahan's reign. Vaqar Mulk did his engineering from Engineering College Roorki. He served as a Law Secretary in the Government of Hyderabad Daccan for some time and then joined Revenue Department. Later he was appointed Governor of the newly established State "VRARANGLE" and with his untiring efforts, the state soon became very prosperous. Vaqar Mulk received the title of Nawab Intezar Jung from the Government of Hydrabad. Then he was appointed Revenue Secretary with the orders of Nizam of Daccan. He served as Secretary, Personal Secretary & Advisor to the Prime Minister Nawab Bashiral Daulla. On December 9, 1890, he was awarded the title of Nawab Waqarul Mulk. On October 1892, Nawab Waqarul Mulk joined M.A.O. college in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. In December 1906, the quartet Nawab Waqarul Mulk, Sir Agha Khan, Sir Shafi of Lahore and Nawab Salimullah Khan of Dhaka organised a Mohammdan Educational Conference in Calcutta and on the same occasion, they also launched a new party called All India Muslim League of which Nawab Waqarul Mulk became General Secretary. In 1907, he was appointed Honorary Secretary of M.A.O. College. In the same year he resigned from the Secretaryship of the All India Muslim League on health grounds. In 1908, the Government of India honored him with the title of Nawab. It was the magnetising personality of Nawab Waqarul Mulk which had induced Quaid-e-Azam to join the All India Muslim League which fact changed the history of Indian subcontinent. The welcome address given by Nawab Waqarul Mulk on the occasion is an important document for the Muslims. Due to bad health, Nawab Waqarul Mulk gave up the Secretaryship of Aligarh in 1912 and after a prolonged illness, he died on January 27, 1917.
Was born in 1877 at Meerut in the renowned Zuberi (Kamboh) family of India. He obtained his M.A. with distinction in Mathematics in 1898 from Aligarh and D.Sc also with distinction from Allahabad University in 1901. His brilliant academic career won him the scholarship to join the Cambridge University, England in 1901 from where he took his mathematical Tripos topping the University and became a Wrangler. He obtained his Ph.D. degree in 1905 from Gottengen University in Germany. For further education Dr Ziauddin joined Peris University and later Bologna University Italy and then on return to India, he joined the alma mater as a Professor of Mathematics. It was due to his untiring efforts that a Medical and Engineering colleges were founded and the Aligarh Muslim College was converted to Aligarh Muslim University where Dr Ziauddin Ahmad worked as a Lecturer, Professor, Principle, Pro-Vice-Chancelor, Vice-Chancelor and Rector respectively. Dr Ziauddin Ahmad can be reckoned as next to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in the spread of education among the Muslims who owe him a profound sense of gratitude. Dr Ziauddin played a dominant role in the renaissance of Muslim education in the sub-continent after Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and faithfully carried on the torch of education right to the rank and file of the Muslims throughout the sub-continent. As a very faithful successor of Sir Syed, he carried on the task of educating the people in the teeth of opposition when he proceeded to England to receive the coveted Sir Issac Newton Scholorship. In 1917 Dr. Ziauddin was also appointed member of the Calcutta University Commission of which Sir Michael Saddler was the President. Dr Ziauddin Ahmad rendered yeoman's services to the Muslims of the sub-continent, worked for their progress and welfare and devoted all his life to the eradication of ignorance and illiteracy. He became member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of UP in 1991 and 1922. The second Muslim Kamboh Conference held at Marehra (District Etha U.P) on 21st & 22nd April 1935 in Marison Islamia School was presided over by Dr Ziauddin Ahmed. He was one of the earliest members of the All-India Muslim League and stuck to the organization till the end of his life. As desired by Quaid-e-Azam, Dr Ziauddin became Parliamentary Secretary of the Muslim League in the Central Assembly of India in 1938. Dr Ziaddun remained member (M.P.) of Central Assembly of India from 1930 till 1947. In 1946, he was the chief whip of the Muslim League in the Central Assembly. He was awarded the title of Sir by the Government of India. Dr Ziauddin did an outstanding job in Budget-making for the Indian Railways and later also worked with the Reserve Bank of India and he achieved the goals which the Indian National Congress had fought and lost. Dr Sir Ziauddin Ahmad was a trusted Lieutenant and Associate of the Muslim pioneers like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Nawab Waqarul Mulk Kamboh, Nawab Mohsinul Mulk, Sir Sultan Muhammad Khan Aga Khan 111, Syedna Tahir Saifuddin, Quaid-e-Azam and Quaid-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan. After partition, the family of Dr Sir Ziauddin moved to Pakistan. In August 1947, he was appointed advisor to Government of Pakistan by Quaid-e-Azam Mr Muhammad Ali Jinah. Dr Sir Ziauddin died on December 23, 1947 and in compliance of his wishes, his body was brought to India and buried within the campus of Aligarh Muslim University. Dr Sir Ziauddin Ahmad's daughter Dr Mrs Aijaz Fatima Tajammul, her husband Dr Tajammul Hussain, and Dr Asim Hussain have done a good job by establishing in Pakistan the important institutions viz: Dr Sir Ziauddin Memorial Hospital, Dr Sir Ziauddin Post-Graduate Medical Institute and Dr Sir Ziauddin Medical College all running under Dr Sir Ziauddin Ahmad University. This was an excellent step to perpetuate the memory of the great scholar and educationist of the Kamboj lineage. Dr Sir Ziaddun was the first Kamboj to have become a member of Indian Parliament (M.P.) and was also the first Kamboj to have been knighted as Sir .
He is another very important Kamboh hero of the pre-independence days. Bar-at-law by training, Muhammad Yamin Khan belonged to Meerut and was a prominent legal luminary, statesman, politician, parliamentarian and one of the senior most members of the All India Muslim League. British Government recognized him for his outstanding social and legal services and had knighted him by with the titles of Sir and Nawab. A close confidant of Quaid-e-Azam, Sir Yamin Khan was a member of the working committee of All India Muslim League. He also remained Deputy President of the Indian legislative council. Sir Muhammad Yamin Khan was also the President of the third Kamboh Conference held in Bareilly in 1936. His brother Chaudhry Muhammad Yamin Khan was also a highly educated person and a prominent Judge of pre-independence period. After partition, the family had moved to Karachi, Pakistan where Sir Muhammad Yamin Khan soon died. Sir Muhammad Yamin Khan was the second Kamboj member to be knighted as Sir and also was the second Kamboj member of the Indian Parliament (M.P.) .
He joined the State of Malerkotla as a revenue officer, but was soon promoted and worked as Justice, Collector, Accountant General and Police Chief. Later he was also appointed Revenue Minister of the State. After partition and on the merger of Malerkotla into "Patiala and East Punjab States Union" (PEPSU), Babu Maula Bakhash was appointed its Administrator.
Secretary Harkaran Ibn Mathuradas Kamboh Multani (d 1631). Harkaran was son of Mathura Das Kamboh and belonged to Multan which was a great center of learning during Mughal reign. Harkaran Kamboh was a noted scholar of Arabic and Persian languages. His father was also a good poet of Persian language. Harkaran is best known for his book Insa-yi-Harkaran written in Persian language (1625-1631) during the last days of Jahangir and early days of Shah Jehan. The work was compiled between 1625 AD and 1631 AD. It is stated that, one day in the reign of the Emperor Shah Jahan, Harkaran Kamboh had sat at "the seat of Empire in the city of Matura" and devoted himself to improving his skills as Munshi (Secretary). There followed a selection of letters to different classes of people indicating how 'princes write to princes', diplomatic (firmans, parwanahs), letters between notables and legal documents including certificate for the sale of a slave girl etc. The result was his famous Insa-yi-Harkaran in Persian language which soon became an established model of excellence. Insa-yi-Harkaran is divided into seven sections and contains models of letters and other documents relating to the State. Furthermore, Insa-yi-Harkaran was also used as a model for diplomatic correspondence with the native princes and potentates by the British in India and also as a model for school children learning Persian-letter writing in the schools. Not much is known about his other works but Insa-yi- Harkaran was indeed considered an excellent book till British rule. In the beginning of his book, Harkaran introduces himself as Faqir Haqir Hechamdan Azhaf Man Abdullah Al-Samad Harkaran Valad Mathuradas Kamboh Multani .
He was son of Rai Narayan Das and grandson of Rai Jado. He also wielded a great influence in Jahangir's court. He expanded the boundaries of his village Rai Pur which he renamed as Raipore Bidi Chand. Rai Bidi Chand had two sons viz Rai Dalpat and Rai Khemkaran and one daughter named Bibi Ramo. The total Jagir in the name of Raipur Bid Chand at this time is said to be 52 villages. Rai Bidi Chand gave 8 villages of his Jagir in marriage to his daughter Bibi Ramo.
He was an important noble in the Mughal court and held a mansab of 1000 men during reign of Shah Jahan. Two Kamboj colonies in Lahore known as Kambohwaras were founded by Rai Dalpat. He also founded another Kamboj colony in Sutar Mandi. Rai Dalpat Rai had five sons viz Haspat Rai, Bhupat Rai, Gajpat Rai, Raghupat Rai and Narpat Rai. Narpat Rai moved to Delhi and permanently settled there. Rai Gajpat Rai was a high ranking military officer but had embraced Islam during Aurangzeb's rule. He was renamed as Abdul Mahbud Khan Sajani. He was also conferred the title of Nawab. Following the example of Rai Gajpat Rai, the entire Kamboj community of one of the two Kamboj colonies of Lahore also embraced Islam.
was a great landlord from Nibber clan of the Kamboj and was a dedicated Sikh of Guru-Ghar. He had two sons viz: Mool Chand and Amar Chand. Mool Chand was a great warrior and had fought valiantly for the tenth Lord in the battle of Nadaun on March 20, 1691 and achieved martyrdom (Ref: Aina-i-Khemkaran; also: Guru Kian Sakhian, Prof Piara Singh Padam, Index). Amar Chand took Amrit and became S. Amar Singh. He was a renowned Sikh warrior from the Khemkaran and would wield in the battles a double-edged sword (Kharasang or Khanda) said to be weighing over 20 Kilogram according to Sikh chronicler Giani Gian Singh (Kharasang swa man ki, jang vich chalaai). After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadhur, S Amar Singh succeeded him and became the chief of the Bandai Khalsa . In 1723 AD, a pernicious fight broke out between the Tat Khalsa and Bandai Khalsa in the Prikarama of Golden Temple. S. Amar Singh gave a memorable fight but finally achieved martyrdom after killing numerous of his adversaries (Ibid). Bhai Mool Chand had a son called Lakha, who took Amrit and became Bhai Lakha Singh. He was such an illustrious warrior that he was nicknamed Lakha Singh Wad-Partapi (i.e. Lakha Singh, the great & illustrious). With the strength of his own arms, he had greatly expanded the boundaries of Khemkaran. He was greatly respected by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who would always address him as Baba Ji. During Ranjit Singh's rule, many Sikh Kambohs of Khemkaran held high military ranks in the regiment of Dewan Sawan Mall (a Chopra Khatri) and later of his son Dewan Mool Raj, both Governors of Multan. But numerous other Kambohs from Punjab were, however, organized into a regiment under Akali Phula Singh (a Kamboj Sikh warrior). After Akali's martyrdom in 1823 AD, most of these Kamboh soldiers are said to have joined the ranks of Dewan Sawan Mall's regiment and later that of Dewan Mool Raj.
The Kambohs held Nakodar in Jullundur and Sohna in Gurgaon some centuries ago; and the tombs and mosques that they have left in Sohna show that they must have enjoyed considerable position .
Empire and Information: Intelligence Gathering and Social Communication in India, 1780-1870 (Cambridge Studies in Indian History and Society), Cambridge University Press 2000, p 285, C. A. Bayly, Rajnarayan Chandavarkar, Gordon Johnson, and C.A. Bayly; also: Language, Ideology and Power: Language-Learning among the Muslims of Pakistan and North India, 2002 - Oxford University Press, USA, p 126, Tariq Rahman.


