Friday, November 30, 2007

EU reaches agreement on satnav project: commissioner

EU reaches agreement on satnav project: commissioner

BRUSSELS (AFP) - European Union countries, excluding Spain, reached agreement Thursday on the long-delayed Galileo satellite navigation project after lengthy talks on how the work would be divided up, the EU presidency announced.Spain decided not to associate itself with the final declaration, EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot told reporters, after the other 26 EU transport ministers had reached agreement to salvage the troubled project.

The EU's satellite navigation system aims to break Europe's reliance on the US military-run Global Positioning System (GPS).

However the Galileo project is already running five years behind the initial schedule, with just one test satellite up in orbit.

The US military is already working on super-powerful updates to its GPS technology to try to trump Galileo before it even gets up in the air, according to military experts there.

Satellite navigation, which allows users to pinpoint their location anywhere on Earth, is expected to be at the heart of new technologies for steering cars or guiding boats as they arrive at ports, or airplanes as they come into land.

It could also be used in accident assistance, search and rescue missions, monitoring fishing boats or container ships as well as mineral prospecting by miners, building pipelines, financial transactions or various leisure activities.

"Galileo will become the spearhead for European technology," Barrot told reporters, after the talks ended late in the evening.

"We are on the way towards putting Galileo into operation for 2013 and to offer Europeans very many services," he added.

Madrid had urged its EU partners to allow it to host a control centre for the future 30-satellite scheme aimed at showcasing Europe's hi-tech know-how.

However, under the current plans, only Germany and Italy are set to get control centres which will check the satellite system's functioning and transmissions.

The Spanish delegation left the meeting swiftly, suggesting to reporters that such a political decision should have been taken unanimously.

The Commissioner said that Spain had been offered a type of ground centre dedicated to civil protection, in particular in the area of maritime, air and rail security.

However the devil was clearly in the detail and the other 26 EU nations endorsed the plan without waiting for Madrid to be talked round, securing the overwhelming majority vote required.

Portuguese Transport Minister Mario Lino, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, judged that the conclusions adopted by the 26 "totally reflect everyone's point of view," voicing astonishment at the Spanish intransigence.

The main issue the transport ministers were discussing was how to cut up the 3.4 billion euro Galileo cake among their companies.

To that end they agreed on tender rules which divide the Galileo contracts into six segments -- including constructing the satellites and launchers, the ground stations and overall project management.

No single company may be the prime contractor for more than two segments.

Competition rules would normally dictate that contracts be awarded on a best-offer basis.

But the European space industry is concentrated into a few main groups, including the European EADS subsidiary Astrium, in which Germany has a major role, and the Franco-Italian Thales Alenia Space.

EU Commissioner Barrot had given the EU nations until the end of the year to reach an agreement or risk the troubled project being abandoned.

European budget ministers and EU lawmakers paved the way for agreement on Galileo's future last week by striking a deal on how to fund it.

They agreed to fill a 2.4-billion-euro (3.5-billion-dollar) hole in Galileo's financing entirely with money from the EU's 2007 and 2008 budgets.

Work on Galileo stalled earlier this year as cost over-runs piled up, the private contractors bickered and member states lobbied for their own industrial interests.

As the original public-private partnership involving a consortium of eight European companies fell apart, the European Commission recommended that the project should be relaunched using public money entirely.

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The Galileo project is running five years behind the initial schedule, with just one test satellite up in orbit.

The US military is already working on super-powerful updates to its GPS technology to try to trump Galileo before it even gets up in the air, according to military experts there.

"Galileo will become the spearhead for European technology," Barrot told reporters, after the talks ended late in the evening.

"We are on the way towards putting Galileo into operation for 2013 and to offer Europeans very many services," he added.

Madrid had urged its EU partners to allow it to host a control centre for the future 30-satellite scheme aimed at showcasing Europe's hi-tech know-how.

However, under the current plans, only Germany and Italy are set to get control centres which will check the satellite system's functioning and transmissions.


Posted by fathima at 7:33 AM | | Comments

Ex-leader: rebel Kurds have left Iraq

Ex-leader: rebel Kurds have left Iraq

KOI-SANJAQ, Iraq - Kurdish separatists who have found haven in northern Iraq in their fight for autonomy from Turkey have returned to their homeland in the past two weeks and Iran-based rebels have taken their place, the rebel leader's brother said.A spokesman for the Kurdish government in the self-ruled region could not confirm Osman Ocalan's claim that the members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, known by its Kurdish acronym PKK, had withdrawn, but said Thursday the government would not accept "any armed struggle to be launched from our territories against any neighboring country."

Ocalan, the younger brother of the jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan, told The Associated Press that members of an Iranian-based rebel offshoot have replaced the rebels based in Turkey.

He said the rebels were leaving "to ease the burden" on the Kurdish regional government, which has been pressed on all sides — by its U.S. supporters, Iraq's central government and Turkey — to move against the separatists.

"The PKK fighters have evacuated their posts in Iraq's Qandil mountain chain, and gone to Turkish Kurdistan," Ocalan said, adding that the PKK fighters were largely replaced by fighters from the anti-Iran Free Life Iranian Kurdish Party.

Relations between Iraq and Turkey have grown increasingly strained in recent months over a Turkish threat of a cross-border incursion against the rebels. The tension reached a breaking point after an ambush by rebel Kurds left 12 Turkish soldiers dead on Oct. 21.

Turkey massed tens of thousands of soldiers on the border and shelled the frontier region, hitting deserted villages in some cases. On Nov. 4, rebels freed eight soldiers captured in the raid and the situation has eased somewhat.

The United States and Iraq have pressured Turkey to avoid a large-scale attack on rebel bases in northern Iraq, fearing such an operation would destabilize what has been the calmest region in the country.

And there have been signs that popular support for the PKK rebels among Iraqi Kurds is weakening, threatening supply lines and hideouts.

The village of Koi-Sanjaq, 40 miles west of the Iranian border, lies beyond a Kurdish government checkpoint, and forces there refuse to allow journalists and supplies to pass.

"We cannot even bring in a sack of rice; true, there are fighters in our region, but they are far from our villages," one villager complained. "They are the reason we live in terror."

The 60-year-old man, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he feared retribution, said the Iranians shelled the area and the villages fear a Turkish air attack.

"We cannot sleep because of the frequent roaring of airplanes overhead and all along the Qandil mountains," he said. "We are in the pincer of the hammer and the anvil."

Ocalan, however, insisted the PKK still has the support of ordinary Kurds in northern Iraq.

Jabar Yawar, a spokesman for Kurdistan's Peshmerga Regional Defense Forces and a former guerrilla fighter himself, said the government could not say whether the PKK had left.

"But for us, as a government, we do not accept any armed struggle to be launched from our territories against any neighboring country," he said.

Abdullah Ocalan is serving a life term on a prison island near Istanbul, Turkey. Osman Ocalan, 49, himself a former PKK leader, said he left the rebel group in 2003 has joined "comrades who have a democratic platform and believe in peaceful democratic settlement of the Kurdish issue."

"For 20 years, I was part of the struggle; but because of ideological differences, I pulled out of it. Now I am with armed fighters who defend themselves, but am against the PKK," he said in an interview at a restaurant in Koi-Sanjaq. He said his group included PKK "political" veterans.

A Turkish government official and high-ranking retired military officer said in early November that intelligence information indicated the guerrillas were evacuating their camps and melting away into cities and other regions.

The PKK and its affiliates are spread through a region straddling Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria that is home to millions of Kurds.

PEJAK, the newest group based in Iran, claims to number thousands of recruits, and targets only Iran — a mission which has made PEJAK the subject of intense speculation that it is being used to undermine Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Though he has left the PKK, Osman Ocalan said he knew about the withdrawal and the PKK's financial resources through his many years of experience with the group. He claimed the PKK has nearly 7,000 fighters: 3,000 in Turkey, 2,000 in Iran under the offshoot Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan, or PEJAK, and 1,700 in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Ocalan said some PKK members may have deserted to join the anti-Iran group, but according to a statement from PEJAK, the Turkish group's military headquarters are now occupied by its own fighters.

Posted by fathima at 7:28 AM | | Comments

Barkin fires back at ex-husband Perelman

Barkin fires back at ex-husband Perelman

NEW YORK - Ellen Barkin's agents have fired back at ex-husband and Revlon cosmetics mogul Ronald Perelman, calling his lawsuit against the actress and her brother "a cynical abuse of the legal system." Perelman, 63, sued Barkin and her brother George in New York on Wednesday, claiming they siphoned money from a film production company they formed together and used it to create a competing company and pay George Barkin $250,000 a year.

Perelman and Barkin, 53, divorced in 2006. She sued him in August, saying he had failed to keep an agreement made before their divorce to fund the company they created, Applehead I, with $3.4 million. Barkin and her brother continue to operate the production company.

Chris Taylor, a spokeswoman for Perelman, issued a statement Wednesday saying Barkin's lawsuit to get money for Applehead I was an attempt "to further enrich herself."

A spokeswoman for Applehead issued a statement Thursday calling Perelman's lawsuit "frivolous," "without merit" and "yet another attempt to avoid honoring his written contract to contribute more than $3 million to Applehead Pictures."

"The fact is, Applehead only has money because others stepped in to contribute what Perelman wrongfully withheld," the statement says. "Perelman's cynical abuse of the legal system is disappointing, but not surprising."


Posted by fathima at 7:23 AM | | Comments

Songwriter's suit against Toby Keith dismissed

Songwriter's suit against Toby Keith dismissed

NASHVILLE (Billboard) - A copyright infringement lawsuit brought against country star Toby Keith by singer/songwriter Michael McCloud has been dismissed. In a 2006 suit filed in federal court in Miami, the Key West, Fla.-based McCloud, whose real name is Michael Snyder, contended that Keith's 2003 hit "I Love This Bar," written by Keith and longtime collaborator Scotty Emerick, was "strikingly similar" to his own "Tourist Town Bar," according to a story in the Miami Herald last December.

The suit was filed against Keith, Emerick, Keith's label at the time, DreamWorks, and his publishing company, Tokeco Tunes.

"It is an awful thing to be accused wrongfully of copyright infringement," Keith said in a statement. "It goes to the core of what you are as a man, a singer/songwriter and an artist ... I was put in the terrible position of not being able to defend myself until the trial and I just could not wait for that day to come. I knew it would take no time at all for the case to be dismissed and it was, of course, with prejudice which means: He had no case whatsoever."

Posted by fathima at 7:21 AM | | Comments

Renee Fleming opts out of 'Norma'

Renee Fleming opts out of 'Norma'

NEW YORK - Renee Fleming has decided to ditch plans to perform Bellini's opera "Norma" because the role "just didn't fit," her publicist said.The 48-year-old star soprano had planned to sing the title role for the first time next summer at the Tanglewood Music Center with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and conductor James Levine. It was supposed to be a warmup for performances in Zurich, Switzerland, and a new Robert Wilson production at the Metropolitan Opera in the 2011-12 season.

But the opera wasn't included in the Tanglewood schedule being released Friday. Instead, Fleming was listed for the Aug. 2 concert performance of Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin."

"The part just didn't fit as she had hoped it would after living with it," Fleming publicist Mary Lou Falcone said Thursday. "Sometimes you can sing it through, sing it through perfectly, it's not a problem. But I think that she lived with it and realized that when you infuse it with the drama and everything else that goes with it, it just wasn't the best choice for her."

Tanglewood's season opens June 26 with the Mark Morris Dance Group. The Boston Symphony's season at the Lenox, Mass., music center opens with Levine conducting a concert performance of Berlioz' monumental opera "Les Troyens" in two parts, July 5 and July 6. It closes Aug. 24 with Christoph von Dohnanyi conducting the BSO in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

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Posted by fathima at 7:16 AM | | Comments

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Angelina Jolie can't act: Julia


Angelina Jolie can't act: Julia

Julia Roberts has reportedly hit out at actress rival Angelina Jolie, branding her a shameless flirt who can’t act.

Julie is said to have been left cold after watching A Mighty Heart with a group of friends at her Malibu home. Oscar winner Angelina earned rave reviews for her portrayal of the wife of slain journalist Daniel Pearl, who was killed by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002, but failed to impress Julia.

An insider tells a magazine that Julia was super unimpressed with Angelina’s work in the film. She even voiced the fact that she could have done a better job than Jolie. ‘I would rarely say this, but I think I could have done a better job with this film,’ Julia announced to her friends. And they loved her reaction,” says the source. “Angie isn’t exactly the most loved person in Hollywood,” the source adds.

Another source close to Julia’s husband, Danny Moder, claims that Danny, who worked as a cameraman for Mr & Mrs Smith, often returned home with tales of Angie’s flirting with the then married Brad.

“Danny told her it was obvious that Angelina was making a play for Brad,” says the source. “People on the set called her the Spider-Woman because she was spinning a web for Brad. Julia said Angelina had no shame. She’s made it pretty clear that she doesn’t hold Angie in high regard,” revealed the source.

PITT upset with Jolie Brad Pitt has allegedly “exploded” over Angelina Jolie’s plans to work with ex-husband Johnny Lee Miller. According to sources, Miller is set to star in a new telly drama called Eli Stone, and has asked Jolie to appear in the show.

“Brad really blew up when she casually mentioned that she was, as she put it, ‘helping Jonny Lee out,’” says an insider. “Angelina usually discusses with Brad every role she takes before committing to it – so it was a double breach of trust.”

Apparently Jolie decided to honour her partner’s wishes as she pulled out of appearing on the show. She allegedly told Miller she needed to “keep the peace at home”.

This is the third alleged jealous fight between Jolie and Pitt. According to previous reports, Pitt doesn’t like how ‘close’ Jolie and her bodyguard are getting. The couple, who have four children together, were also said to have argued about Jolie’s relationship with her brother, James Haven. Sources claim Pitt and Haven don’t get along.

Posted by fathima at 7:43 PM | | Comments

Katrina: Rumours don't affect me

Katrina: Rumours don't affect me

Who said Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan, Bollywood’s tumultuous on-and-off screen jodi, are headed for splitsville?

Not BT, and certainly neither of them as well. Because we spoke to Katrina yesterday, she is far from Bollywood’s madding crowd, shooting with Akshay Kumar for Singh Is Kinng in Australia. And the stunning actress gave her infectious laugh when asked if she was nursing a broken heart after splitting with Sallu. “What!” she asked incredulously. “At this point in life, I am very happy. All these rumours don’t affect me. I am blissfully cut off. There’s no internet here too, so I’m enjoying the peace,” she added.

No, there’s no lovers’ tiff between Bollywood’s good looking couple. There never was despite the talk of Sallu being mad at young Shahid Kapoor for getting too close with his girl. “Don’t trap me into saying anything,” Kats laughed. “I am too focussed to be distracted at this point by anything. I am working hard, and my work means a lot to me, nothing can distract me now.”

Will there ever be a time in her life, in her career, when she would give everything up to settle down? “It’s like asking, will it rain tomorrow? Who has seen tomorrow? If God is willing, I may give up everything.” Which seems unlikely considering the number of films the actress has been signed on for. The latest is by Raj Kumar Santoshi for his next film with Shahid Kapoor. What about rumours of Salman not wanting her to work with Shahid? “Why should I or anyone have any problem with Shahid or any of my other co-stars? I think Shahid and Rajji want to sit and make some changes in the script as it is similar to Shahid’s film Jab We Met. I have no problem working with Shahid,” said Katrina.

What does love mean to her? “It’s absolutely a beautiful emotion. I believe in it wholeheartedly. The ways of expressing love are very personal and individual,” she replied. Salman apparently is a very possessive lover. What’s her take on possessiveness in love? “There is no right or wrong way, or being overpossessive or underpossessive in love. Like I said, it’s an individual expression,” she reiterated.

But controversy dogs her progress in Bollywood. Katrina’s onscreen pairing with Akshay Kumar too in the past has invited speculation. How does she cope with all this undue attention? “I don’t think doing so many films with Akshay Kumar is an issue at all. Nobody has pointed this out to me. I am not aware of any rumours. As for signing films with him, well, I have signed all the films with the consent of those close to me and with whom I hang out. So nobody can stand up and say anything about Akshay and me. It’s sheer rubbish!”

Posted by fathima at 7:30 PM | | Comments

Joggers hit by car win $50M settlement

COSTA MESA, Calif. - Stacy Neria used to run six miles a day, six days a week — but she never trained on Sundays out of deference to her husband and to God. Now, Neria relies heavily on her husband and faith as she struggles to push forward after a hit-and-run accident left her with brain damage and paralyzed from the neck down.

The 35-year-old mother of three was jogging with three other women on April 8, 2006, when she was struck by a car from behind. Her friend, avid runner and mother Carol Daniel, 42, was paralyzed as well, but did not suffer brain damage.

The women and their husbands held a news conference Wednesday to discuss a settlement of about $50 million they received this week from the city of Dana Point. Their attorney argued that the bike lane they were running in was poorly marked and far too wide, leading motorists to believe it was another driving lane.

The driver of the car, William Todd Bradshaw, pleaded guilty to felony hit-and-run causing permanent injury, and is serving four years in prison.

The money will go toward the millions of dollars in medical expenses the two women will rack up in their lifetimes, things their insurance doesn't cover: 24-hour nursing care, intensive physical and speech therapy and possible experimental treatments.

"This is a bittersweet thing. We might have celebrated for 15 minutes or so, but that was it," said Craig Daniel, Carol's husband. "The reality continues and it's been very tough."

Neria and Daniel cannot do anything for themselves and Neria only recently began speaking again. She directs her motorized wheelchair with a joystick that she pushes with her chin.

Neria wore flip flops decorated with silver beaded flowers and had carefully painted toenails and a butterfly clip holding back her blonde hair. Her husband, Chris, adjusted her hands and gently brushed back her hair before pointing out that he had applied her red lipstick.

"He is amazing," said a smiling Neria, a hair stylist before the accident.

Daniel uses her right hand, which has some movement, to guide her wheelchair. She was covered in a blanket and wore Ugg boots because she's always cold. She declined to comment at the news conference, but said afterward that she just focuses on one day at a time.

"I'm coping, barely. That's all I can say," said Craig Daniel, who has three children with his wife.

Both husbands said their insurance does not cover 24-hour nursing care and they were forced to quit their jobs to care for their wives full-time.

"She hasn't had that much therapy lately because the money hasn't been there," Craig Daniel said. "The insurance hasn't been covering it."

Chris Neria, once a regional sales manager, said it takes him up to five hours each morning to bathe, dress and feed his wife, including putting on her makeup and doing her hair. He also wakes up every two hours in the night to turn her body in the bed to avoid bed sores and other complications.

"You're humbled because this job — taking care of yourself and three little kids and your wife — is impossible," he said. "You're really not capable, no one is capable, of handling that dynamic."

The Nerias have found comfort in their church, their faith and in small hints of progress: Neria can now speak in a stilted whisper, she can swallow, she can take a sip of water and she can breathe on her own. But she still sobbed when asked what she missed most about her life before the accident.

"I miss being the wife and the mom that I was and what I always wanted to be," she said in a hoarse, hesitant whisper

Posted by fathima at 8:29 AM | | Comments

Missing student may have been porn star

Missing student may have been porn star

EL DORADO, Kan. - A missing Kansas college student believed to be the victim of foul play apparently led a double life as an Internet porn star by the name of Zoey Zane. Nude photos of 18-year-old Emily Sander appeared on a Zoey Zane Web site before she vanished, and investigators are looking into whether her modeling had anything to do with her disappearance last Friday.

"She enjoyed it. She is a young teenage girl and she wanted to be in the movies and enjoyed movies. She needed the extra money," Nikki Watson, a close friend of Sander's at Butler Community College, told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "Nobody in El Dorado knew besides her close friends."

Sander's brother, Jacob Sander, confirmed that the nude woman pictured on the site is his sister.

El Dorado Police Chief Tom Boren said FBI and state experts on Internet crime have been called in.

"Investigators are aware that Miss Sander was apparently involved in a Web site situation," he said. "Allegations that this may factor into her disappearance are being thoroughly investigated."

Sander was last seen leaving a bar in El Dorado, about 30 miles from Wichita, with a man identified as Israel Mireles, 24, authorities said. Sander and Mireles had met that night at the bar, according to Watson.

After Mireles did not show up Saturday at his job at an Italian restaurant, his employer went to the motel room where he was staying.

"His motel room was found to appear in great disarray, and a large quantity of blood was found in the room," Boren said. "Bed clothing was found to be missing. The police were called."

A nationwide manhunt was under way for Mireles and his 16-year-old girlfriend. A rental car he had been driving turned up Tuesday in Texas, where he had family. Those relatives have been interviewed, El Dorado Detective Justin Phillips said, but he declined to say whether they had seen Mireles or knew where he was.

On Tuesday, authorities released a photo of a white bedspread with a floral design and asked for the public's help in locating it. Divers searched a reservoir near El Dorado on Wednesday.

"Our hopes kind of diminish each day we don't hear from her," the police chief said.

Sander recently signed a contract for the pornographic work on the Web site, and told her parents about it on Thanksgiving, Watson said. Her boyfriend broke up with her because he did not approve, Watson said.

"What you are telling me now is things we have never been told or heard," said Sander's grandmother, Shirley Sander. "I don't know what to say. We have never heard anything like this, and truthfully, I don't believe it."

Watson said she does not believe Sander's pornography work had anything to do with the disappearance.

"Nobody even knew about this until one of our close friends came out and told everybody because Emily did not want anybody to know," Watson said.

The brown-haired, blue-eyed Sander was last seen wearing low-rider jeans and a "Don't Mess With Texas" T-shirt. She has tattoos and body piercings

Posted by fathima at 8:27 AM | | Comments

GOP rivals clash on immigration, torture

GOP rivals clash on immigration, torture

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Republican presidential rivals Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney scornfully debated immigration in a provocative, no-holds-barred CNN/YouTube debate just over a month before the first votes are cast.Giuliani, the front-runner in national polls, accused Romney Wednesday of employing illegal immigrants at his home and running a "sanctuary mansion." The testy personal exchange came after Romney said Giuliani had retained New York's status as a sanctuary city while he was mayor.

Romney said it would "not be American" to check the papers of workers employed by a contractor simply because they have a "funny accent." He had landscapers at his Belmont, Mass., home who turned out to be in the country illegally.

Giuliani shot back, calling Romney's attitude "holier than thou."

"Mitt usually criticizes people when he usually has the far worse record," Giuliani said.

The audience, however, booed Giuliani as he tried to persist in his criticism of Romney.

The confrontation came at the start of an innovative CNN/YouTube debate that forced the candidates to confront immigration immediately, signaling the volatility of the issue among Republican voters. The eight Republican candidates encountered a range of questions, including abortion, gun control from a gun wielding NRA member, and farm subsidies from a man eating an ear of corn.

They were even asked if they believed every word in the Bible by a man holding the holy book, and a question on the powers of the vice president from a gun-toting cartoon-version of Dick Cheney.

No one was exempt in the free-for-all as the candidates squabbled over interrogation techniques, the Iraq war, crime and who wields the most conservative record. The candidates tried to position themselves to the right of each other, knowing full well that conservatives hold sway in selecting the GOP nominee.

At the outset, immigration dominated the questions submitted online and swept in the remainder of the Republican field.

Fred Thompson took the opportunity to distinguish himself from both Romney and Giuliani, arguing that Romney had supported President Bush's plan to provide a path to citizenship for some immigrants in the United States illegally now. He took Giuliani to task for attacking Romney's employment of illegal immigrants.

"I think we've all had people who we've hired who in retrospect was a bad decision," he said, alluding to Bernard Kerik, Giuliani's disgraced former police commissioner who is under federal indictment on multiple charges.

Sen. John McCain, for whom the immigration issue has proved particularly vexing, defended his support for an unsuccessful overhaul of immigration laws that included a temporary worker program and a path to citizenship.

"We must recognize these are God's children as well," McCain said. "They need our love and compassion, and I want to ensure that I will enforce the borders first. But we won't demagogue it."

Mike Huckabee, who has also come under GOP criticism for some of his immigration policies while governor of Arkansas, defended benefits he supported for children of illegal immigrants, including allowing children to be eligible to apply for college scholarships.

"Are we going to say kids who are here illegally are going to get a special deal?" Romney asked.

Huckabee objected, saying the benefit was based on merit. "We are a better country than to punish children for what their parents did," he said.

The most fierce exchanges were among the candidates with the most at stake with only five weeks left before the first voting in the presidential contest begins. Giuliani leads in national polls but trails Romney in early-voting Iowa and New Hampshire. Romney faces challenges from Huckabee in Iowa and from Giuliani and McCain in New Hampshire.

Thompson, in what amounted to one of the first video attacks of the campaign, questioned the conservative credentials of two of his rivals in a YouTube clip. The video challenged Romney on abortion and Huckabee on taxes.

"I wanted to give my buddies here a little extra air time," Thompson said to laughter as he defended the video.

For Thompson, Romney and Huckabee are his biggest obstacles toward establishing himself as the candidate of conservatives.

"I was wrong, I was effectively pro-choice," said Romney, who has said he changed his stance in 2004 during debates on stem cell research. "On abortion, I was wrong."

"If people are looking for somebody in this country who has never made a mistake ... then they ought to find somebody else," he said.

As the front-runner, Giuliani faced questions about gun control, abortion and whether New York taxpayers foot the bill for security he received while the married mayor visited his then-girlfriend, Judith Nathan, now his wife.

Giuliani said he had 24-hour protection as mayor because of threats against him and said all costs incurred were proper.

"I had nothing to do with the handling of their records," he said of how his security detail reported the expenses. "And they were handled, as far as I know, perfectly appropriately."

McCain, who has shown no love for Romney during the campaign, seized on Romney's response to a question about the legality of waterboarding as an interrogation technique. Romney said that as a candidate he would not publicly discuss what techniques he would rule out. That prompted McCain, a former Vietnam POW, to assert that waterboarding is indeed torture and should not be tolerated.

"Governor, let me tell you, if we're going to gain the high ground in this world ... we're not going to torture people," McCain said. "How in the world someone could think that that kind of thing could be inflicted on people who are in our custody is absolutely beyond me."

McCain also engaged Ron Paul, a Texas congressman whose libertarian views and opposition to the war have attracted thousands of donors, millions of dollars and a devoted online following.

McCain said Paul is promoting isolationism in calling for the United States to disengage from the war. "We allowed (Adolf) Hitler to come to power with that attitude of isolation," he said.

