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  • 20. Gary Conway in I Was a Teenage Frankenstein (1957)



    Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
    Teen wolf: totes cute. Teen Frankenstein: total nightmare. Despite Gary Conway’s handsomeness underneath all that makeup, he looks like a papier-mâché approximation of those weird pig faces from The Twilight Zone episode “Eye of the Beholder.”

    19. John Bloom in Dracula vs. Frankenstein (1971)


    Troma Entertainment
    Ugh, why. Here the Creature’s face was apparently stung by an entire hive of bees. Pray for him.

    18. Kiwi Kingston in The Evil of Frankenstein (1964)

    Hammer Film Productions
    I don’t even know what I’m looking at here. I’m getting failed Muppet vibes. Either way, terrible complexion and way too much eye makeup. Pass on this one.

    17. Nick Brimble in Frankenstein Unbound (1990)

    20th Century Fox
    Sure, he looks slightly more human — and he’s rocking exceptional cheekbones! — but this Monster is simply too ghoulish to love. And note his truly tragic hairline.

    16. Shuler Hensley in Van Helsing (2004)

    Universal Pictures
    With his hood up, this Creature’s almost handsome. Almost. Mostly he’s a horrifying abomination.

    15. Christopher Lee in Curse of Frankenstein (1957)

    Hammer Film Productions
    On the one hand, it’s Christopher Lee. On the other, couldn’t Dr. Frankenstein get him two normal eyes? That would have gone a long way toward making him dateable. As it stands, he’s got just a little bit of Lee’s British charm and a whole lot of pasty skin.

    14. Robert De Niro in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994)

    TriStar Pictures
    He’s a little stitched together, yes, but all in all, he’s still Robert De Niro. Besides, those scars reflect impressive workmanship and give this Creature some rustic charm.

    13. Lon Chaney Jr. in The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942)

    Universal Pictures
    All of Universal’s Frankenstein’s Monsters basically look the same. Which is fine. But since several different horror stars played him over the years, it’s worth distinguishing between them. Here’s Lon Chaney Jr., who let’s face it, was way hotter as a werewolf in The Wolf Man.

    12. Bela Lugosi in Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)

    Universal Pictures
    Speaking of the wolf man, Lon Chaney Jr. returned to the hirsute role in this monster movie mash-up. Bela Lugosi of Dracula fame took his turn as Frankenstein’s Monster. And he kind of looks like Dracula wearing Frankenstein makeup, which is fun.

    11. Glenn Strange in House of Frankenstein (1944)

    Universal Pictures
    Glenn Strange played Frankenstein’s Monster in three different Universal movies. He looks eerily like Boris Karloff, but there’s no competing with the original.

    10. Boris Karloff in Frankenstein (1931)

    Universal Pictures
    The most famous Creature in all the Frankenstein movies, Boris Carloff’s Monster is iconic. He’s also rather dashing, even with the bolts in his neck and that weird flattop haircut. He’s the strong, silent type, and he knows how to work his angles.

    9. Peter Boyle in Young Frankenstein (1974)

    20th Century Fox
    Peter Boyle may not be a hunk — sorry, Peter Boyle fans! — but he’s such a cutie in his Frankenstein’s Monster makeup. And he looks almost entirely human, which makes him a more attractive prospect.

    8. Joe De Sue in Blackenstein (1973)

    Xenon
    While not nearly as sexy as Blacula, Blackenstein is still kind of studly. Not to be confused with Kenan Thompson’s Blackenstein on Saturday Night Live.

    7. Clancy Brown in The Bride (1985)

    Columbia Pictures
    Definitely a little worse for wear, but not a bad-looking guy. Clancy Brown shines through underneath the Monster’s oversized forehead. Plus, that terrifying gash is nothing you couldn’t cover with a well-placed hat.

    6. Michael Sarrazin in Frankenstein: The True Story (1973)

    NBC
    Bad teeth and bad skin, both of which degenerate as the film goes on, but otherwise, this Creature has a lot going for him. I mean, he’s downright dashing until his decaying corpse body starts falling apart, and come on, we’ve all been there.

    5. David Prowse in The Horror of Frankenstein (1970)

    MGM
    Put a wig on this Monster and you’ve got an actual hottie. His eyes are a little crooked, yes, but I’m not picky.

    4. Luke Goss in Frankenstein (2004)

    Hallmark Channel
    That hair! If you can reanimate my corpse with locks as luscious as Luke Goss’ in this forgotten miniseries, I’m all for it. The Creature’s face isn’t bad either.

    3. Vincent Perez in Frankenstein (2004)

    USA
    This Monster is hardly a monster at all. He’s actually several kinds of handsome, with or without the hood. And I think we can all agree that the giant scar on his cheek just adds character.

    2. Aaron Eckhart in I, Frankenstein (2014)

    Lionsgate
    Yeah, OK. This Creature was apparently assembled entirely from super-ripped babes. Honestly, I feel like Dr. Frankenstein wouldn’t spend so much time crafting a Monster this beautiful, but hey, who am I to question his scientific method? No matter what, the results are exceptional.

    1. Srdjan Zelenovic in Flesh for Frankenstein (1973)

    Image Entertainment
    No surprise, Andy Warhol cast an absurdly hot hunk to play the Monster in his Frankenstein adaptation. There’s really no competing with a Creature designed to be eye candy. Fire bad, Srdjan Zelenovic pretty.

    Ranking Frankenstein’s Monsters By Hotness

    Posted at  9:22 PM  |  in    |  Read More»

    20. Gary Conway in I Was a Teenage Frankenstein (1957)



    Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
    Teen wolf: totes cute. Teen Frankenstein: total nightmare. Despite Gary Conway’s handsomeness underneath all that makeup, he looks like a papier-mâché approximation of those weird pig faces from The Twilight Zone episode “Eye of the Beholder.”

    19. John Bloom in Dracula vs. Frankenstein (1971)


    Troma Entertainment
    Ugh, why. Here the Creature’s face was apparently stung by an entire hive of bees. Pray for him.

    18. Kiwi Kingston in The Evil of Frankenstein (1964)

    Hammer Film Productions
    I don’t even know what I’m looking at here. I’m getting failed Muppet vibes. Either way, terrible complexion and way too much eye makeup. Pass on this one.

    17. Nick Brimble in Frankenstein Unbound (1990)

    20th Century Fox
    Sure, he looks slightly more human — and he’s rocking exceptional cheekbones! — but this Monster is simply too ghoulish to love. And note his truly tragic hairline.

