THE WORLD PORTAL

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

The famous American pop singer Justin Timberlake is added another title on his own. He has been selected as the ‘most charitable star of 2009′for his contribution to help sick children. A U.S. website, ‘The Daily Beast’ selected Justin as the most influential celebrity for charitable causes. He spent almost $10 million for his favourite good cause, Shriners Hospitals for Children. Another famous pop diva Madonna came second in the list and Pamela Anderson was reached third position in the list. Justin gained six time ‘Grammy Award’ and two time ‘Emmy Awards’ for his performances.

BIOGRAPHY

Justin Randall Timberlake was born on 31st January, 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee, United States as the son of Lynn Harless and Randall Timberlake. In his childhood, he appeared in various talent shows. In 1993, he got his first taste of fame when he joined the television series ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’. There he met his future girlfriend and pop superstar Britney Spears, future tourmate Christina Aguilera and his future bandmate JC Chasez. This show was ended in 1995. After that Timberlake recruited Chasez to be in a new all-male singing group he was forming with friend Chris Kirkpatrick. This group became known as ‘N Sync’. Timberlake and JC Chasez were the two lead singers of the popular boy band ‘N Sync’ and their debut album “NSYNC” gained more popularity worldwide. This band released other hit albums such as “No Strings Attached”, “Celebrity” etc. In 2002, Timberlake released his debut solo album titled “Justified”, which sold more than 7 million copies worldwide. The album was a commercial success, including the hit songs “Cry Me a River” and “Rock Your Body”. He also gained success with his second solo album titled “FutureSex/LoveSounds” which was reached at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and this album produced the US number-one hit singles “SexyBack,” “My Love,” and “What Goes Around…/…Comes Around.” He faced a controversy during the show of the ‘Super Bowl XXXVIII’. After that, he appeared in many films including “Edison Force”, “Alpha Dog”, “Black Snake Moan”, “Southland Tales” etc. He has hosted many music events, including the ‘European MTV Music Awards’, ‘Saturday Night Live’ etc. In addition, Timberlake involved in many charity works and made many endorsement deals. His other ventures include record label Tennman Records, fashion label William Rast, and the restaurants Destino and Southern Hospitality. He had realtionship with pop singer Britney Spears, singer-actress Stacy Ferguson, actress-dancer Jenna Dewan, actress-singer Alyssa Milano, actress Cameron Diaz.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Justin Timberlake gained numerous awards and honors in his career. He gained six time ‘Grammy Award’ and two time ‘Emmy Awards’ for his musical performances in various albums. He was also nominated 29 times for ‘Grammy award’. In addition, he is the winner of various awards including ‘American Music Awards’, ‘MTV Video Music Awards’, ‘BET Awards’, ‘BRIT Awards’, ‘Soul Train Awards’, ‘Vibe Music Awards’, ‘NRJ Awards’, and ‘World Music Awards’.

MAKHAYA NTINI

The first black South African cricketer, Makhaya Ntini is now planning to end his international cricket career. South Africa’s fast bowler Ntini was dropped from the South African team for the third Test against England due to his poor performance in the first two Tests against England. Media reported that, Ntini had signed a pre-contract agreement with English county club ‘Middlesex’. He celebrated his 100th Test in the second Test against England last month. Ntini is always remembered in the South African cricket history, because he was the third South african player, who took 300 Test wickets after Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald.

BIOGRAPHY

South African cricketer Makhaya Ntini was born on 6th July, 1977 in Mdingi, South Africa. He developed his talent in cricket in ‘Dale College’ in King William’s Town. Earlier, he was played for ‘Border’ cricket team and he was included in the South African squad for Australia tour in 1997 due to the injury of another cricketer Roger Telemachus. His international appearance came on 16th January 1998 in a ODI match against New Zealand, in which he took 2 wickets. His entrance in the test match on 19th March, 1998 against Sri Lanka made a history in cricket. He became the first black South African Test cricketer through this match and he took 2 wickets. In 1999, Ntini was charged and initially convicted of rape. This case caused widespread controversy in South Africa and his image fall down. He maintained his innocence and was released on appeal, Then he looked to rebuild his international cricket career. He returned to the South African team through the Sharjah tournament in 2000. In that tournament, he surprised observers with his impressive bowling. He became the first South African to take 10 wickets at Lord’s Cricket Ground in 2003. His another best performace was that 13 wickets for 132 runs against the West Indies at Port of Spain in 2005 which was the best-ever match figures by a South African bowler. In addition, he achieved the best bowling performace by a South African in an ODI by gaining 6 wickets for 22 runs against Australia. In 2007, he took his 300 test wicket in his 74th test. Ntini has established himself as South Africa’s premier fast bowler and one of the leading fast bowlers in the world. On February 2009, he was listed as fifth-best Test bowler in the world and he is the only black South African cricketer who played the 100 test matches. Now he was dropped from ODI and test South African crikcet team due to the poor performance.