FIFA World 2010 - South Africa

Uruguay take on France in the second match of the opening day. Kick off 7.30pm (GMT) at Cape Town Stadium.

Live coverage on BBC1 from 7.00pm (GMT).

Uruguay are making their 11th appearance in the finals. Key players to watch out for: Diego Lugano, Forlan and Luis Suarez.

France won the World Cup in France in 1998 helped by their key player Zinedine Zidane. Key players to watch out for: Thierry Henry, William Gallas, Nicolas Anelka, Karim Benzema, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Florent Malouda and Loic Remy. France have a huge line up of talented players.

As with any World Cup final stage matches, things are unpridictible. You can never write off the South Americans.

FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa

The opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2010 kicks off at 3.00pm (GMT). The hosts South Africa take on Mexico in Group A in Johannesburg.

Live coverage on ITV1 from 2:30pm (GMT).

South Africa are making their third appearance in footballs most watched event worldwide. They previously qualified in 1998 and 2002. South Africa are coached by Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira, who led Brazil to World Cup victory in 1994. South Africa are nicknamed Bafana Bafana which means “The Boys” in Zulu.

Mexico have qualified for the World Cup 13 times perviously. They reached the quarter-finals in both 1970 and 1986.

The two footballing nations have met three times before, with Mexico winning two games to South Africa’s one. This is their first meeting at a World Cup final stages.

Talented midfielder Steven Pienaar is South Africa’s prize assert. He also plays for the English side Everton.

Mexico are nicknamed El Tri in reference to the three colours they were: Green, White and Red. Mexican players to watch: Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Guillermo Ochoa, Efrain Juarez, Andres Guardado, Giovani dos Santos and Rafael Marquez.

Take Stunning Pictures

FREE master-class with a famous and award winning photographer!

Do you want to capture a family gathering?

Are you attending a wedding at the end of July?

Blink Films are searching for people to take part in an exciting new photography series for Five. Our world renowned photographers (Martin Parr, Charlie Waite, Bob Martin and more) will share their knowledge to help you take stunning photos. We are looking for the following people:

1. People wanting to capture a family gathering

Are your family visiting this July? Do you want to capture a great family photo while they are here? Has someone in your family had a new baby? We are searching for people who would love to learn how to take great portrait photos and capture amazing shots of their family!

2. Are you attending a wedding on the 31^st July?

IF you are attending a wedding why not learn how to take some great photos of the event from one of the UKs top wedding photographers! You could give them to the bride and groom as a gift

All training wil be done using YOUR camera! Achieve stunning results whether you have a simple digital point-and-shoot, a full DSLR or trusty old 35mm.

Whether you’re fed up with your photographic disasters, just getting to grips with photography or even consider yourself to be the next big thing, this is an amazing opportunity to work with some of the world’s best photographers. You will learn how to achieve the wow factor with expert guidance and a variety of practical and insightful tips. You simply need passion to learn and a desire to experiment!

If you’d like to unleash your photo taking potential and live, or can be based in London and the surrounding area please send an email to Sam Knowles ASAP sam.knowles@blinkfilmsuk.com To be considered for this opportunity you will need to be able to dedicate 3 – 4 days of your time in July (exact dates TBC)

There are various companies that offer car insurance online. It is advisable to get insured by a reputable company. You can search online for the lowest motor insurance quote.

You can use price comparison sites like:

1. www.gocompare.com

2. www.confused.com

3. www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance

4. www.comparethemarket.com

or

You can check directly with companies like:

1. www.directline.com

2. www.churchill.com

3. www.admiral.com

Many Supermarkets also do car insurance, like Tesco and Asda.

When using price comparison sites, it is advisable to go with a reputable brand. Always check the excess amounts and what is covered by your insurance policy like: windscreen cover, recovery, car hire, courtesy car…

Make sure that you are also covered for the use that you are going to make of your car… driving to work, business…

Check that your car make and model is listed correctly. If it is NOT, your insurance will not be valid.

• Have you had enough of fast paced urban life/want to escape the rat race and crave the tranquillity of village life?
• Or maybe you are trying to get on the property ladder/fed up with renting and dream of owning your own home?
• Have you got something to offer a village that will benefit the community and in turn win the villagers hearts?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions please email stating your name and contact details ASAP to thevillage@studiolambert.com or call on 0207 534 2029 or

TEXT name and contact details to 07921 609687

Hrithik Barbara in Kites

‘Kites’,

 the widest ever release for any Indian film production to date, heralds a new milestone in international filmmaking by truly crossing geographical, cultural and social boundaries making  it a film which cannot be confined to any singular defining film genre. Anurag Basu, one of the most forward-thinking directors to emerge from India and fearless in his vision of breaking the conventions associated with Indian filmmaking, directs the  heartthrob of Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan, one of India’s most idolised artists.

