World Latest & TOP News

Most intelligent people - vegetarians

2010-07-22T21:30:00.000+01:00

As a result of research, British scientists have determined that children with high intellectual performance, more likely to be vegetarians.

Scientists can not explain the associated high intellectual performance and vegetarian food, most likely, vitamin-rich diet stimulates mental activity.

A well-known fact - the commitment to a vegetarian diet significantly reduces the possibility of cardiovascular disease.

The study involved 8179 people who were cognitive tests in 1970, most involved with high intellectual ability, preferring a vegetarian diet.

Ya está disponible la versión de prueba del Firefox 4

2010-07-10T11:51:00.001+01:00

La primera versión beta (de prueba) del Firefox 4 ya está disponible para Windows, Mac OS X y Linux. Esta nueva versión del buscador es floja todavía en algunas áreas, pero lo suficientemente estable en líneas generales para su uso regular.

La mayor mejora entre las versiones de Firefox 3 y la última es la velocidad. Para poder competir con lanzamientos sumamente veloces del Chrome de Google (que robó ya parte del mercado de Mozilla), el Safari y hasta el Opera, Firefox se vio obligado a acelerar al máximo su página muchas veces.

Los primeros informes llegan a la conclusión de que el Firefox 4 se mantiene fácilmente a la altura de estos buscadores y podría ser rival del Internet Explorer 9 de Microsoft cuando esté disponible antes de fines de 2010. Mozilla dice que la versión final del nuevo buscador debiera ser aún más veloz.

Esta versión beta representa un importante cambio en apariencia para Firefox. Para los usuarios de Windows, las pestañas aparecerán ahora arriba del recuadro de texto URL. Este cambio bastante radical estará presente en las versiones futuras de Mac y Linux. Esto parece ser un intento directo para que Firefox se parezca más al Chrome de Google. También en esta línea, Firefox 4 incorpora menúes para bajar aplicaciones y favoritos en el ángulo superior izquierdo de la ventana.

Otros cambios de interfase incluyen la combinación de los botones stop y reload y la capacidad para buscar pestañas abiertas en la barra de lugares.

El lanzamiento beta ofrece más soporte para CSS 3 y HTML 5, y mayor protección contra plugins inestables que inundan todo el buscador. Mozilla remozó también su Jetpack SDK, lo que permite a programadores independientes elaborar nuevos agregados, más livianos. La empresa anticipa que se vienen aún más cambios para el proceso de creación de agregados.

La seguridad también es algo que ha sido reforzado en esta nueva versión con opciones incorporadas para evitar que los sitios Web revisen las historias de búsqueda de las personas. El mapa de ruta del producto también incluye una política de seguridad de actualizaciones que debiera ayudar a bloquear los ataques.

Claramente, el propósito de esta versión Beta 1 es recoger sugerencias para una mejora. Para todos los sistemas operativos, el Firefox 4 incluye un botón de Feedback ubicado convenientemente al lado de la barra de búsqueda. Esto le permite comentarle directamente a Mozilla lo que le gustó y lo que no le gustó sobre el lanzamiento.

La empresa dice que su plan es lanzar una nueva versión beta del buscador cada dos semanas.

Críticas al poco avance del saneamiento del Riachuelo

2010-07-10T11:49:00.000+01:00

El 8 de julio de 2008, la Corte Suprema condenó al Estado Nacional, a la Provincia de Buenos Aires y a la Ciudad a sanear el Riachuelo. Ayer se cumplieron dos años de este fallo histórico, pero según las ONG del cuerpo colegiado que supervisa su cumplimiento, los trabajos de recuperación de la cuenca avanzaron poco . Otra visión tiene el juez federal de Quilmes Luis Armella, designado por la Corte para ejecutar la sentencia, que afirmó que, si bien no se va tan rápido como se desea, el balance es positivo porque por la presión judicial empezaron a hacerse algunas tareas. Mientras, la Autoridad de Cuenca Matanza-Riachuelo (ACUMAR) presentó un informe destacando que se removieron el 50% de los barcos hundidos y 800 mil metros cúbicos de basura flotante.

La causa que llegó a la Corte fue impulsada por varios vecinos del Riachuelo, encabezados por Beatriz Mendoza, que demandaron al Estado por daños y perjuicios derivados de la contaminación del curso de agua. El máximo tribunal ordenó el saneamiento de la cuenca, que se extiende a lo largo de 70 kilómetros, cubre una superficie de 2.248 kilómetros cuadrados y tiene 7 millones de habitantes.

“El fallo en su mayoría está incumplido –afirma Andrés Nápoli, el director del Area Riachuelo de la Fundación Ambientes y Recursos Naturales (FARN), una de las ONG que integran el cuerpo colegiado–. Hasta ahora sólo inspeccionaron el 29% de las industrias de la cuenca y ni una sola inició su proceso de reconversión. Este es un tema central, porque la contaminación industrial es la que más impacta en la salud de la población. Además, no han adoptado medidas para asistir sanitariamente a los habitantes de la cuenca”.

En Greenpeace, otra de las ONG del cuerpo, coinciden en que poco se hizo para controlar a las industrias. “El plan de saneamiento está enfocado en solucionar aspectos relacionados con lo paisajístico –acusa Consuelo Bilbao, de la Unidad Política de la organización–. La normativa permite seguir tirando tóxicos como mercurio, cadmio o cromo al agua, aunque más diluidos. Además, hay sólo 20 inspectores para controlar más de 15.000 industrias. Y tampoco hicieron un diagnóstico para saber cuántas hay realmente: ACUMAR tiene registradas apenas 4.100”.

Las ONG también critican la gestión de ACUMAR con respecto a los basurales a cielo abierto. En la FARN recordaron que en su momento, la ex secretaria de Medio Ambiente Romina Picolotti había dicho que había 105. Más adelante, ACUMAR señaló que eran 170. “El último informe habla de 230 –revela Nápoli–. Algunos por ahí no estaban registrados. Lo cierto es que sólo iniciaron el saneamiento del 15% de esos basurales. Y no se ha concretado un Plan Integral de Residuos Sólidos para solucionar el problema”. Geenpeace sostiene que ahora hay el doble de basurales que hace dos años. “No están tomando acciones de prevención para que no instalen más, por eso se duplicaron”, asegura Bilbao.

En la FARN dicen que tampoco fue iniciada la reestructuración y relocalización del Polo Petroquímico de Dock Sud. Y aunque afirman que ACUMAR es un buen instrumento institucional, opinan que el organismo todavía es débil. “Fue creado en 2007 y desde entonces cambió de autoridades cinco veces”, recuerda Nápoli.

El juez federal de Quilmes, Luis Armella, es más optimista. “El balance de estos dos años es positivo gracias al esfuerzo del órgano judicial –evalúa–. Se está avanzando con la red de obras sanitarias, que son obras a diez años para hacer cloacas máximas, plantas de tratamiento, colectoras y emisarios al Río de la Plata”. Para estas obras y otras de reconversión industrial, el Banco Mundial ya aprobó un crédito por $ 840 millones. Hacia fin de año se llamaría a la licitación.

Armella reconoce que el control de las industrias, la otra gran fuente de contaminación además de la falta de cloacas, es lo que más está costando. “Pero está empezando a funcionar. ACUMAR ya tiene inspectores propios. Primero se trabajó en la normativa y ahora empezaron las inspecciones”, dice.

El miércoles, ACUMAR presentó un informe detallando que ya fueron removidos 50 barcos hundidos y 800 mil metros cúbicos de basura flotante y que limpiaron 33 basurales. El presidente ejecutivo del organismo, Gustavo Villa Uría, detalló que están avanzando en el monitoreo de las industrias, el ordenamiento territorial y la urbanización de las villas. Y contó que para limpiar las márgenes trabajan con cooperativas, que se ocupan de levantar la basura flotante, desratizar y desmalezar. También proyectan activar un sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica.

Aunque las ONG afirman que al ACUMAR le faltan fondos, el organismo informó que este año cuenta con su primer presupuesto propio, de $ 43,8 millones, la mitad aportados por el Gobierno nacional. Y para 2011, según Villa Uría, la Nación aportará $ 319 millones, la Provincia $ 80 millones y la Ciudad, $ 25 millones.

Las ONG destacan el rol de la Corte y el del juez Armella. “Las cosas que se logran son gracias a su insistencia”, dice Bilbao. El magistrado sostiene: “En general, falta mucho trabajo para sanear al Riachuelo y uno quisiera más ritmo. Pero lo importante es que se está haciendo algo ”.

Paro por tiempo indeterminado de obreros de la carne y ganaderos

2010-07-10T11:45:00.000+01:00

La decisión del secretario de Comercio Interior, Guillermo Moreno, de suspender por tres semanas las exportaciones de carne, precipitó ayer un paro por tiempo indeterminado por parte de trabajadores de frigoríficos y productores.

Así lo informó el titular del Sindicato de la Carne, Silvio Etchehun, quien indicó que la medida fue coordinada antenoche con el titular de la Confederación de Asociaciones Rurales de Buenos Aires y La Pampa (Carbap), Ricardo Apaolaza.

La protesta constituye una profundización del conflicto que abrió la Federación Gremial de la Carne, conducida por José Alberto Fantini, quien anunció piquetes desde este lunes en el Mercado de Liniers en respuesta a la medida de Moreno de suspender las exportaciones de carne.

Etcheum, referenciado en la oposición, dijo que la medida anunciada por Fantini, al que vincula con el Gobierno, "parece rara" en momentos en que Moreno anuncia un freno a los envíos al exterior.

"Nos parece raro, Fantini plantea un piquete y no un paro. Quiere decir que las plantas en las que está siguen trabajando", señaló el titular del Sindicato de la Carne, quien anunció que con Apaolaza se coordinó "no mandar hacienda por tiempo indeterminado".

Etchehun agregó que "hace 30 días, Fantini desconocía esta situación y hoy se larga a hacer un piquete" y consideró que "no se sabe si lo hace de buena fe".

Los sindicatos del sector denuncian que la política oficial respecto de las exportaciones de carnes produjo en el último mes cinco cierres de plantas frigoríficas y el consecuente despido de unos 5.000 trabajadores.

La crisis estalló en rigor hace tres meses, debido a la caída de la demanda interna como producto de la suba de los precios de los cortes populares, a lo que se sumó el freno a las exportaciones.

La última medida anunciada por Moreno, comentan empresarios del sector, se debería a que el funcionario acusa a los frigoríficos de no liberar al mercado interno las cantidades de carnes acordadas oportunamente y que con el freno busca presionarlos. Según la estadística oficial, entre enero y mayo la faena de vacunos se contrajo un 27,5 por ciento en relación a igual período del año pasado, debido a la fuerte reducción de la oferta ganadera.

En otro aspecto, Carbap advirtió que podría lanzar un cese de comercialización "ante el peligroso avance de los proyectos para establecer una nueva oblea para el transporte de granos y el Estatuto del Peón Rural, propuestos por el Poder Ejecutivo, elaborados de manera unilateral sin previa consulta con las entidades sectoriales involucradas".

"La Confederación realizará las gestiones parlamentarias necesarias para rever dichos proyectos, y en la medida que estos avancen unilateralmente en el Congreso, evalúa un cese de comercialización", afirmó la entidad a través de un comunicado.

Allí destacó que "el primer proyecto obligaría a incorporar una onerosa oblea, de un costo aproximado de 50 pesos en cada Carta de Porte para el transporte de granos".

Forma parte de un acuerdo de integración energética

2010-07-10T11:43:00.002+01:00

Funcionarios de los tres países avanzaron este viernes en las negociaciones para el intercambio de electricidad y gas, a través de las empresas estatales de energía de las tres naciones.

El objetivo es mejorar la integración para ir resolviendo en conjunto las necesidades energéticas de los países integrantes tras el fuerte aumento de la demanda por el crecimiento económico y demográfico.

Técnicos especializados en energía de los tres países volverán a reunirse en Buenos Aires en dos semanas para definir la instrumentación de un Convenio Marco de Integración Energética para el intercambio de electricidad y gas.

Así lo acordaron el ministro de Planificación, Julio de Vido; el ministro de Hidrocarburos y Energía del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia, Luis Fernando Vincenti, y el ministro de Industria, Energía y Minería de Uruguay, Roberto Kreimerman.

El convenio sellado será el marco referencial de todos los futuros a suscribir entre los países participantes en materia energética que sean necesarios para avanzar en el proceso de integración, se informó.

Inicialmente, Bolivia le venderá a Uruguay un mínimo de 300 mil metros cúbicos diarios de gas natural, cuyos únicos costos se valorarán según la producción boliviana y el transporte por los gasoductos en la Argentina.

Bolivia exporta gas a Brasil a un promedio de 30 millones de metros cúbicos al día y a Argentina a razón de cinco millones de metros cúbicos al día. Por ello, Uruguay sería el tercer país en recibir el carburante boliviano, aunque Bolivia tiene limitaciones en su producción.

Críticas al poco avance del saneamiento del Riachuelo

2010-07-10T11:42:00.001+01:00

l 8 de julio de 2008, la Corte Suprema condenó al Estado Nacional, a la Provincia de Buenos Aires y a la Ciudad a sanear el Riachuelo. Ayer se cumplieron dos años de este fallo histórico, pero según las ONG del cuerpo colegiado que supervisa su cumplimiento, los trabajos de recuperación de la cuenca avanzaron poco . Otra visión tiene el juez federal de Quilmes Luis Armella, designado por la Corte para ejecutar la sentencia, que afirmó que, si bien no se va tan rápido como se desea, el balance es positivo porque por la presión judicial empezaron a hacerse algunas tareas. Mientras, la Autoridad de Cuenca Matanza-Riachuelo (ACUMAR) presentó un informe destacando que se removieron el 50% de los barcos hundidos y 800 mil metros cúbicos de basura flotante.

La causa que llegó a la Corte fue impulsada por varios vecinos del Riachuelo, encabezados por Beatriz Mendoza, que demandaron al Estado por daños y perjuicios derivados de la contaminación del curso de agua. El máximo tribunal ordenó el saneamiento de la cuenca, que se extiende a lo largo de 70 kilómetros, cubre una superficie de 2.248 kilómetros cuadrados y tiene 7 millones de habitantes.

“El fallo en su mayoría está incumplido –afirma Andrés Nápoli, el director del Area Riachuelo de la Fundación Ambientes y Recursos Naturales (FARN), una de las ONG que integran el cuerpo colegiado–. Hasta ahora sólo inspeccionaron el 29% de las industrias de la cuenca y ni una sola inició su proceso de reconversión. Este es un tema central, porque la contaminación industrial es la que más impacta en la salud de la población. Además, no han adoptado medidas para asistir sanitariamente a los habitantes de la cuenca”.

En Greenpeace, otra de las ONG del cuerpo, coinciden en que poco se hizo para controlar a las industrias. “El plan de saneamiento está enfocado en solucionar aspectos relacionados con lo paisajístico –acusa Consuelo Bilbao, de la Unidad Política de la organización–. La normativa permite seguir tirando tóxicos como mercurio, cadmio o cromo al agua, aunque más diluidos. Además, hay sólo 20 inspectores para controlar más de 15.000 industrias. Y tampoco hicieron un diagnóstico para saber cuántas hay realmente: ACUMAR tiene registradas apenas 4.100”.

Las ONG también critican la gestión de ACUMAR con respecto a los basurales a cielo abierto. En la FARN recordaron que en su momento, la ex secretaria de Medio Ambiente Romina Picolotti había dicho que había 105. Más adelante, ACUMAR señaló que eran 170. “El último informe habla de 230 –revela Nápoli–. Algunos por ahí no estaban registrados. Lo cierto es que sólo iniciaron el saneamiento del 15% de esos basurales. Y no se ha concretado un Plan Integral de Residuos Sólidos para solucionar el problema”. Geenpeace sostiene que ahora hay el doble de basurales que hace dos años. “No están tomando acciones de prevención para que no instalen más, por eso se duplicaron”, asegura Bilbao.

En la FARN dicen que tampoco fue iniciada la reestructuración y relocalización del Polo Petroquímico de Dock Sud. Y aunque afirman que ACUMAR es un buen instrumento institucional, opinan que el organismo todavía es débil. “Fue creado en 2007 y desde entonces cambió de autoridades cinco veces”, recuerda Nápoli.

El juez federal de Quilmes, Luis Armella, es más optimista. “El balance de estos dos años es positivo gracias al esfuerzo del órgano judicial –evalúa–. Se está avanzando con la red de obras sanitarias, que son obras a diez años para hacer cloacas máximas, plantas de tratamiento, colectoras y emisarios al Río de la Plata”. Para estas obras y otras de reconversión industrial, el Banco Mundial ya aprobó un crédito por $ 840 millones. Hacia fin de año se llamaría a la licitación.

Armella reconoce que el control de las industrias, la otra gran fuente de contaminación además de la falta de cloacas, es lo que más está costando. “Pero está empezando a funcionar. ACUMAR ya tiene inspectores propios. Primero se trabajó en la normativa y ahora empezaron las inspecciones”, dice.

El miércoles, ACUMAR presentó un informe detallando que ya fueron removidos 50 barcos hundidos y 800 mil metros cúbicos de basura flotante y que limpiaron 33 basurales. El presidente ejecutivo del organismo, Gustavo Villa Uría, detalló que están avanzando en el monitoreo de las industrias, el ordenamiento territorial y la urbanización de las villas. Y contó que para limpiar las márgenes trabajan con cooperativas, que se ocupan de levantar la basura flotante, desratizar y desmalezar. También proyectan activar un sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica.

Aunque las ONG afirman que al ACUMAR le faltan fondos, el organismo informó que este año cuenta con su primer presupuesto propio, de $ 43,8 millones, la mitad aportados por el Gobierno nacional. Y para 2011, según Villa Uría, la Nación aportará $ 319 millones, la Provincia $ 80 millones y la Ciudad, $ 25 millones.

Las ONG destacan el rol de la Corte y el del juez Armella. “Las cosas que se logran son gracias a su insistencia”, dice Bilbao. El magistrado sostiene: “En general, falta mucho trabajo para sanear al Riachuelo y uno quisiera más ritmo. Pero lo importante es que se está haciendo algo ”.

Asesinan de siete balazos a un comerciante chino

2010-07-10T11:38:00.001+01:00

Un encapuchado entró, mató y salió en 15 segundos. La víctima era el dueño de un supermercado en la calle Costa Rica. Lo acribillaron a sangre fría y sin robarle nada. Creen que la “mafia china” le pedía 50.000 dólares a cambio de dejarle abrir otro local.

Es un claro ajuste de cuentas entre integrantes de esa colectividad, probablemente por una extorsión de 50.000 dólares ”, aseguraron las fuentes del caso. Ayer a la mañana, uno de los dueños de un supermercado chino ubicado en pleno barrio de Palermo, fue acribillado a balazos por un hombre que quedó registrado por una cámara cuando bajaba del auto en el que escaparía apenas 15 segundos después , tras haber concretado el homicidio.

Todo ocurrió minutos después de las 8, en Costa Rica al 5.600, entre Fitz Roy y Bonpland. Chai Ken, de 43 años, acababa de abrir el supermercado y estaba parado frente a la caja registradora del local. La esposa del comerciante (que no habla castellano) estaba en los fondos del negocio. La cámara de vigilancia de una empresa que está a metros del lugar del hecho, registró el momento en que llegaba un Honda Civic gris del que bajaba un hombre vestido con una campera, encapuchado y usando guantes blancos .

