Orlando Bloom struggles with dyslexia

June 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New York, June 4 (ANI): British actor Orlando Bloom has opened up about his previously undisclosed battle with dyslexia.

During a talk at the Child Mind Institute with Dr. Harold Koplewicz, the ‘Lord of the Rings’ star talked about his ongoing struggle.

“It”s still an ongoing struggle,” the New York Daily News quoted him as saying.

“I have more trouble studying scripts and memorizing lines than most [other actors],” he added.

However, the actor also admitted to a packed audience at Rockefeller University, which included his lady love, Miranda Kerr, that his mother used to help him overcome his problem.

“My mom used to tell me, ”If you read 50 books, I”ll get you a motorbike,”” he said.

“So it inspired me to read a lot and work through [my dyslexia]. But I never quite got to 50. And I never got that motorbike,” he added. (ANI)

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Bike Insurance Warning for Unsafe Tyres

April 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM, Apr 11 (MARKET WIRE) —
Defective tyre related motorbike accidents have increased by 28%
according to new Department of Transport figures obtained by tyre safety
organisation TyreSafe.

As a result of dodgy and illegal tyres, MOT failures have also increased
to 26,000 a year – that’s 75 every day.

April is Tyre Safety Month and Tyre Safe, the UK’s leading tyre safety
organisation, is warning that motorcyclists are taking dangerous and
unnecessary risks with their lives by failing to look after their tyres
properly.

Bike insurance specialist Swinton Bikes has added that as riders bring
their bikes out of winter storage, they should carry out a thorough
inspection before heading out onto the road – or else face the prospect
of having to make a costly insurance claim.

Anthony Aronin, head of Swinton Bikes, said: “As the weather improves and
bikers get back on the road after a long winter, it is vitally important
that they check their machines are in good condition and are working
properly – including tyres, brakes and other safety features. These DfT
figures show a worrying jump in the number of tyre-related accidents, and
we would urge every biker to make sure their tyres are in a road worthy
condition.”

The latest road casualty figures available from the Department for
Transport show that in 2008 there was a 28 percent increase in the number
of motorcycles involved in an accident where illegal, defective or
under-inflated tyres were a contributory factor. This dramatic rise took
the tally to a three-year high of 88 accidents.

The level of neglect is further demonstrated with analysis of VOSA’s MoT
data. These figures show that in 2008/9 tyre related defects contributed
to more than 26,000 motorcycle MoT tests being failed, equivalent to
nearly 75 failures every day. This total represents an increase of just
under 1,500 failures over the previous year and more than 2,500 when
compared with 2006/7.

Throughout April, tyre and motorcycle dealers across the UK will be
hoping to help motorcyclists become safer by offering free tyre safety
checks. The checks will include a visual inspection, looking in
particular for any cracks, cuts or bulges in the tyre which can make it
both dangerous and illegal.

Examiners will also look for any irregular wear patterns which can be a
sign of problems with other components, set-up or riding style. Pressures
will be checked against the recommended levels with any necessary
adjustments made for any pillion or pannier loads. Finally, the tread
depth will be examined to make sure the tyre has sufficient tread to
remove water from the road surface and meets the legal minimum tread
requirements.

About Swinton

– With 580 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK’s largest high street
insurance retailer
– Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton
is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the
community
– Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of
its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike
and even classic car insurance
– With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a
panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates

Contacts:
SKV Communications
Anoushka Done, Anna Asamoah or Mairead Rodden
0161 838 7770
www.skvcommunications.co.uk

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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“Crash for Cash” Phenomenon Pushes Van Insurance Prices Through the Roof

April 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM, Apr 11 (MARKET WIRE) —
The past year has seen an increase in the amount of false van insurance
claims as the numbers of “crash for cash” incidents rise, according to
research carried out by Swinton Commercial.

The research undertaken by the van insurance retailer revealed that the
insurance scam is costing commercial vehicle drivers and the van
insurance industry almost twice the amount than in previous years.

Swinton Commercial describes the “crash for cash” scam as when a driver
causes an accident and makes it look like another driver’s fault, often
achieved through disconnecting the brake lights on a vehicle and stopping
suddenly.