    16. Shuler Hensley in Van Helsing (2004)

    Universal Pictures
    With his hood up, this Creature’s almost handsome. Almost. Mostly he’s a horrifying abomination.

    15. Christopher Lee in Curse of Frankenstein (1957)

    Hammer Film Productions
    On the one hand, it’s Christopher Lee. On the other, couldn’t Dr. Frankenstein get him two normal eyes? That would have gone a long way toward making him dateable. As it stands, he’s got just a little bit of Lee’s British charm and a whole lot of pasty skin.

    14. Robert De Niro in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994)

    TriStar Pictures
    He’s a little stitched together, yes, but all in all, he’s still Robert De Niro. Besides, those scars reflect impressive workmanship and give this Creature some rustic charm.

    13. Lon Chaney Jr. in The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942)

    Universal Pictures
    All of Universal’s Frankenstein’s Monsters basically look the same. Which is fine. But since several different horror stars played him over the years, it’s worth distinguishing between them. Here’s Lon Chaney Jr., who let’s face it, was way hotter as a werewolf in The Wolf Man.

    12. Bela Lugosi in Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)

    Universal Pictures
    Speaking of the wolf man, Lon Chaney Jr. returned to the hirsute role in this monster movie mash-up. Bela Lugosi of Dracula fame took his turn as Frankenstein’s Monster. And he kind of looks like Dracula wearing Frankenstein makeup, which is fun.

    11. Glenn Strange in House of Frankenstein (1944)

    Universal Pictures
    Glenn Strange played Frankenstein’s Monster in three different Universal movies. He looks eerily like Boris Karloff, but there’s no competing with the original.

    10. Boris Karloff in Frankenstein (1931)

    Universal Pictures
    The most famous Creature in all the Frankenstein movies, Boris Carloff’s Monster is iconic. He’s also rather dashing, even with the bolts in his neck and that weird flattop haircut. He’s the strong, silent type, and he knows how to work his angles.

    9. Peter Boyle in Young Frankenstein (1974)

    20th Century Fox
    Peter Boyle may not be a hunk — sorry, Peter Boyle fans! — but he’s such a cutie in his Frankenstein’s Monster makeup. And he looks almost entirely human, which makes him a more attractive prospect.

    8. Joe De Sue in Blackenstein (1973)

    Xenon
    While not nearly as sexy as Blacula, Blackenstein is still kind of studly. Not to be confused with Kenan Thompson’s Blackenstein on Saturday Night Live.

    7. Clancy Brown in The Bride (1985)

    Columbia Pictures
    Definitely a little worse for wear, but not a bad-looking guy. Clancy Brown shines through underneath the Monster’s oversized forehead. Plus, that terrifying gash is nothing you couldn’t cover with a well-placed hat.

    6. Michael Sarrazin in Frankenstein: The True Story (1973)

    NBC
    Bad teeth and bad skin, both of which degenerate as the film goes on, but otherwise, this Creature has a lot going for him. I mean, he’s downright dashing until his decaying corpse body starts falling apart, and come on, we’ve all been there.

    5. David Prowse in The Horror of Frankenstein (1970)

    MGM
    Put a wig on this Monster and you’ve got an actual hottie. His eyes are a little crooked, yes, but I’m not picky.

    4. Luke Goss in Frankenstein (2004)

    Hallmark Channel
    That hair! If you can reanimate my corpse with locks as luscious as Luke Goss’ in this forgotten miniseries, I’m all for it. The Creature’s face isn’t bad either.

    3. Vincent Perez in Frankenstein (2004)

    USA
    This Monster is hardly a monster at all. He’s actually several kinds of handsome, with or without the hood. And I think we can all agree that the giant scar on his cheek just adds character.

    2. Aaron Eckhart in I, Frankenstein (2014)

    Lionsgate
    Yeah, OK. This Creature was apparently assembled entirely from super-ripped babes. Honestly, I feel like Dr. Frankenstein wouldn’t spend so much time crafting a Monster this beautiful, but hey, who am I to question his scientific method? No matter what, the results are exceptional.

    1. Srdjan Zelenovic in Flesh for Frankenstein (1973)

    Image Entertainment
    No surprise, Andy Warhol cast an absurdly hot hunk to play the Monster in his Frankenstein adaptation. There’s really no competing with a Creature designed to be eye candy. Fire bad, Srdjan Zelenovic pretty.

    0 comments:



    Here are some photos from 48th birthday Ceremony of A R Rehman. With sweet singing skills and who ruled the over the singing world of bollywood Mr. A R Rehman is celebrating his 48th birthday. The composer and singer A R Rehman is one the versatile singer of Bollywood industry and he praised by all over the world. If we said that A R Rehman is born to singing then it is not going to be wrong.
    His first song debut in 1992 movie Rajo and from after that he enter into the movie industry and he took the Best Music Director’s award in Film Fare Award. After the superb entry in Bollywood his way towards success is become vast from everywhere and his success is still continued. He also performed in Hollywood’s movie Slumdog Millionaire and directed his music on which he awarded by Oscar award.

    A R rahman 48 Birthday Photos, Pics

    A R rahman 48 Birthday Photos, Pics

    A R Rehman has great skill to produced a “Sufiana Kalam”. A R Rehman is known to be the Guaranty for the success of any movie. Music of movie Rock Star is admired by everyone is only because of A R Rehman. A R Rehman is awarded by many Indian Awards and Universities of many countries has given him the Certificate of ‘Directorate’. 

    A R rahman 48 Birthday Photos, Pics

    Posted at  4:02 AM  |  in  Entertainment  |  Read More»



    Here are some photos from 48th birthday Ceremony of A R Rehman. With sweet singing skills and who ruled the over the singing world of bollywood Mr. A R Rehman is celebrating his 48th birthday. The composer and singer A R Rehman is one the versatile singer of Bollywood industry and he praised by all over the world. If we said that A R Rehman is born to singing then it is not going to be wrong.
    His first song debut in 1992 movie Rajo and from after that he enter into the movie industry and he took the Best Music Director’s award in Film Fare Award. After the superb entry in Bollywood his way towards success is become vast from everywhere and his success is still continued. He also performed in Hollywood’s movie Slumdog Millionaire and directed his music on which he awarded by Oscar award.

    A R rahman 48 Birthday Photos, Pics

    A R rahman 48 Birthday Photos, Pics

    A R Rehman has great skill to produced a “Sufiana Kalam”. A R Rehman is known to be the Guaranty for the success of any movie. Music of movie Rock Star is admired by everyone is only because of A R Rehman. A R Rehman is awarded by many Indian Awards and Universities of many countries has given him the Certificate of ‘Directorate’. 

