World News

CHAMHATTI ABBOTABAD

2011-07-24T03:34:00.000-07:00

Blast in Peshawar 14 injured

2011-05-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

PESHAWAR: At least 14 people were injured in a powerful blast in Peshawar occurred near CID police station at University Road in-the-wee hours of Wednesday, News reported.

Relief and rescue teams have rushed to the site and initiated their work. The injured are being shifted to Khyber Teaching Hospital.
In Peshawar security forces have cordoned off the area.

It is said that the blast was heard across Peshawar city. Windowpanes of the nearby buildings were smashed in-the-blast.

Mysterious helicopters seen roaming in Muzaffarabad

2011-05-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

MUZAFFARABAD: Eight mysterious helicopters were seen roaming about in the skies of Muzaffarabad at around 1:15am, News reported.

The copters including seven small and a large remained in the skies for several-minutes and returned after inspecting the mountains in Dolai area of AJK capital.

The roaming of these helicopters has created panic among the people of-the-area.

Military officials have claimed that these helicopters were of Pakistan and that these were on night mission.

Amazing Facts between Abraham Lincoln & John F Kennedy

2011-05-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

The names Lincoln and Kennedy each contain seven letters.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.

Both of their wives lost their children while living in the White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.

Both were shot in the head.

Both were shot with one bullet.

Both were rumored to be killed in a conspiracy.Neither was confirmed to be a conspiracy.

Lincoln was shot in the Ford Theater.
Kennedy was shot in a card made by the Ford Motor Company (a Lincoln no less)

Lincoln's secretary was named Kennedy.
Kennedy's secretary was named Lincoln.

Both were assassinated by Southerners.

Both were succeeded by Southerners.

Both successors were named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

Their first names both contain six letters.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, was born in 1839.
Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.

Both names comprise fifteen letters.

Booth ran from the theater and was caught in a warehouse.
Oswald ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theater.

Both assassins were assassinated before their trials.

The only complete filming of Kennedy's assasination was shot by Abraham Zapruder.
The only complete account of Lincoln's assasination was written by John Zelfindorfer.

A week before Lincoln was shot, he was with friends in Monroe, Maryland.
A week before Kennedy was shot, he was with his friend Marilyn Monroe.

Lincoln's last child, Tad, had his funeral held on July 16, 1871. Later he was-exhumed and moved to a different grave site.
Kennedy's son JFK Jr. was lost at sea on July 16, 1999. Later he was found, brought up, and then re-burried at sea.

Note: 1 Note: It is an urban myth that Lincoln had a secretary named Kennedy. There is no record of that.

2 Note: There is no record whether or not Kennedy's secretary warned him.

3 Note: Booth actually fled to a farm and was killed in a tobacco barn. It might be a stretch to call it a warehouse.

But two years after his death, Booth's body was temporarily moved to a warehouse. Also, after the assassination, the government closed the Ford Theatre and turned it into a warehouse.

Other interesting facts:
Apparently Lincoln had a dream several days before the assassination that he had been killed.
He told his wife that he had seen himself in a casket.

Also, Lincoln's son Tad had a pet turkey named Jack. Tad asked his father not to kill the turkey for Thanksgiving.
Although Harry S Truman started the official tradition, Lincoln was the first to "pardon" a Thanksgiving turkey.

Now what would be real interesting is if Kennedy had a pet named Abe or had pardoned someone by that name. Thus far, I haven't heard of that. Skeptics disagree

Some skeptics say that you could take any two famous people and find a number of similar-type coincidences between them.
The only problem with that theory is that there really haven't been any listings of such comparisons.
And certainly none has been as extensive as the Lincoln-Kennedy similarities.

Summary:
Facts concerning the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy are amazingly similar. It is uncertain if such coincidences have any meaning, but they certainly are strange.

There are 2 other famous leaders you didn't mention who were marked for assassination for similar reasons.

In the early 1830s, President Andrew Jackson blocked the creation of the Fed of his day. He was so proud of this achievement, he boasts on his tombstone, "I KILLED THE BANK." Consequently, Jackson, too, was slated for assassination - but the would-be assassin's two pistols, aimed right at Jackson's chest, both misfired. (Incidentally, Jackson remains the only President who retired the national debt.)

2,000 years-earlier, the first leader I know of who-was assassinated after re-claiming his government's power to create money was Emperor Julius Caesar. His government created Roman coins, which led to the explosive growth of Rome's economy and the construction of Rome's greatest glories. Largely in return, he was literally stabbed in the back.

We should have learned long ago from the world's most powerful banking dynasty, THE RED SHIELD ("Rothschild" in the original German) - and should know now beyond a reasonable doubt: BANKERS KILL!

Tomatoes can control BP, cholestrol

2011-05-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

SYDNEY: A research shows that tomatoes may be an effective alternative to drugs in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and in preventing heart disease.

A bright red pigment called lycopene found in tomatoes and to-a-lesser extent in watermelon, guava, papaya and pink grapefruit has antioxidant properties that are vital to good-health.

Karin Ried and her colleague Peter Fakler from the University of Adelaide are the first to summarise the effect of lycopene on cholesterol and blood pressure (BP), analysing the collective results of 14 studies over the last 55 years.

Tomatoes have high-levels of lycopene, with half a litre of tomato juice taken daily, or 50 grams of tomato paste, providing protection against heart disease, according to an Adelaide statement.

Lycopene is better absorbed in processed and cooked tomatoes or tomato paste rather than fresh tomatoes. As a supplement, lycopene is available in soft gelatine capsules or tablets.

Pakistan scent victory over West Indies

2011-05-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

BASSETERRE: Hundreds from Taufeeq Umar and Misbah-ul-Haq followed by purposeful bowling led by Abdur-Rehman had Pakistan on the verge of victory over West Indies in the second Test on Monday.

Rehman captured three for 26 from 14 overs, as West Indies, in pursuit of 427 for-victory, slumped to 130 for six in their second innings at stumps on the fourth day at Warner Park.

Left-hander Darren Bravo has been the only West Indies batsman that has come to terms with the Pakistani bowlers, hitting the top score so far of 50.

Taufeeq had equalled his career-best of 135 and Misbah, the Pakistan captain, was undefeated on 102, as the visitors reached 377 for six in their second innings before they declared about 45 minutes after lunch.

Taufeeq struck 13 fours from 315 balls in close to seven hours batting, and Misbah stroked 10 fours and two sixes from 141 deliveries in close to four hours.

Devendra Bishoo was the most successful West Indies bowler with two for 149 from 38 overs.

"It is really, really good to score a Test hundred as a captain because the team is always looking towards you for something special," said Misbah. "For your own confidence, and the sake of the team, it is really important that you chip in and perform at all stages of the game.

"But we have not won the Test match yet. Until we have taken the final wicket, we have not won it yet. "It's still a game of cricket, and we have to finish the game, unless it's half the job done."

Tanvir Ahmed made an early breakthrough for the Pakistanis, leaving West Indies 54 for one at tea, when he bowled West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite for a duck in the third over of the innings.

After tea, the visitors made a huge charge for victory, with Rehman playing a leading role, with the wickets of Lendl Simmons and Ramnaresh Sarwan in the space of five deliveries.

The Pakistan left-arm spinner had Simmons caught at second slip for 24, and Sarwan, the most experienced batsman in the West Indies line-up, was lbw playing back and across for a duck, a decision from New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden, which was changed after it was reviewed.

Rehman added the scalp of Marlon Samuels caught behind for six to leave West-Indies 77 for four, but the Pakistanis met defiance from the left-handed pair of Bravo and West Indies vice captain Brendan Nash.

The visitors spent over an hour working away on the West Indies pair before Bravo cracked under the pressure, and was lbw to left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz. He struck two fours and two sixes from 144 balls in close to three hours of batting.

Earlier, Pakistan jammed their foot down on the accelerator, anticipating the declaration after they reached 202 for three at lunch. Misbah reached his hundred from 141 balls, with a thick edge to third man off Ravi Rampaul for his last boundary to prompt the declaration.

Umar Akmal shared 62 with him for the sixth wicket before Bishoo bowled him for 30, and Mohammad Salman was caught at deep fine leg off Rampaul for eight before the declaration came.

Pakistan trail 0-1 in the two-Test series, following a 40-run defeat inside four days in the first Test, which ended last Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium, crushing their dreams of a maiden Test series victory in the Caribbean.

US would act unilaterally again inside Pakistan: Obama

2011-05-22T01:58:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: US President Obama has indicated he would order an Abbottabad-type-operation that killed Osama Bin Laden early this month if another militant leader was found in Pakistan.

He said the US was mindful of sovereignty issue but said the US could not allow "active plans to come to fruition without us taking some action".

He was speaking to the BBC ahead of a European visit.

Asked what he would do if one of al-Qaeda's top leaders, or the Taliban leader Mullah Omar, was tracked down to a location in Pakistan or another sovereign territory, he said the US would take unilateral action if required.
"Our job is to secure the United States," Obama said.

"We are very respectful of the sovereignty of Pakistan. But we cannot allow someone who is actively planning to kill our people or our allies' people.

"We can't allow those kind-of-active plans to come to fruition without us taking some action."

Osama died of illness few years ago: Iran

2011-05-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

TEHRAN: Iran's intelligence minister Heidar Moslehi has said that his country had solid evidence that al-Qaeda Chief Osama bin Laden died of disease some time ago.

Iran had accurate information that bin Laden died of illness some-time-ago, Moslehi told reporters-after the Cabinet meeting on Sunday.

If the US military really arrested or killed Osama, why didn't they show his dead body, why had they thrown his corpse into the sea?” Moslehi asked.

He said when Iran apprehended former Jundallah leader, it showed him and also aired his interview.

'Super Sherpa' scales Mount Everest for record 21st time

2011-05-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

KATHMANDU: A 51 year old Nepali mountaineer, nicknamed "Super Sherpa", climbed Mount Everest for a record 21st time on Wednesday, breaking his own record for the most summits of the world's highest mountain, hiking officials said.

Apa Sherpa, who lives in the United States, reached the 8,850-metre (29,035-foot) peak of the mountain along the Southeast Ridge route, pioneered by New Zealand's Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who were the first to reach the top of the world in 1953.

"It takes a lot of will-power to do something as difficult and needing a lot of strength at very high altitude over and over and over again," climbing historian Elizabeth Hawley said. "It is really a remarkable achievement."

Apa, whose 21st ascent was dedicated to the impact of climate change, was accompanied by American Chris Shumate, Bruno Gremior of Switzerland and four other Sherpa-climbers, Ang Tshering Sherpa, chief of the Asian Trekking Agency, said.

Environmental activists say the Himalayan glaciers are rapidly shrinking due to climate change, threatening the lives of millions of people who depend on them for water.

Apa's Eco Everest-Expedition team is made from climbers from different-countries that set out to pick about five tonnes of decades-old old garbage - discarded oxygen cylinders, gas canisters, torn tents, ropes and plastic dumped by climbers on the mountain's slopes in the past.

"This expedition is focussed on climbing in an eco-sensitive manner to keep Everest clean and collect garbage, debris and waste left by past expedition groups," team leader Dawa Steven Sherpa said.

Apa first climbed the summit of Everest in 1990. He was born in Solukhumbhu district, home to Everest, but now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Hundreds of climbers are on Everest during the current March-May climbing season to try to reach the top from the Nepali and Tibetan sides of the mountain.

More than 3,100 climbers have made at least 5,100 ascents of Mount Everest since Hillary and Norgay.

2011-05-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has been roped in to host a talk-show, reveals Indian daily Mid-Day.

Yesteryear's quiz master Siddharth Basu's company Big Synergy is touted to produce it.

The daily says, Basu approached Khan a while ago with a show on the lines of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The show aims to address common man's problems. The daily says, Khan warmed to 'this concept, as it deals with issues pertaining to the ordinary citizens of the-country'.

One person will be picked per episode and the show host will-pick and talk about any issue that the person is dealing with. The show will also include a documentary on the person's life and it will be shot in a packed studio, the paper said.

Khan is not tagged-as-Bollywood's Mr. Perfectionist for nothing. He not only plans to be involved in the making of each documentary but would like to meet and know his main guest before the shoot commences, the paper revealed.

DG ISI admits failure; seeks apology from nation

2011-05-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Director General ISI, Lt General Ahmed-Shuja-Pasha Friday admitting failure in the Osama killing episode in Abbottabad, sought apology from the nation and added that he would resign if the parliament so demands.

“The failure was not intentional but I admit that it was a mistake,” the ISI Chief said during the in-camera joint sitting of the parliament.

On this Opposition-Leader Chaudhry Nisar said: “Since ISI has accepted the failure, now there is need to fix the responsibility.” He demanded that there has to be some kind of reparation for everything that went wrong.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Information Firdaus Ashiq Awan quoted The ISI chief as saying: “ I surrenders myself before the parliament”.

She said the DG ISI had accepted responsibility of the (Abbottabad) incident, and that he was ready to present himself for accountability at any forum including the Parliament.

World's largest model airport opened in Germany

2011-05-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

The world's largest model airport has opened at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany.

Miniatur Wunder-land (German for miniature wonderland) is a model railway attraction in Hamburg, Germany and the largest of its kind in the-world. As of January 2011, the railway consists of 12,000 metres (39,370 ft) of track in H0 scale, divided into seven sections: Harz, the fictitious city of Knuffingen, the Alps and Austria, Hamburg, America, Scandinavia, and Switzerland. Of the 6,400 square metres (68,889 sq ft) of floorspace, the model takes 1,150 m2 (12,378 sq ft).

By 2020, the exhibit is expected to have reached its final construction phase, including at least a total of ten sections in a model area of over 2,300 m2 (24,757 sq ft).

The next section covering an airport is due to open in the-second-week of May 2011. The exhibit includes 890 trains made up of over 11,000 carriages, 300,000 lights, 215,000 trees, and 200,000 human figurines.

The creators are planning to work-on-models of Italy and France after the airport section is completed. Possible future additions include Africa, England, or a futuristic landscape.

International Nurses Day 12 May

2011-05-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

International Nurses Day 12 May

Information about International Nurses Day with this year's events and a history and the origin of nurses-week:

International Nurses Day Each year, on the 12th of May, nurses celebrate nursing and raise the profile of their work in a variety of ways and events. Few can say they are untouched by the hard work and dedication of nurses in the UK and throughout the world and International Nurses Day is an opportunity to learn about the work of nurses and their workplaces. Many hospitals, day centres, wards, etc hold open days, coffee mornings, fund raising events and use the day for health care promotions and to raise the profile of the profession.

It is also a day for nurses worldwide to celebrate their profession and unite to take pride in their jobs and show the world the importance of their work.

The Origins of Nurses Day

The reason that Nurses Day is held on the 12th May each year is because this is the birth date of Florence Nightingale. She made many reforms to nursing and health care and drastically cut the death rate amongst soldiers in the Crimean War as a result of her hard work, dedication and training of fellow nurses.

Westminster Abbey Nurses Day Service

Each year, on the day that would have been her birthday, there is a service at Westminster Abbey, London to commemorate her life and celebrate the nursing profession. A lamp is taken from the Nurses' Chapel at the Abbey and handed from one nurse to the next nurse during the service. The last person the lamp is handed to is the Dean who then places the symbolic lamp onto the High Altar. This ceremony is done to signify the passing of knowledge from one nurse to another, much like Florence Nightingale did when she set up her Schools of Nursing. It also signifies her nickname The Lady of the Lamp.

St Margaret's Church Service

Florence Nightingale was buried at St Margaret's Church, East Wellow, Hampshire and there is a service of remembrance on her birthdate as well as the Sunday after the anniversary of her birthday.

Findextrawork

Find Extra Work Since leaving the QA's we have done an assortment of self employed-work and jobs, some which only take an hour a week, others have been full time. We have written about these at our other website Findextrawork at www.findextrawork.co.uk where we share the information for free to help others with information and resources about earning more money. Visit Findextrawork for more information.

The History of Nurses Day

The International Council For Nurses (ICN) in America started the event in 1965, though it was not officially recognised by the US Government until 1974.

In 1999 nurses and public sector employees union UNISON mounted a campaign to change the date and remove the historical importance of Florence Nightingale from Nurses Week because they felt that she no longer reflected modern day nursing because of her class and social background. They thought that she was not in keeping with the multi-cultural nature of modern nursing. Unison suggested the day be celebrated on 21 May which was the birthday of Elizabeth Fry. She was a 19th century reformer who founded the Institution of Nursing Sisters several years before Florence Nightingale set up her own nursing team. She went on to improve the life of the mentally ill and made many reforms in hospitals.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) disagreed with this campaign and were backed by many more nurses who felt that Florence Nightingale was an important founder of modern nursing and should rightly be remembered and celebrated on International Nurses Day.

Nurses Week
The event marks the end of Nurses Week which-generally starts on the 6th and allows large hospitals, nursing homes, day care centres, etc to plan in many profile raising events. It also provides an opportunity celebrate other branches of nursing for example:

National Student Nurses Day

During Nurses Week the National Student Nurses Day will be celebrated on the 8th May. This started in 1998.

National School Nurse-Day

In 2003 school nurses celebrated National School Nurse Day for the first time and choose to celebrate on the Wednesday of Nurses Week.

Nurses Day Cards

International Nurses Day is now recognised as a major-calendar event. Card manufacturers such as Hallmark now sell Nurses Day cards for people to give or send to a nurse. For example the 2006 Nurses Day card from Hallmark said

Compassion, Commitment, Kindness, Dedication, Caring, Knowledge - With helping hands and caring heart, you bring so much to your work as a nurse... and you make a wonderful difference.
Working against poverty internationally and at home: the theme for International Nurses Day on May 12 is Nurses working with communities against poverty. ... article from: Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand

US company plans to offer trips around moon

2011-05-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

Washington: A US private space exploration company has recently-announced its plan to offer trips around the moon to space tourists.

The tourists willing to pay the $150 million ticket-price would launch into space aboard a three seat Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

The Space-Adventures expects to begin launching their trips around the moon within the next five years.

Obama reserves right to act again in Pakistan

2011-05-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

The White House said Wednesday that US President Barack Obama reserves the right to act again against top terror suspects inside Pakistan, following the raid which killed Osama bin Laden.

Obama’s spokesman Jay Carney was-asked whether the president would be prepared to target fugitives again if they were on Pakistani soil, despite Islamabad’s complaints the bin Laden raid was unauthorized and unilateral.

“He made very clear during the campaign that that was his view. He was criticized for it,” Carney said.

“He maintained that that was his view and, by-the-actions he has taken as president, feels that it was the right approach and continues to feel that way,” he said.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, then-senator Obama said that he would order action against bin Laden or other senior Al-Qaeda leaders inside Pakistan if the country’s leadership “is unable or unwilling to act.”