Paul objected, saying McCain had misunderstood his support for nonintervention with isolationism.

"I want to trade with people, talk with people, travel," Paul replied. "But I don't want to send troops overseas using force to tell them how to live." Later he made clear he would not run as an independent, despite demands from many of his supporters.

One questioner, Keith Kerr of Santa Rosa, Calif., a retired Army colonel who served as a brigadier general in the reserves, asked the candidates about their views on gays in the military and revealed himself to be gay. Not mentioned was his membership on a steering committee of gays and lesbians for Democratic candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Huckabee, Romney, McCain and Rep. Duncan Hunter all said they supported the current "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

The debate ended as it began, with Romney and Giuliani in a deeply personal dispute — over the New York Yankees vs. the Boston Red Sox.

"When I was mayor of New York City, the Yankees won four world championships," Giuliani said. "Since I've left being mayor of New York City, the Yankees have won none."

Romney, who was off by one year — 87 instead of 86 — on the length of the Red Sox World Series drought, replied: "Like most Americans, we love our sports teams and hate the Yankees."

Posted by fathima at 8:22 AM | | Comments

Ex-Skynyrd drummer arrested for 2nd time

Ex-Skynyrd drummer arrested for 2nd time

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle has been arrested a second time after failing to properly register as a sex offender, sheriff's officials said. The 59-year-old musician, whose real name is Thomas Delmer Pyle, was arrested Tuesday at one of three addresses he gave to authorities, Sgt. Chuck Mulligan said. He was being held Wednesday on $50,000 bond, Mulligan told The Florida Times-Union. Jail records do not show whether he had a lawyer.

Pyle had been released on $10,000 bond after being arrested on the same charge Nov. 19. He was arrested again after he still didn't register a new permanent address, officials said.

The address on Pyle's driver's license no longer belongs to the musician, Mulligan said. He said Pyle has a home in North Carolina but has told authorities he wants to register at a Florida address.

Pyle pleaded guilty in 1993 to charges of attempted capital sexual battery by an adult on a victim younger than 12 and being principal to lewd and lascivious behavior on a child younger than 16. He was sentenced to eight years of probation.


Posted by fathima at 8:14 AM | | Comments

Brooke Shields: Women should want it all

Brooke Shields: Women should want it all

NEW YORK - Brooke Shields hopes her upcoming show, "Lipstick Jungle," will convince women that they shouldn't be afraid to want it all."It's about not apologizing for being able to be successful, and not apologizing for wanting as much as you can," the 42-year-old actress said Wednesday night behind the scenes at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

"If it's a family and a career, why not?" she added. "It may not be easy, but we don't have to apologize for at least wanting the most of what is available to us."

Shields appeared at the ceremony with co-stars Kim Raver and Lindsay Price to announce that the NBC series, based on a book by "Sex and the City" author Candace Bushnell, will air at 10 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning Feb. 7.

Raver, who played Kiefer Sutherland's ill-fated love interest on Fox network's "24," said the show would address the difficulties that come with striving for personal and professional fulfillment.

"It's also trying to figure out how to have that balance, and how to have the balance between the friendships and the husbands and the boyfriends and the family," she said. "It's what everyone is dealing with every day."


Posted by fathima at 8:10 AM | | Comments

Keys kicks off holiday season in Tokyo

Keys kicks off holiday season in Tokyo

TOKYO - The Christmas season starts early in Tokyo, and Alicia Keys was there Thursday to help get it going.The 26-year-old singer appeared at a Tokyo office building to sing a few songs from her new album, "As I Am," and wish a crowd of several hundred people a happy holiday season — with a three-story-tall Christmas tree behind her.

"My new name is Alicia Trees," she joked.

"As I Am," released Nov. 13, has risen to the top of the Japanese charts.

Keys said the album's success shows her music has universal appeal.

"I want to reach all kinds of listeners. It means a lot to me that people from all places can appreciate the music," she said. "I can't wait to come back for a big tour."

Keys said she plans to spend the holidays back home in the United States.

Posted by fathima at 8:06 AM | | Comments

I acted within law, says Harman

I acted within law, says Harman

Harriet Harman has told MPs she acted "within both the letter and spirit of the law" in the row over a property developer's disguised donations.
She came under fire for accepting a £5,000 donation for her deputy leader bid from Janet Kidd, who it turns out was acting on behalf of David Abrahams.

Gordon Brown has said that donations to Labour from Mr Abrahams, given under other people's names, were not lawful.

For the Tories, Theresa May said Ms Harman was facing a "sleaze scandal".

Police probe urged

The donations row this week was prompted by the revelation that more than £650,000 in donations had been made to Labour since 2003 by Mr Abrahams under other people's names.

That breaks the rules on donations and has prompted calls from the Lib Dems and Tories for a police investigation.

The public knows sleaze when they see it

Theresa May
Shadow Commons leader


Q&A: Donations row
Scottish donation 'illegal'

Meanwhile it has emerged that Wendy Alexander's campaign for the Scottish Labour leadership also broke the rules by accepting money from a Jersey-based businessman. An MSP has resigned from Labour's front bench at Holyrood over the affair.

At Westminster, Mrs May told MPs: "The Leader of the House, the prime minister and the Labour Party treasurer are like the three wise monkeys.

"They see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. Quite simply it won't wash.

"The public knows sleaze when they see it. The people know spin when they hear it. And the voters will know what to do when they have their say. They'll get rid of this sleazy Labour government."

Money refused

Mr Abrahams also offered money, using Janet Kidd's name, to Gordon Brown's leadership bid and Hilary Benn and Ms Harman's deputy leadership bids.

Mr Brown refused the money as he did not know Ms Kidd, Mr Benn accepted it only when the donation was made in Mr Abrahams' name.

You can huff and puff but you will not blow this Leader of the House down

Harriet Harman


Key players
Sketch: Harman in firing line

Ms Harman said she took "in good faith" £5,000 without knowing it was actually Mr Abrahams' money.

During her weekly grilling by MPs as Leader of the House of Commons, she was asked by Mrs May to make a Commons statement on the issue.

She said that her team accepted the money after checking Janet Kidd was on the electoral roll and that she was an established Labour Party donor.

Standards debate

Ms Harman told Mrs May: "You can huff and puff but you will not blow this Leader of the House down."

Both she and her deputy leadership team had "acted at all times within both the letter and the spirit of the law," she said.

She also said there would be a debate in the Commons next week on standards in public life.

DONORS
Ray Ruddick - £196,850
Janet Kidd - £185,000 since 2003
John McCarthy - £257,125 since 2004
Janet Dunn - £25,000
Source: Electoral Commission


Profile: David Abrahams
Donor's business interests

Gordon Brown said on Wednesday there was not "one iota" of evidence that Ms Harman knew about the donation's true origins before Saturday.

Mr Benn has said he rejected the donation from Janet Kidd after being told by one of his team, Baroness Jay, that the money was actually from Mr Abrahams.

Mr Abrahams, who says he donated money under other people's names to protect his privacy and did not know it broke laws, then agreed to give money to Mr Benn in his own name instead.

'Absolutely wrong'

Ms Harman's husband, Jack Dromey, who is Labour's treasurer, was asked on Wednesday if he had known that Labour had been receiving donations from Mr Abrahams under Janet Kidd and three other people's names.

He did not specifically deny that, saying instead that the donations were "absolutely wrong" and saying "complete concealment" when asked if he or his wife had known about them.

On Monday Labour's general secretary, Peter Watt, resigned after admitting he knew such donations had been made to the party in recent years. He said he did not realise there was anything wrong with the practice.

And on Wednesday it emerged that the party's chief fundraiser, Jon Mendelsohn, was told about the disguised donations last month, shortly after his appointment.

He said he was told they "fully complied with the law" but was unhappy about it and determined it would not continue, but did not tell anyone else as he wanted to sort out the matter with Mr Abrahams personally.

It is not clear if any other people in the party knew about the donations.

Posted by fathima at 7:58 AM | | Comments

Morrissey insists on NME apology

Morrissey insists on NME apology

Morrissey's lawyers have threatened legal action against the NME unless the magazine publishes an apology for an article about the former Smiths star.
The magazine has criticised the singer, 48, for allegedly telling a reporter Britain had lost its identity due to high levels of immigration.

His lawyers said they would begin legal proceedings for defamation if the NME had not issued a retraction by 1300GMT.

The deadline passed without an apology from the publication.

Earlier, the NME released a statement which read: "We can confirm that Morrissey's legal representatives have been in contact with NME and pending the outcome of these discussions we won't be commenting any further."

Identity

The magazine quoted Morrissey allegedly saying: "Although I don't have anything against people from other countries, the higher the influx into England the more the British identity disappears. So the price is enormous."

"If you travel to Germany, it's still absolutely Germany. If you travel to Sweden, it still has a Swedish identity. But travel to England and you have no idea where you are," the singer is reported to have said.

Morrissey has spent the last decade living in Rome and Los Angeles.

In a follow-up interview concerning his comments, the NME reported that Morrissey had said: "It could be construed that the reason I wouldn't wish to live in England is the immigration explosion. And that's not true at all."

"There are other reasons why I would find England very difficult, such as the expense and the pressure," he said.

He is alleged to have added that he did not think his comments were inflammatory, but were "a statement of fact".

The singer's manager accused the NME of "character assassination".

Tim Jonze, the freelance journalist who interviewed Morrissey, told the BBC that he didn't approve of the singer's comments and had found them "offensive".

He said he had asked for his name to be removed from the article because it had been rewritten.

"I didn't want my name on something I hadn't written, even if some of it might have been similar to what I wrote originally," he said.


Posted by fathima at 7:44 AM | | Comments

Australia's Rudd unveils cabinet

Australia's Rudd unveils cabinet

Australia's Prime Minister-elect, Kevin Rudd, has announced the make-up of his new Labor government.
He appointed Julia Gillard as deputy PM and education minister, and a former rock star, Midnight Oil singer Peter Garrett, as environment minister.

Penny Wong becomes the country's first Asian-born minister, with responsibility for climate change.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party has elected a new leader to replace John Howard, defeated in last week's vote.

Brendan Nelson, the outgoing defence minister, beat the outgoing environment minister Malcolm Turnbull for the job.

Rock on

Kevin Rudd has not yet been sworn in as Australia's next prime minister, but he is impatient to tackle what he describes as the challenges of the future.

LABOR'S CABINET
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education and Workplace Relations: Julia Gillard
Treasurer: Wayne Swan
Foreign Minister: Stephen Smith
Environment, Heritage and Arts Minister: Peter Garrett
Climate Change and Water Minister: Penny Wong
Minister of Defence: Joel Fitzgibbon
Attorney-General: Robert McClelland

In naming his ministers, it is clear that the "three Es" are his main priority - the economy, education and the environment, says the BBC's Nick Bryant in Sydney.

By far the most eye-catching appointment is that of Peter Garrett as environment minister, our correspondent says.

Mr Garrett, who has been an MP since 2004, is best known as the former front man of rock group Midnight Oil, who had an international hit with the song Beds Are Burning.

Penny Wong, a Malaysian immigrant, has been named Australia's first minister specifically dedicated to climate change and water conservation.

Opposition changes

At the same time as Mr Rudd announced his new ministry, the Liberal Party has elected a new leader to replace John Howard.



With the party's former deputy leader Peter Costello signalling his desire to pursue a career in the commercial sector, the Liberals opted for Brendan Nelson, the outgoing defence minister.

He beat the expected favourite, outgoing environment minister Malcolm Turnbull, by a narrow vote of 45 to 42 .

Mr Nelson likes electric guitars, fast motorbikes and used to wear an earring. But his political persona is nowhere near as racy.

He is a medical doctor, and the beleaguered Liberal Party will need all of his recuperative powers, our correspondent says.


Posted by fathima at 3:14 AM | | Comments

Revlon's Perelman sues ex-wife Barkin

Revlon's Perelman sues ex-wife Barkin

NEW YORK - Revlon cosmetics mogul Ronald Perelman has sued his most recent former wife, actress Ellen Barkin, and her brother, claiming they drained money from a movie production company they formed together and he financed. Perelman, 63, alleges that Barkin and her brother, George Barkin, formed Applehead II to compete with Applehead I, the firm the siblings had started with Perelman. He contends they siphoned money from Applehead I to pay for Applehead II.

A spokeswoman for Barkin did not immediately return a call seeking comment Wednesday.

Perelman also claims in his lawsuit that the misappropriated money was used to pay at least $7,000 to Barkin Industries, a company owned by the "Sea of Love" actress; to finance a lawsuit against Perelman, and to pay George Barkin a salary of $250,000 a year.

Perelman, the Revlon chairman who once estimated his net worth at $5 billion, says he contributed $465,000 to the Applehead I venture in 2005. The lawsuit does not say how much he has contributed in total.

Perelman and Barkin, 54, divorced in 2006. She sued him in August, saying he failed to keep an agreement made before their divorce to fund Applehead I with $3.4 million.

"We were initially disappointed at Ms. Barkin's attempts to further enrich herself after the divorce," Perelman spokeswoman Chris Taylor said. "We are further disappointed to learn of her additional actions to further enrich herself, her family and friends. We intend to pursue our remedy in the courts."

Perelman's lawsuit, which also names an employee and a lawyer associated with Applehead I, asks for unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages and an order requiring the return any misappropriated assets.

Posted by fathima at 3:10 AM | | Comments

US protest at China navy refusal

US protest at China navy refusal

The US has formally protested to China over its refusal to allow a number of US ships to dock in Hong Kong.
The ships had been scheduled to dock for Thanksgiving, and hundreds of family members had flown out to greet the 8,000 sailors on board.

The White House says President Bush also raised the issue with the Chinese foreign minister.

China insists the incident was a misunderstanding, but US Navy officials have demanded a full explanation.

The US fleet, which included the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk, spent most of Thanksgiving weekend on the South China Sea after being refused permission to enter Hong Kong harbour.

China eventually reversed the decision for "humanitarian reasons only", but by then the ships were already making the return journey to their Japan base.

A White House official said Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told Mr Bush the ships were turned away because of a misunderstanding.

The official did not say what the misunderstanding was.

'Perplexing and irritating'

Speaking on Wednesday, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said the US would be officially expressing "displeasure" to the Chinese military attache in Washington.

It is not, in our view, conduct that is indicative of a country who understands its obligations as a responsible nation

Admiral Tim Keating, US Navy

"It's regrettable, and we have not received to date sufficient explanation as to why it took place.

"I think that's why this incident is so baffling to us, because there is no indication at all prior to the Kitty Hawk being refused entry to the port of Hong Kong that there was any reason or any cause for concern."

The USS Patriot and the USS Guardian eventually refuelled at sea and returned safely to Japan.

Senior US Navy officials have also expressed concern that China recently refused permission for two US minesweepers to take refuge and refuel in Hong Kong during a tropical storm.

They said the refusal was "perplexing" and "irritating".

"It is not, in our view, conduct that is indicative of a country who understands its obligations as a responsible nation," Pacific commander Admiral Tim Keating told reporters.

But he added that the incident was not "calamitous" and that he hoped it was not the start of a continuing blockage on port visits.



Posted by fathima at 3:07 AM | | Comments

Christina Aguilera Celebrates Two Years of Marriage

ChristinCelebrates Two Years of Marriage a Aguilera

It was a happy second wedding anniversary for Christina Aguilera and her music producer husband Jordan Bratman.

The couple got dressed up for a stylish dinner outing at Amalfi, taking advantage of the last year in which they don't have to set up babysitter arrangements.

Christina and Jordan are expecting their first child together in early 2008, and have been busy going through the motions leading up to their baby's arrival.

Just this past weekend, Christina Milian, who attended Aguilera's baby shower, told press: "Her son is going to be pretty lucky because his mom ... she's just awesome. She is going to be a cool mom."

Cool, indeed!

Posted by fathima at 3:03 AM | | Comments

Manila rebel soldiers surrender

Manila rebel soldiers surrender

Military rebels who were barricaded in a luxury hotel in Manila have surrendered, following an assault on the building by Philippine troops.
The rebels, some with their hands in the air, were led out of the Peninsula hotel onto a bus by police.

Earlier the rebel leader, Sen Antonio Trillanes, said they were ending their siege to save the lives of civilians and journalists inside the hotel.

Many of the rebels are currently on trial over a failed mutiny in 2003.

About 1,500 troops moved in after an 0700GMT deadline for the rebels to leave the Peninsula Hotel passed.

Troops fired tear gas, and live footage from outside the hotel showed an armoured personnel carrier smashing into the lobby, while two more were parked in front.

The renegade soldiers occupied the hotel after breaking out of a courtroom, and were joined by other dissident officers and opposition leaders.



They had called on fellow soldiers to withdraw their support for President Gloria Arroyo.

Reports say two people were injured during the assault of hotel in Makati, Manila's business district.

The BBC's Michael Barker, who is at the scene, said the lobby was covered with shattered glass and there were Christmas decorations on the floor.

Earlier, Sen Trillanes said his men would leave once the tear gas had cleared.

"We are going out for the safety of everybody. We won't be able to live with our consciences if some of you get hit or get killed in the crossfire," he told journalists at the hotel.

Robert Reyes, a priest who support the rebels, said the violence was unnecessary.

"We did not really intend any violence, the violence came from the military," he said from the lobby.

"You saw what happened - they had to ram a tank into the lobby of the hotel where there was not a single gunshot was fired. The whole world was watching, may the world have mercy on this government."

Previous attempts

The Philippines has a history of insurrection and popular revolt.

Mrs Arroyo, whose popularity has been dented by long-standing corruption allegations, has already survived at least two coup plots and three attempts to impeach her during her time in office.

Sen Trillanes, a navy lieutenant, was elected in May but has remained in military detention while on trial over a 2003 mutiny.

Then renegade troops took over a shopping centre for a day, until they were overpowered by security forces.

Posted by fathima at 2:39 AM | | Comments

Report: Jennifer Love Hewitt engaged

Report: Jennifer Love Hewitt engaged

`LOS ANGELES - Jennifer Love Hewitt is engagedThe star of the CBS drama "Ghost Whisperer" got engaged to her boyfriend, Scottish actor Ross McCall last week, US Weekly reported on its Web site Wednesday.

The magazine cited Hewitt's publicist, Sarah Fuller, who said she had no details on the couple's wedding plans.

An after-hours phone message left with Fuller was not immediately returned.

Hewitt also starred in the television series "Party of Five" and "Time of Your Life." Her film credits include "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "The Tuxedo" and "Garfield."

Posted by fathima at 2:33 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Kanye and Knievel settle wrangle

Kanye and Knievel settle wrangle

Rapper Kanye West and stuntman Evel Knievel have settled a copyright dispute following a private meeting at the motorbike legend's Florida home.
Both sides said they had resolved the disagreement over West's use of the name "Evel Kanyevel" in a music video.

The 69-year-old daredevil had claimed his image was tarnished by the clip's "vulgar, sexual nature", but said the settlement satisfied both parties.

A spokesman for West confirmed that the two sides had reached an agreement.

The video, for the 2006 single Touch The Sky, showed the rap star cavorting with Pamela Anderson and trying to jump a rocket-powered motorcycle over a canyon.

It appeared to be a parody of Knievel's attempt to jump Snake River Canyon in Idaho in 1974 - which failed after a parachute on his rocket-powered "Skycycle" opened too early.

'Filth'


The stuntman sued West and his record label last December, claiming the rapper had damaged his reputation by using the Knievel image to "promote his filth to the world."

But Knievel, whose real name is Robert Craig Knievel Jr, changed his mind about West after meeting him in person.

"I thought he was a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman," he said.

"We settled the lawsuit amicably. I was very satisfied and so was he."

The pair agreed not to discuss the terms of the settlement in public, he added.

Knievel also expressed concern for West, who is grieving the sudden death of his mother on 10 November.

"I know he's had some tough times the past few weeks, and I hope things work out," he said.



Posted by fathima at 8:31 AM | | Comments

Kylie announces European tour

Kylie announces European tour

Pop star Kylie Minogue, currently in the top ten with comeback single 2 Hearts, has announced a string of European concerts for 2008.
The 24-date tour kicks off in Paris on 6 May and will touch down in Germany, Finland and Sweden, amongst others.

Branded KylieX2008, the tour hits the UK in June, culminating in 2 nights at the O2 arena in London.

The Australian singer, 39, promised fans a "fresh, exhilarating and innovative" set.

Minogue's last tour was postponed after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005.

Following treatment, she returned to the stage in Sydney last December with a revamped show designed to be less physically demanding.

Despite the scaled-back dance numbers and the introduction of an interval, Minogue had to cancel two concerts in Manchester in January 2007 after contracting a respiratory infection.

The dates were later rescheduled.

The star, whose tenth album, X, was released on Monday, said her new tour "will be a look to the future but will definitely include favourites alongside the new".

Tickets for the UK dates go on sale on Monday 3 December.


Posted by fathima at 8:29 AM | | Comments

Mel B loses out in US dance show

Mel B loses out in US dance show

Spice Girl Mel B has come second in US TV show Dancing with the Stars.
She earned top marks from judges with her final performance of the mambo, but lost the viewers' vote to Brazilian racing driver Helio Castroneves.

Mel B had said winning the US version of Strictly Come Dancing would have meant "everything", but she "enjoyed all of it" anyway.

She and professional partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy narrowly won on judges' points, but lost out on audience votes.

'Complete dancer'

No details of the viewers' votes, which counted for 50%, were revealed.

The pop star added: "To be embraced by America would be... I would actually be speechless."

But she admitted that losing out "was a horrible feeling. I'm not going to deny it."

Mel B was lauded by judge Bruno Tonioli - who also appears on the UK's Strictly Come Dancing - who said: "You've proven that you're a complete dancer."



Her professional dance partner called her "one of my prize students" who had "improved 100%" during their 10-week partnership.

On Monday night's penultimate show, in which she finished top, the singer was supported by her four fellow Spice Girls, who were in the audience in Los Angeles.

In the final, US singer Marie Osmond came third.

She was eliminated at the start of the show, leaving Mel B and Castrovenes to slug it out for the mirrorball trophy.

The series began with 12 pairings of celebrities and professional dancers.

The programme has proved a ratings hit, regularly capturing in excess of 20 million viewers.

Viewers in the UK can see the final dance-off on UKTV Gold this Friday.

Posted by fathima at 8:25 AM | | Comments

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Zuma: South Africa's comeback kid

Zuma: South Africa's comeback kid

Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma is now the clear favourite to become the next leader of the African National Congress, after receiving more nominations than any other candidate.

This would put him in pole position to become South Africa's next president, in elections due in 2009.

And yet just two years ago, his political career was all but written off, when he was battling sleazy allegations of rape and corruption.

But Mr Zuma was acquitted of rape - and the corruption case against him has been put on hold.

His friends say the accusations against him were politically-motivated and it was not long before support rallied again around the ANC's most prominent left-winger.


School of hard knocks

His supporters have never doubted that he had the popular touch. They contrast him to President Thabo Mbeki, seen as rather aloof


He is a man who listens; he doesn't take the approach of an intellectual king", said one unnamed supporter, in an apparent swipe at Mr Mbeki.

Born in 1942 and brought up by his widowed mother in Zululand, Jacob Zuma had no formal schooling.

He joined the ANC at the age of 17, becoming an active member of its military wing, Umkhonto We Sizwe, in 1962.

He was convicted of conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government and was imprisoned for 10 years on the notorious Robben Island.

Mr Zuma subsequently left South Africa, living first in Mozambique, then Zambia as he rose through the ANC ranks to the executive committee, becoming one of the first leaders to return home in 1990 when the ANC was unbanned, to take part in negotiations with the white minority government.

Man of the people

He credits his political awakening to a family member who was an active trade unionist and throughout his political career, Mr Zuma has championed the rights of the people.

His supporters believe the man they call JZ will redistribute South Africa's wealth in favour of the poor.

Yet fears that a potential Zuma candidacy could have a negative influence on the economy and scare off foreign investors appear over-stated.

Business leaders have told the BBC that they are not worried - they have received assurances from Mr Zuma that policy is set by the ANC conference, not the party leader, and he will abide by official party policy.

The female factor

Securing the endorsement of the ANC Women's League - in defiance of an earlier league decision to put forward a female candidate for the party leadership - will have given a great boost to the Zuma campaign.

Some analysts had predicted he would divide the women's vote, with many unwilling to forgive him for the admission that he had unprotected sex with the HIV-positive family friend at the centre of the rape case.



His statement that he showered afterwards to guard against possible infection provoked public criticism and ridicule in equal measure.

The BBC's Mike Wooldridge says his apology appeared to do little to dilute the charge that Mr Zuma's judgement and integrity are questionable.

And yet his popularity is undiminished.

The outcome of the nominations process has been described on the Friends of Jacob Zuma website as having "confounded the analysts, revealing that the media and political commentators are out of touch with sentiment in the ANC."

Proof positive will come from the secret ballot at the ANC conference in Polokwane and if, as now seems likely, Mr Zuma emerges triumphant, then the party's most prominent Zulu will be favourite to succeed Thabo Mbeki as head of state in 2009.

Posted by fathima at 7:21 PM | | Comments

Kenyan Muslims deny Sharia claims

Kenyan Muslims deny Sharia claims

Kenyan Muslim leaders have dismissed as propaganda allegations that an opposition party promised to introduce Sharia for Muslims if it won elections.
The National Muslim Leaders Forum said its deal with the Orange Democratic Movement was to end the current discrimination against Muslims.

Christian leaders have been calling for the pact to be made public to end angry speculation ahead of December's polls.

Roughly one-third of Kenya's population of 34 million is Muslim.

Recent opinion polls show 45% of those interviewed support ODM's Raila Odinga compared to 43% who favour President Mwai Kibaki, who is running on a Party of National Unity ticket.

Rendition probe

Muslim leaders decided to make the pact public after a document circulated on the internet claimed that Mr Odinga's ODM had pledged to introduce Sharia in parts of the country where Muslims are in the majority.


There was a fear that Muslims will force their faith on other people, Islam does not allow suppression of other religions and we will be the last to advocate for this," said Abdullahi Abdi of the National Muslim Leaders Forum.

Instead the memorandum of understanding, signed in August, states that Mr Odinga has pledged to defend Muslims against harassment and victimisation by state security forces who claim to be fighting terrorism.

If the ODM leader wins, he promises to set up a commission to investigate renditions of Muslims to Somalia, Ethiopia and the US detention camp at Guantanamo Bay on the island of Cuba.