    0 comments:

    As we all know about Pakistani based Pop Singer Ali Zafar who turned to actor is on at his peak. According to his performance well this his time as he has been part of box office hits from the time of his debut. Ali Zafar performed very well in the movie Mere Brother ki Dulhan and he was debuted in movie Tere Bin Laden was much appreciated for his acting skills. This has been proven that Ali Zafar has played lead roles twice during the last few years in Movies like Chashme Baddoor and London Paris New York.
    Now a days it come to knwo that Ali Zafar will again going to seen in another lead role with Yami Gautam the talented actor from Vicky Donor in the upcoming Romance Flick Total Siyappa. This movie is expected to release this on going month January.

    Ali Zafar In Upcoming Tere Bin Ladin 2 Movie

    Ali Zafar In Upcoming Tere Bin Ladin 2 Movie


    Lets talk about Ali Zafar’s upcoming movie Tere bin Ladin 2. Tere Bin Ladin which has been praised for the versatile acting of Ali Zafar and the Writer, Director and producer of Tere bin Ladin 2 has taken the Ali Zafar again as the leading role in this movie. Tere bin Ladin movie was Directed and written by Abhishek Sharma, and this movie grossed 15 crores with the mere Budget of 5 crores. Ali Zafar has many expectation from the movie Tere bin Ladin 2 and he will going to perform very brilliantly in this movie as he performed in earlier Tere bin Ladin Movie. For more Information and Updates about Showbiz please visit our blog  bollyfriendz .

    Ali Zafar In Upcoming Tere Bin Ladin 2 Movie

    Posted at  3:57 AM  |  in  Entertainment  |  Read More»

    As we all know about Pakistani based Pop Singer Ali Zafar who turned to actor is on at his peak. According to his performance well this his time as he has been part of box office hits from the time of his debut. Ali Zafar performed very well in the movie Mere Brother ki Dulhan and he was debuted in movie Tere Bin Laden was much appreciated for his acting skills. This has been proven that Ali Zafar has played lead roles twice during the last few years in Movies like Chashme Baddoor and London Paris New York.
    Now a days it come to knwo that Ali Zafar will again going to seen in another lead role with Yami Gautam the talented actor from Vicky Donor in the upcoming Romance Flick Total Siyappa. This movie is expected to release this on going month January.

    Ali Zafar In Upcoming Tere Bin Ladin 2 Movie

    Ali Zafar In Upcoming Tere Bin Ladin 2 Movie


    Lets talk about Ali Zafar’s upcoming movie Tere bin Ladin 2. Tere Bin Ladin which has been praised for the versatile acting of Ali Zafar and the Writer, Director and producer of Tere bin Ladin 2 has taken the Ali Zafar again as the leading role in this movie. Tere bin Ladin movie was Directed and written by Abhishek Sharma, and this movie grossed 15 crores with the mere Budget of 5 crores. Ali Zafar has many expectation from the movie Tere bin Ladin 2 and he will going to perform very brilliantly in this movie as he performed in earlier Tere bin Ladin Movie. For more Information and Updates about Showbiz please visit our blog  bollyfriendz .

    0 comments:


    Diaphnous body-hugging dresses embellished with sparkly sequins are the safest bet for any stylist decoding the looks for item songs. From Helen’s cabarets to Karisma Kapoor’s Sexy Sexy — these ‘item song essentials’ are the most explored reference points for Bollywood stylists of every era.

    Guess over the years our glorified or rather jaded film stylists revisit the done-to-death looks. A case in point being the looks and costumes worn by Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif in their songs in Gunday and Dhoom 3. The sheer, champagne toned, sequinned and fringed numbers — look exact replicas of each other. Perhaps it’s just a case of coincidence or our stylists Anaita Shroff and Subarna Ray Chaudhuri got trapped in a rut while styling Katrina in Dhoom 3 and Priyanka in Gunday. Here’s hoping that the styling of our item songs pushes the envelope and moves beyond the sequin-meets-skin routine.

    Katrina Kaif-Priyanka Chopra: The femme fatale replicas

    Posted at  10:54 PM  |  in    |  Read More»


    Diaphnous body-hugging dresses embellished with sparkly sequins are the safest bet for any stylist decoding the looks for item songs. From Helen’s cabarets to Karisma Kapoor’s Sexy Sexy — these ‘item song essentials’ are the most explored reference points for Bollywood stylists of every era.

    Guess over the years our glorified or rather jaded film stylists revisit the done-to-death looks. A case in point being the looks and costumes worn by Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif in their songs in Gunday and Dhoom 3. The sheer, champagne toned, sequinned and fringed numbers — look exact replicas of each other. Perhaps it’s just a case of coincidence or our stylists Anaita Shroff and Subarna Ray Chaudhuri got trapped in a rut while styling Katrina in Dhoom 3 and Priyanka in Gunday. Here’s hoping that the styling of our item songs pushes the envelope and moves beyond the sequin-meets-skin routine.

    0 comments:

    If the latest buzz is to be believed then Bollywood hunk John Abraham has married his long-time girlfriend Priya Runchal in Los Angeles secretly. The reports have surfaced by John’s tweet, "Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed 2014! May this year bring you love, good fortune and joy. Love, John and Priya Abraham.”
     John Abraham, Priya Runchal married?

    As rumours were doing rounds that John and Priya have tied the knot in a private ceremony in L.A. in 2013 the actor firmly denied all such reports. But now he has made his new relationship status official by calling Priya as Priya Abraham in the tweet for the first time. In 2010 the Bollywood heartthrob first met Priya, who is an investment banker, at a Bandra gym. Earlier in a conversation John hinted that wedding bells have been ringing for him sometime in 2013. He said, "I know it will be this year, but I don't know when. It could be in a few months or a few weeks. I am a very impulsive guy. So I might decide to get married next week! It's possible that our wedding may have just 10 people, if we include close family.” Please watch this space for more confirmed inputs, till then John’s female fans can heave a sigh of relief.

    John Abraham, Priya Runchal married?

    Posted at  10:53 PM  |  in    |  Read More»

    If the latest buzz is to be believed then Bollywood hunk John Abraham has married his long-time girlfriend Priya Runchal in Los Angeles secretly. The reports have surfaced by John’s tweet, "Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed 2014! May this year bring you love, good fortune and joy. Love, John and Priya Abraham.”
     John Abraham, Priya Runchal married?