Senator John McCain, the Republican candidate for president, accused Obama of effectively threatening an allied nation and said that if a target came into view, “you work with the Pakistani government.”

US officials have said that they gave no prior-notice to Pakistan before Sunday’s daring raid, in which special forces killed the world’s most wanted man at a mansion near the country’s top military academy in Abbottabad.

Oil tankers resumes supply

2011-05-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

All Pakistan Oil Tankers Association strike ended on Wednesday night after OGRA had issued notification to increase fares by 45 percent. People were facing problems due to suspend supply of Petroleum products for past two days. However ,Governor Sindh Ishrat-ul-Ibad intervened to get the strike ended on Wednesday owing to increase intensity of problem .He telephoned Minister for Petroleum Dr; Asim ,PSO Officials and Oil Tankers Association representatives. Afterward, Oil Tankers Association representative met with governor Sindh and informed him of their complications. Later on, OGRA issued fare increase notification because of Governor Sindh’s endeavor.

MQM decides to rejoin federal cabinet 'in national interest'

2011-05-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has late Wednesday formally announced to rejoin federal cabinet, Geo News reported.

With Governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad and Interior Minister Abdul Rehman Malik present on the occasion, MQM’s leader Dr. Farooq Sattar announced that his party resolved to rejoin federal-government in the greatest interests of country.

Making announcement, he said that MQM reached this decision after-assurance that it would be consulted and taken under confidence for the solutions to challenges faced by country.

“MQM has been assured that it would be consulted on key issues of national issues,” he said.

Earlier, MQM’s Rabbitta-Committee in London and Karachi held meetings, which suggested that the party should join federal cabinet upon assurances from PM Yusuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Zardari.

Al Qaeda leader bin Laden dead, says Obama

2011-05-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

WASHINTON: Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed on Sunday in a firefight with U.S. forces in Pakistan and his body was recovered, President Barack Obama announced on Sunday.

"Justice has been done," Obama said in a dramatic, late-night White House speech announcing the death of the elusive mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the New York and Washington.

Obama said U.S. forces led the operation that killed bin Laden. No Americans were killed in the operation and they took care to avoid civilian casualties, he said. "The United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda and a terrorist who is responsible for the murder of thousands of men, women and children," Obama said. It is a major accomplishment for Obama and his national security team, after many Americans had given up hope of ever finding bin Laden.

A crowd gathered outside the White-House to celebrate, chanting, "USA, USA." Obama's predecessor, George W. Bush, had repeatedly vowed to bring bin Laden to justice "dead or alive" for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New=York and Washington that killed nearly3,000 people, but never did before leaving office in early 2009.

U.S. officials said that after searching in vain for the al Qaeda leader since he disappeared in Afghanistan in late 2001, the Saudi-born extremist was killed in the Pakistani town of Abbotabad and his body recovered. Having the body may help convince any doubters that bin Laden is really dead.

He had been the subject of a search since he eluded U.S. soldiers and Afghan militia forces in a large-scale assault on the Tora Bora Mountains of Afghanistan in 2001. The trail quickly went cold after he disappeared and many intelligence officials believed he had been hiding in Pakistan.

While in hiding, bin Laden had taunted the West and advocated his militant Islamist views in videotapes spirited from his hideaway. Besides Sept. 11, Washington has also linked bin Laden to a string of attacks including the 1998 bombings of American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania and the 2000 bombing of the warship USS Cole in Yemen.

Usama Bin Ladin Died/dead

2011-05-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

Osama bin Laden is dead and his body has been recovered by U.S. authorities, U.S. officials said on Sunday.

United State America President Barack Obama was to make the dramatic announcement shortly in a hastily called, late-night appearance at the White-House.

As they waited for his statement, multiple news organizations reported sources in the White House had confirmed bin Laden's death almost a decade after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon.
U.S. stock-index futures advanced after an official in President Barack Obama's administration said that al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has been killed, almost 10 years after the Sept. 11 attacks that he orchestrated.

Standard & Poor's 500 Index futures expiring in June climbed 0.8 percent to 1,370.70 at 11:28 p.m. New York time. The official said Obama will deliver the-news in an address from the White House this evening.

"I'm ecstatic," said Shawn Price, who manages $2.7 billion at Navellier & Associates Inc. in Reno, Nevada. "It's a short-term positive across the board both for domestic and international export-oriented companies. We will get a broad relief rally because a world villain has been taken down. Whether it's a true or false sense of security, the average American will feel more safe now, feel better about the economy and the market."

Almost 3,000 people were killed on Sept. 11, most at the World-Trade-Center in New York, and the Pentagon in Virginia just outside of Washington.

The S&P 500, the benchmark measure of U.S. shares, plunged 12 percent in five days following the attacks. The New York Stock Exchange didn't reopen until Sept. 17.

Bin Laden's body is in U.S. custody, the administration official said. Bin Laden was killed by U.S. assets in a mansion outside Islamabad, Pakistan, along with other members of his family, an official said.

Violent Extremism'

Obama and his predecessor, former President George W. Bush, made capturing Bin Laden a key national security priority. Obama has called the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan the "epicenter of violent extremism," where he said bin Laden was hiding.

"The benefit from a global standpoint is that with that threat removed we can see the continuation of global growth without the threat of terrorism," said Walter "Bucky" Hellwig, who helps oversee $17 billion at BB&T Wealth Management in Birmingham, Alabama. "The best case scenario is that al Qaeda and some of the terrorist groups break up and become less effective, and in the worst case it encourages terrorists to step up their activities."
Osama Bin Laden
Messages to the World: The Statements of Osama Bin Laden
The Osama bin Laden I Know: An Oral History of al Qaeda's Leader
Through Our Enemies' Eyes: Osama bin Laden, Radical Islam, and the Future of America, Revised Edition
Osama Bin Laden

Helicopter crashes on PMA Kakul road: sources

2011-05-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

ABBOTABAD: A helicopter crashed on PMA Kakul road in the wee hours of Monday, sources said.

According to the sources, security forces cordoned off the area; meanwhile, relief activities were also kicked off soon after the incident.

14 NATO oil tanker torched in Attock

2011-05-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Unknown attackers on Sunday killed three police officials including a sub-inspector and torched 14 NATO oil supply tankers on Fateh Jang- Pindi Ghaib road,in Attock District.

According to details, unknown attackers on Sunday, in a attack on police post Dharnal killed three police officials including a sub inspector and torched 14 fuel tanker, police officials said.

Militants then opened-fire on the tankers and set them on fire.

NATO interdiction of oil tankers bound for Yugoslavia

Emergency War Surgery

NEOPlex 3' x 5' International Flags of the World's Countries - Nato

Zulu - NATO Ballistic Nylon Watchband Black with Grey Stripes 20mm Watch band - by deBeer

Royal Wedding: More than 1 mln flock to royal wedding: police

2011-04-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

LONDON: More than one million people flooded London on Friday to witness Britain's royal wedding, police confirmed.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said one-million-people lined the wedding route as Prince William tied the knot with Kate Middleton.

Some 500,000 people were estimated to have flocked to the Mall, the tree lined boulevard leading to Buckingham Palace, to get a glimpse of the newlyweds as they kissed on the balcony.

Royal wedding party captures world’s attention

2011-04-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES: The fairytale wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton captured the imagination of the world Friday, with millions sharing in the celebration of the royal nuptials at parties across the globe.

An estimated two billion people watched on TV when William and Kate exchanged vows at Westminster Abbey, and even in the home to the Hollywood stars royal glamour shined strong.

"We have movie stars, but they're not as good," said Paula Haifley, 30, as she arrived at the Cat and Fiddle British pub on Sunset Boulevard.

Decked out with Union Jack flags and cut-out Kate and Wills models at the entrance, some 300 royal party-goers packed into the bar for the all-night bash to watch the wedding service that started at 3:00 am in LA.

"We came to celebrate. It gave us the opportunity to dress like-girls, and celebrate the pomp and circumstance that we don't necessarily get over here," said Katie Christiansen, 24.

"It's a Cinderella story to make Hollywood drool," Andrew Rule from London commented in Sydney's Daily Telegraph tabloid.

"Today the world will see the wedding that proves that fairytales can, and do, happen," he wrote in the newspaper which reserved its first five pages for the wedding.

Hundreds of devoted monarchists gathered for celebratory lunches across the country, joining for a champagne toast, wedding cake and slideshows of the royal family and newlyweds.

And British troops took a rare break from frontline duties in one of Afghanistan's most hostile provinces to watch the pomp and ceremony from London on a big screen while toasting the marriage with alcohol-free beer and hunks of barbecued steak and chicken.

For some at Camp Tombstone in the southern province of Helmand it was a chance to honour the future king and their country, for others it was a great excuse to relax and have some fun.

"If you were going to say the politically correct thing, it would be it's a great thing but if you were to say (the) real thing, it's a cracking day off," said Able Seaman Kieran Glynn, a 22-year-old from Edinburgh, Scotland.

The British embassy in Brussels threw an austerity-based royal wedding reception with food and drink laid on by sponsors.

Ambassador Jonathan Brenton told some 400 guests the British-tradition was to bring something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue to a marriage.

"Here we are in a time of austerity in the UK and we have had to borrow an enormous amount -- so thanks to our sponsors," he said, listing backers that offered Freixenet cava sparkling wine from Catalonia, pork pies from an Irish butcher and "North Sea" cod and chips.

Meanwhile in Paris, some well wishers visited the statue by the Pont d'Alma that has become an unofficial memorial to William's mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

A solitary pink rose lies at the foot of the "Flame of Freedom", above the tunnel where Diana's car crashed in 1997. With it is a handwritten message: "Dear Diana, thinking of you on this special day."

Despite France's revolutionary past, the wedding was followed avidly here, where three channels screened it live. Champagne corks flew in southern France where many British expats have settled.

"It's history in the making. The prince is marrying a commoner," said Lise Moloney, who toasted the royal couple from the Cafe de Paris in Eymet, a medieval "bastide town" in the Dordogne region.

In former British colony Kenya, where William proposed to Kate last October, wedding gatherings were held in cafes and restaurants across the capital Nairobi.

Even in the Nairobi slum of Kibera, Africa's biggest, a small group of people-gathered around a television set up by a stall owner.

"As he proposed to her in Kenya, I think it is good for Kenyans to watch it," said Zack Aseka, owner of a stall selling electrical equipment.

Across Asia tens of millions tuned in to the event as national channels interspersed wedding coverage with discussion, commentary, and off-beat tributes to British life.

Some British-curriculum schools like the Alice Smith School in Malaysia were festooned in British flags and colourful bunting, as students celebrated by making wedding cards and cupcakes.

"This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the British character of the school as well as wish the happy couple the best of luck," Steve Caulfied, principal of the school's primary section, told AFP.

Even the Kremlin, which has had frosty relations recently with Britain, extended "heartfelt congratulations" to the newlyweds.

"This day is a great and outstanding event not only for you, but also all the people of the (UK) United Kingdom. Let your family always live in harmony, happiness and love," Medvedev wrote to Prince William, the Kremlin said.

But British republicans took the opportunity to throw an anti-monarchy party, venting their annoyance at an occasion they consider to be a waste of time and money.

"The whole country is not in rapture over the royal wedding," Graham Smith, campaign manager of anti-monarchy group Republic, told 200 people gathered in a picturesque London square at the 'Not the Royal Wedding' celebration.

Royal Wedding: Kate to borrow Queen Elizabeth's wedding crown

2011-04-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Kate Middleton may wear the same tiara, that Queen Elizabeth II wore, when she ties the knot to Prince-William on Friday.

Queen Elizabeth has often loaned or given royal brides a tiara on their wedding day and royal wedding watchers are abuzz over which of the queen's many crowns Kate Middleton might get to wear.

The origin of the Fringe tiara is often debated among royal authorities. Some historians believe it was-made-in 1830 from diamonds that belonged to King George III. The Royal Collection states that it was made in 1919 for Queen Mary from a necklace she received as a wedding present from Queen Victoria.

The tiara, which is part of the Queen's personal gem collection, has been worn by handful of British royals, including Queen Victoria, Queen Mary and the Queen Mum. It was also worn by Princess Anne when she wed Captain Mark Phillips in 1973.

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Royal Wedding:Kate, William wow crowds on wedding eve

2011-04-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Kate Middleton attended a final rehearsal at Westminster Abbey on the eve of her wedding as Prince William delighted crowds of wellwishers with an impromptu appearance on Thursday.

The casually dressed prince was given a welcome worthy of a rock star as he appeared on The Mall, the wide boulevard leading to Buckingham Palace where hundreds of people were preparing to camp out overnight.

Earlier, the couple said they had been "incredibly moved" by the affection shown to them since they announced their engagement in November.

In a message in their official wedding programme, William and Kate thanked "everyone most sincerely for their kindness" as they prepare for "one of the happiest days of our lives".

The Order of Service revealed that Kate will not promise to obey her husband in her marriage vows, following in the footsteps of William's late mother Diana, who later divorced his father Prince Charles and died in a-Paris-car crash in 1997.

In Friday's ceremony, 29-year-old Kate will pledge to "love, comfort, honour and keep" William rather than the more traditional vow to "obey" him.

With 24 hours to go to the wedding, weather forecasters had good news for the 600,000 people expected to gather to watch the ceremony, predicting a cloudy but-dry start to Friday, with only a small risk of rain.

In a diplomatic row that threatened to overshadow the good mood, Britain abruptly withdrew the Syrian ambassador's invitation to the wedding, saying the regime's crackdown on protesters made it unacceptable for him to attend.

The invitation had attracted controversy following claims from rights groups that more than 450 pro-democracy protesters have been killed in Syria by security forces in recent weeks.

"Buckingham Palace shares the view-of-the Foreign Office that it is not considered-appropriate for the Syrian ambassador to attend the wedding," a Foreign Office statement said.

The Syrian envoy, Sami Khiyami, said the decision was "embarrassing" and blamed the media for forcing the British government's hand.

"I find it a bit embarrassing but I don't consider it as a matter that would jeopardise any ongoing relations and discussions with the British government," he told BBC Radio.

"I don't really understand it but I understand the influence of media on the government decisions."

Visiting well--wishers on the wedding route on Thursday evening, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The right decision was taken."

Preparations for the biggest royal wedding in Britain for 30 years reached fever pitch as Kate attended a second and final rehearsal at Westminster Abbey early Thursday, accompanied by William's brother and best man Prince Harry.

She later made a brief appearance outside The Goring hotel, where she will spend her last night as a single woman, delighting the crowds with a wave.

A canopy has been erected over the front of the hotel to ensure no one sees her wedding gown until she arrives at the abbey on Friday.

On The Mall, which the newlyweds will travel down in a horse-drawn carriage, hundreds of people were preparing to spend a chilly night to get a good view of the procession.

Ruth Jackson, a head teacher from Wales, said: "It's history in the making.

We've never been to a royal event before so we wanted to come and soak up the atmosphere. It hasn't disappointed us."

Cameron praised the "fantastic atmosphere" as he walked through the crowd, and Prince Charles' wife Camilla also joined the throng, saying: "We're all ready for tomorrow it's wonderful and all very exciting!".

Camilla and Charles attended a reception along with the queen on Thursday night being given for British and foreign royals attending the wedding at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in central London.

As final security checks were carried--out, meanwhile, police said they had arrested 20 people across London after warning they would act to prevent anyone causing trouble during the wedding.
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Navy bus attacked again in karsaz area

2011-04-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: An explosion targeting a Pakistan Navy bus occurred in the Karsaz area of Karachi on Thursday.
The bus was completely damaged in the blast. Police officials have cordoned off the area.
There is a severe traffic jam blocking Shara-e-Faisal.
At least fifteen people were injured when a bomb targeted a Pakistan Navy bus near PAF Museum on Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karsaz area of the metropolis
The bomb was placed in a gutter near the petrol pump and blasted when the bus crossed Karsaz Bridge on Shahrae Faisal. The rescue teams have reached the spot.

Prince William and Kate Middleton Rehearse Wedding Final Time

2011-04-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

A smiling Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived at Westminster-Abbey on Wednesday night to run through their wedding ceremony. Next time, it'll be for real.

Although there had been an earlier rehearsal for the military, using a Middleton lookalike, this was a rehearsal for the bride and groom.

William, 28, wore a charcoal grey suit and Middleton, 29, wore a black-dress as they arrived in a chauffer-driven Range Rover at sunset. Best man Prince Harry, 26, and the maid of honor, Kate's sister Pippa Middleton, 27, arrived in a silver van. They were flanked by two motorcycle police officers.

It was their last rehearsal before Friday's wedding, according to multiple news reports.

The crowd of onlookers first knew something was brewing when 12 officers marched out of a side entrance of Westminster Abbey. They blocked off the street near the cathedral as the vehicles pulled up.

"Everything came to a halt," says Cindy Rockwell from Lake Oswego, Ore. "Then the crowd just surged forward. There were-so-many people that you could hardly even move; everyone was trying to see them."

William and Middletwon were quickly ushered into a side entrance. "It was really surreal," says Carolyn Houghton from Medford, Ore. "In America, the crowd would have been screaming. But here, everyone was very quiet and orderly. But I do wish they would have stopped and waved for a minute."

The couple remained in the cathedral for about 90 minutes, where they practiced the ceremony. Then they left William returning home, and Middleton heading to her $8,000-a-night royal suite on the top floor of the Goring Hotel.

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Royal Wedding By The Numbers: 5000 Police and street parties, 100 Million Pints Of Beer

2011-04-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on quite literally for the Royal wedding and RadarOnline is bringing you all the final details - by numbers.

As we've previously reported, the price tag for the big day is estimated at $34 million.

But here are some other astounding figures, according to News.

    * 100 million pints of beer are expected to be served in Brit pubs.

    * 5000 sequences of bells will ring out in celebration.

    * 1700 biscuits will be used to make Williams favorite childhood biscuit cake to be served at the luncheon reception.

    * 5000 police officers protect the royals, their guests and the crowds.

    * 187 groomed horses will march the bridal procession.

    * 35 bomb-sniffing dogs will check guests at the wedding.

    * 1 million people will travel to London to watch the royal parade.

    * 5,500 street parties will be held throughout the UK.

    * 28,000 wilting tulips that bloomed too early in the front gardens of Buckingham palace to be cut down and thrown away.

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Royal wedding brings back memories of Princess Diana

2011-04-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

I'll never forget watching Lady Diana Spencer tie the knot with Charles, the Prince of Wales, on July 29, 1981. Like most women in the Western world, I'd been obsessed with "The Royal Engagement" since the shocking announcement that Charles was finally giving up his single status at the fairly old age of 32, to marry the adorable 20-year-old Diana.

