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New Miss USA crowned in Las Vegas

2011-06-19T23:43:00.000-07:00

A 21-year-old auburn-haired California model won the Miss USA crown Sunday night and will represent the nation in this year's Miss Universe pageant.

Alyssa Campanella of Los Angeles topped a field of 51 beauty queens to take the title at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. She strutted across the stage in a blue bikini with white polka dots and a dark turquoise Sherri Hill evening gown with beading on its top.

She also answered a question about legalizing marijuana by saying she didn't think it should be fully legalized as a solution to help ailing economies.

Campanella told reporters in a news conference after the pageant that the win validated her decision to quickly move to Los Angeles from New Jersey after losing an apartment.

"The downs happen for a reason," she said. "The path that I'm on now is the path that's been meant to be."

Campanella, a former Miss Teen USA runner-up from 2007, when she represented New Jersey, said she has been competing in pageants since she was 15 because of her mom.

"I was going through a tough time in high school and she thought it'd be a great way for me to meet other girls throughout the state," she said. "It's Mom's fault."

Originally from Manalapan, N.J., Campanella began modeling at age 16, graduated from high school a year early and received a scholarship to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, according to her personal website.

Campanella, a history buff who says in her Twitter bio that she was "born in the wrong time period," said she thought the marijuana question posed to her from "Real Housewives of New Jersey" housewife Caroline Manzo was fair, given that she represents California.

"Well, I understand why that question would be asked, especially with today's economy, but I also understand that medical marijuana is very important to help those who need it medically," she said during the pageant.

"I'm not sure if it should be legalized, if it would really affect, with the drug war," she said. "I mean, it's abused today, unfortunately, so that's the only reason why I would kind of be a little bit against it, but medically it's OK."

Marijuana has been legal for medical use in California for about 15 years.

Miss Tennessee Ashley Durham was the first runner-up, while contestants from Alabama and Texas placed third and fourth.

Campanella, a natural blonde, said she dyed her hair six years ago for a part in a play, for a "fiery" character with whom she found she had traits in common.

"It's really brought out the true Alyssa Campanella, I feel, and that's why I really enjoy being a redhead," she said.

Campanella replaces Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih. The 25-year-old from Michigan teared up as she walked across the stage for a final goodbye.

The pageant had three competitions: swimsuit, evening gown and interview question.

The contestants were whittled to 16 after the show's opening number, in which the beauty queens introduced themselves one-by-one. The top 16 were picked by preliminary judges through competitions and interviews during the week before the telecast. Celebrity judges picked the top eight after the swimsuit competition and the top four after the evening gown portion.

Durham appeared to stumble as she answered a question from celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito about whether the First Amendment should protect burning religious books, as it protects burning the flag.

World's longest passenger aircraft

2011-06-19T23:40:00.002-07:00

LE BOURGET: Boeing Co's (BA.N) 747-8 Intercontinental, the new elongated passenger version of its legendary jumbo jet, made its international debut on Sunday, under cloudy skies after a half-hour delay due to wind.

The new model has 467 seats, 51 more than its predecessor, but fewer than the 525-seat A380 made by EADS (EAD.PA) unit Airbus.

The high-profile landing of Boeing's new 747 at the Paris Air Show -- three months after its first flight -- marks a show of engineering strength by the world's second-largest plane maker in a competition for control of the wide-body market.

"We've seen a great deal of interest in the last six to eight months as the market has gotten better," Randy Tinseth, Boeing's vice president of marketing at Boeing's commercial division, told Reuters.

The plane features a new red and orange livery to symbolize the importance of the fast-growing Asian aircraft market.

Boeing has taken 33 orders for the 747-8 Intercontinental, which will be joined in Paris on Monday by the better-selling freighter version of the plane, which has received 76 orders.

Boeing flew its first 747 -- the largest commercial plane it makes -- 42 years ago. Since then, the plane with the distinctive hump has become the world's most recognizable plane.

The 747 was the world's largest airplane until 2005, when Airbus unveiled its A380.

The 747-8 Intercontinental competes with the A380. The upgraded plane promises to burn less fuel and offers more passenger comfort. The plane also boasts new wings, a new tail, state-of-the-art engines and a new cockpit.

The Intercontinental lists at $317.5 million. Germany's Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) has ordered 20 of the planes, and is set to be the first airline to bring the new jumbo into service early next year. Boeing says a VIP customer will take first delivery of an Intercontinental in the fourth quarter of this year.

Production of the new 747 has been delayed as has the mid-sized 787 Dreamliner, a carbon-composite plane, which represents a bigger leap in technology than the revamped 747-8.

The Paris Air Show is the venue of choice for aerospace and defense companies to strut their stuff, to the delight of aviation enthusiasts around the world.

Ground breaking double lung transplant operation performed

2011-06-19T23:40:00.001-07:00

LONDON: A Manchester hospital has carried out a double lung transplant on a cystic fibrosis patient whose life was threatened by a fungal infection.

Dubliner Becky Jones, 20, was airlifted to Wythenshawe Hospital in late May for the operation, after spending more than a year on a waiting list.

"I'm a different person, I can breathe, I can do anything I want," she said.

Professor David Denning said, "If she didn't have a transplant she wouldn't be with us in two year's time."

The hospital said she was the first patient to have a lung transplant with multi-resistant Aspergillus and multiple fungal balls in her own lungs.

Aspergillosis affects 150,000 people a year.

Professor Denning, who is Director of the National Aspergillosis Centre which is based at the hospital, said surgeons had no option but to attempt the transplant even though it had not been tried on patients with this condition.

"It was either have a go or let her drift downwards," he said.

Becky said, "I can travel again, I can go shopping again, I can go to college or just go to lunch at the drop of a hat with my friends, which previously I would have to plan weeks in advance."

James Bond poster fetches fortune at auction

2011-06-19T23:38:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK: The original poster artwork for James Bond movie ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ has sold at a London auction for more than $125,000 (£78,000).

The hand-painted piece made more than three times the original estimate of $38,000 (£24,000) after a collector bid $126,800 (£79,250) at the Christie's sale.

The rare poster features a mis-spelling of actress Lana Wood's name and depicts 007 star Sir Sean Connery holding a gun with two Bond girls at his side.

A poster for the 1942 Humphrey Bogart classic Casablanca also went under the hammer, fetching a staggering $48,000 (£30,000).

Russia won't support use of force on Syria: Medvedev

2011-06-19T23:35:00.003-07:00

MOSCOW: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday Russia will not support the use of force against Syria at the United Nations, speaking about President Bashar al-Assad in sympathetic terms.

"What I am not ready to support is a resolution (similar to the one) on Libya because it is my deep conviction that a good resolution has been turned into a piece of paper that is being used to provide cover for a meaningless military operation," he said.

Speaking in an interview with the Financial Times whose full transcript was released by the Kremlin early Monday, Medvedev referred to a March vote at the UN Security Council which paved the way for a military operation in the North African country.

"Russia will use its Security Council permanent member rights," he said, referring to any proposed resolution on the use of force against Syria.

Medvedev said any other statements on Syria including in the UN Security Council were possible but added that he was not sure the time was right for any of them.

"Right now I am not sure that any resolution is needed because a resolution may say one thing but actions would be quite different. The resolution may say: 'We condemn the use of force in Syria' and after that planes will take off into the air.

"We will be told: 'Well, it says there that we condemn so we condemned, (and) dispatched a certain amount of bombers there.' I don't want it. In any case, I don't want to have it on my conscience," Medvedev said.

The Kremlin chief spoke in sympathetic terms about Assad, whose rule has been rocked by protests demanding greater freedoms and democracy since March.

"Syria faces a very tough choice," he said. "As a person, I feel sorry for President Assad who is in a very difficult situation. As I see it, he wants political changes for his country, he wants reforms.

Man stumbles across $17,000 on sidewalk

2011-06-10T06:59:00.005-07:00

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – Robert Adams craved an ice-cold drink after finishing his shift on a sweltering workday, but not having enough money to buy the burrito he also wanted left him with two obvious choices: Stop at the ATM, or find a bag containing more than $17,000 in cash.

"I wanted to get a large horchata, which is almost like a rice or coconut milk," Adams told the Daily Herald (Arlington Heights) for a story published Wednesday. "I would have grabbed a chorizo burrito, too, but I didn't have enough money."

That changed Monday when the Chicago-area man stood at a Chase ATM in Rolling Meadows, looked down and discovered on the sidewalk near a newspaper box a clear plastic bag containing receipts, checks and $17,021 in cash — mostly $20 and $100 bills bound by a rubber band.