El coche se detiene y pone las balizas. El asesino baja del vehículo por la puerta trasera izquierda y camina con paso apurado hacia la entrada del supermercado. En ese momento, su figura desaparece del cuadro de la imagen. Pero un poco más allá, desde el umbral de entrada al local, atacaría de siete balazos con una pistola calibre 9 milímetros a Ken, que quedó sentado en medio de un charco de sangre al pie de la caja registradora. Luego, el hombre reaparece en el video subiéndose al Civic por la misma puerta por la que había bajado y escapa junto al conductor. El vehículo desaparece por Costa Rica, en dirección a Juan B. Justo.

El video se transformó en un elemento clave para reconstruir el asesinato. Las imágenes permitieron también identificar la patente del Civic utilizado en el hecho. “Estamos trabajando sobre esa chapa, pero sería muy ingenuo haber utilizado la patente real en un homicidio como éste ”, dijeron. Ayer los investigadores ya habían ubicado a la dueña legítima de esa patente: una mujer de Caseros que aseguró haber vendido un auto con esa identificación y no haber hecho la correspondiente transferencia.

La Policía casi no tiene dudas: se trató de un ajuste de cuentas de tipo mafioso o de una amenaza saldada tras una extorsión. Fuentes de la investigación dijeron a Clarín que la víctima había recibido reiteradas advertencias en su celular .

Una de la principales trabas con las que se encontró ayer la Policía fue el hecho de que la mujer del hombre baleado no hablara castellano. Por eso buscaban un traductor. También se solicitaría la intervención de algún especialista de la embajada china, para que explique detalles paralelos al asesinato, pero que podrían estar vinculados.

En otro local ubicado a una cuadra del lugar en el que se cometió el homicidio, apareció escrita en un muro la leyenda “ 14K ”, números de teléfono y una presunta amenaza en chino. Para los investigadores, eso remite a la participación de una facción de la mafia china (conocida como “tríadas”). “Esa inscripción aparece en otro supermercado que estaba por abrir cerca del lugar. Una versión dice que pertenecería a la víctima, y que lo amenazaban con que tenía que pagar 50.000 dólares a la mafia si quería abrirlo tranquilo ”, relató una fuente.

La tríada “ 14K ” o “ 14 Kilates ” fue creada después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial por nacionalistas chinos que escapaban del comunismo en ese país. Muy activos en Hong Kong, tendrían alrededor de 30 subgrupos y más de 20.000 miembros en lugares como Amsterdam, Toronto, Nueva York, Gran Bretaña y Japón. También en la Argentina.

El crimen de Ken no tendría testigos directos, ya que su esposa estaba en el fondo del supermercado y el vigilador de la empresa contigua recién se asomó a la calle tras escuchar los disparos. Apenas alcanzó a ver cuando el Civic se fugaba. Por otra parte, el comercio recién había abierto. Una vecina dijo que la víctima vivía en el lugar: “Hace unos dos años que estaba ahí”. Más allá de los testigos, el trasfondo de este crimen encontraría respuestas en un laberinto de vínculos profundos del que mucho se habla, pero aún poco se sabe.

China mantiene en vilo a Google mientras decide sobre el futuro del buscador

2010-07-10T11:35:00.001+01:00

El futuro de la licencia de Google en China seguía en el aire hoy tras expirar el miércoles, aunque el buscador continuaba en funcionamiento.

La compañía china que opera Google.cn, Guxiang Information Technology, ha solicitado la renovación de la licencia ICP en China, pero lo hizo "tarde", según la agencia oficial Xinhua, que cita a un funcionario del gobierno, por lo que ahora hace falta tiempo "para realizar los procedimientos". "Pronto habrá una respuesta", dijo el representante.

Xinhua señala que Guxiang ha prometido "garantizar que la compañía no proveerá contenido que infrinja la ley", de acuerdo con las regulaciones chinas de censura en Internet.

La ley china prohíbe contenidos pornográficos, violentos o que intenten "subvertir el poder, minar la seguridad nacional o afectar la reputación o los intereses nacionales".

Google se encuentra enfrentado desde hace meses al gobierno chino porque no acepta seguir sometiéndose a la censura y desvía por tanto las búsquedas a la página de Hong Kong Google.com.hk. Con ello ha puesto en juego sin embargo la renovación por un año de su licencia.

La empresa intentó esta semana acercar posiciones eliminando el redireccionamiento automático e instalando un link a Hong Kong que el usuario debe activar. Sin embargo, los expertos dudan de que esta medida sea suficiente para Pekín y se preguntan qué otras concesiones podría estar dispuesto a hacer Google.

Por el momento el 'browser' sigue operando en China y se permitían la mayoría de búsquedas. Sin embargo, si se incluía el nombre del disidente encarcelado Hu Jia en chino, la página se bloqueaba.

El miércoles no funcionaba en China continental la categoría de búsqueda "sugerencias", que ofrece posibles resultados a medida que se teclea un item, según una portavoz de la firma estadounidense. Sin embargo, hoy se afirmaba que el funcionamiento era normal.

El conflicto comenzó en marzo, después de que Google fuera blanco de ataques perpetrados por hackers, que según la compañía estadounidense se efectuaron desde China y que iban dirigidos contra servidores de Google así como contra aquellos de otras empresas occidentales.

Mediante estos ataques cibernéticos, que Google sospecha procedían del gobierno chino, se trató, entre otros, de acceder a las cuentas de correo electrónico de activistas chinos pro derechos humanos. Pekín ha negado cualquier implicación y defiende un estricto control de los contenidos en Internet.

La Casa Blanca y el Kremlin intercambian espías en Viena

2010-07-10T11:32:00.001+01:00

A partir de ahora, puertas adentro, la prioridad de los responsables del espionaje ruso será esclarecer de qué modo descubrió la FBI (Oficina Federal de Investigaciones) la red de espías, un rotundo fracaso en términos de dinero y tiempo gastados para forjar la falsa identidad de los agentes expulsados, sin hablar del nulo valor de la información que –dado su irrelevante nivel de infiltración– pudieran haber remitido a Moscú desde comienzos de los años 90 del siglo XX, cuando la mayoría de ellos se instaló en territorio de Estados Unidos.

Como suele suceder en casos como éste, durante años prevalecerá la duda de que la red se vino abajo por una traición de algún agente con identidad falsa aún no descubierto, y se supone que habrá más, o de alguno de los numerosos funcionarios de la estación del SVR (Servicio de Inteligencia Exterior) en Estados Unidos, que se desempeñan con cobertura diplomática en la embajada rusa en Washington, el consulado general en Nueva York y la delegación permanente en Naciones Unidas.

También se buscará a un eventual topo en la sede del SVR en Yásenievo, en las afueras de Moscú, y no debe descartarse que el misterio seguirá sin resolverse hasta que se produzca otra traición, esta vez en el otro bando, la FBI o la CIA (Agencia Central de Inteligencia) de Estados Unidos.

Entretanto, puertas afuera, comienza también un periodo de recomposición de la relación bilateral entre Rusia y Estados Unidos. La cancillería rusa dio hoy el primer paso en ese sentido mediante un escueto comunicado que señaló que el SVR y la CIA realizaron el canje de espías por instrucciones de los dirigentes políticos de ambos países, basándose en consideraciones de carácter humanitario y en los principios de cooperación constructiva.

Este trueque –enfatiza la cancillería local– se llevó a cabo en el contexto del mejoramiento de las relaciones ruso-estadunidenses y de la nueva dinámica que adquirieron con los entendimientos alcanzados al máximo nivel entre Moscú y Washington para dar a la asociación bilateral un carácter estratégico.

Betancourt le reclamó al Estado US$6,8 millones por su secuestro

2010-07-10T11:31:00.001+01:00

La ex candidata presidencial colombiana, Ingrid Betancourt, quiere que el Estado colombiano le pague a ella y a su familia unos US$ 6,8 millones por los perjuicios morales y económicos que les causó su secuestro de más de seis años por parte de las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC).

Betancourt presentó una solicitud de conciliación extrajudicial el pasado 30 de junio, que fue denegada ayer por el Ministerio de Defensa, que se declaró “sorprendido y apesadumbrado” por la demanda.

Lo más seguro es que Betancourt quiera ahora ir a un juicio contra el Estado, cuyo veredicto puede tardar años.

Según la ex candidata presidencial, el Estado colombiano falló en su obligación constitucional de darle seguridad en el territorio nacional al momento en el que se produjo su secuestro. Mientras, el Gobierno aseguró que advirtió a la ex rehén que no fuera a la zona donde la raptaron. Sin embargo su familia sostuvo que oficiales del Ejército le dijeron a la candidata y a su jefa de campaña, Clara Rojas, que podían continuar con su viaje.

“Como es de conocimiento público, la doctora Ingrid Betancourt Pulecio, en su momento candidata presidencial, desatendió las insistentes recomendaciones de la Fuerza Pública y otras autoridades de no proseguir en su intención de viajar al municipio de San Vicente del Caguán, Caquetá, donde tenía un acto en desarrollo de su campaña política”, dijo el Ministerio de Defensa.

Aparte de Betancourt, y hasta el momento, sólo hay otro ex rehén de las FARC, el ex gobernador Alan Jara, que estudia si presenta una solicitud de compensación similar a la de Betancourt.

A diferencia del más de medio centenar de rehenes que llegaron a tener en su poder las FARC en 2002, Betancourt, Jara, Clara Rojas y el ex ministro Fernando Araújo fueron los únicos que no recibieron un sueldo durante su secuestro.

Severe angina linked to heart risk in women

2010-07-10T11:27:00.001+01:00

Canadian researchers have found that women who have the most serious form of angina are three times as likely to develop severe coronary artery disease (CAD) as men with the same condition.

The researchers looked at the records of 23,771 patients referred for first diagnostic angiography over a six-year period.

They found that women over the age of 60 with CCS Class IV angina (as defined by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society) faced a 21 per cent higher absolute risk of developing CAD than men.

The trend was robust, even in younger women under 60, who faced an 11 per cent higher absolute risk than men in the same age group.

Correct car seat use for your child safety

2010-07-10T11:21:00.002+01:00

Studies have shown the importance of car seat education and how it can avoid fatalities amongst children.

"Incorrect usage of car seats and child restraints has played a large role in motor vehicle accidents continuing to be the leading killer of children in our country," said Karen Judy, associate professor department of paediatrics Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

"No matter how short the trip, if your child is in the car he or she should be in a child safety seat," she added

Judy offers advise on how parents should ensure correct usage of car seats.

Make sure you have the correct kind of car seat for your child's age, height and weight.

a. Most infant carrier car seats only hold up to 22 pounds and should always be used in a rear-facing position.
b. Keep children rear facing as long as possible. They should not be forward facing until they are over one year and weigh more than 20 pounds.
c. Consider using a convertible car seat that has a five-point restraint. Again, keep a child in a rear-facing position for as long as possible.
d. Children should remain in forward-facing car seats till they are over 4 years old or weigh more than 40 pounds.
e. Booster seats should be used for children ages 4 to 8 or older. A child should continue to ride in a booster seat until he or she is at least 4 feet, 9 inches or taller, no matter their age.
f. Children under age 13 should never sit in the front seat because air bags are powerful and can crush a child.

Make sure the car seat is installed and used correctly.

a. Read the car seat instructions and your vehicle owner's manual thoroughly before attempting to install the seat into the car.
b. Never put a car seat in the front seat of a car.
c. Have a professional check to ensure the seat is installed correctly. Most police stations will check and install the car seat for free or visit www.seatcheck.org to find a safety seat inspection site close to you.
d. After placing a child in a car seat make sure the harness is level with the shoulders and the straps are secure and tight.

If possible, avoid buying a used car seat.

a. Car seats are expensive, but they can save your child's life. A previously owned car seat should be used only if you are certain it has never been in an accident and has all parts including instructions.
b. Seats that are six years old, or older should never be used.

Set an example.

a. Always wear your seat belt. Studies show that 40 percent of drivers without seat belts had unrestrained children passengers as well.
b. Never drink and drive. More than two-thirds of fatally injured children were killed while riding with a drunk driver.

"By taking simple, but important measures parents can protect their children from the number one killer in our nation," said Jud.

Maharashtra FDA Takes Complan to Court Over “Tall” Claims Read more: Maharashtra FDA Takes Complan to Court Over “Tall” Claims http://www.medindia.net/news/Maharashtra-FDA-Takes-Complan-to-Court-Over-Tall-Claims-71098-1.htm#ixzz0tGzyMknN

2010-07-10T11:18:00.001+01:00

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken Heinz India to court over claims that drinking Complan will add two inches to a child’s height.

The move was initiated by pediatrician Dr R K Anand, who along with the Association for Consumers' Action on Safety & Health (ACASH) studied the claims of the company. Doctors from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics were also roped in to study the veracity of Complan’s research paper.

Read more: Maharashtra FDA Takes Complan to Court Over “Tall” Claims http://www.medindia.net/news/Maharashtra-FDA-Takes-Complan-to-Court-Over-Tall-Claims-71098-1.htm#ixzz0tH0Tm6Xo

High-protein diet lowers bone density

2010-07-10T11:15:00.001+01:00

A high protein diet for obese menopausal women may help in weight loss, but it could also lower bone density, says a new research.

Wayne W. Campbell and doctoral student Minghua Tang found in their study that all of the women who ate the energy-reduced diets successfully lost weight, but the groups that consumed the higher-protein meat-containing diets also lost bone mineral density.

"However, we also found that these older women lost bone mineral density faster than women who consumed normal protein diets that did not contain any meats. This finding is of concern for this age group that is susceptible to osteoporosis," said Campbell.
“Our findings highlight that amount and sources of protein are important to consider when choosing a weight-loss diet.

“Each individual needs to evaluate, or consult with a dietician about how to achieve and sustain a healthy body weight and body composition, including muscle and bone," he added.

The findings are published online in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences and will be printed in September.

Severe angina linked to heart risk in women

2010-07-10T11:08:00.001+01:00

Canadian researchers have found that women who have the most serious form of angina are three times as likely to develop severe coronary artery disease (CAD) as men with the same condition.

The researchers looked at the records of 23,771 patients referred for first diagnostic angiography over a six-year period.

They found that women over the age of 60 with CCS Class IV angina (as defined by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society) faced a 21 per cent higher absolute risk of developing CAD than men.

The trend was robust, even in younger women under 60, who faced an 11 per cent higher absolute risk than men in the same age group.

However, when the data was adjusted for other variables commonly associated with CAD – diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and age - Class IV angina increased the risk by 82 per cent in women and 28 per cent in men.

That means that women with severe angina face a three times greater risk of developing severe CAD than men.

"CAD is the leading cause of ill health and death in men and women in the western world, accounting for over a third of deaths" says lead author Catherine Kreatsoulas from the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McMaster University, Canada.

"In fact, more women die from CAD than breast disease every year. Despite this, there is still a persistent perception that CAD is a man’s disease.

However, our research found that women with CCS Class IV angina, which means they are unable to perform any activity without symptoms and even suffer angina at rest, are significantly more likely to develop severe CAD than men with the same condition," Kreatsoulas added.

The study appears in the July issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine.

Now, a test to know whether a relationship will last

2010-07-10T11:07:00.001+01:00

Scientists have devised a new psychological test which they claim can predict whether or not a romantic relationship will last.

The study by researchers at the University of Rochester involves a word association task -- often employed to assess racism and bias -- that can reveal what partners really think about each other, even if they don't realise it.

Earlier studies that focused on directly asking couples how they feel about one another have shown that people are often unable or reluctant to express their true feelings about their partners.

"But the difficulty with that is, that assumes that they know themselves how happy they are, and that's not always the case," said study researcher Ronald D Rogge.

"To make things worse, a lot of people don't want to tell you if they're starting to feel less happy in their relationship," he was quoted as saying by the LiveScience.

Women enjoy best sex as they approach 40

2010-07-10T11:06:00.001+01:00

Despite the fact their bodies may be in decline, women are more likely to have sexual fantasies and affairs as they approach 40, a study showed.

Experts said that as women approach the milestone they may sense that their "window of opportunity" to have children is closing and their fertility is declining.

Their instinctual reaction is an increased appetite for sex, the researchers said, an explanation which could explain the rise of the "cougar" – a woman who seeks out flings with younger partners.

The survey of nearly 900 women divided respondents into three groups: those at their most fertile (aged 19 to 26), those whose fertility was declining (aged 27 to 45) and those who were approaching or had reached the menopause.

Those in the middle group were significantly more sexually driven, engaging in sex and having sexual fantasies more often than their older and younger counterparts and being more likely to have flings.

Professor David Buss said: "Results indicate women with declining fertility have greater sexual motivations and increased sexual behaviours than do women with relatively high fertility.

"These findings lend further support to the influence of the biological clock on women's mating psychology to facilitate conception before the window of opportunity closes."

Dr Pam Spurr, an expert in sex and behaviour, told the Daily Mail: "I often find it is women in their late thirties who seem to be having a lot of fun. There might be a subconscious level to this but also a conscious one – women are more informed about fertility levels falling after a certain age."

Dhoni leaves for Sri Lanka tour

2010-07-10T11:04:00.001+01:00

Newly-married Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday left for Sri Lanka to join the rest of the side for a three-match Test series and a tri-nation ODI series, starting July 18.

Dhoni, who was accompanied by his bride Sakshi Rawat, did not go with the squad on Friday as he stayed back to receive an honorary membership from the Madras Cricket Club.

The function was organised to acknowledge the Chennai Super Kings' title triumph in IPL-3 under Dhoni's leadership.

India are without pace mainstay Zaheer Khan, who is nursing a shoulder injury. In his absence, S Sreesanth and Ishant Sharma will do the duty with the new ball.

Malinga returns to Test squad

2010-07-10T10:58:00.001+01:00

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga has been named in the 16-member Sri Lanka squad for the three-Test series against India beginning on July 18, setting him up for a return to Tests after two-and-a-half years.

However, there was no place for spinner Ajantha Mendis, who tormented India during their previous Test visit two years ago.

Malinga played his last Test against England at Galle in 2007 before a knee injury laid him low and forced him out of cricket for nine months.

Malinga was cured by Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse's personal physician Dr Eliyantha White and since then his appearances for his country has been only in limited-over internationals and in Twenty20 Internationals.

Malinga's return to Test cricket was slow because the team physio did not want to push him too early to play in the longer version of the game.

However selection committee sources stated that they had got the greenlight from physio Tommy Simsek who has been monitoring Malinga's progress carefully that he was now fully fit to play in a five-day Test match.

"Malinga has nine more days before the first Test against India and we are confident he will be fit to play.

He has been bowling long spells at the nets and has shown no side effects," a selection committee source said.

Since making his Test debut against Australia at Darwin in 2004, Malinga has played in 28 Tests and captured 91 wickets.The other members of the fast-bowling department are Dilhara Fernando, Chanaka Welegedara and Dammika Prasad.

Offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan who is due to retire at the end of Galle Test has also been named in the squad along with left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and young off-spinner Suraj Randiv who is likely to take Muralitharan's place for the rest of the series.

Mendis, who became a star with 26 wickets in three Tests against India when they visited in 2008, was left out.

The Sri Lanka Board President's team to take on India in a three-day practice match ahead of the Tests was also named.

Thilan Samaraweera will lead the side which includes first-choice Test keeper Prasanna Jayawardene and promising batsmen Lahiru Thirimanne, Ashan Priyanjan and Dinesh Chandimal.

