I will run nude if India wins, says Model Poonam Pandey

 

She is all of 20 and ready to strip for Team India. Mumbai-based model Poonam Pandey wants to keep her commitment to bare all if India wins the World Cup.

Pandey told TOI on Thursday: ''Of course, I am going to do it. But where? I can bare all wherever they want. It can be inside the players' dressing room or even in the stadium.''

Pandey insisted she has got overwhelming support from the people of India. ''They are encouraging me. Even my parents are proud of me because I am doing something for Team India. They have no issues with my going nude.''

When told that nudity is considered an offence and that she may get into trouble, the model said: ''I am going to take permission from BCCI. I really don't want to do anything that is against the law.''

Her friends and colleagues on Facebook, though, requested that she must strip with or without BCCI's permission. Fellow model Shweta Sharma posted: "Poonam has to bare all even if BCCI says no. Please don't give an excuse saying I will go nude only if they agree".

Pandey said daring to bare is the best way to cheer team India after their win. Her Facebook status says: "I am a New Generation Girl!!! Anything for my country to get home the World Cup. So INDIA cheer with me that we need 1983 World Cup BACK." Pandey has been one of the most searched persons on the internet in the past two days.

We wont let sachin to go without the WC!!!

Shoaib Akhtar announced his departure, and didn’t find a farewell game to bow out with. Ricky Ponting, Graeme Smith and Daniel Vettori gave up some part of their captaincy at least. Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas eye an encore of their 1996 triumph as their last hurrah. In so many ways this World Cup not only marks the end of great careers, but also the end of our romance with the game.
Some of those names evoke sheer greatness. No other word can replace it. Some are World Cup champions, others on the throes of being called mavericks, another who has single-handedly carried the hopes of a nation that is almost destined to never win a big trophy. Yet, Daniel Vettori too has an ICC Champions Trophy to show for. Kevin Pietersen is too new to even think of when it comes to reminiscences of an innocent past, where over hours of summer vacation mornings were spent trying to emulate bowling actions and cricketing shots.
When India play Sri Lanka in the final on Saturday, it may well not be the end of Sachin Tendulkar either, the one with whom the people of my generation have grown up with. Going by the way he is playing, it may be a long time coming. And yet, I wanted to pen a tribute. Because the one trophy that every other of that last remaining childhood heroes boasts of, has eluded Tendulkar. And how we pray he has it against his name when he has hung up his pads.
The rise of Indian cricket over the past decade has meant it was more or less certain for us to be in this position. But not back in 2003. Only three years since the horrors of match-fixing had shattered our most loved sport, a young Indian team rose up to challenge, and defeated, everyone along the way to make the final. We were hammered in Johannesburg. And yet, the team received a heroes’ reception when they touched down. We knew we had achieved more than we should have.
But this time it feels different. Some might beg for this trophy from Sri Lanka even, because Muralitharan and Vaas have won World Cups, but not their fierce adversary that is Tendulkar. But we don’t need to. Tendulkar’s teammates have firmly displayed it on the field. They will not let him go without a World Cup medal.
Test cricket is not mentioned here because it’s not at the forefront for now. The Indian Test team has anyway achieved far more than the one-day variety. It’s future is safe in the hands of the Dravids and Laxmans, along with Sachin. But right from the World Cup of 1992, Tendulkar has enchanted us into believing more than we should have back then.
No wonder people here call him God. He has forced them to believe that way. And yet he is all too human. All too human to have witnessed a semifinal exit in Kolkata, humiliation in Durban and Barbados, left dumbstruck in Chennai, silence in Kolkata (1999), humiliation in Australia. Those were the days when people shut their TV sets when he was dismissed. But the new decade changed it all.
From being a one-man show, we became the team we should have been. A player like Tendulkar deserved to be in a team like Australia, a team that won everything. And yet he finds himself at the twilight of his career without that trophy in a glittering cabinet.
But does that alone mean India will win the final come Saturday? For so much more. Even though there is no hint that Tendulkar will quit ODI cricket following the game, it sure will be the perfect sendoff. Elusive World Cup victory, on his home ground, against one of his greatest contemporaries. And for once records will not matter to us. Whether a century of centuries comes or not, Tendulkar will not care. I was seven during the 1992 World Cup. So were many of us. We have waited too long for this.

Pay IT through ATM!!!

Hurray!!!!No forms, no queues.

Just go to your ATM and pay your income tax. The government on Thursday launched the new facility for tax payment and said it was to begin with open only to Union Bank of India customers but will be extended to other banks.

Here's how it will work.

1.The bank's debit cards holders will register on the lender's website. This site is in turn linked to the National Securities Depositories Ltd which will help validate the permanent account number (PAN) of individuals and the Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN) provided to taxpayers.

2.After the registration, a customer can go to a Union Bank ATM and can surf the income tax menu which will display his PAN number and ask for the tax amount that is to be paid along with item-wise details of any other amount the assessee may want to include in the tax payment.

3.On confirmation, the tax amount will be debited from the customer's account and the ATM will generate a receipt with a special number. After 24 hours, customers can log on to the bank's website, submit the special number and print a challan.

Up to eight family members of a Union Bank of India customer can pay tax through the bank's ATM even if they do not have an account with the public sector player.

Union bank CMD M V Nair said the bank was looking at the possibility of extending the service to payment of other taxes as well as allowing customers of other banks to use its ATM for income tax payment.

At present, taxpayers have to go to a bank branch to pay tax after filling up a form and then collect a copy of the challan. At the end of every quarter, bank branches are overflowing with taxpayers trying to meet the deadline.

A tax department official said that other banks may be roped in but it was for the banks to come up with proposals. Increasingly, the tax department is pushing for electronic channels to collect taxes and returns. Special incentives such as early processing of returns have enticed taxpayers to avail of the electronic channels instead of queuing up at counters.

Much awaited Hollywood movies in 2011!!!

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

   

The end begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione go back to Hogwarts to find and destroy Voldemort's final horcruxes...

Director: David Yates

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon

“End begins” - suganthen tinku

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

   

Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too. (141 mins.)

Director: Rob Marshall

Stars: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush

3. Real Steel (2011)

   

A boxing drama set in the near-future where 2,000-pound robots that look like humans do battle.

Director: Shawn Levy

Stars: Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Kevin Durand, Anthony Mackie

4. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals.