I was as naïve as the poor unsuspecting Diana and had no idea that this wasn't a real fairy tale romance. I breathlessly read the stories about how the pair had met through her older sister, Sarah Spencer, whom Charles had once dated! And I closely--followed the endless speculation about who would design Diana's dress.

If you think that the media and the public have gone hog wild over Prince Williams' wedding to Kate Middleton, you'd be surprised by how we were whipped into even more of a royal frenzy by the Diana and Charles nuptials.

Watch the royal wedding and share it with iReport

After all, William and Kate have dated for eight years, whereas Charles was linked to a series of blue-blooded types and then, suddenly, was marrying an adorable kindergarten teacher who had also worked as a nanny. Diana may have been the daughter of the 8th Earl Spencer, but she was also the first relatable royal.

Diana was just like us! She was shy and pretty but not beautiful, and she was caught by photographers wearing a skirt that turned sheer in the sunlight. She'd suffered a wardrobe malfunction that we could all sympathize with. So of course, I had to--be one of the 750 million people out of bed on the big wedding day, watching the royal procession to St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

In fact, my husband and I honored the occasion by gathering for a 6 a.m. tea party around my friend Barb's TV, along with several other of our friends. While we watched Diana ride in a beautiful--traditional carriage to St. Paul's, we munched on scones and clotted cream, and drank endless cups of tea. The guys all wore bow ties and top hats. My girlfriends and I turned out in old prom dresses and white gloves. Hey, we wanted to get fully into the wedding spirit.

When Diana stepped out of her carriage, our mouths dropped at the sight of her stunning ivory silk taffeta and lace dress designed by the husband-and-wife design team, David and Elizabeth Emanuel.

The unusual design of Diana's dress, with its ruffled v-neck neckline, stunned us. It was unlike anything we'd ever seen --extravagant but but modest, with its big puffed sleeves and full skirt. And as romantic as it was, Diana herself with her adorable shaggy haircut looked perfectly modern.

No one expected a bride to be sexy in those days, like many brides today -- especially celebrity brides. I hope Kate Middleton resists the temptation to go sexy or body conscious when she weds William. Hopefully, the reason she is dieting down to next-to-nothing now isn't because her gown is form--fitting.

When I watched Diana wed Charles, I never imagined that I would get to meet her twice, in the coming years.

The first occasion was when Diana hosted a party honoring English designers at London Fashion Week in Flare, 1987. At the time, I was editor-in-chief of Flare, Canada's fashion magazine. Diana greeted all of us in a reception line, with 5-year-old Prince William by her side.

Little William looked thrilled to be standing next to his beautiful mommy in formal shorts and a white shirt, shaking everyone's hand.

When it was my turn to take Diana's hand, I complimented her on what a wonderful job she was doing as Princess of Wales, and she smiled, looked directly into my eyes and murmured that-her-husband was a wonderful teacher. She seemed completely genuine and still very much in love with Charles. She was also charismatic and even more stunning up close, in person, than in pictures.

She made me feel like she was thrilled to meet me.

She had the same effect when I met her again at the Council of Fashion Designers of America awards in January 1995, in New York City. Diana had come to present her good friend Liz Tilberis, then editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar magazine, with an award for editorial achievement.

Diana was stunning, and you could see her toned arms in a sleek navy gown. When we were introduced, she seemed completely engrossed when we chatted for a few minutes about how competitive the fashion--magazine world was. I was the editor-in-chief of Marie Claire then, and Diana had the same effect on me as she had the first time we met -- she was far more beautiful in person than in photos. Everything about her -- from her skin and her eyes to her handshake and conversation -- emanated warmth.

With a mother like that, it's no wonder William wanted to marry Kate, a woman he knows through and through, and with whom he has an obviously warm and loving relationship. Having met Diana, I have no doubt she would have made Kate, her soon-to-be daughter-in-law, feel like her BFF from the moment William brought her home.

If Diana were here Friday, she'd be beaming to the Westminster Abbey rafters. There's no doubt in my mind that she's beaming in heaven!

Motorcycle bomb hits Navy Bus in Karachi

2011-04-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: A motorcycle bomb struck the navy bus in Defence phase II area-of-the metropolis, injuring at least 10 personnel on Tuesday morning, police sources said.

According to the initial reports, the incident took--place when an explosive-laden motorcycle rammed into the navy bus on Korangi Road in Defence phase II.

Local administration has reached the site of the incident. Meanwhile, injured personnel are being taken to PNS Shifa Hospital.

PM vows action against ISI upon evidence

2011-04-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

PM vows action against ISI upon evidence

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, reacting over Chaudhry Nisar’s speech at the floor of the house, has explained that the government fully respects the reservations voiced by opposition leader against ISI, vowing to take action on condition of concrete evidences.

“Opposition leader in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar should produce solid evidences against DG ISI if he wants reply from government, ” PM clarified.

“Not just ISI chief Director General Ahmed Shujaa Pasha visited US but Secretary--Defence also paid a visit to US,” PM claimed.

The premier revealed that Foreign Secretary would visit US soon, describing that these visits were part of process of restoration of Pak--US ties.

There is no harm in forming a new alliance at federal level; Gilani said, adding that sponsored sit--in should not threaten anyone.

Ahmed Shehzad century steers Pakistan to victory

2011-04-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

GROS ISLET: Opener Ahmed Shehzad struck his second one--day international hundred to anchor Pakistan to a confident seven--wicket victory over West Indies on Monday.

Shehzad hit seven fours and one six in his 102 from 148 balls as Pakistan successfully chased 221 for victory in the second ODI at the Beausejour Cricket Ground.

Umar Akmal carried the visitors over the threshold with 12 balls remaining when he lofted a delivery from Dwayne Bravo to long-off for the final boundary of the match.

The result means that Pakistan take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after winning the first game by eight wickets on Saturday at the same ground.

Pakistan have now won their last--seven ODIs against West Indies, a sequence spread over the last four years.

"We made a plan at our team meeting and our guys stuck to it and that was good," said Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.

"Shehzad is a very talented guy and he showed that he is capable of performing. He took his time, but chasing a small total, he could afford to do that and we won the game.

"I think our bowlers are doing a great job, and the fielding has improved because it is a very important--area for us. Our batting has shown responsibility and we hope to maintain this discipline right throughout the series."

The visitors' spin bowling trio of Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez and Afridi had dominated on another docile pitch.

After Pakistan chose to field, West Indies were dismissed for 220 in their 50 overs-- one less than the total they made in the first ODI.

Ajmal, Hafeez and Afridi shared six wickets for 102 runs in 30 overs between them, and only West Indies opener Lendl Simmons looked close to getting on top of them, leading the way with 51 from 48 balls, which included four fours and two sixes.

"We didn't make use of the key moments in the match," said West Indies captain Darren Sammy.

"We could have tried to squeeze their batsmen more and when we batted we got a good start, but did not capitalise on it.

"The spinners continue to bog us down, and we could have got a lot more on the board. It seems that whatever approach we have taken, we seem only able to-get-the same kind of total on the board. We have a lot more work to do."

Shehzad shared three successive half--century partnerships with Mohammad Hafeez, Asad Shafiq and Misbah-ul-Haq that put Pakistan firmly on course for their victory.

He glanced a delivery in the 44th over from Dwayne Bravo to deep fine leg for a single to reach his milestone from 143 balls.

"We tried to keep wickets in hand. It was not a huge total so I knew that I had to control my stroke--play and not get carried away," said Ahmed Shehzad.

He was fortunate on 30 when he came close to being run out after pulling a delivery from Bravo to mid--wicket and Hafeez turned down the chance of going for a single.

Sammy fired his throw from mid-wicket wide of the stumps and the opener was able to regain his ground.

By the time he became the second wicket for leg--spinner Devendra Bishoo in the 46th over, Pakistan required just 30 from the final 28 deliveries which came with little trouble.

The third and fourth matches of the series will be played on Thursday and Monday at Kensington Oval in Barbados, with the final game coming three days later at the Guyana National Stadium.

WikiLeaks roundup: Gitmo only the latest target

2011-04-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

A U.S. sailor combs a detainee's beard at Guantanamo Bay in February / Navy photo by David P. Coleman

As if the Obama Administration's inability to shutter Guantanamo Bay despite its pledge to-do-so weren't bad enough, now it has to deal with a torrent of classified documents about-the Cuban detainee prison and its 779 inmates.

Here's what the 700 documents say, in a nutshell:

* Some of those held there weren't so bad.

* Some were, and we released them anyway.

* Osama bin Laden, in the days after 9/11, traveled between Kandahar and Kabul before heading into-his Tora Bora mountain redoubt in Nov 2001. He told his followers to "remain strong in their commitment to fight, to obey the leaders, to help the Taliban, and that it was a grave mistake and taboo to leave before the fight was completed."

They contain no bombshells.

The documents surface in a coordinated release Monday in the Washington Post, the British newspaper the Guardian, and on NPR. The New York Times also published them, although it said it did-not get them from Wikileaks; in the past it has obtained such material from the Guardian.

The Obama Administration criticized the documents' unauthorized release, noting that some of the information about various detainees is dated and may not reflect the latest U.S. assessment of them.

No new-prisoners have been sent to Gitmo since 2007. The 172 remaining, as well as the American infrastructure designed to house and try them, seem increasingly like long ago insects trapped forever in amber.

Made in India stoles for Royal wedding

2011-04-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

Nearly 4,000 soft wool stoles have been shipped for the eagerly awaited wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in London this Friday, courtesy a Ludhiana manufacturer. And the royal couple is also expected to take its pick. Ludhiana's Centex Exports has shipped the stoles to London-based popul
ar online fashion business store Boden. They will also be gifted to the guests invited for the wedding at London's Westminster Abbey.

Each stole costs 45 pounds. Made of soft wool, the stoles are in red and blue, brown and scarlet and-green and grey colour variants. The Union Jack is printed on both sides of the stoles.

Moreover, the wool has been knit to form an animal print pattern carrying a small patch with the words, 'April 29th 2011; William and Kate; With love from Boden'.

"It's a singular honour to be asked to create such an important-keepsake for a wedding which will be historic. We have been chosen from across the world to manufacture the scarves. This is a mark of Indian excellence and innovation and also it is a once in a life time opportunity,” said a visibly excited Vineet Sood, the Centex-Exports managing director.

Centex was chosen after a market study by Boden.

"This is the wedding of fantasy and it becomes the major point for-the Britishers to project their royalty. They are the force to reckon with today and when-such a huge audience will get the live coverage (which is said to be around 2 billion), every small detail needs to be checked. So the royal family hired the service of third-party Boden," Sood told IANS.

"The company went across China and South Korea in search of a supplier as they were looking at very fine quality of wool.

"They went across different brands but couldn't get the desired result. And then since Centex are into manufacturing of scarves since 1969 and we happened to be working with top brands of the world like Burberry and Giorgio Armani, they asked us-to make some some samples and were impressed. The designs were given by them," he added.

Even Centex employees are excited that the stoles manufactured by them will feature in the royal wedding.

“We may not be present there but our stoles will definitely be part of the royal wedding,” an employee said.

In addition to these stoles, the company has made another 2,600 stoles and scarves for Boden which will be sold online.

The royal wedding will be a classic British occasion. The guest list includes-dignitaries from across the world like US First Lady Michelle Obama, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Beckhams.

Last year, Centex collaborated with Hugo Boss (BLACK) to manufacture-stoles for all the celebrities who attended the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival.

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Nato jets strike inside Gaddafi compound

2011-04-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

TRIPOLI: A Nato air strike flattened a building inside Muammar Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziyah compound early on Monday, in what a press official from Gaddafi's government said was an attempt on-the Libyan leader's life.

Firefighters were still working to extinguish flames in apart of-the wrecked building when journalists were brought on a government-organised trip to the scene, a few hours after three loud explosions shook central Tripoli.

The press official, who asked not-to be identified, said Gaddafi used the destroyed building for ministerial and-other meetings. She said 45 people were injured, including 15 who-were seriously hurt, and some were still unaccounted for after the attack.

'World's smelliest flower' bloom

2011-04-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

GENEVA: Thousands of plant lovers have flocked to the northern Swiss city of Basel to-see a giant, stinky flower bloom for-the first time.

The Basel Botanical Gardens expects 10,000 people to-see its amorphophallus titanum, or corpse flower, in full glory before the bloom wilts late Saturday or Sunday. The plant is 17 years old and has never bloomed before.

Visitors haven't been deterred by the strong stench of rotting flesh the flower emits to attract-insects for pollination.

The 6.6-feet (2-meter) tall flower is native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra and the last one to bloom in Switzerland was 75 years ago.
Worldwide, there have been only 134 recorded blooms from artificial cultivation.

The titan arum or Amorphophallus titanum (from Ancient Greek amorphos, "without form, misshapen" + phallos, "phallus", and titan, "giant") is a flowering plant with the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world. (The largest single flower is borne by the Rafflesia arnoldii; the largest branched inflorescence in the plant-kingdom belongs to the Talipot palm, Corypha umbraculifera).

Due to its odor, which is reminiscent of the-smell of a decomposing mammal, the titan arum is also-known as a carrion flower, the "Corpse flower", or "Corpse plant" (Indonesian: bunga bangkai - bunga means flower, while bangkai means-corpse or cadaver; for the same reason, the same title is also attributed to Rafflesia which, like the titan arum, also grows in the rainforests of Sumatra).

Fasting Mexican gets her wish to see royal wedding

2011-04-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

MEXICO CITY: A 19-year-old Mexican woman who fasted for 16 days in a bid for an invitation to the royal wedding of Prince William has finally been granted her wish.

Estibalis Chavez will be flown to London for the April 29 nuptials thanks to an anonymous -- benefactor, according to the Mexico daily, Milenio.

Chavez camped out in front of the British Embassy in Mexico City in February, refusing to eat, although officials at the embassy had told her she was fasting in vain.

Chavez lost 17 pounds (eight kilos) during her fast, and painted a portrait of Prince William and Kate Middleton, which the -- embassy also refused to deliver.

"I've been a fan of Lady Di since I was little and my mother's a fan as well," said Chavez. "And I promised myself I would go to a royal wedding," she told during her fast.

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Pakistan beat West Indies by eight wickets

2011-04-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

GROS ISLET: Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, and Mohammad Hafeez all coasted to half-centuries as Pakistan clinched a comfortable eight-wicket win over West Indies in the first one-day international on Saturday.

Misbah hit the top score of an unbeaten 73 from 90 deliveries, and Shafiq supported with 61 not out from 76 balls, after man-of-the-match Hafeez gave the Pakistanis a flying start with 54 from 45 balls in their successful chase of 222 for victory.

Shafiq ushered Pakistan over the finish line with 51 balls remaining when he edged a slog at a delivery from Kemar Roach to third man for a single.

The result gave Pakistanis a 1-0 lead in the five--match series, which continues on Monday at the same Beausejour ground.

Wayward bowling from the visitors in the closing overs had let West Indies finish with 221 for six from their 50 overs.

Wahab Riaz was the most successful bowler with two for 62 from 10 overs, but he and fellow left-arm fast-medium bowler Junaid Khan let their side down.

Pakistan's spin bowling triumvirate of Saeed Ajmal, Hafeez and captain Shahid Afridi tied the West Indies batsmen down in the middle overs in particular.

But the two Pakistani left-arm pacers did not have the same control over the home team's batsmen and Darren Bravo hit 67 from 109 balls to lead the way for West Indies.

"I was very happy when West Indies won the toss and chose to bat because I thought the pitch would help our spinners," said Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.

"I think our spinners have been doing a great job for us in the--last few months, and they again set things up for us.

"The way the openers Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad played was also good to see, and then the partnership between Misbah and Asad brought us home. It was good cricket all around for us."

Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad then gave the -- visitors a blistering start in an opening stand of 68 before Devendra Bishoo snared both of them in the space of 25 balls to end with two for 48 from his 10 overs.

Shehzad moving down the pitch was stumped for 22 in the 13th over off the leg-spinner, and Hafeez, whose 50 came from 48 balls, was caught at short mid-wicket in the 17th over off the same bowler.

Misbah joined Shafiq and they marched Pakistan to victory with an unbroken, third-wicket stand of 134, a record for any wicket on the ground.

Misbah reached his 50 from 63 balls with a pull to deep square leg for a single off Sammy in the 35th over, and Shafiq arrived at his -- landmark from 66 balls with an upper-cut to third man for four off Dwayne Bravo in the 39th over.

"We put ourselves in a hole when we were batting, and the spinners were bowling, so we really have to come better in the next game," said West Indies captain Darren Sammy whose team also lost to Pakistan in last month's World Cup quarter-finals.

"I was surprised to see the pitch offer so much turn and bounce, but I will back our guys. We will put in the hard work at practice and come back.

Royal wedding: Guest list offers a glimpse of the court of King William

2011-04-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

While Prince William, 28, acknowledges the importance of tradition and has invited many of the - dignitaries that you would expect at such a ceremony, he has demonstrated that he is as comfortable with the modern world of celebrities, as was his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Her friend, Sir Elton John, will be at Westminster Abbey with his civil partner, David Furnish, but the Prince has invited several famous figures with whom he has become good friends himself.

Joss Stone, a 24 year-old soul singer from Devon, will be at the abbey. She has proved a big hit in the past with the Prince, who warmly embraced her at an event to honour the Armed Forces in 2008.

Guy Ritchie, the director of such - gangster films as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, has been invited. The former husband of Madonna was, Mandrake understands, first introduced to the Prince by William - Duckworth-Chad, whose sister, Davina, is a friend and former holiday - companion of the Prince.

Mr Duckworth-Chad was the estate agent who handled - the sale of Ashcombe, Sir Cecil Beaton’s house in Wiltshire, which Madonna and Ritchie bought in 2001.

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Militants' back broken, says COAS Ashfaq Pervez Kayani

2011-04-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Military has broken the back of militants, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani said in a speech on Saturday.

Addressing a Passing Out Parade of 123rd PMA Long Course at Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani said Pakistan army was fully aware of the internal and external threats faced by the country.

"In the war against terrorism, our officers and soldiers have made great sacrifices and have achieved tremendous success," he said in a speech.

"The terrorists' backbone has been broken and Inshallah (God willing) we will soon prevail."

General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani said that the nation gives its priority to the independence and sovereignty of the country over any other thing.

COAS told cadets that this is the beginning of a long course, adding that they would get the chance to lead the most courageous army.

Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) sit-in against drone attacks today

2011-04-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) is staging a sit-in here today to block the Nato supplies to Afghanistan in protest against the killing of people in the US drone attacks.

The party’s provincial chapter has finalised arrangements for the two-day sit-in at Bagh-e-Naran Chowk in Hayatabad. Vehicles supplying goods and fuel for Nato--forces across the border in Afghanistan enter Hayatabad via the Ring Road before crossing over to Jamrud subdivision of Khyber Agency.