DC Comics' solicitations are arriving later today, but ahead of the publisher's full slate of titles and cover art for December 2017, we've got a look at series artist Gary Frank's covers for the second issue of the highly anticipated Doomsday Clock.
The covers, revealed in a tweet by series writer Geoff Johns, follow in the footsteps of those for the event title's first issue. Both covers show a heavy influence from artist Dave Gibbons' iconic Watchmen series, and both tease some pretty major events to unfold in the second issue.
The first cover is both significant and confusing; the image is a shot of what appears to be at least one, possibly two costumes, lying in a crumpled heap on the floor. And while the costumes are unfamiliar, those who have read Alan Moore and Gibbons' seminal series will immediately recognize the unmistakable Nostalgia logo on several products strewn about the floor. Nostalgia is, of course the brand of Adrian Veidt's line of cosmetics in the Watchmen universe, its products appearing throughout the entire 12-issue series.
Speaking of Veidt, while Lex Luthor is the most visible figure in Frank's second cover, Superman's longtime enemy and current ally is not alone. To Lex's right (our left), we see a hand on his shoulder, wearing the unmistakable gauntlet of Ozymandias, the superhero (or villain) identity of Adrian Veidt. Luthor, who has spent months building his reputation as a bonafide superhero, and who has even struck up the beginning of a friendship with Superman, looks more like his former, villainous self in the image than readers have grown accustomed to of late.
To make the image even more intriguing, not only does Lex look angry and, well, evil, he apparently has in his possession the Comedian's iconic smiley face button. This, of course, raises a host of other questions, not the least of which is how he and Ozymandias managed to get their hands on the object. The last it was seen in the DC Universe, it was at the center of a Batman and Flash crossover, where it was responsible for the resurrection of the pre-Flashpoint era Reverse Flash.
Doomsday Clock #1 is scheduled for release on Nov. 22. Issue 2 arrives in late December. This will be Geoff Johns' first foray into comics since last year's DC Universe Rebirth #1; he will be joined on the project by Gary Frank and Brad Anderson.


Eric makes these, and they are the *best* scones ever. No, I'm not biased, why do you ask?
Set oven rack to middle position and preheat to 400°.
Mix flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Grate butter into the flour mixture and work in with your fingers. Stir in raisins/currants/cranberries.
Whisk together egg and sour cream until smooth.
Using a fork, stir together the sour cream mixture with the flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Press together with your hands to form a ball.
Place on a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7 to 8 inch circle. Sprinkle with 1 tsp sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles.
Place on a lined cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden, about 15 to 17 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes then serve.
One of the commenters on Allrecipes recommends doing this all in your food processor. Works like a charm!
"I mixed these up using my food processor and the results were fantastic... and so easy.. put flour and dry ingredients in first... spin the butter around til it flakes... then add the sour cream, eggs and dried fruit..til it forms a ball... then proceed with the recipe as written."


