If you need a gift for a special person, or just need some time to unwind, make a creative handicraft.  Crafting is therapeutic when you are feeling stressed, and it also can yield a useful or decorative item.  Everyone has some measure of creativity, and with modern kits and patterns, a creative handicraft does not have to end in frustration.

If you have a sewing machine, you can learn to make a creative handicraft that will be a useful and welcome gift.  Potholders are a great beginning sewing project that can be made from scrap material or unwanted clothing and a bit of double-fold bias tape.  Here are the simple instructions for this creative handicraft.

First cut two 8-inch (21 cm.) squares of fabric to be the front and back of the potholder.  Choose coordinating fabrics that match your kitchen for these pieces.  To make it easier, you can make an 8-inch square pattern from a piece of cardboard to use as a pattern.  Cut more 8-inch squares of any old fabric to stack for the filling.  You want the stack of fabric squares to be thick enough to protect you from a hot pot, but thin enough to be flexible and able to be sewn through.

Stack all layers so that the outer layers are facing to the outside and the filler layers are inside.  You can put a couple of large straight pins through all layers to keep them together.  Now sew right across the middle of the stack.  Sew across the middle again, perpendicular to the first stitching.  You will have divided the square into 4 squares.  Sew across the stack again from corner to corner, and again from the other corner to corner.  The layers should be joined and sturdy now.

To bind off the raw edges of your creative handicraft, trim with scissors so that all the layers are again even at the edges.  Open out one folded edge of the  bias tape.  The wider bias tape might seem to be easier to use, but the narrow type makes a neater finished product.  Starting at one corner, line up the edges of the tape with the edges of the potholder, and start stitching through all layers along the first fold line, which will be about 1/4 inch from the edge.  Stitch neatly and slowly, attaching the opened tape all around the edge until you reach the beginning corner.  Cut the bias tape off, leaving 3 inches, (7 cm.) to make into a hanging loop.

Fold the bias tape over the raw edge so that the middle fold lines up with the outside of the potholder and the other fold is hiding the raw edge of the bias tape.  Now, for best results, hand sew the binding down, forming a loop on your creative handicraft when you get to the end.

This potholder is just one example of a creative handicraft you can create if you have a sewing machine.  When it is finished, you will have a useful item made from all recycled materials.  Feel free to give this creative handicraft away or keep it for yourself.

Are you a camp director, teacher, or homeschool mom looking for a new arts and crafts idea for your kids?  Or maybe you are a recreation director at a senior center or nursing home and could use a new project.  Either way, this arts and crafts idea will be interesting and fun for all.  This glass case can be used, given as a gift, or converted into a necklace purse.

To make the glasses case, you will need the following simple materials:  a square of craft foam, plastic or large blunt needles, lanyard lace or thick yarn.  Cut two rectangles from the foam, each 3-1/2 inches (9 cm.) by 6 inches (15 cm.).  With a hole punch, make holes on three sides of each rectangle, leaving one short side unpunched.  Make the holes 1/2 inch apart and allow at least 1/4 inch between the hole and the edge of the craft foam.  The holes need to line up so that the two pieces can be laced together.  If you are preparing the craft for small children, you should make the holes yourself.  Otherwise, the crafters can do this step if you have enough pairs of hole punches.

At this point the crafters can cut decorative shapes from other colors of craft foam, or you can buy sets of ready-cut foam shapes.  If you are doing the craft at a special event, like vacation Bible school, choose shapes that echo the theme of the event.  For instance, if the Bible school or camp has a cowboy theme, find shapes that fit well, such as boots, cowboy hats, and stars.  Let the kids choose the shapes they like and glue on as desired.  You might also like to provide beads or sequins to glue on as well, especially if the crafters are a little older.

The next step in this arts and crafts idea is to thread the plastic needle with the yarn or lanyard lace.  Yarn might be a little easier to handle, but lanyard lace is shiny and attractive.  In a pinch, some teachers of small children use a bobby pin as a needle.  It is certainly a safe alternative.  Simply loop the yarn through the opening and use the open end of the bobby pin as if it were the point of the needle.  The children can now begin to lace the front and back of the glasses case together.

To turn this arts and crafts idea into a necklace purse, simply attach a piece of lanyard lace to each corner making a long handle.  Kids will enjoy using this case as a place to store secret notes and small objects.  If they’d rather, they can give the glasses case to a parent, grandparent, or friend who wears glasses.  Either way, this arts and crafts idea will be interesting for all.