    As rumours were doing rounds that John and Priya have tied the knot in a private ceremony in L.A. in 2013 the actor firmly denied all such reports. But now he has made his new relationship status official by calling Priya as Priya Abraham in the tweet for the first time. In 2010 the Bollywood heartthrob first met Priya, who is an investment banker, at a Bandra gym. Earlier in a conversation John hinted that wedding bells have been ringing for him sometime in 2013. He said, "I know it will be this year, but I don't know when. It could be in a few months or a few weeks. I am a very impulsive guy. So I might decide to get married next week! It's possible that our wedding may have just 10 people, if we include close family.” Please watch this space for more confirmed inputs, till then John’s female fans can heave a sigh of relief.

    0 comments:


    Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron won the best director of a motion picture for "Gravity" at the 71st edition of the prestigious Golden Globe Awards here Sunday.
    "Gravity", a 3D science-fiction thriller, stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as astronauts.
    Cuarón thanked Bullock for her relentless support, as she cheered for him while sitting in the audience.
    Other directors in competition for the best director's award were Paul Greengrass ("Captain Phillips"), Steve McQueen ("12 Years A Slave"), Alexander Payne ("Nebraska") and David O. Russell ("American Hustle").
    The best screenplay for a motion picture award went to Spike Jonze for "Her".

    Alfonso Cuaron clinches best director award for 'Gravity'

    Posted at  10:45 PM  |  in    |  Read More»


    Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron won the best director of a motion picture for "Gravity" at the 71st edition of the prestigious Golden Globe Awards here Sunday.
    "Gravity", a 3D science-fiction thriller, stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as astronauts.
    Cuarón thanked Bullock for her relentless support, as she cheered for him while sitting in the audience.
    Other directors in competition for the best director's award were Paul Greengrass ("Captain Phillips"), Steve McQueen ("12 Years A Slave"), Alexander Payne ("Nebraska") and David O. Russell ("American Hustle").
    The best screenplay for a motion picture award went to Spike Jonze for "Her".

    0 comments:

    The Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow was named the World’s Best Dressed Woman yesterday by the People magazine. Kate Middleton, one of the favorites for the title, only ranked second. The Duchess was heralded for her “flawlessly elegant attire”. “Whether in an ivory long-sleeve Roland Mouret gown (with glittery Jimmy Choos peeking out) or a red pleated Alexander McQueen design, the Duchess continues to pick glamorous and chic pieces that still befit a future queen,” said People.
    Gwyneth Paltrow Named 2012 World's Best Dressed Woman

    Gwyneth Paltrow Named 2012 World’s Best Dressed Woman

    The Duchess was heralded for her “flawlessly elegant attire” and ranked second in the list
    The Duchess was heralded for her “flawlessly elegant attire” and ranked second in the list

    Further down the Magazine’s annual list were Hollywood actresses Emma Stone, 23, and Jessica Alba, 31, pop star Rihanna, 24, and Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr, 29. It is said that the list was compiled from the information gathered from its 42 million readers, its editors and fashion bloggers.
    The the list of male celebs, honors went to actors Andrew Garfield, Brad Pitt, Colin Firth, Robert Pattinson, Chris and Liam Hemsworth and singer Jay-Z.

    Gwyneth Paltrow Named 2012 World’s Best Dressed Woman

    Posted at  10:04 PM  |  in    |  Read More»

    The Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow was named the World’s Best Dressed Woman yesterday by the People magazine. Kate Middleton, one of the favorites for the title, only ranked second. The Duchess was heralded for her “flawlessly elegant attire”. “Whether in an ivory long-sleeve Roland Mouret gown (with glittery Jimmy Choos peeking out) or a red pleated Alexander McQueen design, the Duchess continues to pick glamorous and chic pieces that still befit a future queen,” said People.
    Gwyneth Paltrow Named 2012 World's Best Dressed Woman

    Gwyneth Paltrow Named 2012 World’s Best Dressed Woman

    The Duchess was heralded for her “flawlessly elegant attire” and ranked second in the list
    The Duchess was heralded for her “flawlessly elegant attire” and ranked second in the list

    Further down the Magazine’s annual list were Hollywood actresses Emma Stone, 23, and Jessica Alba, 31, pop star Rihanna, 24, and Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr, 29. It is said that the list was compiled from the information gathered from its 42 million readers, its editors and fashion bloggers.
    The the list of male celebs, honors went to actors Andrew Garfield, Brad Pitt, Colin Firth, Robert Pattinson, Chris and Liam Hemsworth and singer Jay-Z.

    0 comments:


    Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
    Selfie fans of America, you’re going to love this: researchers at MIT are figuring out out how to digitally adjust an image of a person’s face to make it more memorable. How? By making small, specific changes to images of yourself using photo-editing technology — and we’re not talking about Photoshopping your blemishes, enhancing your eyes, or making your hair look smoother. It’s a whole lot more complicated than that.
    Yes, some of your face’s ”memorability factor“ has to do with whether it feels familiar to you. But sometimes certain faces just look memorable, as NPR explains.
    There are subjective factors affecting how a face sticks in your memory — for example, if you know someone else who looks similar, you might find a new face more familiar. But researchers found that there is also a strong universal component to memorability. Some faces are just consistently more easily remembered.
    Researchers found that certain associations help make a face memorable: familiarity, kindness, trustworthiness, uniqueness.
    But what does a familiar, kind, trustworthy, and/or unique face even look like? Well, MIT put a computer algorithm on it to find out. From one of MIT’s research articles on the subject:
    To overcome the complex combination of factors that determine the memorability of a face, we propose a data-driven approach to modify face memorability. In our method, we combine the representational power of features based on Active Appearance Models (AAMs) with the predictive power of global features such as Histograms of Oriented Gradients (HOG), to achieve desired effects on face memorability. Our experiment show that our method can accurately modify the memorability of faces with an accuracy of 74%.
    OK, time for plain English. Researches used a computer algorithm (the Active Appearance Model) in this experiment, a method often used to match and track types of images in medicine and forensics.
    Then, they combined it with another algorithm called Histograms of Oriented Gradients, which tracks images in a slightly different way to AAMS. The point: This combination of methods were pretty darn good at knowing which faces will be memorable, and which weren’t.

    It’s interesting that trustworthy and friendly faces are inherently memorable — but in the words of one NPR commenter and a couple of Twitter users: “Hmmm… based on those sample photos, what makes a face more memorable is being thinner.”
    Plus, it’s hard to know how reliable those supposedly “attractive” and “friendly” faces really were, since those are such subjective measurements.
    Tweaking your Facebook photos so people remember you more: Coming to an app near you. Probably.