Test squad: Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Muttiah Muralitharan (vc), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Prasanna Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath, Dilhara Fernando, Dammika Prasad, Suraj Randiv, Thilina Kandamby, Chanaka Welegedara, Lahiru Thirimanne.

Sri Lanka Board President's XI: Thilan Samaraweera (capt), Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thilina Kandamby, Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), Ashan Priyanjana, Kaushal Silva, Chanaka Welegedara, Dilhara Fernando, Chaminda Vidanapathirana, Sachitra Senanayake, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Kusal Janith, Dinesh Chandimal

Dutch plot to stop Spain

2010-07-10T10:57:00.001+01:00

Arjen Robben is adamant Holland will not allow Spain to impose their own style on Sunday's World Cup final.

Germany failed to get to grips with Spain's slick passing game in their semi-final and paid the price when Carles Puyol powered home a late winner.

Even the German camp acknowledged their side sat back too far, allowing Xavi and Andres Iniesta to dictate the game, ensuring their opponents went long periods without the ball.

Robben does not believe his team-mates will make the same mistake.

"We will defend from the front," he said. "No-one here feels they are too special to get their hands dirty.

"I was really surprised with how freely Germany let Spain play on Wednesday. We have to start pressing them earlier, and far higher up the field."

Key to Holland's chances of disrupting Spain's midfield will be the performance of Mark van Bommel.

The Bayern Munich midfielder has been criticised for his robust approach and a couple of challenges in the semi-final win over Uruguay - when he was eventually booked for kicking the ball away - have come under particular scrutiny.

However, coach Bert van Marwijk does not see a problem, which is a good job given Van Bommel is his son-in-law.

"I don't agree with what people are saying," said the Holland coach.

"The yellow card on Tuesday was his first in the entire competition. He has shown a lot of discipline in his play."

History beckons and Amsterdam is waiting to party.

Having won all eight games - including two defeats of Scotland - to reach South Africa and six more to get to the final, the men tasked with wearing those distinctive orange shirts are determined not to let anyone down now.

However, Robben is not promising flair and panache, as was the case when Holland first contested the final in the 'total football' era of Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff.

The former Chelsea player just wants to win.

"I would much prefer to win a very ugly game than lose a beautiful one," said Robben.

"We can still play attractive football but we can always rely on our good organisation as well.

"If you are organised, you know one goal could be enough, which has been the case so far.

"The point is, we are in a World Cup final. From now on how you actually play no longer matters.

"Of course, the intent is there to play good football but the result is far more important.

"We have heard enough of talk about how our football is very nice. But it gets you nowhere. We want to achieve something."

Mumbai’s Spain supporters talk of octopus oracle’s predictions

2010-07-10T10:54:00.002+01:00

Mumbai: Paul, the octopus, has become the newest sensation thanks to his accurate predictions about the football World Cup match winners. The Germans are angry with him since he predicated their fall from the semis. Now for the finals, he has chosen Spain over The Netherlands.

We spoke to a few Spain supporters about how they feel about Paul’s prediction...
Mini Mathur, TV host

I think I am my own octopus as I told my husband before this World Cup that Brazil and Argentina will not go far and Spain will make it. I don’t believe in this octopus.
Deepti Gujral, model
I don’t believe in Paul. I know all his predictions have come true but I think it might have happened by fluke.
Ranvijay Singh, TV host
I think the octopus is just doing his job. But I am happy that he picked Spain.
Reema Sen, Actor
If Holland wins and Spain loses, the octopus is going to have it. Like all German fans have said, it might end up in a dish.

Naomi Campbell will give evidence in Charles Taylor's war crimes trial

2010-07-10T10:50:00.001+01:00

Naomi Campbell has confirmed she will attend the Charles Taylor trial at The Hague as per the court's request. She is a witness who has been asked to help clarify events in 1997," her spokesman said.

The war crimes court last week ordered Miss Campbell to testify on July 29 about a gift she allegedly received from the former president.

"Miss Campbell has made it clear that she is willing to help the due process of law," said the spokesman from The Outside Organisation PR firm.

"For avoidance of doubt she is not being accused of any wrongdoing and is not on trial."

Prosecutors at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague have argued that Miss Campbell's testimony could directly disprove claims made by Taylor during his two-year trial. Taylor is on trial for his alleged role in the civil war in Sierra Leone.

He is accused of arming rebels in return for diamonds illegally mined by kidnapped civilians, many of them children.

Taylor's henchmen allegedly handed the supermodel a 'huge' rough diamond after a charity dinner held at Nelson Mandela's house in 1997.

The claim was made by Mia Farrow, the Hollywood actress, who was at the same event and said Miss Campbell told her she had been given the gift. Miss Campbell has repeatedly denied that she received the diamond.

Taylor has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity carried out during the decade-long conflict, which ended in 2001.

North Korea offers to resume talks

2010-07-10T10:42:00.001+01:00

North Korea has said it is willing to return to the nuclear disarmament talks it abandoned 18 months ago, saying it will make "consistent efforts" for a peace treaty.
Pyongyang's about-turn on Saturday came after the UN Security Council condemned an attack on a South Korean warship in March that killed 46 sailors, which Seoul has blamed on the North.
The Security Council, however, did not directly state that North Korea was responsible for sinking the 1,200-ton Cheonan, prompting Sin Son Ho, North Korea ambassador to the UN, to call it "our great diplomatic victory".

The ambassador's comments were followed by a statement from North Korea's foreign ministry calling for a resumption of the talks.
"The DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] will make consistent efforts for the conclusion of a peace treaty and the denuclearisation through the six-party talks conducted on equal footing," the ministry's spokesman said.
"We take note of the ... statement saying that 'the Security Council encourages the settlement of outstanding issues on the Korean Peninsula by peaceful means to resume direct dialogue and negotiation through appropriate channels'."

Luc Carl and Lady Gaga

2010-07-10T10:39:00.002+01:00

Hot and sexy Lady Gaga is again dating with musician and bartender Luc Carl. Earlier both of them were together but due to some issues they split many years ago. But they have begun dating again in the start of this month. Lady Gaga, 24, and Carl, 29 were seen together at a New York Mets game. It seems that her new song “You and I" is about their reconciliation. Carl is from Nebraska but currently he resides in New York.

No confirmation has been received from both sides. Carl is very happy to have her in his life again. A report says that,"They've been in love for a while." But Carl should keep this thing in mind that it’s the second chance which Gaga is giving him. On Friday morning Gaga performed on Today show for full half an hour.

The 29 years old Carl is a club promoter, musician and a DJ. Now a day he is writing his memoir “The Drunk Diet: A Memoir By Luc Carl “and his book will hit the shelves in 2011. He is the owner of two bars Welcome to the Johnsons and St. Jerome’s and sometimes he also serves as a bartender in his bars. A source says that Lady Gaga loves him and her first album is just about her relationship with Luc Carl.

American recording artist Lady Gaga began her singing career in 2003. She signed a contract with Streamline Records and worked as a songwriter and singer. Lady Gaga is very popular among her fans.

Efforts on to apprehend culprits: Lahore police chief

2010-07-10T10:37:00.002+01:00

Investigators of the Inter-Services Intelligence Agency (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI), special branch, investigation wing of police and National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) will conduct a probe into the suicide attacks on the shrine of Data Ganj Bakhsh, Lahore’s police chief told the high court on Friday.

The chief justice of the Lahore High Court was holding proceedings of a suo motu notice into the twin suicide hits on the shrine, apparently the result of a security lapse.

Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Muhammad Aslam Tareen, in his written report about the progress in investigation into the blasts, said concerted efforts are being made to apprehend the real culprits. The home department has constituted a joint investigation team including deputy inspector general (DIG) investigation, senior superintendent of police (SSP) investigation, representatives of ISI, MI and special branch for the purpose.

The CCPO said DIG investigation had collected the remains of human corpses from the scene of the assault and sent them to the forensic science laboratory for DNA tests. The report would be received in 15 days.

The director-general of the NCMC has been requested to provide technical assistance through NADRA, including verification of fingerprints and facial recognition, to help finalise the case, the report said.

In this regard statements of police officials, volunteers (Razakars) and other people on duty have been recorded.

Material collected from the spot, including pieces of suicide jackets and explosives used in the attacks, have been sent to Civil DefenCe for analysis. Footage grabbed by CCTV cameras has been sent to the director-general forensic science laboratory for enlargement of photographs through modern digital technology. The statement of former mayor of Lahore Khawaja Riaz Mahmood had also been recorded, the report said.

The DIG has requested sector commanders of ISI and MI Punjab and additional IGP special branch to nominate their representatives in the team, the report concluded.

The chief justice adjourned the case until July 23, as DNA test results are awaited. “During this period I want to see progress in the case,” the CJ remarked.

Through a verbal request Khawaja Riaz Mahmood asked the chief justice to issue directions to the police and administration to open more entry points of the shrine as only one door was opened and thousands of devotees were facing hardships. At this, the chief justice remarked that it was up to the CCPO and Auqaf department to make any decision by keeping security of the shrine uppermost. Taking the suo motu notice during his visit to the shrine, the CJ had directed the CCPO to arrest the actual culprits and not to show lethargy in this regard.

On July 5, CCPO had informed the court that security had been tightened at Data Darbar and others shrines in the city. During the course of proceedings, the CCPO admitted that poor security arrangements let the suicide attackers accomplish their evil motive.

During the previous hearing, the CJ had observed that involvement of “Blackwater” had also been discussed in some media reports, so police should also investigate this aspect.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2010.

Rawalpindi ATC issues warrants for Kasab, Ansari

2010-07-10T10:35:00.001+01:00

ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorist Court in Rawalpindi on Saturday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Ajmal Kasab and Faheem Ansari in the Mumbai attack case, FIA sources told Dawn News.

The sources said the warrants will be sent to the Indian government.

Earlier, Pakistan had requested the Indian government for the custody of Kasab and Ansari.

The court has adjourned the case's hearing till July 24. — DawnNews

Lohan 'scared to death' of jail, plans to appeal

2010-07-10T10:33:00.001+01:00

LOS ANGELES — Lindsay Lohan is "scared to death" about going to jail, and is planning to appeal her 90-day sentence with a new lawyer, her mother Dina Lohan said in an interview.

"She's a fighter, and until the final result — we're not giving up," Dina Lohan told celebrity news television show Entertainment Tonight in an interview to be broadcast on Friday.
"I think it's time we get another attorney just to see it from another light and do damage control," she added, saying her daughter hoped to file an appeal.

The "Mean Girls" actress is due to start her three-month jail term on July 20. She was ordered to jail by a Beverly Hills judge who ruled on Tuesday that Lohan, 24, had violated her probation for a 2007 drunk driving and cocaine possession case because she had failed to attend weekly alcohol education classes imposed by the court.
Lohan's lawyer abruptly quit on Thursday, hours after issuing a statement calling the sentence "harsh and unfair" but stating that Lohan was prepared to serve her jail time and comply with the court's orders."
Lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley did not give a reason for leaving, but Dina Lohan suggested Lohan's team was unhappy with Holley's handling of the case.
"I feel like Shawn, Lindsay's attorney, should have stood up (in court on Tuesday) and said, 'Listen, I didn't know you were going to have witnesses.' We would have had ten witnesses. We didn't get a shot. We didn't get a shot at fairness," Dina Lohan said.
Lohan was stunned by the sentence, breaking into sobs in court in a hearing that was streamed live on celebrity news site TMZ.com. TV industry paper Broadcasting & Cable said that 2.3 million people watched Tuesday's hearing on TMZ.com — a bigger audience than some TV shows command.
"It's very difficult, we're not sleeping well, we're not functioning. We cry a lot and we hug a lot. She's petrified, we all are. We're angry. We're disappointed in the system," Dina Lohan said. "Lindsay's scared to death."
Asked if her daughter could survive jail, she said; "You know, she's strong, but until someone faces something as devastating as that...we're going to have to see...God willing it won't happen."

Dina Lohan said she and Lindsay were spending hours researching case law.

Lindsay Lohan sent out a stream of messages on her Twitter account earlier this week citing articles in the United Nations Human Rights declaration regarding torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments.

Lohan rose to fame as a child actress in "The Parent Trap" and later movies like "Freaky Friday" established her as one of Hollywood's most promising young actresses.

But her career has spiraled downward since 2007, when she made three trips to rehab and spent 84 minutes in jail on the drunk driving offense.

Lady Gaga Fans Display Their Monster Finery Before 'Today' Show

2010-07-10T10:31:00.002+01:00

NEW YORK — The heat wave was still lingering in the city, but that didn't stop devoted Lady Gaga fans from getting decked out in their most inspired looks before waiting overnight in Rockefeller Plaza to see their idol perform for the "Today" show on Friday morning (July 9). From a sea of blond wigs to dangerously high heels, the Gaga footprint was everywhere.

Some fans rocked styles straight from her music videos as a tribute to the pop princess. Others took a cue from Gaga's unique sense of style to put together original eye-catching outfits.

"Telephone" seemed to be the biggest inspiration of the night. MTV News caught sight of fans who had soda-can rollers tucked in their hair and glasses made out of fake cigarettes as a nod to Gaga's looks in the video. Some "little monsters" wore lacy leggings and studded tops, and many wrapped yellow caution tape around themselves.

Then there were the fans who got even more creative. One woman bought a strapless dress and adorned it with yellow flowers, while another used a piece of pleather to make an outfit.

Will Avandia Be Yanked Off the Market?

2010-07-10T10:29:00.002+01:00

The Food and Drug Administration's meeting next week to decide the fate of the blockbuster diabetes drug Avandia promises to be a nail-biter—on a par with last night's ESPN special to reveal which lucky team basketball star LeBron James had chosen. But just like ESPN's LeBron prognosticators, I'll make a prediction: I'm guessing Avandia's fate may already be decided—if the meeting materials posted by the FDA today are any indication. While some prominent researchers (including those at the FDA) have demonstrated that Avandia is associated with an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, and heart-related deaths, clinical trials conducted by manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline have found no increase in cardiovascular risks.

But here's the rub: When Thomas Marciniak, an FDA medical team leader, analyzed one of the recent GSK-sponsored trials, he discovered that the company had made mistakes in its data analysis and that increased heart risks were indeed present in Avandia users. In some cases, the researchers who conducted the so-called "Record" study, one of the trials cited by GSK, failed to count heart attacks and hospitalizations as heart-related conditions and didn't investigate some deaths in Avandia users to see whether they may have been caused by the drug. In a memo posted today on the FDA website, Marciniak called the study "inadequately designed" and alleged it was conducted to reassure the public of the drug's safety even though the data suggested otherwise. Another analysis comparing Avandia with Actos, the only other diabetes drug in the same class, found that the likelihood of major heart events like heart attacks or strokes "tended to be less" with Actos and "tended to be greater" with Avandia, according to FDA statistician Bradley McEvoy.

Video: What Is Diabetes?

Raoul Moat dies after shooting himself during armed police stand-off

2010-07-10T10:26:00.001+01:00

shot himself in the head despite attempts by police negotiators to persuade him to give himself up.

The stand off began when Moat was spotted on the riverbank in Rothbury, Northumbria, on Friday night.

BP Readies New Plan to Contain Oil Leak

2010-07-10T10:24:00.002+01:00

BP said in a letter to the federal government's spill recovery coordinator Friday that it would commence work on a new containment cap because there was a good weather window even though it means more oil will flow into the Gulf temporarily.

The letter came in response to Ret. Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen's demands that BP outline its plans. BP projected it could finish the new-cap operation in five days if it doesn't encounter any unexpected hurdles. Its contingency plan puts the finish time as nine days from commencement of the work. If all goes well, the new system could stop the flow of oil into the Gulf, which has despoiled the fragile coast, rendering some fishing area off limits and soaking untold numbers of sealife in toxic crude.

However, removal of the cap in place now before another collection vessel is brought into full operation would mean significantly more oil would gush into the Gulf as work on the new containment system progresses.

Ben Casselman has details. Plus, behind the rally in stocks and World Cup Preview.

BP declined to comment on the contents of its letter.

US considered spy swap before arrest of Russian agents

2010-07-10T10:22:00.001+01:00

The US considered the possibility of a spy swap with Moscow more than two weeks before it arrested 10 Russian agents, US officials said.

President Barack Obama was briefed on the ring on 11 June, 13 days before he hosted the Russian president at the White House and 16 before the arrests.

No decision was made on the swap until after the arrests, the officials said.

The 10 agents were swapped in Vienna on Friday for four Russians convicted of spying for the West.

Planning to leave

The timeline of the spy ring case in the US suggests American intelligence agencies were tracking the Russian agents for up to a decade.

Fix now to stem your mortgage worries

2010-07-09T16:17:00.004+01:00

Ray Boulger, at mortgage broker John Charcol, said he would expect any fall in lending to be modest. "As a result of many mainstream lenders' tighter criteria we are transacting increasing amounts of business with private banks and other niche lenders, often at better rates than are available on the high street, and we don't expect their appetite to diminish," he said.

UK trade gap hits two-year high

2010-07-09T16:16:00.002+01:00

Britain's trade gap has hit the highest level in two years, as growth in exports stalled.

The trade in goods and services gap widened unexpectedly to £3.8bn in May, the worst since July 2008, the Office for National Statistics said this morning. The deficit on trade in goods rose to £8bn, the highest since January and compared with £7.4bn in April. Exports went up less than £100m, or 0.2%, to £21.5bn, while imports climbed £700m, or 2.4%, to £29.5bn.

"The trade figures are disappointing again," said Philip Shaw, chief economist at Investec. "The long awaited surge in exports has yet to happen. Export values have stalled month-on-month. Weakness of eurozone domestic demand is probably the main factor here."

Vicky Redwood at Capital Economics agreed. "Coming on top of the recent weakening in survey measures of export orders, the chances of a significant trade boost in the near term are looking less and less promising."

A sharp slowdown in British export orders last month, according to the Markit/CIPS manufacturing survey, has sparked concerns that the recovery in manufacturing could soon run out of steam.

The figures suggest that a stronger pound, coupled with the European debt crisis and signs of a slowdown in China and the rest of Asia, are starting to damage British sales overseas.

Alan Clarke, at BNP Paribas, said: "The faster pace of increase in imports is going to make it very hard for net exports to contribute strongly to GDP growth for the time being. We suspect that domestic demand will begin to slow later in the year which may help to moderate the pace of import growth. However, for now if we are hoping that net exports are going to be the engine of growth that drives the economy out of recession, I fear we are going to be disappointed."

Sterling slid on the trade numbers, dropping 15 points to $1.5180, before recovering and hitting the day's highs against the dollar and the euro.

Separate figures showed that inflation at the factory gate slowed more than expected to a three-month low in June. The annual rate in producer output prices dropped to 5.1% from 5.5%, with prices falling 0.3% on the month. The cost of raw materials also declined.

Morning Line: Steve Webb, this is no way to handle pension changes

2010-07-09T16:15:00.003+01:00

Once again we have a government measure shattering confidence in the idea of saving into a pension. Pensioners and workers will rightly feel they are having the carpet swept from under them as the level of income they can expect in retirement will now fall by following a different measure of inflation.

As with all things connected to pensions – like Gordon Brown’s dividend tax raid on pensions in 1997 – the impact of this switch will only be felt by people over the longer term. Initially the impact on pension incomes from CPI indexation will be small but will gather force as the years go by. After a lengthy retirement individuals could be receiving a pension that is up to 25% lower than it would have been under the link to RPI.