The document also commits Mr Odinga to initiate policies to redress the present marginalisation of Muslims living in the Coast and North-East provinces.


Posted by fathima at 7:16 PM | | Comments

Sudan 'blocking' Darfur mission

Sudan 'blocking' Darfur mission

Sudanese obstacles could mean the UN mission in Darfur is not viable, the head of UN peacekeeping has said.
Jean-Marie Guehenno told the United Nations Security Council that excessive demands from Khartoum "would make it impossible for the mission to operate".

Among other demands, Sudan wants advance notice of troop movements and to be able to shut down communications.

Mr Guehenno said the UN would have to consider whether a deployment would be worthwhile under such conditions.

The 26,000-strong United Nations and African Union peacekeeping force, Unamid, is due to take over protecting the people of Darfur in a month's time.

But Sudan has raised a series of objections which Mr Guehenno said threaten the success of the mission.

Sudan has still not agreed to the presence of non-African personnel and has not yet given the UN the land it needs to operate nor authorised night flights.

'Hard choices'

Mr Guehenno said it would be impossible to operate in Darfur under such conditions.



"Should the anticipated discussions fail to clear the path to the deployment of an effective force, the international community will be confronted with hard choices," Mr Guehenno said.

"Do we move ahead with the deployment of a force that will not make a difference, that will not have the capability to defend itself, and that carries the risk of humiliation of the Security Council and the United Nations, and tragic failure for the people of Darfur?"

Mr Guehenno added that Sudan's demands "create serious uncertainty with regard to the government's commitment to the deployment of Unamid."

The Sudanese ambassador responded by saying that the issues were only 'administrative problems' which should not be exaggerated.

The Unamid mission is aiming to bring security to the Darfur region after more than four years of conflict.

But it has been plagued by problems blamed on a shortfall in resources and lack of cooperation from Western and African states.

Posted by fathima at 7:12 PM | | Comments

Kipling's India home to become museum

Kipling's India home to become museum

Noted English poet and writer Rudyard Kipling's birthplace in the Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay) is being converted into an art museum.

The Maharashtra state government, of which Mumbai is the capital, has formed a committee to implement the project by 2009.

The timber and stone two-storey cottage, built more than 100 years ago, is surprisingly not much affected by the ravages of time and sits delicately in the womb of the famous JJ School of Art campus in the heart of bustling Mumbai

The art school has a vast collection of contemporary paintings, dating from 1850, which will now be part of the museum.

And so will be a few articles of the author of Jungle Book, who also penned the beautiful poem, 'If'.

A bust of Kipling, installed on the veranda of the cottage, greets visitors, announcing in fading letters the day and year he was born in the house.

Paying homage

Vikas Dilawari, who teaches architecture on the campus, says foreign visitors often come to take a look at the bungalow, where Kipling was born on 30 December 1865 - the year his father John Lockwood Kipling joined the art school as its dean.

Mr Dilawari believes once the bungalow is converted into a heritage museum many more people will visit it.

"It's an attempt on our part to pay homage to a great writer, who was born in Mumbai," he says.



Mr Dilawari's colleague Santosh Shivsagar is on the committee which will implement the project.

"It's a tribute to a great writer. The museum will become a reference point for Kipling," he says.

Until a few years ago no one thought of the idea of a heritage museum, largely because it was an official residence of the school's deans.

But Sangeeta Jindal, an avid art lover, was visiting the campus recently to find out about a place to showcase hundreds of rare paintings gathering dust on the campus.

"I had no idea the place was right there on the campus. I learnt about Kipling's bungalow which was lying vacant. That's how the idea of converting it into a museum was born," she says.

Intact

She says it is an honour for the people of Mumbai to be associated with an author of such international fame.

"Kipling left for England as a child, but never forgot Mumbai and always called it the best city in the world," she says.

Ms Jindal is contributing a portion of her personal fortune to the project, which will have a café and a library attached to the museum.

The cottage has been lying vacant for the last seven years and some parts need urgent repairs.

But it is still largely intact.


Niyati Pimpikar, daughter of one of the deans in the 1960s, had lived there as a child 40 years ago.

She is delighted to hear the Kipling house is being converted into a heritage museum.

"I am proud of being part of the Kipling legacy. Like him I also lived in that cottage as a child. It's a lovely house," she says.

Rudyard Kipling, who was English language's first recipient of the Nobel prize for literature, spent only the first six years of his life in the house after which his father sent him to England to study.

He did return to India as a young man, but it was to Lahore.


No room

The cottage is a typical colonial building, with high ceilings and sloping roofs. It is bang in the middle of a lush garden.

It is a twin cottage, and the other side of the house was meant for the dean's deputy

The museum, which is likely to be complete by 2009, will have a separate room, which will be called the "Kipling Room".

But it is ironical that there would be no room for John Lockwood Kipling. It was the senior Kipling who is credited to have made real contribution to the city's architectural development.

Mr Dilawari says he would like to pay tribute to the senior Kipling as well.

In his field of art and architecture John Lockwood Kipling was well known, he says.

Mr Dilawari says it was the senior Kipling whose architectural designs had influenced many buildings of the city of Mumbai in the 19th century, chief among them being the impressive Victoria Terminus railway station building and the municipal headquarters opposite it.

Posted by fathima at 7:08 PM | | Comments

Amy Winehouse scraps all concerts

Amy Winehouse scraps all concerts

Singer Amy Winehouse has called off all gigs and other public appearances for the remainder of 2007, after her doctor advised her to take complete rest.
The troubled performer was reportedly treated in rehab this year and UK fans booed her during one shambolic concert.

She had been due to play at the BIC in Bournemouth later and the Cardiff International Arena on Wednesday.

Gigs were also planned in December in Dublin, Belfast, Manchester and London, and all tickets will now be refunded.

A statement issued by concert promoter Live Nation blamed "the rigours involved in touring and the intense emotional strain that Amy has been under in recent weeks" for the decision


In the interests of her health and wellbeing, Amy has been ordered to take complete rest and deal with her health issues," the statement added.

A spokeswoman for the company said there were no plans to reschedule the concerts and fans should return their tickets to the outlet where they purchased them.

Winehouse, 24, was quoted as saying: "I can't give it my all on stage without my Blake. I'm so sorry but I don't want to do the shows half-heartedly; I love singing.

"My husband is everything to me and without him it's just not the same."

This was a reference to Blake Fielder-Civil, who has been remanded in custody until 18 January, accused of assaulting a pub landlord last June.

He also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice.

Critical acclaim

Winehouse's behaviour has been in the headlines throughout this year.

Last month she was fined after being found with cannabis in a hotel in the Norwegian city of Bergen.



She called off a series of concerts and appearances after reportedly being treated for drug addiction.

The US leg of her tour in September was shelved while she continued to address problems with her health, and there had been hopes that this would be rearranged for 2008.

But the singer has also received critical acclaim for her current album Back to Black, containing hits such as Rehab and You Know I'm No Good.

This year she was named best female singer at the Brit Awards, and she received two prizes at the Music of Black Origin (Mobo) Awards in London.

Posted by fathima at 7:05 PM | | Comments

Saturday, November 24, 2007

March marks slavery anniversary

March marks slavery anniversary

Anti-racism protestors have marched through Glasgow to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
The St Andrew's Day Anti-Racism March, organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress, will remember the anniversary of the act to abolish the trade.

The annual march and rally aims to focus on the racism and discrimination that still exist today.

Politicians and faith and community groups will also be represented.

First Minister Alex Salmond has given his support to the rally.

He said: "Different traditions do not undermine the Scottish culture - they enrich and enhance it.

"I am proud to say that there are many shades and strands in the Scottish tartan."

Osama Saeed, of the Muslim Council of Scotland, said: "It is vital that racism and Islamophobia are tackled head-on as much as it has ever been."

The event began with a march at Blythswood Square from 1100 GMT, followed by a rally at the Glasgow Film Theatre in Rose Street.




Posted by fathima at 9:46 AM | | Comments

Irish health service in malaise?

Irish health service in malaise?

Who runs the Republic's health service?







That's a question many are asking in the wake of the latest revelations that at least 97 more women patients have been told they have to return to the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise for further breast cancer checks after previously being given the all-clear.

Earlier this week, Irish Health Minister Mary Harney confirmed that nine women, who had mammograms at the same hospital, had been misdiagnosed after been told they did not have cancer.

Miss Harney says the first she heard of the further 97 patients, who had ultrasounds scans, was at the Oireachtas or parliamentary committee on health and children on Thursday.

She also says that the head of the health service executive, which has day to day responsibility for running the health service, was also unaware.

This is all happening at a time when Mary Harney is trying to reform Irish cancer service by creating regional centres of excellence.

That has provoked a lot of local opposition from areas, including Portlaoise, whose hospitals aren't included as centres of excellence.

So, why so many hospital recalls and misdiagnoses? That's also a question many are asking.

There are a number of reviews going on; human error and faulty machines are some of the possible explanations given.

There are a number of reviews going on; human error and faulty machines are some of the possible explanations given


A consultant radiologist at the Midland Regional Hospital is currently on leave.

It is also claimed that dust got onto the ultrasound scans and some of the mammogram machines are 15-years-old and not very reliable.

The ongoing controversy has led the opposition to call on Mary Harney to resign.

She says she won't do so and is determined to reform a health service that many believe is an unaccountable bloated bureaucracy and one in which vested interests, such as consultants, have too much control.

Few politicians in the Republic crave the job of health minister.

The tanaiste, or deputy prime minister, Brian Cowen, once likened it to Angola because of all the landmines lying around.

So, when Mary Harney said she actively wanted the post, many said she was brave.

But the people in most need of bravery at the moment are surely the women in the midlands waiting to see whether or not they have breast cancer.





Posted by fathima at 9:42 AM | | Comments

Brady made 'prince of the church'

Brady made 'prince of the church'

The Irish primate, Archbishop Sean Brady, has been made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome.
The head of the Catholic church in Ireland was among 24 new cardinals - known as princes of the church - to be created at the special Consistory.

The Archbishop of Armagh will also be assigned a Roman church as an honorary post. Aged 68, Cardinal Brady will be able to elect the next pope.

"I am honoured that Pope Benedict XVI has created me a cardinal," he said.

"I hope that people in Ireland will see in it an expression of our Holy Father's particular regard and affection for them and for the Church in Ireland."



Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward congratulated Cardinal Brady.

"He is a man of great integrity and spiritual strength and I know that his elevation to the College of Cardinals will be a matter of much rejoicing for the Catholic community throughout Ireland," he said.


During the ceremony Pope Benedict appealed for an end to the war in Iraq.

One of the new cardinals is Emmanuel III Delly, the Baghdad-based Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans.

Speaking of Cardinal Delly during the ceremony in St Peter's Basilica, Pope Benedict said Christians in Iraq were "feeling with their own flesh the dramatic consequences of an enduring conflict ... "

The Chaldeans are Iraq's biggest Christian group and the Chaldean rite is one of the most ancient of the Catholic Church.

During the service each new cardinal approached Pope Benedict XVI and knelt before him to receive the cardinal's scarlet berretta (red hat).

Dr Brady was made Primate of All Ireland in October 1996, but now as a member of the College of Cardinals he will assist the pope in the governance of the church.

Ordained

The additional cardinals will bring the total to 202 members. But Dr Brady will be one of only 121 members under the age of 80 who are allowed to vote.

Ireland will now have three cardinals for the first time in its history, with Cardinal Cathal Daly and Cardinal Desmond Connell already in the roles, but unable to vote due to their age.



Dr Brady was born in 1939 at Drumcalpin, near Laragh in County Cavan, and after an early education in the local school he went to St Patrick's College, Cavan. He then attended St Patrick's College, Maynooth and the Irish College in Rome.

He was ordained in February 1964 and after post-graduate studies in canon law in Rome he returned to teach at St Patrick's, Cavan, in 1967.

In 1980, he was appointed vice-rector of the Irish College in Rome and became rector in 1987. He remained there until 1993 when he was appointed parish priest of Castletara, Ballyhaise, County Cavan.

In February 1995 he was ordained Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh and a year and a half later he became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland October 1996.


Posted by fathima at 9:40 AM | | Comments

Man remanded over teenager murder

Man remanded over teenager murder

A man has been remanded in custody at Londonderry Magistrates Court charged with murdering his girlfriend.
Terry Phillip Whiting, 30, of Robertson Crescent in Limavady, replied "no" when the charge of murder was put to him.

The body of Wendy McAteer, 17, was found in the Blackburn Path area of Limavady, County Londonderry, on Wednesday evening.

She was discovered metres from her old high school, which she left just over a year ago.

Posted by fathima at 9:32 AM | | Comments

Vanessa and Ashley Work Up a Sweat


Vanessa and Ashley Work Up a Sweat


Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale were spotted out enjoying one another's company for the second straight day.

This time, the two HSM co-star gal pals headed out to LA Fitness gym for a Saturday morning workout in North Hollywood.

Vanessa, who wore green warm-ups and a black tee, and Ashley, dressed in shorts and a tank-top, are both readying for their red carpet appearance on Sunday.

Enjoy the pictures of Vanessa and Ashley out for their Saturday morning workout (November 17), along with shots of Vanessa out in Hollywood earlier in the week (November 15).

Posted by fathima at 2:39 AM | | Comments

Commonwealth seeks climate deal

Commonwealth seeks climate deal

Leaders of Commonwealth states are focusing on climate change during the second day of their summit in Uganda.
Most members want to issue a strong statement ahead of next month's UN talks on a new deal to cut CO2 gases - replacing the Kyoto protocol.

But the 53-member group is yet to reach a consensus on the issue, amid reported opposition from Canada and Australia.

Meanwhile, India's Kamalesh Sharma has been appointed secretary general. He will replace Don McKinnon.

Mr McKinnon, a New Zealander, is stepping down at the end of his four-year term.

The first day of the summit was marred by violent clashes between protesters and police in Uganda's capital, Kampala.

Protesters denounced Britain's Queen Elizabeth for meeting Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who they say abuses rights.

We really have to get a concerted view on this (climate change) with the Bali conference coming up

Don McKinnon, Commonwealth Secretary General


Is Commonwealth relevant?

The three-day summit on Friday suspended Pakistan for civil rights violations under its emergency rule.

Opposition

On Saturday, the Commonwealth leaders are working at a retreat on Lake Victoria, away from officials and media.

Officials said the summit would try to iron out differences between member states on climate change.

Many Commonwealth nations, led by Britain, want to issue an influential statement before next month's UN talks in Bali, which will discuss a new agreement to replace the Kyoto protocol, which expires in 2012.

"We really have to get a concerted view on this (climate change) with the Bali conference coming up," Mr McKinnon said on Friday.

But Canada has insisted that any statement should refer to the need for contributions from the world's major polluters, including the United States, who has so far resisted any binding targets.

Australia is also a major CO2 emitter and - like the US - has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol.

Brown optimism

A new global trade agreement is also on the summit's agenda.

It is one of the most divisive issues for the Commonwealth, which includes some of the world's wealthiest nations as well as some of the poorest.

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Saturday expressed optimism that a new deal could be reached in the next few weeks.

The talks have repeatedly stalled since their inception in Qatar's capital, Doha, in 2001.


Posted by fathima at 2:35 AM | | Comments

Russian minister on frand charges


Russian minister on fraud charges

Russia's Deputy Finance Minister, Sergei Storchak, has been charged with fraud and attempted embezzlement, his lawyer says.
He was arrested last week after being accused of trying to divert more than $43m (£21m) in public funds.

Authorities said he was connected to a massive fraud involving a deal to re-schedule debt owed by Algeria.

Mr Storchak, who has been a deputy finance minister since November 2005, denies any wrong-doing.

His boss, the Russian Finance Minister, Alexei Kudrin, is petitioning the court to release Mr Storchak under his personal guarantee.

"He absolutely does not admit his guilt," Igor Pastukhov, Mr Kudrin's spokesman said on TV.

"It's considered - and we fully support this - that his actions were fully in line with his official duties, resolving those tasks that were in the interest of the state."

Setback for Kudrin

Mr Storchak has specialised in international financial relations, and has been a prominent figure in negotiations over paying off Soviet-era debt.


Surging oil revenues helped Russia pay off the last of its debt to the Paris Club of international creditors ahead of schedule in 2006.

He helped broker the deal, which was seen as a public-relations coup for Russia, highlighting its booming economy.

Correspondents say the affair is a political setback to Mr Kudrin, who was promoted in a recent cabinet reshuffle by President Putin.

Some Russian newspapers have described Mr Storchak's arrest as an attack by a Kremlin faction against the government's liberal economic policymakers.



Posted by fathima at 2:28 AM | | Comments

Recalled vehicles 'go untraced'

Recalled vehicles 'go untraced'

Manufacturers failed to trace more than 100,000 potentially defective vehicles last year, government figures reveal.
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (Vosa) said one in 12 vehicles called back after manufacturers found safety concerns had failed to turn up.

Recalls have followed worries over brakes, steering and seatbelt systems.

Vosa, which enforces vehicle recalls, said it was making progress on raising success rates, but the RAC Foundation said: "Lives could be at risk."

Making progress

Recalls are issued when a manufacturer discovers a problem which was not apparent when the vehicle was released into showrooms.

The DVLA database is used to track down owners - but difficulties arise when this is incomplete, such as when an individual has moved house but not told the DVLA their new address. Some of these vehicles do carry serious faults

Edmund King
RAC Foundation

According to Vosa, there were 1.3m recalls last year and the recall rate was about 92%. That left about 108,000 vehicles which were unaccounted for when Vosa considered all had been done to trace an owner.

RAC Foundation's executive director Edmund King said it was a worry that vehicles with potentially serious faults were on the roads.

He added: "Some of these vehicles do carry serious faults.

"If a motorist doesn't get that warning, if they don't take their car into an authorised dealer, it's very unlikely that those faults will be picked up."

But Jeff Sweeting, Vosa's head of vehicle safety, said the agency was making progress to improve the success rate.

He said: "Ideally for any safety recall we would wish to have a 100% success rate, but we have been working very closely with the trade associations.

"Those that are left out there unattended to are of concern to us, but we often know that some may be written off, some may be stolen or scrapped or exported."

He added that the agency was not aware of any accidents caused by faulty cars that should have been recalled.

Posted by fathima at 2:25 AM | | Comments

Lebanon faces power vacuum threat

Lebanon faces power vacuum threat

Lebanon is facing a potential power vacuum after its president left office with no elected successor, and rivals argue over who will now take control.
Before he walked out, pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud said that the army should take charge.

But pro-Western PM Fouad Siniora says that under the constitution he and his cabinet are temporarily in power.

The crisis has raised fears of civil strife, including the possibility of rival administrations.

The tension was palpable on the streets as the crisis over electing the president came to a head, with the army deployed in force and schools closed, says the BBC's Kim Ghattas in Beirut.

KEY STEPS
Vote scheduled 1300 (1100 GMT) Friday but not held. Speaker sets vote for 30 November
President Emile Lahoud's term expires 0000 Saturday
With the presidency vacant, constitution says presidential powers passed to PM Fouad Siniora


Views from Beirut
Send us your comments

Shortly before midnight on Friday, when his term officially came to an end, Mr Lahoud, 71, walked out of the Baabda presidential palace as the national anthem played, ending nine years in office.

AFP news agency quoted him as telling reporters: "If they do not elect a new consensual president, with the required two-thirds majority, we have men who can stand up."

He refuses to recognise the government, and had said he would pass power to General Michel Suleiman.

The general has not said what he intends to do.

Political limbo

The latest in a series of attempts to find a new president failed on Friday.

The president is elected by parliament, but a vote was scuppered after the pro-Syrian opposition did not allow the necessary quorum to be achieved. A new vote has been scheduled for 30 November.



The US has urged all parties to remain calm and said that under the constitution the Lebanese cabinet should "temporarily assume executive powers and responsibilities until a new president is elected".

A few hours before his term was due to end, Mr Lahoud issued a statement via a spokesman, Rafiq Shalala.


"There are conditions and risks on the ground that could lead to a state of emergency," Mr Shalala said.

The BBC's Kim Ghattas says the country appears to be in the ultimate political limbo, with the rival parties even in disagreement over whether a state of emergency exists.

However, constitutionally Mr Lahoud could not call for a state of emergency without the backing of the government he did not recognise.

A spokesman for Mr Siniora told AFP news agency: "The statement issued by the general directorate of the president of the republic is not valid and is unconstitutional. It is as if the statement was never issued."

Our correspondent says the one thing everyone does agrees on, at least for now, is that they do not want a return to violence.

Posted by fathima at 2:12 AM | | Comments

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Parades headline holiday observances

Parades headline holiday observances

NEW YORK - Delighted, shrieking children were barely able to contain themselves Thursday as Barbie rolled past and enormous Shrek and Snoopy balloons floated overhead in the traditional Macy's Thanksgiving Day ParadeUnseasonably balmy weather, with temperatures around 60 degrees, helped draw hordes of families to the parade route to see the floats, helium balloons, marching bands and roller-blading clowns.

Five-year-old Lauren Geiger of Freeport had no problem ticking off her favorite Macy's parade characters: Dora the Explorer, Shrek and Scooby Doo.

"And we're going to see Santa. Did you know that?," said her mother, Dorothea Geiger, eliciting a squeal.

In Detroit, drizzle, snow and temperatures in the 30s didn't deter thousands of people from lining up to watch that city's America's Thanksgiving Parade.

Some spectators took their eyes off the parade to gawk at a 3-year-old dog in the crowd named Diamond, which dressed as Santa Claus, complete with red tasseled cap.

"Last year, she was Minnie Mouse," said owner Shelita Porter, 33. "I think of her as my child. And she enjoys her clothes. When I pull her clothes out, she knows it's time to go."

The parades headlined observances across the nation that also featured football, including Detroit's NFL game between the Lions and the Green Bay Packers, and family dinners with too much food on the table.

President Bush, spending the holiday at the Camp David retreat in Maryland, called several men and women serving in the armed forces in Iraq.

"He called to wish the members of the military and their families and the troops that they are serving with a happy Thanksgiving," White House press secretary Dana Perino said. "He said, 'I can't tell you how impressed I am by the courage and compassion of our troops.' He thanked them for their service."

At the U.S. base called Camp Speicher, in Tikrit, Iraq, the military put on a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner in a mess hall decked out with red, orange and brown paper streamers and other decorations.

Cpl. Brandon Henry, 23, from Winchester, Va., said he has been in the Army for four years and hasn't spent Thanksgiving in the United States since he joined.

"So it'll be five Thanksgivings, five Christmases and four birthdays spent away from home, by the time I get done here," he said. "This is my family here — the Army in general — so I don't feel like I'm away from home."

The crew of the International Space Station put together a special Thanksgiving message that was aired on NASA Television and the agency's Web site — http://www.nasa.gov/ntv/.

"We wanted to say happy Thanksgiving to all our NASA viewers," said Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson, an Iowa native. "We feel particularly privileged and thankful to be up here on board the International Space Station this Thanksgiving, and we're looking forward to our activities this week. We have a busy week with spacewalks, and we hope that you also are having a great Thanksgiving."

At the Salvation Army's annual Thanksgiving Day dinner in Oklahoma City, holiday music wafted from a stage as dozens of volunteers clad in red Salvation Army vests moved from table to table with trays of sliced pumpkin and pecan pies or escorted new arrivals to their place at a table.

"I love Thanksgiving. I love this event," Salvation Army spokeswoman Heide Brandes said Thursday as she surveyed the scene.

"You have the people who are the haves, and you have the people who are have nots. And this brings them together," she said.

This year's Macy's parade, the 81st, offered a mix of new attractions and longtime favorites, solemn tributes and lighthearted spectacle.

Some 10,000 participants, many of them holding down the buoyant balloons, followed the parade route down the west side of Central Park, then down Broadway through Times Square to the Macy's store on Herald Square. The lineup included three new balloons, 2,000 cheerleaders, 800 clowns and the Radio City Rockettes.

There were 11 marching bands, including the Virginia Tech Regimental Band, playing in honor of the victims of last spring's campus shooting.

"The whole experience is special," said Rich Piasio of Wilmington, N.C. He and his wife wore Virginia Tech sweat shirts as they waited for the band.

___

Posted by fathima at 8:41 PM | | Comments

Madonna's daughter gets into ating


Madonna’s daughter gets into acting

If Warner Bros gets their way, then music icon Madonna’s fans will soon be seeing her daughter Lourdes in the next Harry Potter movie — The Half-Blood Prince.

A source revealed that the studio has asked Lourdes, nicknamed Lola, to join the cast and that she is desperate to accept the one in a lifetime role. “

An executive at Warners wanted to cast Lola in the last Potter film and has renewed his interest for the next movie. Lola would love to do it — she is a huge fan,” The Sun quoted the source as saying. “

Lola has definitely inherited her mother’s hunger for fame. “After all her recent public appearances, looking more like a sophisticated teen than a child, the attention on her is really growing. Offers have poured in — film offers, sponsorship.”

Posted by fathima at 8:38 PM | | Comments

Deepika’s connection with Anupam

Deepika’s connection with Anupam

The churn at the box office has thrown up a formidable brand ambassador for Anupam Kher’s acting school.


Having successfully walked the ramp as a supermodel, Deepika Padukone — with a rivetting performance in Om Shanti Om — has now been acknowledged as the find of the season according to an industry consensus.

But the news has special significance for Anupam Kher as the hottest debutante Deepika, is a product of Mr Kher’s acting school.

She was a student in his second batch (June-August 2005) and Kher remembers her as a diligent learner. “She came with the reputation of being a successful model, yet she never had any airs about herself. She realised that film was a new medium and she slogged tirelessly to understand, and emerge, on top of the heap,” says Kher, visibly proud of his protégé. Now do we hear other models knocking on Mr Kher’s door asking him to do a Padukone on them as well?

Posted by fathima at 8:32 PM | | Comments

Rudd aims high as Aussie economy booms

Rudd aims high as Aussie economy booms

When the closure of a KFC restaurant was splashed across the front page of the Mackay Mercury last month, it was not just a bit of parochial news in an Australian town.

Instead, the woes of Colonel Sanders were symptomatic of one of the biggest problems faced by parts of the country - a less-welcome side effect of surging demand, especially from China, for the nation's commodities: coal, copper and iron.

Fewer places have felt the success of country's economy more than the north Queensland town - a base for people going to work in the coal mines 200 miles to the West.