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Little League Umpires Needed --- No Previous Experience Necessary
Minimal physical requirements: Are you.... able to stand for 2 - 3 hours at a time, able to squat for short periods, able to make simple decisions? YOU CAN BE AN UMPIRE!! Contact MMLL UIC for more information at [email protected].
The Role of the Volunteer Umpire
As a Little League Umpire your role is to control the game and the fans in some cases. Emotions can run high, excitment can be overcoming.
An Umpire must keep his cool under some the most challenging situations.
It is very simple.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Rule 1) Zero tolerance of verbal abuse from anyone to any Umpire. Ejection.
Rule 2) Zero tolerance of physical abuse from anyone to anyone.
This is a great opportunity to examplify the correct way to handle conflicts with rules and regulations in the presence of minors.
Often an overlooked aspect of the Little League program, umpiring is one of the most important. The volunteer umpire is as much a part of Little League as the volunteer manager, coach or concession stand worker.
There is no sound reason for paying umpires, or any other person whose services should be provided on a volunteer basis. Many districts and leagues have found successful ways to operate volunteer umpiring programs, helping to defray the costs that might normally be passed on to the parents. Some leagues provide new equipment or uniforms to umpires to use in performing their service to the league, then the umpire can retain the items after a certain period of time.
Little League also offers many training materials, clinics and seminars on umpire education, as well as the Little League Umpire Registry. The registry allows volunteer umpires to receive regular mailings from Headquarters on rule interpretations, updates, etc.
Who is responsible for the conduct of umpires? First and foremost, it is the umpire himself/herself. Each of us in Little League must take responsibility for our own actions. However, umpires are appointed by the local league president and approved by the local league board of directors. Only the local league board of directors has the authority to dismiss or suspend any local league umpire from regular season games.
A select group of volunteer umpires whose knowledge, experience and demeanor have received recognition at top levels of Tournament Play are invited each year to officiate at one of the World Series tournaments. In keeping with the volunteer aspect of the local league, travel expenses for World Series umpires are borne by the umpires themselves.
The District Administrator is responsible for nominating umpires (those who volunteer their time to local Little Leagues within the district) for upper level tournaments. Most umpires who reach the pinnacle of youth sports officiating (one of the World Series of Little League Baseball or Softball) have been volunteering their time to local Little Leagues for a decade or more.
Umpire Links
The Scott Index for the Beginning Umpire http://www.eteamz.com/admin/sitez/download.cfm?id=1910229&site=1639590
The LL Rules Index http://llumpires.com/rules/index.html
Little League Umpire Registry!! http://www.littleleague.org/umpires/2012UmpRegistry.htm
Gear to make you look like a GOOD Umpire! Shirts, pants, socks, shoes! Oh my!
http://www.honigs.com/
http://www.ump-attire.com/baseball.html
http://www.officialgear.com/
http://www.gerrydavis.com/mm5/category/Baseball_Umpire
The Umpires 12 Commandments
1. Do not talk to players or coaches while the ball is in play.
2. Be polite to league officials.
3. Keep your uniform in good condition.
4. Take your time.
5. Keep the game moving.
6. Do not even up.
7. Do not lose your temper.
8. Keep your eye on the ball.
9. Do not call plays too quick.
10. Get help if necessary.
11. Get into position.
12. Be courteous, impartial, and firm.
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125 Years of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport [video]
125 years is a long time for any company to be in existence. While some auto manufacturers are just a few decades old, the firm credited with inventing the modern motor car has been in operation for well over a century. Even more impressive is that it has been competing in motorsport for most of that time. Here is a great video outlining 125 Years of Mercedes-Benz motorsport.
Click here to read how Mercedes-Benz Formula One cars came to be known as the Silver Arrows and click here to read a review and preview ahead of the 1 000th Grand Prix.
A long walk down memory lane
Current Mercedes-AMG F1 boss Toto Wolf and various other Mercedes-Benz motorsport luminaries give us an overview of the long-standing motorsport history of the brand, from the very earliest days of competition to the current successes. Incidentally, Hans Hermann, interviewed in the video, was the first driver to win overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Porsche. Click here to see a gallery of iconic Le Mans-winning cars.
Click here to read our Mercedes-AMG C43 driving review and click here to read about the power outputs of the upcoming A45 AMG.
Mercedes has succeeded in every formula it has contested and helped launch the careers of several famous racing drivers, not least of all Michael Schumacher. The video below is essential viewing for anyone calling themselves a motorsport fan.
While some remained as static displays many of the old racecars were also driven, sometimes in anger, by current and previous Mercedes-Benz works drivers.
See the classic W125 from 1937 in action here. Catch the 190E DTM racer on track here.
There are some great behind-the-scenes clips here as well: Behind the scenes.
125 Years of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport video:
By Banzai|Apr 12th, 2019|Categories: Mercedes, Motorsport, Videos|Tags: 125 Years of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, Mercedes, Mercedes F1, Motorsport|
Tune your car buddies about this post
About the Author: Banzai
Banzai Matai - Your Petrolhead Concierge Racer F1 fan Motor noter Test driver Motorsport enthusiast Lover of life More about me and Double Apex
Tweets by banzaimatai
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Testing Times: Part One (Ice and Sleeping Drunkards)
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GAS Car Collection Features a Kooky Mix of Vehicles [video]


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Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run's Faustino de Tili turnaround to win $36,000 Bainbridge 1.45m Classic
Winter Equestrian Festival 2019 – Week 5
Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run's Faustino De Tili. Photo © Sportfot.
The fifth week at the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) features CSI 5* competition, and on Friday, February 8, the highlight class was the $36,000 Bainbridge 1.45m Classic. Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run's Faustino de Tili took the top prize in the speed class.
WEF continues with 12 weeks of top hunter, jumper, and equitation competition through March 31. Week 5 features the $391,000 Fidelity Investments® Grand Prix CSI 5* on Saturday, February 9, at 7 p.m.
In the $36,000 Bainbridge 1.45m Classic CSI 5*, there were 55 entries competing over a speed format course designed by Kelvin Bywater (GBR). There were 17 clear rounds, and the fastest of them all was Vanderveen on her partner of four years, Bull Run's Faustino de Tili, owned by Bull Run Jumpers Five LLC. They made short work of the course, coming home in a time of 57.73 seconds.
Second place went to Todd Minikus (USA) riding Bit By Bit Group's Amex Z, who had a time of 58.12 seconds. Karen Polle (JPN) and her own Little Lord 90 were third in 58.37 seconds.
The win in the Bainbridge 1.45m Classic came off the heels of an elimination in Thursday's $136,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 for Vanderveen and Bull Run's Faustino de Tili. It was a solid turnaround the following day for Vanderveen and the talented stallion.
Vanderveen said that it's the "million-dollar question" to figure out when "Frosty" might not feel like competing for the day. "I've had him for almost four years now, so yesterday is easier for me to accept now," Vanderveen admitted. "Some days he comes out and there's five percent chance that happens, but the other 95 percent chance is that he's a winner. At this point, it doesn't really bother me. I know it's just a fluke that it can happen. Then I came out today thinking, 'Give it a go and win the money we can still win.'"
While Vanderveen did not get to see others go before her, she did compete earlier in the class with Bull Run's Prince of Peace, which gave her an idea of the course. "I know Frosty's really fast," she said, "so I figured if I stayed on a tidy track and pushed him on, that he would be in the top three. I was hoping."
Showing in her first week of FEI competition for the 2019 season, Vanderveen has made the most of it, winning a five-star class for the second time this week. Vanderveen has five "really competitive" horses currently showing at the international level, a position that took her years to build.
"I've been developing them and taking my time," she said. "Now it's kind of coming to the point where those three are ready to add on to my string coming in behind Frosty. He's actually the only one left from my older set of horses. It's been fun to see that develop. It's a challenging thing to do. It's coming together the last two years, [and] it's great to have it pay off and see the horses perform at a high level and have it be a success."
While show jumping is Frosty's main job, the "really gentle" stallion has also started breeding. The 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood by Berlin x Darco is a BWP ambassador stallion and only has two babies on the ground – one five-year-old bred by his breeder Lieven Bruyneel, and a yearling named Bull Run's Creation that is a homebred out of Vanderveen's former five-star jumper, Holy Smokes.
"That's kind of new and exciting," said Vanderveen. "We all want to believe that we're going to breed the next superstar, but I think it's more fun. If it can work out, great!"
In addition to their class win, Bull Run's Faustino de Tili and Vanderveen were presented with the Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award by Laura Fetterman.
Click here for full results
Press release from Equestrian Sport Productions
Photo © Sportfot
Previous article Leopold van Asten leads the way at the Winter ...
Next article Eoin McMahon believes the clock is broken when ...
Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run's Faustino De Tili close out SRJT Columbus with win in $100,000 FEI Grand Prix
Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run's Risen rise to $72,900 Premier Equestrian 1.50m CSI5* win
Vanderveen ends week 5 with 1.50m victory on Bull Run's Prince of Peace
"Frosty" flies to $35,000 Trelawny Farm Welcome Stake CSI4* win with Kristen Vanderveen at American Gold Cup
Sweet taste of victory for Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run's Faustino De Tili in CSI4* $204,000 Coca-Cola® Grand Prix for the Governor's Cup


