Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones is all set to star in Broadway musical A Little Night Music, directed by Stephen Sondheim.
The romantic musical is about the love lives of several couples, alongside British-born actress Angela Lansbury, reports Contactmusic.
The 83-year-old TV, film and theatre star Lansbury only accepted the role on the premise that she would be working with a highly-rated co-star in New York's celebrated theatre district.
According to the New York Post: "The great Angela Lansbury agreed to play Madame Armfeldt, provided the producers lined up another star to play her daughter, Desiree. Lansbury didn't want to shoulder a multi-million dollar Broadway revival by herself."
The paper further reported that Catherine accepted the role after receiving a personal call from Sondheim.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
After SRK, Deepika desires Salman Khan
Deepika Padukone might have kick-started her Bollywood career with Shah Rukh Khan and since then is known to be part of his inner circle, but she claims she is more than open to branch out and work with King Khan's arch enemy Salman Khan.
"I'm so new in the industry and I have been very lucky to have got the opportunity to work with the biggest names in the industry. I have worked with SRK, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan and now I would like to work with Salman," says Deepika, who is currently basking in the success of Love Aaj Kal.
She adds, "I feel Salman is a very honest person. He is genuine about what he feels and what I have read and known about him, he seems to be very caring."
Deepika admires AamirKhan too. "He has been extremely selective and it has worked so amazingly for him. I don't know whether he does it purposely or things turn out to be like that but he is a perfectionist."
Deepika might be game to talk about Sallu but she is not cool when it comes to talking about his girlfriend Katrina Kaif with whom she's been apparently sharing bad vibes. It's been reported that Deepika didn't approve of beau Ranbir Kapoor and Kat's growing bond on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and that she is responsible for the duo being no longer on talking terms.
"I wouldn't want to comment on Katrina," was her short and snappy reply when quizzed. But was her relationship shaky when rumours about Kat were on the rise? "Ranbir and I trust each other and we are going well. I realise that when there is no movie releasing people focus on other things and that people will even talk about personal things. All this used to affect me a lot before, it doesn't anymore."
Post their box-office bomb Chandni Chowk to China, ironically Deepika is now teaming up with Akshay Kumar for a comedy called Housefull. "I love the passion and drive that Akshay has. With him around, you get to learn a lot on the sets. I know our first film together didn't work out but there's nothing called an unlucky jodi," she says.
"I'm so new in the industry and I have been very lucky to have got the opportunity to work with the biggest names in the industry. I have worked with SRK, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan and now I would like to work with Salman," says Deepika, who is currently basking in the success of Love Aaj Kal.
She adds, "I feel Salman is a very honest person. He is genuine about what he feels and what I have read and known about him, he seems to be very caring."
Deepika admires AamirKhan too. "He has been extremely selective and it has worked so amazingly for him. I don't know whether he does it purposely or things turn out to be like that but he is a perfectionist."
Deepika might be game to talk about Sallu but she is not cool when it comes to talking about his girlfriend Katrina Kaif with whom she's been apparently sharing bad vibes. It's been reported that Deepika didn't approve of beau Ranbir Kapoor and Kat's growing bond on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and that she is responsible for the duo being no longer on talking terms.
"I wouldn't want to comment on Katrina," was her short and snappy reply when quizzed. But was her relationship shaky when rumours about Kat were on the rise? "Ranbir and I trust each other and we are going well. I realise that when there is no movie releasing people focus on other things and that people will even talk about personal things. All this used to affect me a lot before, it doesn't anymore."
Post their box-office bomb Chandni Chowk to China, ironically Deepika is now teaming up with Akshay Kumar for a comedy called Housefull. "I love the passion and drive that Akshay has. With him around, you get to learn a lot on the sets. I know our first film together didn't work out but there's nothing called an unlucky jodi," she says.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Freshly crushed garlic serves heart better than processed
Freshly crushed garlic has more potent heart-healthy effects than dried garlic, scientists have claimed.
In the study, which will be published in the Aug. 12 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, boffins also challenged the widespread belief that most of garlic's benefits are due to its rich array of antioxidants.
Instead, garlic's heart-healthy effects seem to result mainly from hydrogen sulfide, a chemical signaling substance that forms after garlic is cut or crushed and relaxes blood vessels when eaten.
In the study, Dipak K Das and colleagues point out that raw, crushed garlic generates hydrogen sulfide through a chemical reaction. Although best known as the stuff that gives rotten eggs their distinctive odor, hydrogen sulfide also acts as a chemical messenger in the body, relaxing blood vessels and allowing more blood to pass through.