Director: Joe Johnston

Stars: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Richard Armitage

5. The Hangover Part II (2011)

Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug travel to Bangkok for Stu's wedding.

Director: Todd Phillips

Stars: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Jamie Chung

6. Battle: Los Angeles (2011)

   

A Marine Staff Sergeant who has just had his retirement approved goes back into the line of duty in order to assist a 2nd Lieutenant and his platoon as they fight to reclaim the city of Los Angeles from alien invaders. (116 mins.)

Director: Jonathan Liebesman

Stars: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ramon Rodriguez

7. Rango (2011)

  

Rango is an ordinary chameleon who accidentally winds up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in the Wild West in desperate need of a new sheriff. (107 mins.)

Director: Gore Verbinski

Stars: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Timothy Olyphant, Abigail Breslin

8. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the Moon, and race against the Decepticons to reach it and learn its secrets, which could turn the tide in the Transformers' final battle.

Director: Michael Bay

Stars: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel

9. Source Code (2011)

   

An action thriller centered on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. (93 mins.)

Director: Duncan Jones

Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright

10. Green Lantern (2011)

   

A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.

Director: Martin Campbell

Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong

11. The Tree of Life (2011)

The story centers around a family with three boys in the 1950s. The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence.

Director: Terrence Malick

Stars: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain, Kari Matchett

12. Water for Elephants (2011)

A veterinary student abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet.

Director: Francis Lawrence

Stars: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, James Frain

13. X-Men: First Class (2011)

In 1963, Charles Xavier starts up a school and later a team, for humans with superhuman abilities. Among them is Erik Lensherr, his best friend... and future archenemy.

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon

14. Paul (2011)

   

Two British comic-book geeks traveling across the U.S. encounter an alien outside Area 51. (104 mins.)

Director: Greg Mottola

Stars: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Mia Stallard

15. The Three Musketeers (2011)

   

The hot-headed young D'Artagnan along with three former legendary but now down on their luck Musketeers must unite and defeat a beautiful double agent and her villainous employer from seizing the French throne and engulfing Europe in war.

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Stars: Logan Lerman, Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson, Juno Temple

16. Anonymous (2011)

 
  

A political thriller about who actually wrote the plays of William Shakespeare-- Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford-- set against the backdrop of the succession of Queen Elizabeth I, and the Essex Rebellion against her.

Director: Roland Emmerich

Stars: Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, David Thewlis, Jamie Campbell Bower

17. Sucker Punch (2011)

   

A young girl is institutionalized by her abusive stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the mental facility. (110 mins.)

Director: Zack Snyder

Stars: Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone

18.Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)

   

Po joins forces with a group of new kung-fu masters to take on an old enemy with a deadly new weapon.

Director: Jennifer Yuh

Stars: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Gary Oldman

19.Apollo 18 (2011)

   

About the real mission to space in the 1970s that was canceled by NASA.

Director: Gonzalo López-Gallego

20. Cars 2 (2011)

    

Racing star Lightning McQueen teams up with his best friend Mater for an international adventure as they go up against the world's fastest cars.

Director: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis

Stars: Owen Wilson, Jason Isaacs, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer

21. The Conspirator (2010)

   

Mary Surratt is the lone female charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination trial of Abraham Lincoln. As the whole nation turns against her, she is forced to rely on her reluctant lawyer to uncover the truth and save her life. (123 mins.)

Director: Robert Redford

Stars: Robin Wright, James McAvoy, Tom Wilkinson, Evan Rachel Wood

22. Immortals (2011)

   

Greek warrior Theseus battles against imprisoned titans.

Director: Tarsem Singh

Stars: Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke, John Hurt, Freida Pinto

23. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011)

  
 

The Quileute and the Volturi close in on expecting parents Edward and Bella, whose unborn child poses different threats to the wolf pack and vampire coven.

Director: Bill Condon

Stars: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning

24. Rio (2011)

   

When Blu, a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent Jewel, he takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams. (96 mins.)

Director: Carlos Saldanha

Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez, Karen Disher

25. The Smurfs (2011)

   

When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours -- in fact...

Director: Raja Gosnell

Stars: Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters, Neil Patrick Harris

26. Kill the Irishman (2011)

   

The true story of Danny Greene, a tough Irish thug working for mobsters in Cleveland during the 1970's. (106 mins.)

Director: Jonathan Hensleigh

Stars: Ray Stevenson, Christopher Walken, Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer

27. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2011)

   

Back in middle school after summer vacation, Greg Heffley and his older brother Rodrick must deal with their parents' misguided attempts to have them bond. (99 mins.)

Director: David Bowers

Stars: Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, Robert Capron, Rachael Harris

28. The Beaver (2011)

   

A troubled husband and executive adopts a beaver hand-puppet as his sole means of communicating.

Director: Jodie Foster

Stars: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence

29. Super 8 (2011)

   

In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while...

Director: J.J. Abrams

Stars: Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka, Kyle Chandler, Ron Eldard

30. Thor (2011)

   

The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders. (130 mins.)

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston

31.1911 (2011)

   

A historical drama based on the founding of the Republic of China when nationalist forces led by Sun Yat-sen overthrew the Qing Dynasty.

Director: Jackie Chan, Li Zhang

Stars: Jackie Chan, Bingbing Li, Winston Chao, Joan Chen

32. Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

   

A spaceship arrives in Arizona, 1873, to take over the Earth, starting with the Wild West region. A posse of cowboys are all that stand in their way.

Director: Jon Favreau

Stars: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell

33. Fast Five (2011)

   

Dominic and his crew find themselves on the wrong side of the law once again as they try to switch lanes between a ruthless drug lord and a relentless federal agent.

Director: Justin Lin

Stars: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster

34. Red Riding Hood (2011)

   

Set in a medieval village that is haunted by a werewolf, a young girl falls for an orphaned woodcutter, much to her family's displeasure. (100 mins.)

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Stars: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke

35. I Am Number Four (2011)

   

John is an extraordinary teen, masking his true identity and passing as a typical high school student to elude a deadly enemy seeking to destroy him. Three like him have already been killed ... he is Number Four. (109 mins.)

Director: D.J. Caruso

Stars: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Dianna Agron, Teresa Palmer

36. Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)

   

The neighboring gardens of Montague and Capulet are at war, but the gnomes, Gnomeo and Juliet, are in love. (84 mins.)

