Entertainment
Defense Of The Ancients
Defense of the Ancients, or D.O.T.A., is a hugely popular online real time strategy multiplayer ‘game’. I’ll refer to it as a game, even though it’s actually freely downloadable map for War craft 3: Frozen Throne. One of the reasons it’s so popular is War craft 3’s hardware requirements, or in this case – the lack of any. It runs on pretty much any hardware released in the last ten years.
The objective of the match is to destroy the opponents’ Ancients. These are heavily guarded structures at the opposing corners of the map. Each human player controls a powerful unit – a Hero, and is assisted by AI controlled units called “creeps”. Like all role-playing games, heroes can be levelled up and equipment can be bought. Unlike most traditional real-time strategy games, this one does not focus on resource management and base-building.
The only resource the player has to manage is gold. As heroes earn gold by killing hostile units, base structures, and enemy heroes, a technique called “last-hitting,” which is when the player attacks a hostile unit when “its hit points are low enough to kill it with one blow” becomes the best strategy. Every hero is unique in play style. All of them have (at least) four unique selectable skills, and differing base attributes. There’s also the rather deep item list which involves a form of alchemy, whereby more powerful items are created by joining together weaker ones, allowing the same hero character carrying two different item sets to play very differently.
Where to play
D.O.T.A. is best played with your friends on your home or office network. However, once you’ve got a hang of the game, you’ll want to check out the large online game-community which can be accessed through a freely downloadable match-making application called Garena.
During peak hours (late evening, till midnight), Garena logs many thousands of D.O.T.A. players from India alone. At present, Garena hosts 14 separate chat rooms dedicated to Indian D.O.T.A gaming, each supporting a maximum of 235 players, where gamers can interact to set up new matches.
Strategy Tips for beginners
• Making money in this game is dependent on the hero getting the hit that kills creeps (last-hitting). This takes quite a bit of experience to get the hang of.
• It’s incredibly important to not get killed. If your hero targets the enemy hero within range of enemy towers or creeps, all NPC enemy units will automatically target you
• Most gamers who decide that they don’t like D.O.T.A., and quit early, are turned off by how weak their selected heroes can be early in the game, especially if they’re playing against other, more experienced players.They have to realize that this is by design.
• It’s best to have a friend teach you the basics of D.O.T.A. While an incredibly fast-paced game, it has some very deep mechanics.
• There are many commands that you can enter during the game, some impact the game itself, while others display useful information. All must be entered on a single line preceeded by “-” to work, for instance, “-tips”, which gives you various helpful pointers about your hero throughout the game.
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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home
When it comes to decorating your home, curtains play a crucial role in shaping both the aesthetic and the functionality of a space. The fabric you choose can dramatically alter the atmosphere, offering anything from opulence to a laid-back vibe. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular curtain fabrics that can elevate the look and feel of your home.
1. Luxurious Velvet
Velvet curtains bring a sense of luxury and elegance. Known for their plush texture and rich appearance, velvet is perfect if you’re looking to add sophistication to a room. They not only provide excellent insulation but also block out light, making them ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, or any space where you want a cozy, private atmosphere.
Best for: Bedrooms, formal living rooms, and home theaters.
2. Airy Sheer
Sheer curtains offer a light, breezy aesthetic that lets natural light filter through. These curtains are made from translucent fabrics like chiffon or voile, creating a delicate and ethereal look. Sheers are perfect for rooms where you want to maintain privacy while still enjoying sunlight, such as living rooms, dining areas, or sunrooms.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and sunrooms.
3. Classic Cotton
Cotton is one of the most versatile curtain fabrics, known for its breathable and lightweight properties. Cotton curtains come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, making them easy to fit into any design scheme. They’re also low-maintenance and can be machine washed, which makes them practical for high-traffic areas in your home.
Best for: Bedrooms, kitchens, and casual living spaces.
4. Elegant Silk
For a luxurious and glamorous touch, silk curtains are the go-to fabric. Silk adds a glossy finish and drapes beautifully, exuding elegance and grandeur. However, they require extra care and are better suited for formal spaces. Silk curtains are often lined to protect them from sun damage and to provide additional body and privacy.
Best for: Formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and sitting rooms.
5. Versatile Linen
Linen curtains offer a natural, textured look that blends well with both contemporary and rustic designs. Linen is a durable fabric that allows light to softly filter through, and it also has excellent temperature-regulating properties. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in any room.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces with lots of sunlight.
6. Durable Polyester
If you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option, polyester curtains are a great choice. They are resistant to wrinkling, shrinking, and stretching, making them a durable option for everyday use. Polyester curtains are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, giving you plenty of choices to suit your home’s décor.
Best for: High-traffic areas like living rooms, guest rooms, and children’s bedrooms.
7. Chic Satin
Satin curtains are known for their smooth, glossy surface, which reflects light and adds a subtle sheen to any room. They are often used in contemporary and modern designs to bring a sense of refinement and class. Satin works well for rooms that require a touch of glamour without being as heavy as velvet or silk.
Best for: Bedrooms, formal spaces, and accent rooms.
Choosing the right curtain fabric can have a significant impact on your home’s overall design. Whether you prefer the lushness of velvet or the breezy nature of sheer fabrics, the right curtains can create the perfect balance between style and function in your space. Consider the mood you want to create and the practical needs of each room to select the best fabric for your home.
Events
The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024
The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.
Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.
Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.
Kendal Jenner
Eva Longaria
Aishwarya Rai
Anitta
Viola Davis and Simone Ashley
Jane Fonda
Heidi Klum
Andie MacDowell
Cara Delevingne
Belinda Peregrin
Bethenny Frankel
Aja Naomi King
Beatrice Vio
Samadhi Zendejas
Alia Bhatt
Camila Cabello
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Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars
Kiran Rao’s delightful bride-swapping comedy-drama, *Laapataa Ladies*, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Monday. FFI Chairman Jahnu Barua revealed that the film was chosen from a pool of 29 contenders. A 13-member jury evaluated 12 Hindi, six Tamil, and four Malayalam films to decide the country’s submission for Best International Feature Film. Among the notable competitors were Animal, Kill, Kalki 2898 AD, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Joram, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370, the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light.
Expressing her gratitude, Kiran Rao stated, “I am deeply honored and delighted that Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope this film will resonate with audiences worldwide, just as it has in India.”
Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, features a fresh ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Chhaya Kadam, with a standout cameo by veteran actor Ravi Kishan. Released in theaters on March 1, the film garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, steadily gaining momentum through word-of-mouth.
Though it didn’t achieve massive box office numbers, Laapataa Ladies found a growing fanbase following its release on Netflix, where it reached a wider audience. The film, a social satire based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning story, was brought to life with a screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai. It also earned recognition on the international stage, having been screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.
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