The API call/minute limit has changed to API call/month. The limit is reset monthly when the billing cycle renews. Keep in mind that "monthly" does not mean "from the first day of a month till the first day of the next month". Instead, every app has its own billing cycle, which renews every month on the date when the app switched to the current billing plan.
The API/month limit cannot be increased for the Free and Developer plans, however, for the Cloud9 and Cloud99 plans any overages for the API calls above the limit are automatically processed for the rate of $1.00/100,000 API calls for the Cloud9 plan and $0.80/100,000 API calls for the Cloud99 plan.
The price of the Developer plan has been increased to $15.00/month. For all customers who were on the Developer plan prior to Backendless 5 release, the change will apply in 2 months.
Backendless offers three billing plans to choose from – Free, Cloud9 and Cloud99. You can see the details of all the plan on the Backendless Cloud Pricing page. Each plan has its own limits which can be be increased/customized for the Cloud9/99 plans. A plan customization is done via a purchase of a "Function Pack" from our Marketplace. For example, take the Cloud9 plan. The plan offers up to 3 custom security roles. The number of roles created in an app on that plan can be increased to be unlimited with a purchase of the "Unlimited custom roles" function pack ($20/month). Likewise, all other limits in that plan (or in the Cloud99 plan) can be increased or removed.


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Photo Gallery - Ajith
Ajith T-shirt Stills
Photo(s) : 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 View All
Name : Ajith Kumar Subramani
Born : 1 May 1971 (age 42)
Place : Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
Residence : Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Other names : Thala
Occupation : Film actor, promotional model, Racing driver, Philanthropist
Years active : 1992–present
Spouse(s) : Shalini Kumar (2000–present)
Children : Anoushka
Ajith Kumar (born 1 May 1971) is an Indian film actor working predominantly in Tamil cinema. He has won three Filmfare Best Actor Awards, all for films which showcased him in multiple roles. In addition to his acting, Ajith, in a sabbatical, participated in the 2004 British Formula Three season as a Formula Two racing driver and was ranked the third best motor car driver in India at his peak. He began his career as a supporting actor in a Telugu film before gaining critical recognition in the Tamil thriller Aasai (1995), before going on to establish himself as a romantic hero with Kadhal Kottai (1996), Aval Varuvala (1998) and Kadhal Mannan (1998) being the most notable. He was later seen in method roles as in Vaali (1999), Mugavaree (2000), Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000) and Citizen (2001) before establishing himself as an action hero with popular films, including Amarkalam (1999), Dheena (2001), Villain (2002), Attagasam (2004), Varalaru (2006), Billa (2007), Mankatha (2011), Arrambam (2013) and Veeram (2014)
Tags: Actor Ajith, Ajith Kumar, Tamil Actor Ajith, Ajith Mass, Billa, Mangatha, Thala, Aaarambam, Thala Ajith
Jai (4)
Shahid Kapoor (6)
Salman Khan (6)
Hrithik Roshan (6)
Ranbir Kapoor (5)
Sharukh Khan (7)
Vishal (7)
Vimal (6)
Sivakarthikeyan (5)
Vijay Sethupathi (5)
Jiiva (4)
Simbu (16)
Jeyam Ravi (8)
Dhanush (11)
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Using AI to prevent blindness
We're using artificial intelligence to help healthcare workers detect diabetic retinopathy, with future possibilities of AI algorithms to assist clinicians in identifying other diseases.
Artificial intelligence in ophthalmology is a daunting challenge
Diabetic retinopathy creates lesions in the back of the retina that can lead to total blindness. It's important to screen people diagnosed with diabetes early, but with over 420 million people with diabetes globally, checking on every patient is an impossible task. Both the lack of awareness of the disease and the resources to screen it are huge issues.
Teaching AI to detect disease
In research published in JAMA, Google's artificial intelligence accurately interpreted retinal scans to detect diabetic retinopathy. The tricky part was creating a data set for the AI model to learn from – a task which required a large team of ophthalmologists scoring and labeling scans one by one for different grades of severity.
Developing a diabetic retinopathy screening solution
Google worked with a large team of ophthalmologists who helped us train the AI model by manually reviewing more than 100,000 de-identified retinal scans. This led to a development of an AI-based application called Automated Retinal Disease Assessment. This application can help doctors expand high-quality diabetic retinopathy screening programs in countries without enough eye specialists, such as India and Thailand.
Dr. Lily Peng, leading the charge
Lily, who leads the team behind the AI technology, was named one of the "40 Under 40" emerging leaders in healthcare, by Fortune.
"The bigger promise of AI in healthcare is to make good care accessible to more people"
Deployed across the globe
Our solution is being used to detect diabetic retinopathy in India and Thailand, and we intend to expand in Europe as well. We are working with multiple partners to make this solution available around the world, especially in the areas which have lower access to specialist care.
A future of diagnostic tools
We are optimistic that many more patients with diabetes could keep their vision in part to Automated Retinal Disease Assessment assisting doctors in spotting diabetic retinopathy. Our early research on the continuing possibilities of AI algorithms diagnosing serious diseases is encouraging and we anticipate a world in which simple screening tools might be used to identify conditions. Read more
Healed through A.I. | The Age of A.I.
The human body is not infallible, but through the wonders of A.I. research scientists are finding ways to address those imperfections. One of those areas of research is through the human eye to detect diabetic retinopathy.
The Age of A.I. Series, YouTube. Copyrights by Network Entertainment


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Augusta Scam Of Chhattisgarh Govt: A Single Vendor, 30% Commission, Foreign Bank Account of CM's Son. Yet No Investigation
13 May 2016 9:15 AM GMT
Source:�swarajabhiyan | Image Courtesy:�business-standard

