Gamers, Get ready for PlayStation4 !!!

Sony is ready to launch its Playstation-4 on November 15, 2013. Although, the dates on which the gaming console will be launched in India are not yet disclosed. Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan will receive the PlayStation 4 this December. 

 And You Know What! Sony has already given a trial to the Japanese on its new console. That’s not fair :’(

The new and the most amazing feature of the PS4 is its CAMERA. The PlayStation 4 Camera will be for more than use during game play. The camera will allow the console’s owner to start up the system and log in using the Camera, something that brings a more integrated experience to the console over the last console.

Sony didn’t have much to say on this particular piece of hardware, but did go on to say that it also have VOICE RECOGNITION in addition to facial recognition.

The new Dualshock 4 controller will, in addition to having the buttons and functions of its predecessor, Dualshock 3, also have several new functions. It sports a multi-touch pad, which will allow actions such as pressing, flicking, pinching and twisting, similar to that on the PlayStation Vita. The Dualshock 4 controller will also feature a “Share” button, which allows you to capture content from your current games and more, and then share them with your friends or on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter through the Share Menu.

And the question that all INDIAN gamers have in their minds is whether the old PS3 DVD’s work in the new console or not? The answer is YES! No need to spend on buying your favourite game DVD again for PS4. You can play your old games in this one.

It seems that Sony has planned quite a surprise for the Playstation fans as it is not disclosing the features right now. Well I hope the surprise is good enough to pull the gamers off the PS3 and XBOX 360.

PlayStation 4 will launch on November 15 in North America for $399(INR25,000 approx.), and on November 29 in Europe for €399(INR34,000 approx.) and £349(INR35,290 approx.) in the United Kingdom.

Now when Sony is launching its new PS, how can Microsoft not do anything about it?

Microsoft will launch its new gaming console, The XBOX ONE, just one week after the launch of PS4. Not much is disclosed about it either but vice president of marketing Yusuf Mehdi said "The Xbox One will have that much more power for developers to make their games and entertainment really shine."

The big battle between the leading game makers is on. No matter who wins, the only one benefitting from the fight will be the gamers.

So gamers, GAME ON!!  

indian classical dance....

Indian classical dance

Indian classical dance is a relatively new umbrella term for various codified art forms rooted in Natya, the sacred Hindu musical theatre styles, whose theory can be traced back to the Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni (400 BC).  

Definitions

·         Dances performed inside the sanctum of the temple according to the rituals were called Agama Nartanam. Natya Shastra classifies this type of dance form as margi, or the soul-liberating dance.

·         Dances performed in royal courts to the accompaniment of classical music were called Carnatakam. This was an intellectual art form.

For lack of any better equivalents in the European culture, the British colonial authorities called any performing art forms found in India as "Indian dance". Even though the art of Natya includes nritta, or dance proper, Natya has never been limited to dancing and includes singing, abhinaya (mimeacting). These features are common to all the Indian classical styles. In the margi form Nritta is composed of karanas, while the desi nritta consists mainly of adavus.

The term "classical" (Sanskr. "Shastriya") was introduced by Sangeet Natak Akademi to denote the Natya Shastra-based performing art styles. A very important feature of Indian classical dances is the use of the mudra or hand gestures by the artists as a shorthand sign language to narrate a story and to demonstrate certain concepts such as objects, weather, nature and emotion. Many classical dances include facial expressions as an integral part of the dance form.

Dance forms

Sangeet Natak Akademi currently confers classical status on eight Indian dance styles (see table below), while the Encyclopædia Britannica mentions six recognized schools^[1] and other sources state there are eight dance forms.

Dance form	State(s) of origin
Bharatanatyam	Tamil Nadu
Kathak	Uttar Pradesh
Kathakali	Kerala
Kuchipudi	Andhra Pradesh
Manipuri	Manipur
Mohiniyattam	Kerala
Odissi	Odisha
Sattriya	Assam

Add caption

                                     
A dance style is classical to the extent it incorporates the Natya Shastra techniques. Some of the styles such as Kathak use very few elements found in Natya Shastra. Other art dances yet to be conferred as classical dances, whose theories and techniques can also be traced back to the Natya Shastra

1.   Gaudiya Nritya - Bengali classical dance

2.   Andhra Natyam - Telugu art dance

3.   Vilasini Nrityam/Natyam - Telugu art dance

4.   Kerala Natanam - Kerala classical dance

Out of the nine recognized dance forms, the only two temple dance styles that have their origin in Natya Shastra and are prescribed by the Agamas are Bharata Natyam and Odissi. These two most faithfully adhere to the Natya Shastra but currently do not include Vaachikaabhinaya (dialog acts), although some styles of Bharata Natyam, such as Melattur style, prescribe the lip and eye movements indicating Vaachikaabhinaya.