Phil Moss, Commercial Vehicle Manager at Swinton Commercial said: “We
urge all van drivers not to be tempted by any insurance scams. Cases like
these are driving up van insurance premiums by over GBP 40 per person. It
is now more important than ever that van drivers have adequate insurance,
to cover any eventuality.

“Many people involved in this scam cite financial worries as their reason
for being involved but ultimately it could drive up insurance premiums
for guilty and innocent drivers alike.”

About Swinton

– Swinton Commercial is the dedicated commercial insurance division of the
Swinton Group
– Swinton Commercial was awarded Commercial Lines Broker of the Year 2008
and is a finalist at the British Insurer Awards 2009
– With 580 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK’s largest high street
insurance retailer
– Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton
is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the
community
– Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of
its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike
and even classic car insurance
– With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a
panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates

Contacts:
SKV Communications
Anoushka Done, Anna Asamoah or Mairead Rodden
0161 838 7770
www.skvcommunications.co.uk

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved

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Tension rises as Thailand blocks websites, TV

April 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Thailand blocked opposition websites and TV channels on Thursday and the prime minister scrapped an overseas visit a day after a state of emergency was declared to quell nearly a month of mass protests.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called off a one-day trip to Vietnam for a Southeast Asian leaders summit as tension remained high, with “red shirt” protesters vowing defiance.

On Wednesday they stormed parliament, forcing officials to flee by helicopter and triggering an emergency decree that gives the military broad powers to control unrest.

Despite the decree, the red-shirted supporters of twice-elected and now fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, ignored orders to leave the capital’s main shopping district and promised to stage their biggest rally yet on Friday.

The risk of a confrontation subdued Thailand’s recently hot stock market, which posted its biggest fall in more than two months, losing more than 2 per cent and underperforming its Asian peers. The local baht currency was also weaker.

Overnight, two men on a motorbike fired into the offices of the nationalist monarchist “yellow shirts”, wounding two security guards, witnesses said. A grenade fired at a radio station affiliated with the yellow shirts failed to explode.

In 2008, the yellow shirts, who opposed Thaksin’s allies in the previous government, occupied the prime minister’s office for three months and blockaded Bangkok’s main airport until a court expelled the government.

Difficult choice

Mr Abhisit faces a difficult choice: compromise and call an election he could easily lose, or launch a crackdown on tens of thousands of protesters that could stir up even more trouble.

Most analysts doubt the authorities will use force to remove the mostly rural and working class protesters who have been camped in Bangkok’s upmarket shopping district since Saturday – a politically risky decision for Mr Abhisit as his 16-month-old coalition government struggles to build support outside Bangkok.

The number of protesters in the district of malls and luxury hotels was growing steadily, reaching about 10,000 by early afternoon. Numbers typically swell into the tens of thousands in the cooler evenings in a carnival-like atmosphere.

But pressure is growing on Mr Abhisit from residents in Bangkok, a stronghold of his Democrat Party, to take decisive action to end the rolling protests, which began on March 14 when up to 150,000 massed in the city’s old quarter.

The emergency decree allows authorities to suspend certain civil liberties, ban public gatherings of more than five people and stop media reporting news that “causes panic”.

Mr Abhisit assured the public that the emergency would not be used to impose a crackdown. Recently he has offered some concessions, including dissolving parliament in December, a year early, but protesters are demanding immediate elections.

By Thursday, authorities had blocked most websites associated with the protesters and taken several opposition TV channels off air.

Military checkpoints had gone up outside Bangkok to stop more from entering the sprawling city of 15 million people.

- Reuters

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Sikh Bobby felt like a TV character when told to wear a ‘ crash turban helmet’

September 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, Sep.17 (ANI): A Sikh policeman has revealed how he felt like a character from TV’s Only Fools And Horses when his bosses asked him to wear a “crash turban” helmet.

Police Constable Gurmeal Singh, 31, was asked to remove his turban by Greater Manchester Police, who told him that he had to wear a regulation force helmet.

But when chiefs suggested that he get a protective turban instead, Singh said it reminded him of an episode of the TV sitcom.

Millions watched the show as Del Boy Trotter, played by David Jason, took a delivery of 200 “crash turbans”, which he hoped to sell on to “motorbike-riding Sikhs throughout Peckham”.