Source:�swarajabhiyan | Image Courtesy:�business-standard

There has been a lot of heat and dust recently about the purchase of Augusta Westland helicopters by the Central Govt during UPA regime. There appears to be a scam in the deal. Bribes have been paid. Why was it made into a single vendor contract? Who got the money is still being investigated.
Another Augusta Scam
The apparent earnestness of the present govt to go after the culprits of the 2010 Agusta deal is indeed commendable. But what is interesting is that another Augusta deal took place in Chhattisgarh in the year 2007, which though is equally if not more dubious, has gone without any investigation by the same central govt despite it having being brought to the govt. notice by the CAG report of 2011 (Annexure-34), and several letters of a former secretary to the govt. of India Mr. EAS Sarma (Annexure-35).
How it unfolded?
On 19th Dec, 2006, for the first time, a note is prepared by the Department of Civil Aviation of Chattisgarh about the need of a new VIP Helicopter since the earlier ones were requiring a lot of maintenance. It is proposed that inquiries should be made from various Helicopter manufacturing companies. (Annexure-1)
Amazingly however, within 3 days of this note, on 22 Dec, 2006, a meeting takes place between the representatives of one OSS (supposedly the service provider of Augusta W Helicopters) in which OSS makes a presentation to the Chhattisgarh govt. about Augusta 109 Helicopter, and within days thereafter makes an offer to supply this helicopter at USD 6.31 million to the govt. (Annexure-3) After that there is some correspondence with the Augusta company which tells the Chhattisgarh govt. that if the Chhattisgarh govt. were to buy directly from Augusta, it would have to wait for more than 2 years and therefore, it should deal with its dealer / distributor Sharp Ocean based in Hong Kong, which is a company registered in British Virgin Islands, who may be able to supply a pre-sold Helicopter earlier. (Annexure-4) Sharp Ocean through its subsidiary OSS had already quoted a price of 6.31 million (Annexure-3) which supposedly includes a commission of USD 200000 payable to Sharp for arranging a pre-sold helicopter to be delivered earlier than what Agusta could deliver. A team is sent to Hong Kong to negotiate this premium of USD 200000 down with Sharp. This team returns empty handed without any assurance of lowering the premium of USD 200,000. (Annexure-x) The Govt. of Chhattisgarh proposes to go in for "Global Tenders". (Annexure-18)
Shoddy Deals
On 30th May, 2007 a "Global Tender" is issued by the Chattisgarh govt. calling for suppliers who could supply Augusta 109 Power E Helicopter! (Annexure-20). No attempt is made even at this stage to call for genuine global tenders from different manufacturers across the world. It may be noted that there are at least 10 other helicopter manufacturers, manufacturing similar Helicopters, of the same range, passenger capacity etc. In response to this so called Global Tender, 3 bids are supposedly received – 1 from Aguusta itself, 1 from Sharp Ocean (Agusta's dealer based in Hong Kong) & another from OSS (Agusta's maintenance service provider based in India). (Annexure-22) OSS quotes the highest price of 28.36 Cr, Agusta quotes a price of 29.77 Cr. and Sharp Ocean quotes a slightly lower price of USD 6.57M (Eq to 26.11 Cr). Ann 22. On this basis the Chhattisgarh govt. decided to purchase the helicopter from Sharp Ocean at USD 6.57 Million. The invoice which was given later shows that the price payable to Augusta was USD 5.1 million(Annexure-30) while USD 1.57 million is the commission payable to Sharp Ocean. (Annexure-27 Page 79) A contract is thereafter signed in Oct, 2007 which mentions that the delivery would be made by Dec, 2007 when final payment would have to be made. (Annexure-28) In between a tri-partite agreement with Serum Institute (owned by Mr. Cyrus Poonawalla whose brother's name has also found mention in the Panama papers) is signed showing that Serum Institute which had ordered a Helicopter in May, 2006 was foregoing its rights in favour of Sharp Ocean and that Sharp was selling the same to the Govt. of Chhattisgarh. (Annexure-28)
In sum therefore, a helicopter comes to be purchased by the Govt. of Chattisgarh from a shady dealer registered in the British Virgin Islands by paying it a commission of USD 1.57 million (roughly 30% of the helicopter cost), without any effort to inquire about other helicopters which may be more suitable or cheaper. Current internet inquiry shows that helicopters of atleast 4 different companies, of similar range and capacity are available from prices ranging from USD 1.3 million to USD 2.6 million. All this while, a charade is made of inviting global tenders etc. The CAG has also indicted Chattisgarh Govt. in its 2011 report for having wasted considerable money by going through this charade of Global Tender etc. (Annexure-34)
Involvement of CM's son
What makes this case even more interesting is the discovery of an account opened by the son of the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Abhishek Singh through a company called Quest Heights Ltd. which appears to have been incorporated in British Virgin Islands on 3rd July, 2008 (6 months after the bulk of the payment was made by the Chhattisgarh Govt. to Sharp Ocean). (Annexure-33 Page 114-126) At around the same time, Abhishek's previous employers, the Sharda Brothers set up another company in the British Virgin Islands by the name of Ideal positioning (Annexure-32 Page 105-113). These facts are available in the ICIJ website for several years. Though the name mentioned in this account is Abhishek Singh, the address of the Company Quest Heights is shown as Raman Medical, Kawardha which is the same as shown in the Affidavit of Raman Singh. This account of Abhishek Singh's company was brought to the notice of Govt. of India by the former secretary to the Govt. of India Mr. EAS Sarma by letter dated 15th March, 2015. (Annexure-35)Subsequently vide letter dated 7/5/16. Mr.Sarma also mentioned about the curious manner of this deal mentioned in the CAG report of 2011.
While the Central govt is trying to put the previous UPA government in sticky wickets for the Augusta Scam, The Logical Indian believes that equal importance should be given for the investigation of the Augusta Scam unfolded in Chhattisgarh.


Old and older. #Havana transportation. .
Hard not to take photos around every corner. This place is fabulous.
Dress rehearsal time!!!! Super excited!
El modo más cómodo de conocer una ciudad es averiguar cómo se trabaja en ella, cómo se ama y cómo se muere.
Vielä muutama #kauppurienkatu otos tänne ennen seuraavaa sarjaa.
Colours of #Fontainhas On an early monsoon morning. In another time. One of my favourite places in the whole world 💕 .
— "There is no authority but yourself" — .
26/04/19 • Waiting for some inspiration to hit.
Since Piura was so quiet during Fiestas Patrias, I took a colectivo (shared taxi) to nearby town Catacaos for a few hours. Turned out that's where all the people were!
Street photography is where the people are, even the beach. .
1895 - The 1884 Western Union telegraph Building - at 186 Fifth Avenue (and 23rdSt). Designed by the same architect of the Dakota Apartments, this was built for Western Union's offices. There are pneumatic tubes that connect this building to the downtown Western Union building at 145 Broadway two miles south. Messages could cover that distance in under two minutes. Today they are condos.
Keep on walking and tagging #josetorowalkers for a chance to be featured!


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Marilyn Cohodas
6 Biometric Factors That Are Working Today
From fingerprints to wearable ECG monitors, there are real options in the market that may relegate the despised password to the dustbin of history.
Google "I hate passwords" and you'll get 3.25 million results. If that isn't unshakeable evidence that the world is desperate for a better solution, then I will tear up all those sticky notes pasted on my laptop.
What's the alternative? I'm putting my money on biometrics.
Yes, biometrics have been touted for a long time. But in recent years, the technology has overcome some major hurdles -- among them cost, ease of use, and access -- paving the way for some very interesting possibilities in authentication solutions that will (hopefully) relegate the despised password to the dustbin of history.
Like any security technology, there is no perfect solution. But one thing is for sure, biometrics are no longer a futuristic fantasy. There are real solutions that are working today with even more on the horizon. Let's take a look.
At Walt Disney World, biometric measurements are taken from the fingers of guests to ensure that a ticket is used by the same person from day to day.
(Image: Wikipedia)
Marilyn has been covering technology for business, government, and consumer audiences for over 20 years. Prior to joining UBM, Marilyn worked for nine years as editorial director at TechTarget Inc., where she launched six Websites for IT managers and administrators supporting ... View Full Bio
Page 1 / 3 > >>
Marilyn Cohodas,
User Rank: Strategist
Re: correct me if I'm wrong
It could be a combo of the "good old fashioned" password with a biometric for a while. But I still believe the future is with biometrics... especially as these factors become more common and accepted.
Bprince,
I still believe in the good old fashion password, but I would like to see retina scanners used. Not like Minority Report exactly, but I think as an authentication measure I find it fascinating.
Robert McDougal,
CardicRythm is pretty close, but you are right it requires that "intrusive" wearable bracelet. I am hoping for sensors so sensitive they can detect the minute electrical fields surrounding us all.
Yeah, I am a big nerd.....
Isn't that how Cardiac Rhythm works? That sounds like a pretty cool and promising biometric, although it sounds like it would require a wearable bracelet of some sort, which some people might find intrustive. (sigh) No perfect solution. But we can't let perfect be the enemy of good!
MarilynCoh,
Ok. I concede that there is a lot of skepticism about fingerprints -- legitimate or not. But what about some of the other types? Eye, Palm, behavioral? Does any one agree with me that some type of biometric is preferable to passwords?
Call me paranoid, but I don't like fingerprint authentication. It could be because of all of those James Bond movies but I see my fingerprint as a liability.
Let's say that someone wants to authenticate as me. They follow me to starbucks where I proceed to buy an Venti White Mocha =), which I consume in the store. I throw my empty container in the trash and leave. The attacke walks over to the trash pulls out my empty container and now they have my fingerprint.
If we use DNA, what about twins?
Call me Mr. Sci-Fi but I would like to see authentication based on a persons unique electrical field. Walk up to a device it detects the faint electrical field surrounding you and grants you access.
bpaddock,
8/15/2014 | 12:46:16 PM
For a short time period cars sold in Japan had fingerprint scanners in place of the door locks. That technology rapidly went back to keys when thugs started cutting off fingers to steal the cars.
Show me a biometric scanner, such as one based on the eye, that will authenticate you after you've been hit in the face by an airbag in a car accident. Airbags are *not* big fluffy pillows when you are going 50+ MPH. How happy will you be that you can't call your family for help because your phone things they injured you, is not you?