Kuchipudi, which also prescribes the lip movements indicating Vaachikaabhinaya, and Mohiniyattam are relatively recent Darbari Aatam forms, just asKathakali, and two eastern Indian styles, Manipuri and Sattriya, that are quite similar.

Kathak originated as a court dance. Some believe it evolved from Lord Krishna's raas lilas, forms of which have also evolved into the popular Garba-style dances popular in North India and Gujarat. The style gradually changed during the Mughal period under the influence of Persian dance, a major change being straight knees instead of the bent knees used in most other Indian classical forms. Intricate footwork and spins, as well as abhinaya, are the highlights of Kathak.

Currently, Sangeet Natak Akademi does not consider the recently reconstructed dance styles of Andhra Pradesh such as Andhra Natyam and Vilasini Natyam as "classical." Bharatanrithyam, despite being the one most closely following Natya Shastra's precepts, is considered as a variety of Bharata Natyam...

Sabha

Sabhas are the organizations involved in the promotion of classical art forms in South India. Ganamukundhapriya is one such Sabha that specialises in classical dances. Various events are held each year to celebrate classical dance.

Indian Army. . .

HISTORY

The Indian Army is the land-based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India is the Commander-in-Chief of the army, and it is commanded by the Chief of Army Staff , who is a four-star general. Two officers have been conferred the rank of Field marshal, a five-star ranked general, which is a ceremonial position of great honor. The Indian Army originated from the armies of the East India Company, which eventually became the British Indian Army and finally the national army after independence. The units and regiments of the Indian Army have diverse histories and have participated in a number of battles and campaigns across the world, earning a large number of battle and theatre honor before and after Independence.

 

OUR INDIAN ARMY OFFICER

The Indian Army (IA, Hindiis the land-based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India is the Commander-in-Chief of the army, and it is commanded by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is a four-star general. Two officers have been conferred the rank of Field marshal, a five-star ranked general, which is a ceremonial positional.

                                                           WEPONS

    The primary mission of the Indian Army is to ensure national security and unity, defending the nation from external aggression and threats, and maintaining peace and security within its borders. It conducts humanitarian rescue operations during natural calamities and other disturbances, like Operation Surya Hope, and can also be requisitioned by the government to cope with internal threats. It is a major component of national power alongside the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The army has been involved in four wars with neighboring Pakistan and one with China. Other major operations undertaken by the army include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Cactus . Apart from conflicts, the army has conducted large peace time exercises like Operation Brass-tacks and Exercise Shoo veer, and it also been an active participant in numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions including the ones in Cyprus, Lebanon, Congo, Angola, Cambodia, Vietnam,Namibia, El Salvador, Liberia, Mozambique and Somalia.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

—  F-INSAS is the Indian Army's principal infantry modernization program, which aims to modernize the army's 465 infantry and paramilitary battalions by 2020. The programmed aims to upgrade the infantry with a multi-caliber rifle with an under-barrel grenade launcher and bullet-proof jackets and helmets. The helmet would include a visor, flash light, thermal sensors, night vision devices and a miniature computer with audio headsets. It will also include a new lightweight and water-proof uniform, which would help the soldier in carrying extra load and fighting in an NBC environment.

—  India is currently re-organizing its mechanized forces to achieve strategic mobility and high-volume firepower for rapid thrusts into enemy territory. India proposes to progressively induct as many as 248 Arjun MBT and develop and induct the Arjun MK-II variant, 1,657 Russian-origin T-90S main-battle tanks (MBTs), apart from the ongoing upgrade of its T-72 fleet. The army is procuring 2,000 pieces of night vision devices for T-72 tanks for Rs 1,000 crore; 1,200 pieces for T-90 tanks for Rs 960 crore and 1,780 pieces for infantry combat vehicles for Rs 860 crore.

MODERN  ARTILLERY

—  It is also acquiring 700 TISAS (thermal imaging stand alone systems) and 418 TIFACS (thermal fire control systems) for its T-72 fleet at a cost of around $230 million. 300 Israeli TISAS were installed as part of several T-72 upgrade phases, followed by 3,860 image intensifier-based night-vision devices. 310 Russian produced T-90S Main Battle Tanks were also fitted with French Catherine TI cameras.

Apple: A dying market leader??

It’s not hidden from the world that Apple is in trouble. It seems that Tim Cook has changed the strategies of the company. The question here arises whether it is going to work or not?

Steve Jobs throughout his life fought against the “me too” philosophy but now, with the launch of two I-Phones at the same time, Apple seems to be going mainstream. Nokia (or Microsoft) Tweeted sarcastically tweeted “Thanks  #Apple”. Is this a sign for Apple is going in the wrong direction??

The new I-Phone 5S is definitely an improvement but there are only 2 new features that make it better than I-Phone 5: The finger print reader and the 64-bit architecture. The processor had to go up to call it 5S.

Although 5C is a cheap I-Phone, it may not be a success the Asian markets as people prefer to buy a Samsung Android or a Microsoft Nokia than a Plastic Apple iOS(with no Bluetooth transfer facility and a slow processor). One doesn’t only invest in the phone, but also in the music you buy and listen, the books you buy and read and the countless applications and subscriptions you have. Switch brands and you will lose access to this data on another brand.  

Although, a recently published patent filing shows that Apple could be developing a new anti-reflective display for the iPad. Apple would add another process to its display manufacturing, an anti-reflection layer, and a layer of UV absorption film. This could be something Apple is getting ready to implement, or it could just be a process the company is exploring.

Another rumour says, Apple is working on a new Apple TV set top box, and it could arrive as soon as October. It’s possible an updated Apple TV set top box could make an appearance at Apple’s next event, which may be in October.

Let’s see what’s cooking in Mr. Cook’s mind. I am pretty excited about what’s gonna happen next ! ! !

                                     HOTELS IN DELHI

5 Star Hotels

THE LEELA PALACE, NEW DELHI

     

ABOUT THE HOTEL

The Leela Palace New Delhi is destined to become one of the great hotels of the world. Its architecture is inspired by Lutyens, art and embellishment by Mrs. Madhu Nair and its levels of refinement and generosity of space mirror the great palaces of the world. Breathtaking vision superbly realized.

ROOMS AND SUITES

It’s time to change your expectations of how splendid a room or suite can be.                        PRESIDENTIAL SUITE: The name says it all. Eight rooms of unstinting opulence. 24-hour butler service, Rolls Royce transfers, Private study, dining room and gymnasium, walk-in wardrobe, a couple sap suite. Your every indulgence is anticipated.                                                                                                                      SUITES, ROYAL CLUB, ROOMS: Expansive, lavish spaces with private plunge pools and Jacuzzis. Rich, authentic details and every imaginable amenity.

SPA

The Spa by ESPA is a world-class facility designed by Jeffrey A. Wilkes. It offers the best European, oriental and Ayurvedic therapies using only the purest natural ingredients. The Spa has two treatment levels with a café, a fitness studio, relaxation lounge, finishing studio, roof terrace and sauna, steam, and drench rooms.

DINING

The award-winning restaurants at The Leela Palace New Delhi combine an innovative design experience with world-class cuisines. The cosmopolitan Qube as well as the traditional Jamavar, were designed by Jeffrey A. Wilkes, while part of Lim Teo Wilkes Design Works, while the internationally-acclaimed restaurants – Le Cirque and MEGU were created by the Tokyo-based Design Studio SPIN

MEETINGS

Lend your next business meeting or conference a touch of class. The Leela Palace New Delhi offers superior facilities for any function.

The Ashok New Delhi, New Delhi

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                            

  ABOUT THE HOTEL

The Ashok symbolizes and celebrates the traditional grandeur of the historic capital of India. The foremost of Delhi's five-star hotels and the flagship hotel of the Ashok Group which has over the decades played host to visitors from the world over. Set in a prime location in Delhi's Diplomatic Enclave, The Ashok is a distinctive landmark, with its rose-pink walls and arched arc-turreted contours which set it apart from the glass and concrete conformity of other hotels.

ROOMS & SUITES 

With a total inventory of 550 rooms, The Ashok has 389 well appointed premium rooms with latest in in-room comforts like luxury bedding, free wireless internet, LCD / Plasma television, electronic in room safe and a host of welcome amenities. In addition there are 150 luxuriously appointed Suites, 10 one bedroom apartment style Deluxe Suites, and 01 Grand Presidential Suite. The Ashok Suite, each depicting the grand and vibrant ethos of India. Dedicated rooms & suites for non smokers and the differently abled.