    Making Your Face Memorable Using Technology? MIT's On It

    Posted at  3:54 AM  |  in  Technology  |  Read More»


    Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
    Selfie fans of America, you’re going to love this: researchers at MIT are figuring out out how to digitally adjust an image of a person’s face to make it more memorable. How? By making small, specific changes to images of yourself using photo-editing technology — and we’re not talking about Photoshopping your blemishes, enhancing your eyes, or making your hair look smoother. It’s a whole lot more complicated than that.
    Yes, some of your face’s ”memorability factor“ has to do with whether it feels familiar to you. But sometimes certain faces just look memorable, as NPR explains.
    There are subjective factors affecting how a face sticks in your memory — for example, if you know someone else who looks similar, you might find a new face more familiar. But researchers found that there is also a strong universal component to memorability. Some faces are just consistently more easily remembered.
    Researchers found that certain associations help make a face memorable: familiarity, kindness, trustworthiness, uniqueness.
    But what does a familiar, kind, trustworthy, and/or unique face even look like? Well, MIT put a computer algorithm on it to find out. From one of MIT’s research articles on the subject:
    To overcome the complex combination of factors that determine the memorability of a face, we propose a data-driven approach to modify face memorability. In our method, we combine the representational power of features based on Active Appearance Models (AAMs) with the predictive power of global features such as Histograms of Oriented Gradients (HOG), to achieve desired effects on face memorability. Our experiment show that our method can accurately modify the memorability of faces with an accuracy of 74%.
    OK, time for plain English. Researches used a computer algorithm (the Active Appearance Model) in this experiment, a method often used to match and track types of images in medicine and forensics.
    Then, they combined it with another algorithm called Histograms of Oriented Gradients, which tracks images in a slightly different way to AAMS. The point: This combination of methods were pretty darn good at knowing which faces will be memorable, and which weren’t.

    It’s interesting that trustworthy and friendly faces are inherently memorable — but in the words of one NPR commenter and a couple of Twitter users: “Hmmm… based on those sample photos, what makes a face more memorable is being thinner.”
    Plus, it’s hard to know how reliable those supposedly “attractive” and “friendly” faces really were, since those are such subjective measurements.
    Tweaking your Facebook photos so people remember you more: Coming to an app near you. Probably.

    0 comments:

    Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone recently hosted a success party. However, the star’s ensemble for the night was anything but. We wonder if this Gucci number was originally meant to be sleepwear and the star got too lazy to put on anything else.

    Whatever the case, the result is an eyesore with too many voluminous folds. Here is why we think she should fire her stylist:

    The Charge sheet

    Hair and make-up
    We appreciate Deepika leaving her tresses free to flow down her shoulders in gorgeous waves, and her natural make-up that draws attention to her beautiful features. However, teamed up with that hideous dress, they only serve to give her a just-out-of bed look. Try as we may though, we really can’t think of any hair or make-up that would look good with that sparkly wraparound.

    Outfit
    Deepika’s Gucci dress is a kimono style disaster. The shimmery material creates confusing optical illusions that make us unsure of where the dress begins and where exactly it ends. The sash brings to mind nightgowns, bath gowns, everything except gowns that can be worn in public. Thank goodness her shoes remain a secret.

    Accessories and shoes
    Deepika has mixed and matched bracelets of different materials and kinds, which would have looked fantastic, paired with a different dress, but here you just don’t notice them. That’s probably because your stare is fixated on that gown. Really, we can’t stop talking about it.

    Bail out!
    Frieda Pinto
    Fashion Police: Wrongly Wrapped
    Slumdog Millionare’s Frieda Pinto opts for a belted wrap-around number by Peter Pilotto. The mix and match prints add a funky feel to the dress, and the actor’s hair is swept to one side giving her face a fresh look. The dress is made without sleeves, and we applaud the designer.

    Serinda Swan
    Fashion Police: Wrongly Wrapped
    The full-length gown has the bodice styled to look like a wrap-around, and the interesting off-shoulder neckline gives the dress an asymmetric look, which doesn’t make the actor look like the dress is trying to drown her. Take note, Deepika! Serinda has accessorized it with a gray clutch purse while chunky gray and black bracelets add glamour to her outfit.
    Kristen Connolly
    Fashion Police: Wrongly Wrapped
    Actor Kristin Connolly is a vision in her long green wrapped number. Similar to Deepika’s but so much better! The actor’s ensemble looks elegant while the green contrasts beautifully with her hair. The fit adds height to Kristen’s appearance, making her look more svelte.
    Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2014.

    Fashion Police: Wrongly Wrapped

    Posted at  9:13 PM  |  in  FASHION  |  Read More»

    Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone recently hosted a success party. However, the star’s ensemble for the night was anything but. We wonder if this Gucci number was originally meant to be sleepwear and the star got too lazy to put on anything else.

    Whatever the case, the result is an eyesore with too many voluminous folds. Here is why we think she should fire her stylist:

    The Charge sheet

    Hair and make-up
    We appreciate Deepika leaving her tresses free to flow down her shoulders in gorgeous waves, and her natural make-up that draws attention to her beautiful features. However, teamed up with that hideous dress, they only serve to give her a just-out-of bed look. Try as we may though, we really can’t think of any hair or make-up that would look good with that sparkly wraparound.

    Outfit
    Deepika’s Gucci dress is a kimono style disaster. The shimmery material creates confusing optical illusions that make us unsure of where the dress begins and where exactly it ends. The sash brings to mind nightgowns, bath gowns, everything except gowns that can be worn in public. Thank goodness her shoes remain a secret.

    Accessories and shoes
    Deepika has mixed and matched bracelets of different materials and kinds, which would have looked fantastic, paired with a different dress, but here you just don’t notice them. That’s probably because your stare is fixated on that gown. Really, we can’t stop talking about it.

    Bail out!
    Frieda Pinto
    Fashion Police: Wrongly Wrapped
    Slumdog Millionare’s Frieda Pinto opts for a belted wrap-around number by Peter Pilotto. The mix and match prints add a funky feel to the dress, and the actor’s hair is swept to one side giving her face a fresh look. The dress is made without sleeves, and we applaud the designer.

    Serinda Swan
    Fashion Police: Wrongly Wrapped
    The full-length gown has the bodice styled to look like a wrap-around, and the interesting off-shoulder neckline gives the dress an asymmetric look, which doesn’t make the actor look like the dress is trying to drown her. Take note, Deepika! Serinda has accessorized it with a gray clutch purse while chunky gray and black bracelets add glamour to her outfit.
    Kristen Connolly
    Fashion Police: Wrongly Wrapped
    Actor Kristin Connolly is a vision in her long green wrapped number. Similar to Deepika’s but so much better! The actor’s ensemble looks elegant while the green contrasts beautifully with her hair. The fit adds height to Kristen’s appearance, making her look more svelte.
    Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2014.