Resolution: Set Goals & Don't Flake on the Resolutions!
Oh yes, it is that time of year again... time to set some goals and make some resolutions. I'm going to be sharing a few books over the next week or two that might help readers meet some of these hypothetical resolutions -- or just might be interesting to check out!
If you want to change your habits and really get a head start on your New Year's Resolutions, start with this.
I've read all of Rubin's books, and I usually appreciate the content while being irritated with the tone. Rubin's style annoys me a bit, and her fixation on strategically optimizing happiness in her previous books was something I could never get behind fully. I wanted to, I just don't believe that "happiness" is the primary aim of life, so it was hard to fully engage. As she says herself in this book, in a conversation with her sister, "You think I'm judgemental?", and yes, that does indeed come across in all of her books. At least she acknowledges it here, sounding more self-aware.
Rubin makes the excellent point, backed up by studies that she references, as usual, that willpower just isn't enough. To make a change, we've got to do more than just *want* to do something, no matter how much we want it. We've got to set up systems that support our goals becoming habits, habits that will become automatic and help us on our way instead of hindering. As she says, "change our surroundings, not ourselves". It's all logical, really, but she goes on to share action steps to get us to that point -- ie: if you can't help shopping online, erase the bookmarks to your favourite stores instead of depending on your ability to withstand temptation while browsing.
The book is set up very logically, with an introduction to what she calls "The Four Tendencies", basically, four categories for the way in which people respond to inner and outer expectations. She then goes through how and when to manage habits for each of these diverse tendencies, and how to measure successes, as well as manage the excuses and prevarications we all make when trying to change our lives. She includes a lengthy bibliography, and notes that more habit-forming resources are available on her blog, GretchenRubin.com (actually there are tons of great things to check out over there).
If you want help with some Resolutions this year, this is a great book to pick up. I'm going to reread it and this time make some notes and try some of these strategies. While according to her Tendencies breakdown, I'm a mix of Questioner & Rebel (which may explain why I'm not very good at resolutions in general) there are helpful tips for all types of habit forming creatures, which I'm hoping will help me achieve more of what I'm hoping to this year. If you pick up this book I hope you'll find it intriguing too.
"a fixation on strategically optimizing happiness"? I'll admit I am intrigued, though I don't see happiness as the overall goal of life either.
Melwyk, I enjoyed your thoughtful review and am glad that you found this book intriguing. It was certainly a timely read.
Yes, very timely to revisit this book now -- hopefully something will stick!
I have not read any of her books but keep meaning to. Looks good!
I did like this one the most of all her books so far. Good tips.
I agree with you about Rubin's style. I have found useful info in her books but they irritate me.


text:
Linda Crockett (born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada), is an American author and teacher, best known for her horror, romance, and psychological thrillers.  Linda Crockett published over a dozen books which were translated into as many languages, under the pen names Linda Crockett, Linda Crockett Gray, Linda C. Gray, and Christina Crockett.  First published by Playboy Paperbacks in 1979, Linda went on to write four Harlequin "Super-romances", making history by introducing the first disabled leading man ever to appear in a Harlequin romance novel.

Due to injuries from a car accident in 1990, Linda was unable to continue consistently writing until she recovered. She is currently a teacher of Critical Thinking in one of the oldest high schools in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Bibliography

Published under "Linda Crocket":
Carousel ()
Publisher: Tor Books; Reprint edition (May, 1995)

Sandman
Publisher: Tor Books (October, 1990)

Published under "Linda C. Gray":
Fortune's Fugitive
Publisher: Playboy Paperbacks (December 1, 1979)

Satyr
Publisher: Playboy Paperbacks (July 1, 1981)

Published under "Linda C. Gray":
Scryer
Publisher: Tom Doherty Assoc Llc (March, 1987)

Tangerine
Publisher: Tor Books (February, 1988)

Mama's Boy
Publisher: Onyx Books (August, 1989)

Siren
Publisher: Tor Books; Reissue edition (January, 1989)
Reprint of original publication: Avon 1982

Dark Window
Publisher: New American Library (Mm) (March, 1991)

Safelight
Publisher: Signet Books (December, 1992)

Harlequin SuperRomances, published under "Christina Crockett":
To Touch a Dream
Publisher: Harlequin (February 1, 1983)

A Moment of Magic
Publisher: Harlequin (January 1, 1984)

Song of the Seabird
Publisher: Harlequin (December 1, 1984)

Windward Passage
Publisher: Harlequin (June 1, 1985)

See also
List of horror fiction authors

External links

20th-century American novelists
American horror novelists
American romantic fiction writers
Canadian emigrants to the United States
Novelists from Florida
Living people
Writers from Hamilton, Ontario
American thriller writers
Women horror writers
Women romantic fiction writers
American women novelists
20th-century American women writers
Women thriller writers
Year of birth missing (living people)
21st-century American women


The hotel provides a complimentary expanded continental breakfast with bacon, eggs, sausage, and biscuits. Onsite recreation includes an outdoor splash pool and a fitness center.
A hotel's guest rating is calculated using data provided under license by TripAdvisor. A total of 1063 have reviewed the Wingate by Wyndham - Arlington, giving it a rating of 4, on a scale of 1-5.