"I see this plastic bag. It's clear plastic and it's half full of money," Adams said. "I figure this is a joke. Somebody took some napkins and made it look like money. This has to be a setup. People are going to look at me and start laughing."

Adams said he never had the urge to keep any of the money.

"It's not my money. I shouldn't take it. I don't care if you put another zero on there, I wasn't raised to take money that isn't mine," said Adams, a 54-year-old single man who lives in Arlington Heights and credits his deceased parents for teaching him right from wrong. "If I saw you drop it, I'd say, `Excuse me, sir. I think you dropped something.'"

The word "Chase" was printed on the bag, so Adams carried it inside the nearby branch.

"I walk up to the teller and say, `I think you might have left this outside,'" said Adams, figuring an employee left it behind after restocking the ATM. But employees told him the machine is filled from inside and the money didn't belong to the bank.

Adams then called police, who along with bank officials later determined the money was meant for an ATM in Midlothian and had been under the care of Loomis, an armored truck company. Rolling Meadows police took the money to the station, where it was picked up by a Loomis official.

Loomis officials said they were investigating, but have not said whether Adams will get a reward.

"I really don't know what happens with this situation," Adams said.

Onesimo Santillan, owner of the Senor Taco restaurant where Adams originally was headed to indulge his cravings, said the actions of his longtime customer don't surprise him.

Sugar Ray Leonard’s shocking revelations

2011-06-10T06:56:00.001-07:00

Sugar Ray Leonard’s depiction of himself in his upcoming autobiography is hardly flattering. He describes himself as a philandering husband, an absentee father and a substance abuser. Perhaps most shockingly, he revealed he was sexually abused by a prominent, but unnamed, boxing coach while preparing for the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.

He was hardly the All-American boy that his carefully crafted image portrayed him to be.

“I’ve done a lot of things in my life that I’m not proud of,” Leonard said soberly during a telephone interview.

He goes into great detail about them in his new book, “The Big Fight: My Life In and Out of the Ring,” co-written with Yahoo! Sports writer and editor Michael Arkush, not out of any sense of duty, but out of a desire to lift a burden from his own back.

Clearly, though, this is no self-help tome. Leonard, 55, didn’t write to help lift the spirits of the downtrodden who are battling the demons he once did. If it is a self-help book, it was written to help one man: Ray Charles Leonard.

“I finally got to a point in my life where I wanted to be totally transparent with my family, my wife, my kids and let go of that burden of pain that I carried inside of my chest for so long,” Leonard said.

This book isn’t the first time he intended to tell the story. More than three decades ago, Leonard hired Pat Putnam, one of the greatest sports writers of the time, to tell his tale.

Leonard, though, couldn’t bring himself to commit to the project and it was eventually scrapped. He was unable to address two separate instances of sexual abuse, because he hadn’t come to terms with them himself.

It was difficult even decades later, long after the coach who allegedly had abused him had died. He said he began to discuss it with Arkush, but couldn’t go into the details. At first, Leonard says, he told Arkush a sanitized version of the story.

He wrote that it wasn’t until he saw actor Todd Bridges on “Oprah” that he decided to write the entire truth.

In the book, he describes the abuse by writing he was in a car across from a recreation center with an Olympic coach. They were ostensibly there to discuss the significance of a gold medal.

“Before I knew it, he had unzipped my pants and put his hand, then mouth, on an area that has haunted me for life,” Leonard wrote. “I didn’t scream. I didn’t look at him. I just opened the door and ran.”

Leonard has been perceived as a heroic figure in boxing since winning the gold medal in 1976 and going on to a career in which he’d defeat legendary fighters such as Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Wilfred Benitez, among many others.

But there is nothing heroic about making an allegation such as he did and then failing to name names. It creates needless speculation about who did it and innocent people, who presumably only helped Leonard and assisted him on his way to superstardom, have become suspect.

Leonard, though, insists he’s handled it appropriately and doesn’t believe he’s necessarily cast aspersion upon innocent men.

“The people who are innocent, they know they’re innocent and they won’t even think of it, precisely because they’re innocent,” Leonard told Yahoo! Sports. “The people who are the perpetrators, if I would say their names, reveal their names, that would cause a lot of pain and suffering for their families and their kids. I didn’t think I had to do that. I could state what happened to me without going further and naming names and creating more pain for anyone else.”

Leonard said he told his first wife, Juanita, about the abuse, but that she didn’t respond in a way that would encourage further discussion. He said he later told his current wife, Bernadette, at a time when he’d had too much to drink.

Leonard, who said he hasn’t consumed either drugs or alcohol in nearly five years, said he resorted to substance abuse as a way of making the pain and the embarrassment he felt over the sexual abuse go away.

“When you’re a boxer, there is a lot of downtime and long periods of inactivity,” Leonard said. “The drugs I took and the alcohol I consumed, they were my own way of putting a Band-Aid on things. They were a long-term Band-Aid. That’s what I felt like. I was an emotional wreck and I needed something to help me.”

Leonard, who said he had wanted to go to the University of Maryland and pursue a career as an X-ray technician rather than becoming a boxer, said counseling has enabled him to come to terms with his past.

Why smokers gain weight when they quit

2011-06-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Scientists say they've finally discovered why smokers tend to gain some weight when they kick the habit.

It turns out that nicotine can rev up brain cells that normally signal people to stop eating when they're full, researchers report in Friday's edition of the journal Science.

The weight connection isn't huge: On average, quitters gain less than 10 pounds. Still, it's a worry that many smokers cite when asked why they don't try to quit. Now the question is whether the discovery might lead to better treatments to help them quit without worrying about weight.

Yale University associate research scientist Yann Mineur stumbled onto the connection while studying a nicotine-related substance in mice - and the animals suddenly started eating less.

Nicotine hooks onto a variety of receptors, or docking sites, on the surface of cells. That's how it triggers addiction in one part of the brain.

But when it comes to weight, the Yale research found that both nicotine and the related drug cytisine were activating a different receptor than the one involved in addiction. This one is located on a small set of neurons in the hypothalamus, a region that regulates appetite.

When they gave nicotine to mice without that cellular pathway, it didn't help them lose weight like it did normal mice.

Smoking causes cancer, heart attacks and a host of other ailments so worry about modest weight gain shouldn't deter someone from quitting. But smokers who do have that concern should try nicotine-based smoking-cessation treatments, said study senior author Marina Picciotto, a Yale professor of psychiatry and neurobiology.

The other drug used in the mouse experiments, cytisine, is sold in Eastern Europe for smoking cessation but not in the U.S., and she'd like to see if there's data on the weight of smokers abroad who've used it.

Apple unveils 'spaceship' campus

2011-06-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

Apple CEO Steve Jobs made an unannounced visit to the June 7 City Council meeting in Cupertino, home of the computer giant, to reveal plans for a new, state-of-the-art Apple headquarters, reports the Cupertino Courier.

The stunning design resembles a "spaceship;" it will be four stories and house 12,000.

"I think we do have a shot at building the best office building in the world," says Jobs, who also made a rare appearance earlier in the week at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

The current Apple campus has some 2,800 employees, with the rest disbursed in rented buildings throughout the city.

The new base will sit on 150 acres near Pruneridge Avenue and Wolfe Road currently home to Hewlett-Packard, which will be relocating next year. The circular building will be an architectural feat and will tout a large inner courtyard.

"There is not a single straight piece of glass in this building," says Jobs.

The grounds will be transformed from primarily asphalt to green. Parking will go underground and the CEO says Apple plans to almost double the 3,700 trees on the property. He wants to add apricot orchards like the ones he recalls growing up with nearby.

The structure will also be fueled primarily by natural gas.

Councilman Orrin Mahoney said of the proposal, "The word spectacular would be an understatement." He added that the Council looks forward to working with Jobs to move it through the process.

Leader's gift to Clinton gets big laughs

2011-06-09T00:18:00.000-07:00

Clinton, who possesses them in virtually every color of the rainbow, has made suits her fashion uniform of choice during her time in the public eye. And so prior to yesterday's state dinner, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is herself a pantsuit fan, poked some gentle fun at the Secretary of State's wardrobe, via an unusual gift--taking care to tell Clinton that "you may take it in a playful mode."

When they met on Tuesday, Merkel presented Clinton with a framed copy of the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper featuring an Associated Press photo of the two leaders during the Secretary of State's visit to Germany this past April.

The photo was of Clinton and Merkel, in their signature pantsuits, captured from the waist down and featured the caption, "Which one is Merkel and which one is Clinton?" The following page of the paper revealed the full photo--which Merkel included on the back of the framed gift she presented to Clinton Tuesday.