The event is being considered significant, as it is the first major public mobilisation against the US in Pakistan. Anger is running high among the people as 25 people including women and children were killed when four US missiles struck a house in Spinwam in Mir Ali subdivision of North Waziristan just a day before the sit-in.

Addressing a press conference at the venue of the sit-in, PTI Provincial Information Secretary Zahid Hussain Mohmand said the event would start at 10 a.m. and continue till Sunday evening.

Leading a big procession, PTI chief Imran Khan would leave Islamabad at 10 a.m. and JUI-S chief Maulana Samiul Haq would receive him at Akora Khattak, he said. “The PTI chief will visit the Darul Uloom Haqqania and address the students before heading for Peshawar,” he added.

Party workers, traders and general public will receive Imran at Nowshera and Pabbi while the traders of Peshawar have organised a reception at Chamkani village near Peshawar. The procession is expected to reach Peshawar at 4 p.m. He said residents of the area would not suffer because of the sit-in as there were many diversions and the smooth flow of traffic would be ensured on the diverted routes.

To a question, he said, Imran Khan along with thousands of party workers would spend the night at the square and deliver his speech at 5 p.m. the next day. A number of political parties and organisations have announced support for the PTI sit-in to be led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan. The Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), JUI-Sami, Pakistan People’s Party-Sherpao, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid, Pakistan Muslim League-Likeminded and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Istiqlal have announced support to the protest rally.

Syed Ishtiaq Ali Shah, chairman of the organising committee, told reporters that 600 party workers would be deployed for security. He said the road from main Jamrud Road towards Bagh-e-Naran would be blocked near the park while Ring Road would be blocked near the main entrance to Hayatabad.

He said vehicles would be parked in the nearby football stadium. Food stalls will be set-up at Bagh-e-Naran while proper arrangements have been made for drinking water. For ladies, a separate--portion of the venue has been reserved. He said the administration was cooperating with them.

Our correspondent adds from Islamabad: Imran Khan on Friday resolved to stage the sit-in despite the security agencies asked him not to do so, citing security threats. The ever calm and composed looking former skipper of Pakistan cricket team said he was not afraid of terrorist attacks, as--life was in the hands of Allah Almighty.

Imran said he was advised not to go for the planned agitation, as he could face threat to his life. Referring to Leader of Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s recent verbal attack, Imran charged that there was only one politician Nawaz Sharif, who was incubated by General Ziaul Haq and General Ghulam Jilani.

Justifying the sit-in, he said during an interaction with media at the PTI Central Secretariat here that the drone hits were like nurseries of suicide-bombers, as in such acts of aggression entire families were being massacred on the pretext of elimination of terrorists. He said the incumbent PPP-led regime, which claimed to be democratic, had been adopting a dual policy on drone attacks i.e. condemning these strikes for public consumption on one hand while on the other allowing the aggressor to continue hitting Pakistani people with drones.

The rulers, the PTI chief alleged, had compromised on Pakistan’s sovereignty by permitting the Americans to continue with their diabolical actions inside the country, as they cared only for their rule and vested interests. He pointed out that the same fact had been proved in the WikiLeaks. During the last three years, he noted, there had been 225 drone hits in Pakistani areas, claiming--innocent lives, even of women and children.

Meanwhile, PML-N senior leader Javed Hashmi phoned the PTI chairman and promised to participate in the sit-in. He appreciated Imran’s initiative while in return the PTI chairman also lauded Hashmi’s apology to the nation for siding with a military dictator.

Imran charged that this gesture by Hashmi would, however, not have any impact on PML-N leadership, which was a product of military dictators.

Imran Khan called upon the whole nation to raise their voice against the drone attacks in the tribal areas by joining the two-day sit-in at Bagh-e-Naran. “We shall have a symbolic block of Nato supply line as a statement of our resentment against drone attacks,” he said.

US halts operations from Shamsi Air Base

2011-04-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: An American TV has claimed that US had halted all operations from the Shamsi Air Base in Balochistan, an airport which was given to American forces for use after 9/11 and drone attacks were launched from the base on targets in the tribal areas.

A senior-Pakistani intelligence official told the US TV that U.S. military personnel have left the base said to be a key hub for American drone operations in the country's northwestern tribal areas.

It is the Shamsi Air Base in Balochistan province, from which drones are said to take off and where - they are refueled for operations against militants.

Another senior Pakistani intelligence official, who did not want to be identified discussing a sensitive issue, confirmed that the Americans had been using the base as a center of operations for launching drone strikes. He was not able-to confirm the Americans had left.

While the first official was able to confirm that American personnel were no longer-operating out of the base, he could not say whether they had left voluntarily or at the request of the Pakistani government.

It was not clear from the Pakistani officials when the presence there began or when it ended.

Pakistan’s top comedian Moin Akhtar dead

2011-04-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

Picture of Moin Akhter
ISLAMABAD: Prominent Pakistani comedian and TV Artist Moin Akhtar died of cardiac arrest in Karachi on Fri. He was 61.
Akhtar was born in Karachi in 1950 after his parents-- migrated from Mumbai to Pakistan.

A recipient of Sitar-e-Imtiaz, Akhtar appeared in several TV serials.

He began his career with Pakistan Television in 1966.

Between 1966 and 1975, Moen Akhtar performed in hundreds of shows.

Akhtar found a perfect unanimity of tone with his colleagues, particularly Shoaib Mansoor and Anwar Maqsood.

During the-- Imran Khan show, Bollywood actor Raza Murad paid tributes to-- Akhtar by saying: “Moin Akhtar is to stage what Imran Khan and Sunil Gavaskar are to cricket and Dilip Kumar to films.”

Prime Minister Syed Yusaf Raza Gilani expressed grief over his death and called it a great loss for the showbiz world.

Zulqarnain Haider considering postponing return to Pakistan after receiving threat calls in England

2011-04-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

Zulqarnain Haider considering postponing return to Pakistan after receiving threat calls in England

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider is giving second thoughts to his decision of returning to Pakistan after he received two -- threat calls from unknown people in England.

According to details, the former Pakistan player who is currently living in London has filed a report in a local police station against the perpetrators of the call. According to Haider, the callers threatened to kill him on his return to Pakistan.

The former wicketkeeper claimed that the calls came from Pakistan. It is expected that he will now postpone his return. Earlier 24 April, 2011 was the presumed date for his return to Pakistan.

Haider hit the news recently when he announced that he would be returning to Pakistan in the coming days. He made the revelation after meeting Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik in London. According to reports, Malik assured Haider of complete cooperation from the government regarding his security.

Later, Haider ceased seeking asylum in United Kingdom and claimed that -- there was no need for him to live in England when the top minister had promised him security of the highest level in Pakistan.

Haider had become a matter of embarrassment for the Pakistan Cricket Board when he deserted his national side which was playing against -- South Africa in the United Arab Emirates in November 2010.

After resurfacing in England, Haider claimed that he had received threats from a bookie who wanted him to lose the fourth and fifth One Day Internationals against the Proteas. He said after refusing to adhere to the threats, there was no other option for him but to run for his life.

In his first press conference -- after finding refuge in the United Kingdom, Haider announced his retirement from international cricket and insisted that he wanted to live in England away from all the controversies.

Nonetheless, after just two weeks he announced that he will unmask the individuals within the PCB involved in match/spot-fixing. Soon after, his family in Pakistan started receiving threat calls which consequently pushed him to retract his statement.

Haider’s central contract was terminated by the PCB and he was banned for life -- from playing cricket because of violating the Board’s rules and regulations regarding discipline. The cricket board made it very clear that he will have to face an inquiry committee on his return which will determine the next course of action for him.

It remains unclear what will be his next step after receiving the latest threats from people who according to him are after his life.

Earthquake In Japan nuclear evacuation ring will be no-go zone,

2011-04-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

Tens of thousands of people left the zone after the March 11 quake smashed the power-station, operated by Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO), but some have since returned to their homes to collect belongings.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano told a press briefing that as of midnight Thursday, people will only be allowed into the zone under government supervision.

"The setting of the no-entry zone and (last month's) evacuation instruction are aimed at securing the safety of the people," Edano said.

"We will take strict legal measures against those trying to enter the area," he said, without providing details. "For residents, all I can say is I ask for their understanding so that no legal action will be taken against them."

TEPCO, struggling to master the world's most serious-nuclear crisis since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, has said it may take the rest of the year or longer to bring the plant under control.

It wants a "cold shutdown" of the plant, 240 km (150 miles) from the capital, within six to nine months, a timeline experts say will be tough to meet.

This week it began pumping highly contaminated water from one of the reactors, a key step toward repairing the cooling system that regulates the temperature of radioactive fuel rods.

But water levels were unchanged, the latest in a litany of problems-engineers have faced since the crisis began, which has included pumping radioactive water into the sea, to the concern of Japan's neighbors.

French nuclear plant maker Areva will supply a water treatment plant that uses a process called "co-precipitation" - which isolates and removes radioactive elements from water - to speed up decontamination of the Fukushima site.

TEPCO hopes to begin the water treatment before the end of May, Areva's chief executive Anne Lauvergeon said in Tokyo this week.

TEPCO insists that while fuel rods at three of its six reactors were damaged when they partially melted after the quake, they are not in "meltdown."

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan, under fire from the opposition and even within his own Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) over his handling of Japan's worst crisis since World War Two, was visiting Fukushima Thursday.

More than 13,000 people were killed and tens of thousands lost their homes when the 9.0 earthquake and 15-meter tsunami hit Japan's northeastern coast. More than 130,000 people were in shelters at the start of this week, according to police figures.

Attractive men have long... ring fingersAttractive men have long... ring fingers

2011-04-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

PARIS The longer a man's fourth or ring finger is compared to his index finger, the more likely he is to be judged attractive by women, according to a study released Wednesday. The results, published in the British Royal Society's journal Biological Sciences, unveil intricate links between foetal exposure of males to hormones, the development of certain physical traits, and what turns on the opposite sex. It also adds to a growing body of research -conducted under the banner of evolutionary psychology -- suggesting that the drivers of human behaviour are found, more than previously suspected, in "nature" rather than "nurture." Earlier studies had already shown that the size ratio between the fourth and second fingers, especially of the right hand, is a reliable indicator of the extent a man was exposed to testosterone while still in the womb. The bigger the gap between a longer ring finger and a shorter index, the greater the likely impact of the hormone. For the new study, scientists led by Camille Ferdenzi of the University of Geneva-designed an experiment to find out if women are drawn to the telltale signs of high testosterone levels in men -a symmetrical face, a deeper voice, a particular body odour - who have this more "masculine" finger configuration. More than 80 women university students between 18 and 34 looked at pictures of 49 similarly aged men, and were asked to evaluate them for masculinity and attractiveness. Smaller groups of women-listened to recordings of the male voices, and smelled samples of their body odour, taken from cotton pads worn under the arm for 24 hours. "The aim was to understand what makes a man attractive," and whether at least some of those qualities "were in part conditioned by the foetal environment," Ferdenzi said in an interview. For the visual test, the results were unambiguous. "The longer the ring finger compared to the index - that is, the greater the exposure to testosterone - the more attractive the face was rated," she said by phone. "We also found that attractiveness and symmetry in the face are highly correlated." Such a preference might have evolved to boost a female's chances of reproductive success through mating with a more virile partner, she said. Surprisingly, however, women did not consistently tag the same men as "masculine". Nor did their preferences for voice or odours correspond to the longer ring-finger males. "There wasn't any relation between the 2D-4D" -2nd digit, 4th digit - "ratio and the reactions of the women to odour," Ferdenzi said. One reason, she speculated, may-be that voice and body odour are more dependent on fluctuating levels of adult testosterone than on pre-natal testosterone. The ring-index finger ratio has also proven to be a useful indicator for gauging the risk of prostate cancer, likewise tied to high levels of testosterone. Research published in December showed that the chances of developing the disease drop by a third in men whose index finger is longer than their ring finger. Other studies have also found a link between exposure to hormones before birth and the development of other diseases, including breast cancer and osteoarthritis.

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Royal Wedding: Northern Ireland soldier ready to guard Prince William and Kate Middleton

2011-04-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

He has fought in war zones across the world and he returned from Afghanistan just a few weeks ago.

But this Northern Ireland soldier is about to face the most nerve-shredding task of his 24-year military career.

Sergeant Paul Stevenson (41), who serves with the 1st Battalion the Irish-Guards, will have to push frontline duties to the back of his mind and concentrate on being a first-class ceremonial soldier when he takes charge of 18 men guarding Buckingham Palace during the Royal wedding next Friday.

“I’ll be the senior sergeant at Buckingham Palace and will be running the Queen’s Guard within the palace on the day of the wedding,” said Sgt Stevenson, who is from the village of Artigarvan in Co Tyrone.

“We will be part of the mounted guard prior to Catherine leaving Buckingham Palace.”

While parading at the palace may be nothing new for the Irish Guards one of only five regiments charged with securing Royal residences doing so for a global-audience of two billion will increase the pressure.

“We’ll be there in case she gets cold feet,” he joked.

Sgt Stevenson, a father-of-two, has completed tours of duty in Iraq, Kosovo and Northern Ireland, and was part of a unit based at Camp Shorabak tasked with training Afghan National Army soldiers for six months.

He returned from his second tour of duty in Helmand just over a fortnight ago and has been rehearsing for the Royal wedding role for the past two days. “Logistical-wise it should be OK,” he said. “It’s something I have done plenty of times before. We’ve had plenty of rehearsals and there will be plenty of majors around the place on the day. So, fingers crossed, everything will go OK.

“I volunteered for the role as I thought it was a great privilege. I joined the Irish Guards for occasions like this.”

The Irish Guards, nicknamed the ‘Micks’, are heavily-involved in ceremonial duties. And for the wedding will be dressed in their traditional red and black uniform complete with bearskin. So, unlike most of those watching, Sgt Stevenson is hoping there will not be too much-sunshine.

He said: “The worst thing that could go wrong is if someone falls over on the day.

“In 2009 I carried the Queen’s colour on to the parade ground for the Queen’s birthday parade.

“But this is kind of different. I expect the place will be packed to the rafters.”

Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to present campaign medals to the Irish Guards recently returned from Afghanistan later this year.
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India launches three satellites into space

2011-04-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: India Wednesday successfully launched an indigenously developed rocket, carrying three satellites, including latest remote sensing Resourcesat-2, into space from the southern-spaceport of Sriharikota, a top space research official said.

The rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle was launched by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota at 10:12 a.m. (local time); it carried two--nano satellites Youthsat and X-Sat apart from the Resourcesat-2.

"PSLV-C16 Resourcesat-2 mission is successful," ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan said, after all the three satellites were hurled into space one after another 822 km above Earth.

While Resourcesat-2 with a five-year space life will provide information on ship surveillance by making 14 orbits per day, Youthsat, a joint Indo-Russian satellite for stellar and atmospheric studies will study the relationship between solar variability and thermosphere-ionosphere changes.

X-Sat is a mini satellite that intends to demonstrate technologies related to satellite based remote sensing and onboard image processing.

The launch was particularly important this year as last year saw the dramatic back-to-back failures of two of the larger rockets, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, that plunged down into the Bay of Bengal.

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India atomic plant 2nd day of violent protests ;

2011-04-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Mobs attacked a hospital and blocked a highway in western India on Tuesday in a second day of violent-protests against a planned nuclear power plant, after a protester was shot dead a day earlier.

The renewed violence prompted police to ban large public gatherings and political rallies, local television channels reported, with anger seething over the proposed power station amid Japan's nuclear emergency.

A furious crowd targeted a hospital in Ratnagiri town in Maharashtra state, while state transport buses were pelted with stones and a district highway road blocked with burning tyres, the Press Trust of India news agency said.

The Hindu nationalist Shiv Sena party called a shutdown in Ratnagiri town, 350 kilometres (220 miles) south of state capital Mumbai, television channels said.

"The situation is calm and under control," a police official at the Ratnagiri police control room said, asking not to be identified.

Anger has been brewing in the area since national environment minister Jairam Ramesh last week ruled out a "rethink" on the planned six-reactor, 9,900-megawatt facility in Jaitapur in Ratnagiri district.

On Monday police shot a man dead during clashes with protesters, later saying they had "no choice" but to fire live bullets at the crowd. Demonstrators set a police station ablaze after the killing, and at least 20 were arrested.

The power plant is to be constructed with technical help from the French energy giant Areva. But environmental campaigners argue the location is prone to earthquakes, while local people who are dependent on fishing and farming say the plant will rob them of their livelihoods and nuclear waste could pollute the soil and sea.

Nuclear industry insiders have also cast doubt on India's ability to deal with a crisis on the scale of that faced by Japan at its Fukushima Daiichi plant after a devastating earthquake and tsunami last month.

Anti-nuclear activists had been planning further protests on Sunday in Maharashtra state to demand that the nuclear-power-plant be scrapped.

Condoleezza Rice to start acting is set

2011-04-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Former US Secretary Condoleezza Rice is set to make her-acting debut on hit comedy show ''30 Rock''. The 56-year-old diplomat will appear in a brief cameo on the American sitcom, reported the Daily Mail. The announcement was made yesterday by the show's star and creator, Tony Fey, who described the cameo as "amazing". Jack Donaghy, played by Alec Baldwin, bragged that the former-diplomat, who currently teaches political-science at Stanford University in California, was his former flame throughout the first season of the programme. Earlier former vice president and Noble Peace prize winner Al Gore made a guest appearance on the show. But former US President Bill Clinton recently turned down the same offer.

Honey, secret of energy booster

2011-04-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: Did you know that the athletes in Ancient Greece relies on intake of honey to improve their performance in the face of Olympic sport?

Honey made their secret recipes as they contain-glucose and fructose which are capable of producing supplies of glycogen in the liver.

For that, it’s no wonder that eating one tablespoon of honey before bed can also increase fingsi-brain. Because fructose is stored as energy reserves in the liver and the brain will be working at night.

In addition, honey can boost the immune system and has antibacterial effects both internally and externally so that helps speed up recovery of the body.

Pak-India cricket after IPL: PCB

2011-04-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

LAHORE: Chief Operating Officer PCB Subhan Ahmed has said that the board is in contact with Indian cricket board and that official-dialogue to restore Pak-India cricket series would resume after IPL.

Talking to media, he said if both the teams bring minor changes to their schedule Pak-India series would be possible this year.

To a question, chief operating officer said Zulqarnain Haider has yet to response PCB’s letter.

He further said that PCB is in contact with ICC task-team and soon there would be good news about restoration of international cricket in Pakistan.