SERVICES & FACILITIES 

Business centre with meeting rooms, Bank with ATM, Currency exchange, Executive lounge with Board room facility, Non-smoking rooms, Car rental, Courier service, Credit cards, Doctor on call, Express Check-in / Checkout, Florist, Laundry services, 24 hours In Room Dining, Beauty parlor, Shopping arcade, Travel desk, Disability accessible rooms and facilities, Valet parking, Airport transfers on request and much more.

AMATRRA - life style spa

Sprawling sanctuary offering an open air swimming pool, poolside gymnasium, personal therapy rooms, dedicated yoga and aerobic studios, salon, sauna and a unique floatarium.

DINING & BAR 

Discover a world of exquisite dining - a repertoire of Indian and International cuisines & best nightlife venues.
Oudh: - Cuisine from the Royal Courts of Avadh;
Frontier: - North West Frontier cuisine;
Sagar Ratna: - authentic vegetarian south Indian food;
Shraman: - Jain & Marwari Satvik dining experience;
Mashrabiya: - Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine;
Samavar Coffee Shop:- 24 Hours;
Capitol: - discotheque; 

Cake Shop and Tea Lounge 

4 Star Hotels

Hotel The Royal Plaza

                                   

ABOUT THE HOTEL

Superbly located in the heart of city - Connaught Place. The Hotel is minutes away from International Trade Fair Grounds, President House, Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Parliament House and Railway Station. Hotel consists of 19 floors with 414 luxury rooms & suites equipped with modern amenities. 

ROOMS

ROYAL SUITE, ROYAL CLUB ROOOM GUEST ROOM                                                                       This room overlooks the city and pool. Complimentary wireless Internet access and wired Internet access (surcharge) and the LCD TVs. A coffee/tea maker and a refrigerator are provided. The jetted bathtub is a great place to wind down; the private bathroom also has bathrobes, complimentary toiletries,  complimentary bottled water, and a safe are among the conveniences offered. This is a wheelchair-accessible room.

SPA

The Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat at Hotel The Royal Plaza pulsates with life and wisdom, purity and health. With a strong emphasis on natural healing.  Recreational amenities include a health club, a sauna, a steam room, and a fitness facility

DINING

Lutyens-24hr Coffee Shop: Offers coffee and cake.                                                                                                            Tea Lounge: Tea Lounge offers a selection of exotic teas and coffees.                                                                 Onyx The Bar: Excellent wines and single malts are in the selection.                                                               Jasmine Oriental Restaurant: It is an authentic oriental cuisine restaurant with a delectable repertoire of Specialties from Mainland China.

The Park New Delhi

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ABOUT THE HOTEL

Situated at the heart of New Delhi’s business and entertainment district, it provides easy access to many historic monuments and bazaars while meeting all needs of a modern day business traveler. All our floors are designed under different Themes indicating iconic visual expression is inspired by the five elements of nature: fire, water, earth, air and space.

 ROOMS

LUXURY ROOM, DELUXE SUITE, EXECUTIVE CLUB FLOOR                                                          Premium bedding and blackout drapes/curtains help ensure a restful night. Wired and wireless Internet access (surcharge),CD player. A minibar, a coffee/tea maker, and a refrigerator are provided. The private bathroom has a shower/tub combination, as well as bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.

SPA

Aura is a luxury day spa and gym with a wide range of specialized massages are available including deep tissue, acupressure, Swedish and reflexology techniques. Aura also has a state of the art gymnasium for daily exercise, a beauty salon, a relaxing sauna chamber and yoga classes held daily in The Terrace overlooking the poolside.

DINING

Fire:- Fire serves traditional, authentic, classic Indian food with a contemporary twist.                            Agni:-  The bar create old favorites and new concoctions like Rose Martinis, Love Junk and Seasonal Fruit Margaritas.                                                                                                                                                    MIST:- Italian menu and a great selection of Asian and Mediterranean recipes.                                          Aqua:- International menu of easy Mediterranean and barbeque cuisine is on offer.

BUDGET HOTELS

Budget hotels in delhi are mainly located in paharganj and karol bagh. These hotels offers air-conditioned rooms and are equipped with a personal safe, a flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar. En suite bathrooms offer a hairdryer, shower facilities and free toiletries. This centrally air-conditioned hotel operates a 24-hour front desk that can assist with luggage storage, laundry and ticketing services. Meeting facilities and a tour desk is provided for convenience.

The hotels has South Delhi Restaurant where the guests enjoy wide selection tasty foods. At hotel, the guests avail meeting room, safe-deposit box and 24-hour front desk.