Yifang Digital recently lifted the veil on its EM851 MP4 player at CeBIT, and this tiny little device offers a plethora of functions such as an integrated microphone recorder for you to take impromptu voice notes, multiple EQ and play modes, multi-lingual capability, and the ability to play games or read from an e-book while grooving to your favorite tunes.

Of course, chances are it is compatible with the most common audio and video codecs and will probably retail at dirt cheap prices. Although these cheap alternatives to an iPod come with superior functions, what peeves most people off is the clunky user interface that is downright frustrating.

According to CNET, Cingular [aka, the new AT&T] has “confirmed” June 11 as the release date for Apple’s iPhone. Keep in mind that confirmation in this case is unofficial as it supposedly comes from a front-line sales support person. See, after a call to Cingular’s customer service, CNET was transfered to sales where they were told of the magical date. Of course, all this makes perfect sense as the 11th also marks the kickoff of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference where Steve and Co are always keen to announce new wares.

Well, the World Cup is just about to start its spell in the Caribbean and so we too decided to bring our Hot Seat into the pavilion to sneak peek into that side of our cricketers which is away from the hustle and bustle of the grounds. This week we bring you a star from the past – Haroon Rasheed!

Having started his international cricket career in 1976-77, Haroon is nowadays busy doing media assignments. Commentary and cricket shows are some of the jobs he enjoys doing most while working in the media. Known for his practical viewpoints and realistic criticism, Haroon Rasheed’s life is no different. He is a man who believes in reality and his taste for literature, movies and other forms of art is greatly influenced by this too.

Haroon is fond of music and his list of favourites includes both the past legends of the subcontinent and the singing sensations of today. However, he prefers music that is soft and pleasant to ears. He says his preferences depend on his mood but the music should not be without any rhyme and rhythm. He goes on to say, “I am mostly fond of semi-classical type of music, but I can listen to anything that is melodious, soft and is supported by quality lyrics. The sound of instruments should not start dominating the vocals!”

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Few sights in England in 2006 were as striking as Mohammad Yousuf. Eyes fell naturally to the beard first, so W.G.-like and dense you wondered how the helmet’s chinstrap managed. And once past the beard, another visual feast awaited.

With anything other than a bat in his hand, Yousuf cuts an unremarkable presence; as a fielder he is plain clumsy. With a bat, he comes alive. Bob Woolmer, his coach, likens him to a Ferrari when he is batting and a truck when he isn’t. Throughout the English tour, he provided the surreal spectacle of a Ferrari doing the heavy pulling.

At Lord’s, he arrived as Pakistan skidded to 28 for two, then 68 for four; at Headingley the wreckage read 36 for two. Each time, England had already scored 500-plus. Both messes demanded the sleeves-rolled-up, gritty salvation ethic of Steve Waugh and, in soul, they got it. But in body and mind, it was done with an élan more reminiscent of Mark Waugh. That 631 runs at an average of 90 eventually counted for so little was not his doing.

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In his first press conference since arriving back in Pakistan, Inzamam-ul-Haq has reacted angrily to the way his team has been treated by the media. He again apologised for their early exit from the World Cup but said the constant criticism the players received made life very difficult.

“If the media and people keep on criticising the team, I am sure we can’t win any big tournaments,” Inzamam said. “Fear of losing always follow our players and it puts them under lot of pressure.”

Pakistan crashed out of the World Cup after defeats to West Indies and the shock three-wicket loss against Ireland in Jamaica. It had been widely expected that Inzamam would stand down from the one-day team following the tournament but the manner of abuse he has suffered has left him feeling shocked.

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Scour Flea Markets, Garage Sales, and Your Attic
Shabby Chic is a comfortable, casual look using vintage accessories, pastels, and comfortable furniture. While people have been living with old lace tablecloths, dreamy soft floral fabrics, light painted furniture furniture, wrought iron curtain rods with filmy sheer curtains, and colorful fresh flowers for a long time, Rachel Ashwell identified this style of decorating and named it Shabby Chic.

Think of visiting with your grandmother, snuggled in comfortable soft furniture. Fresh flowers look beautiful and the soft scent of candles fills the room. A home decorated in the Shabby Chic style can provide the same sensation for your own home.

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How to make your makeup work with your clothing.

From pastel blues to brilliant reds, color is sure to be in your wardrobe this season. For many women, the question, of course, is whether or not to match their clothes.

Well, while you might be tempted to reach for blue eyeliner when wearing a turquoise blouse, resist, resist, resist! Here, the experts clue you in to the best shades for any fashion palette.

Clothing Color: Pastel The right idea, says Marilyn Young, a celebrity makeup artist who’s worked with Ashley Judd, is to add some bright color to your makeup look, particularly your lips, to offset your outfit and avoid looking too washed out.

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