As commodity prices have soared, so too have house prices and the wages on offer, both in the mining industry and in the businesses that support or feed off it.

"People have got used to economic prosperity and so the government's strength in economic management is not as much of an electoral bonus as might be expected,

Prof Clive Bean
Queensland University of Technology

It is this - and the resultant inability to recruit people to more lowly paid jobs - that forced the fast food outlet to close its doors and get by only running its drive-through.

'Experience and ability'

Granted, when Australians go to the polls on Saturday for the federal election, the availability of chicken wings is not going to be prompting many to sway between the incumbent coalition, led by Prime Minister John Howard and his Labor opposition, the bookies' clear favourite, led by Kevin Rudd.

But in the crucial final days of campaigning the economy has been at the top of the agenda. (Studies suggest that in the last election about 20% of Australians did not make up their mind how they would vote until the final week).

Mr Howard has 11 years of strong economic management under his belt, supporters say, and he has certainly been playing on it

So while Mr Rudd has been accusing the government of failing to ensure prosperity beyond the mining boom, Mr Howard has been adamant that it can continue well into the future.

AUSTRALIAN ELECTION
More than 13.5m of Australia's roughly 21m people are registered to vote
Electors will choose candidates for all 150 seats in the lower House of Representatives and 40 of the 76 seats in the upper house, the Senate
PM John Howard has led the conservative Liberal-National party coalition to four election wins since 1996 and is seeking a final term
Kevin Rudd is taking the centre-left Labor Party to the polls for the first time as leader
Election issues are the economy, environment and war in Iraq


Profile: John Howard
Profile: Kevin Rudd
Nick Bryant's blog

This week he gave a press conference in front of a red backdrop adorned with a new slogan: "Don't risk our economy with Rudd".

The prime minister has continually argued - as in previous elections - that it is his party that has the experience and ability to continue Australia's economic prosperity.

His treasurer Peter Costello warned of how the Australian people could "look back in fondness at interest rates of 8.5%" if they were to elect a Labor government.

Marginal matter?

However, the message has been a hard one to sell to voters.

The government's economic credentials took a serious knock last month when the central bank - the Reserve Bank of Australia - put up interest rates to 6.75% from 6.5% to try and rein in inflation.

It was the first time in Australia's history that the politically independent RBA had made such a hike within an election campaign.

The government said that events beyond its control - most notably the worst drought in a century - were behind the rising inflation.

And of course the influx of income from natural resources has also inflated the domestic economy - driving up the exchange rate, which some argue is potentially damaging for its long-term prosperity as it is making the country less internationally competitive.



Politics professor at Queensland University of Technology, Clive Bean, says that for all the emphasis put on it by politicians, the role the economy would play in the minds of the voters would be "probably mainly at the margins".

"People have got used to economic prosperity and so the government's strength in economic management is not as much of an electoral bonus as might be expected," he says.

"Voters, to a large extent, accept that various factors outside of the government's control have had an impact.

"But when the government claims success for managing the economy well it also ends up taking some of the blame for things like rising interest rates, especially when it had campaigned so hard on its ability to keep interest rates low at the last election."

Rising inflation has not stopped both sides promising massive incentives to try to win over the electorate.

Labour's offerings were dwarfed by the war chest of the Coalition's, which launched its campaign by offering 9bn Australian dollars (£3.9bn) on new tax breaks - including promises for first time home buyers and tax deductions on school fees.

It took its total commitment to 34bn Australian dollars.

The economic advantage for the government has been weakened slightly by the rise in interest rates

Prof Paul Warhurst
Australian National University

Indeed, the national newspaper, The Australian, describes the prime minister's tactic as "spend big and cloak yourself in economic responsibility".

Incumbency advantage?

Meanwhile Labor pledged about A$31bn worth of tax cuts, inevitably leading to accusations that such generosity could only exacerbate the widening inflation.

"The government's spending promises weaken their claim to fiscal rectitude, but the economy remains the government's key card," says John Warhurst, professor of politics at the Australian National University.

"But the economic advantage for the government has been weakened slightly by the rise in interest rates, though the issue here is as much the trustworthiness of the government as the rate rises themselves."



Professor Warhurst argues that if the government is going to be saved, it is the economy, plus the advantages of incumbency, that will be key.

But he says that it also needs the support of the business community on controversial workplace laws.

Labor is planning to repeal much of the controversial industrial relations legislation - known as WorkChoices - which came into force last year.

'Error of judgement'

The government introduced the new laws to make the workplace more flexible, to encourage workers onto individual labour contracts and off trade union-backed pay deals, and to save employers from facing court action when they sack workers.

Unions argue that such have driven down conditions and wages.

The government says they are key to the economy, creating jobs and keeping unemployment at record lows.

I barely walk through a shopping centre in Australia without people telling me about the impact WorkChoices is having on their lives

Kevin Rudd
Leader, Australian Labor Party

"I talk about keeping the mining boom going because we believe the maintenance of our industrial relations will do that," Mr Howard said this week during a visit to a marginal constituency in Western Australia - the state that has been transformed more than any other by demand for the nation's natural resources.

"Mr Rudd's knows the implementation of his policy will kill the mining boom."

But Monash University analyst Nick Economou says voters are nervous about the government's new Labor laws and that it is this that could "bring them down".

"Its industrial relations policy continues to be the government's main problem as this has been the main catalyst for a major shift in stated voting alignments," he says.

"They've committed a big error of judgement. It has made people really insecure in what should be a time of prosperity and stability."

Mr Rudd accuses the PM of "treating working people as economic commodities".

"I barely walk through a shopping centre in Australia without people telling me about the impact WorkChoices is having on their lives,'' he says, in a speach at the National Press Club this week.

Whether such sentiments translate to votes may become a little clearer on Saturday.


Posted by fathima at 9:51 AM | | Comments

Airbus fears 'weak-dollar death'

Airbus fears 'weak-dollar death'

weak dollar is threatening the survival of European planemaker Airbus, chief executive Tom Enders told workers in Hamburg on Thursday.
And the firm once again warned that its cost saving plan would have to cut deeper to counter the impact of the weakening US currency.

Airbus is owned by European aerospace and defence group EADS.

"The dollar's rapid decline is life-threatening for Airbus," Mr Enders said in the speech to employees.

"The dollar exchange rate has gone beyond the pain barrier," Mr Enders added.

And he said that Airbus's entire business model needed reviewing as "reasonable processes of adjustment" were hardly possible now, he said.

'Break even'

Airbus is already shedding about 10,000 jobs and selling plants as part of its Power8 restructuring plan after delays to its A380 superjumbo drove the planemaker into a loss last year.

The dollar has hit new record lows against the euro this week, something which Airbus says favours its US rival Boeing.

Earlier this month Airbus warned it may have to deepen its planned restructuring after steeper than expected third-quarter losses.

It said a net loss of 776m euros ($1.14 bn; £541m) - as against a loss of 189m euros in 2006 - was down to delays with its A400M military transport aircraft.

And it said full-year earnings would only "roughly break even".

EADS said it might have to make more savings, as cost-cutting plans were drawn up when the euro was weaker.

And back in September, Airbus chief operating officer Fabrice Bregier said a further 1bn euros might have to be added to a savings plan which was originally based on a $1.35 euro.


Posted by fathima at 9:34 AM | | Comments

England failure 'may hit economy'

England failure 'may hit economy'

Sports businesses are warning that England's failure to qualify for the Euro 2008 football tournament will hurt their profits next year.
England's kit manufacturer Umbro, and the retailer Sports Direct both issued statements warning of the impact of the team's loss to Croatia on Wednesday.

The defeat may also have a wider impact on the economy, with sales in pubs and retailers likely to be hit.

One estimate puts the cost to the economy as high as £2bn.

"A successful run to the 2008 final would have led to a £2bn bonanza for the economy," said Simon Chadwick, professor of sport business strategy and marketing at Coventry Business School.

Professor Chadwick also explained that the impact of England not playing in Euro 2008 could even go deeper than just lower retail sales.

"Evidence from previous tournaments also shows that, at another level, worker productivity normally increases as the England national team progresses through major tournaments and the 'feel good factor' takes hold," he said.

Less confident

Shares in Sports Direct tumbled 15% after the retailer warned that it was no longer confident that profits this year would beat last year's level now that England had failed to qualify.

We will be trying to persuade fans who can't support with their patriotic hearts to invest with their wallets and become an honorary German, Croat or Italian

Graham Sharpe, William Hill

Another sports retailer, JJB Sports, also suffered, with its shares falling 3.4%.

Umbro shares fell 2.3% after it warned that it expected a "substantial reduction" in sales of England shirts.

Umbro said that it was particularly worried about demand for the new England away kit, which is due to be released in 2008.

The decline for Umbro could have been worse, were it not for the fact that it has agreed to be taken over by Nike, analysts said. More details of the takeover are due to be released on Friday.

Wider economy

It is not just businesses directly related to football that could take a hit next summer.

Pubs expect to miss out because their business is usually boosted by the major football championships.

"If we just look at the first round of a championship like that where you have three matches, we think that equates to between 20 and 25 million extra pints over the three matches," said a spokeswoman for the British Beer and Pub Association.

Retailers will also lose out on the boost they would have expected from the tournament.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) estimates that World Cup 2006 boosted coffers by about £1.25bn through extra sales of food and drink, and products such as flat-screen televisions, replica shirts and flags.

The BRC predicts that the boost from Euro 2008 will only be half as much as the World Cup because the home nations are not involved.



There is a diverse range of nationalities in Britain, so there will still be people supporting countries involved," said Richard Dodd from the BRC.

Travel boost

There may not be bad news for all sectors of the economy though.

"A football tournament can have a slightly negative effect on the travel industry," said Francis Tuke from the Association of British Travel Agents.

"If fans are not going to Switzerland and Austria then it's not going to disrupt their travel plans and it may be positive overall," she added.

Bookmakers are also putting a brave face on the failure of all the home nations to qualify.

"I suspect Euro 2008 will rival the last World Cup in terms of betting turnover," said Graham Sharpe from William Hill.

"We will be trying to persuade fans who can't support with their patriotic hearts to invest with their wallets and become an honorary German, Croat or Italian."


Posted by fathima at 9:27 AM | | Comments

Jessica Alba Attends ''Awake'' NYC Premiere

Jessica Alba Attends ''Awake'' NYC Premiere

On a cool Wednesday night in New York City, Jessica Alba and her fellow cast members showed up at Chelsea West Cinema for the premiere of their new movie, Awake.

For the evening, which was presented by The New York Observer, Jessica turned heads in a sheer black lace dress. Others in attendance at the film's premiere were co-stars Hayden Christensen and Lena Olin, along with former star of The OC, Rachel Bilson.

The plot summary for Awake tells: "The story focuses on a man (Christensen) who suffers "Anesthetic Awareness" (An occurrence where during surgery where not enough anesthetic medication for the patient's body weight), and finds himself awake and aware, but paralyzed, during heart surgery. His wife (Alba) must wrestle with her own demons as a drama unfolds around them."

Posted by fathima at 9:21 AM | | Comments

Eva Longoria's New Direction


Eva Longoria's New Direction
She's one of Hollywood's hottest ladies, but since her July nuptials with Tony Parker, Eva Longoria is showing signs of giving up the glitz and glamour in favor of a family.

The Desperate Housewives actress says that her maternal instincts are stronger everyday. "I've always loved the idea of having lots of children. If I'm around any baby, I'm like, 'Aaaaahhhh, babies!"

Having lots of children could mean that Eva has to hang up her acting hat for awhile. But then again, she's succeeded at everything she's attempted. "I was pretty ambitions when I moved to Hollywood and I succeeded. But now I've found new ambitions - I want to work, I want to be a great wife and I want to have children."

And if it means ditching her hit TV series, so be it. "This is a new chapter in my life. I will be very sad to go but I'll have more time to do movies."

Posted by fathima at 9:18 AM | | Comments

Dennis Quaid twins recovering from medical overdose

Dennis Quaid twins recovering from medical overdose

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The two-week-old twins of actor Dennis Quaid were recovering in a Los Angeles hospital on Wednesday after mistakenly being given a massive overdose of a blood thinning drug. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, one of the United States' leading hospitals, apologized on Wednesday for what it called the "preventable error" that led to the twins and another unidentified child being given 10,000 units of the anti-coagulant Heparin, instead of the normal 10 units given to babies.

The Quaid twins, Thomas Boone and Zoe Grace, were born via a surrogate mother on November 8.

A publicist for Quaid and his wife Kimberley Buffington said the couple "appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers, and hope they can maintain their privacy during this difficult time."

Quaid, who starred in "The Parent Trap" and "The Rookie," married Buffington in 2004 after his marriage to actress Meg Ryan broke up.

Dr Michael Langberg, chief medical officer at Cedars-Sinai, said in a statement that the three patients were recovering without any apparent ill effects after being treated with a drug that reverses the effects of Heparin.

According to celebrity Web site TMZ.com, the babies started to "bleed out" on Sunday after being given the overdose of Heparin which had been stored by a technician in the wrong place. Heparin is used to clean out IV tubes and prevent blood clots.

Langberg said the overdose was a result of human error by the hospital staff. Investigations are being conducted by both the hospital and by Los Angeles health authorities.

"This was a preventable error, involving a failure to follow our standard policies and procedures, and there is no excuse for that to occur at Cedars-Sinai. Although it appears at this point that there was no harm to any patient, we take this situation very seriously," Langberg said

Posted by fathima at 9:16 AM | | Comments

Monster 16ft shark sold for £255

Monster 16ft shark sold for £255

One of the biggest thresher sharks caught off the coast of Cornwall has been sold at market.
The 16ft (5m) shark, caught off Lands End on Wednesday, weighed in at 510kg (1,125lb).

The "monster of the deep" sold at Newlyn Fish market for 50p per kilo - fetching a total of £255.

It was bought by fish merchant Julian Smart who expects the carcass to be sold whole. The current record for a thresher shark is nearly 400kg.

There is a possibility it may not be eaten but stuffed instead

Elizabeth Stevenson

Fishermen W Stevenson and Son based in Penzance, said the Cornish carcass had easily beaten that record.

Elizabeth Stevenson said there were rumours the shark could be put on display.

"There was an awful lot of interest from people watching and wanting to see the shark," she said.

"There was not too much interest in buying it, it is difficult to physically move and sell that amount of fish.



possibility it may not be eaten but stuffed instead."

Thresher sharks feed off mackerel and herring in warm and temperate oceans, including the east and west Atlantic.

The Cornish shark was caught by skipper Roger Nowell who had been trawling for squid and John Dory.

According to the UnderwaterTimes website, the current world record for a thresher is a 328kg (723lb) specimen caught by rod off Hawaii in 2005.

Posted by fathima at 9:08 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Celebs serve holiday meals to homeless

Celebs serve holiday meals to homeless

LOS ANGELES - Kirk Douglas, Harrison Ford and other celebrities shared the Thanksgiving spirit Wednesday by serving hot meals to homeless people on Skid RowWearing red aprons and plastic gloves, they stood alongside volunteers at the annual feast at downtown's Los Angeles Mission, doling out turkey drumsticks, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, vegetables and pumpkin pie.

Actresses Nia Long and Calista Flockhart and "The Hills" reality TV star Spencer Pratt were among others passing out almost 3,000 plates of food to lines of men, women and children.

"It's very grounding," said Long, who dished out vegetables and rolls with her 7-year-old son. "I feel grateful for all the things I have."

A house band pounded out music as people sipped on bright green and orange punch at rows of tables outside.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who said he has volunteered at the event for nearly a decade, said he cleaned the feet of some of the homeless.

"He washed my feet, and it was so special," Skid Row resident Yasmine Villalobos said. "I will remember it forever."

The air of festivity sparkled in contrast to the harshness of Skid Row, where hunger is the norm and sleeping bags dot the sidewalks.

Douglas, who helped develop the mission's Anne Douglas Center for Women, noted the event's affect on celebrities.

"Their involvement will help their souls as much as it helps the guests being served," he said in a mission press release.

Posted by fathima at 8:25 PM | | Comments

Shakira's hip shaking sparks row


Shakira’s hip shaking sparks row

Senior Muslim clerics and the Culture Ministry have reportedly warned the TV station of serious consequence.

The incident is said to be the latest sign of a growing retaliation by the country’s powerful conservative establishment against the tide of Western-backed liberal reforms, ever since the fall of the Taliban government in 2001.

A pro-government newspaper described the airing of the concert as the broadcast of a “naked US pop singer and dancer”, claiming it provided inspiration to suicide bombers.

“We believe Shakira’s song will be shown with channel’s exclusive logo at the training camps for suicide attackers to urge our immature young people to leave a number of our mothers bereaved,” reported the Weesa newspaper, as saying.

However, the channel owner said that the broadcast was not as provocative as it was being proclaimed. “This was not that provocative and Shakira was pixillated. The government are looking for an excuse to have a go at us,” he said. “When we give airtime to the Taliban we are ‘talking to terrorists’, when we air people criticising the government we are told we are ‘opposing peace and reconciliation’,” he added.

The new law will give the Government greater powers to limit broadcasts that are deemed damaging to Afghanistan and its culture.

Posted by fathima at 8:18 PM | | Comments

Pitt pulls out of thriller "Play"

Pitt pulls out of thriller "Play"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Brad Pitt has pulled out of Universal's political thriller "State of Play" because of script concernsThe move comes after a couple of weeks of meetings between Pitt and director Kevin Macdonald ("The Last King of Scotland") in an attempt to iron out the concerns. The script cannot be worked on because of the Hollywood screenwriters' strike.

Universal is on the fast track to replace the star. Sources said the studio is looking at Johnny Depp, whose movie "Shantaram" just got postponed at Warner Bros., as well as Russell Crowe.

Pitt was set to star with Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman and Robin Wright Penn in the Matthew Michael Carnahan-scripted adaptation of the British miniseries. He was playing a political consultant-turned-journalist who heads a newspaper's murder investigation involving a fast-rising politician (Norton).

Sources said the studio is mulling its legal options and might sue the actor.

Universal confirmed Pitt's departure in a statement: "Brad Pitt has left the Universal Pictures production of 'State of Play.' We remain committed to this project and to the filmmakers, cast members, crew and others who are also involved in making the movie. We reserve all rights in this matter."

Posted by fathima at 8:10 PM | | Comments

Kolkata violence was pre-planned: Cops


Kolkata violence was pre-planned: Cops

KOLKATA: Wednesday's violence in Kolkata was a well-orchestrated move with a clear planning of how the events would unfold. Police knew the demonstration was to be held at Esplanade, in front of KC Das' shop, and the seven-point crossing at Park Circus.

There were no demonstrators present at Esplanade. Instead, the script unfolded in the lanes and bylanes of east and central Kolkata where cops were handicapped. They couldn't venture inside the lanes for the fear of getting trapped. Moreover, the attacks were made in such a manner that police would have no other option but to open fire.

After the Calcutta High Court's strictures on the Rizwanur Rehman episode and Nandigram, police are already on the backfoot. For them, opening fire would have been a costly option. The state administration, too, is on the backfoot and wouldn't have preferred a direct action.

Those behind the attack had thought out all these. Otherwise, how does one explain the quick action on Ripon Street, Entally and even Moulali within minutes after cops removed the blockade at Park Circus. Cops were attacked from streets and rooftops, indicating the involvement of a larger mass.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti, too, sees a deliberate conspiracy behind the violence. "The violence was pre-planned. It was an organised crime. Cops were asked to show restraint because of the sensitivity of the matter. But it was an undeclared assault by the mob."

There were no faces that attacked cops. Leaders who had called the agitation were nowhere to be seen. It was mainly a massive group of youngsters who fought cops, attacked innocent citizen and terrorised kids.

Police requested some of the leaders to take control of the mob that put up blockades and damaged buses. But, by then, the mob had gone out of hand. "I tried to speak to them. They said Taslima must go back. I told them their message would reach the top echelons of the administration. But they were not paying heed to any logic. They didn't know what they wanted do," said additional commissioner Subrata Narayan Sarkar.

But there can be no denial of the fact that the cops didn't have a clue about the plan to fuel tension in these areas.

Cops, however, claimed that they were not unaware of the plan to storm the city. Officers said there mobilisation of forces from different police stations were adequate. "But we could not anticipate the magnitude of the situation," said a senior officer.
Police also had to battle rumours that flew thick and fast, throughout the day - the most damaging being the ones on 'reports' of deaths in police firing. "As these rumours grew, the mob swelled," an officer said.

Posted by fathima at 8:05 PM | | Comments

How No Music Day struck a chord

How No Music Day struck a chord

BBC Radio Scotland has joined together with the former KLF frontman Bill Drummond to mark No Music Day.
Here, the musician, artist and writer explains why he decided people should take a 24-hour break from music.

No Music Day is on the 21 November. This is the third year to have one.

The first in 2005 was almost a private affair. Other than me sorting out in my head why I needed a No Music Day and why having it on the 21 November was a better day than any of the other 364 on offer, not much was done.

The reason for choosing the 21st is that the 22nd is St Cecilia's day and St Cecilia being the patron saint of music, there seemed a logic that we fast from music on the day before we may traditionally have celebrated and given thanks for music.

The not much being done was the setting up of nomusicday.com.

This was a minimal site with a short statement and an invitation for people to complete the two following statements: "I will be observing No Music Day because:" and "I will be observing No Music Day by:"

The website struck a massive chord. Tens of thousands of folk stumbled across it, many leaving comments.

For No Music Day 2006, I went public by writing a piece for a monthly music magazine.

In this I laid out all my reasoning and prejudices as to why I thought we needed to address our culture's evolving relationship with music and why having a No Music Day would be a good way to focus that debate.

And yes I knew the world is already crammed with days for far more worthy causes than our relationship with music.

Resonance FM, the London-based radio station, elected to observe the 24 hours of No Music Day 2006.

'Snowball effect'

Their programme makers took to the challenge, creating airtime free of music.

Mind you, whole chunks of it would have been speech-based anyway, but the hours normally filled with music were packed with much discussion about how the role of music in our culture evolves and changes.

A snowball effect was happening. Hundreds of requests were coming in from radio stations around the globe for interviews.

So from being interviewed by James Naughtie on BBC Radio 4's Today show to talking with the drive time DJ on a pop station in Calcutta, I spread the word as far and wide as I could. At no point was I challenged as to the official legitimacy of the day.

Everybody I spoke to seemed to have more of an idea why we needed a No Music Day than I had.



So to No Music Day 2007, come early September, I was being reminded that it was almost that time of year again.

And I was thinking, how can I summon the enthusiasm for it? Do I still believe in the cause? Could I go out there to wave the flag and bang the drum one more time?

But then BBC Radio Scotland and all its regional stations decided they wanted to observe No Music Day 2007.

This a national radio station with several million regular listeners and not just the seriously committed but minority interest types who listen to Resonance FM.

Last week, while all sorts of mixed emotions were going around my head about it all, a phrase with a Stalinist ring to it popped up in my imagination - A Five Year Plan.

Relief I do not have to spend the rest of my years trying to breath fresh life into my convictions as to why the world needs a No Music Day, year after year after year.

And this being year three, I've only got two more to go. But I had better make the remaining two No Music Days good ones, focus the point and fan the flames.

'Scottish border'

What concerns me right now is the stunning and gleaming road sign that I have had made.

It measures almost 13ft long and 2ft deep. It is made from the aluminium alloy that road signs are made from.

On the front it is headlight-reflecting white with black edging and letters.

I tied it to the rack on the top of my Land Rover and then drove up the M1 and M6 to the Scottish border at Gretna Green.

There I fitted the sign to the posts holding up the huge Scotland Welcomes You sign. Then took a photo of my handy work before driving back home.

The message on the sign was simple, it said nothing more than NO MUSIC DAY: NOV 21.

As much as this sign excites me I am also afraid that No Music Day has now entered the public domain and me wanting to stop it after five years is not going to happen.

It will carry on and on for as long as there are people wanting to observe it. And seemingly there are lots of those.

Posted by fathima at 11:00 AM | | Comments

Law review after World's End case

Law review after World's End case

A wide-ranging legal review following the collapse of the World's End murder trial has been announced by ministers.
The Scottish Law Commission will make recommendations in several areas, including the ban on suspects being tried twice for the same crime.

The body will also consider the law relating to judicial rulings which can end a case without a jury's verdict and the rights of appeal in such cases.

The commission will make a series of reports to ministers on the findings.

Earlier this year, judge Lord Clarke dismissed the case against convicted killer and rapist Angus Sinclair, who was accused of murdering two teenage girls 30 years ago, saying that the prosecution had insufficient evidence to proceed.

Fairness for both the victim and the accused is at the heart of any good justice system. But so too is public confidence

Kenny MacAskill
Justice secretary

Sinclair, 62, denied killing 17-year-olds Christine Eadie and Helen Scott in what became known as the World's End case.

The two girls were last seen in the World's End pub in Edinburgh and their bodies were found dumped in East Lothian.

Following the collapse of the case, First Minister Alex Salmond promised a close look at aspects of the legal system, including the issue of double jeopardy, where an accused cannot be tried twice for a crime.

Scotland's senior law officer, Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini, told parliament that she would support a change in the law to allow the Crown to appeal against certain criminal cases if they had been thrown out of court.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the commission's review would aim to ensure there was a balance between the rights of the accused and the ability of the Crown to prosecute in the public interest.

It would also consider the admissibility of an accused's previous convictions or "bad character".

'Early opportunity'

Mr MacAskill said: "Fairness for both the victim and the accused is at the heart of any good justice system. But so too is public confidence.

"Questions around Crown appeal rights, double jeopardy and previous convictions, though not new, were raised again after the trial for the World's End murders in September.

"Good government is about listening to those public and political concerns with a cool head."

Ministers hope to legislate on any changes surrounding judicial rulings and double jeopardy at an "early opportunity".

Tory justice spokesman Bill Aitken said Mr MacAskill was right to have referred the matters to the Scottish Law Commission.

Mr Aitken said: "It is in the interests of justice that we review the ability of the Crown to appeal where the judge upholds a no case to answer submission, as happened in the recent World's End murders trial."

But he said: "A person, no matter how depraved their past actions, must be convicted on the basis of evidence relating to the offence they are presently accused of. Otherwise, a myriad of contradictions and complexities arise."

Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Margaret Smith welcomed the study, adding: "The complexity of the issues raised by this case and the far-reaching implications for our judicial process mean that a cool-headed, objective study is the best way to proceed."