I know I'm in the struggle of my life right now. You see, my body has turn out to be the target of a hostile takeover by an extremist group recognized as the fat cells. They think my stomach, hips, thighs and powering will be their last resting location but if I have the final say on this, there will be a resurrection.
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The "group think" is powerful simply because you can be swept into it with out realizing it. It happens when numerous individuals begin sensation or believing in the same way till the power of the perception or feeling expands to the stage of becoming extremely influential. Just consider mass hysteria and how it spreads like wildfire and you'll get the image. When you are conscious of this phenomenon and how it can affect your perceptions, you can begin to independent your personal thoughts and emotions from that of the mass consciousness.
Mr. Brian Leach is a Chief Risk Officer at Citigroup and was previously employed at Morgan Stanley as a Danger Manager. The term CRO stresses that the position of danger administration is noticed to be more essential than merely managing risks.
Sunday, Dec. 5: Morenci citizens maintain a candlelight vigil for the three missing boys. They lit up the town with candles, flashlights, and Xmas lights hoping to illuminate the way house for the three Skelton brothers.


text:
Seven's Director Of Sales Adam Elliott Quits, Replaced By Natalie Harvey
Seven West Media has announced that current network director of sales Adam Elliott (main photo) has resigned to pursue his long-desired ambition to run his own business.
Elliott will depart Seven West Media in May and will be replaced by Natalie Harvey (below) who is presently Seven's Brisbane sales director.
Commenting on Elliott's departure, Seven West Media's chief revenue officer Kurt Burnette said: "For some time now Adam has talked about his ambition of running his own business, and now is the time for him to pursue that dream.
"Adam's career at Seven spans some 21 years, including leadership positions in Melbourne and Sydney. During that time he's played a key role in the strategy and selling of the world's biggest sporting events, delivering record results from the Beijing and Rio Olympics and the recent Winter Olympics, along with the Tennis and AFL. Over the past six years as Network Director of Sales he's been instrumental in our hugely successful revenue performance.
Seven West Media's CEO Tim Worner added: "Adam's results over so many seasons speak for themselves, and will be his legacy to Seven.
"He has been a spiritual leader, and by that I mean he has been the keeper and nurturer of the best team spirit in the business. That has been a huge part of him being able to build a crack team and deliver outstanding results.
"On a personal note, I will miss him a lot for all the great things that he brought to Seven in spirit and performance and I wish him nothing but greatest success for the future."
On Natalie Harvey's promotion, Burnette said: "I'm delighted to announce Nat as our new Network Director of Sales. Nat proved herself as a highly successful GM of UM in Brisbane and then as 7 Brisbane Sales Director where she redesigned the structure and approach, turning the office into a high- performance team selling across 7, Pacific and WAN.
"Nat has built upon that success as Sydney Sales Director, and is now perfectly placed to provide a seamless transition from Adam, and continue to lead our teams to go above and beyond to meet the current and future needs of the business and our customers."
Harvey added: "I am absolutely thrilled to be leading the sales team as we enter into a new era of Total Video, with premium content being more highly valued than ever and increased positivity about the effectiveness and power of broadcast and long form video.
"We have an amazing team across the country and I'm looking forward to what the future holds….or better still, the future we are going to create!"
Elliott added: "I am really excited that Nat will take over the reins when I leave. I employed her from UM in Brisbane to lead our Brisbane team just over three years ago, before she moved to Sydney last year.
"She did a brilliant job for us in Brisbane in a short space of time, building a best in class team and delivering outstanding outcomes for our clients and agencies. I have no doubt that she will bring her own unique, energetic and driven approach to the role, and I wish her all the success she deserves."
Adam Elliott Natalie Harvey Seven West Media


text:
Tham irrigation project set to boost crop yields in Xieng Khuang
cpwf.mekong January 22, 2013 Uncategorized, Vientiane Times
Vientiane Times, January 21, 2013
The Tham village irrigation development project in Khoun district, Xieng Khuang province, got underway last week after the Korean government had earlier agreed to provide a grant of US$4 million to the Lao government.
The grant agreement was signed in October last year in Xieng Khuang province between the Korean Rural Community Corporation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Assoc. Prof. Dr Khamphad Sourinphoummay, met with experts from the Korean Engineering Consultant Corporation on Friday to consider the project's design and implementation plan.
The meeting was also attended by the Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Ms Gayeon Jung, representatives of relevant government organisations and Xieng Khuang provincial authorities. The irrigation development project will supply water to about 250 hectares of farmland in three villages, Tham, Hoi and Phonxay.
The storage capacity of the dam is about 1.5 million cubic metres. It will be 21m high, 115m long and have a 9.8km irrigation channel.
The project is expected to boost crop yields and increase farmers' incomes. It aims to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for local people, while promoting friendship and strengthening agricultural cooperation between Laos and the Republic of Korea.
Other main benefits to come from the new irrigation system will be in crop diversification, an increase to crop intensity, improvements in food self-sufficiency, and improved irrigation management and farming practices. The project will also help to provide capacity building for central and local staff and supply vehicles, motorcycles and office equipment to help with implementation.
"The project will focus on agricultural irrigation systems to promote the planting of organic vegetables for sale, and on integrated rural development," said Dr Khamphad.
The project will run for four years and two months from 2012-2016 with continuing assistance on techniques and irrigation management from Korean experts.
"This is an important project for basic infrastructure and integrated rural development, especially in Xieng Khuang province," he said.
"The project will boost cooperation between our two countries, Laos and the Republic of Korea," said Ms Jung.
"There are also other projects in Xieng Khuang province which are underway as a result of support from the Republic of Korea, such as health and education." Ms Jung said she hoped that strengthening cooperation between the governments of Laos and the Republic of Korea, especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Korean Rural Community Corporation, would lead to a successful implementation of the project and more benefit to the local community.
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Foreign media bias on Xayaboury dam?


I am feeling spring-like at the moment, catapulted forward by several months having just completed my seed order for the veg garden this year.
As usual I have been well and truly seduced by all the glossy pictures of impossibly perfect vegetables in the catalogues, as is their intention, and ordered things that probably have no hope of cropping in North Northumberland or under my care.
I'm never hugely successful with carrots but plough on every year regardless; radishes are usually over the top by the time I've realised they've swollen into edible fruits ready for eating, which happens almost overnight, and frustratingly I cannot seem to get fennel right, no matter how hard I try. Previous attempts are all ferny atop with no bottom, or bulb.
This year I will be growing a multi-coloured selection of beetroot again, which as well as tasting delicious, look very pretty especially when served together, either cooked or raw and very thinly sliced.
Burpees Golden is as the name suggests yellow, Chiogga or Candy Stripe is pink-and-white striped and Boltardy is the usual deep red beetroot colour. It is slower to bolt than many varieties, which in my view makes it an excellent choice to grow.
Being enthusiastic eaters of salad all year round I have succumbed to more varieties than we probably need. Many of these, such as rocket and mizuna are better grown later on in the year as they bolt in hot weather but last well through the winter, withstanding even the hardest frosts.
In fact, I picked some beautiful red mustard salad leaf this morning, still looking perky after being smothered in snow.
Having grown some surprisingly good carrots (Purple Haze) last year I was flirting with the idea of purple sprouts this time but resisted the temptation. I bet they're not purple by the time they're cooked, so what's the point? ... I could be wrong of course.
Turks Cap Gourds are my showiest new addition this year. Highly decorative members of the squash family, these are brightly coloured and shaped like a Turk's turban.
I am planning to grow a few scrambling up and over tepees, from which I'm hoping they are going to hang in an attractive, striking fashion, and others, trailing along the ground to act as weed stifling ground-cover. Some we will eat and some I will varnish and use for decoration piled up in a bowl.
Of course, this all depends on whether they do what they're meant to and we don't get another wet summer. The purchase of these seeds is the perfect example and direct result of catalogue photograph seduction!
I would like to be able to tell you that the butternut squash in today's recipe was plucked from the garden last autumn and stored overwinter, but that would not be true.
In other years when we enjoyed better summers, yes, but not this last one. These days you can buy butternut squash just about anywhere ... they're almost as ubiquitous as onions, possibly because of their very long shelf-life.
They make very satisfying, velvety, filling and warming soup in the nicest deep orange colour and colourful food at this time of year is an added bonus as there isn't much of it about.
A level teaspoon of garam masala can be added to this soup at the same time as the garlic, giving it a lovely deep spicy flavour.
It freezes beautifully and will last in the fridge for several days. Leave out the mascarpone if you would like a healthier soup – it will be just as good.
Heat the butter in a large saucepan and add the onion. Cook until soft but not coloured.
Cut the 'trunk' off the butternut squash, stand it on the cut surface and cut off the skin with a knife. Cut the bulb in half, scoop out the seeds, and cut into quarters.
Cut all the flesh into smallish, even-sized chunks. Add the squash and garlic to the onion. Stir and cook for a few minutes before adding the stock or stock cubes and water.
Bring up to the boil, check the seasoning and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until the squash is very soft and tender.
Liquidise in batches, adding a few spoonfuls of mascarpone with each batch. You may not need it all ... keep tasting and add accordingly.
If the soup is a bit grainy pass it through a sieve. It should be very smooth and velvety. Thin with a little water if necessary. Check the seasoning and serve.
A swirl of cream or dollop of creme frâiche.