Processed and cooked garlic, however, loses its ability to generate hydrogen sulfide.
To reach the conclusion, scientists gave freshly crushed garlic and processed garlic to two groups of lab rats, and then studied how well the animals' hearts recovered from simulated heart attacks.
"Both crushed and processed garlic reduced damage from lack of oxygen, but the fresh garlic group had a significantly greater effect on restoring good blood flow in the aorta and increased pressure in the left ventricle of the heart," Das said.
In the study, which will be published in the Aug. 12 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, boffins also challenged the widespread belief that most of garlic's benefits are due to its rich array of antioxidants.
Instead, garlic's heart-healthy effects seem to result mainly from hydrogen sulfide, a chemical signaling substance that forms after garlic is cut or crushed and relaxes blood vessels when eaten.
In the study, Dipak K Das and colleagues point out that raw, crushed garlic generates hydrogen sulfide through a chemical reaction. Although best known as the stuff that gives rotten eggs their distinctive odor, hydrogen sulfide also acts as a chemical messenger in the body, relaxing blood vessels and allowing more blood to pass through.
Processed and cooked garlic, however, loses its ability to generate hydrogen sulfide.
To reach the conclusion, scientists gave freshly crushed garlic and processed garlic to two groups of lab rats, and then studied how well the animals' hearts recovered from simulated heart attacks.
"Both crushed and processed garlic reduced damage from lack of oxygen, but the fresh garlic group had a significantly greater effect on restoring good blood flow in the aorta and increased pressure in the left ventricle of the heart," Das said.
Lay claim to greatness
Blame or claim -- that's the choice each of us has to make each day. Blame what's not working or claim the gift in the seemingly negative situation. The world needs more heroes. And heroes spend their days hunting for the best. They see the best amidst adversity. They see the best in others. They dig for the best in themselves. They claim their greatness. And in doing so, they get their best lives.
An extraordinary life is not something only available for the chosen few--people with perfect teeth and royal pedigrees. You and I are destined for greatness. We are meant to live spectacular lives. That's hardwired into our DNA. But we need to do our part to make it all happen. Choice by choice. Step by step.
Small gains eventually yield giant results. Life truly does want us to win. We only need to do our part. So lay claim to your greatness. Drive a stake into the ground to mark your place under the sun. Stop being a prisoner of your past and become the architect of your future. And remember, it's never too late to become the person you have always dreamed of being.
An extraordinary life is not something only available for the chosen few--people with perfect teeth and royal pedigrees. You and I are destined for greatness. We are meant to live spectacular lives. That's hardwired into our DNA. But we need to do our part to make it all happen. Choice by choice. Step by step.
Small gains eventually yield giant results. Life truly does want us to win. We only need to do our part. So lay claim to your greatness. Drive a stake into the ground to mark your place under the sun. Stop being a prisoner of your past and become the architect of your future. And remember, it's never too late to become the person you have always dreamed of being.
Learn or decay
There's a cure for ageing that no one talks about. It's called learning. In my mind, as long as you learn something new each day, stretch your personal frontiers and improve the way you think, you cannot grow old. Ageing only happens to people who lose their lust for getting better and disconnect from their natural base of curiosity.
"Every three or four years I pick up a new subject. It might be Japanese art; it may be economics. Three years of study are by no means enough to master a subject but they are enough to understand it. So for more than 60 years I have kept studying one subject at a time," said Peter Drucker, the father of modern management who lived until he was 95.
Last year, I had the joy of spending a couple of hours in conversation with Shimon Peres, the former Israeli prime minister and Nobel Prize winner. He was nearly 82 at the time, and I couldn't help but notice that his eyes actually sparkled as he spoke of his love of books, big ideas and learning. "Mr Peres, when do you read?" I asked. His reply: "Robin, when don't I read? I read when I get up in the morning, when I can during the day and every single evening. Most of my weekends are spent reading great books. Books are my constant companions."
He then added with a smile: "If you eat three times a day you'll be fed. But if you read three times a day you'll be wise."
Too many people never pick up a book after they've finished school. Unbelievable. Too many people spend more time watching TV than getting deep inside the minds of the greatest people who have walked the planet. Too many people have closed their minds to new insights and powerful thoughts.
One idea discovered in a one book can change the way you see the world. One idea read in one book can transform the way you communicate with people. One idea found in one book could help you live longer or be happier or drive your business to remarkable success. Never leave home without a book in your hand.