Now, Singh says he is seeking 200,000 pounds in compensation for racial discrimination after being left “offended and humiliated”.

He told a Manchester employment hearing: “I am deeply offended. My turban is not an article of clothing, like a shirt or tie – it is part of me, a part of my religion, and I feel as though my religion and I have become an issue for GMP.

Singh said he had been a practising Sikh all his life. He has worn a turban – which is a strict requirement of his faith – since he was 15 years old.

He joined the force in 2003 as a Police Community Support Officer, but problems began when he was asked to go out on cycle patrols.e also said his promotion to a fully-fledged constable was delayed by 18 months after an assistant chief constable said he was concerned by the fact that Singh did not wear a badge on his turban – despite his claims that this would go against his religion.

The tribunal heard that Singh was off sick from April for three months but is now back at his post on light duties.

The Greater Manchester Police denies racial discrimination. The hearing continues. (ANI)

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Eight-year-old kidnapped in Patna

September 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Patna, Sep 14 (ANI): Unidentified persons in Patna kidnapped an eight-year-old boy at gunpoint in Patna on Monday at 7.30 am.hreyas Srivastava, is a standard one student at Christ church school in Kankarbagh area.

According to the police, the incident occurred early morning when Shreyas Srivastava was going to school along with other students in an auto-rickshaw when three motorcycle-borne persons stopped the auto-rickshaw at gunpoint.

“The incident occurred around 7.30 in the morning. The boy along with other children was going to school in the auto- rickshaw. Three men stopped the vehicle between Maurya hotel and exhibition road and took the child away on his motorbike,” said Parsh Nath Rai, Inspector General.

However, the kidnappers had not made any demand till morning.

Meanwhile, the police are interrogating the auto-rickshaw driver for further investigations. (ANI)

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Kinky UK cop invites women for sex on police motorbike!

September 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, Sep 14 (ANI): A cop in the UK is said to have invited women to have sex with him on his police motorbike.

Divorced James Appi, 43, posted pictures on a sleazy swingers’ website of himself astride his BMW, next to President Obama’s armoured limo, and also wrote that he fancied group romps and a “sexually adventurous” partner.

In his post, Appi, who is based at Chichester, West Sussex, wrote that his ideal locations for sex were “a remote wilderness spot, a swimming pool or hot tub, and on a police motorbike”.

But his suggestion of sex on his bike seems to have shocked a woman, who contacted him, as she reported him.

“Can’t get over the thought of ******* you over my bike,” the Sun quoted him as having written to the woman, adding about usage of sex toys too.

But Sussex Police could now sack Appi for appearing online in uniform to air his seedy fantasies, as one picture showed him standing outside 10 Downing Street in uniform.

“I was pretty stupid. But as far as I am concerned it was just a bit of fun,” he said.

Regarding sex on his police motorbike, he said it was just a fantasy, which has not gone through.

“I certainly haven’t done it,” he added.

Appi faces action for bringing the force into disrepute. (ANI)

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Pak minister injured, driver killed in Islamabad firing

September 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Islamabad, Sep.2 (ANI): Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi was seriously wounded on Wednesday when unidentified gunmen open indiscriminate firing on his car near his office here.

Kazmi was hit in his leg, but doctors said his condition was stable.

“Gunmen sprayed bullets on the minister’s car,” said a police official, Qasim.

According to eyewitnesses, two motorbike borne miscreants fired gunshots at the minister’s car and managed to escape the scene.

Kazmi’s driver, Muhammed Younis, received grievous injuries in the attack and died on the spot, while his guard also sustained injuries in the attack, The News reports.

Television images showed numerous several bullet holes in vehicle, which later crashed into a tree. Blood stains were visible all over the car.

The Aabpara Police Station is situated close to the spot where the incident took place, however, none of the top police official had arrived at the crime scene till reports last filtered in. (ANI)

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One killed in police firing during violence in West Bengal

August 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Ramjibanpu (West Bengal), Aug 29(ANI): A student died in police firing after violence broke out following a road accident in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district on Saturday.

A motorbike driver was killed in a head-on collision with a truck and a group of enraged residents had set the truck and a police vehicle on fire.

Following the violence, the police had to resort to lob tear gas shells and fire at the mob, in the midst of which a student was killed.