Cheating In SSC Exams:

2011-04-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: The annual examination 2011 of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Part-I and II, (Science and General Group) began today amid complains of non-issuance of admit cards and cheating at examination centers, media reported.

Meanwhile, several reports of cheating and copying have reached here despite imposition of Section-144 in and around examination centers.

Though SSC exams are on news for some days even then authorities concerned did not bother to transport question papers to examination centers on time, student complained.

In Karachi, more than 300,000 students are appearing in 9th and 10th class exams being conducted under Board of Secondary-Education Karachi (BSEK).

Over 225 examination centers have been set up for conducting exams.

Earlier, students who have not received admit-cards assembled outside the office of Board of Secondary-Education Karachi (BSEK).

Chairman BSEK Prof. Anwar Ahmed Zai said that the board had already completed all arrangement for conducting the matriculation-exam. He said the students who have failed to submit their examination forms due to any reason could appear in supplementary exam, adding such a decision has taken by Sindh Governor Dr. Ishratul Ibad Khan.

Chairman said that the candidates could not enter any examination centre without showing valid admit card. He said more than 311000 male and female candidates will appear in the annual examination-2011 of BSEK, to be held in 225 examination centres established in different private and government's schools of the city.

He said that the SSC part-I exam would be held from 09:30 am to 12:30 pm, while SSC part-II be held from 02:30 pm to 05:30 pm as per schedule.

In case, a student changes his or her examination centre without permission of BSEK, then action would be taken against the concerned centre superintendent and officers as per law, Prof. Zai said.

45 dead as tornadoes rip across US: reports

2011-04-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: A powerful storm whipped up tornadoes at least 45 people were dead in seven southern US states, media reported Sunday.

The tornadoes left a trail of destruction in North Carolina Saturday, leveling homes and businesses and knocking out power, media reported Sunday.

The fast-moving storm toppled trees and power lines, tore roofs off houses and scattered tractor-trailers across highways.

Some two dozen tornadoes were reported in the southern states of Mississippi and Alabama on Friday, a day after 15 twisters struck in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, the National-Weather Service said.

Violent weather also hit Arkansas and Georgia on Friday, US news reports said.

Particularly hard-hit was the North Carolina capital-city of Raleigh, where dozens of homes destroyed. Officials also reported multiple fatalities and widespred power outages throughout much of the state.

The violent weather system began late Thursday in Oklahoma, and left a trail of death and destruction as it traveled Friday and Saturday through several-states.

Among seven people killed in Alabama were mother and her two children, who were sheltering e inside their double-wide trailer when it was ripped from its foundation and thrown about 500 feet, landing on its roof, disaster officials said.

The potent storm had made its way into the Atlantic Ocean by early-Sunday, meteorologists with the National Storm Prediction Center said. (AFP)

World's oldest man died

2011-04-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

SALMON: World's oldest man died a 114-year-old retired railroad worker reputed to be the world's oldest living man died of natural causes on Thursday in the farming community of Great Falls, Montana.

Walter Breuning, who had lived in a local nursing home since 1980, was declared oldest man on July 18, 2009, by the Guinness Book of World Records.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and a great-Montanan, Walter Breuning," Governor Brian Schweitzer said in a statement. "He was wise even beyond his years."

Breuning was born Sept 21, 1896, in Melrose, Minnesota, and spent most of his early life in South Dakota before taking a job with the Great Northern Railway in 1913, according to the Rainbow Senior Living retirement home in Great Falls.

He moved to Montana in 1918 to clerk for the railway and married Agnes Twokey, a telegraph operator, four years later.

He retired from the railroad at age 66. He attributed his longevity to restricting daily meals to breakfast and lunch and to downing an aspirin a day.

In recent years, Breuning-attracted a following, appearing on "News Hour with Jim Lehrer" in 2009 and participating in a question-and-answer segment in the magazine "Men's Journal."

"He was one of the kindest-gentlemen and one of the humblest," said Stacia Kirby, spokeswoman for the Rainbow.

Kirby said Breuning's mind was lucid to the end and he had told his caretakers he was unafraid of death.

"Walter taught me that all things in moderation-will help lead to a long life; that hard work and a modest living are enough for a happy life and most importantly that giving back to others is good for the soul," Schweitzer said.

Annual Examination-2011 of Secondary Education in Sindh from April 18

2011-04-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: The annual examination 2011 of secondary school certificate Part-I and II, (Science and General Group), commonly known as matriculation exams will start all across Sindh on 18th April 2011.

Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) in different districts in Sindh will conduct exams.

Chairman BISE Karachi Prof. Anwar Ahmed Zai told media that the board had already completed all arrangements for conducting the matriculation exam.

He said the students who have failed to submit their examination forms due to any reason could appear in supplementary-exam, adding such a decision has taken by Sindh Governor Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan.

Chairman said that the candidates could not enter any examination centre without showing valid admit card.

He said more than 311000 male and female-candidates will appear in the annual examination 2011 of BISE Karachi, to be held in 225 examination centres established in different private and government’s schools of the city.

He said that the SSC part I exam would be held from 09:30 am to 12:30 pm, while SSC part II be held from 02:30 pm to 05:30 pm as per schedule.

In case, a student changes his or her examination centre without permission of BISE Karachi, then action would be taken against the concerned centre superintendent and officers as per law, Prof. Zai said.

Bookies contacted NZ Players in Hong Kong:

2011-04-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

WELLINGTON: New Zealand Cricket tipped off the International Cricket Council (ICC's) about possible match-fixing at the Hong Kong Sixes tournament last year after players became suspicious of the intentions of a person who offered them presents, a report said today.

The players were questioned by International Cricket Council (ICC's) Anti-corruption Unit but were never under suspicion of match-fixing and told investigators that they had not been asked to do anything illicit, according to 'Sunday Star Times'.

According to the report, the New Zealand team in that tournament which featured Daryl Tuffey, Nathan McCullum and Scott Styris wined and dined with the suspicious businessman, a Middle East-based diamond dealer, who was already on the anti-corruption unit's watchlist.

At that time, they had no idea of the man's identity, but became suspicious when he offered them discounted gems and other benefits.

Team manager Steve Wilkins told NZC of the approach and they in turn tipped off International Cricket Council (ICC's) anti-corruption and security unit.

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan, however, said the ICC "never had any concerns about the incident". "I don't believe there was anything untoward," he was quoted as saying.

Asked if his players were asked to do anything illegal, Vaughan replied, "Not to my knowledge".

New Zealand Players' Association chief Heath Mills confirmed the approach by the suspicious person and the subsequent questioning of the players by the International Cricket Council (ICC's) ACSU. "The team did have dinner with a gentleman in Hong Kong.

We understand he might have been involved in diamond industry and was keen to offer products to the players. His behaviour was suspicious and the team manager reported that to NZC and ICC's anti-corruption unit. That was the right thing to do. The players were questioned about their contact with this gentleman," Mills said.

Mills said the questioning of the players was "standard procedure" for the International Cricket Council (ICC's) and he was "comfortable" that both the players and NZC had done the right thing.

"But this is a reminder to everyone about how vigilant they need to be in this area," he said.

Until now, the ACSU had not monitored the tournament, which is effectively a privately run festival event but has the ICC's sanction.

Nato supplies to be blocked during PTI sit-in

2011-04-17T04:14:00.000-07:00

PESHAWAR: The federal government on Sunday decided to stop the supplies to Nato troops in Afghanistan for two-days on April 23 and 24, keeping in view Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s plan to stage a sit-in in Peshawar to protest against drone attacks in the tribal areas.

The provincial-government has given directions for a security plan to ensure law and order during the PTI’s sit-in protest.

Sources said that the federal and provincial-government decided to stop Nato oil tankers and food supplies during the protests to avoid any incidents of violence.

Ranbir upset with Priyanka’s remarks

2011-04-17T03:59:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Ranbir was upset to hear that Priyanka had been poking fun at his Casanova-image and his several linkups. Though the comments were made in jest.

A source reveals, "Ranbir and Priyanka aren't paired-opposite each other. In fact it's B-Town debutante Ileana who is his romantic interest in Burfi. Priyanka plays the second woman in his life. And since Ranbir has worked with her in Anjaana Anjaani."

The source further says: "Ranbir was upset that Priyanka was joking about his string of affairs. Since he hasn't shot with Ileana, he didn't want her to feel-uncomfortable. He confronted Priyanka."

Eight bodies recovered from dried well

2011-04-17T03:52:00.000-07:00

ATTOCK: Four days old eight dead bodies have been recovered from a dried well in China Chowk area of Attock.

DPO Attock told-media that the bodies were four days old and they may have been-killed due to personal enmity. Bodies have been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for postmortem.

Zong telecom Pakistan to celebrate (Say It All) “Sab Keh Do” Day

2011-04-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Zong telecom Pakistan to celebrate (Say It All) “Sab Keh Do” Day on 17th of april 2011. “Sub Keh Do” day is all about to create awareness about the importance of self--expression. In the spirit of recent world up, this year’s “Sub Keh Do” day will focus on sending positive messages to Pakistan’s cricket team.

The main objective of celebrating “Sub Keh Do” (Say It All) day is to motivate people so that they know the importance of expressing oneself. To express your self you can use verbal communication , written or gestured etc. “Sub Keh Do” day encourge everyone to speak their heart out in a respectful manner, which eventually contributes towards promoting peace, love and understanding in society.

The song has been sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The song is truly inspirational and theme of the song is based on team--work and commitment.

The video is based on a cricket player who visit his village after a long time and he remembers how the people of his village support him and his fellows to take part in the tournament when they don’t have enough mony to register them self in the tournament. This story also make us to remember how whole nation have supported Pakistan Cricket Team after lost of the semi-final in the Cricket World Cup 2011.

Chinese man arrested in fake U.S. Army unit scam

2011-04-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES: A Chinese man was arrested on Tuesday for creating a fake U.S. Army unit and selling-immigrants on the idea that joining the squad was a path to citizenship, authorities said.

Yupeng Deng, 51, allegedly gave his "recruits" military uniforms, had them parade in a Los Angeles suburb and took them to the decommissioned USS Midway aircraft-carrier, which is a museum in San Diego.

Deng charged more than 100 fellow Chinese nationals between$300 and $450 to join the fake Army unit, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.

He called his bogus squad the U.S. Army/Military Special Forces Reserve unit, or MSFR for short, and gave himself the lofty title of "supreme commander," prosecutors said.

As well as telling recruits that belonging to the unit was a path to U.S. citizenship, Deng urged them to pay him cash for higher military-rank, according to prosecutors.

He also allegedly provided them with fake documents and phony military identification-cards.

Deng, a resident of the Los Angeles suburb of El Monte, was arrested on Tuesday by sheriff's deputies. He was charged with theft by false pretenses, manufacturing deceptive government-documents and counterfeit of an official government seal.

Deng faces up to eight years in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Wed, and is being held on$500,000 bail

AMIR KHAN WIN WBA TITLE:

2011-04-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

MANCHESTER: Pakistani born British Boxer Amir Khan ensured there were no more losses for him at the end of a costly week by stopping Paul McCloskey on a cut in the sixth round on Saturday night.

The World Boxing Association champion made a fourth successful world title defence by technical-unanimous decision after a cut above McCloskey's left eyebrow, caused by a clash of heads, prompted referee Luis Pabon to stop the fight in the sixth round in front of 18,000 supporters at the MEN Arena.
Khan began the week losing an estimated one million pounds after a TV dispute ended in UK broadcaster Sky TV refusing to screen his fight, but the Englishman stayed on course for bigger pay-days.
Arena Men's Satamis Race Xtra Life Lycra Solid Brief Swimsuit,Navy/Metallic Silver,32
But it was an anti-climatic end to a fight that was just coming to the boil and McCloskey's corner were furious that the Northern-Irishman was not allowed to continue.

It was the 25th win of Amir Khan career with just one defeat while McCloskey suffered the first blemish on his record, dropping to 22 wins and one defeat.

The 2004 Olympic silver medalist won by scores of 60-54 on all three judges' scorecards, after a clash of heads.

The Northern Irish challenger entered the ring unbeaten European champion and it seemed like he was the home fighter with over 6,000 traveling fans roaring him on.

McCloskey, 31, cleverly kept out of range for most of the opening round to avoid Amir Khan customary quick start.

Khan had sparred with Filipino Manny Pacquiao -the world's best pound-for-pound boxer -and claimed it was perfect preparation to face another southpaw in McCloskey.

And Amir Khan began finding McCloskey more in the second as McCloskey failed to deal with the champion's hand-speed.

McCloskey had stopped five of his previous five opponents but Khan was a steep step up in class.

Yet the challenger did not look out of depth in a see-saw third round, landing a left flush on the jaw from close range.

Khan shook-McCloskey with a right in the fourth and increased his attacking bursts in a lively fifth round.

McCloskey survived a furious assault from Khan in the sixth before a clash of heads opened up a gruesome two-inch cut stretching from the forehead to left eyebrow.

Referee Pabon called in the ringside doctor, who immediately called for the fight to be stopped, with the judges' scorecards of 60-54 deciding the outcome by technical unanimous decision.

The crowd booed as the scores of 60-54 from all three judges were read out and there were angry scenes in the ring.

Aloe vera, a natural healer

2011-04-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Aloe vera is considered as a natural-healer and can be used to cure multiple diseases according to the various studies and researches.

Aloe vera with 250 species has been used worldwide for more than 3,500 years due to its medicinal and beauty enhancing properties.

Father of Pharmacology, Paracelsus said, "All that mankind needs for good health and healing is provided in nature, the challenge of science is to find it".

Head of the Green Economics Initiative of a civil society organization `Shirkat Gah', Najma Sadeque said that around 300 varieties of aloe vera are being used for last thousands of years and can be used as first aid for burn injuries, skin irritation, constipation and moisturizing the skin.

Aloe vera helps to treat kidney-problem, heal cuts, insect bites, sunburns and kills fungus and bacteria and it also contains six natural antiseptics, which kills germs, Najma said.

Dermatologists suggest its use for healing surgery scars, reduce dandruff and vanish pimples spots from the skin.

However, the researchers are also working to find uses of aloe vera to fight AIDS and cancer diseases, Najma added.

According to the medical experts, drinking aloe vera juice on a regular basis help maintain health by replenishing body naturally with the essential amino acids.

In 2004, biologists tested the effects of aloe vera on certain bacteria, which proved that it inhibits the growth of the Streptococcus and Shigella bacteria, and prevent human conditions like rheumatic fever, pneumonia, meningitis and diarrhea.

Some of the minerals found in aloe vera juice include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc.

Aloe extract has been proven to decrease blood-glucose levels and it can prevent or at least slow down the development of diabetes.

Aloe vera juice provides natural support for the immune system and increases protein absorption, decreasing unfriendly bacteria and yeast, ensures a greater feeling of well being, increase energy levels and maintain a healthy body weight.

Aloe vera can be used to disinfect wounds and it can protect your open wounds from certain microorganisms that can cause infections.

It can be used to treat injuries that occurred on soft tissue, such as mouth ulcers, canker sores, fever blisters and other lesions, bleeding gums and for hair growth. It can also be used as a sunscreen on the face.

First polio case in Karachi

2011-04-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

Karachi: The first polio case in Karachi of the current yearwas detected on Friday, raising the number of confirmed polio cases in Sindh--province this year to seven.

EPI Sindh project director Dr Mazhar Khamesani told this news agency that 18--month Maria daughter of Tawab Khan, resident of Baloch Colony, UC-13 Orangi town was confirmed poliovirus positive. (PPI) Uni Filter BF1 12" X 16" X 5/8" 65-PPI Green Fine Foam

Babu Baral Dies In Lahore

2011-04-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

LAHORE: Babu Baral Dies after a prolonged illness at the age of 47.

Babu Baral had been suffering from--Cancer, Hepatitis and kidney disease and was being treated at private Hospital.

Babu Baral started his career as a comedian from Gujranwala in 1982.

He appealed to the--government to grant him aid for his medical treatment.

He left behind two widows, a daughter and a son.

Pakistan embassy official shot and wounded in Nepal

2011-04-14T03:42:00.000-07:00

KATHMANDU: A Pakistani embassy official suffered multiple wounds when he was shot by an unidentified gunman on Thursday in Nepal's capital Kathmandu, police said.

Mehboob Asif, who works at the visa section of the Pakistan-embassy, was injured in his stomach and hand when he was shot near the office on Thursday-morning, police said.

He was rushed to hospital where he was declared "out of danger."

"The gunman, who followed Asif, fired three bullet rounds and fled the scene on the victim's motorbike," Kathmandu police chief Pushkar Karki said.

Police said they were investigating the shooting and had no idea yet who was responsible.

The Pakistan embassy in Kathmandu confirmed Asif's identity but would not comment further.

The shooting of the visa officer came amid a wave of attacks in Kathmandu by unidentified assailants that has fuelled-concern over public security.

Last Sunday, a businessman was shot dead in the centre of the city and on Tuesday the country's new energy minister was stabbed by two assailants just hours after he was appointed.

Police say they do not know yet who was responsible for those two attacks.

Wisden names four Cricketers of the Year

2011-04-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

LONDON: The 2011 edition of the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack will feature only four Cricketers of the Year, instead of the usual five, after the editor, Scyld Berry, chose to break with tradition to reflect a year in which allegations of corruption during Pakistan's tour of England left a stain on the sport's reputation.

The truncated list will feature in the Almanack's 148th edition, which is officially unveiled on Wednesday. The tradition, which dates back to 1889, is the oldest individual honour in cricket, and though the format has occasionally varied, with six great bowlers being chosen for the original award, Wisden has chosen five names in every year since 1926, barring a hiatus during the Second-World-War.

That, however, has changed for this year, after one of the chosen Five Cricketers became embroiled in the spot-fixing furore which broke during the Lord's Test between England and Pakistan last August.

Though Wisden chose not to name the omitted player, it was the performance of Amir - then 18 - which really captured the public imagination during Pakistan's tour. Bowling at genuine pace with deadly late swing from a left-arm line, he claimed 19 wickets at 18.36 in four Tests against England, and a further 11 in the two match series against Australia, including seven in the second Test at Headingley, when Australia were bowled out for 88 on the first morning.

"If [the player in question] were exonerated, then it would be possible to reconsider the position," explained Berry. "That's why I didn't pick anyone else instead. But as things stand, we don't feel we can choose him. It's all very sad."

The other four nominees include the first-players from Bangladesh and Ireland to receive the award. Tamim Iqbal struck memorable hundreds at both Lord's and Old Trafford during Bangladesh's Test tour in May and June 2010, having already shown himself to be a world class player at home against England two months earlier, while Eoin Morgan's innovative strokeplay helped propel England to the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, as well as secure home ODI series wins over Australia and Pakistan.