Posted by fathima at 10:56 AM | | Comments

Concert company in dire straits

Concert company in dire straits
A government-funded body which brought many high-profile events and concerts to Northern Ireland is understood to be £1.2m in debt.
MLAs are to debate the Northern Ireland Events Company's future on Thursday.

It has also attracted acts like Sir Elton John and Pavarotti, and has also been involved in sporting events.

The company's board and the Culture Department are investigating how it got into so much debt and whether it can avoid being declared bankrupt.

Funding for the company has been cut in recent years, and the debt thought to be £1.2m amounts to half its annual budget.



Some sources suggest the government might bail out the company.

However, Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, argues that the company has demonstrated poor financial management and should be wound-up immediately.

The company has brought big-name musical acts like the Eagles and Rod Stewart to Stormont.

More recently it has been involved in sporting events like the North West 200 motorcycle race.

Posted by fathima at 10:51 AM | | Comments

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Talks to begin over French strike



Talks to begin over French strike

French transport unions, management and the government are due to hold talks as strikes over plans to reform pensions enter an eighth day.
Hopes have been raised that a settlement may be reached to end industrial action that has crippled France's transportation network.

Hundreds of thousands of public servants added their weight to the strikes on Tuesday over job loss fears.

But President Nicolas Sarkozy has vowed to continue his controversial reforms.

Commuter havoc

The state-owned national rail operator, SNCF, estimated there would be slightly improved rail service on Wednesday as the number of strikers steadily declined.

The company said around 400 of the 700 high-speed TGV trains would be running.

Paris transport operator RATP said about 25% of its metro trains would be running.

The week of strikes has caused havoc for millions of commuters across France.

Businesses have started complaining that the strikes are hurting their operations.

Finance Minister Christine Lagarde said the dispute was costing France up to 400m euros (£290m) a day.

'No retreat'

President Sarkozy said on Tuesday that the strikers should go back to work now that negotiations were beginning.

"Everyone must ask whether it is right to continue a strike which has already cost users - and strikers - so dear.

"I think of those millions of French people who after a day of work have no bus, metro or train to take them home and who are tired of being used as hostages."

'SPECIAL' PENSIONS SYSTEM
Benefits 1.6m workers, including 1.1m retirees
Applies in 16 sectors, of which rail and utilities employees make up 360,000 people
Account for 6% of total state pension payments
Shortfall costs state 5bn euros (£3.5bn; $6.9bn) a year
Some workers can retire on full pensions aged 50
Awarded to Paris Opera House workers in 1698 by Louis XIV


Can street protests succeed?
Solidarity amid French crisis

The government has said there could be incentives of salary rises and a top-up scheme for pensions but that there would be no budging on the core issue of eliminating special pensions which allow 500,000 transport and utility workers to retire early.

Hundreds of thousands of civil servants joined striking transport and energy workers on Tuesday over what they say is an erosion in their earnings and proposals to slim France's large public sector.

Teachers, postal workers, air traffic controllers and hospital staff stayed off the job in protest, as students continued to demonstrate over university funding plans.

The 24-hour action is said to be the largest protest against Mr Sarkozy's reforms since he took power in May.

He said the reforms were overdue and that they were necessary "to confront the challenges set by the world".

"We will not surrender and we will not retreat," Mr Sarkozy said.

Posted by fathima at 9:40 PM | | Comments

US polygamy sect leader sentenced



US polygamy sect leader sentenced

A US polygamist sect leader has been sentenced to five years to life in jail as an accomplice to rape for forcing a 14-year-old girl to marry her cousin.
A Utah court said the state board of pardons would ultimately determine how much time Warren Jeffs would serve.

The 51-year-old was jailed for at least five years on two counts, with the sentences to be served consecutively.

The self-proclaimed prophet was found guilty in September of encouraging the girl to have sex against her will.

He spent 15 months on the run before his arrest in August 2006.

Jeffs was the head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS). The sect split from the Mormon Church after it renounced polygamy.

He went into hiding after being charged in Arizona with being an accomplice to incest and sexual misconduct for allegedly arranging marriages between minors and older men.

At the time of his arrest he was on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list.

A jury convicted Jeffs of orchestrating the girl's marriage to her 19-year-old cousin in 2001 and encouraging her to have sex by telling her she would go to hell if she did not.

Allen Steed, who has not been charged with any offence, testified that his wife had initiated their first sexual encounter.

Under Utah law a 14-year-old can consent to sex, but not if they are enticed by someone at least three years older.

Church under pressure

Jeffs, who is reputed to have 70 wives, took over the leadership of the FLDS church after his father, Rulon, died in 2002.

The 10,000-strong sect dominates the towns of Colorado City, in Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, less than a mile away. A compound in Eldorado, Texas, is also home to a growing community.

Members believe a man must marry at least three wives in order to ascend to heaven. Women are taught that their path to heaven depends on being subservient to their husband.

Polygamy is illegal in the US, but the authorities have reportedly been reluctant to confront the FLDS for fear of sparking a tragedy similar to the 1993 siege of the Branch Davidian sect in Waco, Texas, which led to the deaths of about 80 members.

However, observers say the church is coming under increasing pressure from authorities in Utah and Arizona.

Posted by fathima at 9:36 PM | | Comments

Ex-Rhodesia leader Ian Smith dies


Ex-Rhodesia leader Ian Smith dies

The former prime minister of Rhodesia, Ian Smith, has died aged 88.
The cause of his death is unknown but he had been ill for some time at a residential home in South Africa.
He illegally declared independence from Britain in 1965 and his white minority government led the country for 14 years amid international scorn and sanctions.

Following a bitter bush war with black nationalists, his government was overthrown by Robert Mugabe in 1979, leading to the creation of Zimbabwe.

Ian Smith's supporters continued to laud him as a political visionary and a man who understood the uncomfortable truths of Africa.

To his detractors, however, he was an unrepentant racist.

We offered him the hand of reconciliation which he never accepted - good riddance

Zimbabwe deputy information minister, Bright Matonga

Mr Mugabe's deputy information minister, Bright Matonga, described Ian Smith as a man who brought untold suffering to millions of Zimbabweans.

"We offered him the hand of reconciliation which he never accepted. Good riddance," Mr Matonga was quoted by AFP news agency as saying.

The BBC's James Robbins says that to the end of his days Ian Smith was convinced that Rhodesians, black and white, would have fared better under his leadership than that of Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party.

He died believing he had been vindicated by Zimbabwe's current crisis, with its massive inflation and unemployment.

Sidelined

Steeped in the colonial values of his Scottish immigrant father, our correspondent says Mr Smith was a born leader with a distinguished war record as an RAF fighter pilot.

He helped to found the right-wing Rhodesian Front, which came to power in 1962, and when the-then prime minister, Winston Field, baulked at the prospect of seizing independence, the party turned to Mr Smith, who gave them what they wanted.

HAVE YOUR SAY
His legacy was one of imposing Mugabe on the world

Maggie Jones, Cheltenham


Send us your comments

He became prime minister of the then self-governing British colony of Rhodesia in 1964. The following year he made his Unilateral Declaration of Independence and years of civil war ensued.

Ian Smith denied this was caused by the actions of his regime and insisted there was nothing wrong with five million blacks being ruled by 200,000 whites.

In the end, Mr Smith maintained, it was not his enemies who beat him, but apartheid South Africa's threat to cut Rhodesia's lifeline.

Margaret Thatcher's UK government brokered a peace deal in the Lancaster House talks in 1979 and a black-majority government took over Zimbabwe.

Ian Smith remained a key player in Zimbabwean politics until seats reserved for whites were abolished in 1987.

When in retirement he failed to create a united opposition to Robert Mugabe, Mr Smith was finally relegated to the sidelines.

Posted by fathima at 9:32 PM | | Comments

US confirms Mid-East peace talks



US confirms Mid-East peace talks

The US has confirmed it will host a conference on Middle East peace next week aimed at relaunching negotiations to create a Palestinian state.
Invitations have been issued to Israel, the Palestinians, the UN and key Arab states such as Saudi Arabia and Syria.

But Washington is still trying to persuade Arab states to send delegates.

The 27 November meeting, at a US naval academy in Annapolis, Maryland, will be the first fully-fledged talks on Middle East peace since 2000.

State department spokesman Sean McCormack said 49 countries and institutions had been invited.

Ahead of the conference, US President George W Bush is to hold bilateral discussions with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Washington on 26 November, it was announced.

The main talks will then be held in Annapolis the following day.

Arab reluctance

Earlier on Tuesday Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak held a rare meeting to co-ordinate preparations for the Annapolis meeting.

After their meeting, Mr Olmert said he hoped a peace deal could be completed by the end of next year.

However, key Arab neighbours of Israel have been shy about committing to sending high-level representatives to the talks.

Arab foreign ministers are meeting in Cairo on Friday to co-ordinate their positions, although each government is to decide separately whether to send a delegation.

Egyptian officials say they are convinced the US is now committed to launching a serious peace process and its foreign minister is expected to attend.

Only Egypt and Jordan, of Israel's Arab neighbours, have recognised Israel.

Analysts say other Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, believe Israel has not offered enough assurances about its seriousness to reach peace and to make the necessary sacrifices.

Syria has said it will only join the conference if the issue of the Golan Heights, also occupied by Israel in 1967, is on the agenda.

Negotiations on a joint Israeli-Palestinian document to serve as a blueprint for future talks have made little progress, casting a cloud over the conference.

Israel and the Palestinians are divided over the fate of the West Bank, Gaza, and east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel since 1967, and the Palestinian refugee problem which dates back to the establishment of Israel in 1948.


Posted by fathima at 9:26 PM | | Comments

'Thousands released' in Pakistan


'Thousands released' in Pakistan
The Pakistani government says it has now released some 3,400 people jailed under emergency rule.
The release of political opponents has been a key demand of opposition parties who are threatening to boycott parliamentary elections in January.

A number of leading political figures are still being held.

President Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule on 3 November, saying the measure was needed to rein in the judiciary and fight extremists.

Senior members of the Pakistan People's Party led by Benazir Bhutto are meeting in Karachi on Tuesday to decide their next step in the current crisis.

Meanwhile, more than 100 journalists have been arrested, most of them in Pakistan's biggest city, Karachi.

They were protesting at the state of emergency and the clampdown on the media.

No guarantees

Another 2,000 activists will be released shortly, an official told the BBC, but that will not necessarily include anyone facing criminal charges, such as the former cricketer and opposition leader Imran Khan.

The BBC's Chris Morris in Islamabad says that Gen Musharraf appears to be responding to domestic and international pressure.

The state of emergency remains in place and the constitution suspended.

That means, in theory, that anyone being released now could be detained again at any time.

In a series of interviews over the last few days, Gen Musharraf has insisted that he will not allow anyone to promote "agitation" in the run-up to parliamentary elections in January.

But our correspondent says that what President Musharraf views as agitation others may see as robust electioneering.

There will be no constitutional guarantees in place, and Pakistan's most popular private TV news channel remains off the air.

So the release of thousands of people who have been protesting against Gen Musharraf is likely to be welcomed both by his critics at home and his friends abroad.

Our correspondent says demands for lifting the state of emergency will not go away and so far there has been no sign that Gen Musharraf is prepared to take that step.

Meanwhile the chief election commissioner has confirmed that parliamentary and provincial assembly elections will be held on 8 January, 2008.



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Posted by fathima at 10:46 AM | | Comments

Jordan's struggle with Islamism

Jordan's struggle with Islamism

The Jordanian government's relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood has always been a difficult one - and in the closing days of the current parliamentary election campaign, the movement appears as strong as ever.
The main campaign rally of the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), was an impressive event.

There were thousands of people there.

Men grouped at the front waved the green IAF flags which show crossed swords and a copy of the Koran.

The speeches were fiery, criticising corruption in Jordan and the US and Israeli policies in the region.

Real democratic elections will produce a majority of Islamists ruling the country and the elite will not accept this

Hamza Mansour
IAF candidate


Q&A: Jordanian elections

IAF supporters had travelled to the rally from many areas in Jordan, like Zarqa.

Zarqa made news as the home town of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, former leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq.

"All of us love him [al-Zarqawi]", said one woman from the town. "He was a volunteer and he had the right to fight in Iraq.

"Our leaders are not with us."

No danger

The leaders of Jordan rule with a tight grip over a state that is squeezed between Israel and Iraq.



In this conservative, religious country many people have great sympathy for the resistance in both those countries.

The speeches at the rally also called for Jordanian politics to be cleaned up.

This blend of discipline, ideology and probity is an appealing one for impoverished Jordanians.

It is also a message that many in the ruling elite fear according to Hamza Mansour, a candidate for the Islamic Action Front in Amman.

"The Arab regimes including Jordan are of course worried," Hamza Mansour said.

"The American administration is worried. The question is: Why?

"Any real democratic elections will produce a majority of Islamists ruling the country and right now the elite will not accept this fact. It will not compromise and give any chance to the Islamic movement to be the majority."

Islamists and political reformers are united in their criticism of the electoral law, which they believe has been written to strengthen the royal family's tribal allies.

That view is backed up by academics who argue that mainstream Islamists should not be viewed as a danger to the state.

"Right now the threat comes from small groups who are terrorist movements," said political analyst Hani Hourani.

"Jordan is doing very well in dealing with these groups and the people are supporting the government."

However, Hani Hourani believes that the government's fight against jihadi groups is having implications for democracy in Jordan.

"Yes, sometimes it happens," he said.

"Fighting against terrorism is a good excuse to minimise the freedoms and the liberties of the people."

Strong support

Although it may be difficult to tell from their passionate rallies, the Islamic Action Front is a diverse organisation, which includes firebrands and moderates


The elder statesman of the party is an urbane and softly spoken political veteran. Abdul Latif Arabiat has spent years assuring Jordan's ruling elite that the Islamists want to work within the constitution.

"We are reformers," he said.

"We are a safety factor in this country. We don't believe in a revolutionary approach."

"[The government] doesn't like that because they see that our support is very high and this threatens them."

The IAF may be making loud demands for change in Jordan - and the region - but the leadership is also aware of its limitations. In this election they are only contesting one-fifth of the seats.

The decision to do that was taken after discussions with the government. This relationship appears to suit both sides.

The Islamists are slowly building their support. The government has a legitimate, noisy opposition which they can keep under control, at least for now.

Posted by fathima at 10:40 AM | | Comments

Will Annapolis fail like all the others?

Will Annapolis fail like all the others?

A veteran reporter on the Middle East asked me the other day: "Is it too late?"

We had been discussing the prospects for the meeting in Annapolis in the United States scheduled for next week at which the Israelis and Palestinians are supposed to commit themselves to reaching a peace agreement.

My instinct was to agree with him. We had first met in Jerusalem in the mid 1980s and have followed the ups and downs of negotiations since. The experience has not made us optimists.

Aims of Annapolis

As yet another attempt to get a final settlement gets underway, it is fair to ask if this is really more about giving the appearance of progress than making progress.

Annapolis is a pleasant Maryland town on the Chesapeake Bay and home to the US Naval Academy.

No doubt some fine words will be spoken there.

The Annapolis "meeting" (it is denied the honour of being called a "conference" in order to reduce expectations) is designed to launch a process not complete it.

The sad example is that previous efforts to make peace between Israelis and Palestinians have led only into the wilderness.

Annapolis can be seen as a way of trying to support the moderates


There was Camp David in 1978. It made peace between Israel and Egypt, hugely important, but it largely ignored the Palestinians.

In September 1993, the handshake on the lawns of the White House by the Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat gave hope but no peace.

In the summer of 2000, President Bill Clinton got Yasser Arafat and one of Mr Rabin's successors, Ehud Barak, as close to an actual settlement as anyone. But the final gap proved a chasm.

In 2003, the Quartet of the US, Russia, the EU and the UN drew up a so-called "road map" to peace (supposed to be achieved by 2005). That map has gathered dust.

The issues

The issues have not really changed. To reach a final agreement the parties have to agree on:


The borders of Israel and a state of Palestine

The future of Jerusalem

The question of Israeli settlements on the land Israel captured in the war of 1967

The claimed "right of return" of Palestinian refugees (and their descendants) to towns and villages from which they fled or were expelled in the war of 1948.
There has been little sign that they are anywhere near agreement.

Instead there has been a new argument - about an Israeli demand that Israel should be recognised as a "Jewish state".

This is something fundamental for the Israelis but Palestinians see it as taking one of their cards - the refugees - off the table in advance.

Causes for hope?

There are perhaps only two reasons for any hope.

OBSTACLES TO PEACE


History of negotiations
Jerusalem
Water
Refugees
Borders and settlements
The first is the fear of something worse.

Annapolis can be seen as a way of trying to support the moderates.

The strategy is to show Palestinians that talks can produce results and that the confrontation promoted by Hamas in Gaza is not the way forward.

The danger is that this strategy might fail and leave the Palestinians with nothing and the Israelis still in the state of "siege" described by the Irish and UN diplomat Conor Cruise O'Brien in 1986.

The second is a better understanding that the philosophy behind Oslo and the road map might be wrong. Both those agreements sought to establish an atmosphere of peace and security first, leading to a final agreement second.

There is nothing wrong with trying to create better conditions, something for example that the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been trying to do on the economic front.

But without a final agreement, there can probably be no peace and security. Security will not lead to an agreement. It is an agreement that will lead to security.

So the tough issues have to be tackled upfront.

But it has all been left desperately late.

Posted by fathima at 10:38 AM | | Comments

The big picture Reveal image

Reveal image

Uganda is preparing to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this week. Authorities have been sprucing up the city but there is still work to be done – parts of Entebbe Road, which links the airport to the capital, Kampala, flooded on Friday because drains were blocked with plastic bags.

Posted by fathima at 10:06 AM | | Comments

Fifth 21/7 London bomber jailed

Fifth 21/7 London bomber jailed

The last of five would-be bombers to target London on 21 July 2005 has been jailed for 33 years after admitting conspiracy to cause explosions.
Earlier this year a jury was unable to reach a verdict when Manfo Kwaku Asiedu went on trial accused of conspiracy to murder. That charge has been dropped.

The judge recommended Asiedu, 34, should be deported back to Ghana.

Four other men were jailed for life after being convicted of conspiracy to murder over the failed 2005 bombings.

Muktar Ibrahim, Yassin Omar, Ramzi Mohammed and Hussain Osman were told they would serve a minimum of 40 years.

21 JULY BOMBERS
Muktar Ibrahim
Yassin Omar
Ramzi Mohammed
Hussain Osman
Manfo Kwaku Asiedu


Profile: Manfo Kwaku Asiedu
Bomber's 'cut-throat' defence

A sixth man, Adel Yahya, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge earlier this month and was jailed for six years and nine months.

After the jury in his original trial was unable to reach a verdict, Asiedu had been due to face a retrial, which would have been extremely costly.

But after he agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to cause explosions, the prosecution dropped the charge of conspiracy to murder and he was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court.

'Dedicated terrorist'

After the hearing, Peter Clarke, the head of the Metropolitan Police's counter terrorism branch, welcomed the jailing of Asiedu.

He said: "He is a dedicated terrorist who consistently lied about the role he played in this plot. Only now, has he finally admitted his guilt."

Mr Clarke said the public must remain alert and anybody with concerns about suspicious behaviour should report them to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline.

He said; "In the weeks and months preceding the attacks, Asiedu and his accomplices compiled the raw ingredients to build their bombs.

"Much of the material was purchased on the high street and then put together in a flat in a busy residential area.

"We want people to look out for the unusual - some activity or behaviour which strikes them as not quite right and out of place in their normal day to day lives."

'Central figure'

Earlier, Judge Mr Justice Calvert-Smith told the court Asiedu had lied on an "epic scale" about his part in the bomb plot and that it was "inconceivable" he did not know the gang's motives.

He told Asiedu he had become the "central figure" in researching and buying the chemicals needed for the bombs.

Although your involvement was central, you were certainly not the leader or organiser of the plot

Mr Justice Calvert-Smith

Mr Justice Calvert-Smith said the public had waited for Asiedu to admit his part in the attacks and "explain his motivation for the commission of such a dreadful crime".

"You have effectively chosen not to do so," he said.

The judge added Asiedu not only had not attempted to warn the police or Londoners of the plot, he had also continued to assist the conspirators by trying to dispose of incriminating evidence.

But he told Asiedu: "The maximum sentence for this offence is one of life imprisonment. I do not believe that the criteria for such a sentence are met in your case.

"Although your involvement was central, you were certainly not the leader or organiser of the plot."

'Wrong crowd'

Asiedu, whose real name is Sumaila Abubakari, had claimed he was oblivious of the plan to kill anyone until hours before the plotters went into action.



He said that as soon as he had had the chance he had dumped his rucksack, containing explosives, in a park at Little Wormwood Scrubs in west London.

Defending Asiedu, Stephen Kamlish QC, told the court his client was a devout Muslim who had had "fallen in with the wrong crowd" after arriving in Britain from Ghana seeking a better life.

He said the other July 21 plotters took him in and gave him somewhere to live but also exposed him to their extremist views while they were living in the 'cauldron' of the council flat.

But Nigel Sweeney QC, prosecuting, said: "The defendant's principal role in the conspiracy was in the purchase of 443 litres [97.4 gallons] of hydrogen peroxide, which were a vital ingredient in the main charge of the explosive devices required to be connected.

"Further he took part in a cover-up after the bombs failed to explode both for his benefit and the benefit of his conspirators."

Having arrived in the UK on a false passport, he adopted the name Asiedu after finding documents belonging to a previous lodger of that name.

Asiedu then began attending a mosque in Finchley, north London, which was also frequented by co-defendant Yassin Omar.

And in June 2005, after a fire in his flat, he moved in with Omar at Curtis House in New Southgate.

Bomb ingredients

Curtis House later became a "bomb factory", with hundreds of bottles of hydrogen peroxide littering the flat.

Taking the stand during the trial, Asiedu presented himself as a terrified man and unwilling participant in the events of 21 July.

However, he was intimately involved in the buying of bomb ingredients including the critical element of hydrogen peroxide hair bleach.

He had been working as a painter and decorator at the time and told several wholesalers he needed the chemical to bleach wood or to strip wallpaper.

Mr Sweeney said: "He is plainly, or thinks he is, a consummate liar or deceiver - only someone who thinks that could go about false entry into the UK, adopting a false identity to remain here and go to the police taking them on in over 1,000 transcripts of interviews during which he sewed an intricate web of lies to try and avoid his guilt.

"He went on to give false statements and evidence on oath."


Posted by fathima at 9:59 AM | | Comments

Monday, November 19, 2007

Israel to release 450 prisoners

Israel to release 450 prisoners

The government of Israel has approved the release of 450 Palestinian detainees in a move announced just before talks with Palestinian leaders.
A senior Israeli official said it was a goodwill gesture ahead of a Middle East peace conference in the US next week.

Israeli premier Ehud Olmert reiterated a pledge to freeze new settlements in the occupied West Bank and dismantle unauthorised "wildcat" settlements.

His office added he would meet Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday.

There will be no new settlements and no land confiscations

Israeli PM Ehud Olmert

Mr Olmert's talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas are the latest in a series leading up to the expected conference in Annapolis, Maryland.

Speaking to reporters in Ramallah, Mr Abbas said that "we want to reach satisfactory progress so that we can go to Annapolis with a solid base".

Mr Abbas had been asking for at least 2,000 Palestinians to be freed from Israeli prisons.

New settlement

Correspondents said the statement on new settlements stopped short of US and Palestinian demands to freeze construction in existing settlements.



We committed ourselves... not to build new settlements," Mr Olmert was quoted by his spokeswoman as saying.

"There will be no new settlements and no land confiscations."

Settlements in the land occupied by Israel in the 1967 war are deemed illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this.

A senior Palestinian negotiator quoted by Reuters called Mr Olmert's comments "nonsense" without a pledge on expanding existing settlements, currently housing more than 400,000 Israelis in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Israel holds about 11,000 Palestinians in detention for a variety of security reasons, including many without trial or charge.

An Israeli official said the justice ministry had drawn up a list of about 450 prisoners who fitted the criteria for release set by Mr Olmert.

Existing criteria exclude members of the militant Hamas movement, which controls the Gaza Strip and is branded a terrorist group by Israel, and people responsible for deadly attacks against Israelis.

Low expectations

The Bush administration called the Annapolis meeting hoping to kick-start Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations after seven years without substantive talks.

However, correspondents say expectations of the conference have sunk amid continuing disputes over a joint document addressing the negotiating terms on the major issues.

These are the future of Jerusalem, the future borders of Israel and the Palestinian state. and the fate of millions of Palestinian refugees from what is now Israel.

Foreign ministers from the Arab League, many of whose members have no diplomatic ties with Israel, will decide on Friday whether to attend the meeting due to take place in Annapolis, Maryland.

The US has not yet announced the date of the conference or the list of participants, although it is expected to happen before the end of November.


Posted by fathima at 8:17 AM | | Comments

Oil prices rise after Opec summit

Oil prices rise after Opec summit

Oil prices have risen in Monday trading, after leaders of producers' cartel Opec decided not to boost production at their latest meeting.
US light crude was up 69 cents to $94.53 a barrel by early afternoon trading in Europe, having earlier risen by more than $1.

Meanwhile, London's Brent crude had added 69 cents to $94.53.

The price of US light crude hit $98.62 at the start of this month due to the weak dollar and supply concerns.

'Little effect'

Opec's decision not to increase supplies following its latest meeting came despite calls from US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman.

Even if the Opec ministers decide to raise output in early December...by the time the oil gets to the market, the winter season would essentially be over

Energy analyst Victor Shum

The 12-nation producers group next meets at the start of December in the United Arab Emirates.

Some analysts say that even if Opec decides to increase output next month, it won't have an effect on prices ahead of the key Christmas period in the US and other Western nations.

"Even if the Opec ministers decide to raise output in early December, that would likely become effective only in January so by the time the oil gets to the market, the winter season would essentially be over," said Victor Shum, an energy analyst with Purvin & Gertz in Singapore.

Dollar issue

Opec leaders have commented that an increase in oil production would do little to lower prices, as they blame the higher cost of oil on the weak dollar, the currency in which crude is priced.

The weaker dollar has been driving up oil prices as investors have been using the commodity as an alternative to holding dollars.

Oil prices have risen by 60% this year and some analysts say that $100-a-barrel oil is inevitable.

Adjusting for inflation, US light crude's record peak of $101.70 came in 1980 against a backdrop of war between Iraq and Iran.