We really expected better from pensions minister Steve Webb, a Lib Dem MP who has established a reputation as someone who understands the need for genuine and effective reform in this dizzyingly complex area.

Farewell to GMTV as ITV announces new breakfast show Daybreak Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1293387/Farewell-GMTV-ITV-announces-new-breakfast-Daybreak.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0tCEQRHLh

2010-07-09T15:42:00.001+01:00

Chiles and Bleakley will anchor the new show, they will also be supported by a group of special correspondents, with Kate Garraway and Helen Fospero expected to stay on from the GMTV team.
Daybreak will include a mix of news, exclusive interviews, consumer items, plus health, sport, human interest and lifestyle features.
After weeks of dithering, Northern Irish Bleakley, 31, defected to ITV last month after BBC withdrew their offer of a £900,000 two-year deal to continue hosting The One Show.

First picture of Dannii's baby

2010-07-09T15:38:00.001+01:00

POP SINGER Dannii Minogue said she and model boyfriend Kris Smith were loving being with their new son, as she released the first photo of baby Ethan on Twitter.

The first-time mother looks relaxed and happy alongside baby Ethan Edward Smith, who was born on Monday at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne.

''Hey everyone, thanks for all your wishes, we are loving baby Ethan and Kris is the best dad in the world. X,'' Minogue says in her tweet, with the photo, posted yesterday.

Queen to become great-grandmother in December

2010-07-09T15:37:00.001+01:00

Princess Anne's oldest son Peter Phillips, who is eleventh in line to the throne, and his Canadian wife Autumn are expecting their first child in December.
"The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as well as Autumn's family have been informed and are delighted with the news," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
Phillips, 32, was the first, and so far only, grandchild of the Queen to marry despite constant media speculation about some of her other grandchildren Prince Harry, Prince William and Phillips' sister, sportswoman Zara.
The couple, who courted controversy by selling the rights to their wedding to Hello! magazine for a reported 500,000 pounds, live in Hong Kong, where he works for the Royal Bank of Scotland.
(Reporting by Deborah Cicurel)

Hough 'blames himself for Cole illness'

2010-07-09T15:25:00.002+01:00

The pop star and X Factor judge was diagnosed with malaria last week after collapsing during a photoshoot and was later admitted to a London clinic where she continues to recover.

The '3 Words' singer is believed to have contracted the disease during a trip to Tanzania with Hough, who was recently said to be "mortified" over Cole's illness.

Hough's stepfather Aaron Nelson told The Sun that the dancer feels "guilty" and is struggling to hold it together.

"Derek feels guilty. He is very distressed about all this," Nelson said. "He feels he has done this to her. He rang his mum yesterday in tears.

"Derek feels it's all his fault. He organised the holiday as something wonderful. For it to end up like this is terrible. He feels dreadful. He really loves her."

It was recently revealed that Cole's condition is worse than initially thought as her condition shows "no signs of improvement".

Kuyt - I want to stay at Reds

2010-07-09T15:23:00.001+01:00

The managerial uncertainty has since been put to a close, however, and Hodgson's appointment from Fulham appears to have steadied the nerves of the club's star names - who were thought to be heading for the exit.
And Kuyt says he will hold talks with the new boss to discuss their plans for next season, giving the 62-year-old a lift as he looks to mould his team for the new campaign.

"Of course I want to stay," said Kuyt."Liverpool is a great club with a great history.
"Unfortunately in my four years I haven't won anything but hopefully in the future, I will still have that chance.
"We will have to see what happens but hopefully the manager wants me to stay.
"I spoke to people at the club and I know he wants to speak with me. But it is very difficult at the moment because we are so busy and focus on what lies ahead."
Holland's exploits have been in stark contrast to Liverpool's this season, with Kuyt helping his team to the cusp of glory in Sunday's final.
Only Spain stand in the way of Oranje winning their first ever World Cup and Kuyt is relieved to be ending the season on a high after a turbulent campaign on Merseyside.
The Reds finished last season in seventh-place, which saw them miss out on Champions League football and added to off-the-field disturbances surrounding the troubled club.
Kuyt says winning the crown would be an ideal antidote to a trophy-less season at Liverpool - revealing his satisfaction at earning his place in Bert van Marwijk's side.
The 29-year-old added: "It is really satisfying to end the season like this. It has been a long and hard season at Liverpool.
"Mentally it has been tough. You play for a club like that to win trophies and it did not happen.
"Thankfully, the Dutch manager gave me a week off after I had finished with Liverpool so I could focus on this tournament.
"That was good for me. Afterwards I trained hard. I fought for my place in the team. I am enjoying myself now and here we are in the final."

Iranians still facing death by stoning despite 'reprieve'

2010-07-09T15:21:00.001+01:00

Twelve Iranian women and three men are on death row awaiting execution by stoning despite an apparent last-minute reprieve for a mother of two who had been facing the horrific sentence after being convicted of adultery.

Human rights groups and activists welcomed a wave of international publicity and protests over the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, 43, who was awaiting execution in the western Iranian town of Tabriz after what her lawyer called an unjust trial and a sham conviction.
The Iranian embassy in London said in a statement that "according to information from the relevant judicial authorities" the stoning would not go ahead. If confirmed it would be an victory for a brief but intense campaign that was first highlighted by the Guardian last week.
However, there are still concerns over her plight. In a previous case a prisoner who was to be stoned was instead executed by hanging.
Speaking to this paper Mohammadi Ashtiani's son Sajad, said his mother – whom he had spoken to by telephone – believed the pressure on her behalf might succeed, although he had not heard of any reprieve. "The campaign for her release is going very well," he said. "They gave me permission to talk to her and she was very thankful to the people of the world for supporting her. I'm very happy that so many have joined me in protesting this injustice. It was the first time in years I heard any hope in my mother's voice."
Without a reprieve, Mohammadi Ashtiani would have been buried up to her neck before being pelted with stones large enough to cause pain but not so large as to kill her immediately. Iran routinely censors information about executions, but all the 12 other women on death row have been convicted on adultery charges, as has one of the three men.
Azar Bagheri, 19, was arrested when she was 15 after her husband accused her of seeing another man. She has been subjected to mock stonings along with partial burial in the ground.
Ashraf Kalhori, 40, also sentenced to death by stoning, was forced to confess to a relationship with her husband's murderer, and has been in Tehran's Evin prison for seven years, according to her lawyer.
In one especially gruesome case, Maryam Ayubi, another alleged adulteress, fainted while being ritually washed before her execution in 2001 and was stoned to death while strapped to a stretcher. Outrage over that led to the marking of 11 July as the annual international day against stoning – which will see demonstrations at the Iran embassy in London.
Iranian activists say the tragedy is that the families of those sentenced to death often ignore them. "It doesn't matter to them whether the charge of adultery is true or not because the honour of the family is tainted so they forget the poor creature awaiting death," said Soheila Vahdati, who is now based in California.
"It's not possible to talk about these prisoners in public because their families don't want their names mentioned or their pictures published. Their families don't want to defend them neither. Mohammadi Ashtiani's case is amazing because her children are campaigning for her courageously and said that their mother is innocent."
Shammameh Ghorbani, who is awaiting stoning, begged not to be freed from prison because she feared being killed by her family.
Shadi Sadr, an acclaimed Iranian lawyer, said it was hard to know exactly how many people were still facing stoning. Last year the Iranian parliament passed a law banning it, but the powerful Guardian Council has been silent on the issue.
"Many women are kept in prison because the government is very scared of the public attention," Sadr said. "One of my clients has been there for eight years and her family have abandoned her."
Publicity helps. "The only reason the Iranian government has not carried out stoning sentences on all these people is that it is afraid of Iranian public reaction and international attention," said Sadr.
The embassy said in its statement: "This kind of punishment has rarely been implemented in Iran" and condemned media reports about the case as unreliable.
The 12 women on death row also include Mariam Ghorbanzadeh, 25, Iran Iskandari, 31, Kheyrieh Valania, 42, Sarimeh Sajadi, 30, Kobra Babaei, and Afsaneh R.
Mohammadi Ashtiani was convicted of having "illicit relationships" with two men. But her lawyer, Mohammad Mostafaie, insisted there was no evidence to justify an adultery conviction. As a member of Iran's Azerbaijani minority, her inability to understand the language of the court also prevented a fair trial, he said.
William Hague, the foreign secretary, added his voice to the outrage today, condemning a "medieval punishment that has no place in the modern world". He added: "The continued use of such a punishment in Iran demonstrates a blatant disregard for international human rights commitments ... as well as the interests of its people. I call on Iran to put an immediate stay to the execution of Ms Mohammadi Ashtiani on the charge of adultery and review the process by which she was tried, and her sentence.
"She has already faced the disgraceful punishment of 99 lashes for adultery; her execution would disgust and appal the watching world."
Actors Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Juliette Binoche and playwright Sir David Hare have backed the appeal to halt the stoning. John Bercow, the Commons speaker, made a rare statement condemning a "horrific" matter and a "grotesque abuse" of human rights.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a party, requires states that have not yet abolished the death penalty to restrict its use to the "most serious crimes". The United Nations general assembly has called on all states to introduce a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

Primark and Topshop beware: Tesco set to open standalone High Street fashion stores Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1293381/Primark-Topshop-beware-Tesco-set-open-standalone-High-Street-fashion-stores.html#ixzz0tC8xexqs

2010-07-09T15:20:00.001+01:00

'cheap chic' fashion supermarket could be opened by Tesco in a major challenge to Primark and Topshop.

The supermarket has been tempted by the success of Primark, which has reported a 7per cent surge in sales over the last four months compared to a year ago.
It is understood the company is looking to open a first flagship store of 6,000 square feet under the name of its F&F clothing label, which was previously known as Florence & Fred.
The details were let slip in comments by the former head of clothing at Tesco, Terry Green, who is now a consultant to the chain.
He told fashion industry magazine, Drapers: 'We're looking for a store in the West End as a flagship for F&F. It will be a one-off to showcase the brand and complement our online and supermarket offer.'
However, it appears Mr Green may have jumped the gun, for the company subsequently refused to confirm the plans.
The chain has made a huge success of extending its brand beyond bread and baked beans into home entertainment, furniture, electrical goods and banking.
Clothing and fashion are also becoming a much bigger element of its larger stores and industry experts can see the value of opening specialist outlets.

Tesco launched a 'couture' range in March in what was seen as a major move up market and away from its cheap T-shirts and fast fashions.
The 16 items, which will sell for £40 to £140, are designed to compete directly with specialist fashion stores.
It is not alone among supermarkets in trying to force its way into this fashion territory area. Asda has the very successful George range, while Sainsbury's offers Tu.

Fire Breaks Out At Heathrow Airport

2010-07-09T15:17:00.002+01:00

Dozens of firefighters are tackling the blaze in a cargo area at the airport.

A message from Heathrow posted on Twitter said: "Heathrow is open and flights are operating normally."

The warehouse belongs to Servisair who provide ground services including cargo, fuel, de-icing, and buses from the planes to terminals.

A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said 100 firefighters and 20 fire engines were involved in the operation.

He said about 200 people were evacuated from the warehouse but there were no reports of any injuries or anybody trapped in the building.

The spokesman said the blaze was "substantial" but its cause was unknown at this stage.

European Central Bank sees debt fears easing

2010-07-09T15:16:00.002+01:00

His comments came during a news conference after the widely anticipated announcement that the bank had kept its benchmark refinancing rate untouched at a record low of 1 per cent, saying recent data don't support "excessively pessimistic" views.

Trichet dismissed suggestions that the outcome could add to Europe's ongoing debt crisis by revealing new problems.

He said the ECB has been "convinced since the very beginning that transparency has its virtue, and that it is good that the market … can see exactly what is the result of those tests.

"We think that it is confidence-building," he told reporters

The test are aimed at easing market fears about the exposure of banks to the risk countries such as Greece, Portugal or Spain will default, and are designed to show how banks would cope if circumstances worsen.

The tests will cover 91 banks in Europe, which represent 65 per cent of the European banking sector, and will test how the banks would perform if economic growth falls three per cent below official forecasts.

Results are to be published July 23. French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde has predicted they will show European banks are "solid and healthy."

Rigour of tests questioned

Vancouver-based Citizens Bank dismissed the usefulness of the stress tests.

"Given the real possibility exists that Greece will most certainly default on its debts, many in the markets believe that these tests are not rigorous enough," it said in a commentary.

"At the risk of sounding cynical, the results of these bank stress tests are designed to calm investors' fears; is it reasonable to believe that the report cards will give a failing grade to the entire European financial system?"

Google says China partly blocks search service

2010-07-09T15:15:00.001+01:00

Company awaits Beijing's decision on whether to renew its operating licence

Private pensions CPI link branded a "stealth cut"

2010-07-09T15:14:00.002+01:00

Pensions minister Steve Webb (pictured) said: "The government believes the CPI provides a more appropriate measure of pension recipients' inflation experiences and is also consistent with the measure of inflation used by the Bank of England.

"We believe, therefore, it is right to use the same index in determining increases for all occupational pensions and payments made by the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) and Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)."
In order to implement the policy, Webb confirmed "small changes" to legislation would need to be brought before parliament "at the earliest opportunity".
The National Association of Pension Funds welcomed the move, claiming it would give trustees and fund managers greater flexibility. Chief executive Joanne Segars added: "This gives final salary pensions some breathing space, and it will make it a little easier for firms to keep schemes open."
However, TUC general secretary Brendan Barber branded the change a "stealth cut".
"The new Government undoubtedly deserves praise for their early commitment to linking the state retirement pension to the higher of earnings or prices but it now looks as if most other pensions will go up less than they used to in most years," Barber said.
"Over someone's whole retirement this will add up to a significant loss. This is a stealth cut on the pensions of middle income Britain."

OBR under new pressure for cutting job loss forecast before Osborne's budget

2010-07-09T15:13:00.002+01:00

The government's new tax and spending watchdog was plunged into fresh controversy last night after it was revealed that the Office for Budget Responsibility slashed its forecasts for expected job losses from George Osborne's austerity package in the days leading up to last month's budget.
Treasury sources confirmed that the OBR had made "methodological changes" to its forecasts in the 10 days leading up to the chancellor's emergency package of measures which led to a far smaller reduction in public sector employment over the next five years.

The OBR said last week that 499,000 jobs would be lost in the public sector as a result of the deepest cuts in government spending since the second world war, but reduced the total by 175,000 after making assumptions about pensions and pay.
A Treasury spokesman denied last night that any pressure had been put on the OBR to make its forecasts for job losses more politically acceptable to the coalition government. "The OBR themselves made some methodological changes between the pre-budget report and the budget. The Treasury did not put any pressure on the OBR to make the employment forecasts more favourable to the government."
But Sir Alan Budd, the interim head of the OBR is expected to face searching questions over the changes when he appears at the Treasury committee next Tuesday.
The OBR rushed out details of its employment forecasts the day the Guardian revealed details of internal Treasury estimates showing that the budget would cost up to 1.3m jobs in the public and private sectors during the current parliament. Budd announced earlier this week that he would be leaving the OBR at the end of the month, although the Treasury said this was a planned departure and had nothing to do with the questions asked about the watchdog's independence in the wake of the jobs' announcement.
The OBR made the changes to its employment forecasts in the 10 days between its pre-budget report and the budget on 22 June. Its new forecasts showed that job losses in the public sector would be just under 500,000 by 2014-15 – only slightly higher than the 460,000 under plans previously announced by Labour – rising to just over 600,000 by 2015-16.
However, the original estimates from the OBR showed that by 2015-2016 public sector job losses would be just short of 800,000.

Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan

2010-07-09T15:07:00.001+01:00

Royal Marine has been killed in an explosion while on a foot patrol in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence announced today. He is the 314th member of UK forces killed in the country since the start of operations in 2001.

The marine, from 40 Commando Royal Marines, died yesterday in the remote and dangerous Sangin area of Helmand province, where 101 of the military fatalities have taken place.
Earlier this week the defence secretary, Liam Fox, announced that British troops are to pull out of Sangin and be replaced by US forces.
A spokesman for British troops in the country, Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, said the marine was on a foot patrol with fellow marines and Afghan soldiers when they were hit by an explosion.
Carr-Smith added: "He died a marine, in the course of his duty and whilst improving the lives of local nationals in Sangin. His bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will remember him."
The marine's family have been informed, but his name has not yet been released.

Archbishops face test of authority over women bishops at Synod

2010-07-09T15:05:00.002+01:00

If their plan – which involves creating a new class of male-only “nominated bishops” who would look after parishes that oppose female leadership in the Church – is accepted it would likely stop Anglo-Catholics and conservative evangelicals leaving.
But it would anger liberals who want women bishops to be equal to their male counterparts rather than “second-class” clerics, and reaction so far has been mixed.

If the gamble by Dr Rowan Williams and Dr John Sentamu does not pay off, it will be widely seen as a failure of leadership as well as prompting more talk about defections to Rome – followed by compensation claims from disaffected clergy and legal battles over the ownership of churches that it many cases predate the Reformation.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is already under pressure from the progressive wing of the Anglican Communion after he prevented an old friend, the openly homosexual cleric Dr Jeffrey John, from becoming a bishop for the second time.
Although sexuality and the appointment of the next Bishop of Southwark are not on the agenda for the gathering at York University - the last of the “quinquennium”, or five-year parliament – it is likely they will be raised during debates and a formal question session.
The Archdeacon of Northampton, the Ven Christine Allsopp, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Synod should favour the simplified plan put forward by the Revision Committee that provides a “code of practice” to cater for opponents of women bishops.
“My hope is that people will gather around that particular draft measure and vote for it.”
She added: “I personally find it very difficult and very embarrassing trying to explain this to people who find it quite extraordinary.
“We must move forward with this because it is damaging.”
Dr Philip Giddings, a prominent lay member of Synod from Oxford diocese, agreed that the majority in the Church agree that women should be allowed to become bishops but went on: “The issue is how we can continue together given that there are a significant number of people who cannot accept this development.
“We have to look very carefully at what will enable that part of the church to minister faithfully without undermining the position of the women who will be bishops. It is not going to be easy.”
Whatever legislation is agreed by Synod over the weekend will be sent out to each diocese in England for approval and would then need to be voted through by a two-third majority in each house of Synod – clergy, laity and bishops – in 2012.
It would then have to become law and so the first woman is unlikely to don a mitre before 2014.

Queen to add new title: Great grandmother

2010-07-09T15:04:00.003+01:00

LONDON — Buckingham Palace says Peter Phillips and his wife, Autumn, are expecting their first child in December, a baby who will be Queen Elizabeth II's first great-grandchild.

A statement issued Friday by the palace said "the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, as well as Autumn's family, have been informed and are delighted with the news."

Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, is the queen's oldest grandchild. He is 11th in line to the throne, and married Montreal-born Autumn in May 2008 at Windsor Castle.

Phillips, 32, is among the most low-profile members of the royal family, and he and his younger sister, Zara, are the only ones among the queen's eight grandchildren not to hold royal titles. Princess Anne turned down her mother's offer of the honors for her children.