“I asked him (a student, who is killed allegedly in firing by police) to get aside, but he said that security personnel were only trying to scare off and will not fire. While we were talking they opened fire and he got hit on his neck and fell down. And after that we ran for rescue as he was shouting for water and help,” said Monchi Doloi, an eyewitness.

Protesting against the firing, locals blocked the State highway. (ANI)

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Sikkim boy spreads awareness on social issues with motorbike stunts

August 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Gayshing (Sikkim), Aug.27 (ANI): In a unique act, a 21-year-old man in Sikkim is spreading social awareness among youth against drug addiction, excessive drinking and on AIDS by performing various stunts on motorbike.

Milan Pradhan, stunt rider, fascinates large number of crowds as he performs various formidable stunts on motorbike.

All the time Pradhan is riding, popping wheelies or sometimes burning rubber.

He performed recently in Gayshing town of Sikkim with another stunt rider.

“I want to give the message to young boys that by doing stunts you can earn a very good name and ensure a bright future. You will get busy in some work. You will forget about drugs once you are busy. By sitting in a room and taking drugs will not achieve spoil your name but stunts will make your future,” says Milan Pradhan, stunt rider.

He says the young boys love motorcycling and if they could be drawn into stunt riding which needs a high level of fitness and concentration, it will keep youngsters busy in a constructive way and they will have less chances of getting into drug habits.

Pradhan is a college student. He devotes most of his time learning new motorbike driving skills in style, when he is not attending classes or doing assignments.

He tells that he started trying stunt-riding when he was in his early teenage. The family was hesitant to allow him try hand on motorbike stunts.

But Pradhan managed to convince them by showing his daredevil spirit, which helped him keep away from attracted to drugs.

His love for performing tricks on motorbike has led him to appear for the MTV ‘Stuntmania’ and now he wants to pursue stunt biking to a greater level.

Organisers of the event said that generally the youth are interested in fast life, which sometimes can trap them into drug-addiction and anti-social activities. Motorcycle race or stunt riding can give them alternatives that match with their fast life but in a positive way.

“Biking goes very well with the present-day youth. The youth are very interested in fast cars, fast bikes. And with the fast life comes the very possibility of getting drawn to drug addiction, alcoholism and also the fear of AIDS. So with the youth coming and watching such programmes… we want to motivate them towards like diverting their lifestyle or mind to constructive things,” said Anand, organiser of the bike stunt show.

Organisers say such events will go a long way in attracting the youth to stunts and thereby indirectly diverting their minds from drugs and alcoholism.

Sikkim is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and shares international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. The northeastern belt, including Sikkim, has recently become a favourite transit point used by drug peddlers for smuggling drugs.

The unofficial data shows that use of alcohol has traditionally been prevalent among the local people. The state government has been running campaigns to create awareness on drugs and associated HIV/AIDS.

Alcohol use is traditionally prevalent in Sikkim and National Family Health Survey-2, Government of India, shows a significant prevalence of alcohol use in Sikkim- Boys (32%) and Girls (17%) among above 15 years of age. By Tashi Pradhan (ANI)

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Karzai camp claims victory in Afghanistan presidential elections

August 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Kabul, Aug.21 (ANI): Supporters of incumbent president Hamid Karzai on Friday claimed victory in the second presidential elections held in Afghanistan since 2001.

Karzai cheered the “successful conduct” of the elections.

However, according to the Washington Independent newspaper and the Afghan news service Pajhwok, Karzai’s main rival, Abdullah Abdullah, said all of Afghanistan was awaiting a change for the better.

“All citizens are awaiting change and their votes won’t go in vain. I’m optimistic the final outcome will be as good as the initial one,” remarked the former foreign minister.

The Abdullah camp has said recently that it will not accept a Karzai victory as a legitimate outcome.

“A large number of our countrymen could not vote due to insecurity. This reflects the seven-year-old government’s failure,” observed the ex-minister.

Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah’s separate claims of victory came a day after officials said there was a historic 50 percent voter turnout, notwithstanding violence in the southern and northern parts of the country.

Despite a huge military presence, the day saw militants wantonly attempting to disrupt the polls even as some 300,000 Afghan and international troops patrolled trying to prevent the attacks.