The other two players are Jonathan Trott, who announced himself as England's most reliable run-scorer, with 1,325 Test runs in the calendar year, including scores of 226 and 184 in consecutive Lord's Tests, and Chris Read, who captained Nottinghamshire to a thrilling County Championship victory, which was sealed on the final day of the season with a surging victory over Lancashire at Old Trafford.

ISI chief meets CIA head and leaves Washington

2011-04-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Pakistan's ISI chief Lt General Ahmed Shuja Pasha held an important meeting with the CIA chief on Monday but apparently cut short his visit and was leaving the US-capital on Monday night.

A Pakistan-Embassy official confirmed that Gen Pasha was scheduled to leave Monday night although earlier reports had indicated he may be staying in Washington for three days and leave on April 13.

There was no official word from the Pakistani side but the New York Times quoted a CIA spokesman, George Little, saying that the two spy chiefs had held "productive" meetings and that the relationship between the two services "remains on solid footing."

Political analysts were, however, a little surprised that Gen Pasha, who had arrived on Sunday evening, was leaving the US capital in just about 24 hours. There was no word of his meetings, if any, with other senior US leaders, including the Defence Secretary.

"The United States and Pakistan-share a wide range of mutual interests," the CIA spokesman said, "and today's exchange emphasized the need to continue to work closely together, including on our common fight against terrorist networks that threaten both countries."

The newspaper said the meetings were part of an effort to repair the already tentative and distrustful relations between the spy agencies that plunged to a new low as a result of the Davis episode, which further exposed where Pakistani and American interests diverge as the endgame in Afghanistan draws closer.

The NYT also reported that Pakistan has demanded that the US steeply reduce the number of CIA operatives and Special Operations forces working in Pakistan, and that it put on hold CIA drone strikes aimed at militants in northwest Pakistan, a sign of the near collapse of cooperation between the two testy allies.

The demand that the United States scale back its presence is the immediate fallout of the arrest in Pakistan of Raymond A. Davis, a CIA security officer who killed two men in broad daylight during a mugging in January, Pakistani and American officials said in interviews.

The NYT said the scale of the Pakistani demands emerged as Gen Pasha met the CIA Director. The paper said Pakistan Army firmly believes that Washington's real aim in Pakistan is to neutralize the nation's prized nuclear arsenal, which is now on a path to becoming the world's fifth largest, said the Pakistani official closely involved in the decision on reducing the American presence.

On the American side, frustration has built over the Pakistan Army's seeming inability to defeat a host of militant groups, including the Taliban and al-Qaeda, which have thrived in Pakistan's tribal areas despite more than $1 billion in American assistance a year to the Pakistani military.

American officials said last year that the Pakistanis had allowed a maximum of 120 Special Forces soldiers to operate in Pakistan. The Americans had reached that quota, the Pakistani-official said.

In an illustration of the severity of the breach between the CIA and the ISI, two intelligence agencies that were supposed to have been cooperating since the Sept. 11 attack in the United States but that have rarely trusted each other, the Pakistani official said: "We're telling the Americans: 'You have to trust the ISI or you don't. There is nothing in between.'"

Pakistani-American sentenced for plotting bombings

2011-04-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: A Pakistani-American man was sentenced Monday to 23 years in prison for plotting attacks on subway stations around the US capital with people he believed were al-Qaeda affiliates.

Farooque Ahmed, a naturalized US citizen who lived in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, admitted photographing stations in 2010 to plan simultaneous bomb attacks.

The 35-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and collecting information to assist in planning a terrorist-attack, US officials said.

A federal judge also sentenced Ahmed to 50 years of supervised release after prison, as part of a plea agreement between Ahmed's lawyers and prosecutors.

Ahmed was caught in a sting operation by US authorities, who said that "at no time was the public in danger during this investigation and that the FBI was aware of Ahmed's activities from before the alleged attempt began and closely monitored his activities until his arrest."

Ahmed was arrested in Oct 2010. Authorities said he had studied security operations at subway stations, took photographs, and provided diagrams to the fake al-Qaeda affiliates.

Ahmed also "provided suggestions as to where explosives should be placed on trains in Metrorail stations in Arlington to kill the most people in simultaneous attacks planned for 2011," the US Department of Justice said in a statement.

Aamir on 100 most influential people list :

2011-04-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: It was just after India's World Cup Cricket triumph that a very important news did not get the coverage that it deserved from the media.

Ironically, it was about the man whose first film as a producer, 'Lagaan', took cricket to the Oscars! Yes, it is non other than Hindi cinema's superstar Aamir Khan!

Aamir Khan has made it to the list of nominees of TIME magazine's poll for 100 Most Influential People of the World. The actor producer has been nominated among 204 world leaders, artists, innovators, icons and heroes encompassing people from all walks of life and countries.

In fact Aamir is the only Indian actor nominated in this year's TIME 100 poll. Other Indians nominated this year include, Sonia Gandhi, UPA Chairperson, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, Indian-American physician Siddhartha Mukherjee and Indian-American neuroscientist-author V.S. Ramachandran.

Earth Poster Movie 11x17 Aamir Khan Maia Sethna Nandita Das Kitu Gidwani

Aamir Khan is currently ranking at #31, and is the highest-ranking Indian in this list even beating US President Barack Obama and Hollywood giants like Johnny Depp, George Clooney and Colin Firth.

The online voting for the 2011 TIME 100 poll closes on April 14.

TV STAGE DRAMA ACTOR MASTANA DIED:

2011-04-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Lincoln Lawyer: A NovelBAHAWALPUR: Prominent figure of TV and stage shows comedian actor Mastana died of liver cancer in Bahawalpur Victoria-Hospital here on Monday. He was 57.

Murtaza Hassan alias Mastana was born in Gujranwala. He served TV and stage for nearly 43 years. He played different-roles of them ‘Mr. Kiyun’ is one of his best.

Deceased Mastana worked in more than 2000 TV and stage dramas.

He fell prey of ‘Hepatitis C’ that was reached to liver cancer level.

LIVE TV CHANNELS

2011-04-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Friday most popular day for bank robberies in US

2011-04-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK: Bank robberies in the United States take place most often in mid-morning, on Fridays and in southern and western-states, according to government statistics released on Tuesday.

Robbers stole slightly more than $43 million last year nationwide in 5,546 robberies of banks, credit unions and other financial-institutions, statistics released by the FBI showed.

The South led the way with 1,790 bank robberies, followed by the West with 1,691. California had the most robberies at 805, followed by Texas with 464. North Dakota, where there were two-bank robberies, had the least.

Overall, there were 5,628 reported bank crimes the 5,546 robberies along with 74 burglaries, eight larcenies and 13 extortions of financial institutions.

That marked a decrease from 2009, when there were 6,065 such crimes reported, the FBI said.

The FBI does not speculate on why such a decrease occurred, said spokeswoman Denise Ballew.

Most robberies took place at bank counters and involved notes demanding money and threats of weapons, the statistics showed.

Nearly all of the $43 million haul was cash, and about $8 million was later recovered, the FBI said. (Reuters)

Tsunami alert for Japan lifted

2011-04-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

TOKYO: A Tsunami alert issued for Japan's northeast coast after a 7.1 magnitude Earthquake was lifted by the Meteorological agency early Friday.

"The Tsunami warning and advisory was lifted as of 00:55," the agency said on its website. (AFP)

Karachi Saddar cracker blast

2011-04-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: An unknown man was killed and 16 others sustained injuries in a blast that occurred near Rainbow centre here in Saddar are on Thursday-night, News reported quoting police sources.

According to SP Saddar Town, the blast was caused by explosion of a cracker.

Police and emergency services reached the blast site immediately after the incident. Eight of the injured were rushed to Jinnah Hospital and four to Civil-Hospital while one or two were shifted to private hospitals.

People of all age groups were among the injured.

No major loss to property occurred in the incident.

Kelly Clarkson called. She wants her DNA back.

2011-04-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I got laughed at.

Yeah, you're sorta pissed off for me, aren't ya??

Well, this morning I got laughed at.

'Coz I was going around saying Lauren-Alaina looked like Kelly Clarkson last night on Idol. In fact, that choice of "Natural Woman" (which seemed like it could've passed for Kelly Clarkson on sleeping pills... zzzzz...) and the way Gwen Stefani dolled up Lauren's hair frankly I thought she looked EXACTLY like Kelly Clarkson.

Government shutdown: White House details consequences

2011-04-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) If the government closes shop after Friday, the IRS will stop processing paper tax returns, the Small Business Association will stop making loans and federal home loan guarantees will be put on hold.

Those are just a few of the consequences of a government shutdown, according to senior administration officials, who detailed federal contingency plans for the first time on Wednesday.
Lawmakers have been trying to reach a compromise that would set spending levels for the next six months. But with the deadline fast approaching, there appears to be precious little movement toward a deal.

The current spending bill expires at the end of Friday.

The officials-stressed that a shutdown would put a drag on the economy, as loans dried up and hundreds of thousands of government workers are put on furlough.

And for the first time, officials-hinted at just how many workers would be asked to stay home. The official estimate: 800,000. That means almost a million Americans won't get a paycheck.
Federal workers in limbo

Those workers might be receive back pay at a late date, but only if Congress retroactively authorizes it. In other words, no guarantees.

In a nutshell, agencies will only be allowed to perform operations necessary for the safety of human life and protection of property. (Read what happened during the last shutdown.)

National Park Service sites and the Smithsonian Institution would be shuttered, and the Cherry Blossom Festival parade scheduled for this weekend in Washington would be cancelled.
0:00 /4:34Starbucks CEO: Obama's not anti-biz

Some of the government's biggest-jobs, like defense and medical research, would also take a hit.

U.S. troops would be paid through April 8, but after that, paychecks to members of the military, including those in war zones, would stop.

The National Institutes of Health will stop accepting new patients, and put clinical trials on hold.

At the IRS, paper tax return filings about 30% of all returns would be put on hold, but electronic filings would be processed.

The Environmental Protection Agency would stop reviewing environmental impact statements, which will slow crucial energy related projects.

E-Verify, the Department of Homeland Security program that helps businesses determine the eligibility of employees, would be suspended, which could lead to hiring delays.

Breaking!! Two Men Arrested For Eating Dead Bodies From Bakhar, Punjab

2011-04-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

BAKHAR Poice arrested two middle-aged brothers on the charge of eating and stealing dead bodies.
Police said that they Arrested two men from Kohar-Kalan who were stealing and eating dead bodies.
Police also said that they-revealed that they had been stealing bodies from graves and eating them.

MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar to fly fighter plane?

2011-04-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

Indian Air Force (IAF) chief PV Naik on Tuesday said he wants World-Cup winners MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar to have a taste of flying the best fighter plane-Su-30MKI.

“Once both Sachin and Dhoni are free from their cricketing engagements, I will make sure that they get to fly Su-30MKI. They have done our country proud and it will be an honour for us,” Naik told reporters on Tuesday.

“Sachin Tendulkar is already our Honorary Group Captain,” he said.

A wait of 28 years ended on Saturday when in a thriller of a match a 1.21 billion people of India forget their personal balance sheet of life to erupt in collective joy of a nation united by one religion-cricket.

It was a fairy tale end to a wait for decades as India kept its tryst with the World Cup win after 1983 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

A wave of emotions overflowed, fireworks lit up the sky and tears of joy rolled as Indian skipper M S Dhoni hit a massive over boundary to ensure India bring back the World-Cup to the Subcontinent.

India parties again after close to three decades.

The entire stadium roared with joy as the magical winning score of 277 runs for the loss of four wickets was reached by Dhoni (91*) and Yuvraj Singh (21*).

10 Things You Never Knew About Kurt Cobain

2011-04-05T03:07:00.000-07:00

The fated American icon took his own life seventeen years ago today (April 5th) aged 27. In memory of Nirvana’s tortured genius, here are ten more stories to add to his legend.

1. In his first year of school, Kurt Cobain was known as the inquisitive student with the Snoopy lunchbox, one of the only children bold enough to pose for a photo with a bear cub that was brought in for show-and-tell.

2. In middle school, Cobain began playing the drums in the school band, which was also his favourite class. The band director remembered him as being a fairly run-of-the-mill student - not particularly extraordinary as far as musical talent goes, but not the worst.

3. At age fourteen, Cobain announced to a schoolmate that he would be a superstar musician, get rich and famous, kill himself and go out in a blaze of glory like Jimi Hendrix (neither boy realised Hendrix’s death wasn’t suicide).

4. Suicide was a fact of life from early on in Cobain’s life. There were several within his family, and when Cobain was about thirteen, he and a schoolmate came across a corpse hanging from a tree after a kid hanged himself outside of the elementary school. Cobain and his classmates stared for thirty minutes before-school officials sent them on their way.

5. In such a small town, Cobain had to be crafty about getting alcohol while underage, so he and his friends arranged a deal with a morbidly obese alcoholic. They wheeled the man to the store in a grocery cart and gave him money to buy them beer; in exchange, they paid for malt liquor for him.

6. One of Cobain’s favourite foods was Kraft-brand macaroni and cheese. Despite his request, caterers in Atlanta once created a macaroni shells, jack-cheese and jalapeños meal, assuming it was close enough. It wasn’t what the catering managers got instead was Courtney Love, demanding “What the fuck are jalapeños and jack cheese doing in this macaroni?” and then promptly dumping it in the trash.

7. Cobain jumped from job to job for a time after-dropping out of high school, including one at a YMCA. One night, just for fun he and his friends tagged that particular YMCA. The next day at work, Cobain was assigned the task of washing it off. Poetic.

8. After the release of Nirvana’s first single, ‘Love Buzz’, Cobain gave a copy to the college radio station KCMU, and then remained tuned in to his car radio all day to hear it. When he didn’t immediately hear it, he pulled off the road, found a pay phone and requested it himself.

9. Despite partaking in his fair share of risky behaviours, Cobain could not be accused of being an unsafe driver. On Nirvana’s first tour in bassist-Krist Novoselic’s van, everyone was put in a driving rotation except Cobain because everyone thought he drove too slowly. In fact, then-girlfriend Tracy recalls him driving “like a little old lady”.

10. The first time Love and Cobain slept together, she was surprised to discover that he wore zebra-print briefs for underwear. She informed him he should be wearing boxers, and, though slightly abashed, from that point on he did.

Vettori to lead RCB in IPL 2011

2011-04-05T02:57:00.000-07:00

Bangalore: New Zealand`s Daniel Vettori was on Tuesday named captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League, starting April 8 in Chennai.

Vettori, who led New Zealand to a record sixth semi-final apperance in the just-concluded World Cup, will replace spin legend Anil Kumble who captained the team in the last two seasons of the Twenty20 league.

Kumble will also be a part of the Bangalore franchise as a chief mentor.

"We are very excited for the upcoming-season. Vettori is a highly experienced and respected leader and we hope to ride to the pinnacle of success this IPL under his leadership," RCB chairman Vijay Mallya said in a statement.

Director of Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd, Sidhartha Mallya added, "It is wonderful that we have somebody of his stature to lead our team this year. He is the ideal person to fill Anil`s shoes."

Vettori represented Delhi Daredevils in the first three editions of IPL and his predecessor Kumble hailed the left-arm spinner`s appointment to the leadership position.

"Vettori is a hugely respected professional not only within his team but amongst his international peers as well. His unique ability to get players to perform as a unit and deliver more than just the sum of their parts, as he has done time and again with New Zealand, will be a big asset to any team," said the former India skipper.

RCB coach Ray Jennings was of the view that Vettori`s experience and skill on the spin-fiendly Indian pitches will be of great help for the team in the upcoming tournament.

"Vettori is also probably the best spinner in the world at the moment and brings in tremendous skills that will be extremely useful on the Indian-pitches," Jennings insisted.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Team: Daniel Vettori (captain), Virat Kohli, Tillakaratne Dilshan, AB De Villiers (wicket-keeper), Zaheer Khan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Dirk Nannes, Saurabh Tiwary, Mohammad Kaif, Abhimanyu Mithun, Charl Langeveldt, Luke Pomersbach, Rilee Rossouw, Johan van der Wath, Jonathan Vandiar, CM Gautam (wicket-keeper), S Arvind, Mayank Agarwal, Arun Karthick, Asad Khan Pathan, Abrar Kazi, Ryan Ninan, Bhareth Narayanan, Nuwan Pradeep.

Hacker Steals Thousands of Email Addresses in Epsilon Breach

2011-04-05T02:48:00.000-07:00

Epsilon, the world’s largest permission--based email marketing provider who sends over 40 billion emails annually, has revealed that on March 30th, it detected a breach where email addresses and customer names, for around 50 of Epsilon’s clients, were accessed by a hacker.

Epsilon is assuring its clients (and their customers) that the information that was obtained was limited to email addresses and/or customer names only. However the breach does leave the customers of Epsilon’s clients (which include Best Buy, Capital One, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, US Bank, TiVo and Walgreens) susceptible to scammers and phishing attacks as the hacker will be able to send fake emails to registered users who are already expecting emails from these large retailers or banks.

As a result Epsilon’s clients have started warning their customers to be alert for unusual or suspicious emails. Best Buy sent an email to its customers where is said:

“For your security, however, we wanted to call this matter to your attention. We ask that you remain alert to any unusual or suspicious emails. As our experts at Geek Squad would tell you, be very cautious when opening links or attachments from unknown senders.

In keeping with best industry security practices, Best Buy will never ask you to provide or confirm any information, including credit card numbers, unless you are on our secure e-commerce site, www.bestbuy.com. If you receive an email asking for personal information, delete it. It did not come from Best Buy.”

JPMorgan Chase released a statement about the breach: “We are advised by Epsilon that the files that were accessed did not include any customer financial information, but are actively investigating to confirm this. As always, we are advising our customers of everything we know as we know it. Chase will never ask customers for personal--information or credentials in an email.”

WWE Raw Preview: The Raw After The ‘Maniaaw.

2011-04-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

After Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson cost John-Cena the WWE Title at WrestleMania, the Cenation leader calls out the People’s Champ tonight on Raw.

2011 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP INDIA WIN!

2011-04-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

Mumbai: ICC Cricket World Cup India win by 6 wickets Srilanka win toss and batting first Mahela Jayawardene scored a composed century to salvage the innings Saturday as Sri Lanka set India a challenging target of 275 India chase this target in 48.2 Overs to become the first nation to win the World Cup on home soil.

Jayawardene props up innings, Sri Lanka sets India 275 to win World Cup final

2011-04-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Mahela Jayawardene scored a composed century to salvage the innings Saturday as Sri Lanka set India a challenging target of 275 to become the first nation to win the World Cup on home soil.

The 1996 champions made an uncharacteristically sluggish start after winning the toss, the top three misfiring for once in the tournament, against a disciplined and energetic Indian attack.

