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Oscar
shy Jeff Bridges:
He's one of Hollywood's most reliable leading men - remember Starman,
Fearless and The Fabulous Baker Boys - but he's never taken home
the gold. Jim Carrey:
The Academy has overlooked him twice - The Truman Show and Man on
the Moon - presumably because of his irreverent, off-screen bad
behaviour. Glenn Close:
She's been nominated five times but is yet to win the statuette. Tom Cruise:
Another fine actor who's been too often overlooked. He should have
won Best Supporting Actor for his gutsy, off-beat performance in
Magnolia. John Cusak:
He's never even been nominated! This year, his work in Max certainly
qualifies him as a challenger. Johnny Depp:
Perhaps because he chooses oddball characters or perhaps because
he shuns Tinseltown to live in France - but Oscar voters never seem
to consider him a player. Harrison Ford:
He's an American icon but he's only been nominated once - for Witness. Morgan Freeman:
Why not since he delivers consistently convincing performances? Ed Harris:
If his supporting role in The Hours doesn't get rewarded, there
is no justice! Harvey Keitel:
The Academy simply takes his powerful performances for granted. Nicole Kidman:
She was a contender in To Die For and Moulin Rouge, but with The
Hours, her time is coming - mark my words. Ian McKellen:
An entrant with Gods and Monsters and Lord of the Rings, he's next
in line as Professor Alfred Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series. Nick Nolte:
On the screen, he delivers; off-screen, his addictive behaviour
is an industry embarrassment. Peter O'Toole:
He's been nominated seven times but never won. Sean Penn:
He has three nominations, no wins. Michelle Pfeiffer:
Count two nominations before White Oleander. Sri
Lanka's "Voice of Business" Launched in
1994, LMD was the brainchild of Hiran Hewavisenti, the Editor of
LMD, who is a member of the Institutes of Chartered Accountants
in England and Wales and a former senior manager of Coopers &
Lybrand (Now PricewaterhouseCoopers). They are also the producers
of Benchmark, which was formerly aired in Dynavision and now on
TNL. Now the leading
business magazine in Sri Lanka, LMD enjoys a readership of around
40,000. The target leadership comprises business leaders, senior
managers and professionals. LMD covers
an entire gamut of businesses for business people, in the form of
a monthly digest that consists of the following segments: 1. Editorials,
known as the Voice of LMD 2. Current
Affairs, an in depth account of local and international current
affairs, including a Reuters business news-briefing 3. Business
Voice, which consists of interviews with business leaders, opinion
makers, key public figures and the next generation of senior executives. 4. The Business
Digest covers the latest trends in management, including e-business
and environmental issues. 5. The Lifestyle
segment includes the latest PricewaterhouseCoopers cricket ratings,
expert opinions from Wisden's "News Register" and a crossword 6. News Service,
a monthly wrap up of business news, includes corporate announcements,
product and company launches, senior appointments, achievements
and important events. 7. The Financial
Profiles include a snapshot of key economic indicators and a monthly
update of business confidence, the only one of its kind on Sri Lanka. LMD also boasts
what is arguably the most high-profile combination of advertisers
in the Sri Lankan print media. The Magazine
produces a weekly half-hour business programme on TNL in collaboration
with the nation's leading production house, the "Wrap Factory".
LMD provides and presents the content for this programme. LMD has also
gained a reputation for innovation, says the MD Hiran Hewavisenti.
"Some of its pioneering concepts include The LMD 50, '(Sri
Lanka's version of "The Fortune 50") which ranks listed
companies." "We also
have the "Sri Lankan of the Year" which is an annual feature
ever since it was launched in 1996, and the LMD-Smart Business Confidence
Index, The 50 Greatest Sri Lankans Since Independence and the Lifetime
Subscriptions." "The other
media publications which we are involved in are the Sri Lankan Travel
Planner. This is an annual publication published for the Sri Lankan
Tourist Board," he added. Thoughtfully
yours Roses, chains,
bracelets, rings, chocolates are few of the most preferred gifts.
But why not veer away from all those lovey-dovey things and maybe
go crazy this year? What would be the best alternate gift or better
yet, the wackiest Valentine gift you could give? "Twenty
sharpened pencils," was the on the spur of the moment, enthusiastic
reply we got from Mekala (19). Seeing our confused expressions,
she hastened to explain. "See that is very practical. Roses
smell nice but they wilt but freshly sharpened pencils smell nice
and last longer and he can use them." What Maya (22),
had in mind was also on similar lines. "I would give my love
a coconut," she laughs, "'cos it's a nutty thing to do". We rephrased
the question and asked about unusual Valentine gifts. Animals seem
to be in the minds of many when talking about gifts. "I think
I would give a cute puppy. Most girls love animals, especially dogs,
I think I would ask her to name it bulldog," says Nirmal (19).
Revan (25), agreed but said that he would like to give a parrot.
Seeing our amused faces, he said sheepishly, "might as well
go all the way in being innovative". "Don't you think
giving a fish would be cool? When he is missing me, he can look
at it swimming around the tank," laughed Shevanthi (21). Moving away
from animals, Niluka (17), said that she would buy a plant. "I
think it's very practical and it will always be there. Hopefully
he won't forget to water it." The flip side
to Valentine's Day hype is how prices sky rocket. Take roses for
instance. It was shocking to see a board displayed very prominently
at a flower shop that read; From February 1 to February15 a rose
will cost Rs. 200. This for a bloom that usually costs Rs. 80! But
then, roses seem to be the symbol of love and the red rose, the
must give flower for Valentine's day. But what if
you decide to give something else. "I would probably give my
girl a bunch of wild flowers or some other flower," says Shane
(25), adding that there's no hard and fast rule that one has to
give roses, "If someone wants to give them that's o.k. but
I would go with other flowers". Mayanthi (16), was quite happy
with the idea. "Lilies would be lovely 'cos they are my favourite." Recalling all
the advertisements that suggest that guys should be given jewellery,
we wondered what they felt. Even though some didn't really mind,
others wished they would get something else. Belts, car tyres, something
for the car, even a meal was on their wish list. Valentine's
Day does not have to be all about roses, hearts and teddy bears.
How about being a bit different and giving something unusual? It
would be a fun thing to do, for remember, it's the thought that
counts. |
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Copyright © 2001 Wijeya Newspapers
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