Director: Kelly Asbury

Stars: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Maggie Smith, Ashley Jensen

37. Abel (2010)

   

About a peculiar young boy who, as he blurs reality and fantasy, takes over the responsibilities of a family man in his father's absence. (82 mins.)

Director: Diego Luna

Stars: Christopher Ruíz-Esparza, Karina Gidi, José María Yazpik, Geraldine Alejandra

38. Your Highness (2011)

   

When Prince Fabious's bride is kidnapped, he goes on a quest to rescue her... accompanied by his lazy useless brother Thadeous. (102 mins.)

Director: David Gordon Green

Stars: Danny McBride, Zooey Deschanel, James Franco, Rasmus Hardiker

39. Zookeeper (2011)

   

The animals at one particular zoo decide to break their code of silence in order to help their lovable zookeeper gain the attention of one particular woman.

Director: Frank Coraci

Stars: Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Ken Jeong

40. Insidious (2010)

   

A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further. (102 mins.)

Director: James Wan

Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Andrew Astor

41. Winter in Wartime (2008)

   

Near the end of World War II, 14-year-old Michiel becomes involved with the Resistance after coming to the aid of a wounded British soldier... (103 mins.)

Director: Martin Koolhoven

Stars: Martijn Lakemeier, Jamie Campbell Bower, Yorick van Wageningen, Raymond Thiry

42. Soul Surfer (2011)

   

A teenage surfer girl summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack.

Director: Sean McNamara

Stars: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Sonya Balmores

43. The Darkest Hour (2011)

   

In Russia, a group of kids struggle to survive after an alien invasion.

Director: Chris Gorak

Stars: Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby, Max Minghella, Rachael Taylor

44. Conan the Barbarian (2011)

   

The tale of Conan the Cimmerian and his adventures across the continent of Hyboria on a quest to avenge the murder of his father and the slaughter of his village.

Director: Marcus Nispel

Stars: Jason Momoa, Ron Perlman, Rose McGowan, Rachel Nichols

45. Scream 4 (2011)

   

Ten years have passed, and Sidney Prescott, who has put herself back together thanks in part to her writing, is visited by the Ghostface Killer.

Director: Wes Craven

Stars: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Lucy Hale

46. Beginners (2010)

   

A young man is rocked by two announcements from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer, and that he has a young male lover.

Director: Mike Mills

Stars: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Mélanie Laurent, Goran Visnjic

47. Miral (2010)

   

A drama centered on an orphaned Palestinian girl growing up in the wake of Arab-Israeli war who finds herself drawn into the conflict. (112 mins.)

Director: Julian Schnabel

Stars: Freida Pinto, Hiam Abbass, Willem Dafoe, Asma Al Shiukhy

48. Final Destination 5 (2011)

   

Survivors of a suspension-bridge collapse learn there's no way you can cheat Death.

Director: Steven Quale

Stars: Nicholas D'Agosto, Emma Bell, Arlen Escarpeta, David Koechner

49. Priest (2011)

   

A priest disobeys church law to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece.

Director: Scott Charles Stewart

Stars: Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Karl Urban

50. The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

   

The affair between a politician and a ballerina is affected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart. (106 mins.)

Director: George Nolfi

Stars: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Kastriner, Phyllis McBryde

51. Black Death (2010)

   

Set during the time of the first outbreak of bubonic plague in England, a young monk is tasked with learning the truth about reports of people being brought back to life in a small village. (97 mins.)

Director: Christopher Smith

Stars: Eddie Redmayne, Sean Bean, Carice van Houten, Kimberley Nixon

52.30 Minutes or Less (2011)

   

Two fledgling criminals kidnap a pizza delivery driver and force him to rob a bank within 30 minutes.

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Nick Swardson, Michael Peña

Saurav in Dabaang 2!!! Watch out shahrukh!!!

Sourav Ganguly to star in 'Dabangg-2' with Salman Khan!!!

Sourav Ganguly had decided to go all out against Shah Rukh Khan for not having retained him. He has decided to join hands with SRK's enemy Salman Khan. Dada would be seen beating the hell out of an SRK lookalike in the "Dabangg" sequel.

Following the principle of "enemy of an enemy is a friend", Dada and Salman decided to join hands. "They decided the script in a few minutes," our source informed, "as was the case with the original movie."

Hangover part 2 is back with a bang!!!

The Hangover 2 will reportedly follow the three main characters of Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis) in their new locale. No word if Justin Bartha, who played bachelor Doug, will be along for the ride.
Ever since it was announced that there will be a sequel to director Todd Phillips’ surprise hit, The Hangover, people have been asking one very obvious question:

“What the hell would it be about?”

Obviously the first Hangover dealt with the mystery and consequences of one truly awesome bachelor party in Vegas. Kind of a once-in-a-lifetime thing, right?

Well, luckily, getting blackout wasted has become a sporting hobby for some in our society, so it’s conceivable that our (heroes?) from The Hangover might one day match the epic obliteration they experienced in the first film – but where to set such a stage?

How about Thailand? Because according to a ‘source close to the film,’ that’s exactly where the sequel is headed.

Known for its beauty, adventure, bustling urban centers, gorgeous jungle countrysides and jaw-dropping ancient architecture – along with ladyboys, “ping-pong shows,” underground fighting rings, shots of cobra blood, delicious Pad Thai and a city overrun by monkeys – Thailand seems like an appropriate enough setting for the Hangover gang. That list of attractions I just laid out alone guarantees a movie filled with hilarity and raunch. I’m sure director Todd Phillips has even better stuff than that up is sleeve (or at the very least, all of that up his sleeve)

Which player can irritate sachin inside the dressing room!!! Guess who!!!

Eventhough all the cricketers has tremendous respect towards Sachin,What Indian cricketers feel about sachin.Here comes the funny part!!!

Dhoni & Gambhir always respects sachin even during off the field.When they are having a discussion,they only share formal words.

Harbhajan & Zaheer are somewhat close to sachin,they tease sachin,they fool sachin but then they know that there is a limit for everything.

Here comes our heroes Yuvraj & Raina.Sachin had once mentioned that he can handle his son better than to manage Raina & Yuvraj.

Yuvraj always calls sachin as Grandpa,Though sachin warned him(In a funny way),he got teased again & again.