Disastrous sales figures for Lady Gaga

2011-06-09T00:13:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga's Born This Way set another record this week, but not one that Gaga's team will be happy about. Sales of the album dropped off by 84% from its sizzling (but discount-inflated) opening week. That's the the steepest drop-off in sales, expressed in a percentage basis, of any of the 17 albums that sold 1 million units in a week in Nielsen SoundScan history.

Gaga's album sold 174,000 copies this week, down from 1,108,000 last week, when sales were goosed by a two-day, 99-cent sale at Amazon.

The old record for the steepest drop-off following a million-unit week was held by *NSYNC's 2001 album Celebrity. Sales dropped by 76% in the week following its 1,880,000 debut. Two recent albums were tied for second place in the steepest drop-off column. Sales of Lil Wayne's 2008 hit Tha Carter III and Taylor Swift's 2010 smash Speak Now both dropped off by 69% in the week following their debuts of 1,006,000 and 1,047,000, respectively.

A big drop-off was to be expected. But the fact that Gaga's drop-off was steeper than any of the other follow-ups to albums that had a million-unit week is troublesome. It seems obvious that the opening week tally for Born This Way was generated not only by hard-core fans, but also by casual fans who just didn't want to pass up such a deal. Last week's near giveaway worked in the short term (by giving Gaga the biggest one-week sales total since 2005), but it may have also served to devalue albums in general and Gaga's brand in particular.

Born This Way may not even log a third week at #1. Adele's 21, which is currently 53K copies behind Born This Way, could easily return to the top spot next week.

You may be wondering why *NSYNC's album experienced such a sharp drop-off in its second week. Celebrity was released 16 months after the boy band reached its peak with No Strings Attached. In the world of boy bands, 16 months is a lifetime.

If you want to know which three albums experienced the mildest drop-offs in the weeks following their million-plus weeks, here you go. Sales of 50 Cent's 2005 album The Massacre slipped by just 32% in the week following its 1,141,000 debut. Sales of Eminem's 2002 album The Eminem Show dropped by 39% in the week following its 1,322,000 debut. Sales of Garth Brooks' 1998 double-disk set Double Live slipped by 40% in the week following its 1,085,000 debut.

Born This Way fell off even more sharply in the digital realm. The album sold 38K digital copies this week, a 94% drop from its record-setting opening week total of 662K. Born This Way isn't even #1 on this week's Digital Albums chart. That honor goes instead to Death Cab for Cutie's Codes And Keys, which sold 59K digital copies (57% of its total).

Born This Way holds at #1 in the U.K. for the second week, but it drops from #1 to #7 in Japan. Gaga's previous full-length, The Fame, logged seven weeks at #1 in the U.K., but didn't reach #1 in Japan.

Adele's 21 rebounds from #3 to #2 on The Billboard 200. The album has ranked in the top three for each of its first 15 weeks. This is the best showing by any album since Alicia Keys' As I Am ranked in the top three for each of its first 15 weeks in 2007-2008. Both albums were powered by songs that had long runs at #1 on the Hot 100. Keys' "No One" logged five weeks on top. I expect Adele's "Rolling In The Deep" to hold the top spot for a fifth week when the chart is released later today.

21 tops the 2 million mark in sales this week. It's the first album to sell 2 million copies in 2011. This is later in the year than we saw the first 2 million-seller of 2010 (Lady Antebellum's Need You Now hit the 2 million mark in the week ending May 9), but it's ahead of the pace for 2009 (Michael Jackson's Number Ones reached the 2 million mark in the week ending Oct. 25.)

Eddie Vedder's Ukulele Songs debuts at #4. It's Vedder's first solo studio album. He reached #11 with the 2007 soundtrack to Into The Wild. All nine of Vedder's studio albums with Pearl Jam have made the top 10. The band's best-seller is its first album, Ten, which has sold 9,869,000 copies.

Vedder enters Top Music Videos at #1 with Water On The Road: Eddie Vedder Live. The video sold 11K copies, which allowed it to unseat AC/DC's Live At River Plate, which had topped the chart the last three weeks. Pearl Jam reached #1 on Top Music Videos with Touring Band 2000 (for five weeks in 2001) and Immagine In Cornice/Picture 1 (for one week in 2007).

Lil Wayne's "How To Love" vaults from #52 to #5 in its second week (its first full week) on Hot Digital Songs. The song entered the Hot 100 last week at #69. How high will it climb this week? Check back later today when we post Chart Watch: Songs.

Here's the low-down on this week's top 10 albums.

1. Lady Gaga, Born This Way, 174,000. The album logs its second week at #1. Four songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs, topped by "The Edge Of Glory," which holds at #4 for the second week.

2. Adele, 21, 121,000. The former #1 album rebounds from #3 to #2 in its 15th week. Four songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs, topped by "Rolling In The Deep," which hold at #1 for the fifth straight week.

3. Death Cab for Cutie, Codes And Keys, 102,000. This new entry is the group's third straight top five album. It follows Plans (#4 in 2005) and Narrow Stairs (#1 in 2008). "You Are A Tourist" enters Hot Digital Songs at #153.

4. Eddie Vedder, Ukulele Songs, 71,000. This new entry is Vedder's first solo studio album. He debuted and peaked at #11 with the 2007 soundtrack to Sean Penn's Into The Wild.

5. My Morning Jacket, Circuital, 55,000. This new entry is the group's second top 10 (and first top five) album. Evil Urges hit #9 in 2008. "Circuital" enters Hot Digital Songs at #86.

6. Brad Paisley, This Is Country Music, 53,000. The album drops from #2 to #6 in its second week. It holds at #1 on the Country Albums chart. "Old Alabama" (featuring Alabama) holds at #68 for the second week on Hot Digital Songs.

7. Various Artists, Now 38, 39,000. The album dips from #6 to #7 in its fifth week. It has been listed in the top 10 the entire time. The album has sold 327K copies.

8. Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party, 33,000. The album inches up from #9 to #8 in its 31st week. This is its ninth week in the top 10. Three songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs, topped by "Dirt Road Anthem," which jumps from #23 to #16.

9. Flogging Molly, Speed Of Darkness, 25,000. This new entry is the group's second top 10 album. Float debuted and peaked at #4 in 2008. "Don't Shut ‘Em Down" enters Hot Digital Songs at #112.

10. Soundtrack, Glee, The Music: Season Two Volume 6, 25,000. The album drops from #4 to #10 in its second week. Two songs from the album are listed on Hot Digital Songs. "Light Up The World" drops from #17 to #97. "Pretending" drops from #21 to #120.

Four albums drop out of the top 10 this week. Maybach Music Groups Presents: Self Made, Vol. I drops from #5 to #12, NKOTBSB's NKOTBSB drops from #7 to #22, Foster The People's Torches drops from #8 to #25 and Mumford & Sons' Sigh No More dips from #10 to #11.

Adele's 2008 album 19 jumps from #21 to #15. It's #1 on Top Catalog Albums for the 14th time in the past 16 weeks. Among all albums, it's #33 for the year-to-date. (By comparison, last year's top catalog album, Michael Jackson's Number Ones, ranked #78 among all albums for the year.)

Trin-I-Tee 5:7's Angel & Chanelle bows at #20. It's the highest-charting album to date for the female contemporary gospel trio, which first charted in 1998...Black Stone Cherry's Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea debuts at #29. It's the Southern rock band's second top 30 album...Jordan Knight's Unfinished debuts at #48. With New Kids on The Block, Knight amassed five top 10 albums between 1989 and last week, when NKOTBSB reached #7.

Dave Matthews Band's Live At Wrigley Field debuts at #49. Jimmy Buffett had a hit video with the same title in 2006. The Police, Rascal Flatts and the high-powered duo of Elton John and Billy Joel have also performed at the fabled Chicago baseball stadium...Country Strong holds at #71. It's the top-ranking soundtrack to a theatrically-released movie for the 14th week.

X-Men: First Class, the fifth installment in the X-Men franchise, was #1 at the box-office over the weekend. It bumps off the sequel to The Hangover, which in turn bumped off the fourth installment in the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise. Sequels didn't used to be much of a factor in movie-making. This started to change with the success of The Godfather Part II in 1974. (The soundtrack to X-Men: First Class sold 1K copies this week, too few to make The Billboard 200.)

Guns N' Roses' 2004 compilation Greatest Hits tops the 5 million mark in sales this week. It's the band's second album to reach this plateau. Its 1987 debut, Appetite For Destruction, has sold 5,082,000 copies since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991. (It sold millions more copies in its first four years of release.)