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The Horrible Dr. B
October 7, 2012 · by The Thorn	· in Film.	·
Synopsis: Michael Douglas stars as Nick Curran, a tough but vulnerable detective. Sharon Stone co-stars as Catherine Tramell, a cold, calculating and beautiful novelist with an insatiable sexual appetite. Catherine becomes a prime suspect when her boyfriend is brutally murdered – a crime described in her latest novel. Obsessed with cracking the case, Nick descends into San Francisco's forbidden underground where suspicions mount, bodies fall and he finds within himself an instinct more basic than survival.
Basic Instinct 8.25
Nick: "You like playing games don't you?"
Catherine: "I have a degree in psychology, it goes with the turf… Games are fun."
If any thriller has played a huge part for me in the past, 'Basic Instinct' did. It was 1991 and, while I had seen a fair number of films by then, I was only just getting to explore more mature themes – for instance, I saw 'Goodfellas', as well '1984' and 'Jacob's Ladder', during that period.
But 'Basic Instinct' had the most replay value.
My friends and I watched it over and over and over again. And not just at the cinema, either. I first bought it on VHS, then on laserdisc, then on DVD, then on Special Edition DVD, and have since been given the BD by a friend with whom I bonded over the film with – he and I made it a staple of our visits for a few years.
While he ended up watching it countless dozens of times, I "only" saw it 15-20 times. Which, admittedly, is already a lot.
This over-exposure may account for my current rating, which is the lowest it's been since I first saw the picture in 1991 and for the fact that, by the time I bought the second DVD, I could only watch it the one time and shelve it for future reference. Heck, even Jerry Goldsmith's motion picture score, which once played incessantly, has been gathering dust these past few years.
But watching 'Zwartboek' inspired me to return to my "formative" years, and I decided to bridge the gap in my sexy films fiesta with this classic psychological thriller. It certainly fit the bill: after all, if any movie shaped the way erotica and suspense were blended together, Paul Verhoeven and Joe Ezterhas' twisted creation did.
And, if any film captured the vivid imagination of my feverish young adult mind, it was 'Basic Instinct'.
For years, Sharon Stone seemed like perfect woman to me (even if her character was the anti-thesis on so many levels): natural-looking but glamourous, taut but sensual, intense but playful – and smart as a whip to boot. I would avidly pick up any film she made for the next 6 or 7 years – until approximately 1998, when she essentially ran out of choice parts to play.
I watched the good ('The Quick and the Dead', 'Casino'), the not-so-good ('The Specialist', 'Sphere'), and everything in between. And all because of Stone's turn as Catherine Tramell.
The reason of Tramell's appeal was her mix of sharpness and sexiness:
-On the one hand, she would out-think all of her opponents, manipulating everything years in advance – as she planned out her crimes in a methodical, all-too-premeditated fashion. Oh sure, she used her mind for evil. But intelligence is still seductive – even if, as it is in this case, it's dangerous and seductive.
-On the other hand, she was beautiful enough that men and women alike found her appealing (I remember a female friend of mine cooing about her legs). But she wasn't just attractive, she also had a voracious appetite for sexual pleasures of all kinds. So watching her in motion, breathtakingly calculating yet earthy, was quite the sexy treat.
Catherine Tramell was the second non-conformist (one might even argue "feminist"), female character that resonated with me, after 'Terminator 2's Sarah Connor – the difference being that, while Linda Hamilton's Sarah Connor was physically robust and mentally focused, Stone's Catherine Tramell was mentally acute and physically seductive. Basically, Connor was a machine, whereas Tramel was a lioness.
Sharon Stone was perfectly cast in the role. Apparently, the first choice was Kim Basinger, who thankfully (not because I dislike her, but because she's too meek)) declined and was followed by a series of celebrities of various stature, including Demi Moore. Stone was not the first choice, but she was the ideal candidate, in my estimation: not only was it was a career-defining moment for her, but there's no denying the fact that she is the film's strongest asset.
And yet the whole cast was terrific. Michael Douglas (who seemed to have aged dramatically since his 'Romancing the Stone' days), was well-suited for the part of a cop on edge, George Dzunza brought the right amount of blue collar smarts and loveability to his character, and Jeanne Tripplehorn was offbeat enough that it made one wonder if her character was mentally stable, if she could be the villain (that one scene when she's all smiles in front of Douglas and then her face goes blank when he leaves, was utterly chilling ).
What makes 'Basic Instinct' so enjoyable is that it leaves so many wide open spaces between the connected dots that one can't help but wonder if Tramell is actually behind the murders, or, if she is, if she did it alone. Everything points to her, and she even refuses to explicitly deny that she's guilty, but there is also a dearth of incriminating evidence. Furthermore, there are so many peculiar -if not conflicted- characters involved with her and/or the case, that it all blurs the lines.
*MAJOR spoiler alert*
Even that final shot of an ice pick suggests that something's amiss, that Catherine may not have been the killer all along: the ice pick that we see at the end is of a completely different make from all the others. This suggests that Tramell was intending murder all along, but that the ones we saw so far were not her doing whatsoever and that she ultimately never went through with the one she had planned – the murder of the cop on her case, just as in her novel.
My friends and I spent much time discussing all the possible conspiracies behind the series of murder, the motives, the relationships between the characters, …etc.
If there were any issues with the film, they were directorial choices: there was the insistence on hiding the killer's face with her hair, instead of using certain angles or lighting to hide her identity. I always wondered how she saw anything, and how annoying it must be during sex to be blinded by hair. I also found the sex far too stylized, giving it an unrealistic look; people don't usually "perform" in this manner. And the choreography was clearly designed by men, likely for men. Still… it had its moments.
*spoiler alert*
The body language during these sex sequences could be awkward. I know that it was meant to be deceitful, so that we wonder if the next motion will mean the death of yet another unsuspecting victim, but it looked so fake that I found it near-impossible to take it seriously. There were many false threats: for instance, when Catherioe first has sex with Nick and we're meant to believe she's going for an ice pick, or when Beth keeps her hand in her pocket, only clutching a keychain, and we're meant to think that she's carrying a weapon. It's all very awkward. Thankfully, the suspense was maintained by Jerry Goldsmith's equally gorgeous and ominous score.
Another problem that has bothered for years are some of the obvious sound editing issues, which were likely inserted in post-production at Verhoeven's behest, such as some of the obviously fake sound of disgust that Roxy regurgitates and the moans that Catherine emits during the dance club sequence. Not only did they sound unnatural, but there's the small matter of having these sounds competing with club music and coming out on top. It was already louder than the dialogue, for goodness' sake.
But, all in all, I think still that 'Basic Instinct' is an excellent thriller. And it has its sexy moments too. I may not have the same burning desire to watch it these days, but it will nonetheless remain an old favourite of mine for years to come. And, although the film won't grace my TV screen as frequently as it once did, and its motion picture score no longer breathes through my speakers omnipresently, I will always have the mounted poster adorning my wall, reminding me not only of a key period in my life, but of a movie that once obsessed me as much as Catherine did Nick.
Catherine: "Killing isn't like smoking. You can stop."
Story: 8.0
Acting: 8.0
Production: 8.5
Sexiness: 6.5
Nudity: 6.0
Explicitness: 6.0
Tags: Crime, Mystery, Romance, Sex, Suspense
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