During the worldcup practice,Raina got very close to sachin & even he joined the fun in teasing sachin.
Sachin always kept his room clean & he will be aware of what things are where exactly.He is so systematic even in doing his daily routines.

There's the D-day before India Vs Australia,Quarter finals,before on field practice session,Both Raina & yuvraj entered sachin's room,they saw sachin arranging his bats in the corner of his room.Sachin greeted them & told them that he is going to gets refreshed and come back.When he came back after refreshment,he was shocked to see his room A DISASTER.His bedsheets are completely in the floor,his TV as well as music systems were on,his bats & 1 glove is on the bed.
Immediately he screamed & asking for Raina & Yuvraj to his manager.He said they will be in the ground for Practice.Sachin didn't have breakfast which was kept in his room either.

But in the cricket match,sachin called Raina to his dressing room & advised him to only play ground shots in the match against Australia.That's a nice gesture from Sachin.First thing Raina did when he came to dressing room is that he ate the remaining half sandwich which sachin was eating!!!

Then before Pakistan match,sachin ordered 3 new bats.He gave 1 bat to the supporting staff to tune it.He took 1 bat & 1 more bat was left in his kit.Raina came all the way from fielding practice & asked sachin that he will tune the 3rd bat.Sachin asked raina to take his bat from his kit.After the training session was over,again there is a shocker for sachin to see this 3rd bat in the middle of the ground.

But in the cricket match,sachin called Raina to his room & advised him to only play ground shots in the match against Australia.That's a nice gesture from Sachin.

Thank god Sachin's 100th ton couldn't have come this way

It was an uncharacteristic Sachin Tendulkar versus a characteristic Pakistan in the semifinal. Even as the occasion got to some of the players, Tendulkar shaped India's total but the century of centuries, the 100th, could not have come in this error-prone way.

For a while out in the middle on Wednesday, though, it seemed Tendulkar was pre-ordained to achieve the feat here. He did everything wrong and kept surviving, and Pakistan's fielders did everything they could to aid his survival. Much of the pre-game build-up had seen Afridi posturing aggressively about his team's desire not to let the milestone happen here. The Pakistan skipper would have had his heart in his mouth for much of India's innings as his fielders scripted a comedy of errors around him.

The drama didn't begin with a dropped catch, though. The 11th over saw Saeed Ajmal breach Tendulkar's defences and Ian Gould promptly raising the finger. Out LBW. Not. Tendulkar, for long a vocal critic of the Umpire Decision Review System, finally saw the advantages as replays showed the ball missing leg. The very next ball, he narrowly survived being stumped too. Three overs later, on 27, Misbah-ul Haq dropped a sitter at midwicket as bowler Afridi looked on in astonishment. On 45, again off Afridi, Younis Khan made a hash of a relatively simple chance. This time, the skipper yelled and flung his arms in frustration.

A relatively quiet period where Tendulkar proceeded to build his innings was broken again on 70, when that doyen of botched chances, wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal failed to move to his right in time. It was a difficult one but the bowler, again, was Afridi, who by now had his head in his hands! Eleven runs later, Kamran's brother Umar dropped another catchable one at mid-wicket, this time off Mohammad Hafeez.

It seemed there was nothing more Sachin could do wrong. But with the ton only 15 runs away, Afridi himself dived and latched on to a drive to end the dream. The cat's nine lives had run out. Afridi had rediscovered his grin.

Sachin: Close Shave

Over 10.4
Saeed Ajmal raps Tendulkar on the pad and umpire Ian Gould raises the finger. Tendulkar goes for the review, replays show ball will miss leg stump.
Tendulkar on 23; India 75/1

Over 10.5
Ajmal goes past Tendulkar’s bat with a doosra who lunges forward as Akmal appeals for a stumping. Tendulkar just gets his leg back in time.
Tendulkar on 23; India 75/1

Over 13.1
Tendulkar pulls Shahid Afridi towards short mid-wicket where Misbah ul-Haq drops a sharp low chance.
Tendulkar on 27; India 84/1

Over 19.3
Tendulkar chips Afridi to Younis Khan at covers who drops a sitter at comfortable height near his shoulder. Ball was parried up but Younis failed to latch on off the second attempt as well.
Tendulkar on 45; India 116/2

Over 29.3
Afridi’s leg-spinner catches Tendulkar’s edge off a defensive push but Kamran Akmal fails to hold on to the ball.
Tendulkar 70; India 163/4

Over 34.6
Tendulkar goes for a whip-pull shot off Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal at short mid-wicket jumps and gets two hands to the ball but it pops out.
Tendulkar on 81; India 183/4

Special stage set for Sachin,Finals,mumbai,India!!! Wow

India's Sachin Tendulkar led a charmed life to hit a crucial 85 in Wednesday's semifinal win against Pakistan before targetting his first World Cup title in front of his home fans in Mumbai.

Tendulkar was dropped four times in his man of the match innings to anchor India to 260/9 against their arch-rivals before his team's bowlers applied the pressure and the brakes to secure a 29-run win.

"The final in Mumbai will be a fantastic occasion. We will focus on the job in hand and try to get the job done," said Tendulkar of Saturday's title match against Sri Lanka.

Tendulkar again missed out on making 100 international centuries but had the satisfaction of having played in all five of India's World Cup wins over Pakistan.

Now he hopes to be at the forefront of Saturday's campaign where India will look to capture a second World Cup title, 28 years after their first and only triumph.

"It's always memorable to play against Pakistan and to be on the winning side five times against them is a memory I will always cherish.

"But it was a brilliant effort in the field and by the bowlers today. When we batted we had to make sure we got a fighting total. I thought 310 or 315 would have been a good par score.

"Then the ball started stopping and spinning and something closer to 270 was par."

A grand salute to the 2000 police officers outside stadium with out water and food

The near-2000 strong police force deployed for the forthcoming cricket World Cup 2011 semifinal has been left to fend for itself for food and water as no provisions have been made to provide food and drink for the hapless cops.

Most of the deployed police personnel have been sourced from various police ranges across the state with some being requisitioned from places as far as Patiala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Barnala, Bathinda, Ferozepur and Faridkot districts.

The cops have been present in Mohali since last Friday and have been deployed outside at the stadium to look after the law and order situation there.

However, instead of being vigilant outside the stadium complex, a large number of cops were spotted cooped up inside police vehicles trying to sleep on an empty stomach.