    0 comments:

    It’s always exciting to discover new designers with a unique signature. What’s more unusual is when these talented newbies have a range that is as wearable as it is distinctive.  The duo Saira Shakira has been creating a buzz in Lahore society ever since they launched two years ago. Their sophisticated luxury prêt was an instant hit, incorporating subtle embellishments and unusual cuts.

    Karachista: Designer profile of Saira Shakira
    Saira Faisal and Shakira Usman both graduated with distinction from the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design.  When they started their label two years ago, it was because no one was designing the sort of clothes that they, themselves, wanted to wear. Their label Saira Shakira soon became a word-of-mouth phenomenon in Lahore.
    Their label is known for slimming silhouettes and elegant detailing. They create texture in their ensembles by juxtaposing different fabrics and by using built-up embroideries. They are known for their use of cutwork, lace and unusual cuts.
    Karachista: Designer profile of Saira Shakira
    At the time of their launch, they were among a very small number of designers championing shorter hemlines. Their dropped waist and dropped hipline cuts give a very lean silhouette. They combine pretty embroideries and a little bling on elegant outfits that are incredibly versatile. Their prêt is perfect for dinners and GTs but can also be dressed up for weddings and formal events.
    Saira and Shakira were in the same year studying fashion at PIFD. Their husbands are close friends and encouraged them to launch a label together. Ever since then, they have never looked back.  “We’re lucky in that we have similar design sensibilities. Our strengths complement each other and we can creatively bounce ideas off each other. Since we have had the same formal training in fashion design, it is easy to work together on design elements,” Shakira explains.
    Their label initially offered only luxury prêt and their first few collections focused heavily on pastels. Embroidery and subtle bling gave a formal feel to fusion cuts while their exquisite detailing had customers beating path to their door. Their latest work focuses on brighter colours, particularly for formals, but incorporates the elegant cuts and pretty detailing that is Saira Shakira’s signature.

    Karachista: Designer profile of Saira Shakira
    “We design for modern women who want a chic, contemporary look”, says Saira Faisal. “These are the clothes that we ourselves love to wear.”
    While Saira and Shakira describe their cuts as a fusion of the East with West, the outfits have a modern Eastern sensibility. This contemporary twist on Eastern wear is part of the appeal of the label. Flared, voluminous sleeves and sheath cuts are paired with cutwork and thread embroideries in a look that is modern without being jarring. These are outfits that work as well at a family lunch as they do at a swish GT.
    Over the past year, Saira Shakira have expanded their line to include formals as well as luxury prêt and have begun stocking their prêt range at the PFDC in Lahore. Their prêt collection falls within a price range of Rs15,000 and Rs40,000. Their formals are for Rs55,000 and onwards and are available by appointment at their Model Town studio.

    Karachista: Designer profile of Saira Shakira

    The designer duo is now working on a new collection that they hope may get selected for the PFDC Fashion Week in April. If they are selected, fashion week will be a major challenge. While the jump from designing for society ladies and designing for the ramp is a huge one, Saira and Shakira have the formal training to make the transition with style. Whilst fashion week would undoubtedly be a massive learning curve for this relatively new but talented duo, it would be interesting to see what they come up with.

    Karachista: Designer profile of Saira Shakira

    Posted at  9:05 PM  |  in    |  Read More»

    It’s always exciting to discover new designers with a unique signature. What’s more unusual is when these talented newbies have a range that is as wearable as it is distinctive.  The duo Saira Shakira has been creating a buzz in Lahore society ever since they launched two years ago. Their sophisticated luxury prêt was an instant hit, incorporating subtle embellishments and unusual cuts.

    Karachista: Designer profile of Saira Shakira
    Saira Faisal and Shakira Usman both graduated with distinction from the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design.  When they started their label two years ago, it was because no one was designing the sort of clothes that they, themselves, wanted to wear. Their label Saira Shakira soon became a word-of-mouth phenomenon in Lahore.
    Their label is known for slimming silhouettes and elegant detailing. They create texture in their ensembles by juxtaposing different fabrics and by using built-up embroideries. They are known for their use of cutwork, lace and unusual cuts.
    Karachista: Designer profile of Saira Shakira
    At the time of their launch, they were among a very small number of designers championing shorter hemlines. Their dropped waist and dropped hipline cuts give a very lean silhouette. They combine pretty embroideries and a little bling on elegant outfits that are incredibly versatile. Their prêt is perfect for dinners and GTs but can also be dressed up for weddings and formal events.
    Saira and Shakira were in the same year studying fashion at PIFD. Their husbands are close friends and encouraged them to launch a label together. Ever since then, they have never looked back.  “We’re lucky in that we have similar design sensibilities. Our strengths complement each other and we can creatively bounce ideas off each other. Since we have had the same formal training in fashion design, it is easy to work together on design elements,” Shakira explains.
    Their label initially offered only luxury prêt and their first few collections focused heavily on pastels. Embroidery and subtle bling gave a formal feel to fusion cuts while their exquisite detailing had customers beating path to their door. Their latest work focuses on brighter colours, particularly for formals, but incorporates the elegant cuts and pretty detailing that is Saira Shakira’s signature.

    Karachista: Designer profile of Saira Shakira
    “We design for modern women who want a chic, contemporary look”, says Saira Faisal. “These are the clothes that we ourselves love to wear.”
    While Saira and Shakira describe their cuts as a fusion of the East with West, the outfits have a modern Eastern sensibility. This contemporary twist on Eastern wear is part of the appeal of the label. Flared, voluminous sleeves and sheath cuts are paired with cutwork and thread embroideries in a look that is modern without being jarring. These are outfits that work as well at a family lunch as they do at a swish GT.
    Over the past year, Saira Shakira have expanded their line to include formals as well as luxury prêt and have begun stocking their prêt range at the PFDC in Lahore. Their prêt collection falls within a price range of Rs15,000 and Rs40,000. Their formals are for Rs55,000 and onwards and are available by appointment at their Model Town studio.

    Karachista: Designer profile of Saira Shakira

    The designer duo is now working on a new collection that they hope may get selected for the PFDC Fashion Week in April. If they are selected, fashion week will be a major challenge. While the jump from designing for society ladies and designing for the ramp is a huge one, Saira and Shakira have the formal training to make the transition with style. Whilst fashion week would undoubtedly be a massive learning curve for this relatively new but talented duo, it would be interesting to see what they come up with.