The election followed a lively campaign period in which dozens of candidates are vying for the presidency.

The violent incidents across the country included an attack on a town in Baghlan, northern Afghanistan, which prevented the opening of polling stations, the BBC reported.

Foreign news agencies said at least eight died in ensuing clashes with police. The Taliban also set fire to a bus on the Kandahar-Kabul Highway in Ghazni, after offloading passengers and the driver, reportedly as punishment for violating a Taliban ban on using the road. Rockets hit houses in Khost and Kandahar provinces killed two women and several children. A civilian car hit a roadside bomb, killing one person and injuring three in Khost.

Two suicide bombers on a motorbike in Gardez, Paktia province, were killed before hitting their target, police said.

In northern Baghlan province, a district police chief was killed when Taliban militants attacked a police post.

In Kabul, the bodies of two alleged militants were recovered after a gun battle with police in a residential district – police said they were suicide bombers but it is unclear whether they blew themselves up or were shot dead.

The polls – which also see voters electing members to provincial councils – are the first organised primarily by the Afghans themselves.

Seventeen million voters are eligible to vote. Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time and concluded at 5 p.m. local time. As well as presidential polls, voters choosing between 3,000 candidates for 420 seats in provincial councils

Official preliminary results are not expected for at least two weeks. (ANI)

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Polling ends in Afghanistan, 50 percent voter turnout despite violence, say officials

August 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Kabul, Aug.20 (ANI): Polling was extended by an hour in Afghanistan’s second presidential election on Thursday and concluded a short while go. Officials said there was a historic 50 percent voter turnout, notwithstanding violence in the southern and northern parts of the country.

Despite a huge military presence, the day saw militants wantonly attempting to disrupt the polls even as some 300,000 Afghan and international troops patrolled trying to prevent the attacks.

The election followed a lively campaign period in which dozens of candidates are vying for the presidency.

The violent incidents across the country included an attack on a town in Baghlan, northern Afghanistan, which prevented the opening of polling stations, the BBC reported.

Foreign news agencies said at least eight died in ensuing clashes with police. The Taliban also set fire to a bus on the Kandahar-Kabul Highway in Ghazni, after offloading passengers and the driver, reportedly as punishment for violating a Taliban ban on using the road. Rockets hit houses in Khost and Kandahar provinces killed two women and several children. A civilian car hit a roadside bomb, killing one person and injuring three in Khost.

Two suicide bombers on a motorbike in Gardez, Paktia province, were killed before hitting their target, police said.

In northern Baghlan province, a district police chief was killed when Taliban militants attacked a police post.

In Kabul, the bodies of two alleged militants were recovered after a gun battle with police in a residential district – police said they were suicide bombers but it is unclear whether they blew themselves up or were shot dead.

The polls – which also see voters electing members to provincial councils – are the first organised primarily by the Afghans themselves.

Seventeen million voters are eligible to vote. Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time and concluded at 5 p.m. local time. As well as presidential polls, voters choosing between 3,000 candidates for 420 seats in provincial councils

Official preliminary results are not expected for at least two weeks. (ANI)

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Sandra Bullock knew hubby was ‘The One’ after bike accident

July 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, July 13 (ANI): Sandra Bullock says that she knew that her husband Jesse James was “The One” for her, after she looked after him following a near-fatal bike accident.

The actress said that she had realised that the TV tough guy and motorbike enthusiast was the man for her, when he was rushed to a hospital just three months into their relationship.

“The day I knew was after he got in a racing accident in California about three months into our relationship. I realised how bad it was when we were driving down to be with him and they said that the chaplains were already there,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

“I said, ‘Whatever condition he’s in, I want to be the one to make the decision as to how to make him better,’ and I realised I didn’t have that right. I knew then that I was in for the long haul and I thought, if he was (going to be) in a wheelchair or whatever, I was willing to take it on.

“When couples make the vows “for better, for worse” they rarely think of the worst that can happen. But I thought the worst from the beginning, so every day is kind of a little blessing,” she added. (ANI)

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Princes William, Harry planning second motorcycle trip abroad

July 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, July 13 (ANI): Princes William and Harry are reportedly drawing plans about their second motorcycle trip abroad.