Earlier, disagreements about whether to continue pricing oil in dollars surfaced at the Opec meeting when private discussions were accidentally broadcast live.

Venezuela and Iran, in particular, argued for a change in

Posted by fathima at 8:14 AM | | Comments

Is coal about to make a comeback?

Is coal about to make a comeback?

Over the last 10 years the green lobby - Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and others - have moved from the edges of the political debate to the centre.

They have fought the battle over climate change and they have won. All political parties now cite a reduction of greenhouse gases as a priority.

But the real battle is yet to be fought.

The vast majority of people accept that carbon dioxide from fossil fuels is warming up the Earth, but what are we actually going to do about it?

Well, a looming energy crisis is going to test our politicians' resolve.

Generation gap

Over the next 15 years, half of our coal-fired power stations are going to close because they are too dirty.

Nine of our nuclear power stations are closing down production because they are too old.

We are going to lose 30% of our power generating capacity, and if we don't plug the gap there is a danger that the lights will start going out.



The green lobby, victors of the war to recognise climate change, want ministers to use the energy gap to prove their credentials as a green government.

They want more energy efficiency, like a ban on conventional light bulbs; they want locally generated power where the heat as well as the electricity generated is used in homes and offices, and they want far greater investment in renewable wind and wave energy.

King coal

Electricity generating companies want to plug the gap with more efficient coal-fired power stations that are also ready to install new technology to capture carbon dioxide instead of releasing it into the atmosphere - if and when that technology is ready.

To that end the energy giant E-ON has submitted an application to build a huge new coal-fired power station by the River Medway in Kent, at Kingsnorth.

The new power station would replace the existing coal-fired station on the same site.

It would provide electricity for about 1.5m homes, about the same as the present coal-fired station generates.


Would generate 1600MW, enough power for 1.5m homes
Greater thermal efficiency means it would produce more energy from less coal
Two million fewer tonnes of carbon dioxide would be emitted each year compared to the current plant
However, because the new plant is more efficient - burning the coal at higher temperatures and with higher pressures in the boiler - it would burn less coal and produce less carbon dioxide.

A decision is expected on that planning application on 21 November 2007. If it gets the go-ahead, it could be the first of many.

And when the shouting is over in Kent, the government are going to have to decide whether to back a new generation of coal-fired power stations.

Tough choices

It's a tough political choice and there have already been some casualties.

John Gummer, a former Conservative Environment Secretary and a guru for David Cameron's now green Conservatives say the power station as planned is "outrageous" and should not be allowed to go ahead.

The Conservative energy spokesman, Charles Hendry, thinks it should.

If opposition parties are having problems with this one then the Government can expect trouble, too.

Greenpeace see this issue as their last stand, and they are far harder to ignore than they were a decade ago.


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Posted by fathima at 8:08 AM | | Comments

Japan whale expedition condemned

Japan whale expedition condemned

The UK, Australia and New Zealand have sharply criticised Japan for the launch of its largest ever whaling expedition.
The hunting fleet has instructions to kill up to 1,000 whales. Humpback whales will be hunted for the first time in over 40 years.

Japan says the hunt is for research purposes and that numbers are too small to have a major impact on populations.

New Zealand PM Helen Clark said this claim was "deception" and that the whalers should not have left port.

The Japanese whaling fleet set sail on its five-month mission from the southern port of Shimonoseki on Sunday.

As well as up to 900 minke whales and 50 fin whales, it will kill up to 50 humpback whales for the first time since a moratorium was introduced in 1963.

The species had been hunted almost to extinction before the ban.

'Guise and deception'

Mrs Clark told local media it would be better if the whaling fleet had stayed at home

She criticised "the guise, the deception, the claim that it is scientific whaling when they want to take 1,000 whales".

Mrs Clark added that it would be difficult for New Zealand to offer help if any of the ships got into trouble at sea.

The Australian government has also expressed disapproval, saying it is "deeply disappointed" by the launch of the expedition.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said there was no evidence of Japan producing any data from its research.

"Scientific whaling is a phrase they use to camouflage the fact that they still indulge in whaling," he said.

He said he had asked to see the Japanese ambassador but he ruled out deploying military defence forces, saying that Australia would not go to war with Japan over the issue.

His comments followed a suggestion by the opposition Labor party that they would send the Australian navy to track the fleet if they were elected in the imminent elections.

Diplomatic action



Britain has said it is considering high-level diplomatic action to protest against the hunt.

A spokeswoman from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the government believes the humpback hunt is unnecessary and that it has "serious reservations as to its scientific value".

"We are committed to maintaining the moratorium on commercial whaling and will oppose all efforts by Japan to undermine this with so-called scientific whaling," she said.

The hunt has drawn strong opposition from environmental and conservation groups.

Greenpeace is hoping to locate the fleet in order to shoot video footage, but claims the ships have turned off their identification equipment, making them hard to find.

The more radical Sea Shepherd group said its activists will attempt to intercept the ships once the hunt is under way.

The expedition is scheduled to run until mid-April 2008.

Posted by fathima at 8:01 AM | | Comments

Amazon to show e-book device

Amazon to show e-book device

Amazon is expected to unveil its own-brand electronic book reader at a New York press conference on Monday.
The paperback-sized Kindle is expected to cost $399 (£195) and be able to store up to 200 books in its memory.

Although details are scant, Kindle is also believed to use a wireless service so owners can buy e-books from Amazon while out and about.

Amazon is thought to have signed deals with publishers to prepare a long list of books ready for the Kindle launch.

New edition

Prior to the launch at New York's W Hotel in Union Square, information about Kindle has appeared in American magazine Newsweek.

The magazine interview with Amazon boss Jeff Bezos revealed that Kindle has a digital ink screen; gives about 30 hours of reading time on a full battery charge and uses wireless for restricted web browsing and buying books.

The device will also be able to give people access to magazines, newspapers and blogs.

Anyone buying a Kindle gets an associated e-mail address so if that person is sent Word documents or PDF files, these are converted for reading on the device.

There is no information yet about when the device will go on sale or which territories will get it first.

Information about Kindle first emerged in 2004 and the device's debut is thought to have been delayed to iron out teething troubles with the prototypes.

Amazon is not the first company to produce an e-book reader. Many other companies have tried and failed with similar devices.

In early November, Sony released the second version of its Reader that also sports a digital ink screen. The first version of the Reader was criticised because of the restrictive digital rights management system it used.

Also this month, Epson Seiko showed off a prototype e-reader that is only three millimetres thick. There are no announcements about when, or if, the gadget will go on sale.

Posted by fathima at 7:26 AM | | Comments

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Daughtry wins 3 American Music Awards

Daughtry wins 3 American Music Awards

LOS ANGELES - Chris Daughtry may not have won "American Idol," but his band, Daughtry, earned high enough honors at the American Music Awards on Sunday to share the spotlight with Carrie Underwood and Justin TimberlakeDaughtry made good on its three nominations, winning favorite pop-rock album for "Daughtry," as well as breakthrough artist and adult contemporary artist.

"Wow. I can't believe we're in the category with Justin Timberlake and Linkin Park. It's pretty awesome," the band's frontman said. "I want to make sure we thank the fans again because you guys made this all possible for us."

Underwood, who did win "Idol," matched her three wins at the Country Music Association Awards this month with three trophies Sunday: favorite female country artist, favorite country album for "Some Hearts," and the T-Mobile text-in award.

"Thank you fans for going out and buying this album. You guys are amazing," she said. "This is one heck of a night."

Timberlake was a double winner, earning male pop-rock artist honors and the soul/R&B album award for his "FutureSex/LoveSounds." Timberlake accepted by video from Australia.

Usher presented Beyonce with the international artist award, which has been given to just a handful of artists, including Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart and Aerosmith.

"I'm so blessed to wake up every morning and do what I love. I don't take it for granted," Beyonce said. "I'm so grateful, so honored and so humbled by this award."

Rascal Flatts was named top country duo or group, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was the favorite rap/hip-hop group, and Akon won favorite male soul/rhythm & blues artist.

All were among those who started the night with multiple nominations. Daughtry, Beyonce, Timberlake and Linkin Park had three nominations each, while Akon, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Young Jeezy, T.I. and Underwood had two nods each.

The night was punctuated with performances, including a mash-up between Beyonce and country duo Sugarland, who performed Beyonce's hit "Irreplaceable."

Backstage, Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles admitted that she was nervous to sing with Beyonce, who she said was "so beautiful."

Celine Dion performed her new song, "Taking Chances," and Lenny Kravitz sat at the piano to play his latest, "I'll Be Waiting."

Eighties rock band Duran Duran performed its new song, "Falling Down," as well as the old hit "Hungry Like the Wolf."

Fergie opened the show with a trio of songs from her debut album, followed by her main producer and Black Eyed Peas bandmate will.i.am. and his protege Nicole Scherzinger. Other performers included Maroon 5, Avril Lavigne, Rihanna, Rascal Flatts and teen stars the Jonas Brothers.

Another teen sensation, "High School Musical 2," won favorite soundtrack album.

After two weeks of writer-strike-imposed reruns of his late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel returned to live TV as host of the three-hour ceremony, broadcast live on ABC from the new Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. The show's basic script was written before the strike began last week, but there were no writers to provide Kimmel with his trademark quips about current events.

One comedy bit came straight from September. Kid Rock spoofed his fistfight with rocker Tommy Lee at MTV's Video Music Awards, telling Kimmel, "You're in my seat," before pretending to punch the host in the face.

Kimmel said the Writers Guild of America strike prevented him from writing any jokes for the show.

"It may not look like it, but I'm striking right now in my heart," he said, apologizing to the crowd for having to tolerate "made-up crap."

Still, Kimmel managed a few zingers, including an introduction of Snoop Dogg as "one of America's most beloved and arrested hip-hop stars."

Screaming fans cheered arriving stars before the show.

A dozen video screens on towers played songs by nominees, amplifying the energy outside the new venue, which has about 7,000 seats and is part of the new L.A. Live development.

"I saw it at rehearsal," presenter Josh Groban said of the theater. "It's amazing. It's a nice alternative to an arena."

Now in its 35th year, the American Music Awards honor pop-rock, country, soul-rhythm & blues, rap-hip hop, Latin, alternative, soundtracks, adult contemporary and contemporary inspirational music. Nominees were selected based on national sales and radio play.

For the first time in show history, winners were chosen by public votes cast online.

___

Posted by fathima at 7:56 PM | | Comments

Beyonce goes bluegrass at Music Awards

Beyonce goes bluegrass at Music Awards

LOS ANGELES - Beyonce went bluegrass in a surprise performance with country band Sugarland at the American Music Awards on Sunday night.Even Ne-Yo was impressed.

"The bluegrass version," the R&B star said backstage while watching a monitor of Beyonce's performance of her hit "Irreplaceable" with Sugarland. "It ain't bad."

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles said the idea was hatched by the country duo's publicist because they perform the song in their act.

"A good thing about a good song is it can be played in any genre," she said. "I'm up for anything. I love it."

Nettles said backstage that she was nervous going note-for-note with Beyonce.

"We were face to face, and there were a couple times when she was looking at me and I was blushing because I thought I was going to turn to stone in her beauty," Nettles said. "She is so talented and so grounded."

Nettles' musical partner Kristian Bush was witness to it all

Posted by fathima at 7:41 PM | | Comments

Supriya's Remote Control

Supriya's Remote Control

Supriya Pathak does not like making people unhappy.


And that’s the reason, she isn’t interested in doing the kind of rona-dhona serials that are being made today.

“We already have too much tension and stress in our lives. I wouldn’t like to add to that,” she says with a smile. As Hansa, she made the audience smile in Khichdi and Instant Khichdi and those are the kind of serials she wants to be associated with. “I have been offered other roles on television but I don’t think I’ll be able to enact those crooked characters. I haven’t really met that many in real life!” she laughs.

So when 9X offered her a role in Remote Control , she grabbed the chance. The story revolves around a middle class family and how life changes for them when they acquire a television set. A comedy again?

“It’s not a laugh riot,” says Supriya but adds that it definitely has light shades to it. “Each family member has his own wants and desires but they don’t think too big. They have their problems but they are on a very basic day-to-day level. I play the mother in the family of four who’s a true positive character,” she says, explaining her role in the show. And just like during the days of Khichdi and Instant Khichdi, Remote Control is the only show she’s doing at the moment. “I don’t like doing too many things at a time,” says Supriya, “I want to be able to give ample time to my children and my home. Also, I never want to be in a situation where the audience turns around and says, ‘what are you doing in this show?’ I dread that situation,” she replies.

These days, Supriya is also busy trying to lose weight. “I didn’t mind the extra weight as a change in myself but I feel I need to reduce it because of my age and before all the aches and pains kick in!” she says with a laugh. Staying healthy is on top of her priority list now and Supriya’s working towards it. ‘Weight’ and watch is what we say!

Posted by fathima at 7:37 PM | | Comments

Keira mortified by mom's writing!


Keira mortified by mom’s writing!

Actress Keira Knightley was mortified when she first found out that her mother has a fondness for penning naughty fiction.

The British actress discovered her mom’s mischievous hobby after finding a saucy book in her school library.

Knightley’s mother, Sharman MacDonaled, was one of the writers at the forefront of the sexual revolution and her books were popular among lusty teens. “She made a career writing about sex... She had one novel called Night Night , and it was in our school library. It was the one that had been taken out the most, because it opens with a sex scene,” Contactmusic quoted Keira, as saying.

“I remember being about 12 and finding it and being mortified. I couldn’t believe my mum had come out with such filth,” she added.

Posted by fathima at 7:34 PM | | Comments

Inquiry call over Nigeria deaths

Inquiry call over Nigeria deaths

Human rights activists have called on the Nigerian government to open an independent inquiry into the number of people shot by the police.

The New York-based group, Human Rights Watch, said official statistics recorded that police had killed 8,000 Nigerians since 2000.

Most died in what are described as shootouts with robbers.

Armed robbery is a huge problem in Nigeria, fuelled by unemployment, poverty and the proliferation of guns.

'Entrenched abuses'

A few days ago Nigeria's chief of police announced that his forces had killed 785 suspected armed robbers in the three months since he took office.

That is almost nine people every day.

It is this figure and the pride with which it was announced that prompted Human Rights Watch to call for an independent investigation into the number of people shot by Nigerian police.

Such death rates are not new here. Over the past seven years police admit they have killed thousands of people - every single one was deemed to be an armed robber.

Human Rights Watch says the police force here remains mired in deeply entrenched patterns of corruption, murder, torture and other forms of human rights abuses.

Other than banks, gunmen regularly target people stuck in traffic jams, restaurants and if there are enough gunmen, even whole neighbourhoods have been held up.

It gets particularly bad in the run up to Christmas and while the public may have almost no faith in the police, there is perhaps even less public sympathy for the fate of armed robbers.

Posted by fathima at 9:21 AM | | Comments

Zimbabwe 'ready for UK invasion'

Zimbabwe 'ready for UK invasion'

The Zimbabwean government has accused the UK of plotting an invasion and considering assassinations of the country's political leadership.
Presidential spokesman George Charamba said Harare remained ready to defend itself against the "sinister threats".

He was responding to comments by a former British general Lord Guthrie in a UK newspaper a week ago.

Lord Guthrie recalled advising the ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair against invading Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe has often accused its former colonial ruler of attempts to interfere in its internal affairs, in part out of concern for white farmers - many of British origin - whose farms have been seized and redistributed.

But the UK accuses the government of President Robert Mugabe of gross human rights violations and of creating a "tragedy" in Zimbabwe.

Invasion considered

In a frank interview with the UK's Independent on Sunday on 11 November, Lord Guthrie told the newspaper he had had a close relationship with Mr Blair.

"We used to talk about things," he said. "I could say anything to him because he knew I wasn't going to spill the beans."


Zimbabwe 'ready for UK invasion'
Among the subjects they discussed, the newspaper reported, was an invasion of Zimbabwe, "which people were always trying to get me to look at. My advice was, 'Hold hard, you'll make it worse.'"

In his comments on Sunday, Mr Charamba told the official Sunday Mail newspaper that the Zimbabwean leadership had been aware of a threat of invasion.

"The government was aware of the plans and the president made reference to the sinister [British] motives on several occasions," he was quoted as saying.

"A defence plan had been operationalised and in fact, it is still in operation. We were also aware that short of a fully-fledged invasion, the British were and are still contemplating the elimination of our political leadership through a number of assassinations," said Mr Charamba.

'British interests'

Mr Charamba said the British government wanted to stage the invasion in pursuit of British national interests - and in particular the control of Zimbabwe's resources.

"Britain views Zimbabwe's white community as an extension of its nation and the invasion would not have been about politics but about British interests," said Mr Charamba.

Mr Mugabe, 83, faces a travel ban in Europe and his government is subject to EU sanctions. In addition to rights abuses, Western powers accuse him of bringing his country's economy to the brink of collapse.

Mr Mugabe says his country's economic hardships are down to Western sabotage.


Posted by fathima at 9:15 AM | | Comments

NBC to air web drama Quarterlife

NBC to air web drama Quarterlife

A drama that made its debut on social networking website MySpace is to be screened by US network NBC next year.
Quarterlife, created by the team behind 1990s hits Thirtysomething and My So-Called Life, appears weekly in eight-minute episodes on the website.

The 36 episodes will be combined into shows that can air on TV for an hour.

The deal comes nearly two weeks after TV and film writers walked off the job in a row over payments for material which is also used on the internet.

Material created independently for the internet is not subject to the strike, but NBC Entertainment co-chairman Ben Silverman said it was not a motivation for him buying the show.

'Creative vision'

Quarterlife, a drama about a group of recent graduates in Chicago, started as a pilot for ABC in 2005, but the network declined to make a full series, so creators Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick took it to MySpace, where it launched this month.

Mr Silverman praised Herskovitz and Zwick for having the courage to launch their show only on the web.

"If there were more people who are willing to bet on their own creative vision and finance themselves, then the business model becomes something they define," he told Reuters.

The deal means NBC has the rights to air already-written shows on TV, the web and on DVD.

But if it wanted to order more programmes while the strike is on, it could be a problem for Herskovitz, who is a member of the Writers Guild of America.

"If we get a pickup for more episodes, we have every expectation we will be able to work out a deal so we could continue writing," he said.

Herskovitz added that user traffic to Quarterlife's own website had been "really fantastic", but did not give further details.

Posted by fathima at 9:07 AM | | Comments

Strike hits Da Vinci Code prequel

Strike hits Da Vinci Code prequel

A follow-up to The Da Vinci Code has become the first big-screen casualty of the Hollywood writers' strike.
Angels & Demons, a prequel to the movie adaptation of Dan Brown's novel, is being delayed by Columbia Pictures because its script needs more work.

It had been due for release around Christmas 2008, but has now been pencilled in for May 2009.

Writers walked off the job nearly two weeks ago in a row over royalties for their work on DVDs and the internet.

They are due to reopen negotiations with their studios on 26 November.

'Ambitious project'

Oscar-winning screenwriter Akiva Goldman has been working on the project, but Writers Guild of America rules forbid members from editing and polishing scripts during strike action.

His other credits include A Beautiful Mind, for which he won the Academy Award for best adapted screenplay.



"With the strike nearing its third week, Columbia Pictures has postponed production of Angels & Demons," a statement from the studio said.

"While the film-makers and the studio feel the screenplay is very strong, we do not believe it is the fully realised production draft required of this ambitious project.

"At this time, there is no new start date, but we are setting a release date of 15 May 2009."

Columbia said it did not expect any other of its 2008 releases - which include the next James Bond film and the Will Smith action drama Hancock - to be affected by the strike.

Benefit gigs

So far, it has mainly been topical TV shows such as Saturday Night Live and The Late Show with David Letterman that have been hit by the writers' action.

Performers from Saturday Night Live and fellow NBC show 30 Rock, whose shows have been forced off the air, have been hosting benefit gigs in New York for staff affected by the walkout.

Tom Hanks is due to reprise his role as crime-solving professor Robert Langdon in Angels & Demons, also based on a Dan Brown novel. Like its predecessor, it will be directed by Ron Howard.

The plot sees Langdon attempt to thwart a plot by an ancient group to blow up the Vatican.

The first Da Vinci Code film took $753m (£368m) at the box office worldwide after its release in 2006.


Posted by fathima at 9:04 AM | | Comments

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Hollywood, Bollywood and Christ's sake

Hollywood, Bollywood and Christ's sake

Movies against the Catholic Church and its faith have always raked up a controversy. Fropki.com previews a few films that have drawn both attention and flak.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age: Shekhar Kapur's earlier Hollywood venture Elizabeth did not ruffle feathers within the Christian faith but his latest take on the Queen of England might just create more than a controversy within the Christian church taking into account the nature and number of scenes that may not agree to the orthodox religious catholic groups within India and across the world. This is not to deny the fact that Elizabeth: The Golden Age is an entirely gripping story nor can we take away any credit from the genius of Shekhar Kapur's direction and yet the movie is bound to draw attention for its explicit scenes.

The movie also depicts a scene where at the fall of the Spanish empire, a cross is shown floating in the ocean and it goes deeper down reversely with the cross headed for the bottom. A cross which is a vital symbol for Christians all over the world shown in a wrong manner might just find vent with the Christian groups

King Philip is a Roman Catholic who always prays in front of the altar but towards the end of the film prays in front of a fire claiming that he himself was the light and Queen Elizabeth was supposedly darkness. But one of the commandments says ‘Thou shall not have any other false Gods other than me’.

Throughout the film Elizabeth: The Golden Age, King Philip’s daughter is shown holding a doll. But in the climax when King Philip has lost the battle they show the girl holding the doll in full prominence which kind of promotes voodooist aspects. And Christians should be fairly aware that the Church has always taken a stand against such practices of black magic.

There might still be scenes that have skipped our minds and eyes but it may not escape the eyes of Christian religious groups.

Another international release that created quite a furor within the Christian community was the film The Da Vinci Code which got released in 2006 and was an adaptation of Dan Brown’s novel which had the same title as well. The film was mired in controversy as it went against Jesus Christ and the Vatican.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of India took up the matter in a big way by holding peaceful protests with the support of other Christian groups.

The Islamic clerics too handed out their total co-operation to launch protests against the film.

Compared to Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, Vinod Pande’s Sins ran into deeper troubled waters as the story of the film had to do with a Catholic priest who becomes physically and sexually involved with a woman. Director Vinod Pande said that the script was inspired by a true life incident of a priest and he only added his own version to that story. But in real life the priest accused of sexual exploitation was absolved of all those charges. This was what angered the Catholic Church and the community at large. Vinod Pande’s Sins released in 2005 and being a small budget film needed all the possible controversy and hype surrounding the film and he surely got what he wanted.

It is a little known film for sure but Tickle My Funny Bone faced opposition from Catholic religious groups nonetheless for portraying offensive and objectionable material in the films posters and advertisements which went against the sentiments of the Christian community.In the film the nun (woman) or sister as they call her in Christian circles is shown standing in front of the church in a very vulgarly looking dress. The Christian community then took grave offence to all of this and it led to the deletion of certain objectionable scenes form the movie.

Another small Indian film Sacred Evil directed by Abiyaan Rajhans and Abhigyan Jha had a problem similar to that of Elizabeth where in one of the scenes Sarika who plays a nun is shown to be practicing voodoo and black magic to deal with another nun who is possessed.

Since the church doesn’t endorse such practices the Christian community had a problem with such a depiction. Moreover the story of the film shows a woman who despite of staying within the four walls of a Catholic Church is haunted by a spirit due to which the services of a witch were employed.

Claimed to have inspired by a true life story the religious Christian groups found it malicious to show a woman possessed by evil spirits when she is residing within the holy church.

Posted by fathima at 9:10 PM | | Comments

The sexiest Asian women


The sexiest Asian women
Bipasha Basu rated the sexiest Asian woman, 2007!

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu has been named the sexiest Asian woman in the world, 2007 by a leading London - based Asian newspaper.

Legendary Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, 42, was the runner - up while last year's winner Priyanka Chopra, 25, was placed third by Eastern Eye newspaper

Posted by fathima at 9:06 PM | | Comments

Friday, November 16, 2007

Kim Kardashian 4 Ever

Kim Kardashian 4 Ever

A good way to get attention for a grand opening or fashion line is to get Kim Kardashian to show up and show off her "natural assets." And it looks like Morgan Fashion Group figured that one out, having the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" starlet on their red carpet last night.

Kim wore a stunning blue gown, cut to show just enough skin without looking too skanky. And, of course, her trademark booty was in full force at the Morgan 4 Ever party.

The Playboy model revealed recently her key to not fouling up in the public eye (anymore). "I do not drink alcohol at all. My sisters drink, so when they get a little crazy, I am there to pull them down."

Such a simple concept… don't get drunk + don't make silly mistakes in front of dozens of paparazzi = you don't look like a total moron all the time. Way to do the math, Kim!

Posted by fathima at 7:40 PM | | Comments

Hayden Panettiere Talks Dolphin Saving

Hayden Panettiere Talks Dolphin Saving

While on a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres show today, Hayden Panettiere spoke about her dolphin-saving attempt in Japan.

Comparing the incident to something out of her hit show, the 18-year old NBC star told,"(Heroes) is about being a hero. And you know, it’s kinda rubbed off on me.”

As reported previously by Fropki.com, Hayden took a trip to Japan to take part in an anti-whaling protest last month. The group confronted fishermen who slaughter dolphins for food.

Telling about her recent adventure, Hayden recalled, “Every ounce of fear disappeared just watching those animals. They know exactly what is going to happen, and as soon as they felt our presence, and knew that we were coming in peace. ... All we wanted to do was go and cut them out of [their enclosure], and we couldn’t.”

For her acts in the name of the dolphins, Panettiere was applauded by Degeneres, whose known herself to be quite the animal lover.

Ellen told Hayden, “I admire you and respect you and all the people who do that for a living for being able to witness it.”

Posted by fathima at 7:36 PM | | Comments

Lindsay Lohan’s Ugly Betty Role

Lindsay Lohan’s Ugly Betty Role

While the writer’s guild strike may delay any plans that they had, recent reports tell that Lindsay Lohan has been in talks to guest star on the hit show Ugly Betty.

Female First reports tell that the Georgia Rule actress and producers envision her playing “a fallen beauty queen who ends up working as an assistant manager of a fast food restaurant.”

Talking more about the guest appearance, a source told: “Betty (the show’s main character) tries to help Lindsay’s character by getting her a job at Mode, the fashion magazine where she works on the show.”