Tory minister's healthy school meals cock-up sparks Jamie Oliver fury Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2010/07/09/tory-minister-s-healthy-school-meals-cock-up-sparks-jamie-oliver-fury-115875-22399623/#ixzz0tC4TQatw Get your free copy of the new Prince album 20TEN exclusive with the Daily Mirror on Saturday 10 July Free Prince 20TEN

2010-07-09T15:02:00.003+01:00

Oliver yesterday turned up the heat on half-baked Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.
The TV chef hailed figures revealing the number of pupils taking school dinners is rising - and which prove the hapless Tory disastrously wrong.
Jamie's vision has led to healthier school meals and he said the statistics were "massively encouraging".
He said: "Some people in government might look at the figures and think it's time to take the foot off the gas because it's a success story.
"That would be wrong. Now is the time to move up a gear. This is the time to invest in those schools who still have problems with training for dinner ladies or have a dining area that's too small or uninviting.

Frank’s for the memories

2010-07-09T15:00:00.002+01:00

than 5,000 people packed into the Castlefield Arena for an evening of laughter and song in tribute to cult comic Frank Sidebottom.

Chris Sievey, the man behind Frank, died last month aged 54 after a short battle with cancer.
Famous names from the world of showbiz shared anecdotes about the Timperley-born comedian. But the star of the show was Frank himself, as video footage of his best moments had the audience in stitches.
Headlining the night was Damien Gough – Badly Drawn Boy – who played a 15-minute solo set. Friends of Frank, including DJ Mark Radcliffe and writer Jon Ronson, described him as ‘a genius performer’.
The three-hour long festival of music and comedy was compered by Chris’s brother Martin, who presented himself as Hank Sidebottom, and ran through a number of the star’s hit songs including Born In Timperley – to the tune of Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA. Sievey’s sons Sterling, 31, and Harry 18, had helped organise the gig and said they were overwhelmed by the fans’ response.
Harry, who later performed with his father’s original band The Freshies, said: "We grew up with these songs and have always been really proud of what dad did. But we weren’t expecting all of this. It’s really amazing that this gig has taken place."
The audience roared with laughter as never-seen-before footage of Frank humiliating Smith’s drummer Mick Joyce was screened. Many of the crowd dressed in costumes and others wore t-shirts and buttons in tribute to Frank.
Contemporaries of the late comic rubbed shoulders with younger fans of his children’s TV broadcasts and even those too young to remember Frank himself.
Accounts clerk Christian Yates, 33, from Saddleworth brought one-year-old son Seth to the gig. He said: "Frank was such a cult figure. I remember watching him as a child and even then I knew he was a perfectly realised character."
Printer Michael Eaves, 50, from Dukinfield, played in the Sunday league football team the comic set up. He said: "As Frank Sidebottom you either loved or hated him. But as Chris he was a really decent bloke."

La Bête, Comedy Theatre, London

2010-07-09T14:59:00.001+01:00

La bête" is a beast and a fool in French, and it's one of the puzzles in Matthew Warchus's colourfully inflated, Broadway-bound revival of this 1991, 17th-century oddity that you never really know to whom the title refers: the actor, the writer or the patron. These are the three protagonists in a stylish, one-off rhyming text by American playwright David Hirson, and they are played by Mark Rylance, David Hyde Pierce and Joanna Lumley.

For about one hour, the show is enjoyable because it's so intriguing. A magnificently lit banquet is in progress on the Languedoc estate of the princess. The stage then literally deliquesces in Mark Thompson's design into a grand library where battle is joined between the favoured playwright, Elomire (ie Molière) and the upstart vaudevillian Valère, played with Ken Dodd comedy teeth by Rylance, spitting on every line and chomping on his own integrity.

But what is Hirson actually proposing? An argument about the theatre, the conflict between intellectual and commercial, and an age-old bust-up between old and new orders in show business?

It should be more than enough, but the play runs badly out of steam in the last 45 minutes, which seem to go on forever. But Rylance makes a virtuoso triumph of his uninterrupted 40-minute monologue, despite the lack of stage vivacity around him.

Ms Lumley is gorgeous and beautifully coiffed and dressed, but you don't know, really, where she's coming from. Hyde Pierce's banked-down acting is a subtle delight, and Rylance proves yet again his astonishing, protean versatility. But his Valère is a feeble follow-up to his shape-shifting Johnny Rooster in Jerusalem in a play that promises much more than it delivers and ends up curling into a cul-de-sac of self-referential platitudes.

T in the Park chiefs deny claims Eminem will miss festival date

2010-07-09T14:58:00.002+01:00

Eminem's headline slot at T in the Park tomorrow night WILL go ahead.
The rapper - who admits he came close to quitting playing live at the height of his drug problems - has been dogged by rumours that he won't show up at Balado.
But festival boss Geoff Ellis last night confirmed the Recovery star will be there.
He said: "I'm talking to Eminem's people and we are sorting out the details for the TV coverage.

"Everything is fine. Eminem is definitely going ahead and highlights from his show will be seen in the TV coverage. With some of the American artists, things take a little longer to sort out because of the time difference.
"Having Eminem playing his exclusive festival date is perfect for us. T in the Park will be the best yet."
The internet rumour mill has been going crazy with reports that Eminem was set to shun T in the Park and Ireland's Oxegen festival.
T in the Park organisers countered with their own tweet saying: "Eminem will be playing on Sat, the rumours are not true people!"
A statement on the Oxegen website claimed the rumours came from a bogus website set up to undermine the star.
Yesterday fans of the star were still concerned about a possible no-show.
One diehard called tashagee wrote on his website: "Can't wait to see you at TITP. Please don't cancel. Still never got over when you pulled out at Murrayfield. Look out for me at the front of the stage."
Eminem is one of the defining artists of the last decade and has sold 75million albums worldwide. He is also celebrating two weeks at the top of the UK album charts with Recovery.
But he was all set to throw in the towel on his live career because he needed drugs before stepping on stage.
The Slim Shady star admitted: "I felt like drugs stripped me of my confidence completely. I felt like I needed these to function. For me to know that inside I need a substance in order to do anything made me feel terrible. I felt like giving up."
The star is performing in Switzerland tonight and has already landed in Zurich ahead of the show there.
After two spells in rehab, Eminem says he's now clean and is addicted to jogging. He plans to take a run around the Balado site ahead of his gig.
Meanwhile, a poll of fans has revealed that they'd love him to cover The Proclaimers hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) at his Scots gig.

Sister Act is back from £94.95pp

2010-07-09T14:55:00.002+01:00

Whoopi Goldberg will join the cast of the hit musical comedy Sister Act this summer to play the role of Mother Superior in an exclusive 23-show season. No stranger to stages around the world, this will be Whoopi’s West End debut.
With singing and dancing nuns, sinister gangsters and a fabulous disco score, this acclaimed musical has all the ingredients for a perfect night out and is raising the roof at the world famous London Palladium.*

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/offertypeshub/article-1293126/Whoopi-Goldberg-Sister-Act-London-Palladium.html#ixzz0tC2wesW2

American - who travelled with her to Tanzania, where she picked up the potentially fatal tropical disease - has been visiting Mrs Cole regularly since she fell ill. On Wednesday, he was overheard discussing Mrs Cole's plight by another hospital visitor, who said afterwards: ‘I’ve seen Cheryl’s mum and Derek in there. They stayed overnight last night. I overheard Derek on his phone saying she's got fluid on her lungs.’ Last night, a close friend of the singer's told the Mail: 'She has got fluid on the lungs. She's not good, no. She's still in intensive care so it doesn't look like she'll be out of hospital for a while yet.' Friends of the singer admit they now 'don't know' when she will be out of hospital. Dancing On The Stars winner Hough is said to be feeling incredibly 'guilty' because it was his idea for the pair to go to Tanzania, where she is believed she was bitten by the infected mosquito. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1293283/Cheryl-Cole-fluid-lungs-reveals-Derek-Hough.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0tC27IwtX

2010-07-09T14:54:00.002+01:00

Robert Pattinson has no plans to settle down with Kristen Stewart, according to sources for Look magazine.

The Twilight is reportedly not interested in staying in a monogamous relationship for very long.

"Rob's only 24. He's a British public schoolboy who has dated models in the past," said a source.

The insider added: "He could feel that by settling down with Kristen, he'd be missing on the opportunity to date other famous women."

Pattinson recently spoke about the prospect of marriage and settling down on NBC's Today show.

"I don't think settling down should be the same thing as getting married," he said.

The star added: "I mean, I guess settling down just means not sleeping with everybody. I don't like the idea of having to settle, though."

EXCLUSIVE: Renewed fears over Cheryl Cole's health after friend Derek Hough reveals she has 'fluid on the lungs' Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1293283/Cheryl-Cole-fluid-lungs-reveals-Derek-Hough.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0tC20BeIK

2010-07-09T14:52:00.001+01:00

American - who travelled with her to Tanzania, where she picked up the potentially fatal tropical disease - has been visiting Mrs Cole regularly since she fell ill.
On Wednesday, he was overheard discussing Mrs Cole's plight by another hospital visitor, who said afterwards: ‘I’ve seen Cheryl’s mum and Derek in there. They stayed overnight last night. I overheard Derek on his phone saying she's got fluid on her lungs.’
Last night, a close friend of the singer's told the Mail: 'She has got fluid on the lungs. She's not good, no. She's still in intensive care so it doesn't look like she'll be out of hospital for a while yet.'
Friends of the singer admit they now 'don't know' when she will be out of hospital.
Dancing On The Stars winner Hough is said to be feeling incredibly 'guilty' because it was his idea for the pair to go to Tanzania, where she is believed she was bitten by the infected mosquito.

Susan Boyle launches YouTube talent search for duet partner Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/most-popular/2010/07/09/susan-boyle-launches-youtube-talent-search-for-duet-partner-115875-22400812/#ixzz0tC1gIr1b Get your free copy of the new Prince album 20TEN exclusive with the Daily Mirror on Saturday 10 July Free Prince 20TEN

2010-07-09T14:51:00.001+01:00

Britain's Got Talent star Susan, 49, wants hopefuls to upload videos of themselves singing Silent Night. The singer has dubbed it 'The Susan Search'.

Scot Susan said: "Last year my dream of becoming a recording artist came true after auditioning on Britain's Got Talent. Since then, I’ve had an absolutely fantastic time. It’s been a real gift to me and now I would like to pass on the gift to someone else.

"There are a lot of people out there who wouldn’t have the confidence or perhaps the means to enter a big competition like Britain’s Got Talent.

"So this might be a lot less daunting for some people as they can record the song in the privacy of their own home. I’m hoping that people who have always wanted to sing will give it a try. I wish you all good luck."

The winner will have the opportunity to sing with Susan on her upcoming second album, The Gift.

The competition is being run through her official website www.susanboylemusic.com and her YouTube channel.

It was YouTube that made Susan such a global star and catapulted her into the spotlight. Her first audition for BGT when she sang I Dreamed A Dream has been seen more than 100 million times online, and in total her videos have more than 500 million hits on YouTube .

UK singer Susan Boyle seeks duet partner

2010-07-09T14:48:00.002+01:00

(Reuters Life!) - Scottish singer Susan Boyle, who shot to fame on a British TV talent show in 2009, is searching for a duet partner to appear on her new album.

I thought that what I would like more than anything this year is to be able to give something back -- to pass on the gift that I had been given," the 49-year-old said on her website in advance of the announcement on Friday.

Her debut album, "I Dreamed a Dream", shot to number one in more than 20 countries, and, with nine million copies sold worldwide, was one of last year's biggest hits.

Her follow-up will be called "The Gift".

The competition, to be run on her official website www.susanboylemusic.com, will be open from July 9-23, and the winner will be annonced on July 26.

Boyle has invited entrants to upload videos of themselves singing Christmas carol "Silent Night."

"There are a lot of people out there who wouldn't have the confidence or perhaps the means to enter a big competition like 'Britain's Got Talent'," Boyle said of the programme that made her an international star.

"So this might be a lot less daunting for some people as they can record the song in the privacy of their own home. I'm hoping that people who have always wanted to sing will give it a try. I wish you all good luck."

Boyle's rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical "Les Miserables" in April last year has been downloaded hundreds of millions of times on the YouTube video sharing site.

The church volunteer from a small town in Scotland surprised audiences and the judging panel with the power of her voice, and within days the world's media was camping outside her modest home and turning her into a household name.

(Reporting by Mike Collett-White, editing by Paul Casciato)

Blast from the past for Leo DiCaprio, Peaches shows off newly-cropped locks

2010-07-09T14:46:00.002+01:00

It was of course a reference to his character Jack's final words to Kate Winslet's persona Rose in the blockbuster.

Leo has long since left the realm of romantic epics behind, and has recently signed up for a series of darker roles.

Last year there was Martin Scorsese's horror flick Shutter Island and now Inception, in which Leo plays Dom Cobb, a skilled thief who steals valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious while people are dreaming.

Farewell to GMTV as ITV announces new breakfast show Daybreak

2010-07-09T14:44:00.002+01:00

Although Chiles and Bleakley will anchor the new show, they will also be supported by a group of special correspondents, with Kate Garraway and Helen Fospero expected to stay on from the GMTV team.
Daybreak will include a mix of news, exclusive interviews, consumer items, plus health, sport, human interest and lifestyle features.

After weeks of dithering, Northern Irish Bleakley, 31, defected to ITV last month after BBC withdrew their offer of a £900,000 two-year deal to continue hosting The One Show.

There will be no Murali like bowler in next 100 years: Saqlain

2010-07-09T14:13:00.001+01:00

You can learn a lot from just watching him bowl and his videos are a must see for young spinners. To be honest I don't think in the next 100 years, cricket is going to see a spinner of his caliber," Saqlain, who is now settled in England, said.

Although Murali, eight wickets shy of incredible mark of 800 wickets, will not play Test cricket he assured his side to play in the 2011 World Cup.

Saqlain said that he spent many hours with Muralitharan discussing the art of spin bowling and found him to be an amiable and honest man.

"The best thing about him is that he had no pretensions or airs about him and I am sure even after retirement he will be around to help and guide the youngsters aspiring to be successful slow bowlers," he hoped.

Saqlain said that the greatest thing about Murali was that despite the controversies surrounding his action he kept fighting hard and became a great spinner.

"In all fairness I don't think his action is suspect. The fact is that when the ICC cleared his action why should anyone have even raised questions about his action," he said.

Tour de France 2010: Stage six – live!

2010-07-09T14:11:00.002+01:00

So Barry, would you put yourself in the brilliantly informed or the 'I've been on a bike once 20 years ago and that involved going over the handlebars' type of cycling commentator," asks Stu Bulloch. "I for one can't wait for the mountains to start on Sunday and the bunch finishes to cease. Cancellara's actions on Stage 3 were reprehensible. Keep up the good work." I can't remember the last time I rode a bicycle, Stu and I don't know what actions of Cancellara's you're alluding to - please elaborate. His actions just now were pretty reprehensible - he's just taken a food-bag, removed an energy bar, looked down his nose at it and thrown it in a ditch. If ZipVit Sport are looking after the Saxo Bank team's nutritional requirements, Simon Burch will need his best game-face on to sort out that PR gaffe.

1.53pm: The Saxo Bank team of Andy Schleck, Fabian Cancellaras, Stuart O'Grady, among others are taking turns to tow the peloton along with Mark Cavendish's HTC-Columbia team. The gap between them and the breakaway is down to 5min 43sec, about the time it takes to ruin a boiled egg.

1.48pm: Perhaps he was examining his helmet, wondering why it was covered in Simon Burch's fingerprints. Incidentally, rather than me name-checking Eurosport every time I steal some of their commentary and pass it off as my own, it would probably be easier if you just assume that anything I write that sounds even remotely knowledgable comes from them.

1.47pm: Speaking of the delighfully charming man that is Lance Armstrong, on Eurosport somebody was telling the stroy of how yesterday, reigning Tour champion Alberto Contador knocked on the Tour of the RadioShack team bus and was admitted to make a presentation of a watch to somebody-or-other for something-or-other. While he was very warmly received by most of the occupants, it's said that Lance sat in the back sulking and didn't say a word.

1.45pm: My gratitude to Simon Burch, who has kindly written in to point out that I made a complete dog's breakfast of my "previously on the Tour" bit, which has now been fixed. "I did the PR for Cervelo's nutritional suppliers ZipVit Sport - and so am following the Tour avidly," he writes. "We also supply Team RadioShack with nutrition this season. I attended their training camp in Calpe earlier this season, but sadly I didn't meet their star rider, a certain seven-time TDF winner. I was there on the day their protective headgear was delivered, though - so took the opportunity to hold Lance Armstrong's helmet with both hands. I can reveal that it is very light and has holes in it for ventilation."

How they stand on the road: With 122.5km to go in today's stage, a three-man breakaway comprised of Sebastian Lang (Omega Pharma-Lotto) , Mathieu Perget (Caisse d'Epargne) and Ruben Perez Moreno (Euskaltel) have opened a gap of 6min 25sec on a peloton who couldn't be more indifferent and hasn't mounted any kind of response yet.

1.34pm: On Eurosport, we're informed that today's stage is not classically one for the sprinters, as it "goes up and down quite a bit", with a 23km downhill finish coming off the final climb, so expect a fast one.

1.30pm: The riders are already out on the road, even if Eurosport's live coverage, fronted by our own James Richardson, has yet to begin. At the moment they're showing an interview with Katusha's Australian rider Robbie McEwen, who looks terrible and says he's suffering from a fever that almost forced him to abandon the race yesterday. He traces his illness back to the trauma his body suffered in a crash during an earlier stage and the anti-tet jab he got afterwards, the evidence which can be seen from the bandages covering the road-rash on his arm. Rather him than me. I feel a bit queasy just listening to him.

Today's stage: This afternoon the riders will pedal the 227.5km from Montargis to Gueugnon, taking in St-Frageau, Côte De Bouhy, Côte de la Cahepll St-Andre, Moulins Engilbert, Côte des Montaron and Côte de la Croix de l'Arbre. It's the day last opportunity for the sprinters to win a stage before the climbing starts, so if all goes according to HTC Columbia's plan, expect to see them reeling in any breakaway riders with three or four kilometres to go, before their train steams into Gueugnon at the head of the peloton, uncoupling Mark Cavendish from their train with 200m or so to the line.

Some house-keeping before we get on with the fun: For the latest standings in this year's tour, click here. To see the official Tour de France 2010 website, click here. To see the annual labour of love that is Guardian graphics genius Paddy Allen's Interactive Guide To The Tour de France, click here.

Good afternoon everybody, and welcome to the first of this year's annual sporadic-depending-on-who-happens-to-be-in-the-office, probably not brilliantly informed but quite literally rolling report on the Tour De France.

The story so far: This year's Tour kicked off in Rotterdam last Saturday, with a short prologue won by powerful pedalling's Fabian Cancellara from Switzerland, who went into Sunday's first official stage wearing the yellow jersey. Run over 223.5km from Rotterdam to Brussels, this instalment of the race ended in chaos, with Italian veteran Alessandro Petacchi managing to avoid Foinavon style carnage to win it in a sprint.

Stage two saw an angry peloton wind its way from Brussels to Spa, refusing to race in protest at the conditions of the previous day and allowing breakaway rider Sylvain Chavanel to win courtesy of a heroic solo effort and take the yellow jersey.

The third stage, over 153.5km from Cambrai to Reims, took in the teeth-jarring cobbles of the famous Hell of the North, the Paris-Roubaix classic, which did for Tour contender Frank "Brother of Andy" Schleck, who shattered his collarbone in a horrible spill on the the Sars-et-Rosières sector 25km from the finish. Thor Hushovd was first past the post and went back into yellow after Sylvain Chavanel, according to the Guardian's excellent Tim Lewis, "punctured twice and then threw his bike in the ditch". Sky's British rider Geraint Thomas finished a highly commendable second in a tricky stage, earning himself the white jersey for leading young rider.