January 1992: Makes ODI debut against Australia, scores just 3 before being dropped.

June, 1996: Scores century against England [Images] at Lord’s in his Test debut and follows it up with another century in the next Test at Trent Bridge.

August, 1997: Scores his first ODI century in Colombo, against Sri Lanka [Images], in his 32nd match.

September, 1997: Leading scorer and wicket-taker in the Sahara Cup as India thrash Pakistan 4-1. He scored 222 runs at 55.5 and 15 wickets at 10.66. Wins four Man-of-the-Match awards in five matches and Man of the Series.

November-December, 1997: Top scorer and Man of the Series in the three-Test home series against Sri Lanka with 392 runs at an average of 98.

May, 1999: Scores 183 in Taunton against Sri Lanka in the World Cup, then highest ODI score by an Indian.

September, 1999: Captains India for the first time in the Coca-Cola Singapore Challenge tournament, against West Indies [Images] after Tendulkar pulled out due to sore back.

February, 2000: Joins Lancashire.

February, 2000: Named captain for the five-ODI home series against South Africa [Images] after Tendulkar relinquished post.

March, 2001: Led India to 2-1 win against Australia at home in the historic Test series.

November, 2001: Ganguly and five other Indian players are warned for excessive appealing during the Port Elizabeth Test by match-referee Mike Denness. Handed a suspended ban for one-Test match and two one-day international matches.

July, 2002: Takes off shirt at the Lord’s balcony after win in the NatWest Series final.

April, 2004: Becomes the first Indian captain to win a Test series in Pakistan. Also with 15 Test wins, he becomes India’s most successful captain.

October, 2004: India lose home series against Australia, first time after 35 years.

March, 2005: Draws home series against Pakistan.

April, 2005: Banned for six matches for a slow-over rate during ODI series in Pakistan. India lose series 2-4 to Pakistan.

September, 2005: Reveals in Zimbabwe that the then coach Greg Chappell [Images] had asked him to step down from captaincy.

November, 2005: End of five-year reign as Test captain as Rahul Dravid [Images] takes over the reins against Sri Lanka.

January 2006: Picked for the Test series in Pakistan.

December, 2006: Picked for Test series against South Africa, returns as leading run-getter.

January, 2007: Scores 98 in his ODI comeback in Nagpur against West Indies.

July-August, 2007: Scores 249 runs at 49.80 in India’s series win in England.

November-December, 2007: Top scorer (534) and man of the series in the three-Test series against Pakistan with. Scores first Test century at his home ground at Eden Gardens. Slams his first double-century in Bangalore.

December 2007-January 2008: A mixed Test series in Australia (235 runs at 29.37, two half-centuries). Axed from ODI squad.

October, 2008: Announces retirement after the Test series against Australia.

November 10, 2008: Plays his last match against Australia at Nagpur.

Complete coverage: Australia in India 2008

Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, the two most celebrated peers of Sourav Ganguly, on Wednesday paid tributes to the retiring member of the ‘fab four’, saying the Bengal stalwart had been a fount of inspiration for his teammates during his 16-year-long glorious international career.

“He just had a way with people and inspired others with his performances,” Tendulkar told a cricket website.

“He’s had a brilliant career and I for one have thoroughly enjoyed playing with him. There have been some memorable moments that he has given to the game and also the immense joy he has given to the team,” said Tendulkar, who had tipped Ganguly as captain when he stepped down from the hot seat in 2000.

Dravid said Ganguly has achieved everything that any cricketer could possibly want in his career.

“What more could he have asked for? He’s seen it all. Played some fascinating knocks in One-dayers; batted well in Tests at home and away; won Tests abroad and led India to a World Cup final,” Dravid said.

“It’s been special to have been part of a middle-order alongside him. I hope I learnt something from him and added something to his cricket,” he added.

Both, however, admitted they were taken by surprise when Ganguly informed them of his decision to retire after the series against Australia.

“It came as a surprise as he told us in the dressing room that he was quitting. It was towards the end of practice and I was surprised. I could not even talk to him since he had to rush to the press conference,” revealed Tendulkar.

Ganguly has had great moments in his career but Dravid and Tendulkar are unanimous in their pick of the finest knock from the left-hander.

“It would have to be the 100 at Lord’s without doubt. He was returning after 5-6 years to international cricket and to make a hundred at the Lord’s was just terrific,” said Tendulkar.

Dravid agrees the Lord’s century was just too special. “Being there with him at the other end and watch him score that hundred was surreal,” he admits.