The royal brothers made headlines during their 1000-mile African motorbike rally for a charity event last year.

According to reports, they enjoyed their then eight-day adventure so much that they are now eyeing another motorcycling trip.

“They thoroughly enjoyed their journey in Africa last year and were pleased to raise some money for charity. They now hope to carry out a second trip soon,” the Telegraph quoted one of their friends as saying.

William and Harry purportedly draw their inspiration from the travels of actor Ewan McGregor and his friend Charley Boorman, whose motorcycle adventures through 18 countries were shot for the BBC television series ‘Long Way Down’. (ANI)

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Zeta-Jones stars in mini film for Lux shampoo

May 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, May 26 (ANI): Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones has featured in a 7-minute Lux shampoo advert, which astonishingly also includes a motorcycle chase.

Catherine portrays a lab technician, who steals a “youth-enhancing elixir” in the advert.

She later washes her hair with it and shows off the results at a swanky party after which she and her handsome accomplice are rumbled by security and flee on the motorbike.

Though the advert for Lux’s new shampoo ‘Alchemy’, has been filmed in English, it has subtitles.

The shampoo bosses are of the opinion that featuring a renowned celebrity like Catherine will lift up the sales of their product.

“By getting into the world of movies, rather than just having movie stars in our ads, which our competitors do too, we can draw consumers closer to the brand,” The Daily Star quoted Unilever executive Enzo Devoto, as saying.

“When you’re watching a movie and on comes an advertisement trying to hard-sell a product, it’s pretty much interrupting your entertainment. Our project is completely different,” Enzo added.

Meanwhile the hyped advert has already appeared on the Internet. (ANI)

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Cine-inspired-students make unique bike in Ludhiana

May 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Ludhiana, May 19 (ANI): Inspired by Bollywood comedy ‘Golmaal Returns’, five students from Ludhiana have invented a unique three-wheeler motorbike, which can accommodate five to six people.

After watching the movie, they too thought of a bike, which could accommodate five people. And after a month’s labour the fantasy bike became a reality.

Students of automobile engineering, they started working on the bike as part of their course project and made the unique bike.

“We saw such a bike in the movie ‘Golmaal. Returns’. It had three tyres. We thought that this would be different from others. Hence we made thisroject,” said Kuldeep Saini, one of the inventors.

They are hoping that an automobile company will help them to get the bike on roads.

“We want some company to adopt our idea so that this bike can go on the road. We want this bike to reach the common man,” said Avtaar Singh, a inventer.

They bought a second hand Royal Enfield bike and used it as the basic structure

The bike with an engine of 350 cc capacity and mileage of 30 kilometres per litre is already making quite an impact on the roads in Ludhiana. By Karan Kapoor(ANI)

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Now, a motorbike, which runs on air-pressure!

May 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Ludihana, May 13 (ANI): A group of engineering students in Ludhiana has developed an eco-friendly motorbike which runs on air-pressure and doesn’t require fuel.
The 100cc bike equipped with two compressed air cylinders, gives a mileage of 11 miles per hour, which the students have plans to increase with some changes in near future.

Students of Auto Engineering Department at the Guru Nanak Dev Polytechnic College in Ludhiana have invented this air-powered bike.

They claim that it is the world’s first 100cc motorcycle powered by air and can help eliminate pollution to a great extent.

“There are bikes that run on batteries, but a lot of time is spent in charging them. In an air bike, you just need to fill air through a compressor. If we develop its air tank and reprocess the exhaust air, the capacity of this air bike can be increased, ” said Akashdeep Singh, one of the innovative students.

“The main advantage is that it is pollution-free as its exhaust is cold air. The Defence personnel can also use the bike, as thermal radiation cameras cannot detect it. Also, the engine of this bike can work underwater and breathes air from its storage tank, which in turn sucks it from the atmosphere,” said Balbir Singh, another student.

Having created the environment-friendly bike, the college students opine that it might not look very hi-tech and sophisticated for now, but it is a step in the right direction for a greener Earth.

“The idea of an air bike was conceived as our energy resources are being depleted day-by-day and pollution level is rising. Keeping all this in mind we have designed a 100cc bike which runs on air pressure technique,” said Jagraj Singh Kaul, Head of the Department, Auto Engineering Department.