"Every three or four years I pick up a new subject. It might be Japanese art; it may be economics. Three years of study are by no means enough to master a subject but they are enough to understand it. So for more than 60 years I have kept studying one subject at a time," said Peter Drucker, the father of modern management who lived until he was 95.
Last year, I had the joy of spending a couple of hours in conversation with Shimon Peres, the former Israeli prime minister and Nobel Prize winner. He was nearly 82 at the time, and I couldn't help but notice that his eyes actually sparkled as he spoke of his love of books, big ideas and learning. "Mr Peres, when do you read?" I asked. His reply: "Robin, when don't I read? I read when I get up in the morning, when I can during the day and every single evening. Most of my weekends are spent reading great books. Books are my constant companions."
He then added with a smile: "If you eat three times a day you'll be fed. But if you read three times a day you'll be wise."
Too many people never pick up a book after they've finished school. Unbelievable. Too many people spend more time watching TV than getting deep inside the minds of the greatest people who have walked the planet. Too many people have closed their minds to new insights and powerful thoughts.
One idea discovered in a one book can change the way you see the world. One idea read in one book can transform the way you communicate with people. One idea found in one book could help you live longer or be happier or drive your business to remarkable success. Never leave home without a book in your hand.
Dressing up papa Federer!
As a fashion designer, it is not surprising that Narendra Kumar has worked with many brands. So what's interesting is that at a time when Bollywood and sports stars end up being the faces of all Indian and international brands, he's been signed on as the brand ambassador for Swiss International Airlines.
Says Narendra, "I must admit that I was glad a designer was considered; it's high time we got out of the rut and companies started looking beyond these sections. More importantly, the company and I share the same principles -- we both believe in class and performance. So I identify with the company."
And it doesn't stop at that because while Narendra is the ambassador in India, tennis aceand father of twins Roger Federer is the international ambassador for the airline. "I must say that it's great to be in such esteemed company -- I am a fan of his. But it wouldn't be fair to compare us -- I mean, I am not a patch on him. He's in a different league; he's made history and I am far from anything like that -- at least as of now," laughs Nari.
That said, could this common factor between them also possibly translate into a future meeting between the two? "To be very honest, I am not sure how and when that's going to happen as he (Roger) is an extremely busy man. But if and when I meet him, I'd love to gift him one of my creations," he notes.
So what would he want Roger to wear? "I'd want to dress him in an outfit that is both Indian and international. He's an international figure, so global appeal is important. I'd make him a one-button cutaway suit which is an Indian version of the tuxedo. The fabric will be high quality wool in black colour while the shirt inside would be a white cotton dress shirt with French cuffs. The black woolen trousers would complete the look. So it would be like a westernised bandhgala; the jacket, in particular, will add that dash of Indianness," he explains.
Says Narendra, "I must admit that I was glad a designer was considered; it's high time we got out of the rut and companies started looking beyond these sections. More importantly, the company and I share the same principles -- we both believe in class and performance. So I identify with the company."
And it doesn't stop at that because while Narendra is the ambassador in India, tennis aceand father of twins Roger Federer is the international ambassador for the airline. "I must say that it's great to be in such esteemed company -- I am a fan of his. But it wouldn't be fair to compare us -- I mean, I am not a patch on him. He's in a different league; he's made history and I am far from anything like that -- at least as of now," laughs Nari.
That said, could this common factor between them also possibly translate into a future meeting between the two? "To be very honest, I am not sure how and when that's going to happen as he (Roger) is an extremely busy man. But if and when I meet him, I'd love to gift him one of my creations," he notes.
So what would he want Roger to wear? "I'd want to dress him in an outfit that is both Indian and international. He's an international figure, so global appeal is important. I'd make him a one-button cutaway suit which is an Indian version of the tuxedo. The fabric will be high quality wool in black colour while the shirt inside would be a white cotton dress shirt with French cuffs. The black woolen trousers would complete the look. So it would be like a westernised bandhgala; the jacket, in particular, will add that dash of Indianness," he explains.
Penelope Cruz loves London, but not its weather
Penelope Cruz does not quite like British weather. Dressed in a red trouser suit and heels for the UK premiere of her latest film Broken Embraces, she said that the English climate didn't suit her.
"I love London... but I have difficulties with the rainy weather," the Telegraph quoted her as saying. However, the weather remained fine despite earlier showers.
Broken Embraces is the fourth collaboration between Cruz and director Pedro Almodovar. And the Woman on Top star can't choose her best movie among it. She said: "That's hard, it's like choosing one of your kids."
The plot revolves around a film-maker who goes blind after an accident and struggles to re-engage with life.
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