Hrithik sets screens ablaze with the on-screen chemistry he shares with smoldering Mexican beauty, Barbara Mori, the South Americanscreen icon who has been creating waves across the international film circuit. ‘Kites’ has been produced by veteran of Indian cinema, Rakesh Roshan, under his Filmkraft banner.

‘Kites’ trails a filmic journey through the neon and nightlife of the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas, where the crew took special permissions and blocked off roads for filming to the point of creating rain in the middle of the Nevada desert, through to the barren and beautiful landscape of New Mexico, where the natural beauty and unusual cloud formations provide a Utopia-like backdrop to a kaleidoscopic piece of cinematic work. The film effortlessly seams together romance, action, thriller and road trip into a montage that will guarantee a love affair with audiences universally. Narrated through a series of slickly edited flashbacks, ‘Kites’ tells its story through a mix of Hindi, English and subtitled Spanish. The soundtrack has been composed by music maestro Rajesh Roshan who has created a haunting ensemble of tracks fusing Western, Indian and Latino ballads.

Synopsis:

‘Kites’ centres around two immigrants – one from India and one from Mexico – both navigating life in North America in pursuit of their dreams. Orphaned in childhood, ‘J’ (Hrithik Roshan) is a hustler who has learned to live by his wits and charm. Teaching salsa by day, he is not averse to a shady deal here and there. ‘Linda’ AKA ‘Natasha’ (Barbara Mori’) is a feisty, beautiful Mexican who has crossed the border illegally in the hope of making some money to support her family back home.

Barbara Mori, Hrithik Roshan in Kites

Destiny unites them through the most unexpected twist of fate which culminates in a mortally wounded man being left for dead in the harsh terrain of the Mexican desert. The man is J, but barely recognizable as the once carefree and street smart trickster that he was.  The only thing now keeping him alive is his quest to reclaim the love of his life – Linda.

‘Kites’ is a multi-layered and textured film which transcends racial barriers and backgrounds. It deals with issues that hold utmost relevance in today’s multicultural society and is sure to touch the hearts of a diversity of both mainstream and ethnic film audiences the world over.

Asian Dating

Online” Marriage Still the Way Forward for the British Asian “Facebook” Generation.

Research was undertaken by AsianD8Online to identify trends in the British Asian online dating environment. The online survey results illustrate that a substantial number of Asians are exploiting online dating services, still with long term commitment in mind. The majority of those who partook in the research were in the 24-30 age range. According to the figures, 75% of respondents claimed that the prospect of matrimony is a fundamental driving factor in their decision to use AsianD8Online. This evidence continues to support the assumption that online dating is surpassing traditional and conventional methods of matchmaking in the Asian community.

Results indicate that 44% are motivated to join with direct marriage intentions, whilst, 31% are looking to enter in a serious relationship with the intentions of matrimony. This presents a credible argument to imply that new generations of British born Asians are defying traditional means of matchmaking, nevertheless, still regard getting married highly. Intriguingly, 24-30 year olds continue to place a greater credence upon marriage rather than casual relationships.

AsianD8Online Commercial Director, Sujan Shah is adamant that matrimony is still the key motivator behind people using online dating sites in the Asian Community;

“It is vividly apparent that conventional matchmaking methods in the Asian community may not be as effective as they once previously were. The digital era has spawned a new generation of “Facebook” consumers, predominantly aged in the 24-30 bracket, who understand the benefits of online dating and how it can lead to matrimony. Previously, the most frequent mode of matchmaking has been the parental route; where parents introduce their children to a prospective match through extended friends and family networks. While this technique has had generations of success in India, the vast cultural differences between Asian born parents and their English born children can often result in unsuitable matches.”

Although it is apparent that cultural differences are significant in fuelling growth in online dating, there are nevertheless, other noteworthy explanations. Both Asian men and women are prioritising careers ahead of marriage and dating. Dating or finding a marriage partner can be time consuming, an element that is frequently in short supply for such career minded professionals. Such constraints have resulted in a dramatic increase in using the web for matrimonial services to find potential partners for marriage. It appears that this fact has not been lost to AsianD8Online who, for example, incorporate an innovative quick flick feature which enables users to slide through numerous profiles at the click of a button. Originality such as this has ensured that AsianD8Online commands a considerable segment of the online dating market. In fact, such is the popularity of the site, that 94% of users would consider recommending the site to others.