Established in 1953, Guru Nanak Dev Polytechnic College (GNDPC) is one of the oldest engineering institutions in north India and is a pioneer in technical education.

An ISO-certified institution, the GNDPC is committed to improve technical excellence to achieve global standards.

The polytechnic has set up its own Electrical and Electronics Laboratories Library and Computer Center under World Bank assisted projects.

And the air-powered bike is an innovation that makes the college proud.

In future, Motor companies can perfect this technology and produce air-powered vehicles. By Karan Kapoor (ANI)

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UK not to ask family of Gurkha soldier killed in action to leave the country

May 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, May 10 (ANI): The Home Office has said it would not ask the family of any British Gurkha soldier killed in action to leave the United Kingdom, after reports appeared that widow of a hero Gurkha killed in Afghanistan was told she has no right to stay in Britain.

Under the rules Parbati Pun and her two young children would have no automatic right to remain and would have to apply for new residency visas, but the Home Office said it would not ask the widow to leave.

The death of Corporal Kumar Purja Pun, 30, from the Royal Gurkha Rifles, has given the campaign to allow Gurkhas to stay a new purpose, The Times reported.

Kumar, who had been in Afghanistan for just a month, was on patrol in the market town of Gereshk when a suicide motorbike bomber struck. As the soldier got out of his his Vixen Snatch vehicle, the jihadist raced towards him, blowing himself up as soon as he got close enough.

Kumar and military policeman Sgt Ben Ross, standing next to him, were killed instantly. The blast injured 30 Afghans and three other troops. Two more British soldiers in Afghanistan died in separate attacks within hours of the bombing.

Kumar, a corporal praised by Army top brass for his bravery and professionalism, joined the Army in 1996 when he was 17.

The attack happened on Thursday, the same day that Joanna Lumley, the actress and daughter of a British officer with the Gurkhas, confronted Immigration Minister Phil Woolas in front of television cameras and gave him a dressing-down about the government’s refusal to allow more Gurkhas to stay.

Lumley said Pun’s death showed the Gurkhas were giving up their lives for Britain and deserved the right to settle here.

“It just goes to show the Gurkhas are at the centre of the army and are willing to fight for the British and give up their lives for this country,” she said.

“That is why we have to give the veteran Gurkhas the right of a second homeland and it proves how brave the Gurkhas are,” Lumley added. (ANI)

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The top 10 celebrity myths and the truth behind them

May 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, May 1 (ANI): Did Walt Disney really had himself frozen? Did Tom Jones had his chest hair insured? – These are just some of the questions that Britons have been asking about celebrities.

And now they have been debunked.

Mobile phone question and answer service AQA 63336, has posted a list of Top 10 celebrity myths and their answers to mark answering its 18 millionth query, reports The Telegraph.

The top 10 questions posed by customers are:

Q. Did singer Tom Jones really insure his chest hair for 7 million dollars?
A. Tom Jones hasn’t insured his chest hair. Lloyd’s drafted a policy for an unnamed celebrity, but it wasn’t purchased. It was linked to Tom, as he’s hairy.

Q. Is it true that actress Jamie Lee Curtis is a hermaphrodite?

A. Rumours that Jamie Lee Curtis is a hermaphrodite are totally unfounded. She was born a woman. Her name and short hair have led to the popular myth.

Q. Did the guy who played Homer Simpson die and was he replaced after the first season?

A. Dan Castellaneta is the only person to have voiced Homer. The voice he does has gently evolved from the first series, as the character developed.

Q. Is the actor who played Zac from Saved by the Bell dead?

A. No. It was rumoured that Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zack Morris) died in 2 different motorbike accidents – 1 in an earthquake (with Screech) and 1 on his own.

Q. Did Cher remove her bottom two ribs to give her a smaller waist?

A. Cher didn’t have ribs removed. Her wasp waist is kept in shape by working out. But, she’s had a face lift, nose job, breast augmentation and dental braces.

Q. Did Phil Collins really write “In The Air Tonight” about a farmer who stood by and watched his friend drown?

A. No, Phil Collins says he wrote In The Air Tonight when he was going through divorce and the bitterness is obvious. He finds the drowning man story comical.

