WORST DATE EVER: A SURVIVOR'S TALE

WORST DATE EVER: A SURVIVOR'S TALE

ALBANY, N.Y. — On their first date — the worst date of his future wife's life — Jason Raylinsky wore a wife-beater T-shirt with dirty jeans.

  And then things got worse.

  Jay, as his friends call him, knew within five minutes of meeting Lauren she was the One, so he thought it best to tell her the most unflattering things about himself. That way she wouldn't hear about them from somebody else.

  ``I wanted to do everything right I could with this girl,'' he said.


  Jay's concept of doing everything right: Over dinner, at a sports bar in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., he told Lauren he'd had a one-night stand with the woman who'd introduced them.

  ``I could tell she wasn't too impressed with that,'' said Jay, an electrician.

  He told her about his DWI conviction and that he lived in his father and stepmother's house. Jay was 28.

  He got drunk. Really, really drunk, on tequila shots chased with Captain Morgan and 7-Ups (he was nervous, and because he hadn't had a drop of alcohol in months, his tolerance had dropped). After dinner, they visited another bar, and then another, where he nearly vomited.

  Lauren, then 22, drove Jason home after that.

  He asked Lauren if she'd like to come in.

  Sure, why not, she said. She did enjoy talking to him.

  ``I've got to hide some things,'' he said, and then left for a moment.

  He couldn't hide how unkempt his room was. The ashtrays looked as if they'd been attacked by cigarette-butt missiles, the fallout everywhere. Empty Ben & Jerry's cartons, a chili-caked bowl and clothing littered the room.

  Lauren surveyed this scene, then had to go. She was meeting a friend. But first, they kissed — if you consider an inebriated guy extending his tongue a kiss.

  ``It was kind of that awkward do-I-or-don't-I moment, and we both just went for it,'' said Lauren, a nursing student who also tends bar in Schenectady, N.Y.

  ``It was the worst kiss ever,'' she added. ``It was so bad I started laughing in the middle of it.''

  Which prompted Jay to plead, ``Wait, I can do better.''

  The date ``was terrible,'' Lauren said. ``But he was funny and honest and we did have a good time, at times.''

  After Jay woke the next morning, he feared he'd blown it. He'd met a funny, kindhearted, outgoing, attractive-yet-modest blonde for whom he'd fallen hard — and given her every reason not to see him again.

  They shared a similar sense of humor, though, so he sent her a text message that read ``So you're impressed, huh?''

  She thought that funny.

  Accompanied by their respective friends, they met again that night, and many nights thereafter. Despite doing everything wrong, everything turned out right: Nine months later, they were engaged and living together. The Glenville, N.Y., couple married 19 months ago and have an 8-month-old daughter, Chloe.

  It all started with Lauren's worst date. None compared. And you know what?

  ``I wouldn't change anything,'' she said.

A prestigious award for Priyanka Chopra

A prestigious award for Priyanka Chopra

Former Miss World and actress Priyanka Chopra has been chosen for this year’s Nielsen Box Office Award. The award, which was instituted in the year 2007, is presented for the outstanding performance in the cine field. The Nielsen Box Office Award will be handed over at the Third Annual Asian Film Awards which will be held on 23rd March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"Priyanka Chopra is India's number one female star. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding work," said Eric Mika, Vice President, Nielsen Media and Entertainment Group. "It is truly amazing to acknowledge the breadth of her success, and we are honoured to bestow the Nielsen Box Office Award on someone who has done so incredibly much in so little time."

Priyanka is only the second recipient to receive the Nielsen Box Office Award. She joins Andy Lau, who received the inaugural award at the 2007 ceremony.

HEAR ARE SOME OF THE STILLS OF PRIYANKA CHOPRA

You can see MORE stills of Priyanka Chopra in Stills4u

Maruti ties up with Punjab Sindh Bank

Maruti ties up with Punjab Sindh Bank  for vehicle financing

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, has tied up with Punjab & Sind Bank, on 2nd March 09, as they will offer retail finance facilities for car buyers. According to  this arrangement, the bank would focus attention on rural and semi-urban areas in Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh and Delhi. Moreover, Punjab & Sind Bank is also coming up with a scheme for inventory funding of Maruti Suzuki dealers at concessional and competitive rates to facilitate growth and boost small and medium enterprise sector.

According to a senior representative, given the huge size of rural and semi-urban market, Maruti Suzuki envisions this association as an opportunity to further augment its rural & semi-urban presence. He expressed his confidence by claiming that with Punjab and Sind Bank's vast network, its products will be easily available to rural & semi- urban customers through easy & hassle free loans providing by the bank at an affordable rates across India.

This tieup arrangement for car financing shall have focused attention on rural and semi-urban areas in the state of Punjab, Haryana, J&K, Chandigarh and NCR Delhi, where the bank is having a strong presence, Punjab & Sind Bank said.

As the mood in the private banking fraternity does not seem to have gotten lighter with the announcement by RBI to boost liquidity in the market place, Maruti Suzuki India Limited  is now increasingly tying up with a number of PSUs and RRBs for proving auto loans to its customers. Public sector banks like SBI, United Bank of India are coming forward and going aggressive with Maruti Suzuki customers. Moreover, consumers are also moving towards PSU banks because of lower interest rates being offered there. While car loan interest rates are hovering at around 15% and above at private sector banks, PSU banks dishing it out at as low as 11.75 to 13.75 % , as revealed by sources in the banking industry. In the past couple of months, the profile of companies financing Maruti Suzuki cars has changed markedly with PSU banks now offering loans to 60%  customers opting for finance against 50% a couple of months ago.

New Zealand wins the 5th ODI & India win series.

5th ODI: India vs. New Zealand 

New Zealand wins the 5th ODI, by 8 wickets at Eden Park in Auckland.

Match Review

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat in the fifth and final One-Day International against New Zealand which was reduced to 43 overs due to rain in Auckland.

In the 5th ODI India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first.

Sehwag had given a nice start, he  hit two sixes over the covers in Kyle Mills balls, but later Kyle Mills had something to smile about when he had Gambhir (5) caught behind by wicket keeper Peter McGlashan. India lost their first wicket in the fifth over in the form of Gautam Gambhir to be at 30/1

Both Sehwag and Raina were given a life each when Ross Taylor dropped a simple catch at first slip when Sehwag was on 34 in the eighth over and in the next over, Brendon McCullum failed to hold on to a chance offered by Raina at backward point when he was on 7.

India lost their second wicket with 65 runs on the board when Suresh Raina went for a needless shot off Oram. 

Raina gifted his wicket away when he hit high up in the air for Scott Styris to take a good catch running backwards at mid-on. It was a needless shot because Sehwag was going great guns at the other end. 

Jacob Oram got the prized wicket of Virender Sehwag when the opener tried to pull across thee line but edged it over backward point for Brendon McCullum to take the catch. Sehwag romped to 40 off 27 balls with the help of 3 sixes and 3 fours before his dismissal.

Ryder took his first wicket when he had Yuvraj (11) caught behind by wicket keeper Peter McGlashan to put India at 88/4 in 18.5.

Ryder clean bowled India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (9) and Yusuf Pathan (0) in one over to rattle India. Both Dhoni and Pathan were trying to accelerate the scoring and in the process lost their wickets.

India were already rattled by Jesse Ryder who took three wickets to reduce the visitors to 111/6 in 25 overs.

This was the second run out of the Indian innings as Harbhajan Singh too sacrificed his wicket after refusing the second run but Rohit kept on running.

India lost their eighth wicket when Zaheer Khan sacrificed his wicket for Rohit Sharma and was run out.

India lost their nineth wicket when Praveen kumar was caught by Peter McGlashanin in the ball of Iain O'Brien for 6runs(12 balls), and India lost its fineal wicket of Ishant Sharma when he was caught by Ross Taylor in the ball of Iain O'Brien, he had made 3r of 7 balls.

The Indian players have performed very badly in this match, except Virender Sehwag (40r / 27b) and Rohit Sharma (43r / 74b) 

Indian were all out for149 in just 36.3 overs,

Indian score card

Gautam Gambhir c Peter McGlashan b Kyle Mills 5r / 16b                                                                       Virender Sehwag c Brendon McCullum b Jacob Oram 40r / 27b                                                             Suresh Raina c Scott Styris b Jacob Oram 8r / 19b                                                                                   Rohit Sharma not out 43r / 74b                                                                                                                 Yuvraj Singh c Peter McGlashan b Jesse Ryder 11r / 24b                                                                         MS Dhoni (W & C) b Jesse Ryder 9r / 21b                                                                                                 Yusuf Pathan b Jesse Ryder 0r / 4b                                                                                                             Harbhajan Singh run out Daniel Vettori 1r / 6b                                                                                             Zaheer Khan run out Jacob Oram 5r / 10b                                                                                                   Praveen kumar c Peter McGlashan b Iain O'Brien 6r / 12b                                                                       Ishant Sharma c Ross Taylor b Iain O'Brien 3r / 7b

New Zeland's Batting :

New Zeland's Batting start was not so good as Praveen Kumar dismissed Brendon McCullum in the third over to put New Zealand at 9/1. 

McCullum (2) charged down the pitch, went for the big hit, missed and was clean bowled to give India the first breakthrough

India captain  needlessly took the bowling powerplay as Ryder and Martin Guptill brought up their 50-run partnership off 45 balls and Ryder reached his 2nd ODI fifty off 38 balls with a six off  Ishant over square leg.

Ishant, who had been hit for a flurry of boundaries by Ryder, had the last laugh when the opener edged a delivery onto his stumps. 

Ishant had earlier ended Jesse Ryder's blazing knock to put New Zealand at 97/2 in 15 overs.

Ryder had put the Kiwis on the path of victory by smashing 4 sixes and 6 fours enroute a 49-ball 63.

The Kiwis raced to the paltry victory target of 150 runs in 23.2 overs with Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor remaining not out on 57 and 28 respectively. 

Guptill got to his 3rd ODI 50 with a six off Ishant Sharma over mid-wicket. Guptill hit 2 sixes and 7 fours in his 50-ball knock.

New Zealand beat India by 8 wickets  in the fifth ODI at  in Auckland on Saturday to restore some pride, as India won the series 3-1.

Dallas Cowboys Cut Wide Receiver Terrell Owens

Dallas Cowboys Cut Wide Receiver Terrell Owens, ESPN Reports

Bloomberg -- The Dallas Cowboys released wide receiver Terrell Owens, ESPN reported March 5, without revealing where it got the information. 

The 35-year-old Owens caught 69 passes for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games last season, his worst performance in three years at the Cowboys. 

Dallas signed Owens after he became a free agent when the Philadelphia Eagles terminated his contract following a four- game suspension for criticizing quarterback Donovan McNabb and team management. Owens was also suspended by the San Francisco 49ers, where he played from 1996-2003, for celebrating a touchdown on the Cowboys’ midfield logo. 

In 13 seasons in the National Football League, Owens has caught 951 passes for 14,122 yards and 139 touchdowns. At Dallas he caught 235 passes for 3,587 yards and 38 touchdowns. 

To contact the reporter on this story: Nancy Kercheval in Washington.

America's Next Top Model

New season of 'America's Next Top Model' aimed at shorter women

LOS ANGELES - Tyra Banks, with a lively rush of words, describes a photo session featured in the season debut of her reality show America's Next Top Model.

In the shoot dubbed "Return to Innocence", the show's aspiring models are depicted playing "games that young girls played back in the day - dodge-ball, jacks, double-Dutch jump-rope", Banks said.

But the 13 women are posed to look anything but pure.

"There's a girl smoking. A girl from the wrong side of good," Banks said.

It's part of the TV producer and talk-show host's campaign against what she considers pop culture's harmful messages for girls.

Banks said she created America's Next Top Model, back with a two-hour episode airing in the US on tonight, to counter stereotypes of who and what is considered beautiful.

The show has included minorities and women dubbed "plus-size" by the fashion industry.

Banks, who also leads the show's judging panel, challenged convention herself as one of the few African-American supermodels.

This time around on Top Model, one contestant bears scars on her body from an accidental scalding she suffered as a child and refuses to hide the marks. Another has startlingly large, mesmerising eyes. A third is a street preacher.

"This is a very special group of girls," Banks said.

"I want them to connect with viewers, and not just with their looks, but with their personalities."

Banks is ready to push industry boundaries on the show's next season, due in September.

Women on the comparatively short side will be the focus: Nobody over 5-foot-7 (1.7 metres) need apply for the shot at a modelling contract.

Supermodels usually tower over mere mortals, with only a handful of less-than-statuesque beauties like Kate Moss making the cut.

Banks already has encountered scepticism from industry insiders.

"A couple of designer friends said, 'Look, girl, you better make sure that winner is fierce if it's not going to be a joke. You've got to make sure her face and body photographs like a tall model. She has to be really amazing."

Open auditions are being held this month in cities including New York, Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles.

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Yamaha FZ series

Yamaha FZ series

Yamaha FZ 15

Yamaha FZ 15 is a most awaited launch of the year in the two-wheeler. The FZ 15’s media launch was on Saturday, 14th September 2008 in Goa. The FZ 15 is a sportsbike which gets its DNA from global FZ’s series of Yamaha motorcycles. It has a Fat tyre, beefy tank & beefy front fork  which is all set to become a huge hit among the young crowd in India.

Yamaha FZ 16

Yamaha FZ16 is all set to hit the road.  Yamaha FZ16 has a muscular look. The bike gets its looks from the global FZ series known for awesome looks and tremendous power. The bike has some awesome features and the bike is finished to ultimate degree of perfection. This is because finest components have been used in the manufacturing.

When it comes to FZ16, the word big describe it all.Big wide tyres, huge tank, big center mass, mid-ship stubby silencer and big everything.

FZ16 features and specifications:

Displacement: 153 cc
Engine: Air cooled, 4 stroke
Maximum power: 14 bhp@7500rpm
Maximum torque: 13.6Nm@6000rpm
Gears: 5 manual
Clutch: Constant wet multi plate
Suspension (Front): Telescopic
suspension (Rear): Monocross
Brakes: 267mm hydraulic disc
Brakes (Rear): Drumm
Stand alarm: Yes
Fuel guage: Digital
Self start: yes
Speedometer: Digital
Low battery indicator: yes
Tubeless: Yes

Gunmen Hit Cricket Tour

Brazen Attack: Gunmen Hit Cricket Tour
Gunmen in Lahore Ambushed Sri Lanka Cricket Team With Guns And Grenades

At least 12 gunmen in Lahore, Pakistan, threw grenades, launched rockets and fired assault rifles on a convoy carrying Sri Lanka's cricket team today, the most sophisticated terrorist attack in more than a year in what has been the country's safest city.

The gunmen ambushed the players' bus as well as vans carrying police and cricket officials about a block from Lahore's Qaddafi stadium, causing two explosions and riddling the vehicles with bullets, local officials said. 

The attack killed five police officers and one driver and injured nine police, five players and three cricket officials, according to cricket and police officials. 

Despite what was described by local officials as "foolproof" security, all of the attackers escaped. Police in Lahore have ramped up their activities, cutting off the area around the stadium, conducting raids through the city and searching cars for militants. 

Video from surveillance cameras shows masked men in a shootout with police that lasted approximately 20 minutes. In some images they do not seem to be under direct fire, taking aim at the convoy with little cover. 

"This was a very organized team and a terrorist activity. A large amount of ammunition has been recovered," Habibur Rehman, Lahore's police chief, told ABC News. "Some people have been arrested and are being interrogated. This was a Mumbai-style attack."

The gunmen were dressed similarly to the gunmen who attacked Mumbai in November, carrying backpacks and assault rifles. 

Salman Taseer, governor of the Punjab province, of which Lahore is the capital, immediately blamed the "same hand" that was responsible for the Mumbai attack, though he offered no proof. 

Pakistani authorities have blamed the Mumbai attacks on Lashkar-e-Taiba, a militant group that has received training and funding inside Pakistan and is believed to be based in the Punjab province. 

"Especially in the Punjabi heartland, where you have some of the most dangerous terrorist groups now, banned by the U.N. Security Council, banned by the Pakistani government, but that seem to still have the infrastructure intact, and seem to be operating with impunity," said Samina Ahmed, the Pakistan country director for the International Crisis Group. "We've seen the attack in Mumbai, and now the attack here in Lahore, and the threats this poses -- not just to the stability and credibility to the elected government, but to regional and global stability." 

Cricket is Pakistan's favorite sport and in some cases has even helped thaw relations between Pakistan and archrival India. Today, instead of hosting the match, the cricket turf became a helipad for the Pakistani military. An army helicopter arrived on the field about four hours after the attack to evacuate the cricket team.

Pakistan's International Isolation

The assault is expected to internationally isolate Pakistan even further than it is already. In the last year two cricket events have been canceled because of security fears, and nearly all Western countries advise their populations against traveling to Pakistan. 

"That is the message: that the foreigners should not come here," Lahore's commissioner, Khusro Pervez Khan, told reporters.It was the latest in a series of attacks that have targeted local culture in Lahore. In the last six months juice shops, a DVD market, an arts festival and movie theaters have all been attacked, though with nowhere near the sophistication as today's assault. 

It also comes as a political crisis in Pakistan has sent thousands of protesters into the streets of Islamabad and Lahore, the center of a battle between the leading Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, the main opposition party. 

Some tried to quickly blame India, but most analysts believe it was an attempt to further destabilize a government that has been criticized as failing to take a militant threat seriously. 

"This is a major attempt to undermine the writ of the state," Ahmed Rashid, author of "Taliban," told ABC News from his home in Lahore. "It was superbly planned. The bus was surrounded by police commandos and [the gunmen] obviously had inside information for the arrival of these people and the route they would take. This is a meticulous operation." 

Lahore residents, already unsettled from the recent removal of the province's chief minister, said they were dazed their city could become a target yet again. 

"There is a general feeling of disbelief that this would happen," one resident said. "Lahoris are cricket lovers so this is a disgrace in their eyes."

End to Cricket in Pakistan?

This is the first direct attack on cricket players in Pakistan, though a May 2002 suicide bombing damaged the Sheraton Hotel, where members of the New Zealand cricket team were staying.

But this incident is likely to end international cricket in Pakistan, at least for now. Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka are currently scheduled to host the 2011 World Cup.

"We pride ourselves on being a loving sporting nation, but if these kinds of things happen, well it's really sad," former Pakistani cricket captain Waqar Younis told a local television channel. "This is not good for our society or for our cricket. We wanted foreign teams to come and play but now it looks remote. … People will refuse to travel to our part of the world."

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Jonas Brothers feel the rigours of stardom

Jonas Brothers feel the rigours of stardom

Will the Jonas Brothers movie mark an end to their innocence?

When red-hot boy band the Jonas Brothers debuted their 3-D movie in many sold-out US theatres, it marked a new beginning for them and, perhaps, the end of their youthful innocence.

So far Kevin, 21, Joe, 19 and Nick, 16 have mostly avoided the pitfalls of celebrity – constant hounding by paparazzi, names trashed in tabloids and on gossip websites, and public scrutiny of personal choices, to name a few.

But the Disney movie Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience, which shows them onstage and behind the scenes of their 2008 Burning Up tour, could change that. After all, one of their trailblazers, Miley Cyrus (a.k.a. Hannah Montana), saw her world change while on a similar trajectory to stardom.

Right now the trio of pop stars, who gained fame on the Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana TV show, do not seem worried.

From left, Jonas Brothers Kevin, Joe and Nick at the premiere of Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience in Hollywood.

In fact, they shrug off what little downside they’ve seen to stardom – months away from home on concert tours, long days promoting records and gossip in tabloids and on blogs.

“You just, kind of, have to laugh it off. There are always going to be haters, but that’s what comes with the territory,” said Joe.

“It’s weird. You look at a downside, and it depends on your outlook. There was one year where we spent eight months living out of a suitcase, but to us that was exciting,” he added.

In a recent interview, the three brothers credited their father, Kevin, with preparing them for the rigours of stardom.

Nick also said his work in Broadway musicals such as Les Miserables and Annie Get Your Gun offered lessons on the long days and hard work of performing for a living.

But being a movie star can be a different celebrity beast because more than theatre or TV, movies put entertainers on a world stage and expose them to new fans and greater scrutiny.

Miley Cyrus found that out. She had a squeaky clean public image from Hannah Montana, in which she plays a teen living a dual life as a high school student by day and pop star by night. The show also helped give the Jonas Brothers their start in show business.

Last February, Disney released the movie, Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour, to sold-out crowds, raking in US$70mil (RM261mil) at global box offices.

Her concert tour that proceeded it saw scalpers selling tickets for up to US$3,000 (RM11,185) with an average price of US$240 (RM895).

But in April last year came a Vanity Fair photo that showed the then 15-year-old Cyrus draped in a sheet showing her bare back.

Parents complained, and Cyrus was forced to apologise.

About the same time, there were other suggestive, personal photos of her posted online and this year, personal pictures of her making a slant-eyed face that upset Asian-Americans.

No one knows what’s ahead for the Jonas Brothers, but the tickets to their movie have been red-hot sellers.

“This year has been a great year for us so far. We’re just blown away with the amazing opportunities we are getting,” said Kevin, with the upbeat attitude that permeates their music.

“I think it’s all happened so fast, although it has been three, four or five years we’ve been doing this,” added Nick. “We’re still pinching ourselves and thinking, ‘is this really happening?’” – Reuters

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Shades of love

Shades of love

Ever wondered why we always end up in the same kind of relationships? Or why is it that you get attracted to the kind of people you do? Well, perhaps each of us has a specific love style. Research in the past has suggested that there are six major love styles: Eros (passion), Ludus (game-playing), Storge (friendship), Pragma (practical), Mania (obsession), and Agape (altruistic). Most people usually have one dominant love style, while exhibiting minor characteristics from the rest.

Actress Nauheed Cyrusi believes she is an altruistic and practical lover. People who are most likely to agree with statements such as ‘I would rather suffer myself than let my partner suffer’ and ‘I’m usually willing to sacrifice my own wishes to let my partner achieve his/hers’ are most likely to be altruistic lovers. This love style is selfless and extremely giving; it is also the rarest of love styles. Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt reflects about altruistic love. “Altruistic love is a questionable concept; it is more spiritual in nature. I do not believe altruistic love exists between people, all relationships are based on mutual give and take,” he says.

Cyrusi plumbs into her own psyche about her experience with obsessive love. “I have experienced manic and obsessive type of love, which is extremely dangerous and I’m sure I’d never want to go back there again,” she recalls, continuing, “When a relationship reaches a stage where different terms can be used to define your love, you know it is extremely comfortable and secure.”

The Manic lover is in constant need of re-assurance and is characterised by possessiveness and dependence. Manic lovers are most likely to agree with statements like ‘Since I have been in love with my partner, I have had trouble concentrating on anything else.’

Celina Jaitley believes that “Love is just love, it is unexplainable and there are no rules to it. Lovers don’t find each other they always were a part of each other. Love is a combination of all the above mentioned styles of love - love is just mind blowing.” Bhatt however, adds, “Love is like the seven colours of the rainbow, you need to see all of them for it to be a rainbow and similarly you need to experience all these shades to experience love. However, since we as human beings have a predisposition for obsessive-manic and intense passionate lovers I believe I am a passionate/ obsessive lover more than any other style of love,” says Mahesh Bhatt.

Pooja Bedi believes friendship and passion are the most important components of romantic love. Eros (passionate) love is characterised by passionate and powerful emotions which are often sexual. It is usually enthusiastic, fiery and spirited. Eros lovers believe that their partners were attracted to each other immediately after they first met. “I have an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desirable and therefore for me passion in the most integral part of a relationship,” says Pooja. I have always been best friends with my partner because I believe friendship is the route to love.”

Storge (friendship) lovers are usually best friends. This love style embraces companionship, commitment and closeness. When people find it easy to get over a past lover, or are afraid of dependency and excessive attachment, they are Ludus lovers. Ludus love is naughty and playful, it is also usually commitment phobic.

Lastly, people who tend to plan their lives in a very specific manner and choose their partner to match their financial and social backgrounds are probably dominant pragma (practical) lovers. Pragma love is usually seen as a practical love style which is driven by a practical attitude. They usually use practical means of choosing their partners such as identifying financial and social similarities. The pragma lover is also most likely to use a dating service. In lay man’s terms, this is the kind of criterion one would encounter during arranged marriage procedures.

Most people experience all these styles of love at some point in their lives. However, there is usually a dominant love style for everyone, which is most apparent and repeated in every type of relationship. But, then again, different relationships bring out different shades of love, and perhaps your perfect ‘love style’ is out there, waiting to happen!

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Tata showcases Prima, unveils Nano in Europe

Tata showcases Prima, unveils Nano in Europe

India's largest auto maker Tata Motors today showcased its luxury sedan Prima, which it plans to introduce in Europe, and also unveiled the European version of Nano, touted as the world's cheapest car.

Tata Motors also said the booking for its small car Nano in India would begin as per schedule in the second week of next month.

"We plan to bring Nano to Europe because we think there is a market for low-cost cars in Europe, which have good fuel economy," Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata told us at the 79th Geneva Motor Show where it showcased both Prima and Nano-Europa, the European version of Nano.

Tata said Nano-Europa would come with airbags and other high-end features, "but it will still be a low-cost car". At the exhibition, the company also displayed the electric version of hatchback Indica Vista.

Prima, which would be an exclusively Indian-made car, would hit Europe's roads in three years.

"Prima will be manufactured only in India. It will be imported from there for selling in the European markets," Tata said.

"It will take at least three years to complete the exercise of launching Prima in Europe. It is right now in the concept stage," Tata said.

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Ayesha Takia ties the knot

Ayesha Takia ties the knot 

Ayesha Takia married her long time boyfriend Farhan. Her wedding took place on March 1, 2009 in Mumbai. They had a quiet nikaah as per Islamic tradition. 

Only family members attended the wedding ceremony. It was a simple, private ceremony with only near and dear ones invited. On the night of 2 March, Ayesha and Farhan gave a party to their friends and other friends from the industry. From Tollywood, Nag and Puri have sent their wishes to Ayesha on her marriage.

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Microsoft Rebrand Live Search

Will Microsoft Rebrand Live Search? Does It Matter?

Talk of a new name for Microsoft's Live search engine is gaining fresh momentum, thanks to two messages posted on Twitter and observed by an unofficial Microsoft Live blog. The messages suggest a rebranded Live is already in prebeta testing, and that some form of Live search news will be formally revealed this week.

Microsoft Live Rebrand: The New Buzz

The new buzz, initially reported by LiveSide.net, revolves around a Twitter update attributed to an unnamed Microsoft executive. "Played today with Live search upcoming (to be rebranded) launch pre-beta," the tweet is quoted as saying. "I like the new features and UX so far.” (UX, by the way, is an abbreviation for user experience design.) The message, LiveSide says, has since been deleted, though the site has published what it claims to be a screenshot.

Added onto that is a Twitter update by a user identified as Microsoft manager Karen Young, who heads up the company's Most Valuable Professionals (MVP) program. "Live search update will be discussed in Steve Ballmers speech on Wednesday @ #mvp09," the tweet says, referring to this week's private Microsoft MVP Summit 
being held in the Seattle area.

Tracking Change

The idea of a Live rebrand has been floating around for months. The name "Kumo" surfaced as a possible new identity last November, when tech sites noticed Microsoft had snagged several domains centering on the word. In the meantime, new features have slowly popped up on the struggling search engine: categorized result listings, Facebook integration, and more than a few forms of what can best be described as bribery.

Here's the thing, though: Not a single one of those efforts has made a measurable impact -- at least, not by any measurements that weren't commissioned by Microsoft itself. I looked at the backward progress of the "Cashback" promotion back in December. Since then, despite Microsoft's constant push to bring searchers to Live, the site's market share has continued to fall. And, if you ask me, a new name and new look isn't going to do much to save it.

Crunching the Numbers

Just look at the data. For consistency's sake, we'll compare Live's market share from April 2008 -- the month before the "Cashback" program launched -- with the most recent numbers available. We'll use data from two different companies to give us varied perspectives on both global and domestic usage.

When it comes to the U.S., Live was grabbing 9.4 percent of all searches last April, according to ComScore. Since then, with the "Cashback" program and all the other various changes, Live has dropped about one point to 8.5 percent of the U.S. search market (as of January 2009, the most recent month ComScore has calculated).

Internationally, Live was pulling in 2.5 percent of searches back in April of 2008, measurements by Net Applications indicate. It's since dipped down to 1.73 percent of the global market as of February 2009.

What's in a Name?

Consider, too, Microsoft's name-changing attempts with the Windows Mobile platform. After meandering from Pocket PC to Smartphone, then onto a few varieties of Windows Mobile-based names, then just recently to Windows Phone, the one thing consistent with Microsoft's mobile offering has been its lack of any continuing success. The latest numbers show WinMo holding just under 7 percent of the mobile market, compared to the iPhone's roughly 67 percent. Putting it all together, the odds of a rebrand rejuvenation just don't seem strong.

So what's in a name? Often, it would seem, not so much. Just ask that guy named Jeeves. I hear he has some experience in this department.

See more like this: microsoft, search engines, industry news

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Bal Thackeray hits out at TV channels in editorial

Bal Thackeray hits out at TV channels in editorial

Mumbai, March 2 -  Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who is undergoing treatment at the Lilavati Hospital here, has lashed out at television channels and their crew over the way in which they were monitoring his health and reporting on it.
In a personalised editorial in party mouthpiece “Saamna”, Thackeray said that TV channels were engaged in stiff competition over reporting the minutest details of his health. 

“While one channel  said I suffer from high blood pressure, another  said I had developed low blood pressure,” he said in the editorial. 

“Apparently, they are more in the know of my health than the dedicated team of doctors attending on me,” he added sarcastically. 

He attributed the extensive coverage to the scramble for TRP rating points among TV channels, which forced them to park OB vans outside the hospital for the past five days, cameras trying to catch the smallest unusual activity and the visitors calling on him. 

Expressing sympathy for the electronic media staffers, the editorial said the poor journalists and technicians have been waiting on the pavements in the blazing sun for so many days and nights without going home, having a proper bath or proper food. 

All this is because they don’t want to be left out in the rush for “breaking news” and giving “hit and hot” headlines. 

Taking pity on their plight, he said in the editorial that he has instructed his local municipal corporator Bala Sawant to make all arrangements, including a mobile toilet, for the benefit of the TV crew. 

Terming his spell in hospital as “a prison of love”, Thackeray said that the priority was not his health, but the “health of the nation”. 

“Don’t worry about my health, be concerned about the health of Maharashtra and the whole country,” he said referring to the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party fighting over sharing seats for the parliamentary elections. 

The 82-year-old was admitted to the hospital Thursday after a bout of incessant coughing. Giving a brief of his health, the editorial said he did feel a bit unwell last week and was taken to Lilavati Hospital for a routine check-up. 

He was due to be discharged the same day, but doctors insisted that they may as well carry out more tests - so he stayed put for another five days. 

“A decision will be taken in a day or so when the doctors feel I am fit and fine to go home,” he said in the editorial.

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BET & Joy Bryant Rip the Runway

BET & Joy Bryant Rip the Runway

BET’s highly anticipated RIP THE RUNWAY fashion spectacle is back for its fifth installment with innovative clothing lines created by today’s most fashionable minds. Ensembles being revealed for the first time by musicians like T.I. and couture stylists such as Johnny Vincent are just a little of what is to be expected. T.I. will be unveiling his newest male clothing line called Akoo, which has been anticipated for quite awhile. The yummy fashion duo Bryan Lyars and Johnny Vincent will have the audience fanning themselves with their sexy new swimsuit collection. Other stylists like Protegé, Korto Momolu (From Heidi Klum’s Project Runway), and Monif C will all strut their stuff on BET’s red-hot runway. Fashionistas around the world are in agony awaiting the 2009’s runway display. This is an event that has brought success to style icons such as Baby Phat, Sean Jean, and Rocawear. Delivering the freshest and fiercest clothing pieces since it first aired in 2004 at Club Amazura in New York City, the title of the event is most sufficient.

(RIP THE RUNWAY 2009)

This year's event is being hosted by the fashionable, model-turned-actress Joy Bryant and the handsomely divine Derek Luke. The show is set to WOW New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom with all its urban flavor, flare and frisky spice. On top of the fierce glamour, provocative pieces and mouth-watering couture, RIP THE RUNWAY has some of the best performers and entertainers to make the night more than memorable. Musical performances by T.I. with Young LA and Young Dro, Keri Hilson, The Dream with rapper Fabolous, Bobby Valentino, Up and Coming Hip Hop Group GS Boys, Hip Hop music producer and singer Ron Browz, Busta Rhymes, and Jamaica’s sought after dancehall artist Movado shall bring magic to the fashionable night. The collision between style and music is so perfectly matched that the end result of this year's RIP THE RUNWAY will shake the world with its ferocious Bang!

(Keri Hilson “Bringing It” During Her Performance)

(Young LA And T.I. Performing At 2009 RIP THE RUNWAY)

The show will air on Monday, March the 2nd, at 9:00 p.m.* on BET. It will then re-air On Thursday, March 5th at 8:00 p.m.* and Friday, March 6th at 10:00 p.m.* Directly after the show will be the premiere of a new must see series, called HARLEM NIGHTS. This will air on Monday, March 2nd at 10:00 p.m.* Tune in and see what all the hypes about.


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Spoiler Chat: Are Dan and Serena Really Over?

Spoiler Chat: Are Dan and Serena Really Over?

Oh, CW. You cruel, cruel network! Not only have we gone a good month without such a peep from the lovely voice of Kristen Bell regarding the latest 411 on our favorite Upper East Siders, we still have two more weeks to go before the next new episode of Gossip Girl.

Thankfully, though, to scratch you G.G. fans' itch, I have the answer to the No. 1 question you've been asking: Is there any hope for Dan and Serena? Plus, the latest on Georgina Sparks (Michelle Trachtenberg).

Also, who wants to know which Lost character will be undergoing a radical change in tone this season?

Or what about the upcoming One Tree Hill wedding?

Or Amy Ryan returning to The Office?

No? None of that sounds appealing? Well, read on for this week's roundup of exclusive TV scoop anyway...

Sharan in Birmingham, U.K.: Just watched ER season 15, ep five. Is Shane West returning again? Or was that it? Please help, I have to know.

His rep and the network both confirm that he's due back for at least one more ep this season. There's hope yet for a Ray-Neela reunion.

Karla in Janesville, Wis.: TV Guide says Gale Harold is not coming back to Desperate Housewives this season. Is it true?
A studio rep tells me the reports from TV Guide are wrong. The producers stick by this recently released statement: "We are working on bringing him back to the show. We just don't know when. Because we had to work around his absence, the story doesn't require him immediately. But we would like to have him back on the show very soon." Hit the comments with your pleas to get him back on Wisteria Lane.

Emily in Napa, Calif.: Any hopes of seeing Michelle Trachtenberg on Joss Whedon's Dollhouse?
Don't look for little Dawn to be back in the Jossverse any time soon. Michelle just told me that while she's happy for her former boss, she's not too familiar with his new show. "I haven't even seen it. I haven't heard much about it except it's premiered and congratulations for that!" Don't be too disappointed, though. Her lack of knowledge on all things Dollhouse is simply because she's too busy playing the evil Georgina Sparks again. "I'm most excited to be back on Gossip Girl. It has wonderful people, and it's really nice just having my first day back, hearing 'Welcome back.' "

Tim: Kristin, can you ask Lost's Fionnula Flanagan if Brotherhood will be back? I know it's not very popular, but it is a good show. Thanks!
According to Fionnula, who plays Providence mob matriarch Rose Caffee on the Showtime drama, "We're on hiatus, and we're waiting to hear what Showtime's pleasure is about that. It will all have to be balanced with what else Showtime has on its roster for this next year. Usually the shooting season was the summer, so I should imagine that we'll know soon."

Chris in Seattle: I can't wait to see Jeffrey Dean Morgan in Watchmen! Will Grey's fans like his character?
Actually, no. Jeffrey says that the Grey's fans will be shocked by his Watchman character, Comedian. He's very unsavory! On coming back to Grey's, Morgan says, "I really don't know. They keep me out of the loop because I'm a talker. They're real careful not to tell me anything. When I was lucky enough to go back there, it was just a thrill to go back."

Alexandra in Burlington, Vt.: America's Next Top Model is back this week! What are the girls like this season?
These potential models are insanely gorgeous—or maybe just a little insane? I kid! While there are some of the usual crazies, there are noticeably more standouts in ANTM's 12th cycle (yes, this is the 12th season!). Based on the premiere, the 6'1 and stunning Aminat and breath of fresh air Celia are definitely frontrunners. I know it's still early, but these two not only get the most screen time, they seem to have those natural, model-esque qualities. Also, I'm thinking we should keep an eye on Jessica Stroup look-alike, London. She's a model on a mission—literally!

Diandra in Napa, Calif.: Any other scoop on ANTM?
This cycle takes place in Las Vegas, and instead of first narrowing the girls down to 20, Tyra makes it 21 in honor of Top Model's new hometown.

Dayra in Duluth, Ga.: In the Motherhood looks so funny! Any scoop?
Not much yet, but when we teased Megan Mullally about staring in a show about motherhood when she isn't a mother herself, she turned to her post-Oscar date for a quick comeback. "She's my coach," Megan said, pointing at her close pal and funnylady, Molly Shannon. You never know, maybe Molly will take a break from her snazzy wardrobe at Kath & Kim and stop by the suburbs on In the Motherhood!


Pamela in Hollywood, Calif.: Have you heard anything new on Amy Poehler's show Parks and Recreation?
Besides reading the pilot script, which was amazing, I've officially become a Parks and Recreation member myself thanks to my sweet new water bottle.

Sam in Del Mar, Calif.: Any scoop on How I Met Your Mother?
We gave you the first look at Laura Prepon on the set of How I Met Your Mother, but now you can get your second look here thanks to TVfanatic!

Henry in Scranton, Pa.: Will Jay Harrington return to Private Practice?
On his short stint as an Addison (Kate Walsh) love interest, Jay Harrington says his character "could come back." He'd also love to see another crossover (besides the sub-par Grey's Anatomy one) with Private Practice. "I think within the network it would be fun to see Taye Diggs' character on [Better Off Ted] or me on Ugly Betty," he adds.




Drew in Boston: Hey, I'm dying without my Gossip Girl fix! Please, is there any hope for Serena and Dan now that they have a half-dead-sibling? Anything else you can spill?
Correction: They have a half sibling who is fully alive and whom we will see on the show! And because of that and more, I'm told by a source: "Serena and Dan are really over." Done. Kaput. No hope for them this season. Sorry! Anyone need a hug? Join me in the comments. As for the rest of the season, Serena will be cozying up big time to her new boy-toy (played by Armie Hammer) and a source tells me: "The last few episodes of the season are chock-full of some of the biggest OMFG moments of the series." I think I just tinkled a little. Why do I love this show so? Darn you, Josh Schwartz and your TV crack!

Marshall in New Hampshire: On Lost, any scoop on Sawyer in the 1970s?
I'm hearing that he and Jin will be in that fabulously groovy decade for three whole years and that...wait for it...Jin might speak far better English now! Hooray for more Daniel Dae Kim screen time and multisyllabic words!

Isaiah in Little Rock, Ark.: On Lost, are we ever going to see Richard Alpert in a scene with Mrs. Hawking? I feel like those two are Island gods who must know each other.
When we recently spoke to Fionnula Flanagan, she told us that she hasn't had any scenes yet with Nestor Carbonell, but, "Perhaps I have in some previous existence, or in some previous materialization of Mrs. Hawking, but it hasn't come to light yet." You'll note that doesn't rule out encounters between young Ellie (if that is Mrs. Hawking in an earlier life) and Richard Alpert in the past.

Jenna in Irvine, Calif.: Heroes?
Claire saves Aquaboy tonight, but just as soon as she's done with that gig, she gets a new assignment from Rebel: Saving that creepy Puppetmaster dude who tried to kill her and her two moms! Meanwhile, Claire's Uncle Peter is branded a terrorist by the federal government. The only person who can save him? His high-flying brother Nathan. Oh yeah, and Sylar finds out what really happened to his mother, and he doesn't love what he discovers.

Walker in Pittsburgh: Is Holly Flax ever coming back to The Office?
You mean you didn't hear my squeals of joy last week when Mindy Kaling (Kelly) stopped by the OfficeTally chat room and finally confirmed that more Amy Ryan is on its way! "Amy's coming back [for] at least one this season!" Does that mean next season is an option too? And if any of you think Pam was lying when she told Michael that Holly still has feelings for him, Mindy wants to ease your minds. "I do not believe that our intention was to say that Pam was lying. I think it would be too cruel, ultimately." Anyone else just breathe a huge sigh of relief?


Martin in New York: One Tree Hill! Will we get a wedding?
Lucas and Peyton's wedding will happen this season. However, how it will end is a whole other story. (Here's hoping he doesn't say the name Rachel.) Also, get ready to see the softer (but still bitchy!) side of Victoria.

Heidi in Bristol, Conn.: I can't wait for Georgina to come back to Gossip Girl! Any chance we'll see more of her next season, too?
I'm just as excited as you are, especially after all of the goodies we just revealed about Georgina's return! Michelle Trachtenberg (Georgina) tells us nothing has been decided just yet about her Gossip Girl fate, but her answer did have us leaning toward a yes! "A character like Georgina is so fantastic, and there are so many elements that are exciting and untapped, so you never know." And while she has nothing planned, Michelle went on to say that she would definitely be open to a full-time TV gig, whether it's G.G. or something new. "I think the wonderful thing about doing TV shows is that you get a few months out of the year to do films as well, so you get the best out of every world." Did you hear that Josh Schwartz? Start working on another masterpiece for this girl!

Morgan in Seattle: I've heard rumors that Parminder Nagra is leaving ER before the series finale. Please tell me this isn't true!
We heard the same thing, but sources close to the show tell me that while her last "big episode" called "Shifting Equilibrium," airs March 19, Neela does appear in the remaining episodes of ER, which I'm guessing means they won't leave her out of the April 2 series finale.