Zaheer Khan didn't concede a run in his first three overs and took a vital early wicket to put the Sri Lankans on the back foot, but was expensive toward the end when Jayawardene brought up his century with consecutive boundaries in the 48th over.

Sri Lanka reached 274-6 in 50 overs, with Thisara Perera pulling Zaheer for six on the final ball to finish unbeaten on 21 from nine balls.

Jayawardene stroked 13 boundaries and finished with 103 from 88 balls after going to the crease with Sri Lanka at 60 for two.

Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (33) and skipper Kumar Sangakkara (48) contributed at the top of the innings, while Nuwan Kulasekera (32) shared a valuable 66-run sixth-wicket stand with Jayawardene until he was run out in the 48th over chasing quick runs.

The Sri Lankans finished with a flourish after making their worst start of the tournament, crawling to 31 after 10 overs.

India started the match as favourite, but is now under pressure chasing a good total under lights as it pursues its first World Cup title since 1983.

The match started with some confusion when match-referee Jeff Crowe ordered a second toss because he couldn't hear Sangakkara's call. After the second toss, a rarity in the international game, Sangakkara called correctly and was relieved to be batting first.

But Zaheer got India away to an ideal start, containing the Sri Lankan openers with three impeccable overs of seam bowling before he had Upul Tharanga (2) well caught by Virender Sehwag, diving to his right at a wide first slip, in the seventh over.

Sangakkara scored the first run off Zaheer to get off the mark on the next-ball and settled into a 43-run stand with Dilshan to lift the sluggish early run rate and move the total to 60 before Harbhajan Singh broke through in the 17th over.

Dilshan took his tournament leading tally to 500 runs before he attempted a sweep and played a ball onto his stumps-from the inside of his arm.

Sangakkara continued with Jayawardene and the pair was untroubled in a fluent 62-run stand, until the Sri Lankan skipper rocked back to cut Yuvraj Singh and only managed only to edge to Dhoni.

The key wicket of Sangakkara was a potential gamechanger. At 122/3 in the 28th over, India had done much of the hard work, removing three batsmen who were among the five leading scorers in the tournament. The fielding was energetic and polished, supplementing the generally tight bowling to keep the run-rate in check.

Sangakkara's 48 contained five-boundaries and took him to-second on the scoring list with 465 runs just one ahead of Sachin Tendulkar, who is due to open the Indian innings and will be aiming to post his 100th international century to mark the marquee occasion.

Jayawardene was averaging 33.5 in his six previous World Cup innings, but the former captain always loomed as the batsman to take command of the middle order in case the top three went quickly.

He managed to finesse his way to 50 from 49 balls, with six boundaries in a scattering of areas as he either worked the ball through the gaps or manufactured ways to find the boundaries.

Then he accelerated as the Indian bowlers started to stray off line.

Yuvraj and Zaheer took their second wickets as the Sri Lankans slipped from 179/3 to 182/5.

Yuvraj convinced Dhoni to refer Simon Taufel's not out decision on an lbw appeal against Thilan Samaraweera (21) to the third umpire, who overturned the call when replays showed the ball would have gone on to hit middle stump.

Zaheer had Chamara Kapugedera (1) caught by Suresh Raina when he prodded forward at a slower ball. But after conceding just six runs in his first five overs, his figures blew out to 2/60 at the end. Yuvraj finished with 2/49.

Bank Customers Warned After Breach at Epsilon Marketing Firm

2011-04-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

JP Morgan Chase and the Kroger super-market chain are warning customers that their names and e-mail addresses may have fallen into the wrong-hands after someone broke into computer systems at e-mail marketing giant Epsilon.

Epsilon, whose customers also include Visa, Kraft, Citibank and Marriott International, acknowledged the incident in a brief statement Friday. "On March 30th, an incident was detected where a subset of Epsilon clients' customer data were exposed by an unauthorized entry into Epsilon's email system," Epsilon said. "The information that was obtained was limited to email addresses and/or customer names only."

Epsilon said it doesn't believe any other personal information was compromised, but it is now working with authorities on an investigation, a company spokeswoman said Friday.

Epsilon only learned of the breach on Wednesday and it is unclear how serious the issue is. On Friday, spokespeople for Chase and Epsilon declined to say much beyond their prepared statements.

In a letter to customers, Kroger said customer names and e-mail addresses were stolen. "As a result, it is possible you may receive some spam email messages," Kroger said. "We apologize for any inconvenience. Kroger wants to remind you not to open emails from senders you do not know. Also, Kroger would never ask you to email personal information such as credit card numbers or social security numbers. If you receive such a request, it did not come from Kroger and should be deleted," the letter states.

Epsilon sent 6.5 billion e-mail marketing messages in 2009, but the company also runs loyalty programs for Citi and Chase credit card users, and the kind of information stored in its databases could be extremely valuable to criminals looking to steal banking information in phishing-attacks.

Epsilon told Chase that none of its customers' financial information was compromised, the bank said Friday in a press release.

Kroger has posted a frequently asked questions document about the incident.

Marriott could not immediately be reached for comment, and Citi had no immediate comment when contacted Friday afternoon.

SHOAIB AKHTER WILL NOT PLAY TODAY:

2011-03-30T01:04:00.000-07:00

Indian media resources said that Shoaib Akhter will not play today saying waqar younis (the Pakistan Cricket team coach.

All eyes on Mohali match, India comes to a standstill

2011-03-30T00:49:00.000-07:00

Excited spectators, draped in tricolours and holding placards and posters, started queuing up at the gates of the PCA stadium since morning as --the city geared up to host the high-voltage World Cup semi-final clash between India and Pakistan amid unprecedented security in Mohali. After a heavy downpo ur

and thunderstorm last night, Mohali woke up to a bright and sunny morning to provide the perfect setting for the clash which has generated tremendous media frenzy.

With just hours to go for the high--octane clash, the PCA stadium resembled a fortress with heavy security deployed in and around the venue.

With the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani and a host of other dignitaries from both the countries attending the game, security officials were taking no chances and yet another thorough security check was conducted this morning.

Hundreds of commandos were deployed inside the stadium since morning and the entire VIP enclosure, where the two Prime-- Ministers and other dignitaries will seat, was sanitised.-

Spectators were advised to reach the stadium early so that they are not caught in traffic bottlenecks when the VIP movements start later in the day.

Cricket fans had gathered in huge numbers around the stadium. Some Pakistani fans were also waving their country's flags inside and outside the stadium.

Ever since India made it to the the semi--finals, cricket fever has gripped Mohali and all tickets were sold out well in advance. At least 15 people have been caught for black marketing of tickets.

Pakistan Vs India Sime-Final

2011-03-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

There will be no David or Goliath in the match. The past encounters between the teams suggest that reputation and experience will count for nothing and that every player will be under tremendous pressure with uncompromising and unforgiving fans on both sides. A good performance here can make one part of the folklore while a failure will be as good as sending somebody to the gallows. Never before was a player so conscious of the sword of Damocles.

India captain Dhoni understands the magnitude of the occasion and speaks like a sage.

“There is hype, there is hysteria but we are not getting involved in it and that’s what is important. One thing you know about the hype is that thinking about it won’t help your performance and what doesn’t help your performance should be kept out. We have been preparing well, let us see how it goes,” Dhoni said during a press conference on the eve of the match.

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 21 wickets, admitted that the Indians are the favourites going into the match. But despite that he believes he has got a great team which is capable of taking anyone to the cleaners.

“We have played above expectations so far. We’ve been through a tough time for the last seven or eight months but now we are playing like a unit. India are the favourites but we are pretty confident about our game. This World Cup matters a lot to us and we will try our best to rekindle the interest in the game back home,” the spinning all-rounder said.

India’s record against Pakistan is very impressive in the tournament: they have never lost to their arch-rivals. However when it comes to overall head-to-head, Pakistan by far has been the best side, winning 69 out of 119 matches.

Many cricket pundits believe the match is actually between India’s batting and Pakistan’s bowling. The pitch at the Punjab Cricket Association has always been partial to batsmen and the curator Daljit Singh has given no sign as yet that it would be any different this time.

As far as team composition is concerned, India are likely to field the same team that knocked the Australians out while Pakistan are unsure whether to go in with injury-prone Shoaib Akhtar.

Both teams have been great rivals over the years. Nothing is going to change on Wednesday, no matter how much people talk about cricket being a medium to thaw the relationship between the star-crossed neighbours. You can count me upon that!

Game on soon in Mohali; A billion hearts pound; Gilani arrives shortly

2011-03-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

New Delhi: Dr Manmohan Singh will welcome Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf-Raza-Gilani in a short while from now at the Mohali-stadium, where India will take on Pakistan in the World Cup semi-finals. Before leaving for India, Mr Gilani thanked Dr Singh for inviting him to the match, and said that he's "looking forward to a great game." He also said he believes "this match will bridge the gap" between India and Pakistan.

Captains MS Dhoni and Shahid Afridi have asked their teams to ignore the hype and focus on the game a little tough to do, perhaps, given the circumstances. (Watch: Cricket above diplomacy, say both captains)

The electric atmosphere crackled some more last night after rain began pounding Mohali, but this morning, the sun was out. The Met department promises a clearer sky during the match. However, there is a slight possibility of a light shower in the evening. (Read & Watch: Clear sky in Mohali ahead of match)

Mr Gilani will arrive in an Indian Air Force plane in Chandigarh with a large delegation accompanying him. Team Gilani will use the Taj hotel in Chandigarh as its base. The main players include controversial Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who publicly warned his country's cricket team against match-fixing, provoking fierce criticism both within and outside

Team Singh will include Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon. Congress party president Sonia Gandhi, as well as Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi are not part of the official delegation but will attend the game and the dinner that Dr Singh is hosting tonight for the Pakistani delegation at the stadium.

At the stadium, Mr Gilani and Dr Singh will walk to the pitch and shake hands with both cricket teams before the match begins. They will then watch the game from a VVIP box, but are expected to exit a little later to hold informal talks.

Last week, in a move that surprised many, Dr Singh formally invited Mr Gilani and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to watch the match with him. Mr Gilani accepted the invitation over the weekend.

Sources say that there is no formal agenda or structure for the talks between the two Prime Ministers. This is the first time such high-level talks are being held since a group of 10 Pakistanis sailed into Mumbai in November 2008 and launched India's worst ever terror attack.

Ricky Ponting quits as Australia captain

2011-03-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

Ricky Ponting has quit as Australia's cricket captain.

Ponting has relinquished his one-day and Test captaincy roles with his deputy Michael Clarke tipped to take over.

The 36-year-old made the announcement at the Sydney Cricket Ground at 1pm today.
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Ricky Ponting pauses during a news conference on his arrival at Sydney airport.

Set to step down ... Ricky Ponting. Photo: Reuters

Ponting said on return from Australia's exit from the World Cup at the quarter-final stage he was considering his captaincy future.

"That's where the next few days are crucial for me, I have to really decide what I think is right for me and the team going forward," said Ponting at the weekend.

"I've still got a lot to offer the team as a player and leader."
Ricky Ponting of Australia leads his team from the field after their World Cup quarter-final loss.

Ricky Ponting leads his team from the field after their World Cup quarter-final loss. Photo: Getty Images

Ponting has captained Australia in 77 Test matches for 48 wins - the most of any Test skipper - 16 losses and 13 draws. His 227 one-day matches in charge returned 163 wins, 50 losses and two World Cups.

But following a recent lean stretch with the bat, Ponting became tetchy in Australia's failed World Cup defence.

Twice, Ponting apologised for, he says inadvertently, damaging a dressing room television and his reaction to colliding with teammate Steve Smith when taking a catch.
Australia's cricket team captain Ricky Ponting cuts during his last innings, an heroic centruty against India in the World Cup quarter-final loss.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting cuts during his last innings, an heroic centrury against India in the World Cup quarter-final loss.

But the Tasmanian ended his run drought in the quarter-final with a stellar century as his side lost to India.

Ponting returned home softening to the idea of standing down as captain, with a decision forced by Wednesday's selection of Australia's squad for a three-match ODI tour of Bangladesh next month.

"I think something has changed in Ricky’s perception of what his position is at the moment and how much strength he has there," commentator and former Australian Test player Simon O’Donnell said on SEN radio this morning.

"The selectors have got a difficult situation here in do they then say ‘righto wipe the slate clean we’ve got to bring some young blood in, we start doing that from today’.

"I think from Michael Clarke’s sake that would be a good thing to do. Whether we have the personnel to fill part of that void – they won’t fill it all - is a question the selectors have to answer and if their answer is we can fill it sufficiently I think Ricky’s time as a player is gone.

O'Donnell doesn't believe former captains can play under a new skipper.
After making his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Perth, Ricky Ponting smashes a six during day two of the second Test of the series in Melbourne in Dec 1995.
The life and times of Ricky Ponting

After making his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Perth, Ricky Ponting smashes a six during day two of the second Test of the series in Melbourne in December 1995. Photo: Vince Caligiuri

* After making his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Perth, Ricky Ponting smashes a six during day two of the second Test of the series in Melbourne in Dec 1995.
* Batting during the first Test at the Gabba against the West Indies in November 1996. He scored 88 but then struggled for runs and by the time the team headed to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test, the 22-year-old was out of the team.
* On his way back ... Ponting on his way to practice at the SCG in March 1997.
* Back to basics - Ponting in the nets at the SCG in March 1997 after being dropped from the Australia team.
* In the nets at the SCG in March 1997.
* On his way again ... Ponting was selected for the Australia team in 1997.
* Ricky Ponting hits out against Shaun Pollock of South Africa during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG in 1997.
* Scoring a century in 1997.
* Answering questions in 1998 about an approach from a bookmaker at a greyhound race.
* In action in Brisbane against Pakistan in November 1999.
* Hitting a four during the fourth Test against the West Indies at the MCG in December 2000.
* Ricky Ponting blows a kiss to his wife Rianna as he scored a double century against India at Adelaide Oval in Dec 2003.
* Past and present ... then Australia captain Steve Waugh, right, and Ponting during the official presentation following Waugh's final Test match - the fourth Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Jan 2004.
* Ricky Ponting is all smiles after being appointed the new Australia Cricket captain.
* Captaining Australia for the first time in a Test match, Ponting at the coin toss before the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka in March 2004 in Galle, Sri Lanka.
* Ricky Ponting and wife Rhianna at the MCG on Christmas Day, 2005.
* Come in spinner. Ponting and Shane Warne celebrate a wicket during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne in Dec 2006.
* With Glenn McGrath, left, Adam Gilchrist and the World Cup trophy in April 2007.
* At the MCG against South Africa in 2008.
* Ponting arguing with umpire Aleem Dar (left) after an unfavourable umpiring decision on the second day of the fourth Ashes cricket Test match in Melbourne on Dec27, 2010.
* With Michael Clarke at training ahead of the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG earlier this year.

"Rarely has that succeeded so for all the right intentions that all parties might have when a plan like that has been instituted, rarely has it worked.

"I think for Michael Clarke and to give him his best opportunity, you have to start afresh."

Shark If we are no better, who can the animals count on?

2011-03-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

It has happened again. Thugs operating under the cover of “animal rights activism” have struck another blow against all animal advocates and the nonhumans for whom they toil. This time the crime occurred in -- Chicago, where brake lines were cut on trucks owned by a company selling lobsters.

The people responsible for this act have once again allowed those who abuse animals to paint everyone who cares about animals as terrorists. I hope these criminals, whoever they are, are caught and convicted. With a little luck, it wasn’t anyone within the animal protection movement, but I’m not feeling too lucky today.

Some fourteen years ago I ventured onto a new life path, born of my rage over the use of live pigeons as shotgun targets at Hegins, Pennsylvania.

Since then I have watched, documented and exposed more animal abuse than I want to think about. I live with the rage of what I have witnessed every day, along with the knowledge that my past as a former hunter includes a world of abuse for which only I am responsible.

It took me a while to realize that losing control and giving over to anger and contempt for animal abusers was the surest way to lose opportunities to help nonhumans. Even today, self control can be very -- difficult, but there can be no question that violence begets violence. In the struggle to help animals we may feel with our hearts, but we must think with our brains.

The vast majority of people are neither wanton animal abusers nor animal activists. Most of society opposes animal abuse. There have been enough examples of public outrage over individual animal abuse stories to prove that society does not endorse cruelty if it is educated and informed. Animal protection legislation is making strides in many places across the country.

As animal protectors, educating and informing the public is our job. In large part I believe we have failed to execute our duties. Educating the public is not accomplished by threats and intimidation. A teacher who does not win some degree of respect from his/her students has little chance of educating them. If our movement cannot demonstrate the compassion we preach, we need not expect it of society. If we do not behave in a civilized manner, do not ask for civilized conduct in return.

I acknowledge that words alone will not bring about a more responsible and compassionate world. Anyone who knows me knows that I believe in action, and truth told, I also take pleasure in watching the opposition squirm when the pressure is on.

I have witnessed and I daresay enjoyed immensely the long-term effects wrought upon SHARK’s opposition by documenting and exposing their misdeeds. I have had my appetite whetted by those telling us that we can’t win, and then gorged on their shame when they have utterly lost. I have watched with the greatest satisfaction when those in positions of power are brought low by the truth of our footage. I have laughed when the supposed strong run from our little videocassettes. Not only does violence work against us, it is letting the opposition off far too easily. If you really want to reduce your opposition, there is nothing more effective than exposure, shame and public ridicule.

Are the thugs who claim to employ violence for compassion merely thoughtless, or are they agents for the opposition? I don’t know, and I no longer care. Either way, I am convinced that they are as great a threat to a better world for animals as any identified opposition.

Whether the crime is cutting brake lines, arson, sending razor blades to exploiters, threatening their families, etc., those in the animal protection movement who have committed indefensible acts should be treated like the criminals they are. At the very least, it is time for the great majority of animal protectors who are NOT thugs to take a very strong, very public stand against those tactics that imperil this great cause.

The acts of the lunatic fringe in the animal protection movement strike me in the same way as, when as a hunter, I first saw the Hegins pigeon shoot. I saw more than pigeons being blown away. That was just the most immediate image. A longer view of what I was looking at was the death of hunting, and at the time that was the last thing I wanted to see. The Hegins pigeon shooters were to hunting what the brake line cutting thugs are to the animal protection movement.

As anyone who ever witnessed it knows, there was no way to put a positive spin on the Hegins slaughter, and for the NRA, hunting organizations or anyone else to even try was only to worsen the public relations nightmare. The Hegins killers operated outside any ethical boundaries whatsoever. These were slob shooters who violated every supposed hunting or conservation ethic, and their arrogance and don’t--give adamn attitude left me certain that their demise was inevitable.