    0 comments:

    Asia Cup’s future hangs in the balance as conflicting reports about holding the event in Bangladesh emerged on Saturday.

    Asia Cup future hangs in balance
    The Chief Executive of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Ashraful Haq claimed that violence-plagued Bangladesh would remain the venue for next month’s Asia Cup and added Afghanistan as the fifth team in the regional one-day tournament.
    “The tournament will go ahead as scheduled in Bangladesh from February 25,” said Huq after an executive board meeting in Colombo.
    However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a press release later in the day stating that no final decision has been made in this regard.
    “The matter of the Asia Cup in Bangladesh was discussed at length with emphasis on the current security situation,” said the PCB in a statement.

    photo 3_zps9d0af884.jpg

    “The matter will be further deliberated on 9th January in Dubai after some members have consulted their governments.”
    Huq, on the other hand, had claimed that all arrangements were in place for the event.
    “Everything is in place for the tournament, no one raised any issue about safety,” said Huq, adding the Bangladesh Cricket Board had made a detailed security presentation at the meeting.
    Huq also claimed that Pakistan did not raise any security concerns at the meeting either.
    However, a Pakistan board source said that it will seek further clarification during a meeting of the International Cricket Council.
    Meanwhile, an ACC release said 11 matches will be played in the tournament with the final on March 8. Afghanistan will also join Asia’s four Test nations – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
    The Afghanistan team, which has qualified for their maiden appearance in the 50-over World Cup, have also made it to their third successive World Twenty20.

    Asia Cup future hangs in balance

    Posted at  9:02 PM  |  in  Sports  |  Read More»

    Asia Cup’s future hangs in the balance as conflicting reports about holding the event in Bangladesh emerged on Saturday.

    Asia Cup future hangs in balance
    The Chief Executive of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Ashraful Haq claimed that violence-plagued Bangladesh would remain the venue for next month’s Asia Cup and added Afghanistan as the fifth team in the regional one-day tournament.
    “The tournament will go ahead as scheduled in Bangladesh from February 25,” said Huq after an executive board meeting in Colombo.
    However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a press release later in the day stating that no final decision has been made in this regard.
    “The matter of the Asia Cup in Bangladesh was discussed at length with emphasis on the current security situation,” said the PCB in a statement.

    photo 3_zps9d0af884.jpg

    “The matter will be further deliberated on 9th January in Dubai after some members have consulted their governments.”
    Huq, on the other hand, had claimed that all arrangements were in place for the event.
    “Everything is in place for the tournament, no one raised any issue about safety,” said Huq, adding the Bangladesh Cricket Board had made a detailed security presentation at the meeting.
    Huq also claimed that Pakistan did not raise any security concerns at the meeting either.
    However, a Pakistan board source said that it will seek further clarification during a meeting of the International Cricket Council.
    Meanwhile, an ACC release said 11 matches will be played in the tournament with the final on March 8. Afghanistan will also join Asia’s four Test nations – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
    The Afghanistan team, which has qualified for their maiden appearance in the 50-over World Cup, have also made it to their third successive World Twenty20.

    0 comments:

    The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in a draw on the fifth and final day in Abu Dhabi on Saturday after Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad hit half-centuries.

    ‘Happy’ Sri Lanka salvage draw in first Test
    Hafeez finished with 80 not out for his ninth Test half-century, his first in 11 innings, while Ahmed Shehzad notched his maiden fifty on his debut as Pakistan, set 302 runs in a possible of 67 overs, finished on 158 for two.
    The draw left the three-Test series open, with the second Test starting in Dubai on Wednesday.
    The no-result is also a moral victory for the Sri Lankans who were in a danger of losing after conceding a big 179-run lead in the first innings and were 186 for four after the third day, leading by just seven runs with six wickets intact.
    Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews hit a career-best 157 not out to pull his team out of danger on the fourth day when they lost only one wicket in the full day’s play for 234 runs.
    Pakistan lost opener Khurram Manzoor early, caught behind off pace man Suranga Lakmal after scoring eight, but Hafeez and Shehzad added 94 for the second wicket stand. Hafeez reached his half-century with two fours in one over.
    Shehzad also hit spinner Rangana Herath for his seventh four to reach his maiden 50 before he was trapped leg-before by the same bowler soon after tea for 55.
    We hope to continue like this, says Mathews
    Mathews said he was happy with his team’s fight back.
    “Pretty happy with the result and hope to continue like this in the series,” said man-of-the-match Mathews.
    “We were in a spot of bother after the third day but I am happy that we came good in batting and forced a draw.”
    Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq was disappointed at his side’s batting collapse in the first innings.
    “We need to improve our batting because the way we lost six wickets for 50-odd runs was not good and also our bowling when the wicket is not conducive,” he said.
    Earlier, Sri Lanka declared their second innings on 480 for five after batting an hour and 30 minutes but their slow batting showed they had safety on their minds rather than forcing a lead.
    It was the unfinished sixth wicket 156-run stand between Mathews and Prasanna Jayawardene (63 not out) that continued on the fifth day and ended all hopes of a Pakistani win.
    Pace men Junaid Khan finished with three for 93, while Bilawal Bhatti took two for 146. Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal finished wicket-less in his 49 overs. He conceded 115 runs – only the fifth time that he failed to get a wicket in an innings in his 31 Tests.

    ‘Happy’ Sri Lanka salvage draw in first Test

    Posted at  9:00 PM  |  in  Sports  |  Read More»

    The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in a draw on the fifth and final day in Abu Dhabi on Saturday after Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad hit half-centuries.