Q. Was actor Andy Garcia born as a Siamese twin?

A. Andy Garcia was born with an undeveloped conjoined twin attached to his shoulder. It was about the size of a tennis ball, and was surgically removed.

Q. Was shock rocker Marilyn Manson Kevin’s geeky sidekick on TV’s “The Wonder Years”?

A. Marilyn Manson was not in The Wonder Years. There was a rumour that he played Kevin Arnold’s friend Paul. Paul was actually played by Josh Saviano.

Q. Is it true that Michael Jackson sleeps in a hyperbaric chamber?

A. A photo from the 1980s is often said to show Michael Jackson sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber, but he now claims it was just a publicity stunt.

Q. Did legendary cartoonist Walt Disney have himself frozen, with the hope of returning later on when a cure for what killed him has been found?

A. Walt Disney wasn’t frozen after he died. He was cremated on 17 Dec 1966. James Bedford became the 1st human to be cryogenically preserved on 12 Jan 1967. (ANI)

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Tata Nano finally goes on sale across India, AS

April 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Thursday, R. Sampathkumar signed a check for 3,809 rupees ($78) and ordered his first car: a Tata Nano. Bookings for the ultracheap car, which retails for 100,000 rupees ($2,050) plus tax and transport fees, opened Thursday across India.

Sampathkumar, who is 30 years old and single, makes about 20,000 rupees a month ($410) as a goldsmith and says he wants a Nano for “status.” “Automatically, women will come forward,” he said, grinning.

Dozens gathered Thursday to gawk at the silver Nano sitting on a red platform with pink satin skirting at the Tata dealership in Coimbatore, a mid-sized manufacturing hub in southern India. Two DJ’s blasted Backstreet Boys, Ricky Martin and Madonna songs, while college kids snapped photos of the snub-nosed car on their cell phones.

Despite the festivities, analysts say Nano sales won’t do much in the short term to help debt-strapped Tata Motors, which is facing falling sales and is in talks with banks to refinance a $2 billion loan it took out to buy Land Rover and Jaguar from Ford last year. Vaishali Jajoo, auto analyst at Mumbai’s Angel Broking, estimated that even if Tata Motors manages to sell 250,000 Nanos a year, it will only add 3 percent to the company’s total revenues.

Production constraints mean Sampathkumar won’t get his new Nano until July, at the earliest. Violent farmer protests forced Tata to relocate at the last minute a factory that was to exclusively build Nanos, and the replacement won’t be operational before year’s end.

Customers who want to buy the Nano must pay 300 rupees for an application form, then pay the entire cost of the car or get financing from one of 18 banks Tata Motors made special arrangements with. Tata will accept orders until April 25 and then randomly select 100,000 people who will get the first shipment of vehicles.

Everyone else will have to wait. Tata will pay interest on booking deposits: 8.5 percent for people who have to wait one to two years to get their Nano, and 8.75 percent for those who hold out longer.

Tata spokesman Debasis Ray said the company would not release data on the number of orders until after the process closed, but added that “the signs are encouraging.” He said 300,000 people had visited Tata’s 400 showrooms across the country since the car went on display April 1.

In the last two weeks, the Nano Web site has gotten 20 million hits, he said. K. Thamilarasu, the divisional sales manager for Tata Motors in Coimbatore, said 21 people paid for the car in full at his dealership Thursday.

Another 19 made downpayments for financing arrangements. “I have been in this field three decades,” Thamilarasu said.

“This is the first time we are noticing a revolution.” Rajeswari Nandagopal, a teacher, paid 300 rupees for a booking form because she wants to buy a Nano for her son, 17, who currently rides a motorbike.

“These days going on two-wheelers is a great risk,” she said. J. Rathimasawamy, 70, a retired schoolmaster, said he sold his Maruti WagonR two months ago because he wants to buy a Nano.

“It’s the cheapest,” he said. Rathimasawamy, a wiry man with white hair and a dusty pair of flip-flops, took a bus from his home 25 miles (40 kilometers) away to buy a booking form.

Vijayakumar Jayabal, 50, a policeman who earns 12,000 rupees ($246) a month, said he wants to buy a Nano because he can’t squeeze his family of four onto his motorbike. “We only fit three people maximum,” he said.

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