Two weeks ago, Carrie Underwood became the first former American Idol contestant to top the 2 million mark in U.S. sales with three different albums. She achieved the feat as Play On topped the 2 million mark. It follows Some Hearts, which is up to 7,110,000, and Carnival Ride, which is up to 3,198,000. Three former Idol contestants (Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken and Daughtry) have each amassed two million-selling albums. Four more (Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks and David Cook) have each notched one.

I hope you're going to watch the Tony Awards on Sunday night. The Book Of Mormon is heavily favored to win Best Musical. It's vying with The Scottsboro Boys and musical adaptations of the movies Catch Me If You Can and Sister Act. Anything Goes and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying are competing for Best Musical Revival. (Anything Goes originally opened on Broadway in November 1934. How To Succeed... originally opened in October 1961.) The cast album to The Book Of Mormon has sold 20K digital copies in three weeks. The CD was released yesterday. Expect it to return to the chart next week.

Coming Attractions: Tech N9ne's All 6's And 7's and All Time Low's Dirty Work are expected to be next week's top new entries, each with sales in the range of 50K. Ronnie Dunn's solo debut, Ronnie Dunn, is expected to start with sales of about 45K. Dunn notched nine top 10 albums as one-half of Brooks & Dunn. Also due: Arctic Monkeys' Suck It And See, Def Leppard's Walmart exclusive Mirrorball: Live And More, Iron Maiden's From Fear To Eternity: The Best Of 1990-2010 and Randy Travis' Anniversary Celebration.

Five worst beach-body foods

2011-06-09T00:11:00.000-07:00

Celebrity photographers love nothing more than to catch a pop phenomenon emerging from the surf in St. Barts looking a little flabby, so they can sell their "Shocking Weight Gain!" headlines at the drugstore checkout. Is it unfair? You bet. Are you and I going to stare at the pictures anyways? Oh, yeah.

We like seeing celebs look less than perfect because, come swimsuit season, we all feel like we're being gawked at; and whether those photos wind up in the tabloids or on our mom's Facebook page, we all want to look our best. So what can you do when the cover-ups are about to come off and the cameras about to turn on?

It's simple: Avoid self-sabotage by letting Eat This, Not That! 2011 guide you through the foods and drinks that can cause bloating, water retention, and short-term weight gain—snacks that can make you look flabbier than you really are.

Below, I've listed the very worst beach-body foods and beverages, and some smart alternatives that will help you make this summer your leanest, fittest, healthiest ever! (Note to Lady Gaga: These are foods that you eat. Not foods that you wear. Just FYI.)

#5: WORST DRINK
Diet Coke (12 fl. oz. bottle) and other diet sodas
0 calories
0 g fat
0 g sugar

No calories, no fat, and no sugar—so what's the harm? For starters, the carbon dioxide that supplies soda's fizz will continue to burble and expand in your stomach, priming you for serious bloat. That's the short-term effect. The long-term could be even worse: The artificial sweeteners in diet soda might actually inhibit weight loss. Studies have shown that rats consuming artificial sweeteners consume more calories at subsequent meals. It's as if the promise of calories, without the payoff, causes the body to crave food. Below is a better beach-day beverage: Hint Water. By drinking water, you keep your body flushed out and your skin looking healthy, and since Hint uses natural flavors, you earn all the boons of hydration without suffering the downsides of sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Drink This Instead!
Hint Cucumber Water (16 fl. oz.)
0 calories
0 g fat
0 g sugar

DROP 15 POUNDS FOR SUMMER: You can lose a couple of inches fast--and without dieting. Follow me on Twitter right here for daily weight-loss secrets. And win a chance to show off your new body and tell your success story in Men's Health or Women’s Health by joining our Fit For Life Summer Challenge!

#4: WORST SNACK
Broccoli with ranch dressing (1 cup broccoli and 2 Tbsp dressing)
170 calories
14.5 g fat (2 g saturated)
370 mg sodium

Broccoli, like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, falls into a class of produce known as cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, and as such, they should be consumed as often as possible. That said, you might want to hold off your day's broccoli until you're off the beach. Cruciferous vegetables contain a sugar called raffinose—the same sugar that gives beans their heavy-winded reputation. In your gut, raffinose is fermented by gas-producing bacteria, which can make you feel bloated and gassy. That's not necessarily unhealthy, but it might lead to some awkward beach photos. Instead, if you're picking beach-bound snacks, pair high-fiber tortilla chips with low-calorie salsa. And be sure to avoid the dietary disasters on this list: The Worst Chips and Dips in America.

Eat This Instead!
Food Should Taste Good Jalepeno chips with salsa (1 oz. chips/2 T. salsa)
150 calories
6 g fat (0.5 g saturated)
340 mg sodium

#3: WORST DESSERT
Russell Stover’s Sugar Free Toffee Squares (1.6 oz.)
210 calories
16 g fat (9 g saturated)
0 g sugar

Don't be duped into thinking that these candies are "healthy" just because they're sugar free. First, each serving has nearly half your day's saturated fat, and second, it contains 23 grams of sugar alcohol, a sweet carbohydrate that provides fewer calories per gram than actual sugar. These sweeteners aren't fully absorbed in the body, and as result, they simply ferment and emit gas. For some people, this causes severe discomfort and bloating. Stick with fruit and you'll avoid the problem entirely.

Eat This Instead!
Fruit Salad of Banana, Mango, and Papaya (1 cup)
78 calories
0 g fat
14 g sugar

Bonus tip: A day in the sun will probably leave you craving something sweet at night. Check out this indispensable Eat This, Not That! list of the 15 Best & Worst Desserts in America.

#2: WORST DINNER
Stouffer’s Skillets Easy Express Broccoli & Beef (1/2 package)
350 calories
6 g fat (2.5 g saturated)
1,660 mg sodium

Looking beyond the raffinose-riddled broccoli, this meal is stuck with an absurd amount of sodium. If you're hungry enough to work through an entire bag, you've just exceeded your day's allotment by nearly 50 percent. Why is that a problem? Because sodium is an electrolyte that tells your body to withhold water. That's not the same as being properly hydrated. See, sodium-induced water retention causes you to carry water weight, which makes you appear swollen and puffy. Unless you're going for a beached-whale look, seek low-sodium foods before hitting the waves.

Eat This Instead!
Birds Eye Viola! Shrimp Scampi (1.75 cups)
190 calories
2.5 g fat (1 g saturated)
540 mg sodium

HEALTH SHOCKER: Beware—Mr. Salty is running loose at your local supermarket and in your favorite restaurants! Click here to check out our shocking list of the 30 Saltiest Foods in America.

#1: WORST SMOOTHIE
Smoothie King The Hulk Strawberry (20 oz.)
1,035 calories
32 g fat (13 g saturated)
125 g sugar

Few foods are as disarming as smoothies. The liquid meals have a reputation for being healthy and low in calories, which seems like a perfect combination right before you bear all on the beach. But let this be your warning: Not all smoothies are created equal. This one from Smoothie King packs as much sugar as 91 Nilla Wafers and more fat than a McDonald's Big Mac. If you drink something like this with any regularity, you might unknowingly be sabotaging your beach body all summer long. Make the swap to Smoothie King's Strawberry Shredder just three times a week and you'll drop more than two pounds every month.

Eat This Instead!
Smoothie King Strawbery Shredder (20 oz.)
356 calories
1 g fat (0 g saturated)
41 g sugar

DID YOU KNOW? The average American consumes 450 liquid calories every day—that's a quarter of your daily allowance! And sugar-laden summer drinks are some of the worst offenders. See which summertime beverage is the worst offender in our must-see list of The 20 Worst Drinks in America!

How Target stumbled with customers

2011-06-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

A series of recent stumbles at Target Corp. has some retail experts questioning whether the cheap-chic discounter is losing its cachet.

The chain that made it trendy to shop for low-priced designer clothing and mod lamps while picking up detergent and toothpaste has been struggling to gain back its pre-recession sales strength.

Target shoppers are stocking up on toilet paper and foodstuffs, but the stores are having a hard time enticing customers to spend money on stylish clothing and home goods—which are more profitable and make up more than 40% of annual sales. It was these apparel and decorating items—mixing mass with class—that set Target apart and allowed it to be one of the few discount chains to thrive against Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s relentlessly low prices.

For the fiscal first quarter, the Minneapolis-based retailer notched just a 2% gain in same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, falling short of analysts' expectations for a gain of 3% to 4%. Last Thursday it reported its May sales rose 2.8%, at the low end of its guidance.