The business end of the general classification remained unaltered in the wake of stages four (153.5km from Cambri to Reims) and five (187.5km from Epernais to Montargis), which ended in sprints won by Petacchi and confident Manx speed-merchant Mark Cavendish respectively.

Yes, that Mark Cavendish, who we knew when he barely had an arse in his Lycra shorts.

Is PCB really victimising Younus Khan?

2010-07-09T14:09:00.001+01:00

LAHORE – A lot is being said about the alleged unfair treatment being extended to former Pakistan captain Younus Khan but given his performance in the last 12 months , he does not deserve place in the team.
An objective analysis of Younus’ career as well as tantrums indicate he has had a turbulent twists throughout and of late his performance has touched new lows. That makes his exclusion more a case of merit than the alleged victimisation.

For Younus, February of 2009 will always remain an unforgettable time in his career. This was the time when he became the third Pakistani to hit a triple century. Younus achieved the feat against Sri Lanka at Karachi during the first test of the series after he had taken over the captaincy from Shoaib Malik. However, without taking any credit from Younus, he was not the only player who got amongst the runs in that match. In fact Sri Lankan batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Samaraweera both slammed double hundreds as Sri Lanka scored 644. Pakistan replied with 765. Over 1500 runs were scored in the match so one don’t need to be a genius to realise that the wicket was a batsmen’s paradise.
Prior to the Test Series against the Sri Lankans, Younus played in three ODIs against the Lankans scoring only 28 runs in three innings. Then as Pakistan took on Australia in the UAE, Younus managed just 74 runs in five matches on pitches that he should have thrived on.
The next event for Pakistan was the unforgettable 2009 ICC World T20 World in England and won by Pakistan. Younus somewhat improved his performance in this tournament registering the 50 and 46 not out in the early group games. Ironically Pakistan lost both the games that Younus scored in.
A cursory look at Younus’ record in ODIs in the last 12 months make for some interesting reading. During Pakistan’s tour to Sri Lanka, Younus was once again out of touch.

Bell blossoms under Flower guidance Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com/storypage.aspx?id=SPOEN20100146046&cp

2010-07-09T14:07:00.001+01:00

Ian Bell said he was delighted to have put advice from England coach Andy Flower into action during a match-winning return to the one-day side here at Trent Bridge.

Bell made an unbeaten 84 as England, chasing a modest target of 251, beat Bangladesh by six wickets in their series opener here on Thursday in what was the 28-year-old's first one-day international since facing India in Bangalore in November 2008.

Often criticised for failing to impose himself, Bell restated his one-day case with a limited overs best 158 for the second string England Lions in their tied triangular series match against India A on Tuesday.

Thursday saw a much less spectacular innings but perfectly suitable

Indoor Asia Cup Hockey

2010-07-09T14:06:00.003+01:00

LAHORE: Pakistan juniors routed Thailand 6-0 to take a victorious start in Indoor Asia Cup Hockey Tournament at Ipoh, Malaysia on Thursday.

According to a spokesman for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the green shirts were leading the first half 3-0. Muhammad Rizwan and Muhammad Suleman struck twice each while Kashif Shah and Amir Sultan scored one goal apiece. Pakistan will play their next match against Uzbekistan on Friday (today).

PCB forms committees with seven GB members

2010-07-09T14:04:00.003+01:00

LAHORE: All the seven available members of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) depleted Governing Board (GB) have been included in the various PCB committees as they barely managed to form six of them.

As two available members Wazir Ali Khoja and Javed Miandad had already refused to work in any of the committees due to their own reasons, the PCB could hardly complete the formation of the six committees, and doing so it seems to have cared little about the faculty of the members.

Wazir Ali Khoja has been recommended as chairman of the finance committee, and as a member in some other committees, too, but there are reports about his not being too happy with the attitude of PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt, which has prompted to leave all the posts while preferring to only have a seat in the GB. Similarly, Miandad is also not happy with the PCB chairman over different issues, which is why both gentlemen did not attend the GB meeting held in Lahore on Wednesday to give a final shape to the committees.

Miandad, a former Test captain, was named as a member in the cricket committee with Intikhab Alam as its head. But Miandad, in a letter to the chairman, refused to work under Intikhab.

Besides the cricket committee, there are the other five committees, too, namely, finance, audit, infrastructure development, and media.

Interestingly, on Wednesday, the PCB chairman had announced that Naveed Akram Cheema will head two committees — finance and media. But on Thursday, the PCB announced that the media committee will be headed by Chaudhary Mohammad Anwar while Naveed will only look after the finance committee. Naveed is the elected member of the GB belonging to a department as he is working in Wapda as member administration. He could have been the best choice to head the Human Resources and Administration committee.

Similarly, sources said due to availability of lesser number of members, the committees were formed just to fill in the blanks as many are not completing the criteria to run the country’s biggest sports organisation.

Sources said that although a few people are highly qualified, many are matriculates or intermediate pass.

Sources further said that it was also decided in the GB meeting on Wednesday that Siraj-ul-Islam Bukhari from the KCCA will also sit as an observer in the meeting. But his name was not mentioned in the official announcement.

Sources further said that having any observer in the GB meeting will also be unconstitutional. In fact, the PCB and its patron, the President of Pakistan have both failed to complete the strength of the GB for the last 20 months, since it is still missing five technocrats due to which the technical committees have non-technocrats in them.

Sources further said that Wednesday’s GB meeting was a flop as four members remained absent and only five out of a total 15 attended it. The two other absentees besides Khoja and Miandad were Naeem Akhtar Gillani and Tariq Baloch. Sources said that the decision of being absent from the meeting could also be an indirect message to the PCB chairman that they are not ready to sit in the GB.

Pakistan, New Zealand tied in Davis Cup clash

2010-07-09T14:03:00.003+01:00

WELLINGTON: Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi kept Pakistan level with New Zealand in their Asia/Oceania Group II Davis Cup semi-final on Friday when he won a dramatic second singles that went to 15-13 in the fifth set.

New Zealand won the opening singles when Rubin Statham beat Pakistan number two Aqeel Khan 6-4, 6-0, 6-0 and appeared destined to go two up until Venus was broken when serving for the match at 5-2 in the fifth set against Qureshi.

Qureshi and Khan are scheduled to play Venus and Marcus Daniell in the doubles on Saturday although teams are allowed to change their combinations prior to the match which New Zealand believe could be to their advantage.

“We have options for the doubles they don't,”

New Zealand

team captain Marcel Vos said. “Qureshi is their strength in doubles but he will be tired.”

The Davis Cup tie is being played on indoor courts in the North Island town of Hawera after being shifted from Pakistan due to ongoing security concerns. – AFP

Dutch coach Van Marwijk on threshold of greatness

2010-07-09T14:02:00.003+01:00

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - From a modest start, as player and coach, Bert van Marwijk built success with Feyenoord before taking over a promising Netherlands side following their disappointing quarter-final exit at Euro 2008.

After guiding the Dutch to the World Cup final against Spain at Soccer City on Sunday, he has joined an exclusive club that includes the late Rinus Michels and Ernst Happel who achieved the same feat in 1974 and 1978 respectively.

A calm, conservative figure, the 58-year-old Van Marwijk has kept faith with experienced players and with the formation and tactics his predecessor, Marco van Basten, drew up.

Van Basten failed to steer his team through the knockout phase on two occasions but Van Marwijk started with a mission in July 2008 which had one sole goal, winning the World Cup.

He was a conventional winger during his 19-year playing career and won only one international cap, in 1975.

After seven years of coaching amateur teams, Van Marwijk joined top-flight Fortuna Sittard, taking them to the 1999 Dutch Cup final where they lost to Ajax Amsterdam.

His greatest successes came with Feyenoord who he led to a UEFA Cup triumph in 2002 before winning the Dutch Cup on his return to Rotterdam after a two-year stint with Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

When he took over the national side, Van Marwijk asked former Netherlands internationals Frank de Boer and Phillip Cocu, who between them have more than 200 caps, to assist him

Army athletes shine

2010-07-09T14:01:00.001+01:00

KARACHI: Army’s Javed Ahmed excelled at the National Athletics Championship to win the 10, 000 metres gold as his side prevailed over its opponents on the third day of the event being held at the Jinnah Complex, Islamabad.

Ahmed clocked 33 minutes and 9.48 seconds to win the premier medal beating Pakistan Air Force’s Muhammad Sakawat, who finished the distance in 34 minutes and 22.4 seconds. Wapda’s Gulshan Masih secured the bronze medal as he finished third on the podium by completing the job in 34 minutes and 38.26 seconds.

Army received their second gold medal of the day from Basharat Ali, who clinched the discus throw final with a fling of 53.70 metres. Ali’s teammate Muhammad Shamshad secured the silver medal with 48.03 metres while Wapda’s Faisal Hasan claimed the bronze with an accurate 45meter throw.

Zafar Iqbal brought the third premier medal for Army as he won the triple jump final with a distance of 15.89 metres. He was followed by his teammate Muhammad Imran who grabbed the silver medal while Akhter Ali of Wapda won bronze in the event.

Higher Education Commission earned the gold medal in high jump when Muhammad Wajahat cleared a height of 2.01 metres surpassing his opponents in the final. Army’s Muhammad Maqsood ended up on joint-second with jumps of 1.95 metres.

In the 400metre women’s final, Nadia Nazeer of Wapda prevailed over her rivals to win the gold medal. She clocked 57.24 seconds and was closely followed by her teammate Shagufta Naureen who finished second with a time of 59.43 seconds. Sindh’s Almas stood third on the podium.

James Drawn to Miami by Teammates, NBA Title Dreams

2010-07-09T13:59:00.000+01:00

July 9 (Bloomberg) -- LeBron James said he was drawn to the Miami Heat by a pair of friends and his confidence the All-Star trio can win NBA championships, even though he could have made more money by staying with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James, the National Basketball Association’s reigning two- time Most Valuable Player, said in a nationally televised show on ESPN last night that he will join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh by signing a free-agent contract with Miami.

James, Wade and Bosh won gold medals for the U.S. team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the three talked frequently before and during the free-agency period that began July 1.

“I think the major factor, the major reason, in my decision was to give me the best opportunity to win and to win now,” said James, who never won an NBA title during his seven seasons in Cleveland. “Winning is a huge thing for me.”

Teams including the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls vied for the six-time All-Star, who could have signed a six-year contract worth about $128 million in Cleveland. He can get a maximum of about $99 million for five years in Miami.

Spurned Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said James committed an act of “cowardly betrayal,” saying in an open letter to fans on the team’s website that “this shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown ‘chosen one’ sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn.”

Gilbert’s Reaction

Gilbert, the founder and chairman of Quicken Loans Inc., accused James of a “heartless and callous action” and said the days leading to last night’s announcement were a “narcissistic, self-promotional build-up” without precedent in sports history.

He also told the Associated Press that James quit on the Cavaliers during their playoff series loss last season to Boston, which won the final three games after trailing 2-1.

“He quit,” Gilbert told AP in an interview. “Not just in Game 5, but in Games 2, 4 and 6. Watch the tape. The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar.”

James grew up in Akron, Ohio, about 40 miles from Cleveland, and acknowledged it will be difficult returning there as an opponent.

“It’s going to be a challenge going there and playing on the other side of the court,” he said in the ESPN show. “It’s a lot of mixed emotions because of what I was able to build there from being an 18-year-old kid to being a 25-year-old man.”

Personal Coup

James’s move to Miami is the latest personnel coup for Micky Arison, 61, the billionaire owner of the Heat and chairman of Carnival Corp., the biggest cruise-line operator. In his 15 years as the team’s managing general partner, Arison has won an NBA title and brought in All-Stars such as Alonzo Mourning and Shaquille O’Neal, in addition to James, Bosh and Wade. He also installed Pat Riley as coach in 1995 and then team president.

Miami hasn’t won a playoff series since capturing the NBA championship in 2006. The free-agent signings of James and Bosh and the re-signing of Wade has transformed the NBA’s Eastern Conference.

“We are looking forward to the opportunity of building something that out fans in Miami will be proud of for a long, long time,” Riley said in a statement released by the Heat. “The journey is just beginning.”

Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant said the team would “compete at the highest level” even without James.

“We will work relentlessly to continue to build a team that will contend, a team that will win championships,” Grant said in an e-mailed statement.

Home Attendance

Miami ranked 15th in the NBA in average home attendance last season. Sales of season tickets for Heat games next season were suspended yesterday afternoon after all currently available seats sold out, the Associated Press reported.

“For a franchise that cost $32.5 million in the mid-80s and now is worth over 10 times that, a LeBron James-Wade-Bosh trilogy will immediately raise the value of the franchise to a significant degree and lead to significant incremental marketing dollars beyond that and increase the chances of a dynasty, which will raise the value even further,” Rick Horrow, a Miami-based sports consultant who is a contributing editor to Bloomberg Television, said yesterday in a phone interview.

In December 2009, Forbes magazine estimated the value of the Heat at $364 million, 12th highest among the 30 NBA franchises.

Franchise Value

Russ Granik, the NBA’s deputy commissioner for 30 years and now vice chairman of Galatioto Sports Partners in New York, said yesterday in an e-mail that James’s signing would have “a small impact” on the Heat’s value.

“If the three of them play as well as people project, that’s going to put more people in the stands, create more sponsorships and that could have an effect over time on revenue,” Granik said. “I don’t believe it would have a great impact on the franchise value because, no matter how good things turn out, it’s only for a limited amount of time.”

James, who has said he aspires to join friend Warren Buffett as a billionaire, was named the world’s second-most powerful athlete this year in a ranking by Bloomberg BusinessWeek -- trailing golfer Tiger Woods, with whom James shares a Dec. 30 birthday.

LeBron Raymone James skipped college and jumped from high school to the NBA at 18. He had a $90 million shoe contract with Nike Inc., the world’s largest athletic shoemaker, before playing his first pro game. He also endorses McDonald’s Corp., the world’s biggest restaurant company; Coca-Cola Co., the world’s biggest soft-drink maker; and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., the largest U.S. home and auto insurer.

No. 1 Pick

James, a 6-foot-8 forward, has career averages of 27.8 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game. When he arrived in Cleveland as the No. 1 draft pick in 2003, the Cavaliers hadn’t won a playoff series in a decade. The Cavaliers reached the NBA Finals in 2007 and had the best regular-season record in each of the past two seasons.

The Heat cleared an NBA-high $43.3 million in salary cap space to be able to pay James, Wade and Bosh close to the $16.6 million maximum allowed for free agents in the first year of a new contract.

Wade announced two days ago on ESPN that he will re-sign with Miami after considering free-agent offers from teams including the Bulls. Bosh said on ESPN that he will move as a free agent to the Heat from Toronto.

Outside Madison Square Garden, a fan wearing a blue “LeBron or Bust” shirt said the Knicks were among the biggest losers in the bidding for James.

“It’s such a shame,” said Greg Wolinsky, 22, of Dix Hills. “The hype was ridiculous. We wasted an entire season just to get him. We shed our entire (salary) cap for one man only.”

--With assistance from Erik Matuszewski, Barry Rothbard, Mason Levinson and Aaron Kuriloff in New York. Editors: Larry Siddons, Dex McLuskey.

I've always found women superior: Anil Kapoor

2010-07-09T13:52:00.001+01:00

Actor-filmmaker Anil Kapoor is happy to see that women are finally getting their due in male-dominated Bollywood. And one girl in particular is making him proud — younger daughter Rhea who has just wrapped up her maiden production venture “Aisha”.

“I have always believed in different qualities between men and women; I have always found women superior to men. I am not saying it for the sake of it. If you see, my children have grown up so well, that’s because of their mother and because of me,” Anil, 49, told IANS in an interview.

Anil, who tied the knot in 1984, has two daughters Sonam and Rhea and also a son, Harsh.

“The way girls are coming up, taking charge, holding situations, calling the shots... just at the age of 23, Rhea made the whole film. I am very happy, not only for Sonam and Rhea, I feel happy for all girls,” he said.

His elder daughter Sonam decided to grace the silver screen and made her debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Saawariya” in 2007. After that she was seen in “Delhi 6” and just released “I Hate Luv Storys”.

Rhea, who worked as an assistant on the movie “Wake Up Sid”, decided to remain behind the camera as a producer. Her “Aisha” is based on the British novel “Emma” by Jane Austen and stars Sonam and Abhay Deol in the lead roles.

Anil, who has been in showbiz for three decades, says: “What I like the most is to see how times have changed. Years ago, in the film industry and show business, there used to be only men. I used to feel bad about why girls were not treated equally. Now things have changed all over the world, specially in India.”

Anil rarely ventures into production because he is more passionate about acting.

“I feel I am more an actor and I love acting. I do produce, if I like the script like ‘Gandhi My Father’ Otherwise I am more passionate about acting and Rhea is more passionate about producing. In future also Rhea would be producing the film and I will be there to sign the checks, nothing else,” said Anil.

He is approaching 50, but the actor has managed to maintain his youthful looks and enthusiasm since his first hit, “Woh Saat Din”. He went on to star in blockbusters like “Tezaab” (1988), “Ram Lakhan” (1989), “Beta” (1992), “1942: A Love Story” (1993), “Virasat” (1997), “Nayak: The Real Hero” (2001) and even the Oscar winning “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008).

Asked about the secret behind his enduring youthfulness, he said: “There are three four things. First, you should be mentally happy. When you have a good family, you are happy with them, you don’t need to indulge in drinking and smoking.

“I do everything, but within limits. I also exercise five to six days a week and control my eating habits.”

From a simpleton to a rowdy, from a mentally challenged man to a lover boy — the versatile actor has done various roles and worked in almost every genre, but he still thinks a lot of spheres are untouched.

“You might think that I have done many roles, but many roles are still left out.”

After British director Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire”, he is doing an American TV series “24” and looking forward to quite a few international projects.

“Internationally, I have just started my career. There are certain things I am looking at but has not pinpointed which one to take,” said Anil.

Emily VanCamp Leaving "Brothers And Sisters" Confirmed Why? Complete Guide And Details Exclusive

2010-07-09T13:50:00.002+01:00

"Brothers And Sisters" Emily VanCamp may be reduced from 22 episodes to just 18. However the gorgeous Gilles Marini who plays Luc Laurent, Sarah’s boyfriend, has been upgraded to a series regular and ABC are reportedly considering bringing back Balthazar Getty’s character Tommy Walker full time…so it’s not all bad news

Vancamp confirmed that she is leaving Brothers & Sisters season 5 is it true or this is just another rumour lets talk little bit more about it

Emily VanCamp tells the magazine. "I've been doing this for a very long time and other opportunities have presented themselves that I haven't been able to do. I've had such an amazing four years on the show and I felt like maybe it was
time.

According to VanCamp renegotiate for the next couple of years and the idea of doing two more years was slightly daunting —not because I haven’t appreciated every single moment on that show

Tags: evanna lynch, luna lovegood, emily vancamp, emily vancamp leaving brothers and sisters, emily vancamp brothers and sisters, emily vancamp details,

Milenge Milenge is a tedious watch

2010-07-09T13:48:00.001+01:00

Unlike the Hollywood original which essentially highlights the efficacy of romantic impulses and the contribution of New York City in amplifying it to a dramatic scale, Milenge Milenge concocts a hotchpotch of contrived situations and tedious stock characters to drive the point. And that means enduring slobbering daddies, blabbering canteen chiefs, pestering, jobless pals, excitable Parsi aunties, cacophonous store managers and garrulous book-selling chacha types.