If everything pans out and Lindsay takes on the role, she’ll join fellow celebrities Victoria Beckham and Lucy Liu, who’ve both enjoyed Ugly Betty roles in the past.

Posted by fathima at 7:32 PM | | Comments

Eva Longoria Enjoys Day Off With Nicollette

Eva Longoria Enjoys Day Off With Nicollette

Filming of her hit show Desperate Housewives has been halted since a shutdown on Tuesday due to the writer’s strike, which has no end in sight.

Nonetheless, Eva Longoria still plans on staying connected with her co-stars during time away from the set.

The 32-year-old Mrs. Tony Parker claims to be great friends with fellow Housewives Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, and Nicollette Sheridan.

Eva told Elle magazine: “Flick and I live down the street from each other. When Tony is in town, Marcia and I get together with our husbands - those two are big basketball fans. And Nicollette and I go shopping all the time. They are a great group of girls. And some of us are really close.”

Staying true to her word, Eva was spotted out in Hollywood on a shopping trip with Nicollette just yesterday afternoon (November 8).

The girls do hope to be back on the set soon, but know that it may be some time before they’re filming scenes on Wisteria Lane.

Posted by fathima at 7:30 PM | | Comments

Fresh credit woes hit bank shares

Fresh credit woes hit bank shares

UK banking shares have buckled under fresh fears about the impact of a global credit squeeze.
Alliance & Leicester was worst hit, down more than 6%, while Royal Bank of Scotland fell 5%.

The sell-off was triggered by an unexpected jump in the rate at which banks lend money to each other.

Soaring inter-bank borrowing rates first triggered Northern Rock's woes, which led to a run on the bank and it eventually being put up for sale.

The rise in the inter-bank rate signals that lenders are uneasy over where the next sub-prime related losses are going to occur, and want to hang on to as much cash as they can, analysts said.

The rate at which banks lend to each other for three months reached nearly 6.4% on Friday - its highest level since 19 September when it hit 6.9%, and higher than the Bank of England's base rate of 5.75%.

Alliance & Leicester, which depends on capital markets for more than half its funding, saw its shares end Friday down 6.3% at 607 pence. RBS shares closed 4.9% lower at 426.50p.

Most banks rely less heavily on financial markets to fund their lending, making it easier for them to keep operating when the cost of money and loans from other lenders increases.

Sub-prime problems

A number of banks in the US and Europe have recently admitted big losses as a result of billions of dollars invested in securities linked to risky sub-prime mortgages in the US.

Sub-prime mortgages are typically sold to people on low incomes or with a history of credit problems.

As a succession of interest rate rises boosted their mortgage repayments, many have not been able to meet their home loan obligations.

This has resulted in record defaults and subsequently huge losses at financial institutions which have been exposed to this area.

Barclays this week disclosed that losses related to sub-prime lending crisis totalled £1.3bn, while HSBC said its sub-prime bad debts were $3.4bn in the third quarter.

RBS has yet to reveal any exposure and will not report third-quarter figures until 6 December although there is some market talk that it may offer investors guidance before then.

Posted by fathima at 10:42 AM | | Comments

Northern Rock's chief steps down

Northern Rock's chief steps down

The chief executive of troubled British bank Northern Rock, Adam Applegarth, has resigned, the lender has said.
The bank's shares collapsed after it was forced to seek emergency funding from the Bank of England in September.

Concerned clients rushed to withdraw their money, and the bank has since been seeking bidders to rescue it.

Suitors of Northern Rock have until the end of Friday to submit their proposals to rescue the bank, with Virgin Group the only firm yet to submit a proposal.

US private equity firms JC Flowers and Cerberus are among other firms expected to come forward with offers for the beleaguered Newcastle-based bank, which s responsible for about 1 in 5 mortgages in the UK.

The bank also said that four non-executive directors, Sir Derek Wanless, Nichola Pease, Adam Fenwick and Rosemary Radcliffe, were stepping down immediately.

Banking run

Northern Rock has been in trouble since getting caught up in the global credit crunch over the summer, which left it unable to borrow money from other banks to fund its business model.

The problem facing Northern Rock was that three-quarters of its funding came from wholesale money markets, and when the global credit crunch took hold, its main source of financing dried up.

Simply put, banks were so worried about the problems in the global debt market that they stopped lending to each other, making it almost impossible for Northern Rock to keep operating.

As a result, the lender turned to the Bank of England for emergency funding, prompting the run and its current set of problems.

Press reports earlier this week claimed that the British taxpayer could still be underwriting up to £6bn worth of loans to the bank until 2010 through emergency funding provided by the Bank of England.

Critics have slated Mr Applegarth for failing to protect the bank from volatility in the global financial markets and for using a business model that took on too much risk.

Northern Rock said that Mr Applegarth will step down from his post once he has helped the lender complete the second phase of its strategic revue, which is scheduled for completion no later than the end of January 2008.

"Adam's participation in the next phase of the strategic review is important, not least due to his extensive knowledge of the business and his ability to lead the process during this difficult period," said Chairman Bryan Sanderson

Future plans

Analysts said that there are a number of options for the bank going forward, ranging from an outright buyout to a breaking up of the bank's assets. A consortium led by Richard Branson's Virgin Group on Friday submitted a formal proposal to rescue Northern Rock.

JC Flowers, meanwhile, has put together a high-profile management team to make their case for taking over the bank stronger, while rival private equity firm Cerberus has also been rumoured to have been scouring Northern Rock's books.

But because any future owner will have to pay back about £24bn of Bank of England loans, analysts said that bids are likely to be low.

Posted by fathima at 10:38 AM | | Comments

Climate: In praise of scepticism

Climate: In praise of scepticism


"Now, what I want is, Facts!" declaims Thomas Gradgrind, industrialist of fictional Coketown, in the opening line of Charles Dickens' Utilitarian satire Hard Times.

South African engineer Will Alexander would doubtless sympathise. "I deal in facts not beliefs," he wrote in reply to the questionnaire which I sent to a number of climate sceptics in an attempt to elucidate where the balance of their arguments lay.

He was not the only respondent to berate me for using the word "believe" in my questionnaire.

But after spending some time looking into climate scepticism for this week's series of articles, I am more sure than ever that "believe" is exactly the right word.

That climate change is a battle of beliefs is easily shown by the simple fact that two vastly intelligent people such as James Lovelock and Richard Lindzen can look at the same set of evidence, and one conclude that a global apocalypse is coming while the other maintains it there is little we cannot overcome with a bit of sense and planning.

We need scepticism; but not, perhaps, the sort of scepticism we have today



Your sceptics' week thoughts
Science produces data, not facts or truths; it is then up to you to decide what you think has been demonstrated sufficiently to attain the status of a fact, or a truth; we believe what we want to believe.

And where it matters, in UN institutions such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in research agencies and national science academies and increasingly in governments, more people are believing the evidence for climate change than are believing the sceptics.

Unbelievers

The IPCC has concluded this year that climate change is "unequivocal" and at least 90% likely to be driven mainly by human activities.

The nature of the organisation means that governments from green Sweden to sceptical Australia to development-oriented India have accepted those findings.



The sceptics are losing the battle of ideas.

Mr Gradgrind, by the way, focussed so hard on a certain set of "facts" that the most important facts of all - the misery in his children's' lives - passed him by, with disastrous consequences.

Perhaps it is time for climate sceptics to ask whether they have been waylaid by side concerns, and whether a change of tack could bring them back to a place where they could play a constructive role.

It could be beneficial to us all, because climate science, like all science, can only get better through informed scepticism. The same goes for climate policy; and sceptical investigation of the current business dash to "go green" would also, I suggest, be well merited.

We need scepticism; but not, perhaps, the sort of scepticism we have today.

Energetic spectrum

Thinking through this week's articles, I came up with a kind of four-point plan for getting climate scepticism back into shape.

The first concerns science, where the spectrum of scepticism encompasses those who distrust climate models, those who doubt the scale of the influence of carbon dioxide above other factors influencing weather and climate, and those who back other theories such as solar cycles and cosmic rays.


These are all worthwhile fields of investigation. The problem is that many of the proponents, if they are actually doing any research, have left the traditional avenues of science.

There are good reasons why researchers have their studies reviewed by their peers and then published in journals. It is not a flawless process; but it validates that the research has something new about it, that the methods followed are logical, and the conclusions flowing from it tenable.

The assemblage of journals forms a data bank which other scientists can search to inform the next steps in their own research.

Sceptical climate science has largely abandoned these routines, with practitioners typically preferring to publish critiques of studies on blogs and newsgroups.

Some sceptical blogs such as climateaudit contain much that is thoughtful and reasoned, though highly selective; others are little more than quasi-political rants that would not make it past any peer reviewer.

The problem with all of them is that there is no review, no discussion with critical peers to sharpen arguments, no re-shaping, no validation, no formal input to the database of science. Ideas circulated only to like-minded people cannot develop.

If blogging means never having to say you are wrong, the wages of blogging are that you will not be taken seriously where it counts.



So that is point one of my plan; scientifically credible sceptics need to get back inside the institutions of science.

It can be done, as Henrik Svensmark has shown for example by publishing his work on cosmic rays and cloud formation, and as John Christy has shown by keeping his scepticism within the IPCC, the one place where it can influence global climate policy.

There are plenty of people who say that the reason sceptics stand outside formal science is because they have little to offer, or because their aim is to confuse rather than enlighten; if the sceptics dispute this, they must prove their case.

Working through blogs and editorials in the Wall Street Journal may make for pleasantly cathartic outpourings of indignation, but will not make a single dent in the IPCC's scientific case.

Conspiracy theory

The community of climate sceptics is, of course, broad and diverse.

For some, as Australian researcher Bob Carter wrote to tell me, the term "agnostic" may be more appropriate than "sceptic". But "agnostic" cannot describe the sheer hatred and venom evidenced by some in the sceptical community.


The most vehement language tends to be used by those who believe - sorry, that word again - that the entire UN climate process, IPCC and Kyoto Protocol are just an excuse for left-wing governments, and often the European Union, to raise taxes.

Here, too, I think sceptics are heading down a blind alley that has largely abandoned ways to reason out an argument; and again, I think this does society a disservice.

If you believe the tax conspiracy, you have a duty first to prove it. Show us where these vast green taxes are being levied and how much economic impact they are having.

Once you have done that, stop pretending that your objections are based in science, and fight the battle of ideas in the colours of politics and economics.

Academics such as Yale University's William Nordhaus do a good, rationalist, somewhat sceptical turn on environmental economics, and their analyses are taken seriously.

So here is point two. Make the political and economic arguments cogently, constructively, and with authority.

The vague, repetitive, evidence-free accusations of conspiracy we see today make many sceptical forums sound exactly like the group of grumpy old men in the bar that you will do anything to avoid.

Tall story

The prize goes to the reader who called the BBC a 'crack whore'



Editors' blog: Climate change
You cannot travel far into sceptical lands without encountering accusations that the media's promulgation of a doom-laden myth is the reason why the global citizenry are increasingly accepting of and concerned about man-made climate change.

Here, the sceptics are in interesting company.

Just this week, President Pervez Musharraf blamed the media for the unrest in Pakistan. In the US, you can find expatriate Vietnamese who still blame the BBC for the fall of Saigon.

I would never argue that everything about the news media is perfect - far from it.

But in countries such as the UK, where the pluralistic media landscape runs from the Independent's catastrophist front pages to the Daily Mail's indignant leader articles, it is surely nonsense to claim there is any systematic bias, or that any party is denied access to the mass media.

Claims of media bias work both ways, of course. Responses to this week's series of articles have labelled me as both a "climate denier" and a shameless swallower of the IPCC orthodoxy, a challenge to anyone's flexibility if both were true.



The prize for the most creative insult, by the way, goes to the reader who called the BBC a "crack whore"; but I am leaving you to guess which side that reader was on.

The charge of arrogance is often levelled at the media, often with good reason.

But it seems to me there is greater arrogance in the position, implicit in the words of some sceptics and some catastrophists, that: "I am able to see through media bias and spin; anyone who thinks differently from me clearly cannot."

Point three, then; abandon the knee-jerk media conspiracy reaction, and ask first whether people simply do not believe you because they prefer to believe someone else.

On message

And point four? Well, at the risk of quoting from the Book of the Obvious, it is that scepticism itself needs treating with scepticism.

It is far too easy simply to read something that appeals to your instinct and accept it as fact.

We saw evidence of this just a week ago, when a spoof scientific paper citing bacteria as the cause of climate change was picked up and disseminated on several sceptical blogs.


The hoax was spotted early, and some bloggers removed their articles; if you search online for "Journal of Geoclimatic Studies" you can follow the trail.

The point is that anyone, trained scientist or not, who looked at it with the slightest degree of scepticism would quickly have spotted several things that just did not fit.

Yet because it tallied with the sceptical bloggers' world view, it was immediately accepted as "the proof we have been waiting for" that man-made global warming was a hoax.

Ultimately it is up to everyone to assess the evidence and make their own decisions about what constitutes facts and truths.

Perhaps there should be a point five - in fact I should probably elevate it to point nought; don't take my word or anyone else's word for any of it.

The IPCC publishes everything online, many journals and individual scientists make their studies freely available, and there are sceptics' websites aplenty to interrogate.

The more informed you are, the more sceptical you can be - about everyone's data and everyone's arguments.

And that has to be healthy.



Posted by fathima at 10:29 AM | | Comments

US wants freeze on tuna fishing

US wants freeze on tuna fishing

The US is calling for a ban on the fishing of bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.

A three-to-five-years ban is being proposed to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (Iccat).

The call comes amid deep concerns that the stock may collapse if the level of overfishing continues.

The European Commission recently closed its bluefin tuna fishery for this year after quota limits had been exceeded.

Bill Hogarth, the US delegate and Iccat chairman, said: "We need a determined international effort to save this truly magnificent fish".

The US Senate has backed Mr Hogath's calls for a moratorium on bluefin tuna fishing at the Iccat, which is currently meeting in Turkey.

'Stock collapse'

The so-called recovery plan that was adopted by Iccat last year, is not a recovery plan - it is a collapse plan

Dr Sergi Tudela
WWF

Conservation group WWF has given its support to the US proposal.

It too has been calling for an immediate three-year ban "following a season of unprecedented illegal and uncontrolled fishing which has resulted in massive over-quota catches".

Speaking from Turkey, Dr Sergi Tudela, the head of Fisheries Programme at WWF Mediterranean said:

"The so-called recovery plan that was adopted by Iccat last year, is not a recovery plan - it is a collapse plan, even according to the scientific committee of Iccat," he told BBC News.

In 2006, to stop stock decline, Iccat scientists advised that the total catches on eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin stock should not exceed 15,000 tonnes.

The adopted plan, however, set the quota at 29,000 metric tonnes for 2007, nearly twice the scientifically recommended level.

These unsustainable management measures, along with violations of catch limits, illegal fishing and misreporting mean the US and WWF believe a moratorium is the only option to save blue fin tuna stocks from collapse.


Time to vote

The Iccat is made up from 45 member nations, which includes the European Commission.

The vote from the Iccat will be announced at the end of the meeting on Sunday.

Dr Tudela said: "So far it looks difficult to get the minimum support required for this [temporary moratorium], but we don't know yet. We will know very soon which countries are supporting this."

Turkey and Japan have also made proposals.

Turkey has called for the management plan adopted by Iccat last year to be amended by reducing quotas previously enforced by 5,000 tonnes and extending the closed fishing period.

Japan wants to establish a working group of traders and farmers to determine a management plan alongside Iccat.

Posted by fathima at 10:26 AM | | Comments


Doomsday vault begins deep freeze

Engineers have begun the two-month process of cooling down a "doomsday vault", which will house seeds from all known varieties of key food crops.
The temperature inside the Svalbard Global Seed Vault will drop to -18C (0F) in order to preserve the seeds.

Built deep inside a mountain, it aims to safeguard the world's crops from future disasters, such as nuclear wars, asteroids or dangerous climate change.

The first seeds are scheduled to arrive at the Arctic site in mid-February.

The Norwegian government is paying the $9m (£4.5m) construction costs of the vault, which will have enough space to house 4.5 million seed samples.


See inside the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
The collection and maintenance of the seeds is being co-ordinated by the Global Crop Diversity Trust, which has responsibility of ensuring the "conservation of crop diversity in perpetuity".

"The seed vault is the perfect place for keeping seeds safe for centuries," said Cary Fowler, the Trust's executive director.

"At these temperatures, seeds for important crops like wheat, barley and peas can last for up to 1,000 years."

Future proof

The seed vault will be built 120m (364ft) inside a mountain on Spitsbergen, one of four islands that make up Svalbard.



The site, 1,000km (621 miles) north of mainland Norway, was chosen as the location for the vault because it was very remote and it also offered the level of stability required for the long-term project.

The vast collection is intended to act as insurance against disasters so food production can be restarted anywhere on the planet following a regional or global catastrophe.

"It is very satisfying to see the vault evolve from a bold concept to an impressive facility that has everything we need to protect crop biodiversity," said Terje Riis-Johansen, the Norwegian Agriculture and Food Minister.

Engineers are using the surrounding rock and permafrost as a "cold store", an energy efficient approach that has become popular in Norway.

"We believe the design of the vault will ensure that the seeds will stay well preserved even if forces such as global warming raise temperatures outside the facility," explained project manager Magnus Tveiten.



Posted by fathima at 10:23 AM | | Comments

IPCC to warn of 'abrupt' warming

IPCC to warn of 'abrupt' warming

Climate change may bring "abrupt and irreversible" impacts, the UN's climate advisory panel is set to announce.

Delegates to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) agreed a summary of its landmark report during overnight negotiations here.

Discussions were said to have been robust, with the US and other delegations keen to moderate language.

The summary will be officially launched by UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon on Saturday.

It brings together elements of the three reports that the Nobel Prize-winning IPCC has already released this year, on the science of climate change, impacts and adaptation, and options for mitigating the problem.

Among its top-line conclusions are that climate change is "unequivocal", that humankind's emissions of greenhouse gases are more than 90% likely to be the main cause, and that impacts can be reduced at reasonable cost.

IPCC PROJECTIONS
Probable temperature rise between 1.8C and 4C
Possible temperature rise between 1.1C and 6.4C
Sea level most likely to rise by 28-43cm
Arctic summer sea ice disappears in second half of century
Increase in heatwaves very likely
Increase in tropical storm intensity likely
Climate change: The evidence
The synthesis summary being discussed here in Valencia strengthens the language of those earlier reports with a warning that climate change may bring "abrupt and irreversible" impacts.

Such impacts could include the fast melting of glaciers and species extinctions.

"Climate change is here, it's impacting our lives and our economies, and we need to do something about it," commented Hans Verolme, director of the climate change programme with the environmental group WWF.

"After this report, there are no politicians left who can argue they don't know what climate change is or they don't know what to do about it."

Local witnesses

At a news conference, WWF presented testimonies from "climate change witnesses" in various parts of the world.

Speaking by video link, Australian scientists and fishermen spoke of the changes they were seeing on the Great Barrier Reef. And Olav Mathis Eira, a Sami reindeer herder from Norway, said that his communities are seeing weather patterns unprecedented in their oral history.

"Winter is one and a half months later than it used to be," he said. "We observed birds and insects that do not have a name in Sami."

The 20-page IPCC synthesis summary is due to be accompanied by a longer, more detailed document, and discussions on that are continuing here.

The findings will feed into the next round of negotiations on the UN climate convention and Kyoto Protocol, which open in Bali on 3 December.

Posted by fathima at 10:19 AM | | Comments

Viewpoints: Russian elections

Viewpoints: Russian elections


Six Russian panellists give their views on how their country has changed under President Vladimir Putin, ahead of parliamentary elections in December.
The pro-Putin United Russia party is expected to emerge as the dominant force in the lower chamber of parliament, the Duma. The opposition says the polls will not be fair, as the electoral system has been engineered to boost parties loyal to the president.

Though Mr Putin steps down as president next year, he has indicated he could remain in politics by applying to become prime minister.

The BBC's Artyom Liss in Moscow has compiled these viewpoints.

Click on the links below to read what they have to say.

Andrey Volozhanin is a taxi company owner who lives in Yekaterinburg, the Urals

Over the last four years, my life as a businessman got a lot easier. Compare this with the 1990s - the difference couldn't be greater. There are no more gangs, there is no more racketeering. People pay their taxes and are more honest as business partners.



And the reason for this is simple: people feel confident. They know they live in a stable country. The government is not going to let them down and the rules of the game are not going to change.

There is still one serious problem though - corruption. It's overwhelming in the Urals. I'm sure if President Putin knew, he would have done something about it.

But all this is politics, and I'm not interested in it. I've got my own political party - my wife and my daughters. My only concern is to make sure they are happy.

I haven't yet decided whether I will vote. I'm not sure my vote will really matter. After all, I'm just one businessman living in a really big country.

There are enough clever people in power without me. I want them to ensure the country continues along its present course, and things continue to get better. It doesn't matter much who is in power - everything depends on the economics. As long as oil prices are high, we should be OK.

What should we do next? Learn from the Arabs. Invest oil profits and develop tourism, technology and the entertainment industry. I really admire what the sheikhs have done to the Emirates. And I dream of moving there one day.

I'm sure it'll all happen if I work hard enough. Russia is an easy place to earn money. A year ago I was just a driver - now I have my own taxi company.


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Anton Goltsman, a student at the Moscow Economics School

Politics in Russia is dull. Politics on TV is even duller - its full of relentless praise for the president and minor criticism of his bureaucrats. Sometimes, there's an odd report on how good life in the new Russia has become.



Don't get me wrong: life in Russia really has improved in the past four years. But this has nothing to do with who runs the country.

The only achievement of the present government - indeed, of the single person who matters in it, Vladimir Putin - is that some of the money brought to the county by high oil prices hasn't been stolen. There is some investment and it seems to be paying off.

But the economy would have grown anyway. The reforms of the 1990s ensured this would happen - it's just a coincidence that the growth is taking place now.

Mr Putin's critics say there's little or no democracy in Russia today. They might be right.

But Russia was falling apart when Mr Putin came to power. The country needed a strong leader, and it's to Mr Putin's credit that Russia survives as a geographic entity.

He has also achieved another important victory. Russians are now proud to be living in their country, which few people could say in the 1990s.

But the well-being of ordinary people, like my family, has nothing to do with Mr Putin's policies. Three years ago I entered university, not because the government helped me out but because I worked hard on my exam papers.

If people want to be successful, to earn good money, to do the jobs they like, it shouldn't matter to them who sits in the Kremlin. They should be thanking themselves, not the president.

After all, Russia is still full of poor people and the president seems to be unable to help them.


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Marina Litvinovich is an opposition politician from Moscow

I could give you a list of recent changes in Russia's public life - extremism laws are now a lot tougher, party laws have become much stricter, and the word "election" is now little more than an empty shell.



I could also tell you about attacks against the opposition, journalists and human rights activists. Some of them are now in jail, some have been beaten up and even killed.

I've lost count of all attacks against me. I was beaten up in a street after I started investigating the Beslan tragedy. I was detained in St Petersburg three times, and six times in Nizhny Novgorod. I travelled to those cities to set up dissenters' marches or hold opposition conferences. My office and my car have been searched on numerous occasions.

I remember being on a St Petersburg-Moscow train once when the police came after me. There were three officers guarding our compartment door. Both doors of the carriage were sealed. Even the conductor was screaming: "They've caught a terrorist!"

I was escorted off the train by armed police officers, like a criminal. And what did I do? Nothing but try to set up a peaceful opposition rally - surely the Russian constitution allows that? But the constitution is now worth little more than the paper it's printed on. The laws have changed. They are unwritten and undemocratic.

And my nation has changed, too. It's now a nation of people who are scared. People do all they can to distance themselves from politics, to lock themselves up in their "little worlds" of family and friends.

And they are likely to give this regime a new lease of life on 2 December. The propaganda machine will present the result, whatever it is, as "the unanimous approval of the president's course".

I'm afraid after the election things will only get worse. But I'm also sure the number of our supporters is only going to grow. The Russian people are very patient. But even for them, there is a point of no return.


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Ella Usachyova is a student at the Moscow International Relations Institute

Mr Putin came to power in 2000 when we had a very weak state riddled with serious problems, and political leaders were highly unpopular. Russia was on the edge of a break-up. People pinned their hopes on a miracle.



But since then, we have witnessed a miracle. Mr Putin managed to stabilise the situation. His second term in office has been marked by the launch of a number of far-reaching political reforms. As a result, a party of power has emerged. Oligarchs are no longer able to use Russia's resources to their own advantage.

The edifice of "managed democracy" erected in Mr Putin's first four years has undergone major renovations. There have been significant changes in the election law, both federally and locally.

There have also been some changes in Russia's foreign policy. Mr Putin's approach has not marked the beginning of a "new Cold War" between the West and Russia.

But it has meant that after 15 years of shuffling along as the ruined remnant of the collapsed Soviet superpower, Russia is returning to the international arena to pursue its own interests.

However, the gist of Russia's strength is shifting from the military potential to natural resources. Within the last three years, Russia's status as an energy superpower has become a means to protect sovereignty and exert influence abroad.

It's unlikely that the next president will share Mr Putin's appeal and popular support. Mr Putin has laid down certain grounds for his successor that will be followed in terms of domestic and foreign policy.


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Konstantin Zhilin, a designer who lives in Moscow

We got lucky when we were starting our business four years ago because the government had just brought in a new, simpler tax code. And up until very recently, things were going really well.



All our customers - mostly small or medium businesses - seemed to be making good progress. There was this euphoria about the future. I'm now amazed at what some of them have achieved.

But since last August, things seem to have been changing. People are cutting advertising budgets which makes life difficult for us. I think suddenly there's a new feeling of instability. Maybe it's linked to the election - I don't know. One of our customers told me he had a feeling the country's economic boom simply would not last that long.

Look at all these Mercedes and Porsches out on the streets of Moscow. Some people might say they show how rich and powerful Russia has become.

But I also see this as a sign of instability. If you are building a long-term business model, you won't be buying Porsches - you'll be investing in your company. Your children and grandchildren will need a solid source of income, not a photograph of you and your sports car.

Many people are feeling uneasy - what if the government turns around and decides to nationalise everything? So they're enjoying life while they can. Nobody knows what's going to happen to them or to the country.

If there is one thing the government should learn, it's that the business people are not there to rip the country off. We create jobs, we help people earn their money. We are building this country.