Target shares are trading near a 52-week low, having fallen 22% from a year ago. On Tuesday, the stock closed at $47.06 at 4 p.m. on the New York Stock Exchange.

When Target holds its annual meeting Wednesday in Pittsburgh, executives will likely blame a year of lackluster results on the fragile economic recovery. "Our guests continue to shop cautiously," Target Chief Executive Gregg Steinhafel said last week, echoing his earlier sentiments. "We believe these households need to see further improvements in housing and income growth before they'll meaningfully increase their discretionary spending."

But some retail analysts and experts think Target may be suffering from other problems beyond the uneven economic recovery. Adrianne Shapira, retail analyst at Goldman Sachs, said Target has confused its shoppers by emphasizing food and low prices at the expense of its cool image. In 2009, in the depths of the recession, Target began adding fresh and expanded refrigerated foods to most of its 1,750 stores. To boost loyalty, last year it began rolling out a 5% across-the-board discount for customers using its Target-branded credit and debit cards.

These were good moves during the recession, but the pendulum may have swung too far, attracting more medium- and low-income shoppers at the expense of the higher-end shopper. While food can drive shopping trips, profit margins are slim.

Expressing concern that Target has become too much of a moving target for consumers, Ms. Shapira said, "It is as if they have fallen off people's shopping list for discretionary products."

Tommy Yanez, a Corpus Christi, Texas, hairdresser, said he paid off his Target credit card three months ago and hasn't been back since. "The home stuff is good looking but you can find it other places now, too," said Mr. Yanez. "Target's 5% discount is nice, but it is not as good as Kohl's 20% off coupons."

Target counters that it remains committed to its "Expect More, Pay Less" slogan and that it "continues to generate excitement" with its in-house brands such as Merona and its designer partnerships, such as the Missoni for Target collection coming in September.

Even now Target has a higher income base than Wal-Mart, with the median Target household earning $60,000 a year. In its high-flying days, analysts considered Target's retail peers to be the department stores and off-mall retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. When the recession hit, Wal-Mart and the dollar stores sales grew while Target and most of its peers were hammered.

In the past year, middle and upper-end retailers bounced back while Target lagged behind. "Macy's is winning in apparel and Bed Bath & Beyond has picked up a lot of market share," said Ms. Shapira. Home furnishings are "doing very poorly at Target. In a world that no longer has Linens 'N Things, you would think Target would have picked up some market share." (Linens 'N Things closed its stores in 2008 but exists online.)

Some of Target's struggles may also owe to the changing competitive landscape. Kohl's Corp. and J.C. Penney Co. in recent years have taken a page from the Target playbook, adding low-price designer clothes from Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren and others.

"Remember, when Target had the most success in apparel, the department stores were still figuring things out and were in disarray," said Brian Sozzi, retail analyst at Wall Street Strategies.

Star unleashes anti-Kardashian rant

2011-06-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

"Who the hell is Kim Kardashian?" Edie answered when asked if she watches reality television, during an interview with New York Magazine's Vulture blog posted on Tuesday. "Who are these people and why are they famous and why are they advertising things and being asked their opinions about things? I just don't understand what these people did to be in a position of having everyone ask their opinions about stuff.

"If there's something about her personality or something that she's accomplished or her philosophy on something -- but beyond that I don't understand what's happening," she added. "It's actually frightening."

Edie -- a four-time Emmy Award winner -- who rose to small screen fame as mob matriarch Carmela Soprano on HBO's mafia drama, "The Sopranos," recently received her first Tony Award nomination for her role in the Broadway revival of "House of Blue Leaves."

However, the 47-year-old actress said appreciation from her fans means far more to her than industry recognition.

"I have an ambivalent relationship with awards shows," she told the blog. "What it means to me is that I am considered a legitimate member of this community... But as far as personal meaningfulness, the meaningful thing is when someone recognizes me on the street and just starts blathering things about how much they love a show that I'm in or something."

Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Democrats shun Weiner as scandal grows

2011-06-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) – Calls for Representative Anthony Weiner's resignation, including from some fellow Democrats, mounted on Wednesday, two days after he confirmed details of an online sex scandal.

Word also emerged that the wife he has publicly humiliated is pregnant.

Democrats in Congress, distancing themselves from the once rising liberal Democratic political star, are becoming increasingly concerned about the political fallout.

A House Democratic aide said late on Wednesday, "There are strong signals coming from members that represent a growing concern in the caucus about his actions and you see members speaking out."

Allyson Schwartz, a member of the House of Representatives Democratic campaign committee, made it clear she had seen enough of the scandal that was tarnishing the party's image.

"Having the respect of your constituents is fundamental for a member of Congress. In light of Anthony Weiner's offensive behavior ... he should resign," Schwartz said.

Weiner, 46, who many had seen as the next mayor of New York, is resisting calls he step down for sending lewd photos of himself to women with whom he had held steamy online chats.

"I think his hope and instinct is that he can stick it out," said a senior New York Democrat, asking not to be identified. "We'll see."

But there were deeper questions about Weiner's political future after an explicit photo of the congressman reportedly surfaced on the Internet on Wednesday.

"As Representative Weiner said on Monday when he took responsibility for his actions, he has sent explicit photos," a spokeswoman said in a statement.

"To reiterate, he has never met any of these women or had physical contact with them. As he said, he deeply regrets the pain he has caused. With the full support of his wife, he is working on righting these wrongs with his family and his colleagues," the statement added.

Huma Abedin, 35, an aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who married the congressman a year ago, is in the early stages of pregnancy with the couple's first child, The New York Times reported, citing three unidentified people with knowledge of the situation.

The Times said the couple had disclosed the pregnancy to close friends and family.

HAS VOWED TO REMAIN IN POST

After vehemently denying for more than a week that he sent a picture of his bulging boxer briefs to a woman in Seattle, claiming he was the victim of hacking, Weiner tearfully admitted to lying about the scandal on Monday.

He also vowed to remain in his post and preserve his marriage to Abedin. Former President Bill Clinton officiated at their wedding last July amid much fanfare that Washington's newest power couple was made of a Muslim, Abedin, and a Jew, Weiner.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has asked the House Ethics Committee to investigate whether Weiner violated any of the chamber's rules, and former Democratic Party Chairman Tim Kaine, now running for the Senate from Virginia, said Weiner should step down.

House Republican Leader Eric Cantor on Tuesday became the first top lawmaker to say Weiner should quit.

Dan Ripp of Bradley Woods, a private firm that tracks Washington for investors, said he expected Weiner to quit within days.

"I think he's history," Ripp said. "Democrats aren't giving him the time of day. He has no clout. His own party is looking at him like a bozo. He is dragging them down."

Paralysed stuntman completes London marathon

2011-06-08T23:55:00.000-07:00

LONDON: The 51-year-old, paralysed and brain-damaged after a motorbike crash in 1996, completed the 42km (26 mile) route and raised £75,000 for charities Children with Leukaemia and The Eddie Kidd Foundation.

‘I’m lost for words,’ said his wife, Sam, 42. 'It's the best thing he has ever done. I'm so proud of him.

'It's amazing. He'd done it, he's done it! The one thing I would say to anyone out there who's disabled, injured or sick: get some perspective. If Eddie can do it, so can you.'

As a beaming Eddie walked the last steps of the marathon on a special frame, helped by Sam, actor Ray Winstone and former The Bill star Graham Cole, crowds of supporters erupted in jubilation.

His wife, a former model, cried with joy as her husband was sprayed with the drink by family and friends in celebration.

'Pirates' again plunders overseas box office

2011-06-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES: "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" continues to take no prisoners in its siege of the overseas box office, topping the chart this past weekend with an impressive $69.4 million in about 50 territories. With a total gross close to $800 million worldwide, the overall franchise is now sailing toward $3.5 billion in global receipts.

In second place, "The Hangover Part II" continues to drink in heavy amounts of international cash, tossing back $63.8 million in its second weekend of release in more than 40 territories, and with a worldwide tab so far of more than $347 million.

Debuting internationally in third place with $61 million in about 40 territories was "X-Men: First Class." The fifth installment of the successful series of films has earned over $130 million worldwide and demonstrates the appeal of super heroes both overseas as well as in North America.

"Kung Fu Panda 2" had a solid fourth place international showing in its second weekend, with $38.4 million in around 20 territories and a family-driven global total of more than $262 million.