The online dating environment has benefited from immense technological developments to help improve customer experience. With enhanced features, such as AsianD8’s quick flick feature, meticulous vetting procedures, up-to-date maintenance and extensive profile databases, it is no wonder why so many Asians have transformed their approach to meeting their ideal partner. So maybe this research sends a stark message to parents – want to ensure your child finds their perfect partner? Ensure their signed up to an Asian dating site!

Should Muslims Vote

As election fever hits the UK, there is much debate within the Muslim community regarding voting as understood by various Muslim scholars.

There are a large group of Muslims in the UK that believe in democracy and also take part in elections. There are also many Muslim candidates standing in the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest and Redbridge.

Some muslim scholars say that it is Wajjib for a muslim to vote so that the muslims have a say in the runnings. Some say it is better to vote to make sure that the lesser of the evils prevails.

Would you vote to keep the BNP out?

Some muslim scholars like Abu Muaz Al Britani say that it is Shirk to vote for a democracy. As the process of democracy is a system that enforces man made laws. They would like to see Sharia Law established in the UK. Sharia law according to Islam is the law as set my Allah for all mankind.

Share Your Views: http://www.londonasianguide.co.uk/forum/is-voting-elections-allowed-in-islam-t-1078.html

Amitabh Bachchan & Jaqueline Fernandes

· The lineup of exciting events and business forums announced and The IIFA Awards to be held at the multi-purpose Sugathadasa Stadium
· Sri Lankan Tourism welcomes IIFA and Indian Cinema to Colombo

After a magical decade with celebrations across the world, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) will celebrate the IIFA Weekend and IIFA Awards in the exotic Emerald Island of Sri Lanka, this year. The 11th edition of IIFA will be held at the country’s capital, Colombo, from June 3rd – 5th, 2010.

As always, the IIFA Weekend, Sri Lanka will be a culmination of mega events that brings Indian cinema to the world. The IIFA Weekend includes the high-profile FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum, the IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza, the IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match, World premieres of Indian films, IIFA Film Workshop and the climax of the Weekend, the spectacular IIFA Awards. The IIFA Awards is the biggest South Asian media event and is considered among the most-watched annual global events.

Sri Lanka, famous for its 1,600 km of unspoilt beaches is a paradise island with an incredible history and a popular tourist destination. The economic capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is a bustling metropolitan that offers a wide array of sights and activities, satiating all tourists alike. Be it the architecture of the colonial-era buildings, which hark back to the days of the British Empire or the Fort District with its Dutch and Portuguese forts, the picturesque island retains its old world charm.

Speaking of the IIFA Weekend and Awards moving into its second glorious decade, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, IIFA Brand Ambassador said, “On behalf of IIFA, we are very happy to bring the IIFA experience to our hospitable neighbour, Sri Lanka. As a member of the film industry, I look forward to another luminous decade, as IIFA journeys forth, sharing the Indian cinematic movement with the world, and simultaneously share with the world, the emerald isle, Sri Lanka.”

Mr.Caabral (the Governor of Central bank of Sri Lanka) and Jacqueline Fernandes gift mr Bachchan at the iifa announcement PC in Colombo

The FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum 2010 will be held on the second day of the IIFA Weekend. The Forum is an endeavor to bridge boundaries between India and Sri Lanka and will be used to further trade opportunities and cinema between India and Sri Lanka. It is a dynamic global platform providing the industry with an opportunity to deliberate on a diverse range of business, bilateral economic and political issues.

Colombo is the commercial and business centre of Sri Lanka and the most populous city of the country. Mr. K. A. D. George Michael, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka, “The city of Colombo is decking up for one of the biggest events to come to our country. We are pleased to stage the IIFA celebrations and would like to thank the Academy for presenting us with this wonderful opportunity to showcase the unique and exotic aspects of Sri Lanka to the rest of the world. Sri Lanka is poised to be the hub of international attention during the IIFA Weekend in June. ”

In its eleventh year, IIFA steers forth to strengthen its vision of building bridges across businesses, communities, nations and cinemas creating ‘One People. One World.’ Having taken the Weekend and Awards to various beau locales world over, from London to Amsterdam, Dubai to Johannesburg, IIFA has created lasting experiences in these countries, opening new markets for Indian Cinema and its cinematic culture.