    ‘Happy’ Sri Lanka salvage draw in first Test
    Hafeez finished with 80 not out for his ninth Test half-century, his first in 11 innings, while Ahmed Shehzad notched his maiden fifty on his debut as Pakistan, set 302 runs in a possible of 67 overs, finished on 158 for two.
    The draw left the three-Test series open, with the second Test starting in Dubai on Wednesday.
    The no-result is also a moral victory for the Sri Lankans who were in a danger of losing after conceding a big 179-run lead in the first innings and were 186 for four after the third day, leading by just seven runs with six wickets intact.
    Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews hit a career-best 157 not out to pull his team out of danger on the fourth day when they lost only one wicket in the full day’s play for 234 runs.
    Pakistan lost opener Khurram Manzoor early, caught behind off pace man Suranga Lakmal after scoring eight, but Hafeez and Shehzad added 94 for the second wicket stand. Hafeez reached his half-century with two fours in one over.
    Shehzad also hit spinner Rangana Herath for his seventh four to reach his maiden 50 before he was trapped leg-before by the same bowler soon after tea for 55.
    We hope to continue like this, says Mathews
    Mathews said he was happy with his team’s fight back.
    “Pretty happy with the result and hope to continue like this in the series,” said man-of-the-match Mathews.
    “We were in a spot of bother after the third day but I am happy that we came good in batting and forced a draw.”
    Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq was disappointed at his side’s batting collapse in the first innings.
    “We need to improve our batting because the way we lost six wickets for 50-odd runs was not good and also our bowling when the wicket is not conducive,” he said.
    Earlier, Sri Lanka declared their second innings on 480 for five after batting an hour and 30 minutes but their slow batting showed they had safety on their minds rather than forcing a lead.
    It was the unfinished sixth wicket 156-run stand between Mathews and Prasanna Jayawardene (63 not out) that continued on the fifth day and ended all hopes of a Pakistani win.
    Pace men Junaid Khan finished with three for 93, while Bilawal Bhatti took two for 146. Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal finished wicket-less in his 49 overs. He conceded 115 runs – only the fifth time that he failed to get a wicket in an innings in his 31 Tests.

    0 comments:

    Investors are heading to Pakistan to benefit from a newly-elected, business-friendly government that is rolling out a programme to aid the struggling economy, a recently published Wall Street Journal report said.

    Investors flocking to business-friendly Pakistan: Report
    In its report on Friday, the American daily said the benchmark index traded in the financial capital Karachi jumped 49.4% last year, ranking among the world’s top performers.
    The report said the rally is also part of a broad move by money managers willing to take on high risks in frontier markets across the globe on hopes of juicy returns that beat traditional emerging markets. That bet paid off handsomely in 2013 with countries like Argentina, Venezuela and Vietnam, with histories of volatility and sudden declines, scoring big gains.
    The report observed that the biggest catalyst in Pakistan was the election of the PML-N. It is the first time in the nation’s history that an elected government has handed over power to another, raising expectations of improved political stability.
    Flows from foreign investors into Pakistan reached $283 million from the beginning of May, the month of the election, to the end of 2013, according to the National Clearing Company of Pakistan. Global investors have also snapped up Pakistani government bonds with yields, which move inversely to prices, falling to 7.54% recently from as high as 11.69% in April on the 10-year bond.
    The clearance of almost $5 billion in circular debt, a long-term bailout loan of at least $6.6billion from the International Monetary Fund, and a far reaching privatisation programme which will include the national airline and electricity producers, are all factors the report cites.
    All the moves were important given that the country is plagued by electricity shortages, while the oil and gas sector accounts for nearly a third of the benchmark index in Karachi. The largest company on the index, energy firm Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL) saw share prices grow 43.5% last year.

    Investors flocking to business-friendly Pakistan: Report

    Posted at  8:59 PM  |  in    |  Read More»

    Investors are heading to Pakistan to benefit from a newly-elected, business-friendly government that is rolling out a programme to aid the struggling economy, a recently published Wall Street Journal report said.

    Investors flocking to business-friendly Pakistan: Report
    In its report on Friday, the American daily said the benchmark index traded in the financial capital Karachi jumped 49.4% last year, ranking among the world’s top performers.
    The report said the rally is also part of a broad move by money managers willing to take on high risks in frontier markets across the globe on hopes of juicy returns that beat traditional emerging markets. That bet paid off handsomely in 2013 with countries like Argentina, Venezuela and Vietnam, with histories of volatility and sudden declines, scoring big gains.
    The report observed that the biggest catalyst in Pakistan was the election of the PML-N. It is the first time in the nation’s history that an elected government has handed over power to another, raising expectations of improved political stability.
    Flows from foreign investors into Pakistan reached $283 million from the beginning of May, the month of the election, to the end of 2013, according to the National Clearing Company of Pakistan. Global investors have also snapped up Pakistani government bonds with yields, which move inversely to prices, falling to 7.54% recently from as high as 11.69% in April on the 10-year bond.
    The clearance of almost $5 billion in circular debt, a long-term bailout loan of at least $6.6billion from the International Monetary Fund, and a far reaching privatisation programme which will include the national airline and electricity producers, are all factors the report cites.
    All the moves were important given that the country is plagued by electricity shortages, while the oil and gas sector accounts for nearly a third of the benchmark index in Karachi. The largest company on the index, energy firm Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL) saw share prices grow 43.5% last year.

    0 comments:

    Bollywood star Salman Khan Tuesday triumphed at the 6th edition of the Chevrolet Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards by bagging the best actor prize for hit comedy “Dabangg”, which was declared the best film.
    salman khan dabang pic 200x150
    “Dabangg”, released last year, was Arbaaz Khan’s first film as a producer and became the biggest grosser of the year at the box office. Directed by first time director Abhinav Kashyap, the film also introduced Sonakshi Sinha, daughter of actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha. It gave 2009’s best item number “Munni Badnam” too.
    Karan Johar got the best director award for “My Name Is Khan”. Set in a tumultuous post 9/11 America, the film starred Shah Rukh Khan as a Aspergers syndrome patient who sets out on a journey to prove that every Khan is not a terrorist.
    In the best actress category there was a tie between Vidya Balan and Anushka Sharma – while the former was awarded for her stupendous performance in critically acclaimed “Ishqiya”, the latter was honoured for her role in the successful film “Band Baaja Baraat”.

    Salman Khan named best actor, ‘Dabangg’ best film at Apsara Awards

    Posted at  8:47 PM  |  in    |  Read More»

    Bollywood star Salman Khan Tuesday triumphed at the 6th edition of the Chevrolet Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards by bagging the best actor prize for hit comedy “Dabangg”, which was declared the best film.
    salman khan dabang pic 200x150
    “Dabangg”, released last year, was Arbaaz Khan’s first film as a producer and became the biggest grosser of the year at the box office. Directed by first time director Abhinav Kashyap, the film also introduced Sonakshi Sinha, daughter of actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha. It gave 2009’s best item number “Munni Badnam” too.
    Karan Johar got the best director award for “My Name Is Khan”. Set in a tumultuous post 9/11 America, the film starred Shah Rukh Khan as a Aspergers syndrome patient who sets out on a journey to prove that every Khan is not a terrorist.
    In the best actress category there was a tie between Vidya Balan and Anushka Sharma – while the former was awarded for her stupendous performance in critically acclaimed “Ishqiya”, the latter was honoured for her role in the successful film “Band Baaja Baraat”.

    0 comments:

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