Here are the rest of the top 20 movies at international theaters last weekend, followed by their international gross for the weekend (excluding North America), number of theater locations, number of territories, worldwide gross to date (including North America), and number of weeks in release as compiled Wednesday by Rentrak Theatrical and provided by Hollywood.com:

5. "Fast Five," $6,242,537, 5,127 locations, 45 territories, $551,191,301, seven weeks.
6. "Rio," $3,296,936, 3,159 locations, 37 territories, $460,604,351, nine weeks.
7. "Sunny," $2,693,171, locations unavailable, one territory, $28,186,415, five weeks.
8. "The Tree of Life," $2,576,664, 525 locations, 10 territories, $11,855,760, four weeks.
9. "Midnight in Paris," $2,554,008, 921 locations, three territories, $24,852,778, four weeks.
10. "Paradise Kiss," $2,543,730, 303 locations, one territory, $2,543,730, one week.
11. "Princess Toyotomi," $2,290,445, locations unavailable, one territory, $9,337,251, two weeks.
12. "Drucker in the Dug-Out," $2,251,959, locations unavailable, one territory, $2,251,959, one week.
13. "Monsieur Papa," $1,835,071, 325 locations, three territories, $2,092,141, one week.
14. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules," $1,810,964, 957 locations, 6 territories, $64,372,840, 11 weeks.
15. "Water For Elephants," $1,741,932, 1,816 locations, three territories, $108,110,064, eight weeks.
16. "Source Code," $1,612,580, 957 locations, 20 territories, $110,091,830, 10 weeks.
17. "Black Swan," $1,489,334, 21 locations, eight territories, $318,993,096, 20 weeks.
18. "The Rabbi's Cat," $1,412,336, 257 locations, three territories, $1,630,099, one week.
19. "Paul," $1,354,869, 187 locations, 12 territories, $90,940,029, 11 weeks.
20. "The Lincoln Lawyer," $1,350,677, 888 locations, 17 territories, $77,198,462, 12 weeks.

Pak needs to do more in fight against terrorism: CIA Chief

2011-06-08T23:47:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Cooperating with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism is essential to maintain pressure on Al-Qaeda after Osama bin Laden's death, CIA chief Leon Panetta said ahead of a US Senate hearing Thursday.

"Continuing cooperation with Pakistan is critical to keep a tremendous amount of pressure on Al-Qaeda's leadership and the networks that provide it support and safe haven at a time when it is most vulnerable," Panetta said in written responses to US lawmakers.

But he warned that Pakistan, which is a large recipient of US aid, needed to do more to step up in the fight against terrorism. "Future requests for security assistance will be informed by Pakistan's response to the counter-terrorism steps we have proposed," he said.

Panetta is to attend Thursday's hearing of the Senate Armed Services committee as it considers his nomination to be the next secretary of defense to replace Robert Gates.

The current CIA chief acknowledged in his responses that "the relationship with Pakistan is not always easy and we have our differences." But he said: "One of the key lessons from this operation is that we have seen no clear evidence to indicate that senior Pakistani leaders were involved in harboring Osama bin Laden or knew of his whereabouts."

The Al-Qaeda leader and mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attacks was killed by a US commando raid on his Pakistani hideout on May 2, after a decade-long manhunt to find him.

"If confirmed, I will continue to work with our partners in both Afghanistan and Pakistan to achieve our goal of eliminating terrorist networks that threaten the United States and our allies and partners," Panetta wrote.

Pakistan has lost some 11,000 soldiers in its counter-terrorism operations in the northwestern tribal areas and has suffered "more than 30,000 civilian casualties in recent years, most recently in significant attacks following the bin Laden operation," he said. But he stressed: "It is vital that Pakistan live up to its end of the bargain, cooperating more fully in counterterrorism matters and ceasing to provide sanctuary to Afghan Taliban and other insurgent groups."

PEMRA issues licence to ‘Geo Super’

2011-06-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on the directives of Supreme Court, has issued licence to ‘Geo Super’ to operate from Pakistan after more than two months, Geo News reported.

According to spokesman for ‘Geo’, PEMRA issued licence to ‘Geo Super’ late Wednesday night.

Pakistan's only sports channel was closed by Pemra for over 60 days. It had been more than 60 days that Geo Super had been closed down due to refusal of the government and Pemra to allow the channel to uplink sports events, news and views from Pakistan.

The Supreme Court on June 06 not only directed Pemra to immediately issue a licence to Geo Super but also ordered that the compliance report to this effect be submitted to the court within three days. Ruling that Pemra had no right to keep the case pending for four years, the court observed that under Article 4 of the Constitution, no excuses from Pemra were tenable anymore.

The three-member bench of the apex court comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Tariq Pervaiz and Justice Amir Hani Muslim heard the case regarding non-issuance of licence to Geo Super.

Women in Weiner scandal step forward

2011-06-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

That's the big question a day after the New York congressman admitted to lying about sending a lewd photo of his crotch to a Seattle college student via Twitter. In a news conference yesterday, Weiner owned up to sending the photo and admitted that he'd sent similar pictures to six different women he met online over the last three years.

Yet Weiner's biggest problem could be the continuing drip of revelations as some of the women he allegedly communicated have come forward to tell their side of the story. So far, three women have claimed online relationships with Weiner, hinting they have more pictures and hundreds of lurid texts that could prove to be even more politically embarrassing to the congressman:

•Meagan Broussard: A 26-year-old single mom from Texas, Broussard is the women who provided the photos of Weiner published yesterday on Andrew Breitbart's Big Government site. She provided dozens of photos, emails, Facebook messages and cell phone call logs to ABC News detailing her online relationship with Weiner, which began in April. "I didn't think it was him," she told ABC. "I thought for sure, 'Why would someone in that position be doing this?'
•Lisa Weiss: A 40-year-old blackjack dealer in Las Vegas, Weiss told RadarOnline that she "sexted" with Weiner for nine months, beginning last August after they exchanged messages on Facebook. She claims to have more than 200 messages from Weiner and says the congressman phoned her from his private congressional line during work hours. "A few days later, I tried to call him back on that number," Weiss told Radar. "But the number wouldn't connect to his office; instead there was a recorded message that it was an outgoing U.S. Congress line only."

•Ginger Lee: A former porn star, Lee allegedly sexted with Weiner for months. She has provided emails to TMZ that allegedly show Weiner pressured her to lie about their relationship—going so far as offer "someone on team" to advise her on how to handle the media. On June 2, Weiner allegedly drafted a statement for Lee, that suggested she was merely followed the congressman on Twitter. "The key is to have a short, thought out statement that tackles the top line questions and then refer people back to it," Weiner allegedly wrote. "Have a couple of iterations of: 'This is silly . . . . And then maybe insert some y'alls in there."

Yet at least one woman at the center of the Weiner scandal has remained silent in light of the allegations: Huma Abedin, a longtime aide to Hillary Clinton who married Weiner last July.

Abedin did not appear with Weiner at his news conference yesterday. He admitted that while he had told her about his past online dealings with women that he had lied to her until yesterday about the Twitter photo he sent over Memorial Day weekend.

"My wife is a remarkable woman," Mr. Weiner said. "She's not responsible for any of this. This was visited upon her. She's getting back--getting back to work. And I apologize to her very deeply."

As the New York Times' Ashley Parker writes today, Abedin and Weiner were a classic tale of opposites attracting. She's calm, quiet and elegant, while Weiner has long been a brash tabloid fixture. Their backgrounds are equally different: She's a Michigan-born Muslim-American raised in Saudi Arabia, while Weiner is a Jewish man from Brooklyn.

They began dating in 2008, during Hillary Clinton's run for the White House. Last year, they were married in a ceremony officiated by former President Bill Clinton. According to reports, Abedin worked a full day Monday at the State Department—even as her husband tearfully admitted he'd betrayed her trust.

Meanwhile, there are some signs that Congress may be launching an inquiry into the matter--another factor that may complicate Weiner's plan to remain in office. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who is close to Weiner, was the first lawmaker to publicly call for an ethics investigation yesterday, looking into whether Weiner used government resources or broke House rules in his raunchy online messaging.

Tips to prepare your feet for summer

2011-06-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

Almost 50 percent of women ages 18-49 say they received a professional pedicure before their 25th birthday, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

“Pampering and grooming your feet promotes good foot hygiene and should be done frequently to contribute to not only your foot health, but also to your body’s overall health,” says Dr. Marlene Reid, a podiatrist.

The APMA developed a tip sheet for pedicure do’s and don’ts and, since summer is the height of pedicure season, it’s a timely reminder for those who do get pedicures.

Pedicure medical alert: If you have diabetes or poor circulation in your feet, consult a podiatrist so they can recommend a customized pedicure that both you and your salon can follow for optimal foot health.