Now this extent of hoo-ha would have probably worked during the bell-bottoms era when Rishi Kapoor [ Images ] romanced Neetu Singh and RD Burman's zingy chartbusters worked its magic on the side. But the Facebook generation simply has no patience for this Kaushik-style pandemonium featuring Himesh Reshammiya's [ Images ] blandest soundtrack ever. Nor are they hung up on looking for some forced history in an erstwhile 'It' couple that has moved on and away even as the pressing promos would like you to believe otherwise.

For all it's worth, Kareena delivers a subdued portrayal of a simple girl looking for a fairy-tale. Even when a scene reeks of incredulity, like when she agrees to her dreadfully bad co-star Panini Raaj Kumar's marriage proposal, her graceful conviction is the only thing that holds you from breaking into a maniacal giggle.

As for the other Kapoor, it's hard to enjoy this inadvertent souvenir of ineptitude after having already glimpsed into a future of penetrating performances.

There's nostalgia and there are forgotten chapters. And so, unless you're the type that still harbours ridiculous hopes of a Jennifer Aniston-Brad Pitt reunion, Milenge Milenge will strike you as obsolete and expendable as Kareena's Nokia handset in the movie.

Bips with Reebok comes up with BB love yourself

2010-07-09T13:30:00.001+01:00

Bipasha Basu is well known for being a fitness freak and health conscious. She created her own fashion statement every time she appears in a new film. Now, the hot and fit actress has come up with her own fitness clothing line named ‘BB Love Yourself’ with Reebok.

Will Ash work with Ratnams after ‘Raavan’ debacle?

2010-07-09T13:30:00.000+01:00

Will she or will she not? Is the question that Ash’s fans are wondering about. Apparently Aishwarya has got a film offer from Ratnams yet again. This time it’s not Mani Ratnam but his talented wife Suhasini Ratnam who wants to work with Ash for her directorial venture.

A unit hand informs that Ash, who is currently in Chennai shooting a song for Shankar’s Robot, had a meeting with Suhasini. Ash heard the storyline of the film which is believed to be women centric. Now the question is will Ash work with Ratnams again after ‘Raavan’ failed to send the cash registers ringing at the box office?

It is known that Aishwarya started her career with Mani Ratnam’s Tamil film ‘Iruvar’ and has been very close to the Ratnams since then. Ash shares a good rapport with Suhasini as both worked closely during ‘Raavan’ as Mrs. Ratnam was the dialogue writer of the film.

Also, both Ash and Abhishek hold high respect and gratitude for Mani Ratnam and his wife. Considering their fondness for Ratnams, Ash will be part of Suhasini’s film.

It can be recalled that Suhasini first directed a film called ‘Indira’ starring Arwind Swami and Anu Haasan.

Akshay did not interfere: Trisha

2010-07-09T13:28:00.000+01:00

One can well expect Trisha to deliver in her debut Bollywood outing Khatta Meetha. After all she is not quite a newbie in the industry and already has close to 35 films to her credit down South.

In the industry for more than 7 years now, she has seen quite a lot and is pretty much established. Now that she has got a Bollywood launch with none other than Akshay Kumar as a co-star cum producer and Priyadarshan as a director, it couldn’t have been better than that.

Still, considering the fact that Priyadarshan-Akshay is a tried and tested ‘jodi’, one wonders if she ever got scared about being sidelined.

“Yes, eventually this is Akshay’s film but then I don’t mind that. Many of my predecessors had some of the best kick starts but couldn’t travel much distance.

I hope to make a point in Khatta Meetha even though it may not be a conventional launch”, admits Trisha who plays the role of a collector who locks horns with ex-boyfriend Akshay Kumar, a road contractor, in the film.

With the basic plotline cutting down the romance angle, doesn’t she ever feel that she could have rather started off in Bollywood with a love story?

“This is my first film and I can’t be too choosy; let’s admit that”, says Trisha with a smile. “For a start, I have to be seen with big star and a director who gives guaranteed box office return. I guess this is good enough to make your first move.

I won’t say that there is no love story at all in the film. It may not be there for the complete two and a half hours of the film but there is a thread of love story between me and Akshay that plays through the film.”

One hears that as a producer of the film, Akshay went extra long to make sure that she was being taken care of well. What does Trisha have to say about that?

“That's right”, she confirms. “It was quite funny that despite being a producer, there was no producer-like interference from him on the sets. I didn’t see any such traits from Akshay. He was more like a co-star all the time and made sure that I give my best for the role.”

Ranaut confident of success of new film

2010-07-09T13:27:00.001+01:00

Hamara Photos

Kangana Ranaut has claimed that her latest movie will be a hit because of its cast.

The actress joked that Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai will be success because she and Emraan Hasmi are starring in it.

"I don't have many scenes with Emraan in this film but we were discussing some time back that we are definitely each other's lucky charms. Both the films that we did together, Gangster and Raaz - The Mystery Continues worked," Ranaut told Mid Day.

Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, which also stars Ajay Devgn and Prachi Desai, will be released on July 30.

Abhishek Bachchan bags best anchor award

2010-07-09T13:26:00.000+01:00

Abhishek Bachchan's 'Raavan' may have failed to rock the box office, but the actor has managed to make his mark on the small screen by winning best anchor award for hosting a game show for Colors.
The actor bagged the the best anchor (Male) for his debut on television as host of 'National Bingo Night' at the New Talent Awards event, which is a tellychakkar initiative.
Abhishek was given the award by Ashwini Yardi, programming head of Colors at the event in Mumbai.
It will be aired Saturday on the channel.

Tere Bin Laden to have late US release

2010-07-09T13:24:00.001+01:00

The US release of Tere Bin Laden, a satire on the great American dream and the post 9/11 world, has been postponed for a later date.

The film is slated to hit theatres in India on July 16. It will also see a simultaneous release in Pakistan. "We are releasing the film in India, Pakistan, Dubai, Australia, UK and other Asian markets but not in the US right now. US is a very important market for us. We first want to see the response. We will release the film in the second phase," said Sharma, who has written and directed the film.

Incidentally, US is a very important part of the narrative, which revolves around an ambitious TV reporter, desperate to migrate to America, uses a fake Osama Bin Laden tape to get a visa. "The film is set in the George Bush era because we wanted to show how his policies affected the world at large. The film has a humorous tone but we are commenting on something which is very serious," Sharma added.

The boy who impressed Ranbir Kapoor

2010-07-09T13:22:00.000+01:00

Ranbir Kapoor's shoot with Filmfare Magazine was one of the most popular photo shoots of the year, the credit of which goes to the man behind the camera - Rohan Shreshta -son of the renowned film industry photographer Rakesh Shrestha.

The shoot that showed various facets of the versatile actor was the brainchild of ace photographer to Gen X stars Rohan who has imbibed much of his father's talent.

Interestingly, Rakesh Shreshta had begun his career with a photo-shoot for Star and Style with Neetu Singh. For Ranbir Kapoor there was an absolute sense of deja vu when he got introduced to youngster Rohan Shrestha.

Reveals a source “When Ranbir learnt that Rohan's father Rakesh Shrestha had started his career way back in the 70s with his mother Neetu Singh, he was very happy to have made Rohan's acquaintance. He really loves Rohan's vision and the two became close friends during the shoot”

We come to hear that today the photographer and his muse share a bond that goes beyond their professional commitments and are already in talks about working together in the near future.

Yeh Saali Zindagi?

2010-07-09T13:20:00.002+01:00

The working title is Dil Dar-Ba-Dar and it stars Irrfan Khan, Arunoday Singh, Chitrangadha Singh and Aditi Rao. Some unit members have suggested Yeh Saali Zindagi.

Mishra is confused and is seeking the help of the public. He has posted a scene from the romance / comic thriller on his Facebook page and wants people to suggest which title is apt.

NB:We suggest Yeh Saali Zindagi (that's what life is!) rather than that Dil.. tongue twister.

Day 2 of Chennai international Fashion Week

2010-07-09T13:19:00.000+01:00

It was past ten in the night on Day Two of CIFW. But the venue was packed with an excited audience and maybe weary stilettos. The label about to be showcased was MonaPali, celebrated designer-duo in India. The day that wound up with applause for the veterans also gave a much-needed platform for some upcoming talent.

First in the run-up was Priyanka Bansal giving everyone some clothes for thought with Junky Shrunky. Most of the materials used in this collection either came out of people's closets or charity shops. The vibrant appliqué work, the zaris and the unusual patches of crochet were all deconstructions of used salwars and suits, or as she likes to put it, ‘Recycled apparel'. She dressed her women in everything ranging from layered gowns to netted saris. The cuts were clean and the colours came alive. If you buy her idea, then it's all about, ‘re-wearing'.

With a title like Byzantine Death, the next designer, Abhishek Kocchar had already captured the crowd's imagination. A death in the family was the genesis for this clothes line. The colour black and the suede used reflected the soul's grief over severing its earthly ties, while the gold lining is the vibrancy the soul attains on being one step closer to its Creator. The most dominant material however is the organza — stiff enough to enable the soul to break barriers of deterring thoughts, and yet flexible enough to allow for the passage of emotions.

After the soul-searching and Gothic colours, Lakshmi Jagmohan brought the colours and the men on to the ramp. With the peacock and Ganesha leaving her Enchanted, most of the clothes were in the varying shades of the peacock. She also launched her menswear collection with a line-up of sherwanis. The Xylo Happy Legs Show was quick and quirky featuring party wear and accessories from Karma, Lime and Vodka and Unique.

The grand finale for the evening was provided by the much-loved MonaPali. Their basic understanding that, “There are women everywhere and that all women like to dress up,” is the reason why they chose to come to Chennai.

Renowned for their signature hand-painting and the use of typically Indian prints, the duo brought to the ramp at CIFW a collection of clothes that played with cordwork, beadwork and some intricate embroidery.

Starting their range of clothes with the simpler kaftans and travel wear, MonaPali layered their collection with dresses, saris and lehengas that delivered on the promise for ethnic beauty.

On opening shop in Chennai, Mona Lamba, exclaimed, “why not?” On just Chennai, she said, “I can really relate to places such as Chennai which strive to keep their heritage intact.”

Genelia becomes a Portuguese princess

2010-07-09T13:17:00.002+01:00

How often do girls get to play the role they have long dreamt of, that of being a princess? Well for Genelia, this dream has come true. Genelia, who is currently in Malaysia shooting for south film, will soon be seen in Santosh Sivan's directorial venture Urumi. Santosh is all set with the film which revolves around a 15th century boy who wants to kill Vasco Da Gama. It will star Genelia along side southern star Prithviraj and will be a bilingual in Tamil and Malayalam.

Hritik Roshan to enter Tussauds museum soon

2010-07-09T13:16:00.003+01:00

He may be the heart throb of the nation, while being tied up shooting for Zoya Akhtar's film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara far off in Spain; however the actor is creating waves across the Atlantic in London.

Wondering why? Well following other Bollywood icons like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai, Hrithik will be the next to have a spot reserved for him at the famous Madamme Tussauds wax museum. The wax replica of the star will be installed in the Bollywood section in close proximity to its western counterpart with characters like Shrek, while the statue itself will be installed somewhere in early 2011.

Lohan gets 90 days in jail

2010-07-09T13:15:00.000+01:00

Lohan burst into tears after the sentencing by Superior Court Judge Marsha Revel in Los Angeles.

Lohan was not required to surrender immediately but will have to turn herself in on July 20. She will also be required to enter an inpatient rehab program after her release from jail.

The ruling came during a hearing set for the Mean Girls star after she missed a court date in May. She has been required to wear an ankle alcohol monitor since then.

The monitor issued an alert after Lohan attended the MTV Movie Awards and after-parties. Prosecutors had hoped to introduce reports from the monitor to show the actress also had violated a court order against drinking imposed as part of her probation.

Revel said during the ongoing hearing the device showed Lohan's blood-alcohol content was 0.03. Revel said she would not consider whether the actress actually consumed alcohol last month after attending the MTV Movie Awards. Lohan has denied drinking that night.

The judge said she would honour what she told lawyers for both sides in a closed meeting last month and not allow the negative report to be used at the hearing.

Revel said she would only consider whether the actress failed to complete the required number of alcohol education courses on time.

Cheryl Marshall, a co-founder of the education program, testified she did not report Lohan to be in violation of the judge's order when the actress missed nine meetings then made up an undisclosed number.

Marshall said she was aware the program received a phone call from the judge in December saying she wanted Lohan to attend classes each week, but Marshall added she never got a paper copy of the order and did not consider it active.

Marshall's program fought against providing records and testimony at the hearing, but Revel ruled the information was necessary.

Lohan's lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley said she hadn't prepared to defend against the alcohol monitor report, because the judge had said it would only affect bail for the actress. Revel doubled Lohan's bail to $200,000 after learning of the alert last month.

Lohan arrived about 10 minutes early for the hearing at the Beverly Hills courthouse. Lohan's father Michael and younger sister also attended.

The hearing immediately hit a snag as Chapman Holley and prosecutor Danette Meyers sparred on what evidence could be introduced.

Lohan spent 84 minutes in jail in 2007 after she pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of being under the influence of cocaine and no contest to two counts of driving with a blood-alcohol level above 0.08 per cent and one count of reckless driving.

The plea came after a pair of high-profile arrests earlier that year. Lohan was sentenced to three years of probation but had to ask for a yearlong extension in October after she failed to complete her alcohol-education courses on time.

I feel that it is time for me to grow as an actor: Sunil Shetty

2010-07-09T13:12:00.002+01:00

On the eve of the release of his latest film Red Alert- The War Within, Sunil Shetty confesses to Jyothi Venkatesh that he feels that it is time for him to grow as an actor and do serious cinema, now that he has been appreciated for his performance in the film by his peers.

Tell me about your character in Red Alert- The War Within!
Red Alert - The War Within directed by Ananth Mahadevan and produced by T.P. Aggarwal is a true story though it has been scripted. Narsimha is a real life character, who actually lived in Tamil Nadu. Bullet for Bullet is a wrong presumption that we have about Naxalites.

I feel that it is high time that our government thought of adopting villages which have the problem of the basic necessities. It is indeed very sad that we give aid to foreign countries, but give a blind eye and a deaf ear to the problems faced by the villagers in our own country.

Would you say that it is the best role in your career till date?
From the point of view of the character, I should confess that my role as Narsimha in Red Alert-The War Within is one of the best that I have played in my career as an actor because it shows the great journey of the character from being just a simple farmer to a Naxalite with a gun in his hand.

What intrigued me about the character of Narsimha is that it is a very powerful one and yet weak physically. I am very confident about the film working, because you will not see me as Sunil Shetty but as Narsimha.

How tough was the role for you as an actor?
I would even go to the extent of stating that though mentally it was not tough, physically it was more challenging to play the role. Every day I had to walk for one hour to the jungle along with the other actors to get to the location which was a dense jungle, which was located in the outskirts of Tirupati.

At the end of the day, I was totally exhausted. Besides the fact that I had to wear a lungi for my character, itching small particles of dust used to fall from the trees and we in turn, really itched to go back to our hotel to have a shower every day.

After working in the film, are you now able to understand the gravity of the problems of the Naxalites?
After acting in the film Red Alert- The War Within, as a Naxal, I have realised that the government does not plough back the taxes which it collects from the common men for our benefit.

Naxalism is a big issue plaguing the country today but then I feel that while you can easily combat terrorism, you cannot combat when it comes to the thought and hence it is not just a problem which has to be faced by the government but every one of us in the country.

Naan Amitabh Bachchan Pesukiraen

2010-07-09T13:11:00.001+01:00

NP Singh from Sony admits that the channel is considering the option, already tried and tested once before by Star, that broadcast KBC for three seasons: twice with Bachchan and once with Shah Rukh Khan as hosts.

“We’re open to collaborating with some top South Indian broadcasters. But these deals take time to get finalised,” adds Singh. Siddharth Basu of Big Synergy, the mastermind behind the show, seconds Singh. He informs that the actor, who dubbed for Bachchan during season two, has become a big name down south.

Bollywood Khans will come to your living room

2010-07-09T13:10:00.000+01:00

This July MAX, the premium hindi movies and special events channel brings the 3 Badshahs of the hindi film industry, Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan to your living rooms. MAX handpicks the best of Shahrukh, Salman and Aamir titles for its fans. Starting 12th July every Monday to Thursday at 8pm, block your seats to get absorbed into the myriad shades of the 3 Khans high octane performances!

Milenge Milenge is a tedious watch

2010-07-09T13:07:00.000+01:00

Long, long ago when Shahid Kapoor [ Images ] hadn't beefed up his Kaminey [ Images ] body and Kareena Kapoor [ Images ] was oblivious to size zero, producer Boney Kapoor [ Images ] and director Satish Kaushik [ Images ] discovered the DVD of John Cusack-Kate Beckinsale-starrer Serendipity.

And they said to each other, 'Chal, Bebo-Shasha ko leke picture banate hain.'

Okay so that's a loose account of what really transpired. But you get the drift.

Only, unfortunately for the two not new to this stuck-in-the-can syndrome (remember Prem and Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja?), this intended quickie gets indefinitely delayed for half-a-decade or so.

Meanwhile, a lot has changed and by that I don't mean the personal equation between the leads of this ironically-titled Milenge Milenge.

Post-Jab We Met [ Images ]/ Kaminey, Shahid has established his credibility as a performer with reasonable box office appeal whereas Kareena (whose acting talents were never in question) is a reigning Bollywood star freed of those ghastly blonde highlights and emblem of chic sophistication.

Milenge Milenge, akin to those awkward growing-up photographs we often bury into obscure corners of the closet, is an embarrassing reminder of the time before that.

So in this time-travel of the unintentional kind, Kaushik draws a serendipitous connection between the denizens of Vasant Kunj and Vasant Vihar, those are posh South Delhi [ Images ] neighbourhoods in case you care. If not, then you probably also don't give a damn about Shahid's drag queen act or his Rajendra Kumar-reminiscent archaic dialogues 'Mujhe apni safai pesh karne ka ek mauka bhi nahi diya' or Kareena sashaying in garish Aitraaz leftovers, their rendezvous against a worn-out Bangkok and jaded Dubai [ Images ] or how he employs the oldest Bollywood trick of stealing woo-friendly notes from her private diary or their relentless thesaurus-building exercise over fate, destiny, taqdeer, kismet, et al.

UN Sri Lankan staff under siege from protesters

2010-07-09T13:02:00.000+01:00

Rowdy crowds nevertheless remained outside the compound and at nightfall demonstrators performed a "thovil," or devil dance, to "exorcise evil spirits".
"We will not leave. We will sit down and protest here until the secretary-general withdraws the panel," Weerawansa told about 1,500 cheering supporters earlier in the day.
They burned an effigy of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and carried banners that accused him of being a puppet of the United States.