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Sergei Markov is a pro-Kremlin political analyst and United Russia member who lives in Moscow

During his second term in office, Mr Putin continued along the course he had set for himself and the country when he first came to power.



His main goal has been to restore the power of the Russian state, which has now become a major player in the key oil and gas sectors. This has vastly improved the financial situation in Russia.

The North Caucasus has been largely pacified. In Chechnya, the new power system has been established, improving the security situation and providing for more human rights. However, radical Islamism still remains a threat - as shown by the Beslan tragedy.

Economically, Russia is moving towards a free-market system - but reforms have been a lot slower than expected. Where once liberalism ruled unrivalled, there is now more belief in the benefits of state involvement.

Domestically, oligarchs have been brought to heel. Tycoons like Boris Berezovsky or Mikhail Khodorkovsky are no longer as serious a threat to the Kremlin as they used to be.

But there are new threats. The Kremlin is facing the danger of "people's revolutions", similar to upheavals in Georgia and Ukraine. However, in this sphere, too, Mr Putin seems to be in control. Moscow has been approaching the issue by setting up patriotic youth movements which support Mr Putin's policies.

Diplomatically, there are now new tensions between Russia and the West. The main cause is Washington's desire to control some of the post-Soviet countries, such as Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan and to some extent, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

Over the next four years, we are likely to see the trends of 2000-2008 continuing. The United Russia party promises voters it will carry out "Putin's Plan" for the country.

This party's role will be crucial in resolving Russia's key dilemma - whether President Putin should leave office, as required by the constitution, or stay on, as most Russians want him to. In this period of transition, the United Russia party will serve as a bridge between Russia as we know it today - and Russia "after Putin".

Whoever rules the state after the election will face some unresolved problems, including how to tackle corruption. Their task, ultimately, will be to ensure the transition to a new Russia, where stability will be provided not by one person at the top, but by a well-run and well-adjusted system of state institutions.

Posted by fathima at 10:03 AM | | Comments

Russia cult members in cave siege

Russia cult members in cave siege

Police and clergy in southern Russia are trying to negotiate with members of a doomsday cult barricaded inside a cave and threatening to blow it up.
The group calls itself the "True Russian Orthodox Church". Members are waiting for the end of the world, which they are expecting to happen next May.

They say they have enough food and water to last out the winter, as well as large quantities of petrol.

The cult leader did not join them, and has been arrested by police.

Russian television showed pictured of black-robed Orthodox monks scaling down into a snow-covered gully in a forest in the Penza region, about 650km (400 miles) south-east of Moscow.



They are hoping to make contact with the 30 cult members believed to have sealed themselves in the cave .

Those inside are believed to include four small children.

Cult members say they have hundreds of canisters of petrol and threatening to ignite them if the authorities try to force them out.

The group was founded by a former engineer, Pyotr Kuznetsov, who had fallen out with the Russian Orthodox Church.

He is thought to have ordered his followers into the cave but did not join them.

He is now in custody and is undergoing psychiatric examinations.

Posted by fathima at 10:00 AM | | Comments

Georgia ends state of emergency

Georgia ends state of emergency

Georgia has lifted the state of emergency it imposed nine days ago amid a wave of opposition protests.
An interior ministry spokesman said the situation was "back to normal".

The move came as President Mikhail Saakashvili announced he was replacing PM Zurab Noghaideli, and appointing Lado Gurgenidze, a banker, to the post.

Mr Saakashvili accused Russia of inciting the recent unrest to oust him. Both Moscow and the opposition in Georgia deny the allegations.

The crackdown on protests drew international criticism of the pro-Western leader who has met a key opposition demand for early elections.

New blood

Announcing the change of prime ministers, Mr Saakashvili said in a televised address: "We are putting forward new tasks that must be implemented by new people."

His new PM, the 36-year-old Mr Gurgenidze, is chairman of the private Bank of Georgia.

Opposition supporters had called on Mr Saakashvili to resign, accusing him of corruption and authoritarianism.

The protests earlier this month were the largest Georgia has seen since the "Rose Revolution" that brought Mr Saakashvili to power in 2003.

The early election has been set for 5 January.




Posted by fathima at 9:57 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Kim Kardashian Celebrates Playboy Cover

Kim Kardashian Celebrates Playboy Cover

Have you ever had a dream where you show up to work/school/etc completely nak*d and freaked out? Well, Kim Kardashian had a party to celebrate her Playboy cover, and most of the people in attendance probably saw the spread.

When asked why she decided to do the spread for Playboy, Kim answered, "I wanted to do it. I wanted to show that I'm not some skinny girl, I have a healthy body image, and I'm happy with my curves and who I am."

And funny enough, while Kim was jazzed to pose n*de for the men's magazine, she says she won't ever make another sex tape because of how it affected her family.

The socialite told press, "My step - dad [Olympic medalist and Keeping Up with the Kardashians co-star Bruce Jenner] wouldn't talk to me for three weeks. The stress that I know it put on my mom and my step-dad - just the whole family. If my dad were here to witness all of that, I don't even know what I'd do. It's just not worth it, basically."

Kim says that doing the Playboy shoot should put to rest any "implant" rumors. "It bothered me when people would come up with rumors, like, 'Oh, my god, she has butt implants, it can't be real.' Who gets butt implants? Come on. Do you know anybody who has butt implants?"

Posted by fathima at 12:19 PM | | Comments

Eva Mendes: Calendar Girl

Eva Mendes: Calendar Girl


Taking some time off from insulting Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes has embarked on a new phase of her career: Calendar Girl.

The “Hitch” hottie was smashing in a yellow gown at the launch of her new Campari Calendar 2008. The event took place at Superstudio in Milan, Italy yesterday.

Campari’s new calendar features Mendes in twelve different fairytale fantasy scenes, photographed by world famous photographer Marino Parisotto.

The assorted scenes in the calendar include, Little Red Riding Hood, Thumbelina, The Little Mermaid, Snow White, Puss in Boots, Cinderella, Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, Beauty & The Beast, Pinocchio, The Little Match Girl, and Sleeping Beauty.

And Eva raved about the whole experience. She told press, “The Campari* Calendar has been a truly unique experience. I had never posed for a calendar before and I was thrilled that Campari has given me the opportunity to interpret these wonderful stories… who wouldn’t want to live a fairytale even if for a short while?”

Posted by fathima at 12:16 PM | | Comments

Sexy men in love

Sexy men in love

PEOPLE's former and current Sexiest Men Alive- George Clooney and Matthew McConaughey- what do they have in common besides Irish ancestry? Both seem to have found new romance - keepers who can match them in spirit and stride, PEOPLE reports. Clooney's romance with Sarah Larson, 28, whom he has known casually for years, took off in June when they cozied up at the Ocean's Thirteen Las Vegas premiere party. She's smart, sweet and athletic, says a Clooney friend, "totally his type."



Brazilian model Camila Alves, 24, a native of Rio de Janeiro whose family moved to L.A. when she was young, met Matthew McConaughey, 37, about a year ago. Since then, she has been the gung-ho girl at his side, riding the waves this year from Australia, where he filmed Fool's Gold, to the Bahamas, where he shot the comedy Surfer Dude. "She likes roughing it," says a close McConaughey source. "She doesn't complain when they go hiking for 10 days without clean clothes or a shower."

Posted by fathima at 12:10 PM | | Comments

Stars unplugged without makeup

Stars unplugged without makeup

What's the power of makeup? When a middle age actor with a receding hairline slipped into those tight fitting colorful trouser, jacket and fancy shoes, full make up, various imported jet black wigs for hairstyles in Sivaji: The Boss, it transformed a 58 year old aging middle age ordinary man to a superstar and stardom.

He struck at the very heart and pulses of the nation; it marked the arrival of a superstar and a phenomenon called Rajnikanth. It was not only his acting, or gimmicks that was debated, but his transformation and the credit goes to the power of his make up that did wonders to the aging superstar's look and skin. Through this article we look at some of our most famous stars and see what they really look like off screen.

Posted by fathima at 12:03 PM | | Comments

Hey, dog - Kevin Dillon checks in to "Hotel"

Hey, dog - Kevin Dillon checks in to "Hotel"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "Entourage" star Kevin Dillon has joined a different pack. The actor is set to play Lisa Kudrow's husband in "Hotel for Dogs," a family film based on Lois Duncan's children's book about two orphaned teenagers who secretly house nine stray canines in an abandoned hotelDillon and Kudrow will play foster parents to two children, one of them played by Emma Roberts. The DreamWorks film began shooting this month. Thor Freudenthal is directing.

Dillon received an Emmy nomination this year for his role as Johnny Chase on HBO's "Entourage."

Posted by fathima at 11:59 AM | | Comments

Potter hopefuls lose out on role

Thousands who attended an open audition for a role in the new Harry Potter film have been left disappointed after the part went to an established actress.
Producers held a casting in July for girls aged 15 to 18 to play Lavender Brown in The Half Blood Prince.

But the part went to Jessie Cave, 20, star of new CBBC drama Summerhill and movie Inkheart with Dame Helen Mirren.

The casting stated no acting experience was necessary and attracted 7,000 hopefuls. Cave's agent did not comment.

Lavender Brown is Ron Weasley's girlfriend in the Harry Potter series, and a fellow pupil at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Producers described the character as "a pretty and lively girl who loves to be the centre of attention".

She features in the sixth movie based on the book series, due to be released in November 2008.

'Absolutely credible'

Announcing the auditions in July, director David Yates said: "These auditions are open to everybody and we can't wait to see who comes in the door.

"Normally I have all these casting agents sending me kids who have been to stage school and who come in tap-dancing and singing.

"What we are looking for is someone natural and absolutely credible in their own right."

Tap-dancing is listed among the skills on Cave's CV, published by her agent A&J Management.

Director David Yates was not available for comment.

Open auditions were also held for the character of Tom Riddle, who goes on to become the evil Voldemort. The winner of that role has yet to be announced.

The last Harry Potter film, The Order of the Phoenix, did feature an unknown actress found through a casting call.

Evanna Lynch, 14, from Co Louth, Ireland, beat 15,000 hopefuls to the role of eccentric Hogwarts pupil Luna Lovegood.

Posted by fathima at 8:57 AM | | Comments

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

St Pancras Eurostar service opens

St Pancras Eurostar service opens

The first Eurostar passenger services to Paris and Brussels from St Pancras International are due to begin.
A special carbon-neutral train will carry the new route's first passengers shortly after the London station opens following an £800m reconstruction.

Eurostar insists that the inaugural journeys will be unaffected by strike action carried out by rail workers across the French network.

But residents' groups and cyclists are due to stage protests at the station.

Five-star

St Pancras is due to open its doors at 0900 GMT and the first service - the "Green Eurostar", bound for Paris - will leave at 1101 GMT.

The first passenger train for Brussels departs at 1106 GMT, with the first arrival from the same city pulling into St Pancras at 1109.

Work on the station began in 2001 to enable it to accommodate Eurostar trains as well as Midland Mainline services, Thameslink and high-speed commuter services to Kent, due to start in 2009.



The brick and stonework has been cleaned and the station's majestic roof reglazed with 18,000 panes of self-cleaning glass and repainted in its original light blue.

St Pancras will house upmarket shops and what its operators say is the longest champagne bar in Europe. The elaborate gothic hotel at the front of the station, vacant since the 1980s, will open as a five-star hotel and apartments in 2009.

Britain, in engineering terms, was showing off with supreme confidence

Alastair Lansley


Architect joins old to new
Why St Pancras was chosen
The new route will cut journey times to Paris by 20 minutes to two hours and 15 minutes, and to Brussels by 25 minutes to one hour and 51 minutes.

But demonstrations are expected to be held by groups unhappy with the St Pancras development.

Cycle complaint

One group representing residents who live near the stations claim that London's poor are being "squeezed out" of the area.

And the London Cycling Campaign complains that the access to the station for bicycles is sub-standard.

French rail unions began an open-ended strike on Wednesday in protest at President Nicolas Sarkozy's planned pension reforms.

But Eurostar say they care confident it will not impact on their services.

The last Eurostar train left London Waterloo at 1812 GMT on Tuesday.

Posted by fathima at 8:10 PM | | Comments

Asylum children 'drain on cash'

Asylum children 'drain on cash'

The cost of looking after thousands of unaccompanied asylum seeker children is putting a major strain on council budgets, local authorities suggest.
A group of nine councils is lobbying MPs, complaining they are owed more than £30m in unpaid government support after providing education and care.

Each year about 3,000 children arrive unaccompanied in the UK to seek asylum, according to the Home Office.

The government says it will publish plans to ease councils' burdens.

A minority of the children are trafficked into Britain for the sex industry and others can end up being exploited in low-paid jobs.

Some also end up working as unpaid domestic servants.

Protection call

Councils have a duty to provide education and care with government support.

LOBBYING COUNCILS
Birmingham
Hounslow
Hillingdon
Hammersmith and Fulham
Kent
Manchester
Oxfordshire
Solihull
West Sussex

But the nine authorities lobbying MPs say that, for different reasons, they do not get that financial support.

A significant problem arises when a child's appeals against deportation have been exhausted.

At this point, all government funding stops even though it can take months for the child in question to be removed from the UK - during which time the council pays full costs.

The councils also say grants are based on set sums which do not take into account the individual needs of asylum seeking children.

The Home Office says new proposals will address the problem.

Last week, campaigners called on the government to provide greater protection for refugee and asylum seeker children.

The government has signed up to the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child but opts out when it comes to asylum seeking children.

The Scottish Refugee Council is calling for that to change.

The Home Office said any change would provide another avenue of appeal in immigration cases and said all children were protected under other laws.




Posted by fathima at 8:07 PM | | Comments

Are the EU's accounts a scandal?

Are the EU's accounts a scandal?

It has become an annual ritual. The European Court of Auditors has again failed most areas of spending in the EU's budget.
Although the problem might appear to be the exclusive preserve of number-crunchers, it has become one of the battlegrounds in the EU debate. The EU's purse in 2007 has stretched to 126.5 billion Euros (£88.7 billion) and critics say the system of payments is open to fraud.


EU accounts failed for 13th year
Here, two key figures go head-to-head.

As President of the European Parliament's budget committee, Terry Wynn worked on reforming the accounting system before he retired as an MEP for the North West of England in 2006.

Marta Andreasen was sacked as Chief Accounting Officer for the European Commission after she refused to sign off the budget for 2001.


TERRY WYNN - PRESIDENT, EU BUDGET COMMITTEE 1999-2004
The Court doesn't have the manpower to check everything, it's up to the member states

Terry Wynn

It is like the auditors for the supermarket chain, Tesco, doing the audits and saying, overall, the books are in order but they know there is shoplifting going on somewhere yet cannot say exactly where. That is a job for the shop managers. The Court doesn't have the manpower to check everything. It is up to the member states to ensure the checks are done.

In broad terms, the Court has concluded every year since 1994 that:


The accounts are reliable
Underlying transactions concerning revenue and commitments and administrative expenditure are legal and regular
The level of errors and irregularities concerning payments is too high
The first two are the responsibility of the commission, but more than 80% of the third, payments, are done at member state level. The problems concerning the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions are (too) often presented as equal to fraud and corruption. The Court should express itself in a way which is less prone to public misunderstanding and the media should avoid simplifying the message.


You can never say there won't be fraud, but until the member states adopt the proposals they agreed to in April 2006, which asks them to take more accountability, the Court of Auditors will never give a positive statement of assurance. So far around seven countries of the 27 have signed up to do so.


MARTA ANDREASEN - TREASURER, UK INDEPENDENCE PARTY
The accounting system is vulnerable to fraud and has not been designed to control the payments centrally. There has been a lot of window-dressing but essentially the criticism made by the Court (of Auditors) has not changed.

This year the court is trying to make clear that the management responsibility for the accounts and the underlying transactions remains with the European Commission because last year the commission tried to place the responsibility for the lack of control on the member countries.

It is true that most of the time the programmes are implemented in the member countries but the rules for controlling the use of funding need to be set out by the commission.

The Commission has more than 30,000 employees. What do they do?

Marta Andreasen

Obviously the member states are closer to the beneficiaries but the people who have to ask for the documentation are the commission and if they fail to ask, then nobody else will.

The commission has more than 30,000 employees. What do they do? Eighty per cent of the budget is spent in member countries so what do 30,000 people do in the commission?

The budget and finance department alone has more than 500 people. Not only does the commission have the responsibility but also the authority and the power because they are the only people who can stop payment if the member countries and the beneficiaries don't comply with the rules.

Posted by fathima at 8:04 PM | | Comments

Has Smith seen off 'spin' charge?

Has Smith seen off 'spin' charge?

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith agreed with her Tory accusers that she had to pass two tests over the latest illegal migrants row.


She had to show she had dealt with the crisis as soon as she was aware of it and that she had been "open and honest" with MPs and the public about the situation.

She probably did better on the first than on the second.

Ms Smith told MPs of the measures she had taken to get to grips with the problem and speed up what she accepted were slow checking procedures as far back as last April.

She also confirmed one of the individuals involved had been working for the Metropolitan Police where he guarded government cars, including the prime minister's.

She did not specifically mention the prime minister's car in the Commons, but it was in copies of the statement handed to her opposite number David Davis.

She insisted the measures she had taken to launch a thorough review of all those immigrants in sensitive security posts had been robust in order to root out anyone working illegally.

Full analysis

She went so far as to say she had not told the prime minister of the issue because there had been no "fiasco or blunder", action had been taken and ministers did not go "running" to the PM on such occasions.

But she also confirmed she was not yet in possession of a full analysis of the size of the problem but would come back to the Commons next month to bring MPs up to date.



Needless to say, some were more convinced than others. Crucially for any minister under pressure, however, her own backbenchers appeared pretty convinced and there was no sense of a clamour for her head - not even the opposition has gone that far.

But where Ms Smith struggled most was over the question of why she had failed to make any of this public before today - and only then because of leaks to the media about the affair.

Her argument boiled down to a claim that she was not one of those politicians who went public on an issue before she had got all the facts.

She made no apology, she insisted, for being the sort of minister who was more concerned about what she should do about something than what she should say about something.

Cover up

And it is that bit that left many, particularly on the Tory benches, entirely unconvinced.

Shadow home secretary David Davis was having none of it, claiming the Home Office's reaction once the affair had emerged was one of "blunder, panic and cover up".

Was it really the case that, having known about the affair since April, this was the first opportunity she had had to tell MPs about it, he asked.

And it is this sense of cover-up and spin, of attempts to bury bad news, that risks attaching itself to the Gordon Brown government.

Mr Brown entered Downing Street heralding a different kind of politics which would be more frank, open and candid - as Mr Davis reminded her.

The Tories believe this affair is the clearest evidence yet that nothing has change and it is the same old game in government. And that is a charge Mr Brown will dearly want to see off.


Posted by fathima at 8:00 PM | | Comments

SNP to unveil first Scots budget

SNP to unveil first Scots budget

The Scottish Government is to outline spending plans for the next three years when its first budget is unveiled.
It comes after SNP ministers said they had received the worst Treasury financial settlement since devolution.

The minority Nationalist administration needs the support of rival parties to get the budget plans through Holyrood.

Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories have already accused the SNP of breaking a manifesto pledge over delivering new police officers.

They claimed the same could follow on a promise for classes no bigger than 18 pupils for the first three years of primary school.

Labour claimed the SNP had so far put off at least 60 decisions - and said it was now time to deliver.

Finance Secretary John Swinney, who will deliver the budget plans in a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, has been holding ongoing talks with local authority leaders on a council tax freeze next year.

People across Scotland that voted SNP want to know if they were misled

Iain Gray
Labour finance spokesman

He hopes they will agree not to put up the council tax in return for extra funding from government and a new deal to boost their status.

The Treasury announced in October that Scottish Government spending would go up by an average annual rate of 1.8% over the next three years, an increase of between £1.2bn to £3.7bn each year.

But while Scottish Secretary Des Browne said the outcome of the budget and spending review was "very good for Scotland", First Minister Alex Salmond said the figures were misleading and that the true increase was 1.4%.

Labour finance spokesman Iain Gray said the Scottish Government would soon have a budget of £30bn - double that of the first devolved administration in 1999.

Budget tests

"People across Scotland that voted SNP want to know if they were misled," he said.

"If the SNP can't give us more details on promises, such as student debt being written off or grants for first time home buyers, then the SNP will have a lot of explaining to do."

The Tories have set out a series of seven key tests on which they will judge the Nationalists' spending plans, namely taxes, NHS dentistry, affordable housing, justice, rehabilitation, efficiency and improving infrastructure.

"Our assessment of how far the SNP spending plans go in meeting these tests, together with judgement on the budget as a whole, will determine whether we support or oppose the Budget Bill in Parliament," said the party's finance spokesman Derek Brownlee.

Liberal Democrat finance spokesman Tavish Scott, whose party has also devised a series of budget tests, said that any failure of the government to deliver on SNP manifesto commitments would be because it had "promised everything to everyone".

"The SNP are struggling to balance the books on vital public services like more police and teachers," he added.

Posted by fathima at 7:57 PM | | Comments

Fury over treatment of migrants

Fury over treatment of migrants


There have been "glaring errors" in dealing with complaints about the treatment of immigrants being deported from the UK, a report says.
It criticises the denial of rights to those dealt with by private firms on behalf of the Immigration Service.

The Border and Immigration Agency's Complaints Audit Committee adds that "upwards of 20%" of records it has sought have been missing.

One man told the BBC he had been beaten up in a van by security guards.

'Not thorough'

The committee's report, for 2006/07, says investigations into misconduct complaints have been "poor".

Only 8% of complainants were interviewed and 89% of investigations were "neither balanced nor thorough".

As a result, 83% of replies were "indefensible".

The committee - appointed by the Home Office - found 20% of records it had tried to look at had gone missing.

There could only be a "most limited assurance on the quality and integrity of complaints management information we have audited", it added.

Some 71% of misconduct complaints were not completed within time targets.

The report says serious misconduct complaints remain a source of "grave concern to us because of the risks of injury or death, wrongful arrest and civil liability arising from the arrest, detention and removal of failed asylum seekers".

Of those misconduct complaints received, 19% were over criminal behaviour - up from 12% in 2005/06.

'Punched'

One asylum seeker, Apollo Okello, told the BBC he had been bundled onto a plane at Heathrow and refused permission to see his lawyer, with the security guards knowing he already had permission to stay in the UK.

He struggled and was beaten up in the back of a van, he said.

He added:" That's where I was punched - my ribs, my eyes, my neck, my back.

"I was crying, shouting, crying, shouting, then one of his colleagues was very, very aggressive to me...

"Told me that these black monkeys don't want to go back to their country."

In 95% of cases, those investigating the complaints had been from the companies under investigation.

BBC home affairs editor Mark Easton said it had been the most critical report into the Home Office's work that he had seen.

In a statement, the Home Office said: "The Border and Immigration Agency has been actively working with the committee to design a radical, new complaints system which will come on line from February 2008."



Posted by fathima at 7:55 PM | | Comments

Monday, November 12, 2007

Jessica Simpson Brings Style To Soho

Jessica Simpson Brings Style To Soho

After a busy day of posing for pictures and signing autographs for fans at Macy's Herald Square, Jessica Simpson built up quite the appetite and decided to head out to a restaurant in Soho on Saturday (November 3).

Wearing a leopard-print trench coat and knee-high cowgirl boots, the Blonde Ambition babe enjoyed a meal before having to make her way through a crowd of fans and paparazzi that had lined the entrance while she was dining.

Once she finally made it out to her car, Jessica jumped into the back seat - only to have her driver pull out and get stuck in traffic.

Making the most of the tie-up, the With You singer rolled down the window and chatted it up with the crowd of people gathered nearby.

Posted by fathima at 8:12 AM | | Comments

Angelina Jolie Does Press For Beowulf

Angelina Jolie Does Press For Beowulf

While she's currently been filming a new Clint Eastwood directed movie, The Changeling, Angelina Jolie took a break on Saturday night to do a little press work for another one of her new flicks.

The Girl Interrupted actress attended a Los Angeles press conference for Beowulf, which hits theaters nationwide on November 16th.

Wearing casual business attire, Angelina took questions from press and invited guests lucky enough to be in attendance at the function.

If you're yest to hear about Beowulf, it's a movie full of special effects, with a synopsis telling, "The warrior Beowulf must fight and defeat the monster Grendel who is terrorizing towns, and later, Grendel's mother, who begins killing out of revenge."

Enjoy the pictures of Angelina at the Los Angeles press conference on Saturday (November 3).

Posted by fathima at 8:05 AM | | Comments

Britney Spears and Alli Sims' Fun Filled Saturday

Britney Spears and Alli Sims' Fun Filled Saturday

With numerous legal affairs on her plate, Britney Spears took a break from it all by going back to her usual weekend routine.

The troubled pop tart started off her Saturday with a trip to the local tanning salon. Followed by a horde of paparazzi, the Gimme More singer, who was accompanied by Alli Sims, then made her way to the GAP.

There to pick up winter clothes for the boys, Brit and Alli joked around with some fellow shoppers before making a break for the exit.

From there, it was off to a nearby Starbucks, where the media swarmed the store as the two girls ordered up iced blended frappuccinos before driving to their final destination, the Four Seasons hotel.

With days like this, it comes as no surprise that Britney's recently released financial records tell that she spends a whopping $1,036,764 a year.

Posted by fathima at 7:59 AM | | Comments

World Music Awards Kick Off In Monte Carlo

World Music Awards Kick Off In Monte Carlo

Stars of the music industry have descended upon Monte Carlo for the 2007 World Music Awards.

This year's offering is honoring Canadian singer Celine Dion and R&B queen Patti LaBelle for their outstanding careers.

Besides honoring Celine and Patti, a number of music's biggest names are slated to take the stage, including Akon, Avril Lavigne, Rihanna, Ciara, Mexican rock band Mana and Egyptian singer Amr Diab.

Julian McMahon, star of F/X's hit television series "Nip/Tuck," is the host of this year's event.

According to press, "Award winners are named based on worldwide album sales, as certified by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, which is comprised of some 1,400 record companies in 75 countries."

The show is to be taped and broadcast at a later date in 160 countries, with expected viewership to reach approximately 1 billion viewers. In the United States., it will air on November 22nd on My Network TV.

Be sure to check back with Fropki.com for much more - including the winners and a lot more pictures!!!

Posted by fathima at 7:51 AM | | Comments