Pedicure Do’s:

DO schedule your pedicure first thing in the morning. Salon foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day. If you’re not a morning person, make sure that the salon filters and cleans the foot bath between clients.
DO bring your own pedicure utensils to the salon. Bacteria and fungus can move easily from one person to the next if the salon doesn’t use proper sterilization techniques.
When eliminating thick, dead skin build-up, also known as calluses, on the heel, ball and sides of the feet, DO use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating scrub. Soak feet in warm water for at least five minutes then use the stone, scrub or foot file to gently smooth calluses and other rough patches.
When trimming nails, DO use a toenail clipper with a straight edge to ensure your toenail is cut straight across. Other tools like manicure scissors or fingernail clippers increase the risk of ingrown toenails because of their small, curved shape. See a podiatrist if you have a tendency to develop ingrown toenails.
To smooth nail edges, DO use an emery board. File lightly in one direction without using too much pressure, being sure not to scrape the nail’s surface.
DO gently run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails to keep them clean. This helps remove the dirt and build-up you may or may not be able to see.
DO maintain the proper moisture balance of your feet’s skin by applying emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep soles soft.
DO use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure stick to gently push back cuticles.
If toenails are healthy, DO use nail polish to paint toenails. Make sure to remove polish regularly using non-acetone nail polish remover.

Pedicure Don’ts:

DON’T shave your legs before receiving a pedicure. Freshly shaven legs or small cuts on your legs may allow bacteria to enter.
If you are receiving a pedicure and manicure, DON’T use the same tools for both services as bacteria and fungus can transfer between fingers and toes.
DON’T allow technicians to use a foot razor to remove dead skin. Using a razor can result in permanent damage if used incorrectly and can easily cause infection if too much skin is removed.
DON’T round the edges of your toenails. This type of shape increases the chances that painful ingrown toenails will develop.
Emery boards are extremely porous and can trap germs that spread. Since they can’t be sterilized, DON’T share nail files with friends and be sure to bring your own to the salon, unless you are sure that the salon replaces them with each customer.
DON’T use any sharp tools to clean under nails. Using anything sharp makes it easy to puncture the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection.
DON’T leave any moisture between toes. Anything left behind can promote the development of athlete’s foot or a fungal infection.
Because cuticles serve as a protective barrier against bacteria, DON’T ever cut them. Cutting cuticles increases the risk of infection. Also, avoid incessantly pushing back cuticles, as doing so can make them thicker.
If you suffer from thick and discolored toenails, which could be a sign of a fungal infection, DON’T apply nail polish to cover up the problem. Nail polish locks out moisture and doesn’t allow the nail bed to “breathe.” Once you fix the underlying issue, then it is safe to paint nails. If the problem persists be sure to visit your podiatrist.

Royal family's quirky derby day hats

2011-06-08T05:32:00.000-07:00

Princess Beatrice's latest head-piece

Don't call Princess Beatrice a one-hat-wonder. The royal stole the spotlight with her cartoonish ribbon head-piece at Kate and Will's wedding in April, and this weekend she was at it again. At the Investec Derby horse-races in Epsom, England, Beatrice arrived wearing an entire bridal bouquet clipped to the side of her head. But she wasn't the only head-banger at the ball. The entire royal clan, including Kate, Will and the Queen, brought their adorned heads to the annual derby. If you thought Americans go big in Kentucky, you won't believe the heights the Brits reach.

Dancing police cop in Philippine

2011-06-08T05:26:00.000-07:00

MANILA: A 54-year-old Filipino traffic officer has become a street sensation as he delights drivers and pedestrians with his unique dance moves when directing traffic in Metro Manila.

Ramiro is an ordinary traffic police working on the crossing of Edessa Street and Macapagal Street in Pasay City, he is now famous among traffic police in the area.

Waving his hands for drivers to pass through, rotating his body while observing the vehicles passing, and sometimes a wiggle of the hips. With his dance moves he always keeps the traffic in order.

At 54 years old, Ramiro has worked as a traffic policeman for 6 years. Without fail he goes to work at 7:00 every morning, Monday to Friday, for 7 hours. Though very strenuous, he says he will always love his job and hopes to help those in need.

World Brain Tumor Day today

2011-06-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

Islamabad: The World Brain Tumor Day is being observed today (8th June) over the world including Pakistan with the aim to get the awareness of the public for this quite unknown disease.

The day was intiated in 2000 by the German Brain Tumor Association, whose members come from 14 different nations and lobby together for the interests of brain tumor patients.

Among a lot of other projects, the World Brain Tumor Day is dedicated to persons, who lost their fight against the brain tumor as well as to patients, who are still fighting this battle.

Anybody can be faced with this diagnosis, but the cognition about the illness is rare because of the un-frequent incidence of brain tumors in comparison to other kinds of cancer, they are hardly noticed in the public.

The report, released by the World Health Organization and its affiliated International Agency for Research on Cancer, said a panel of international experts found “limited” evidence that radio-frequency energy from wireless phones could increase the risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma. The latter is a usually benign tumor on nerves near the inner ear.

Use of mobile phones has increased hugely since their introduction in the early- to mid-1980s. About 5 billion mobile phones are currently in use worldwide. Scientists have long debated the potential cancer risk linked to cellphone use, but this WHO statement marks the first time an independent group of scientists has taken anything other than a neutral stand.

Shilpa Shetty today turns 36

2011-06-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Globally known Bolloywood sexy diva Shilpa Shetty is celebrating her 36th birthday today.

Shilpa Shetty coming from Manglore city of Karnatka, an Indian state started her showbiz career at sweet 16. Following her role as co-actress in ‘Bazigar’ and central role in ‘Aag’ in the nineties, Shilpa got her first breakthrough with Akshay Kumar in the hit film ‘Khilari tu Anari’.

Shilpa Shetty shot fame in the UK after she won the celebrity Big Brother in 2007, married Kundra in November 2009.

Shilpa has to her credit the perfect figure to die for, an IPL team to kill for and a Big Brother crown to be jealous of.

Shilpa is known as the best Bollywood item girl for her grand dance performances on numerous film songs. Shilpa as a dancer has along list of fans and Salman Khan is one of them.

US senator wants 15,000 troops out of Afghanistan

2011-06-08T05:13:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama should withdraw a minimum of 15,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2011, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee said on Tuesday.

"At least 15,000 by the end of this year. That's what I think would be considered significant," Senator Carl Levin, a Democrat, told reporters outside the Senate.

Obama said on Monday he will soon announce his decision on how many U.S. troops to withdraw from Afghanistan beginning in July to start a gradual pullout from that country.

The White House says Obama expects to receive a recommendation from his military commanders on the withdrawal, the start of a transition to Afghan security control scheduled to conclude in 2014.

Levin's suggestion appeared to put him at odds with the ranking Republican on his committee, Senator John McCain. McCain told a newspaper this week that he hopes Obama will withdraw no more than 3,000 troops starting in July.

If Obama decides on a faster pullout as a consequence of the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on May 2, some experts believe he could withdraw 5,000, a full brigade combat team.

"I think the public wants the president to make a significant reduction in troops in July as he said he would do a year and a half ago and reiterated about a month ago," Levin said. "It's a critically important issue -- both for our people and for the Afghan people, to make sure that they understand the importance of continuing to take added responsibility for their own security."

The United States has 100,000 troops in Afghanistan, a deployment that costs more than $110 billion a year.

Levin said he doubted Obama would make his announcement on troops "before a couple of weeks." "I hope it's significant, believe it will be, and it should include both combat and support troops," he said.

Syrian Leader’s Brother Seen as Enforcer of Crackdown

2011-06-08T04:59:00.000-07:00

As reports mount of defections in the Syrian military and the government staggers from the killing of soldiers and police officers in a northern city this week, President Bashar al-Assad may turn increasingly to his brother, Maher, whose elite units in a demoralized army could prove decisive to his government’s survival, activists and analysts say.

Maher al-Assad heads the Syrian Army’s elite Fourth Division and Republican Guard, while wielding great influence in Syria’s powerful intelligence services, analysts say. In the nearly three-month uprising, he has emerged as a lightning rod of dissent over his perceived role in the ferocious crackdown that has led to the deaths of 1,300 people, by activists’ count, and the arrests of more than 10,000.

To many, Maher al-Assad’s power has underscored the narrow circle his brother presides over — a circle that relies on connections of clan, family and friendship, and that has proved far less tested by crisis than the ruling elite their father cultivated over three decades.

The president’s brother is so much at the center of that clique that many Syrians fervently believe he is the unidentified man who is shown taking potshots at demonstrators in a sensational video now in wide circulation.

