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Showing posts from July, 2016

Hari Kondabolu makes America laugh about America again

Even though Indian-American comic Hari Kondabolu was born in Queens, xenophobes frequently tell him to go back to places like Iraq, Afganistan, and Libya. "Whatever nation our country is bombing, I'm told to go back there at the worst time to go back," he says. But in Denmark, during a particularly awful performance, he was told to go back to America. Maybe that was a sign of how bad things have gotten here in the States, or maybe it was a sign that Kondabolu had finally proven himself as a Mainstream American Comic (Kill Rock Stars), the sarcastic title of his new album. Kondabolu's comedy is politically observant—he's not getting on a soapbox and forcing his beliefs on the crowd, he's just starting a conversation about topics he thinks the entire country should be talking about, like health care, sexism, and racism. And it seems like he has successfully contributed to activist efforts through his comedy—an image on the comic's Tumblr shows a p

Anand Tummala: Former Delhi Ranji crickter and USA National team player

Anand Tummala (born 21 October 1978 in Vuyyuru, Krishna district Andhra Pradesh, India) also known as T. Anand, is a cricketer for the United States. Anand first appeared in the United States national cricket team as an all-rounder in 2011 in the Etihad T20 Cricket Tournament hosted by Cricket Canada in King City, Ontario (11–13 August 2011).  Anand made an impression with his debut bowling figures of 3 over, 1 maiden, 10 runs & 2 wickets against arch rivals Canada. Anand bowled exceptionally well against Trinidad & Tobago in the second match with figures of 2 for 24 in 4 Overs. Anand went on to be part of USA Cricket Team in the historical K.A. Auty Trophy (2 day match, played on 15 & 16 August 2011, held at Toronto Cricket, Skating & Curling Club which dates back to 1844 between USA & Canada. Anand’s performance in the K.A. Auty Trophy was excellent with match bowling figures of 25 overs, 97 runs, 3 maidens and 3 wickets. Anand scored 88 runs in the m

Normal city names Mandava Rao Citizen of the Year

NORMAL (IL)– The Town of Normal named Mandava Rao its Citizen of the Year Thursday night during its annual Appreciation Reception. Mayor Chris Koos said to say Rao is active in the community is an understatement. “He has founded and helps to lead numerous organizations, including the Central Illinois Cricket Association, For a Better Tomorrow, and the local chapter of the SEWA – a group guided by the principal: Service beyond self,” Koos said. Rao moved to Bloomington-Normal from India 16 years ago. He said he stayed here because he fell in love with the community. “I love this community a lot,” said Rao. “And everybody is cooperative, that’s what I have seen. Wherever I go, with any organization, yes, they are positive with me.” Rao added the award came as a complete surprise. Koos said Rao lives a life that proves actions speak louder than words.

One for the future - Ruthvika Shivani Gadde

I f we consider the cycle between London 2012 and Rio 2016, then there are several achievements that Indian badminton can pride itself about. One among those is the emergence of a very talented and confident group of Women’s shuttlers, who have shown that they can match up against the best in the world. PV Sindhu’s rise was rapid, but over the course of time, a certain level of inconsistency had creeped into her game that made slightly vulnerable against the top shuttlers. But with just under a month to go for Rio, the lanky player seems to be steadily getting back into her groove. A few other players also developed during this phase and among those who has blossomed during the end of this cycle has been Ruthvika Shivani Gadde. Beginnings In 2014, Ruthvika first burst onto the international scene when she clinched the Women’s Singles title at the Tata Open and then in 2015, won the Bangladesh intrnational. The 19-year-old has been hovering around the circuit, but for sur

Harika edges Humpy in tie-breaker to bag Chengdu GP chess title

Winner Dronavalli Harika (C) on the podium with Koneru Humpy & Ju Wenjun India's Grand Master Harika Dronavalli held on to her nerves on a nail-biting final day to capture the coveted Fide Women's Grand Prix chess title Chengdu - China on Thursday. Harika, playing with white against Russia's Olga Girya, had to dig deep to pull off the much needed draw to win the title, her maiden career GP title. Harika finished on seven points in the round robin tournament featuring the world's top 12 players to be crowned the chess queen in Chengdu. It was a grand day for India as the other Grand Master Koneru Humpy too rounded off her campaign with a victory to also finish on seven points. Harika, however, was declared winner for finishing with a better tie-break record in the tournament. It was a nerve-racking day for Harika as the pressure got to her and she ended up making mistakes. "I was in a winning position," she said shortly after the win. &quo