Mr. Sabbas Joseph, Director, IIFA said, “We are proud of IIFA’s progression over the last 11 years and it is heartening to see IIFA now step onto our neighbouring country, Sri Lanka. IIFA 2010 will see the best line-up of performances and entertainment par excellence as the best of Indian cinema will descend on Colombo in June. See you in Colombo.”

As a platform that reaches out to millions of global television viewers, IIFA offers a phenomenal opportunity to deliver relevant messages to audiences. The event will be broadcast globally on STAR PLUS, India’s No. 1 entertainment channel, reaching viewers across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

Commenting on STAR Plus’ association with IIFA, Sanjay Gupta, COO, STAR India said, “It is indeed a delight to be part of the grandest celebration of Indian Cinema. IIFA, in the past decade, has become a landmark annual event with the Indian Film industry coming together to celebrate its success. As the exclusive Global Broadcast Partners for the sixth year of IIFA Awards, Star Plus will enable its viewers to catch the most exciting Indian Film Awards extravaganza of the year. I am confident that IIFA will continue to be one of the most watched television awards on STAR Plus as we move ahead.”

“We are very proud to bring the IIFA magic to Colombo as the host of this magnificent event.” said Mr. Dileep Mudadeniya, Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, “We are grateful to IIFA and Wizcraft for choosing our country as the host nation and look forward to a Weekend of glamour, cinema and networking. We look to give the IIFA Weekend and Awards our utmost support. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau looks forward to hosting the Indian Film Fraternity and a large faction of tourists and fans alike, to Sri Lanka. ”

Hrithik & Barbara

India’s most truly international film project – releasing in Cinemas Worldwide on 21st May 2010
 
One of the most ambitious and truly international films to emerge from India is set to dominate cinemas worldwide as Reliance BIG Pictures presents the long-awaited ‘Kites’ a film that will undoubtedly fly high in Box Offices across the globe when it releases on 21st May 2010.
 
‘Kites’, the widest ever release for any Indian film production to date, heralds a new milestone in international filmmaking by truly crossing geographical, cultural and social boundaries making  it a film which cannot be confined to any singular defining film genre. Anurag Basu, one of the most forward-thinking directors to emerge from India and fearless in his vision of breaking the conventions associated with Indian filmmaking, directs the  heartthrob of Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan, one of India’s most idolised artists.
 

Hrithik & Barbara in Kites

Hrithik sets screens ablaze with the on-screen chemistry he shares with smoldering Mexican beauty, Barbari Mori, the South American screen icon who has been creating waves across the international film circuit. ‘Kites’ has been produced by veteran of Indian cinema, Rakesh Roshan, under his Filmkraft banner.
 
 ‘Kites’ trails a filmic journey through the neon and nightlife of the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas, where the crew took special permissions and blocked off roads for filming to the point of creating rain in the middle of the Nevada desert, through to the barren and beautiful landscape of New Mexico, where the natural beauty and unusual cloud formations provide a Utopia-like backdrop to a kaleidoscopic piece of cinematic work. The film effortlessly seams together romance, action, thriller and road trip into a montage that will guarantee a love affair with audiences universally. Narrated through a series of slickly edited flashbacks, ‘Kites’ tells its story through a mix of Hindi, English and subtitled Spanish. The soundtrack has been composed by music maestro Rajesh Roshan who has created a haunting ensemble of tracks fusing Western, Indian and Latino ballads.
 
Synopsis:
‘Kites’ centres around two immigrants – one from India and one from Mexico – both navigating life in North America in pursuit of their dreams. Orphaned in childhood, ‘J’ (Hrithik Roshan) is a hustler who has learned to live by his wits and charm. Teaching salsa by day, he is not averse to a shady deal here and there. ‘Linda’ AKA ‘Natasha’ (Barbara Mori’) is a feisty, beautiful Mexican who has crossed the border illegally in the hope of making some money to support her family back home.
 
Destiny unites them through the most unexpected twist of fate which culminates in a mortally wounded man being left for dead in the harsh terrain of the Mexican desert. The man is J, but barely recognizable as the once carefree and street smart trickster that he was.  The only thing now keeping him alive is his quest to reclaim the love of his life – Linda.
 
‘Kites’ is a multi-layered and textured film which transcends racial barriers and backgrounds. It deals with issues that hold utmost relevance in today’s multicultural society and is sure to touch the hearts of a diversity of both mainstream and ethnic film audiences the world over.
 
‘Kites’ is released by Reliance BIG Pictures in cinemas worldwide on 21st May 2010.