Though neither the video nor the gunman’s identity could be independently verified, the fact that so many Syrians believe it to be he is a telling insight into the power and fear he has cultivated.

According to Bassam Bitar, a former Syrian diplomat who now lives in exile in Virginia, Maher al-Assad’s control of Syria’s security apparatus makes him “first in command, not second in command.”

Since childhood, Bashar al-Assad has had a reputation in his family as the weaker, more hesitant personality, Mr. Bitar said.

“Sometimes I think Bashar means it about reform,” Mr. Bitar said. “But his brother won’t take it.”

In many ways, Mr. Bitar said, the relationship between President Assad and his younger brother mirrors the relationship of their father, Hafez al-Assad, with his younger brother Rifaat, who served as the government enforcer and was the architect of the 1982 Hama massacre, in which at least 10,000 people were killed.

“If you look back at the uprising from ’79 to ’82, Rifaat was the nasty guy, the killer,” Mr. Bitar said. “And now history repeats itself, and Maher is a nasty guy.”

The bloody events this week seemed to have marked a decisive moment in an uprising that has posed the gravest challenge to the family’s 41-year rule.

On Monday, the government claimed that 120 soldiers and police officers had been killed in a town called Jisr al-Shoughour by armed gangs — a common euphemism for protesters. Some residents and opposition activists claimed some of the soldiers had been killed by their colleagues for defecting, though it was impossible to verify either account.

If the residents’ accounts are true, it would mark an extraordinary fissure in a government that has so far maintained the relative unity of the armed forces and the state in the face of the uprising. Though lower-level defections have been reported for weeks, nothing has approached the level of Monday’s bloodshed in Jisr al-Shoughour.

“Now there are clashes between the soldiers on one side and security men and young people on the other,” said Omar, 28, a resident there reached by phone on Monday night. “Tens of soldiers began to stand with civilian protesters and families. The civilians are presenting first aid to some soldiers who get shot by the secret police.”

Saeb Jamil, an organizer from Jisr al-Shoughour, said local people were providing logistical support to defecting army officers, helping them monitor the area, and accompanying them during their patrols. He said doctors and nurses had deserted the hospital on Tuesday, fearing reprisals from government forces. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, had fled the town, he said, many making their way toward the Turkish border.

“I transferred one member of the security forces to the national hospital in Jisr al-Shoughour yesterday after he was wounded during the confrontations,” Mr. Jamil said by phone. “He told us the intelligence officer ordered the forces to open fire at people but two of them refused, and he shot them. Then the defections started.”

How to land jobs similar to TV characters'

2011-06-06T03:43:00.000-07:00

Ever watch "Grey's Anatomy" and wonder if you, too, could help save lives?

Think you have what it takes to create ad slogans with the best of them a la "Mad Men"?

Whether your TV idol is Will Schuester ("Glee"), Dwight Schrute ("The Office"), or Temperance Brennan ("Bones"), following in your favorite character's career footsteps is definitely possible... if you're willing to put in some work to get there.

"I think that no matter the job or industry, you have to have the right combination of education, personality traits and motivation to be the right person for the role," says Maggi McConnell, who owns and runs Seattle-based HR consulting firm Hire or Be Hired.

With McConnell's help, we've put together a few tips on how to land the careers of your favorite TV characters.

Don Draper, AMC's "Mad Men"
Creative Director & Founding Partner of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce

A creative director at an ad agency would generally oversee the head copywriter, art director, and associated staff, spearheading the creative process behind the pitches and ad copy.

"Advertising is a sophisticated form of pure sales," McConnell says, "so you have to be persuasive, have strong oral and written communication skills, and be able to think of creative solutions to sometimes mundane problems."

While Don's only prior experience was selling fur coats, McConnell suggests that a degree in business, marketing, or communications could be beneficial to someone looking to follow in his footsteps.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average annual income for an ad agency creative director is $93,490, though you can bet Mr. Draper wasn't making that in the 1960s.

Start a Business Degree - Find the Right School Now

Meredith Grey, ABC's "Grey's Anatomy"
Surgical Resident at Seattle Grace Hospital

If we've learned anything from watching her show, it's that Meredith's job makes up her life, love, and social circle. Not so bad when you're staring into the eyes of McDreamy, but a little less glamorous when you take into account that it likely took her almost 10 years of post-secondary schooling to get there.

The good news is that not all careers in the health care field require nearly a decade of education.

For example, if you'd prefer to work in the office side of the health industry - medical billing, health care administration, pharmacy, etc. - consider pursuing a degree in a field within health care and human services. There are also nursing and medical assisting programs, which could prepare you to pursue a career in phlebotomy, registered nursing, dental assisting, and more.

When Meredith and her friends met at Seattle Grace as interns, she probably wasn't making half this much, but as a surgeon, she could be pulling in about $124,800 per year, which is the average wage for those in this profession, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Find Health Care and Nursing Schools Now

Will Schuester, FOX's "Glee"
Spanish Teacher and Glee Club Director for McKinley High

Teaching at the public high school level is not a career you can simply fall into. In addition to passion for the subject you want to teach and an interest in your students, you must have a related bachelor's degree, state teaching credentials, and a clean background check.

That said molding young minds is a powerful thing, and a great career opportunity for the right person. "The best teachers I've ever had took a personal interest in the success and struggles of their students, had passion for the subjects they taught and made learning fun," says McConnell.

Single-subject high school teachers average at $55,150 annually, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, explaining why Will's materialistic ex-wife so desperately wanted him to go into accounting.

Thankfully for his students, passion prevailed.

Considering a Career in Teaching? Explore Teaching & Education Schools Now.

Dwight Schrute, NBC's "The Office"
Sales Representative for Dunder Mifflin

If "The Office" is to be believed, the key to being a successful sales representative is not falling for the old stapler-in-Jell-O trick. But McConnell explains that the skills required of the position, whatever you're selling, are actually more practical.

"Persuasive skills are key," she says. "Most sales positions have commission-based compensation [where you are incentivized to sell more, have specific sales goals, etc.], so if you're competitive and motivated by the size of your paychecks, this is the field for you!"

Think Sales Might Be for You? Find Business Schools Now.

No formal education is required to enter the field of sales, though priority is usually given to those with a bachelor's degree or certification, particularly if the products you sell are scientific or technical in nature, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. For management opportunities - always a dream of Dwight's - look into certificate programs in business management.

As McConnell says, each company has a different sales commission structure. And while the range in salary varies greatly depending on both industry and the ability of the sales rep, the U.S. Department of Labor states that $59,250 per year is the national average.

Considering a Career in Sales? Find the Right Business School for You.

Sheldon Cooper, CBS's "The Big Bang Theory"
Theoretical Physicist at California Institute of Technology

McConnell labeled Sheldon's career, which requires a doctoral degree to do even basic scientific research, the most challenging of this group.

The U.S. Department of Labor states that physicists for a college, university, or professional school have an average yearly income of $82,790. Since Sheldon shares a rental apartment and eats cheap take-out every night, we're guessing he's got quite a hefty sum in the bank.

But theoretical physics is not the only career that lets you study numbers and data for a living. Consider looking into technology certificate and degree programs, which could set you on the path toward a career in engineering and technical fields, like network administration, computer programming, or web design.

Find Technology Degree Programs Now

Temperance Brennan, FOX's "Bones"
Forensic Anthropologist at the Jeffersonian Institute

The extremely intelligent, though socially awkward Temperance Brennan "Bones" - what a nickname! - has long had a keen interest in the forensics field, something necessary if your career is analyzing death.

In the first season, it was disclosed that she holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. McConnell confirms that to enter this field, "a masters or even Ph.D. in anthropology are critical! Forensics experience is secondary, but still important."

Anthropologists (not specifically those working in forensics) average at about $57,230 yearly, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, though we're hoping Bones brings home more since she has to put up with a lot of gore.

The world's most noteworthy new hotels

2011-06-06T03:40:00.000-07:00

For our annual It List, a compendium of the world’s most noteworthy new hotels, Travel+Leisure editors and writers logged thousands of miles in search of the next best new hotels for you to lay your head.

Cosmopolitan

Las Vegas

Finally, a Vegas hotel for design geeks and food nerds. Guest rooms have Fornasetti wallpaper in the closets, furniture with solid modern lines, a generous soaking tub, C.O. Bigelow toiletries, art you will actually think about, and stacks of Phaidon books on the bedside. Venture into the David Rockwell–designed Chandelier bar and to restaurants by heavyweights including Scott Conant (Scarpetta), Bromberg Brothers (Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill), and José Andrés (Jaleo; China Poblano). