India beat Sri Lanka in an intensely contested second ODI in Colombo to go 2-0 up in the five match series......

India 256-9 (Yuvraj Singh 66, Sehwag 42) beat
Sri Lanka 241 (Kandamby 93no, Sharma 4-57) by 15 runs
Scorecard
2nd One Day International, Colombo

Ishant Sharma grabbed four wickets as India went 2-0 up over Sri Lanka with a 15-run win in the second One Day International in Colombo...

Yuvraj Singh hit 66 in 88 balls and opener Virender Sehwag 42 in 26 as India made 256 for nine before Sharma removed Sanath Jayasuriya (17), Chamara Kapugedera (31), Farveez Maharoof (7) and Thilan Thushara (7) as Sri Lanka's batting fell away...

Despite the best efforts of Mahela Jayawardene, who made 52, and Thilina Kandamby, an unbeaten 92, India were once again too strong...

Sri Lanka took the match to the final over where they required 20, but Ajantha Mendis was run out from the third delivery to end the game...

Dream Picture........

Gaza truce under fire as US envoy meets Abbas.....

Israeli warplanes bombed a weapons production facility in Gaza on Thursday after militants fired a rocket at Israel, in violence that defied the efforts of a visiting U.S. peace envoy to reinforce a ceasefire...

There were no reports of injuries from the predawn Israeli strike in the town of Rafah, along Gaza's border with Egypt. Witnesses and Hamas Islamists said a metal foundry was damaged...

Moments earlier, a militant group with links to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement claimed responsibility for firing a rocket at southern Israel late on Wednesday...

The rocket was the first fired from Gaza since Israel and Hamas called separate ceasefires ending a 22-day Israeli offensive on January 18...

It caused no casualties, but Israeli leaders facing a February 10 election in a campaign focused on security concerns, have vowed to respond to rocket salvoes its offensive in Gaza had aimed to curtail...

Israel has said it will hold Gaza's Hamas rulers responsible for all attacks launched from the coastal territory, and had warned of a stronger response to the killing of a soldier on Tuesday in an explosion by a Gaza border fence...

"Israel will respond very severely," an Israeli security source said on Wednesday, and added, "we haven't seen it all," referring to the Israeli air strikes carried out earlier in the day on tunnels under the Gaza-Egypt border...

"We will remain ready, with our finger on the trigger around the clock," Benjamin Ben-Eliezer of Israel's decision-making security cabinet said in remarks televised on Wednesday...

Hamas defended Tuesday's bombing, citing the killing of two Palestinians by Israel last week. Israeli forces killed one Palestinian, identified by Gaza medical workers as a farmer after the bombing and later wounded a militant on a motorcycle...

The violence clouded a visit by U.S. President Barack Obama's Middle East envoy, former U.S. Senator George Mitchell, who said in Jerusalem on Wednesday it was "of critical importance that the ceasefire be extended and consolidated" with respect to Israel and Gaza...

Mitchell met Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Wednesday and will meet Abbas on Thursday...

Western diplomats said Mitchell would not meet Hamas, a group shunned by the U.S. and Europe for it refusal to recognize Israel...

Mitchell said on Wednesday any durable truce between Israel and Hamas must end smuggling into Gaza and reopen border crossings controlled by Israel to relieve its economic blockade of the enclave where half the 1.5 million people depend on food aid...

He cited a U.S.-brokered 2005 agreement calling for forces loyal to Abbas to be deployed in Gaza. Hamas seized Gaza from Abbas's forces in 2007, a year after the Islamists won a parliamentary election...

"President Obama has said the United States is committed to Israel's security and to its right to defend itself against legitimate threats," Mitchell said,

"The president has also said the United States will sustain an active commitment toward reaching the goal of two states living side by side in peace and security," he added...

Olmert told Mitchell Israel would object to reopening any crossings with Gaza save to permit the flow of vital aid to the territory, until an Israeli soldier captured in 2006 was freed, an Israeli official said, speaking on condition of anonymity...

"We don't intend to open the crossings before Gilad Shalit returns home," Ben-Eliezer, the Israeli cabinet minister said, referring to the soldier seized by Gaza militants in a cross-border raid...

Israeli leaders fear Hamas could rebuild tunnels under the Gaza-Egypt border to replenish an arsenal of rockets used in attacks on its southern communities that disrupt life for tens of thousands of citizens...

Some 1,300 Palestinians, including at least 700 civilians, were killed in the offensive, the Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip said. Israel put its death toll in the war at 10 soldiers and three civilians...

Dream Debut For Tsotsobe Makes It 4-1 To South Africa......

South Africa 288-6 (Amla 97, de Villiers 62, Duminy 60no) beat
Australia 249 (M Hussey 78, Haddin 63, Tsotsobe 4-50) by 39 runs
Scorecard
5th One Day International, W.A.C.A Ground, Perth

Lonwabo Tsotsobe enjoyed a dream debut, bowling South Africa to a 4-1 ODI series win with a 39-run over Australia in the fifth and final match in Perth which put South Africa ahead of their hosts on top of the ICC ODI rankings...

Australia were bowled out for 249 after they were set 289 to win after Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and JP Duminy all hit half-centuries for the tourists and Tsotsobe then returned four for 50 with fellow debutant Wayne Parnell picking up the late wicket of Brad Haddin to all but end Australia's slim chances...

Amla's 97, de Villiers' 62 and Duminy's unbeaten 60 ensured that South Africa posted 288 for six after they won the toss and chose to bat first...

Amla was in superb touch right from the off and even though Herschelle Gibbs (7) and Neil McKenzie (10) departed early, South Africa's 50 came up in the 12th over and he and de Villiers added 118 for the third wicket...

Both men were dismissed by James Hopes, de Villiers caught by James Warner and Amla snapped up by wicket-keeper Brad Haddin three runs short of a century...

Duminy added the finishing touches to the innings with 60 in 42 balls that included three sixes and three fours as Hopes claimed three for 44 and Ben Hilfenhaus two for 43...

Australia welcomed back vice-captain Michael Clarke and fast bowler Nathan Bracken, who went wicketless...

Tsotsobe, handed the new ball, removed Shaun Marsh (5) when he flicked to midwicket to be taken by Amla and had Ricky Ponting (12) caught by wicket-keeper de Villiers off a top-edged pull.

Clarke's return with the bat saw him bowled by Morne Morkel when he played on trying to leave without scoring and South Africa took firm control when David Warner (22) was run out at the non-striker's end by Wayne Parnell shortly after he had hammered Morkel for a six over midwicket...

The Hussey brothers, Michael and David, added 69 for the fifth wicket before David was caught by Johan Botha at cover off of Duminy before Michael put on 52 with Haddin...

Hussey smashed one huge six over cover off of Tsotsobe just after the batting Power Play was taken, but Tsotsobe had his revenge when he bowled him with a slower ball soon after and although Haddin reached 63 in 50 balls, he was left with too much to do and in the end the home side were bowled out with an over to spare...

Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) Biography: Al-Amin (The Trustworthy)....

It had rained heavily and continuously for a long period, and the water poured down towards the Holy Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram, the big mosque in Makkah. The Holy Kaaba was in the lower section of Makkah. This flood had shaken the foundations of the Holy Kaaba and cracked its walls. Besides, the Holy Kaaba had no ceiling and the treasures it housed were exposed to robbery...

So the rebuilding of the Holy Kaaba was started. Prophet Mohammed (pbuh), like the others, helped in the work till the Holy Kaaba was leveled. The work progressed well enough until Hajar al-Aswad, the sacred Black Stone, was to be put back in its place in the East wall of the Holy Kaaba...

Each quarter of the Holy Kaaba was being built by one leading family of Quraish - the big and prominent tribe of Makkah. Each family of Quraish felt the honor of placing Hajar al-Aswad, the sacred Black Stone, belonging to them. So serious was the matter that members of the clan of Banu Abad al Dar brought a bowl full of blood and dipping their hands in it swore never to relinquish their honor...

The disagreement became deeper, and led to a lot of argument, shouting and abuse. The members of each big family were thinking that a war was going to break out; none of them were willing to change his position. They regarded it as a great insult if they didn't have that special honor of putting Hajar al-Aswad, the sacred Black Stone, back in its place...

Abu Umayyah, powerful and respected in Makkan society, used his influence and said to the people of Makkah, Let the first person to pass through the gate of the Haram (precincts of the Holy Kaaba) tomorrow first in the morning be our arbitrator. All agreed, since that sounded like a good suggestion...
They anxiously waited next morning to see who was the first to come and enter the Holy Kaaba. Suddenly they heard footsteps heading towards them. It was Mohammed (pbuh), the son of Abdullah. Everyone, of course, knew, loved, admired and respected Mohammed (pbuh), the son of Abdullah. So with a loud voice, everyone said, "Here comes Al-Amin (The Trustworthy)" and the joyous voice echoed through the place over and over again. We will accept his verdict! For indeed he was known to everyone as Al-Amin, the trustworthy!

Mohammed (pbuh), the son of Abdullah was surprised to hear of that title with which they called him. He was told about what the people of Quraish were fighting for. It was all silent for a while. Everyone thought his family was going to be favored. Their hearts were beating hard and they were getting anxious and impatient...

Mohammed (pbuh), the son of Abdullah put his robe on the floor, took Hajar al-Aswad, the sacred Black Stone, and put it in the centre of the robe and said. "The chief of each family will take one corner of the robe and lift it together." With that, each understood a marvelous example of justice in sharing the honor. It showed how Mohammed (pbuh), the son of Abdullah's intelligence far exceeded those around him. It also showed his great capacity to solve difficult problems with such ease...

When the robe with Hajar al-Aswad, the sacred Black Stone, was lifted to a reasonable height. Mohammed (pbuh), the son of Abdullah took Hajar al-Aswad, the sacred Black Stone and put it in its proper place by his own hands. None felt insulted and each had his share of the privilege and honor...

To reconcile a fiery people in those turbulent times required great wisdom and tact which was so well displayed by the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) in this incident in his life which took place before his call to Prophethood. It is also clear that he enjoyed a reputation for honesty among his people, who, as you have just read, so willingly subjected their claims to his sense of Judgement. We should take a cue from such instances of the Prophet Mohammed's (pbuh) life which is full of acts of great moral courage...

This is how Mohammed (pbuh), the son of Abdullah, the Prophet of Islam succeeded in uniting the ever-fighting and ignorant Arabs with his honesty, justice and noble character...

Indeed the Noble Qur'an says: "Certainly you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and the latter day and remembers Allah much." (33:21)

111 Players Available In IPL Auction....

Some 111 players will be available for the Indian Premier League (IPL) player auction in Goa on February 6th...

The IPL has confirmed the list, which includes 26 Australians, 20 Englishman, 12 Bangladeshis, nine New Zealanders, five Pakistanis, 14 South Africans, 15 Sri Lankans, eight West Indians and Vusi Sibanda of Zimbabwe...

The eight franchises will compete to add the final touches to their squads after the transfer window closed last week but with only ten foreigners allowed per squad, the majority of the players on the list are unlikely to be snapped up...

Australians: Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke, Nathan Hauritz, Stuart Clark, Brad Hogg, Beau Casson, Mark Cameron, Peter Forrest, Lee Carseldine, Doug Bollinger, Michael Dighton, Jason Krejza, Nathan Reardon, Chris Hartley, Shaun Tait, Ashley Noffke, Bryce McGain, George Bailey, Michael Hill, Travis Birt, Chris Swan, Michael Klinger, Ben Edmondson, Aiden Blizzard, Mark Cosgrove, Adam Voges, Shane Harwood

Bangladeshis: Tamim Iqbal, Zunaed Siddique, Rajin Saleh, Mehrab Hossain jr., Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Ashraful, Mashrafe Mortaza, Ziaur Rahman, Mahmudullah Riyad, Nadif Chowdhury, Mushfiqur Rahim, Roqibul Hassan

Englishmen: Ravi Bopara, Monty Panesar, Robert Key, James Foster, Sajid Mahmood, Matt Prior, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Owais Shah, Shaun Udal, Darren Gough, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, Luke Wright, Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison, James Anderson, Ed Joyce, Dominic Cork

New Zealanders: Mark Gillespie, Tim Southee, Jesse Ryder, Jeetan Patel, Kyle Mills, Chris Martin, Jamie How, Peter Fulton, James Franklin

Pakistanis: Asim Kamal, Yasir Hameed, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Arafat

South Africans: Tyron Henderson, Gulam Bodi, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Ashwell Prince, JP Duminy, Martin van Jaarsveld, Roelof van der Merwe, Andre Nel, Neil McKenzie, Yusuf Abdullah, Paul Harris, Johan Botha, Morne van Wyk

Sri Lankans: Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Mahela Udawatte, Dammika Prasad, Thilina Kandamby, Kaushalya Weeraratne, Jehan Mubarak, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Malinga Bandara, Malinda Warnapura, Michael Vandort, Prasanna Jayawardene, Upul Tharanga, Jeevantha Kulatunga, Kaushal Lokuarachchi

West Indians: Sylvester Joseph, Darren Sammy, Kieron Pollard, Andre Fletcher, Kieran Powell, Fidel Edwards, Dwayne Smith, Kemar Roach

Zimbabwean: Vusi Sibanda

Barack Hossain Obama tells Muslim World US not your enemy : Israel, Palestine urged to resume peace talks......

US President Barack Obama Monday told the Muslim world that "Americans are not your enemy" and renewed his pledge to travel to make an address in the capital of a major Muslim nation...

Obama noted that he had lived in Indonesia for several years while growing up, and said his travels through Muslim nations had convinced him that regardless of faith, people had certain common hopes and dreams...

"My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy-we sometimes make mistakes-we have not been perfect," Obama said in an interview with the Al-Arabiya satellite television network...

"But if you look at the track record t America was not born as a colonial power, and that the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago, there's no reason why we can't restore that."

During the 2008 election campaign, Obama vowed to improve US ties with the Muslim world and said he would travel to a major Islamic forum abroad to send that message...

"We're going to follow through on our commitment for me to address the Muslim world from a Muslim capital," Obama said in the interview with the Dubai-based channel...

"We are going to follow through on many of my commitments to do a more effective job of reaching out, listening as well as speaking to the Muslim world," he said. Obama did not give a time, or a venue for his visit to a major Muslim capital...

He was also asked about the highly personal tone of recent Al- Qaeda messages released since he was elected president in November...

He agreed with his interviewer that the tone of recent videos seemed "nervous." "What that tells me is that their ideas are bankrupt," he said. US President Barack Obama told Israelis and Palestinians it was time to return to the negotiating table, as he dispatched his new special envoy George Mitchell on a debut tour of the region...

The US president, a week after his historic inauguration, cautioned however that he did not want expectations raised too high of swift progress in the volatile region, following the Israeli war against Hamas in Gaza. "I do believe that the moment is ripe for both sides to realise that the path that they are on is one that is not going to result in prosperity and security for their people," Obama told Al-Arabiya television network...

"Instead, it's time to return to the negotiating table."

The new US president had earlier met Mitchell at the White House along with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, before sending him off on a mission to Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, London and Paris...

Obama, who has promised to directly address Middle East questions at the start of his presidency, rather than waiting for years like his predecessor George W. Bush, warned however against expectations of quick results...

"I want to make sure that expectations are not raised so that we think that this is going to be resolved in a few months," the president told the Dubai-based satellite television channel...

"But if we start the steady progress on these issues, I'm absolutely confident that the United States, working in tandem with the European Union, with Russia, with all the Arab States in the region-I'm absolutely certain that we can make significant progress."

He said in the interview that he would formulate a "specific response" to recent events in the Middle East once Mitchell has reported back to him...

Meanwhile, Former President Jimmy Carter said Monday that Israel will face a "catastrophe" unless it revives the Mideast peace process and establishes an independent Palestinian state...

In an interview with The Associated Press, he said Arabs will outnumber Jews in the Holy Land in the foreseeable future...

"If we look toward a one-state solution, which seems to be the trend - I hope not inexorable - it would be a catastrophe for Israel, because there would be only three options in that case," Carter said,

One would be to expel large numbers of Palestinians, which he said would amount to "ethnic cleansing."

The second would be to deprive the Palestinians of equal voting rights, which he said would amount to "apartheid."

The third would be to give the Palestinians equal voting rights, and therefore the majority, he said...

"And you would no longer have a Jewish state," Carter said. "The basic decisions would be made by the Palestinians, who would almost very likely vote in a bloc, whereas you would have some sharp divisions among the Israelis, because the Israelis always have different points of view."

Carter spoke to The Associated Press as his new book, "We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land," was released...

India Cruise To Victory In Dambulla....

Sanath Jayasuriya's 28th One Day International century was in vain as Sri Lanka lost to India by six wickets in the first One Day International in Dambulla...

Jayasuriya's fine innings helped Sri Lanka reach 246 for seven before half-centuries from Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni eased India to triumph in the 49th over...

Jayasuriya hit ten fours and a six to make 107 in 114 balls to prop up his side's innings after in-form opening partner Tillakaratne Dilshan was run out for a duck in the first over of the match...

He added 118 with Kumar Sangakkara (47) and 51 with Thilina Kandamby (17) before he was caught by Munaf Patel off of Zaheer Khan in the 40th over...

India kept up the pressure with further wickets with only Farveez Maharoof, who hit a swift 35, breaking the shackles despite some late blows from Chamara Kapugedera (15) and Thilan Thushara (12 not out)...

Ishant Sharma was the pick of the bowlers with three for 52, including the wicket of Mahela Jayawardene, who made 11 batting at number six...

India also lost an early wicket when Sachin Tendulkar was adjudged lbw to Thilan Thushara for five despite the ball pitching outside off stump...

Gambhir (62) and Raina (54) added 113 runs for the second wicket, playing some fluent shots down the ground but both were guilty of giving their wickets away when well-set...

Gambhir needlessly holed out to Muttiah Muralitharan and Raina ran himself out two overs later. Yuvraj Singh also holed out for 23 but Sri Lanka were unable to contain Dhoni, who finished unbeaten on 61 and Rohit Sharma (25 not out), especially once they took full advantage of the third Power Play after the 42nd over to put the game beyond the home side...

Sri Lanka had earlier dropped both Gambhir and Raina early in their innings, chances they could ill afford to spurn given that they had not kicked on in their own innings to post a score of 280 or more which would have given India more of a challenge...

The second match takes place on Saturday (January 31st) in Colombo...

Story of Strong Belief: YOUNG BOY WITH STRONG BELIEF.....

Shaykh Fath al-Mowsily relates, once I saw a young boy walking through the jungle. It appeared as if he was uttering some words. I greeted him with Salaam and he replied accordingly. I inquired, "Where are you going?" Young boy retorted, "To the house of Allah, Kaaba in Makkah." I further asked, "What are you reciting?" "Noble Qur'an" he replied. I remarked, "You are at a tender age, it is not an obligation that you are required to fulfill."

Young boy said, "I have witnessed death approach people younger than me and therefore would like to prepare if death was to knock on my door." I astoundingly commented, "Your steps are small and your destination far." He responded, "My duty is to take the step and it remains the responsibility of Allah (SWT) to take me to my destination." I continued to ask, "Where is your provision and conveyance (means of transport)." He replied, "My Yaqeen (certainty) is my provision and my feet's are my conveyance." I explained, "I am asking you regarding bread and water."

Young boy replied! "Oh Shaykh if someone invited you to his house, would it be appropriate to take your own food?" I exclaimed, "No!" "Similarly, My Lord has invited His servant to His house, it is only the weakness of your Yaqeen (certainty) that makes us carry provisions. Despite this, do you think Allah (SWT) will let me go to waste?" "Never" I replied. Young boy then left. Sometime later I saw him in Makkah. Young boy approached me and inquired, "Oh Shaykh are you still of weak belief?"

Source: Stories of the Pious by Shaikh Ahmad Ali.....

Story of Strong Faith and Story of Trust in Allah (SWT): I WANT TO BUY A MIRACLE.....

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a 'Glass Jelly Jar' from its hiding place in the closet...

Little girl poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes...

Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way to 6 blocks to Rashid's Drug Store with the big Red Indian Chief sign above the door. Little girl waited patiently for the Pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too busy at this moment. Little girl (Tasneem) twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise; Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster; No good. Finally she took a coin from her Jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

"And what do you want?" the Pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. "I'm talking to my brother from Lahore whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question...

"Well, I want to buy an mmm..."

The Pharmacist stared back in the same annoyed tone...

"He's really; really sick.... and I want to buy a miracle."

"I beg your pardon?" said the Pharmacist...

"My brother name is Aslam and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save my brother now. So how much does a miracle cost?"
"We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you," the Pharmacist said, softening a little...

"Listen, I have the money to pay for miracle. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs?"

The Pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man from Lahore. He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does your brother need?"

"I don't know," Tasneem replied with her eyes welling up. "I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money."

"How much do you have?" asked the man from Lahore...

"Ten and half rupees. And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to."

"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "Ten and half rupees - the exact price of a miracle for your little brother."

He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her hand and said: "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need."

That well dressed man from Lahore was Dr. Ashraf Beg, a surgeon specializing in Neuro-Surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Aslam was home again and doing well...

Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place...

"That Surgery," her Mom whispered. "Was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?"

Tasneem smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost ... Ten and half rupees ...plus the faith of a little girl...

Noble Qur'an says: "And when I am ill, it is He Who cures me." (26:80)

And mom also knew exactly how much a miracle cost ... selfless devotion to their profession by doctors like Ashraf Beg ...

Noble Qur'an says: "Those who before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the Faith; they show their selfless love and affection to those (Muslims) who came to them for refuge, and they entertain no desire in their hearts for things they give out (to the needy), but give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their (own lot). And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls, - they are the ones that achieve prosperity." (59:9)

HAZRAT MUHAMMAD (SAW) AND THE DISTRESSED YOUNG MAN....

Hazrat Muhammad (saw) recited his morning Salat (Prayer) in the mosque along with other people. By this time, it was becoming bright and the people could be clearly seen. At this moment, Hazrat Muhammad (saw) saw a young man whose condition seemed to be not normal. His head could not rest properly on his body and was continuously moving this way and that way. Hazrat Muhammad (saw) looked at his face that had become pale; his eyes had gone deep into his face. His body had become thin and lean. Hazrat Muhammad (saw) asked him:

"In what condition are you?"

"I am in the condition of certainty, O Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (saw)". Replied the young man...

"Every certainty has got some symptoms which indicate its truth; what is the symptom of your certainty?"

My certainty is the one, which is associated with my misery. In the nights, it has taken away my sleep; and I pass the days with thirst. I have turned my back from the comforts of this world and have turned my face towards the other side. It is like this that I am seeing the Empyrean of Allah on the Day of Judgment and similarly I also see the resurrection of the whole of the creation of Allah. It is as if I am seeing the people in Heaven in pleasure and the people in Hell in severe torment. It is as if the deadly noise of the flames of the Hell-fire is just now ringing in my ears."

Hazrat Muhammad (saw) turned his face towards the people and said: "He is a worshipper of Allah whose heart has been illuminated by the light of faith."

Then Hazrat Muhammad (saw) turned towards the young man and said: "keep up this good state of yours for yourself." The young man said: "O Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (saw)! Pray that Allah gives me an opportunity for Jihad (holy war) and bless me with SHAHADAH (martyrdom) in the right path."

Hazrat Muhammad (saw) prayed. It did not take long when an opportunity arose for Jihad and that young man participated in that Jihad. The tenth person who got martyred in that war was none other than this young man...

Younus Khan Named As New Pakistan Captain....

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that Younus Khan is is to replace Shoaib Malik as Pakistan captain following a 2-1 ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka earlier this month...

After the last match, which saw Pakistan thumped by 234 runs, the board announced it was demanding an explanation for the defeat and chairman Ijaz Butt confirmed today that Younus Khan would take over in charge of the side...

"Younus will be captain until further notice," Butt said in Lahore, adding that Malik had agreed to stand down...

Shoaib Malik was installed as captain following Inzamam-ul-Haq's retirement after the 2007 World Cup, leading Pakistan to the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final where they lost to India...

Earlier this year he had been reappointed 'indefinitely' but the PCB has acted swiftly and decisively to change things after a humiliating loss on home soil...

Younus, 31, has played 58 Tests and 181 ODIs for Pakistan, captaining four times in Tests, three times in ODIs, and once for a Twenty20 International...

Younus's first task will be to take on Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series which begins on February 22nd in Karachi...

Partial solar eclipse over Bangladesh....

A partial solar eclipse was occurred over parts of Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Australia yesterday, said the met office...

The eclipse begun between 3:15pm and 3:45pm, ending between 4pm and 5pm, said meteorologists. Two organisations of enthusiasts, the 'Anushandhitshu Chokro' and National Eclipse Observation Committee, held programmes for eclipse watchers...

Anushandhitshu Chokro advised watching the eclipse through necessary filters and exposed x ray film...

Full Eclipse Observation National Committee was made an arrangement near the Rayer bazar Killing Ground intellectuals Mausoleum to see the eclipse...

Schoolchildren and other members of the public signed up free of cost to see the eclipse from 3pm yesterday at the Bhasani Novo Theatre, the city's planetarium...

A total solar eclipse will occur over Bangladesh on July 22 this year, a rarity not to be seen again in the country in 104 years...

Season with a blazing fashion night....

Nokia, one of the leading trendsetter and innovators in design and style, brought together country's top three fashion houses in a common platform to present and showcase their trendy fashions to all fashion lovers. These three pioneering fashion houses are - Aarong, Kuhu and Mayasir. The three leading fashion houses joined with Nokia at a gala event at the Radisson Water Garden in the city Saturday night to set the style trend for the season...

Country's leading fashion designers, corporate personalities, media personnel, among others, were present at the function and enjoyed the newly seasonal designed wears of the following three fashion houses...

RJ Nawshin moderated the whole event. The event began with an orchestra performance. At first, the country's pioneering fashion house Aarong came out to the stage with the exquisite Jamdani collection for the upcoming 30 years' anniversary exhibition. Inspired by the power of woman, Aarong' ensemble was stamped with strong daring cuts and silhouettes fused with rich motifs and fine delicate weaving of the famous Jamdani. Royal shades of pink and purple add an extra splash of elegance to the saris. Models performed in a catwalk and presented the seasonal wears...

Then singer Anila along with her friends rendered five songs at a time including her popular number...

Then Kuhu's designer artist Kuhu came into the stage along with her collections of simple colors of black and white which are easy to wear and practical at any place and any time for the symbolic of 'Power Woman.' Chiffons and muslins done in dye painting and modern art prints and the art of 'origami' were expressed through the fashion of Kuhu. Models with Kuhu's fashion wears came to the stage and introduced her designs...

Country's top ramp models including Imi presented the fashionable wears at the show. Then popular artiste Fahmida Nabi rendered her popular number of songs...

At last, designer of Mayasir, Maheen Khan, introduced her designed, which reflects a vocabulary of indigenous Bangladeshi textile developed with precision and elegance-modern yet rooted. Maheen Khan's inspiration is drawn from her heritage in her use of eclectic palette of colour, fabric and embellishment...

While addressing about the event, Head of Marketing of Nokia Nowfel Anowar said, "Nokia and style are synonymous, which is why it makes sense for us to bring fashion to the forefront, launching the collections of some of the biggest names in fashion in Bangladesh."

Amla, De Villiers guide SA to series win....

Unbeaten half-centuries from AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla guided South Africa to a comfortable series-sealing win in the fourth One Day International against Australia in Adelaide...

Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini took three wickets apiece to bowl Australia out for 222 before South Africa cruised to victory on Australia day in the 39th over...

After Australia won the toss and chose to bat, Ntini found his range swiftly to have David Warner (1) caught by Morne Morkel, in the side after Mark Boucher was ruled out for the rest of the series with a fractured toe, leaving AB de Villiers to take over behind the stumps...

Steyn then ended Shaun Marsh's cameo of 13 in nine balls with Morne Morkel taking another catch before a partnership worth 93 between Ricky Ponting (63) and Mike Hussey (28) helped Australia recover...

Ponting stroked nine fours in his knock but South Africa hit back with Johan Botha trapping Hussey in front and Ntini having the Australian captain caught by Neil McKenzie in consecutive overs...

David Hussey (24), Cameron White (30) and James Hopes (42) chipped in down the order, the latter two scoring freely before the returning Steyn removed them both but South Africa continued to strike, Morne Morkel finishing the innings with the wicket of Ben Hilfenhaus (5) with two overs to spare...

South Africa batted with intent right from the start of their run chase, Herschelle Gibbs smacking eight fours on his way to 38 in 29 balls.

Jacques Kallis made 13 in 12 and although Hilfenhaus and Hopes removed both men, there was nothing they could do about Amla and de Villiers, who were in sublime form...

Both men drove beautifully on both sides of the wicket and after Kallis was dismissed with the score on 79, the pair added an unbroken third-wicket stand of 144...

Amla was unbeaten on 80, de Villiers on 81...

With South Africa 3-1 up in the series, the final match takes place in Perth on January 30th...

Boucher Ruled Out Of Final Two One Dayers....

South African wicket-keeper Mark Boucher has been ruled out of the final two One Day Internationals against Australia in Adelaide and Perth after it was revealed that he fractured a bone in his left big toe during the third match in Sydney...

He was hit by a Shaun Tait delivery but remained unbeaten on 31 to help his side get home by three wickets but his tour is now over...

"Mark showed tremendous courage in batting for 45 minutes with the injury to get us home," coach Mickey Arthur said...

"The position is complicated by the fact that there is also a displaced bone and Mark will be seeing an orthopaedic surgeon on Tuesday. He will stay with the team and fly home with the rest of the squad on Saturday."

Vaughan van Jaarsveld turned an ankle during fielding practice and Jacques Kallis (side strain) may not be able to bowl in Adelaide on January 26th, meaning selection for South Africa depends on a number of factors...

AB de Villiers is likely to take the gloves in Boucher's absence and both van Jaarsveld and Morne Morkel have been named in a 12-man squad for the match...

Australia, 2-1 down in the series, will be without Nathan Bracken, who has a calf strain...

Russia ready to cooperate with Obama on Afghanistan......

Russia is ready to cooperate with new US President Barack Obama on Afghanistan, President Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday as he visited Moscow's Central Asian ally Uzbekistan...

"We are ready to cooperate on this issue practically with all the countries, including the United States," he said in Tashkent, following talks with his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov...

"Let's hope the new US administration will be more successful than the previous one as far as Afghanistan-related issues are concerned," he added...

Karimov, for his part, welcomed a decision by the new US administration to focus its efforts on Afghanistan but said real improvements were needed in the near future...

"We will see the results only when they will become tangible," he said, adding that countries like India, China, Iran and Pakistan could join international efforts on Afghanistan...

"One needs to understand that the longer foreign forces are on the country's territory, the more occupational character they acquire," Karimov added...

Medvedev's two-day visit to Uzbekistan, which borders Afghanistan, follows a trip to the region by US army general David Petraeus. Russia and the US are competing for influence in the resource-rich region...

"Russia is the country which has always been present in this region, the country which has determined the policy here and the alignment of forces," Karimov told Medvedev at the start of the talks...

Medvedev's first trip as president was to Kazakhstan in May, and he since also visited Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan...

"The interests of a lot of great nations are meeting here, (and) contradictions and conflicts are meeting here," Karimov said...

At the start of the decade, relations between Uzbekistan and the West had shown signs of improvement, a development that caused alarm in Moscow...

But that changed after an armed uprising in the eastern town of Andijan in 2005 where the government's actions were bitterly criticised by Europe and the United States.

Uzbekistan retaliated by evicting a US air base that had been set up near the Afghan border following the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington...

Tashkent has recently been sending signals that it is open to new alliances prompting new fears in Russia that Uzbekistan seeks to align itself with the West...

Medvedev and Karimov hailed the state of bilateral ties during the visit, which focused on developing economic and in particular energy relations as well as security cooperation...

"Even if no practical agreements were reached it does not mean the visit was empty," said Zurab Todua, a senior analyst with the Institute of Religion and Politics...

"The visit is important from the political point of view" and was designed to show that for Tashkent the "Russian vector was one of the most important ones."

The chief of Russian gas giant Gazprom Alexei Miller said in Tashkent the two countries might build new natural gas pipelines that would run parallel to the existing ones...

"We have agreed on a feasibility study on new gas pipeline capacities that will run parallel to the existing" facilities, Miller told reporters. Gazprom will buy more than 15 billion cubic meters of gas from Uzbekistan this year, he added...

As well as being is a significant regional gas exporter, Uzbekistan is a key transit country for the pumping of gas from Turkmenistan to Russia...

Obama 'declares end’ to war on terror: Wind of change starts blowing.....

President Barack Obama "declared an end" to his predecessor's "war on terror" and began to heal the US reputation abroad when he ordered the Guantanamo Bay prison to close, US editorialists wrote Friday...

Obama's order to close the detention facility within a year, end coercive interrogations and shut secret overseas CIA prisons sent a strong signal to the world and presented a new post-September 11 era, wrote The Washington Post...

"President Obama yesterday eliminated the most controversial tools employed by his predecessor against terrorism suspects," the Post said,

"With the stroke of his pen, he effectively declared an end to the 'war on terror,' as President George W. Bush had defined it, signaling to the world that the reach of the US government in battling its enemies will not be limitless," it said,

"In a broad swipe at the Bush administration's lawyers, Obama nullified every legal order and opinion on interrogations issued by any lawyer in the executive branch after September 11, 2001," the Post added...

"It was a swift and sudden end to an era that was slowly drawing to a close anyway, as public sentiment grew against perceived abuses of government power."

The Los Angeles Times pointed out the ambiguities that remain: it was still not clear what would be done about the 245 prisoners languishing in the jail, nor how their court cases would be resolved. But the paper hailed Obama for having reversed Bush policies...

"President Obama has begun the rehabilitation of this country's reputation when it comes to the treatment of suspected terrorists," the Times wrote. "Obama deserves credit for ending the worst

of the Bush administration's excesses in the 'war on terror' t But the orders contain ambiguities that demonstrate how hard it will be to unwind the tangle that President Bush created."

The Chicago Tribune mulled the possibility of holding the remaining Guantanamo terror suspects "as prisoners of war for the duration of the conflict or until they no longer pose a threat."

The fight against violent extremism remains fraught with difficulty, it noted...

"Assuring fairness and civilized conditions for the accused, while protecting the nation from bloodthirsty enemies, is harder in this war than in most," the Tribune wrote...

"But the new administration can do better than the last one did."

Jute products regain market: Poor show marks int’l trade fair....

Traditional jute products have become popular to the visitors of Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF). Both local and foreign visitors throng to these stalls. The selling of the goods is comparatively a bit higher than any other products of the fair...

Different small industrial enterprises have taken part in the fair at the pavilion of Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC). Handbag, school bag, moneybag etc are found in these stalls. Sellers told this correspondent that visitors thronged to the stalls throughout the day...

Abul Basar Bhuiyan, Researcher of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute said that jute made products figure huge demand among the visitors this time. The disappeared golden fibre retuned as golden dream. Europe and America based companies have ordered for the products in good quantity he added...

Asma Mahbub Moni, owner of 'Suchili' said that she had noticed huge demand of jute products among the visitors. "We have received export order for one lakh bags from Singapore and Canada", she said,

A few stalls like jute made product ones have been able to retain the image of the DITF, which has been held for the last 13 consecutive years as wane by local stuffs, mismanagement of authority, fake stalls and things...

The purpose of trade fair is to represent local products to the visitors instead of making profit. But the purpose is marred. Authority should allocate pavilion only to the manufacturers said Mujibar Rahman, Managing Dircetor of Asian Textile Mills Ltd. "Only a handful organisations are allocated Pavilions and Stalls. Rest of all have come to make business", he added...

Stalls were allotted to even such organisation whose stuffs were found in the streets, as appears from the actual circumstances...

Cheap and fake stuffs have marred the image of the fair said a visitor. "We have to buy low standard materials like sandal, bungle etc in double the price though the same things are found in the footpaths near New Market, Chadni Chawk ", he added.

The joint force of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) seized illegal roaming SIM from a stall of the fair on January 04...



They caught the sellers of Awal Call Centre at the time of vending 'World SIM', a product of an international company, for which they were not approved...

An official of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Bangladesh said that these organisations got allotment by lobbing and as a result of nepotism...

According to an EPB source, many rules could not be implemented due to irrational interference by it. At the onset of the fair, rules were followed which went on for two years. After, 1997 the fair was opened for the local organisations too and the scenario has changed...

The space of the fair has been more constricted this year. According to EPB 373 stalls were allotted in 2006 while 395 stalls in 2007. But this year 467 stalls were given allotment for the fair, which have made the fair congested...

9th parliament begins tomorrow....

After the lapse of over two years in doldrums over the country’s political arena, the national parliament elected on December 29 is going to start a new journey tomorrow...

The nation placed high expectations on the new parliament coming into being after bitter trials and tribulations of the politicians under the emergency rules that had witnessed the imprisonment of both the chiefs of the two main political camps-- Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia-as well as their party heavyweights...

The ninth parliament will elect a new Speaker and a Deputy Speaker as its first task after the House convenes at 3 in the afternoon in the assembly hall of the Sangsad Bhaban, now given a facelift to receive a new regime...

President Iajuddin Ahmed, now in the process of exit to make way for his successor, will deliver his inaugural speech in the first sitting of the new parliament as per constitutional provision...

A major business of this parliament will be to deal with a big load of Ordinances made during the just-past interim regime since the 1/11, 2007 changeover, which will be placed in the maiden session for ratification...

After the presidential address, Law Minister Shafique Ahmed will table all the 122 Ordinances, promulgated by the president in the last two years, for consideration to make those into laws...

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already been elected Leader of the House as her Awami League secured 230 seats in the December 29 polls. The AL-led grand alliance bagged a total of 262 seats...

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been elected Leader of the Opposition in the parliamentary. Her former ruling party got only 30 seats in the general election...

On December 29, the electorates massively voted Awami League to power as Hasina, during the electioneering, made innumerable pledges laid down in a Charter for Change, attuned to the blowing wind of change all over the present-day world...

Her poll pledges include bringing down food prices, resolving power crisis, infrastructure development, free education up to graduation level and employment of one person from each family...

There were also commitments from the ruling party to make the parliament effective for the welfare of the people by putting an end to old legacy of dysfunctional parliament. The ruling party promised to work together with the opposition, which is considered as a partner of government in parliamentary democracy...

The last parliament was dissolved on October 27, 2006, but the elections could not be held on a scheduled date of January 22, 2007 in the wake of volatile political situation...

Dilshan Century As Sri Lanka Thump Hapless Pakistan....

Sri Lanka 309-5 (Dilshan 137no, Sangakkara 50) beat...
Pakistan 75 (Kulasekara 3-13, Thushara 3-30) by 234 runs...
Scorecard
3rd One Day International, Lahore - Sri Lanka win series 2-1

Tillakaratne Dilshan carried his bat and Muttiah Muralitharan picked up his 500th ODI wicket as Sri Lanka completed a massive 234-run win over Pakistan in the third and final match in Lahore, winning the series 2-1...

Dilshan made an unbeaten 137 in 139 balls as Sri Lanka reached 309 for five, and Pakistan were then bowled out for just 75...

Dilshan carried his bat, hammering ten fours, sharing half-century stands with Sanath Jayasuriya (45) and Thilina Kandamby (32) and a century stand with Kumar Sangakkara (50)...

Pick of the bowlers for Pakistan was Umar Gul, once again, who picked up three for 45...

As well as Gul bowled, he had nothing on the Sri Lankan bowlers, for whom Nuwan Kulasekara (3-17), Thilan Thushara (3-30) were outstanding in making the early breakthroughs to leave Pakistan at 22 for six...

Last week, Sri Lanka recovered from five for six to beat Bangladesh, but there was to be no repeat performance as Muralitharan returned two for two to clean up the tail and leave him just three wickets short of overtaking Wasim Akram's all-time record of 502...

Gul top scored for Pakistan with 19 in 27 balls with captain Shoaib Malik (19) the only other player to reach double figures...

Mohammad Asif Hearing Concluded - Decision To Come....

The DLF Indian Premier League Drug Tribunal has concluded its hearing into Mohammad Asif's drugs charge and will meet again soon to make its final decision...

Asif tested positive for a banned substance during the first tournament in 2008 and was then detained in Dubai airport on his way home in a seperate incident...

A statement from the IPL read, "At a hearing held at the BCCI's headquarters at the CricketCenter in Mumbai - the three member panel heard testimony from a host of witnesses and also heard the representation by the Pakistan seamer's lawyer Mr.
Shahid Karim...

"The DLF IPL Drug Tribunal has reserved its verdict in the interim and shall now meet again soon to take a final decision in the Mohammad Asif matter."

Dilshan Century Sets Sri Lanka Up In Lahore....

Tillakaratne Dilshan smashed 137 in 139 balls as Sri Lanka reached an imposing total of 309 for five in the third and final ODI against Pakistan in Karachi...

The series is tied at 1-1 and Pakistan, who dropped Shoaib Akhtar in favour of Sohail Khan, face a stiff task if they are to take a series win...

Dilshan carried his bat, hammering ten fours, sharing half-century stands with Sanath Jayasuriya (45) and Thilina Kandamby (32) and a century stand with Kumar Sangakkara (50)...

Pick of the bowlers for Pakistan was Umar Gul, once again, who picked up three for 45...

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim (In the name of Allah, the beneficent the merciful)........

What is the purpose of commanding human beings to begin every act in the name of Allah? The operative word here is name. When we wear name brands for instance we do that for a purpose - to be able to gain standing in a society where these names are recognized. A baby, for instance is named after someone whom one is fond of respected, thus reviving the memory of the name...

Shaheed Murtaza Mutahhari in his book 'Understanding the Noble Qur'an' writes that the reason why we begin in the name of Allah is. He says "It is for the purpose of giving that act a sacred touch and making it blessed. When a human being who has a natural sentiment from Allah and considers Him a holy essence and a source of all Grace, begins an act in His name, it means that owing to His sanctity, nobility and greatness, the action to become sacred."

Let us consider this! Would we say Bismillah... before we abused someone or stretched out our hands to steal?

Another question that might come to mind when reciting Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) is what is the difference between Rahman and Rahim. Shaheed Murtaza Mutahhari writes: "The word Rahman denotes excess and therefore.Rahman means that Allah's mercy spreads everywhere and covers everything.The mercy of Allah has no exception. It does not include non-humans, nor does it include non-believers. It comprises the whole world.It is the extension of blessings to all existence while they exist, but many things are perishable. The word Rahim denotes stability.with its sense of stability and eternity it applies only to those who through their faith and good deeds have placed themselves in the path of Allah's particular blessings. So Allah's mercy is both universal and specific."

Colour Of Natute....

Bismillah (In the Name of Allah): Meaning of Bismillah, Power of Bismillah, Worth of Bismillah....

Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) is the start of all good things, so we shall start with it. This blessed phrase is a mark of Islam, one constantly recited by all creatures through their tongues of disposition. If you want to perceive its inexhaustible source of strength and blessing, consider the following allegory:

Travelers in Arabian deserts must travel under a tribal chief's name and protection, or else they will be bothered by bandits and unable to acquire what they need for the journey. Two people, one humble and the other arrogant, set out on a journey. The humble one obtained the name of a tribal chief; the arrogant one did not. The former traveled everywhere in safety. Whenever he met a bandit, he said: "I'm traveling in the name of this chief," and so was left alone. He was treated with respect in every tent he entered. In contrast, the arrogant one suffered disaster and constant fear, for he had to struggle and beg for every need. He became base and vile...

O arrogant soul! You are that traveler, and this world is the desert. Your weakness and poverty are endless, and the enemies and privations to which you are exposed are beyond number. Given this, invoke the name of the Eternal Owner and the Everlasting Ruler of this world, for only this can deliver you from such begging and fear...

Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) is a blessed treasure. It transforms your boundless weakness and poverty, by binding you to the Omnipotent and Merciful One's infinite Power and Mercy, into the most heeded intercessor at His Exalted Court. When you say Bismillah, you act in His name. You are like a soldier acting in the state's name, fearing no one, doing all things in the name of the law and the state, and persisting against all odds...

Peach Faced Of Love Birds....

Peach Face Love Bird...

Size—about twice the size of Nyassaland.
The Peach Face Love Bird is a native of Africa and- is so named because of its lovely Peach Pink face. They are about twice the size of the Nyassaland or about half the size of a dove, being the largest of the Love Birds. Their plumage is dark parrot green with, a bright blue rump and rose-pink face with horn-colored beak. Our domesticated Peach Faces are always ready to go to nest any month in the year, although it is best not to breed any of the Love Birds in extremely cold weather, owing to the danger of the females becoming egg-bound. They should be supplied with plenty of sticks and coarse hay as they build very large nests. They lay from four to six eggs and require about twenty days for hatching.

Peach Faces like the Shell Parakeets remain true to each other for life. This is a great advantage to the aviarist as he can ken, various kinds of Love Birds and Parakeets in one aviary without the fear of them inter-breeding once they are mated up. However, they can be cross-bred as can practically all of the Love Bird family. The Love Bird crosses, unlike most hybrids are all fertile. The Peach Face requires the same food and care as the above species and like all Parakeets and Love Birds they bring their young up entirely on seed, thereby saving one the task of preparing special food during the breeding season.
Peach Face Love Birds, $35.00 Single Males, each $18.50 per pair Single Females, each 20.00

Bangladesh Seal Series Despite Wobble...

In a match reduced to 37 overs per side due to heavy fog, Shakib took the spotlight in both knocks as the Tigers chased down their opponents' 119 with six wickets in hand...

Shakib turned in a miserly spell of eight overs for 15 in the first innings, collecting three wickets along the way...

Amazingly, four of the 24-year-old's overs were maidens as the tourists struggled to establish any rhythm at the crease...

He was at it again in the Bangladesh reply, putting together a measured 33 not out to see his side home...

The day started poorly for Zimbabwe after play belatedly got under way with the impressive Mashrafe Mortaza trapping Vusi Sibanda leg before without a run on the scoreboard...

Mortaza, impressing with the new ball, quickly removed Hamilton Masakadza and Stuart Matsikenyeri for 10 apiece to leave the batting side wobbling at 31 for three...

Sean Williams weighed in with 38 valuable runs, including five boundaries, in a productive partnership with Keith Dabengwa, who finished undefeated on 21...

Tamim Iqbal got the chase off to a good start, hitting five fours on his way to a 49-ball 34, but an early run out and danger man Mohammad Ashraful's dismissal for just three gave Zimbabwe hope...

Spinner Ray Price was responsible for that wicket, one of two he claimed in a remarkable spell of 7-2-9-2...

But even that level of economy was not enough to hold off Bangladesh as Shakib (33no off 36 balls) and Mushfiqur Rahim (20no off 31 balls) secured the six-wicket victory...

Morkel Does It Again To Put South Africa 2-1 Up...

South Africa 270-7 (Gibbs 64, Kallis 60, Morkel 40) beat...
Australia 269 (Warner 69, Botha 3-32) by three wickets...

David Warner, Herschelle Gibbs and Albie Morkel all thrilled Sydney with some breathtaking hitting, but it was Morkel's cameo of 40 in 22 balls that enabled South Africa to move into a 2-1 lead with a three-wicket win over Australia in the third ODI at the SCG...

After Warner marked his first international in front of his home crowd at the CG with a maiden ODI half-century as Australia reached 269 all out, Gibbs' 64 in 52 balls set South Africa up to get home for the loss of seven wickets in the 47th over, breaking the record for a successful run chase at Sydney...

Warner smashed 69 off 60 balls at the top of the order to get his side off of the perfect start although no other batsman could follow his lead and reach a half-century...

Shaun Marsh (43), David Hussey (36) and James Hopes (33) all made useful contributions but none as explosive as the left-handed Warner, who hit two sixes and six fours before South Africa bowled themselves back into the contest...

Captain Johan Botha completed his ten overs conceding just 32 runs, picking up the wickets of Marsh, Ricky Ponting (29) and Brad Haddin (6)...

There were two wickets apiece for Dale Steyn (2-47) and Makhaya Ntini (2-46) as Australia were bowled out in the final over...

Gibbs played one of his best innings in some time, smashing a huge six over cover and ten more boundaries before a more patient half-century from Jacques Kallis (60) put South Africa in charge. Kallis also passed 10,000 ODI runs during his innings...

However, just as throughout this summer, nothing can be taken for granted between these two sides, Australia hit back, Nathan Hauritz bowling JP Dumniy (9) before Shaun Tait had Kallis caught behind for 64...

Neil McKenzie (27) and Mark Boucher (31 not out) struggled to pick up the pace before Morkel's six fours and a mighty six over midwicket turned the decisively...

He fell to a superb catch in the oufield from James Hopes, but by then South Africa needed five runs in four overs and weren't to be denied...

Botha sealed the game with a crunching cover drive that raced to the boundary...

King Of Forest.....

General information of lion.....

The lion is the only social cat and lives in groups called prides. There may be as many as forty lions in a pride including 2-18 adult females and offspring and 7 male adults. The males of a pride are a coalition of related animals, as are the females, but they are not related to each other. The formation of groups helps to maximize the reproductive success of both sexes...

The female lions breed about every two years, the period it takes to raise her cubs to independence. A female goes into seclusion to have her cubs, who are born small and immobile. Their eyes open at 3-11 days; they can walk at 10-15 days and run at 20-25 days. Their mother brings them back to the pride when they are about a month old. Births can occur year round, but generally, all of the female lions in a pride will give birth at about the same time. All of the females in a pride will care for and protect the cubs in their creche from other predators or marauding males. A female preferentially feeds her own cubs, but will allow offspring which are not hers to nurse from her. Since the females of a pride are related, cooperative care assures their genetic survival...
Females do the hunting and will often hunt in groups. With a smaller body, the lioness is lighter and faster; and without the large mane it is easier for her to hide in the grass. They have excellent vision to spot other animals. By moving their ears, they can hear sounds made by animals from any direction. Their soft paws enable them to walk quietly through the grass as they stalk their prey. Using their strong sense of smell lions can tell if prey is nearby...

It is rare that all are assembled in one spot. They are scattered singly and in small groups that change from day to day. Members of a pride will greet each other with friendly gestures by rubbing their heads, or even their whole bodies against each other. Social grooming is important in a pride...

Lions live an average of 10-12 years in the wild and 20 years or more in captivity. Lions spend 20-21 hours a day resting. They need skill patience and judgment to capture prey. They are most likely to be active in late afternoon, early and late night, and during the early hours of daylight...

The Lion, King of Beasts

The Lion is one of the largest members of the cat family. The lion's size and strength have captured human imagination since ancient times, giving these animals the nickname king of beasts. Lions are also known for their mighty roar, a fearsome sound that can be heard by humans more than 8 km (5 mi) away.

Lions once ranged over vast areas on many continents. Fossil evidence shows that until about 10,000 years ago, lions lived throughout Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and into Asia as far as southern India and the island of Sri Lanka. They also lived in North America and northern South America. Since then, however, the lion's range has been shrinking steadily. Human hunters have killed countless numbers of lions as well as the hoofed mammals that lions eat. In many places, people have taken over the lion's habitats, which often are good places to farm and raise cattle. These habitats include grassy plains, savannas, and dry woodlands but never thick forests or jungle. Today, lions are found in the wild in only two places on earth. About 100,000 lions survive in Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Another 300 lions, called Asian lions, live in a reserve called the Gîr National Park and Lion Sanctuary in northwest India. In both places, lions continue to be threatened by human activities. Thousands of lions also live in zoos and circuses around the world.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Lions rival tigers for the title of biggest cat. In fact, lions and tigers are so similar in their physical features that without their distinctively colored fur, even scientists have trouble telling them apart. Male lions weigh between 150 and 250 kg (330 and 550 lb) and stand about 123 cm (about 48 in) tall at the shoulder. They measure up to 250 cm (98 in) in length, not including the tail, which measures an additional 90 to 105 cm (35 to 41 in). Female lions are smaller, weighing between 120 and 182 kg (265 and 400 lb). They stand about 107 cm (about 42 in) tall and measure less than 175 cm (less than 69 in) in length, with a slightly shorter tail.

Lions have massive shoulders and strong forelimbs, long, sharp claws, and short, powerful jaws. As carnivores, feeding entirely on the flesh of other mammals, lions have 30 teeth, including large piercing canines to grab and kill prey, scissorlike molars to slice into flesh, and small incisors to scrape meat from bones.

Adult lions have fur that varies in color from light tan to reddish brown. The tufted tail is tipped in darker fur. Only male lions grow a mane around the shoulders, which grows darker and fuller as the animal ages. Cubs are born with thickly spotted fur, which helps them hide from predators in brush and clumps of vegetation. The spots gradually fade as the cubs grow up, sometimes remaining on the legs and belly until the lion reaches adulthood.

Two boys stranded for one and

Two minor boys on Thursday were stuck for one and a half hour in a Ferris Wheel at Wonderland Amusement Park, a privately run theme park in Gulshan...
Eight-year-old Ajman and six-year-old Labib boarded one of the cars of the Ferris Wheel at about 5:00pm, and got stuck there 60 feet from the ground when the wheel suddenly stopped rotating, said witnesses and officials of the Fire Service Department...
‘After half an hour of our arrival we finally rescued the boys, who are brothers and come from Baridhara,’ said Mamun Mahmood, a senior station officer of the Fire Service Department...
‘We handed them to their frantic mother, Sumaiya Akhtar, and the boys are fine now,’ he said. He told New Age that the boys had remained quite cool and unworried though their mother and other visitors had panicked...
The authorities one of the largest private amusement parks in the country said that the unfortunate incident occurred due to technical glitches...