Mario in Chicago: Blah blah blah Grey's Anatomy, Heroes and Lost. Can you mix it up a little with some dish other shows—like maybe the undersung CBS comedies?
Rules of Engagement returns tonight, and Megyn Price and Patrick Warburton continue to be laugh-out-loud hilarious, which means that two out of five lead characters of this comedy are actually funny! Thankfully, Megyn and Patrick get some giggle-worthy backup next week when Aliens in America's Adhir Kalyan makes his first appearance as Russell's (David Spade) much put-upon new assistant. Adhir's line reading of "Bond. James Bond…" alone is with the price of admission.


Heather in Pasadena, Calif.: After last night's emotional episode of Brothers & Sisters, please tell me there's some good news coming for the Walker clan!
There's some good news and some bad news on Brothers & Sisters. Good news: Robert is still alive. Bad news: He probably won't be married much longer. Good news: The illegitimate Walker children (Ryan and Rebecca) are bonding! Bad news: There are sparks flying. Good news: Justin supports Rebecca through the whole Holly-Tommy debacle. Bad news: Justin and Rebecca are splitsville by the end of Sunday's ep. Or is that good news?

Callie in Erie, Pa.: Got any goodies on The Office?
I think Dwight might be getting a mini-me. Producers are looking for a new coworker who is described as annoying, arrogant, bossy, yelly, probably not good-looking and definitely not well-dressed. I wonder if he wears any mustard-colored shirts?

Marissa in Mountain View, Calif.: Any news on Entourage?
E and Sloan will still be entangled early in season six, but look for a good-looking guy who has Sloan's attention to attract E's ire. (Lucky for E, the guy will turn out to be Sloan's cousin.)


Alice in Whitby, Ontario, Canada: Hi, Kristin, I'll send you some maple syrup if you'll give some info on Chuck and Sarah—are they done for good? Is there any hope in the near (before end of season) future for them?
Mmmm...syrup! I wish I could tell you that, but in tonight's episode Chuck (Zachary Levi) dumps Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) for real. Ruh-roh.

Lisa in Detroit: Is it true that Carla dies in the Burn Notice finale?
Let's see—what can I actually tell you about the finale? Your heart will hurt a little when a product-placement deal requires Michael Weston to use OnStar, but if it keeps this excellent show running (à la 30 Rock and Verizon or Gossip Girl and godforsaken Vitamin Water) I suppose we'll just have to suffer. In other news, Fiona Glennanne slaps someone, kisses someone and kills someone. Care to guess with whom she does what? (Post in the comments.) Also, John Mahoney (the dad from Frasier) pops by with an offer that Michael can't refuse...or can he?

Mark in New York, N.Y.: Anything Prison Break please!
Sources tell me there's another prison break, and you'll be surprised at who helps the big escape...T-Bag! Did I mention that Gretchen is also in the slammer?

Brad in Oahu, Hawaii: Thanks for your interview with Malcolm David Kelley. Will he be back on Lost anytime soon?
No official word yet, but he'll be guest starring on Saving Grace later this season. Kelley tells me of his character, "My name was Benjamin, and my dad was on death row. I was friends with Holly Hunter's nephew on the show." BTW, was anyone else floored at how freaking old MDK looks now? Our wittle Walty is all growed up!


Ferlay in Los Angeles: Kristin, got any scoop on 24?
How about some scoop on Jack's daughter? Regarding Elisha Cuthbert's return to 24, executive producer Howard Gordon says, "Without really giving a spoiler [Editor's note: Booooo...], I will tell you she's not in any danger. Jack is in a situation that requires something that only she can provide. I hate to be as oblique as that, but that's the best I can say about it without spoiling." Actually, that's just dandy with me. Thanks, Howard!

Jeremy in Mendocino, Calif.: What's coming up on 24 tonight?
Even though Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) and the president hit the lockdown room before General Juma and his men can get to them, Madam president is definitely not safe by any means. Also, I may have I said Dubaku was in the hospital, but that doesn't mean he's alive!

Simone in St. Louis: Any dish on the undersung Medium?
Just that the family might be moving out of Phoenix! Joe's getting a job offer later this season that would mean a move to San Diego. What do you guys think—could you stand it so long as the family stayed together?

Marianne in Colorado Springs, Colo.: Got any Bones info?
We'll be meeting Bones' Japanese she-male doppelgänger. (For reals.) Look for a character named Asa Tanaka who is Japan's leading forensic anthropologist but whose gender is indistinguishable, which confuses the Jeffersonian team when they join forces with Asa to solve the murder of a Japanese national. P.S. Got Q's for Bones bosses Hart Hanson and Stephen Nathan? Email tvdiva@eonline.com, and we'll try to get you answers!


Erica in El Paso, Texas: Big Love is so good. I can't believe they killed Kathy, and now I'm desperate to know who else is on the chopping block!
I know! I emailed Big Love boss Will Scheffer after last night's crackerjack outing and demanded that we get our vengeance for Roman's abuse of poor Kathy, and Will replied, "Oh, you'll get it somehow." As for the other death, am I the only one who didn't notice until last week that Sarah's promo posters have the caption "Dying to get out"? Seems like a clue to me!

Rebecca T.: Do you have any idea when TBS' My Boys will return? Any spoilers?
My Boys premieres March 31 (hurrah!), and in an upcoming ep P.J. gets jealous when Stephanie becomes a BFF with another girl. But wait, what's that? You want scoop on Bobby or Brendan instead? Then you better email your Q's to tvdiva@eonline.com because I'm going to the My Boys launch party and will gladly try to get you answers.

Wallace in Orlando, Fla.: How about some 90210?
With love from our hot and sunny zip code to yours: Naomi's sister Jen is coming to town, and if you thought Naomi was manipulative and a schemer, just wait till you meet big sis! Also, Adrianna and Navid's bachelor and bachelorette parties put things into perspective for both characters, including a possible gateway back into drugs for pregnant Adrianna, which would elicit a sternly worded letter from yours truly to that little trollop.

K.B. in Seattle: Hi, Kristin. It looks like there are a lot of great shows premiering in March and April. Can you please give us a list of which shows premiere when?

Keep an eye out later this week for our midseason preview on all the new shows you should (or shouldn't) be watching.

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