Tendulkar and Dravid also had their takes on the debate on the impact on the team’s campaign against Australia by Ganguly’s retirement decision.

“Look at the brighter side. The moments will be cherished forever. This is not the time for judgment. This is the time to respect an individual’s judgment,” Tendulkar would say.

Clint Eastwood is one of the legends of the silver screen, from his humble beginnings as the Man With No Name in Sergio Leone westerns to Dirty Harry the kick-butt cop. As a director, he has given us some of the finest stories we could ever see, including the Oscar-winning Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, and the war epic twins Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima. With his new film, he explores the dark side of the earlier part of the twentieth century in Tinseltown (Los Angeles). Taken from true events, the story unfolds that a single mother Christine Collins has lost her nine-year old son, Walter. She asks the LAPD to intervene, and about two months later, her son is returned. Then, she says it isn’t her son. She never looks back.

From the moment the young boy steps off the train, Christine insists to everyone that he is not her son. Unfortunately, the police say she is delusional and just upset. The films leads to the truth of the matter, which is that the corruption in the department has led to them being lackadaisical in their duties. The story moves along fluidly, yet we are never really told the reason that corruption resides.

Nevertheless, the film is quite an experience. It looks terrific and really feels like the 1920s in Los Angeles. Angelina Jolie is solid as Christine, yet I felt she seemed more whiny at times than desperate. It just didn’t move me as strongly as Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby. The supporting cast is good as well, especially John Malkovich as the pastor eager to help Christine in the fight against the LAPD. What I really wanted was that emotional pull that Eastwood’s other films had. This one seemed a bit cold and ruthless, despite that being its subject material. So, I would say to go and see it; it is definitely worth the 140 minutes. As for Oscar time, I can’t say for sure that it will wrap up the big ones such as Best Picture, Director or Actress. It wasn’t the strongest campaign I’ve seen, but then again this has been a weaker year than 2007.

Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith are back in their animated animal roles which 3 years ago saw their zoo animals being transported to Madagascar in a typical fish out of water tale, where they had to rely on their street smarts and friendship to survive in an environment they do not fully understand. While it’s the usual pop-culture jokes and witty one liners that plague recent animated films, there were some gems in that movie, the ones which stuck suck as the crowd favourite penguins stealing the whole show, as well as the madcap rave party tune Move It!

Beginning directly where we last saw Alex the Lion (Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Rock), Melman the Giraffe (Schwimmer) and Gloria the Hippo (Smith), the penguins have finally built a plane that ought to bring our merry crew back to New York, together with Julien the lemur (Sacha Baron Cohen) and his sidekick (Cedric the Entertainer), but of course should that happen, there′ll be no sequel to begin with. So we have the crew crash land into the continent Africa, thereby guaranteeing yet another tale of being from the outside, but now having a habitat that’s much closer to their natural environment, one which sees the animal types in question grouped together into one reserve for storytelling convenience.

Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, who also provided the voice of Skipper the head penguin, the storyline might seem like a poor man’s cousin to Disney’s The Lion King, what with exiles and alpha-lions battling it out to be king of the habitat. The filmmakers had taken the opportunity to craft the backstory for Alex a little more, so that the main plot of his return to his home could be dwelled upon, with sub plots for the others to fall into place. You have Alex’s return and reunion with his parents, with adversary coming from an earlier generation, there’s Marty who discovers that he’s no longer unique but the same as every other hundredth zebra out there, Glora looking for love with other hippos now that there’s no lack of suitors, and Melman fighting his own cowardice to reveal his feelings for Gloria, as well as being appointed the witch doctor for the land.

And if you think that the primary voice cast is already A-list, the film piles on to that list with the likes of the late Bernie Mac voicing Zuba the alpha-lion, Alec Baldwin again in a villainous role as his rival Makunga, and Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas in a hilarious role of hippo-Casanova Moto Moto (the name’s so good you have to say it twice!) The songs department falls up a bit short this time round, though thankfully “Move It!” wasn’t conveniently and lazily played ad-nauseam. Given the army of illustrators working on the project, you can’t expect quality to drop from its predecessor, though there’s nothing new to be injected into a mature presentation.

Despite the plundering of the same old family values / theme / storyline and the importance of establishing strong friendships, this new Madagascar managed to deliver on multiple fronts, joining the ranks of the few whose sequels are superior than the original. The comedy which got piled up here managed to work through the punchlines, leading to a number of characters like the monkeys and even the tough-cookie granny to steal some limelight from the lovable penguins. If you liked the original, then you’e likely to fall in love with this one.