A constable with Punjab police from Bathinda, on the condition of anonymity said, ''We were ordered to come to Mohali on Thursday night and although authorities have made arrangements for our stay and a meal, which usually is dinner, throughout the day we are left to fend for ourselves. The outstation police force is not as lucky as the ones living near to Mohali, who can bring lunch boxes, as we have to spend from our own pockets. We are not even allowed to go inside the stadium to get a glass of water and have to purchase water bottles.

Mohali superintendent of police Harpreet Singh said, ''We are providing a daily allowance and we cannot be made responsible for arranging meals for about 2000 personnel.''

Even babies are ready to argue!!!

Vijayakanth's stupid act while campaigning!!! Very rude!!!

Actor-turned-politician and DMDK chief Vijayakanth stunned his followers when he slapped his party candidate for the Dharmapuri constituency in front of the crowd during a poll campaign on Tuesday.

Sachin in Maniratnam's movie!!!

A R Rahman is the Sachin Tendulkar of music and Sachin is the Rahman of cricket. And ace director Mani Ratnam has brought these two legends together, for a short film.

The film shot for Shakthi Foundation, which works for the rights of the differently abled, has Sachin in front of the camera, with Mani Ratnam wielding the megaphone.

The Oscar-Grammy winner has taken care of the background score and he has provided soul-stirring music, we learn. "The short film is a shot in the arm for the physically challenged who successfully cross all hurdles in front of them," sources say.

Actor Vijay started campaining for Jayalalitha!!!

Without keeping quiet after offering his Makkal Iyakkam’s support to the AIADMK-led alliance, ‘Ilaya Thalapathi’ Vijay is planning to hit the campaign trail to seek votes for the main opposition party.

The actor, if sources are to be believed, will address a mega public meeting in Chennai along with Jayalalithaa. “Or he would appear on Jaya TV, urging voters and his fans to vote for the AIADMK,” sources say.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Chennai Tuesday evening, Vijay’s father and Makkal Iyakkam founder S A Chandrasekar said that a change in the government could alone ensure freedom in Tamil Nadu.

“Makkal Iyakkam favours a political change in the State for its overall development and for the wellbeing of all sections of the society. The Iyakkam is of the firm view that political change is the need of the hour, taking into consideration the happenings in various fronts,” he said

Vikram as a 18 year old in "DEIVATHIRUMAGAN"

 

Wondering if we flashbacked into Vikram’s past. No. we are discussing his upcoming film ‘Deiva Thirumagan.’ Sources close to the actor have revealed that in this film Vikram has performed some scenes as an 18-year-old. For the versatile actor that he is the actor seems to have lived on lean diets for many days to get the right build for enacting the part of an 18-year-old.

May be this is called getting into the skin of the character. Sources close to the director of the film Vijay reveal that the shots have come out really well and would be a treat for movie buffs and Vikram fans. Previously Suriya had a role in Gautham Menon’s ‘Varanam Aayiram’ where he appears as a school student in certain scenes. Those scenes in the film won the hero critical acclaim.

Vikram has had it all. He has had the chance of acting in Mani’s film (Ravanan), has done a film with director Shankar (Anniyan), and has done the most toughest of roles. Think ‘Pithamagan.’ Now this film too will be a feather in the cap of the seasoned actor who gives life to any role that comes his way.

‘Deiva Thirumagan’ sees Vikram helming the movie with Anushka as his pair and supporting performances from Amala Paul; and Santhanam provides the comical interludes in the film.

We look forward to this film of our ‘Chiyaan’ and more importantly his performance in the movie.

In the last six years, Vikram had just three releases, as it took much time to complete his films thanks to the demanding scripts and the challenging roles he had played. This, in a sense, left his fans in little disappointment.

But the actor has now almost completed shooting for his forthcoming venture (tentatively titled ‘Deivamagan’), directed by Vijay, in just four months and he is extremely happy about it.

The Cheeyan, who felt that he should honour Vijay for completing the project in such a short span of time, recently hosted a party at a popular star hotel in Chennai, in which the cast and crew of the film took part.

The list of those who had turned up for the party, according to sources, includes the names of Anushka Shetty and Amala Paul, who had played crucial roles in the movie.

2011 could be a big year for Vikram and his fans for the actor is working non-stop. Even as on the verge of completing his film with director Vijay, the ‘Cheeyan’ is getting ready to start his next venture.

To be directed by Suseendran of ‘Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu’ and ‘Naan Mahaan Alla’ fame, the movie will go on floors on April 6. “It will be a racy action entertainer- a real treat for Vikram fans,” sources maintain.

Suseendran has completed his forthcoming film ‘Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai’ and is at present busy with the ground work for the Vikram starrer. In the meantime, the actor too is gearing up for the movie.

Meanwhile, the Vikram-Vijay movie, tentatively titled ‘Dheivamagan’ or ‘Pitha’, has Vikram in a different get-up. “This is the reason behind the actor not attending any public functions in the recent past.”

Robert Pattinson in Akira remake!!!

Fans of Akira, the cult Japanese animation about a teenage boy with terrible destructive powers, may want to look away now. No sooner has the reported threat of Zac Efron taking the main role in the forthcoming Hollywood live action remake been allayed, than a fresh emo threat raises its hunky head: Robert Pattinson.
Deadline reports that the Twilight star is being approached by studio execs to take the main role of Tetsuo, who in the 1988 film begins to exhibit sinister abilities. As well as Pattinson, The Social Network's Andrew Garfield and James McAvoy have also been sent scripts. Efron, who was last year named as a frontrunner for the role, now seems to be out of the picture.

In line to play the other main lead role of Kaneda, a biker and gang leader, are Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake and Joaquin Phoenix. The Hollywood remake will take the original six-book graphic novel as its source, playing the action out over two films and relocating it to "New Manhattan" rather than the original's New Tokyo, a city built on an artificial island in Tokyo bay following the destruction of the original Japanese capital in an explosion 30 years previously. Akira is the name of a young boy whose powers led to the disaster, one which Kaneda slowly comes to believe his childhood friend Tetsuo may be about to repeat.

The latest casting rumours have emerged following a rewrite of the project's screenplay by Steve Kloves which Deadline reports has executives at Warner Bros and director Albert Hughes (From Hell) excited.
Akira was originally a 2,182-page manga epic which was adapted by its writer Katsuhiro Otomo into a two-hour film (Otomo also directed). Despite its complex, densely packed storyline, it has gained huge popularity over time since its release and helped to fuel the growth of anime's popularity outside of Japan.

Teresa Palmer to Kiss a Zombie in ‘Warm Bodies’

 

It looks as if the absurd notion of making a teen zombie romance movie is becoming more than just a notion, as Summit’s Warm Bodies is deep in the casting process. Already signed to star is Nicholas Hoult, who is about to take the screen as the new Beast in X-Men: First Class. And now actress Teresa Palmer is rumored to be close to signing on as the love interest.

The film is being described as a cross between Twilight and Shaun of the Dead, so I guess that means that half of it is going to be embarrassingly melodramatic, while the other half will be irreverent and fun. I’m not sure exactly how that will look, but the name drop of Shaun of the Dead at least gives me hope that this project could be entertaining, and not a complete train wreck.

Palmer’s character is described as the daughter of a high-ranking military man who falls in love with a zombie after it eats her boyfriend. Their budding relationship goes on to change the way humans and zombies interact all over the world. I’ve seen Palmer work in both I Am Number Four and Take Me Home Tonight. In I Am Number Four she didn’t get much to do other than look like a stone faced badass, but she handled the jumping around and punching stuff thing well. And I thought that she was appropriately charming and magnetic as the object of affection in Take Me Home Tonight. If I had to choose somebody to fight zombies and then kiss them, then this might be my girl. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed and see which direction the rest of development takes for this one.

"Avatar 2" Official announcement from James Cameron!!!

James Cameron puts more work into his films than perhaps anyone else working in Hollywood right now. It’s fun to juxtapose what he does with the way another living legend like Woody Allen works. Woody makes a movie every year. He writes up a script, gets some actors, and gets the thing shot. James Cameron has to invent new technologies in order to make a new movie, he has to take quests all around the globe. He doesn’t seem content to just make a new movie anymore, he has to make movies that do things nobody else has ever done.


We already know that he plans on showing off the oceans of Pandora for his sequel to Avatar. And we’ve heard about how he wants to take dive teams to the deepest parts of the ocean in preparation for creating those scenes. Well now it appears that actors in the film are going to have to trek out to the jungle as well. While attending an international forum about sustainability in Brazil, Cameron had this to say, “Avatar is a film about the rain forest and its indigenous people. Before I start to shoot the two films I want to bring my actors here, so I can better tell this story.” This expedition could end up going one of two ways, either the Avatar sequels are going to end up being the most authentic space-jungle movies ever, or Cameron is going to disappear into the bush with his crew never to be seen again, Colonel Kurtz style.

While in Brazil, Cameron took Arnold Schwarzenegger to see the Xingu River, a place that he had traveled to last year to speak out against development. While there Schwarzenegger and Cameron met with members of the indigenous Caiapo tribe, including the wise and powerful Chief Raoni, who baptized Cameron with the name “Krapremp-ti”, which means “man who is friend of the jungle.” There is no word on whether this baptismal will give Cameron any Captain Planet-esque superpowers, but he has vowed to give a character in his next movie the same name. And he added, “If I had met the Caiapos before making Avatar, I would certainly have made a better film.” So there you have it, Avatar 2 will probably make 3 billion dollars.

Movie-Ragini MMS video!!! first look

 

The First Impression: Ekta Kapoor mentioned two key terms about the movie – Paranormal Activity and MMS Video. When I first heard about these terms, the first thing that hit my mind was the movie “Paranormal Activity” and then the “The Blair Witch Project“. Is Ekta Kapoor trying to create a re-make of either one of these movies or is she simply trying to blend the two in the new “Ragini MMS”? Well, only time can tell.

The Next Impression: If Ekta Kapoor is trying to create something similar to The Blair Witch Project, then the promotion in today’s episode of Big Boss missed the spice. But of course, we don’t really know what she is up to yet. Again, only time can tell.

So, what actually is Ragini MMS all about. So far, we know nothing. But as Ekta Kapoor said today, the mms is something to do with a couple, who encountered some sort of paranormal activity in an mms video they created. Is it something like the Paranormal Activity? We hope, we will soon find it out.

Based on true incidents, Ekta Kapoor’s paranormal-sensuous film Ragini MMS is about an MMS that captures things beyond the realm of human understanding. As per Ekta, fifty percent of the film is real. So, let’s unlock the fear!

The movie Ragini MMS revolves around a young couple who enter a house to spend a romantic weekend vacation. However, the couple is not aware of the fact that the house has cameras that will capture every private moment that they share inside the house. And as the movie’s tagline says, “They don't know it yet. It’s a Threesome.” So there is something else too in the recorded love-making scenes of the couple.

Ekta while talking to a daily said that she would not like to reveal the identity of the person on whose experience the movie is made, and will neither tell where it happened. But the makers were in touch with this girl and got her approval for the script. Ekta wanted to give this movie the treatment of American movies and it seems she has succeeded. Is it Bollywood’s answer to Hollywood film Paranormal Activity?

Alt Entertainment, the production house behind Bollywood’s hit film Love Sex Aur Dhokha, is co-producing Ragini MMS. The movie stars actor Raj Kumar Yadav of LSD fame and actress Kainaz Motivala who was seen as Taniya in Wake Up Sid. The movie is all set to hit the theaters on May 13, that is Friday. 

Indo-Pak match,5000 crore,25 acre land,rain with thunder storm!!!

Both captains reveals their plans ahead of clash:

Rain is going play spoilsport for INDIA???

Heavy rain and thunderstorm lashed Mohali on the eve of the blockbuster World Cup semifinal clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at the Punjab Cricket Association stadium on Wednesday.

The Meteorological Department has forecasted a partly cloudy sky to prevail in this region with a little chance of light rain by the evening on Wednesday.

"The local forecast for tomorrow is partly cloudy sky with less chance of rain," an official of the Chandigarh-based MeT Department said.

Earlier in the day, Mohali and Chandigarh witnessed bright sunshine. Dust storm with drizzle had occurred on Monday.

According to the MeT's area forecast, including that of entire Punjab, there could be dust storm or thunderstorm with light rain at a few places in the state on Wednesday.

The MeT said that currently western disturbance is prevailing over Jammu and Kashmir and its neighbourhood while Rajasthan and its neighbourhood has been experiencing an Upper Air Cyclonic Circulation.

The maximum temperature at Mohali and Chandigarh is hovering in the range of 30-32 degrees Celsius.

The maximum relative humidity on Tuesday was around 68 per cent and the minimum relative humidity was likely to be around 39 per cent.

According to the Mohali pitch curator Daljit Singh, ball is likely to seam around under the flood lights. 

25 ACRES of fertile land to players,if PAKISTAN wins !!! 

Pakistan's Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced that each member of the national cricket team will be given 25 acres of fertile land if they beat India in the high-profile World Cup semi-final match.

"My government will give 25 acres of fertile land to each member of the team as a prize if they beat India," Sharif said during a news conference yesterday.

"The Pakistani cricket team deserves appreciation from the nation for displaying outstanding performance in different matches of the World Cup. We are praying for its success," he said.

Sharif advised the Pakistani players not to come under pressure for the crucial game against arch-rival India.

Pakistan will play against India on Wednesday in a high-voltage semifinal match of the World Cup in Indian Punjab, not far from the Pakistani Punjab.  

SAI BABA hospitalized!!! OMG

Sri Satya Sai Baba was admitted to the Sri Satyasai super-speciality hospital on Monday evening due to ill-health. Doctors said he was suffering from pneumonia and water has entered his lungs. Allaying fears of lakhs of his devotees, J Ratnakar of Sri Satyasai Trust said that Sai Baba was recovering.

Sources said Sai Baba has also developed breathing problems because of severe infection. "But his situation is improving with constant medical attention. There is nothing to worry about his health," Ratnakar added. 

Sai Baba made eleven assurances to his devotees:

1. Whosoever puts their feet on Shirdi soil, their sufferings will come to an end.
2. The wretched and miserable will rise to joy and happiness as soon as they climb the steps of the mosque Dwarakamayi.
3. I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body.
4. My tomb shall bless and speak to the needs of my devotees.
5. I shall be active and vigorous even from my tomb.
6. My mortal remains will speak from my tomb.
7. I am ever living to help and guide all who come to me, who surrender to me, and who seek refuge in me.
8. If you look at me, I look at you.
9. If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it.
10. If you seek my advice and help, it shall be given to you at once.
11. There shall be no want in the house of my devotee.

Hangover part 2,poster!!!

Robert Pattinson on private life!!! Hottest vampire on earth!!!

 

We hope you're sitting down, ladies. Because Robert Pattinson talks about sex in the latest issue of Italy's Style Magazine. Oh yes.

Asked if he always got along well with the opposite gender, the actor - who is in the middle of a massive PR campaign on behalf of Water for Elephants - said: "I hate the lack of prudishness, I get bored when people are ostentatious of their body. Sex and feeling for me walk side-by-side.

With such a refreshing attitude, Robert obviously didn't go into detail about his life between the sheets with Kristen Stewart. He was adamant that is never will, in fact, saying:

"My private life is off-limit. I've never spoken about my flirts, I'm not a man for short and superficial love affairs... I don't talk about my relationship with Kristen Stewart, an actress I admire because she's a real person, and a real actress."

Elsewhere in the interview, Pattinson touches on a director he admires, his idol and more...

On David Fincher: My favorite movie last year was The Social Network and one day I’d like to work with Fincher. Everything he does is interesting, and he got the best out of an actor I really admire, Jesse Eisenberg.

On his idol: Jack Nicholson. He had a huge career and he always owned his characters. Whereas, in the end, for a lot of people, I am just Edward the vampire and in my life I’m just Robert. We share the same hairstyle. But when I read an entire article about my hair, I laugh my best British laugh.

On his style: I like dressing Calvin Klein, English shoes, T-shirts and comfortable jeans. I’ve always been influenced by James Dean’s look.

Why Robert Pattinson hates his Twilight contact lenses???

 In a new interview, Breaking Dawn actor Robert Pattinson says that he hates the contact lenses that he has to wear while filming as his vampire character Edward Cullen!

He said, “I actually want to get some kind of plastic explosive. I want to reanimate them into something so I can kill them. It’s so embarrassing for me — after so many years, it’s still a process every single morning. Everybody else has figured out how to do it, and there’s two people holding me down because I can’t do it myself.”
We’re still hoping for pictures of his girlfriend, Kristen Stewart as a vampire to get leaked! I’ve got to know what she looks like as a vampire! Aren’t you curious???

Colo. Mega Millions Winner One Number From $319 Mil.

A Mega Millions player in Colorado was just one number away from winning the $319 million jackpot Saturday night.
The winner matched all five numbers drawn, but missed the Mega Ball. The prize for matching five is $250,000.The Colorado winner chose the Megaplier option and was correct. The Megaplier was four, so the Colorado winner won four times the $250,000 prize for a total of $1 million.The winning ticket was purchased at Gas and Food Store on Carr Street in Arvada.Two Coloradans matched four numbers and the Mega Ball for a $40,000 prize. Seventeen Coloradans matched four numbers for a $600 prize.In Colorado, 6,381 people won at least $8 in the drawing.Mega Millions drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.

What is QuiBids? Are you aware that Quibids upping The Monthly Win Limit

If you haven’t heard of QuiBids it is a pretty cool place to check out. Basically you sign up, buy bids and if you were the last one to bid then you get the product that you bid on. It’s pretty simple but the prices that things are going for on there is insane. I have a feel I will be visiting QuiBids more now that I know about it.

QuiBids just sent out a press release stating that the site is going to be upping the monthly win limit. Before you were only allowed to win 8 times but now you are going to be able to win 12 times a month. Jeff Geurts which is QuiBids’ CFO says “We believe our customers will see more value to the site by raising the monthly win limits.” He added “We’ve had a lot of customer feedback to raise the limits, so we’re giving our customers exactly what they want.”
There are about 15,000 plus auctions each day and this is the largest auction site of its kind. The limits are set in place to make sure that a few people do not take all of the goodies each month. The daily limit is 3 wins per user. QuiBids loves to make things fun for its users.

QuiBids Provides Consumers with More Opportunity to Win.

QuiBids is giving consumers the opportunity to win more auctions on its site by raising its monthly win limit from 8 to 12. This allows users of the site the ability to win more products at great deals.