Sri Lanka has refused to co-operate with the panel, which was named by Mr Ban last month to advise on "accountability issues" during the war between government forces and the Tamil Tiger separatists.
The government has also refused to grant visas to the three members of the panel, meaning they will be unable to visit the island.
The Tiger guerrillas were defeated after decades of conflict in May 2009, and the UN has said that at least 7,000 ethnic Tamil civilians were killed in the first four months of last year.
Many diplomats see the UN panel, headed by Marzuki Darusman, a former Indonesian Attorney General, as a precursor to a full-blown war crimes investigation.
The UN office in Colombo did not comment on the protest, but the Sri Lankan government in a statement said police allowed the demonstration to "respect the entitlement to voice opinion, including through peaceful demonstration".
The government statement said it understood that the demonstrators wanted to continue their protest until the UN "revisits the matter of the panel on Sri Lanka".
Sri Lanka managed to stave off a UN resolution last year with the help of Russia and China, key allies and arms suppliers to the island.
President Mahinda Rajapakse has repeatedly rejected international calls to investigate war crimes allegations.
Mr Ban has asked his three-member panel to complete its work in four months.

UN draft condemns NKorea for SKorea ship sinking

2010-07-09T13:00:00.000+01:00

UNITED NATIONS—Diplomats say the U.N. Security Council is set to approve a statement condemning a deadly torpedo attack on a South Korean warship that killed 46 sailors, but the declaration stops short of directly blaming North Korea.

The council scheduled a meeting Friday morning where diplomats said the statement will be read.

After more than a month of closed-door discussions, the United States announced Thursday that the five permanent council members -- the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France -- as well as South Korea and Japan had reached agreement on the text.

U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice introduced the draft statement to the 15-member council at a closed meeting late Thursday.

Presidential statements must be approved by the full council and diplomats said there was no opposition, speaking on condition of anonymity because the meeting was closed.

While presidential statements don't have the clout of resolutions, they do become part of the Security Council's record.

A South Korean-led international investigation that included experts from five other nations concluded that a North Korean torpedo sank the 1,200-ton Cheonan on March 26.

South Korea sent a letter to the council on June 4 asking the U.N.'s most powerful body to respond to the sinking "in a manner appropriate to the gravity of North Korea's military provocation."

South Korea had wanted the council to condemn the North. But China, the North's closest ally and a veto-wielding council member, opposed a third round of sanctions against North Korea or direct condemnation for the sinking.

The draft statement "condemns the attack" and expresses "deep concern" over the investigation's findings that North Korea was to blame.

It calls for "appropriate and peaceful measures to be taken against those responsible."

But it doesn't identify who is responsible, and "takes note" of North Korea's response "that it had nothing to do with the incident," according to the text obtained by The Associated Press.

North Korea has called for a new joint investigation by both Koreas "to verify objectively the truth of the incident" and has warned that its military forces will respond if the council questions or condemns the country over the sinking.

The draft statement "underscores the importance" of preventing further attacks or hostilities against South Korea or in the region, and stresses "the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia as a whole."

Rice said the statement "shows the council's unity in confronting threats to peace and security."

"It underscores the importance of preventing further attacks and emphasizes the critical need to maintain peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the larger region," she said.

When a reporter asked whether she believed the statement directly blames North Korea for the attack, Rice replied: "We think the statement is very clear. ... It expresses the council's judgment that the attack on the ship is to be condemned and that no further attacks against the Republic of Korea should be contemplated."

Separately, the commander of U.S. military forces in South Korea expressed concern Friday that North Korea could engage in further provocations over the next several years.

"The thing that I worry about most is provocations from North Korea that end up then escalating very quickly," Gen. Walter Sharp told a forum in Seoul, citing the country's goal of achieving a "great and powerful" nation by 2012 -- the centenary of the birth of North Korea's late founder Kim Il Sung.

Among possible provocations cited by Sharp were North Korea's development of missile and nuclear technology, its special forces and incidents such as the Cheonan sinking.

North Korea's U.N. Ambassador Sin Son Ho sent a letter to the council on June 29 calling for "high-level military talks" between the two Koreas. He also reiterated the North's call for its own inspection team to be sent to the site of the sinking near the tense Korean sea border.

South Korea's U.N. Ambassador Park In-kook responded, saying the ship sinking violated the 1953 Armistice Agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War and should be discussed by the U.N. Command's Military Armistice Commission, which oversees the truce.

----

Associated Press writers Dan Chung and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul contributed to this report.

Police arrest 60 anti-India protesters in Kashmir

2010-07-09T12:58:00.001+01:00

Government forces arrested over 60 suspected separatist activists across Indian Kashmir in an attempt to stem deadly civil unrest that has continued despite a curfew that was in its third day, police said Friday.

The arrests, carried out during overnight raids by police and paramilitary soldiers, were designed to put a lid on nearly three weeks of violent anti-India protests in which at least 15 people have died. Residents blame security forces for the deaths.

At least 30 separatist activists who had participated in recent street demonstrations were arrested in Anantnag, 35 miles (55 kilometers) south of Srinagar, the main city in Indian Kashmir, said a police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media.

He said at least 30 others were arrested in Srinagar and other towns in Kashmir.

Tens of thousands of troops patrolled the region's streets, while shops and schools were closed. Streets ringed with barbed wire were deserted, and the region's nearly 60 newspapers were unable to publish for a second day Friday.

Despite the curfew, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, an umbrella organization of separatist groups, called for more protests.

The tension in the Himalayan region - divided between India and Pakistan - was reminiscent of the late 1980s, when protests against Indian rule sparked an armed conflict that has killed more than 68,000 people, mostly civilians, over the past two decades.

The government's decision to send the army to quell the recent protests was intended to prevent them from spiraling out of control and igniting another insurgency.

The Indian army is ubiquitous in Kashmir, but its operations are usually aimed at combating insurgents and it has not been used in crowd control since major street protests in 1990.

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over the region. India regularly accuses Pakistan of sending insurgents over the heavily militarized frontier to stir trouble and has blamed the recent protests on Pakistan-based militants bent on destabilizing India, a charge Islamabad denies.

Kashmiri separatists are demanding independence from Hindu-majority India or a merger with Muslim-majority Pakistan.

US, Russian planes swap 14 spies in Vienna

2010-07-09T12:54:00.000+01:00

VIENNA – U.S. and Russian flights involved in a 14-person spy swap landed briefly in Vienna, apparently exchanged agents, then took off again in the largest such diplomatic dance since the Cold War.

In a carefully scripted exchange, the two planes arrived within minutes of each other Friday, parked nose-to-tail at a remote section on the tarmac, then spent about an hour and a half there before departing just as quickly.

The swap apparently completed, a Russian Emergencies Ministry Yakovlvev Yak-42 plane left Vienna reportedly carrying 10 agents deported from the U.S. Minutes later, a maroon-and-white Boeing 767-200 that brought those agents in from New York took off, apparently with four Russians who had confessed to spying for the West.

No information was immediately available as to the planes' destinations. But the Russian flight was thought to heading for Moscow, while the U.S. charter was likely flying to London.

Igor Sutyagin, an arms control researcher convicted of spying for the United States, had told relatives of the spy swap while still in prison and said he was being sent to Vienna and then onto London.

Vienna has long been involved in such Cold War-like machinations, the capital of neutral Austria being a preferred place to work on treaties and agreements meant to reduce U.S.-Soviet tensions.

Both countries won admissions of crimes from the subjects of the exchange — guilty pleas in the U.S. and signed confessions in Russia.

In exchange for the 10 Russian agents, the U.S. won freedom for and access to two former Russian intelligence colonels who had been convicted in their home country of compromising dozens of valuable Soviet-era and Russian agents operating in the West. Two others also convicted of betraying Moscow were wrapped into the deal.

One ex-colonel, Alexander Zaporozhsky, may have exposed information leading to the capture of Robert Hanssen and Aldrich Ames, two of the most damaging spies ever caught in the U.S.

U.S. officials said some of those freed by Russia were ailing, and cited humanitarian concerns in part for arranging the swap in such a hurry. They said no substantial benefit to national security was seen from keeping the captured agents in prison for years. Former intelligence operatives agreed.

The 10 Russian agents arrested in the U.S. had tried to blend into American suburbia but been under watch for up to a decade by the FBI. Their access to top U.S. national security secrets appeared spotty at best, although the extent of what they knew and passed on is not publicly known.

The lawyer for one of them, Vicky Pelaez, said the Russian government offered her $2,000 a month for life, housing and help with her children — rather than the years behind bars she could have faced in the U.S. if she had not agreed to the deal.

In an elaborate round of dealmaking, U.S. officials met Monday in Russia with the convicted spies and offered them a chance for freedom if they left their homeland. Russian officials in the U.S. held similar meetings with the agents captured by the FBI.

On Thursday, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree pardoning the four after officials forced them to sign confessions.

The Kremlin identified the four as Zaporozhsky, Sutyagin, Gennady Vasilenko and Sergei Skripal.

Zaporozhsky, a former colonel in the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, sentenced in 2003 to 18 years in prison for espionage on behalf of the United States. He was convicted on charges of passing secret information about Russian agents working undercover in the United States and about American sources working for Russian intelligence.

Skripal, a former colonel in the Russian military intelligence, was found guilty of passing state secrets to Britain and sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2006. He was accused of revealing the names of several dozen Russian agents working in Europe.

Sutyagin, a military analyst, asserts his innocence despite the confession. He worked with the U.S.A. and Canada Institute, a respected Moscow-based think-tank, before being sentenced to 15 years in 2004 on charges of passing information on nuclear submarines and other weapons to a British company that Russia claimed was a CIA cover. Sutyagin says the information he provided was available from open sources.

Gennady Vasilenko, a former KGB officer employed as a security officer by Russia's NTV television, was sentenced in 2006 to three years in prison on murky charges of illegal weapons possession and resistance to authorities. It was not exactly clear why he was involved in the spy swap.

___

Associated Press writers George Jahn in Vienna, David Nowak in Moscow and Danica Kirka in London, Larry Neumeister, Tom Hays and David B. Caruso in New York and Calvin Woodward in Washington contributed to this report.

Google says Beijing renews China license

2010-07-09T12:52:00.000+01:00

BEIJING – Google on Friday said Beijing has renewed the license it needs to continue operating a website in China, securing the search giant's foothold in the country's fast-growing Internet market despite tensions over censorship.

The renewal of the license to provide Internet content had been in doubt due to the rocky relations between Google Inc. and Chinese authorities over hacking of Gmail accounts and censorship of Google search results.

"We are very pleased that the government has renewed our ICP (Internet content provider) license and we look forward to continuing to provide web search and local products to our users in China," said an e-mailed statement by Google's top lawyer, David Drummond.

The statement, which gave no other details, also was posted on Google's blog. There was no immediate statement posted on the website of China's ministry of industry and information technology.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt said Thursday he expected Beijing to renew the license.

Google closed its China search engine in March but has wanted to keep a website that offers music and other services. Users had been automatically redirected to Google's uncensored Hong Kong site, but the company stopped that last week after Chinese officials warned the move could mean losing its license.

Google's relations with Beijing have been rocky since the U.S. search giant said it no longer wanted to cooperate with government Internet censorship. The announcement was prompted by cyber attacks the company traced to China.

The conflict has posed a balancing act for Google. The company wants to uphold the principle of free access to information while also keeping a foothold in a market that has nearly 400 million Web users, the world's biggest.

Google, based in Mountain View, Calif., does not hold the kind of dominant position in the Chinese search market that it does in the U.S. The search engine operated by Chinese competitor Baidu has about 60 percent of the market to Google's 30 percent.

Amazing paintings of a blind artist

2010-07-09T12:46:00.000+01:00

NEW YORK: The story of this blind artist is extraordinary and unbelievable.

Professional CPA with a photographic memory, Lisa Fittipaldi, lost her vision due to a vascular disease in 1993.

She lost her job too, but overcame blindness and began painting in 1995. Her paintings are so colorful and bright; it’s hard to believe that they were drawn by a blind person who can’t even see colors or distance.

The main challenge to Lisa was when she was told she could never create complex scenes of everyday life with people as main characters.

But she managed to do so, and today her paintings are exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. Fittipaldi is a unique artist with an amazing inner vision.

World first face transplant, with tear ducts

2010-07-09T12:44:00.000+01:00

PARIS: French doctors have carried out a successful full-face transplant eyelids, tear ducts and all on a 35-year-old man, the hospital where the operation took place confirmed on Thursday.

Doctors carried out the 12-hour operation June 26 and 27 on a patient afflicted with a face-disfiguring genetic disorder.

The head surgeon, Laurent Lantieri, described the surgery as a world first because it included a difficult and unprecedented transplant of tear ducts and eyelids.

A similar procedure carried out in Spain earlier this year replaced most of the face, but not the tear ducts.

Megan Fox's wedding pictures come online

2010-07-09T12:43:00.001+01:00

LONDON: The setting couldn't have been more cinematic. Sunset on one of Hawaii's beautiful beaches. But for Megan Fox, there was only one choice of leading man.

These exclusive pictures bear witness to the 24-year-old actress's biggest role to date - when the blushing bride made a stunning entrance walking barefoot along the beach as she prepared to wed fiancé Brian Austin Green, 36.

Swathed in a strapless white Armani Privé gown complete with a flowing16ft-long train, carrying a bouquet of gardenias and white roses, Megan looked like a textbook bride for her wedding to the former 90210 actor.

The groom, former Beverly Hills 90210 star Austin Green also chose all-white Armani for the ceremony.

In these newly released pictures, Megan is seen strolling barefoot along the beach in a wedding, which bore few of the hallmarks of the typical Hollywood nuptials.

The couple was married on June 24th in an intimate ceremony, conducted on a deserted beach in Hawaii at sunset, to the tranquil sound of waves lapping on the shore.
Megan and Brian who had been dating for six years on and off before tying the knot, were wed at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu.

A local kahuna - Hawaiian priest - performed the ceremony.

Spain offers state protection to octopus after death threats

2010-07-09T12:41:00.000+01:00

MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Jose Zapatero has jokingly offered state protection for Paul, the psychic octopus, who has received death threats from German fans over his World Cup predictions.

Paul, from Aquarium Sea Life Centre in Oberhausen, Germany, had predicted the outcome of all six of Germany’s matches, including the 1-0 semi-final loss to Spain, by choosing to eat food from boxes adorned with the flags of Germany and its rivals.

Now Spain’s politicians are worried that some German fans may take their “revenge” on the octopus for their team’s exit.

“I am concerned for the octopus. I am thinking of sending him a protective team,” local media quoted Zapatero, as saying.

Spanish Environment and Fisheries Minister, Elena Espinosa, suggested a moratorium on going after Paul.

The threat to Paul’s life has escalated after some sections of the German fans were spotted singing anti-octopus songs.

According to a local newspaper, there have been “a host of comments on social networking web sites suggesting Paul should be fried, barbecued or turned into a seafood salad or paella”.

“Others wanted to throw him into the shark tank,” the paper added.

Major predictions, which came true in this World Cup, have been in the Germany-England Round of 16 clash and Germany-Argentina quarterfinal game. Paul had chosen Germany’s flag on both the occasions.

If the eight-limbed oracle survives the threats, fans would be thinking twice about dismissing his advice in future.

The silence is broken

2010-07-09T12:36:00.001+01:00

A long queue of people awaited entry to the Data Darbar Complex in Lahore only 13 hours after the shrine of the Sufi saint was attacked by suicide bombers on Thursday. Their face-off with terrorism may lead to many interpretations, but essentially, those who gathered at the Darbar for Friday prayers were there to assert their right to live by a code that has existed for centuries.

This code has come under more and more pressure as the ‘Gulfisation’ of the country continues at a rampant pace. This process is not restricted to a Kuwait hairdresser cropping up in one corner of a street in Lahore and a Dhahran tuition centre opening up as a tribute to the days its owner spent in the land of the ‘originals’ to earn his bread and butter. Gulfisation of Pakistani society has many faces. Some of these manifestations are very ugly and the state is complicit.

At the press conference a day after the attack on Data Darbar, it was the turn of the leaders of the Sunni Ittehad Council to point out the patronage that some extremist elements are still getting from the government and the officials who represent it. The leaders were categorical in dismissing the current incumbents’ claim to rule, at the same time blaming countries from the Gulf for funding extremist ideas in Pakistan. In a few sentences, the Sunni Ittehad Council brought out the dilemma of the Pakistani people who have to pay a huge price for their own and their political leaderships’ relations with foreigners who have always found reason to call for religion-based social reform to cleanse the Pakistani civilisation.

Wherever you go in Lahore today, discussions about terrorism are centred on foreigners. Usually, the reference is to India, to the Zionist lobby, and to America, its war on terror and the consequences of this war for Pakistanis. Ideologically, the anti-America talk makes as much sense as popular anti-hegemony theories based on the concepts of true independence have always done. This is not to say that the people are unaware of other foreign influences that have of late affected their lives in a big way. They are simply reluctant to speak out for fear of breaching the purist code and find it convenient to vent their spleen on the single imperialist power.

As the two dominating patterns — one from the Gulf and the other from the West — threaten to take over their civilisation, they silently await a Pakistani answer that only ideal and elusive economic independence can generate.

Blame it on Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s pan-Islamist times or pin it on Gen Ziaul Haq’s need for finding a purist version of religion. The consequences of the Pakistani state’s policies have been too dangerous for us to treat them as merely something that happened in the past. The current reality is that, having conceded the high moral ground to a minority group that arbitrates as the guardian of our faith, the state is today too weak to tackle the violence-mongers present in the same minority group. Worse, scratch the surface, and you will find that the state actors are still striving to protect the interests of these appointed guardians, out of political expediency, in good faith or simply out of fear.Now if the state actors are forced to do it out of political expediency, does it mean that their actions only mirror the Pakistani people’s preferences and aspirations? It will be useless to outright reject the argument that society here has turned more ‘fundamentalist’ with time, just as it is preposterous to equate the trends in Pakistani society with, and have them conform to, our appointed moral guardians’ insistence on imposing their system on us, often through coercion and failing that, through violence.

The gathering at Data’s Darbar within hours of the Thursday night attack once again brings to the fore the large peace-loving majority that has been shedding tears and protesting as their icons have come under attack from the invaders one after another. Silently, they have been gathering the fragments after each attack. They are back to their deviant ways at the Bari Imam shrine which was devastated by a bomb attack in May 2005 and they are building Rehman Baba’s dargah brick by brick after it was blown up in March 2009.

They may be lacking in firepower to match the resourcefulness of the so-called purist minority that is hell-bent on charting a short cut to heaven through violent means. However, their return to the centuries-old Data Darbar in a manner as if dictated by nature restores the confidence that they can withstand the current invasion of their lives.

The people have shown a will and it is time for the governments to reciprocate and reassure not through words alone but through actions. We have marked them for operating in an uncertain way, their functions hampered by the perceived interests of the state and self. This entails, willy-nilly, a strategy that has to fall back on material means to fight the monster of terrorism. Even on this count, the stress is on unimaginatively injecting money into the counter-crime or counter-terrorism apparatus and hoping that this in itself will contain the violence (without necessarily affecting the perpetrators to the extent where they become useless for future endeavours for which the state may require them).

The financial grants to the police have been increased manifold and there are forever calls for more funds from foreign donors who have enough reasons to feel wary — even scared — of terrorism bred in this particular part of the world. But there is no evidence so far that the people in charge are working on perfecting a system that will give them the edge that a functioning state must always have over those who challenge its writ and those who disobey its orders. In the event, the only assurance that is from time to time held out to the people is that, if someone has to die, it is going to be the policeman, who is then compensated with the money that the state has put aside for ‘countering terrorism’.

What should be a line of defence is thus reduced to an assembly line of men ready to be sacrificed. Precious lives are lost, and exposed are the very people these defenders are ostensibly there to protect.