This film is about James Bond cracking down a multi-national corporation that works with dictators to get a share of precious natural resources.

“Quantum Of Solace” has an impressive opening sequence. It has high speed car chases with lots of collision and gunshots. The ultra short scenes (all under one second each) and the shaky camera gives urgency and thrill, but it is so hard to actually work out what is happening.

There is a lot of action and adrenaline in the film, but the plot seems not to have a focus. Nor does it make sense either, as it feels like an all-action-no-information film. All Bond does is to run around the globe after his target, and viewers are left to wonder how he made it. I don’t find myself caring for the plot or the characters. I don’t know why this happens, but something is not right with the film and I don’t know what.

Ajith, who looks fresh after the success of Billa, mocks himself in many scenes (as he has to play a student despite looking over the hill).

Some innovative dance steps can certainly make a five-minute song interesting. However, its fate equally lies in the tune, lyrics, voice and those who shake their legs. If this is the case for a song, can a handful of one-liners save a full fledged film? 

Perhaps not. Raju Sundaram, the man who has earned his spurs as a choreographer, has directed a movie with comedy one-liners, sans a gripping story, convincing screenplay and more importantly, logic.
 
Aegan is inspired from Main Hoon Na and the Malayalam flick Olympian Antony Aadam and doesn’t definitely derive anything from the Hollywood flick Back to School, as claimed.Ajith is Raju Sundaram’s version of an encounter specialist, whose prowess is demonstrated with a shoot-and-deliver-a-punch-before-you-kill scene in Hong Kong. He’s called back by his superior, who is also his father, to trace a criminal’s aide (Devan) who turned into a police approver and later went into hiding fearing for his life after experiencing the cops’ inability to protect him. Now when the police intelligence discovers that Devan’s daughter studies in a college in Ooty, they come up with a clever idea of sending Ajith to the college as a student to find the whereabouts of Devan from his daughter. Clever, indeed!With that saggy little plot and actors who try to flaunt their acting skills with whatever little they can, Aegan proves to be a mind-numbing fare with the only sigh of relief coming between the intervals – the songs, of course.

Nayanthara pouts sexily throughout, is exposed liberally albeit wrapped in a sari and an excuse for a blouse, and wears dangerously revealing tank tops and tiger print minis during songs. Well, after all, she is (over)paid for it but she seems to be in need of some serious career advice if she chooses to survive here.What makes an actor like Jeyaram to take up a disgraceful role, as that of a college principal, who plots with his attendant to abet Ajith in his noble mission and thinks the explosive chemistry teacher is born to please the protagonist, is a mystery. Same applies to Nasser and Suhasini. Piya shows some potential, but then what is the point?

Though it works initially, it becomes an overdose at one point, as either Ajith or those surrounding him make fun of his looks as a ’student’ all the time.

Coming to the story, Shiva (Ajith), a police officer hailed as ‘one man army’ by his superior is entrusted with a task of protecting Priya (Piyaa), a student at a college in Ooty, in order to trace her father Ram Prasad (Devan), a former sidekick of an international don John Chinnappa (Suman).

Shiva joins the college as a student. Though the students are not ready to mingle with him at first, they later accept him as their leader.

They call him Thala the unmistakable monicker to please Ajith fans) and it is in the college where Shiva finds his foster brother Narein (Navdeep).

And now, he has two jobs to complete- one is to zero in on John Chinnappa through Ram Prasad, and the other is to unite his family.

How he emerges triumphant with the moral support of Mallika (Nayantara), a chemistry professor is what Aegan is all about.

These days, most actors don’t have the courage to go against what their core audience is generally deemed to expect. The fans are suspected to expect the usual package of fun and frolic.

Ajith panders to this constituency, and the film for most part moves on a formulaic pattern. It is high time he took care in selecting scripts.

Nayantara’s introduction is quite fascinating. But the hype created about her doesn’t sustain for long. The character hasn’t been developed well.

Suman, Nasser, Suhashini- all seasoned actors understand their roles well and present a neat performance. Navdeep and Piyaa- the young pair — is promising while Jayaram, as the college principal evokes laughter.

Yuvanshankar Raja’s songs are average while his background score hears well. Arjun Jena’s camerawork is dull even as Anuvardhan’s costumes for Ajith remind you of Billa in many places.

You must thank the cinematographer Vijay Milton and the costume designer for maintaining the subtle tone of the movie without which you would come out of the movie hall with a splitting headache.