Over the past year, QuiBids has continued to add more features to its site in an effort to add more entertainment to create a better overall experience for the user. “We believe our customers will see more value to the site by raising the monthly win limits,” said QuiBids’ CFO, Jeff Geurts. “We’ve had a lot of customer feedback to raise the limits, so we’re giving our customers exactly what they want.” Many of QuiBids’ customers hit their daily and monthly win limits early on during the first week or two of the month, which then disable them from participating on the site until their 30-day period is up. This win limit increase will give customers more opportunities to win additional products over a month’s time, yet still keep the site fair and exciting.
QuiBids currently has around 15,000 plus auctions a day and is the largest auction site of its kind. Daily and monthly win limits are set in place to “spread the auction love” and to give every user a fair chance at winning. The daily win limit of three is still in place.
“We listen to our customers, so when they suggest a way to improve our site, we take it seriously,” said Jill Farrand, QuiBids’ Director of Public Relations. “We review our policies and procedures on a regular basis and improve upon those procedures when we see fit. The increase in the monthly win limits was an item we felt our customers would appreciate and will provide them with additional ways to win.”
About QuiBids.com
QuiBids is the nation’s largest entertainment retail auction site of its kind. Its mission is to redefine shopping by providing the best deals possible for its customers with a unique, fun and exciting online experience.

An iPad for $3.20? A designer handbag for $41.80? It is possible, due to a new and growing segment of online auctions. Yet it's not as likely -- or as cheap -- as sites would like you to think.
They're called "penny auction" sites, because bidding typically starts at zero and goes up by a penny, and in the last two years, they've moved from the novelty fringe firmly into mainstream. Unheard of in 2009, there are now more than 120 such sites, according to Technology Briefing Centers, a consulting firm that tracks the sites. Like with other online auctions, the sites offer the possibility to buy, or win, gadgets, designer accessories or gift cards for a fraction of the retail price, and plenty are finding that alluring: Fifteen-month-old site BidHere.com, for example, boasts 1.1 million members in 22 countries and estimates that it gains 1,200 new users daily.

Complaints about the industry, however, are growing nearly as fast. The Better Business Bureau is still tallying 2010 figures, but a spokeswoman says that just four local branches reported more than 1,500 complaints about penny auction sites – more than the total number of complaints logged nationally about internet auctions the year before. And the sites' biggest critics say they're no better than playing the lottery or the slots – without the regulatory oversight. "It looks and smells like gambling to me," says Joseph Lewczak, an attorney at Davis & Gilbert LLP, which specializes in sweepstakes and lottery law.

For their part, the sites say the auctions aren't gambling at all. Rather, they're a new twist on retail sales. BidHere CEO Rick Day notes that on his site, auction participants have the option to buy the prize, whether they win or lose the auction. And some sites refund part or all of the fees participants pay as credits toward future auctions.

The potential for problems lie in the very structure of the penny auctions. For each one- or two-cent bid, participants must pay a fee, typically 50 cents to $1, depending on the site. In comparison, eBay ( EBAY: 30.34*, -1.36, -4.29% ) users bid for free although each bid typically $1 or more to the previous bid. Another difference with penny auctions: Each new bid extends the auction time by 15 seconds, similar to a real-life, going-going-gone scenario. So while an eBay auction with two minutes left will end in exactly 120 seconds, a penny auction with 15 seconds left could go on for several hours. A penny auction winner doesn't collect the object with his winning bid, either: He wins the chance to pay the final price for the prize on offer. Some sites will let the losers use their fees as a credit toward buying the item, but not always.

It's a structure that can be incredibly lucrative for the sites, while still enabling them to offer goods at prices that seem low. On QuiBids.com, a Canon digital SLR camera recently sold for $194.16 – at least $1,000 less than retail prices elsewhere on the internet. But that final price represents 19,416 bids. At 60 cents per, that's as much as $11,650 in fee income for the company. "It's simple arithmetic: if sites weren't getting more for an item than it's worth, there wouldn't be so many of them out there," says mathematician Glen Whitney, the executive director of the Museum of Mathematics in New York.

The winner doesn't come out quite as far ahead. In this case, he shelled out almost $825 on bids, plus the additional $194.16 for the camera – $1,019 in total for the camera, or about an $80 discount off the price of the same model offered elsewhere on the web. Auction losers who applied their bids toward buying the camera from QuiBids paid that site's price of $1,417.50. It's not uncommon for prices on penny auction sites to be higher than on other sites: BidHere values a 32GB iPad with 3G and WiFi at $729; Apple ( AAPL: 350.44*, -1.10, -0.31% ) stores sell it for $100 less. Pricing is based on what the site pays its suppliers, says BidHere's Day.

For their part, sites say users have ample opportunity to avoid bidding fees, including sign-up bonuses and special auctions that refund a portion of fees. "We want everyone on our site to absolutely know what they're doing," says Joel Fan, chief executive of LuckyChic.com. "There are signs all over the site telling you how many chips you're used, and how many you have left."
Paradoxically, the frustration of shelling out so much with nothing to show for it spurs users to try their hand at still more auctions, hoping to ease their losses with a big discount on something else, says Jack Vonder Heide, the president of Technology Briefing Centers. This, along with the fact that the sites sell chances to buy an object – rather than the object itself – contributes to the allegations of illegal gambling.
A class-action lawsuit filed in November against QuiBids.com alleges its pay-for-play format essentially constitutes an illegal lottery, and that the site engages in deceptive marketing by selling bids without disclosing the likelihood of winning. QuiBids says it's not gambling because every participant can apply fees spent toward the purchase of the item at the site's full retail price. "No customer has to walk away empty handed," says a spokeswoman. The suit is pending.
Of course, people do occasionally win at very low prices, which can be a boon. With the cost of bidding, that $3.20 iPad sold for less than $25 – a bargain under any circumstances. Spokespeople for penny auction sites say general auction strategies work in these situations too, in particular, knowing the value of the item and how much you're willing to spend. It's possible to review recently-ended auctions to see what similar items have sold for, and also the names of past winners. Seeing the same names next to lower winning bids may indicate a small set of users, which is a good thing; next to relatively higher winning bids, the same names over and over could signal a big subset of highly-skilled veteran bidders. BidHere.com's Day says his site, like others, has a subset of "super users" who have the bidding down to a science, and love to compete. Site newbies don't stand a chance. "Don't go for the MacBook Pro right away," he says. "You're not going to win it."