If hunters had even half a collective brain, they would have turned out in overwhelming numbers and physically taken the shotguns from the killers at the Hegins pigeon shoot. Their failure to do so proved to many people, including me, that hunting and so-called conservation ethics were a joke. As a result, I terminated three decades of involvement the hunting/fishing fraternity.

In a similar vein I have always felt that Ted Nugent, as reprehensible as he is, is one of the best tools of anti-hunters have. Nugent, living in his incredibly small, blood-smeared world, hasn’t the sense to realize that he has likely done as least as much damage to the hunting fraternity as the animal protection movement. Anyone with more than a dozen active brain cells who listens to this guy for more than 30 seconds realizes that if he embodies hunting, hunting is something to avoid.

The question is -- does the animal protection movement have any more brains than the idiots of Hegins, or those who brownnose for a lunatic like Ted Nugent. Unfortunately, in far to many instances, the answer appears to be a resounding NO.

When are the thugs and terrorists of this movement going to figure out that their terrorist acts are as damaging to animal protection efforts as pigeon shooting and Nugent are to hunting?

Society simply will not swallow high-minded rhetoric when terrorist tactics follow our words. Give people credit for more brains than that. We cannot preach one set of principles for others, only to completely abandon those principles ourselves.

The real irony of all of this is that today as never before, there are so many nonviolent ways to promote a better world for nonhumans and the environment. One-example was that direct action of the Utah Animal Rights Coalition (UARC) in its recent expose of the Circle Four Farms pig and cow factory farm. UARC activists spent their time documenting horrendous conditions with still and video cameras. Their only “crime” was to remove two young, sick piglets and found them veterinary care and a new home.

As with the actions of ALF and similar organizations, UARC activists were declared terrorists. The difference is, given the nonviolence of the UARC action, the government spokesperson making the “terrorist” charge looked like what he is – an idiot.

After the peaceful, educational UARC action, two former workers at Circle Farm came forward to give firsthand testimony of the horrors of the company’s treatment of animals. Had UARC’s action been violent, this would not have happened. As a result, the public has been treated to a multistage coverage of agricultural animal abuse in Utah and beyond, and there is a high likelihood that farm animals, which currently have no protection in Utah, are now much closer to receiving consideration.

UARC’s action is an example of how direct action can and should work. A positive action is one that results in exposure, education and positive change. A negative action results in the perpetuation of ignorance, the victimizers becoming the victims, and the cause of compassion being retarded or worse.

I have read about the children of animal exploiters being threatened. That is a tactic that is as low as anything committed by the exploiters we claim to oppose. Beyond the heinous nature of the act itself, has anyone bothered to think that those kids might be completely opposed to what their parent(s) are doing?

I recall such a case some years back during the battle against Pennsylvania pigeon shooters. The attorney for the shooters was himself a pigeon shooter, and as low a piece of humanity as one might find. On one occasion he brought his son to court, and it was clear to me that the son had no regard for his father than I did. He had it bad enough just having to live with the guy, without anyone giving him grief simply because he had the misfortune to be the progeny of a pigeon shooter!

I am in no way defending the lobster company, which I consider to be vile. That is all the more reason I am so outraged at the behavior of the brake line cutting thugs -- they turned those who are the abusers into the victims.

The public did not learn about the suffering of lobsters at the hands of these people. The public did, however, learn about the “animal rights terrorists” who victimized the people at the lobster company, and who could have victimized others, by way of a brakeless truck, having nothing whatsoever to do with lobsters or any other form of animal abuse.

I would suggest that only by following the Golden Rule might we hope to succeed. We should only employ tactics that we are willing to have employed against us. In the case of SHARK, that means we might have to tolerate our opposition standing outside my home with video cameras – big deal. If we practice compassion while our opposition practices violence and terrorism, it is easy to tell the good guys from the bad. When both sides practice hate and violence, it isn’t just hard to pick out the good guys –- there are no good guys.

In addition to the public demonstrating a willingness to literally make a world of difference for animals; we have never had so many tools available to us. The media, while far from perfect, is often willing to--publicize animal issues. The Internet is a fantastic tool that can educate people worldwide. Technology now enables us to bring animal issues directly and graphically to the streets with mobile animal displays such as SHARK’s Tiger video truck.

The public has proven that if it is truly educated on an issue of animal abuse, it is usually willing to take steps to make positive change. It could even be suggested that the public is evolving faster than the animal protection movement. We can’t operate as if the public doesn’t matter. Bringing the rest of society into this effort is the only way to succeed!

When SHARK and other advocacy organizations campaigned to stop the Olympic rodeo at the 2002 Winter Games, we did so in a lawful and nonviolent manner. It was the rodeo people who demonstrated terrorist tactics, and we used that to our advantage. It was certain police agencies, including the FBI that demonstrated a willingness to violate our rights and generally take the low road. We exposed them, and will continue to do so.

As our Tiger truck shadowed the Olympic Torch across the country, we educated hundreds of thousands of people, and gained converts even in states such as Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado. In Salt Lake City, Utah, rodeos enjoyed overwhelming support. Local animal activists went to work educating the public.

SHARK member Colleen Gardner made a professional presentation to the mayor of Salt Lake. Colleen used the Tiger truck for a few weeks around the city, and people-saw the truth with their own eyes. By the time the Olympics came together, the public was almost evenly split on the rodeo issue. Such a change over so short a period of time in Utah of all places was unthinkable to the Rodeo Mafia, which was beside itself.

When there was no other alternative, our opposition resorted to claiming we were terrorists, and they looked like the fools they are. We didn’t stop the Olympic rodeo, but in the process of campaigning we did tremendous damage to a Rodeo Mafia that had intended to use the Olympics as a springboard. Violence and terrorism would have played into the opposition’s hands.

A few years earlier, we were able to push both Pepsi Cola and Coca-Cola advertisements out of bullrings. The power of images cannot be overestimated. So why doesn’t this movement make far more use out of this tactic? If we have not used all the nonviolent tools at our disposal (in fact we have not even scratched the surface), how can some rush so quickly toward terrorism?

At the AR2002 conference in Washington D.C., I heard a young man glorifying arson campaigns and other acts of terrorism. To my amazement, I watched a ballroom of people applaud this individual. I felt like I was back in Hegins, watching helplessly as this time the animal protection movement, as opposed to hunting, lie dying at the hands of those within its own ranks.

The mission of SHARK is to nonviolently battle animal abusers whenever we can, and wherever we may find them. I consider those who commit terrorism in the name of animals to be among the greatest threats to future gains for nonhumans. SHARK stands against terrorism wherever it is to be found, no matter the banner behind which it hides. That especially includes the banner of animal protection.

I encourage animal protectors to look beyond their exclusive vegan potlucks and social gatherings, and get a picture of the real world. We cannot claim to represent compassion while dealing in terror. We cannot hope to gain respect for our cause while completely disrespecting the very society on whom we are dependent for positive change.

There is no question that we in the animal protection movement must push for change, but there should also be no question that a nonviolent world for animals is not one that can be taken by force, but rather by example. I’ll be the first to admit that a nonviolent hard work ethic will not bring about the change we seek nearly as fast as we would like, but history and common sense makes clear that the path of terrorism leads to the utter failure of any movement, and that includes this one.

Celebrity forecast: Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Fergie and Earth Hour

2011-03-25T04:34:00.000-07:00

With Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Fergie all-competing for the same spotlight this weekend in Las Vegas, no wonder the Strip will go dark with the overload of superstar power. To be honest, though, it’s not the celebrity-wattage that will cause the blackout. Las Vegas, along with more than 4,000 cities in 128 countries, marks Earth Hour and turns off the neon for one full hour Saturday night.

The Strip will really be dimmed when some 25 resort casinos turn off the lights. Forty Caesars Entertainment locations around the world all 10 here plus the 11 MGM Resorts International Strip hotels will darken marquees, exterior lighting and neon signs from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. It’s the third consecutive year that casinos have participated in the global event to stress the importance of energy conservation. Earth Hour began in Australia in 2007, and Las Vegas began its annual blackouts in 2009, when nearly 1 billion people participated.

But the lights will shine brightly tonight on three top divas of the pop world, and it’s still difficult to believe that one city is presenting Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Fergie on the same night. As if they aren’t more than enough, Whoopi Goldberg, Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett and Vanessa Hudgens also are in town.

The male star lineup is strong, too, with Garth Brooks back for a weekend at the Wynn; Wyclef Jean at Haze at Aria in town from his charity work in Haiti, where he suffered a gunshot wound to the hand this week; Flo Rida and Stephen Dorff at the new Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris; and Ray Romano at the Mirage.

Fergie is celebrating her birthday at The Bank at the Bellagio with VIP friends and doubtless some of her Black Eyed-Peas. Lady Gaga will fuel and fire up her Little Monsters in her return to MGM Grand Garden Arena, and bouncing back with her new CD Femme Fatale, Britney Spears will record a promotional concert for MTV at Rain at the Palms. (Britney has already scored a No. 1 hit off the new release with “Hold It Against Me,” and “Till the End of the World” rocketed into the Top 10 on Billboard, as well.)

All three are femme fatales, and the big question will be who comes out on top. As cameras roll, photographers’ flashes go into overdrive and promo machines march to the beat of the ultimate musical mayhem, pop-culture crush-clash, as usual we’ve popped it all together in a package we affectionately call the Royal Robin Rundown:

Friday, March 25

*Lady Gaga is back with her Monster Ball Tour and its theatrics, including the fire-blazing piano, at MGM Grand. She promises even more eye-popping and envelope-pushing than her last visit. Perhaps she’ll arrive onstage in an egg? Meantime, her monster hit “Born This Way” is still No. 1 across the land.

*Britney Spears films an MTV special at Rain for the launch Tuesday of her new album Femme Fatale. The special and her appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show air on Britney Tuesday.

*Garth Brooks, with his acoustic show of stories and songs, is at Encore Theater at the Wynn with his guitar for three nights, while it’s a walk back to yesteryear with Peter-Noone and his Herman’s Hermits at South Point.

*Whoopi Goldberg is at Treasure Island and Ray Romano next door at the Mirage for two nights, while former Talk Soup host and Queer As Folk star Hal Sparks is at the Las Vegas Hilton through Sunday. (Check out Hal’s interview with Senior Editor John Katsilometes on Kats With the Dish.)

*Fans pull in a large one with Reel Big Fish at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip, while Girl Talk chatters away at the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool.

*Psychic Gary Spivey looks to the past and into the future at The Pearl at the Palms.

*Also this weekend: the Monster Jam World Finals at Sam Boyd Stadium; the Spring Wine and Jazz Festival at the Golden Nugget; and Donald J. Pliner and Lisa Pliner present their Spring 2011-collection to benefit Peace for the Children Foundation at his boutique in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

Party patrol

*Six-time Grammy Award winner Fergie celebrates her birthday at the Bank, and VegasDeLuxe.com just can’t get enough of her.

*Can Chateau handle Flo Rida? Put on your boots with the fur and find out.

*Jersey Shore star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro flexes his pecs to continue the Spring Break party time at LAX at the Luxor.

Saturday, March 26

*Country’s redneck woman Gretchen Wilson goes off-Strip for a concert at Eastside Cannery.

*Fans will kiss a prince with Toad the Wet Sprocket at Red Rock Resort, while Irish Rockers and Saw-Doctors operate at the Strip’s Hard Rock Cafe.

*Deadpan stand-up comedian Steven Wright is at The Orleans, and singer-impressionist Tom Stevens pays tribute to stars of yesterday and today at Suncoast for two nights.

*Also: The Extreme Thing Action Sports and Music Festival with performances by Hollywood Undead, Attack and Sum 41 at Desert Breeze Park, and tickets go on sale for Stevie Nicks at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on May 14.

Party patrol

*Dancing With the Stars Season 12 contestant Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett of The Girls Next Door and Kendra hosts the start of Season 4 of Wet Republic at MGM Grand.

*Wyclef Jean is at Haze despite being injured in Haiti this week.

*Beastly actress Vanessa Hudgens leaves the high school musicals to celebrate the release of her new film Sucker Punch at Pure at Caesars Palace.

*Stephen Dorff and “I Love College” singer Asher Roth are at Chateau, as are Twilight stars Tinsel Korey and Kiowa Gordon celebrating their birthdays. It’s vampires vs. werewolves at the Paris hotspot!

*Global DJ David Guetta uses words we can’t repeat here to describe fame when his socialite wife Kathy and he host at LAX.

*Eva Longoria’s nightclub Eve at Crystals hosts Rock ’N Roll Wine with 25 wines served to the music of the Jeremy Cornwell Project.

*The Extreme Thing Sports and Music Festival official after-party is at the Palms with Sage Francis and Frank Palermi of Emmure.

Sunday, March 27

*It’s the final day of the display of Elizabeth Taylor’s wax figure at Madame Tussauds at the Venetian in honor of the screen legend’s death Wednesday.

*The Pink Floyd Experience presents “Animals Live” at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay.

Check back to VegasDeLuxe.com during this huge, star-studded weekend for stories and photos, and then on Monday, we’ll have a full report of all the stars at play in The Entertainment Capital of the World.

Vegas DeLuxe Editor Don Chareunsy contributed to this report.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Shark Tank tycoon makes cash splash with $4-million offer

2011-03-25T04:08:00.000-07:00

Kevin O'Leary has met his match. On last weekend's season premiere of Shark Tank (ABC, 8 p.m.), the Mark Burnett-produced U.S. version of Dragons' Den, O'Leary one of two Canadians pulling double duty on the two shows -- found himself in the Tank against "guest investor" Mark Cuban.

Cuban will make periodic appearances on Shark Tank this season and is in tonight's second episode. In last weekend's premiere, the Dallas Mavericks owner -- introduced to Shark Tank viewers as "a selfmade billionaire who started out as a paper boy and is now a media mogul" -- proved only too willing, to use a basketball analogy, to wipe the floor with the loud, outspoken financial services guru from Canada.

The other Sharks in tonight's outing are fellow Dragons' Den import Robert Herjavec, men's clothier Daymond John, and real--estate mogul Barbara Corcoran.

Shark's Tank follows a similar format to Dragons' Den - hapless entrepreneurs wander in, pitch their product and then beg for financial investment, in exchange for an often too small part of their company but there are some striking differences. And not just a worthy opponent for O'Leary.

The pitches are more slick, and the dollar amounts notably higher. The U.S. is a big market, after all. And when, in tonight's outing, one of the sharks is willing to part with $4 million of his own money -- the largest sum in the show's brief history --it must leave some of those Dragons' Den candidates scratching their noggins in wonder at the sheer scale of it all.

Tonight's pitches include a way to rent toys the same way as DVDs; an "extreme sports enthusiast" with a 'hip, new product that has the Sharks hopping;" and, get this, a fella who wants to replace boring old alarm locks with his new gizmo, "Wake 'n' Bacon," which promises - and we're not making this up an aromatic morning wake--up call.

There's an update, too, on a contestant from last season: Granola Gourmet proprietor Jeff Cohen, whom O'Leary famously labelled "radioactive."

Some might say the same of O'Leary these days, but, hey, if it sells, go for it. Even Cuban would agree there. After all, O'Leary does for ratings what Steve Nash does for NBA arenas.

That nice, calm, mild-mannered man Gordon Ramsay has his patience tested once again, on Kitchen Nightmares (Global, Fox, 8 p.m.). Why do people keep doing this? This time, the culprit is Café Tavolini in Bridgeport, Conn., where the pasta is "homemade" and the seafood is, um, bestial.

The genealogy docu--series Who Do You Think You Are? (Citytv, NBC, 8 p.m.) explores the ancestral past of one Steve Buscemi to find out if there are any skeletons buried there and whether Buscemi's ability to play rogues and villains is, well, a chip off the old block.

William H. Macy, of Fargo fame and infamy, appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11: 35 p.m.), along with musical guest Jennifer Hudson.

AUSTRALIA VS INDIA QUARTER FINAL:

2011-03-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

Australia won the toss and chose to bat first and set the target for Indian team to match win 261 in 50 overs.
If India chase this target he will qualify for Semi-Final. In semi-final he play with Pakistan cricket team.

Pakistan skittles West Indies for 112

2011-03-23T05:23:00.000-07:00

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — -Skipper Shahid Afridi took four wickets as Pakistan dismissed West Indies for a paltry 112 on Wednesday to take a giant step toward the World Cup semifinals.

Opening bowlers Umar Gul (1-11) and Mohammad Hafeez (2-12) left West Indies reeling at 16-3 before Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul cautiously guided their team past the 50 mark in the first of the quarterfinals.

But legspinner Afridi's introduction into the attack accounted for Sarwan, who made a tortuous 24 off 68 balls, and West Indies then collapsed to 71-8 after losing four wickets in nine balls.

Chanderpaul (44 not out) and Kemar Roach (16) at least took West Indies past its lowest total at the World Cup before Afridi (4-30) finished off the innings in the 44th over by bowling Ravi Rampaul for 0 to take his tournament-leading tally to 21 wickets.

West Indies captain Darren Sammy had warned before the game that if his batsmen collapsed as they did against England and India in their two previous games that they would be "going home." After Wednesday's effort, that is very likely.

The day began well enough for West Indies when Sammy won the toss and chose to bat on a slow-paced pitch.

He obviously didn't account for the West-Indies batsmen throwing away wickets in the manner they did.

Chris Gayle returned to the top of the order having missed the game against India but after thumping two fours, he was gone by the end of the third over, mistiming a lofted drive off Gul that went straight to Afridi at midoff.

Devon Smith never looked comfortable against either of Pakistan's opening bowlers and it was spinner Hafeez who had him trapped lbw in the sixth over.

Smith asked Sarwan if he should refer the decision to the third umpire, only to be quickly sent back to the dressing room by his teammate. Darren Bravo did go to the-review, but to no avail and he fell in the same over to another lbw decision.

At 16-3, the lowest score at Mirpur looked under threat. That was the 58 Bangladesh managed in the group stage — against West Indies. However, the experienced heads of Sarwan and Chanderpaul began an exercise in occupying the crease.

At one stage there were 19 straight dot balls and by the end of the 12th over, West Indies' runrate was 1.83. Sarwan's glance down to fine leg in the 13th over was his team's first boundary since Gayle's in the third.

Sarwan made 24 off 68 balls but the hard work went to waste when he played a loose drive straight to Umar Akmal at point to give Afridi his 18th wicket of the tournament — -and more quickly followed.

Kieron Pollard and Devon Thomas fell in the space of two Afridi balls in the 27th over, and West Indies proved no more adept in dealing with the offspin of Saeed Ajmal, who accounted for Sammy and Davendra Bishoo in the next over.

Chanderpaul, who had returned to the side after being left out of the last two games, and Roach took West Indies past the 93 it managed against Kenya at the 1996 World Cup, but there was little else to celebrate.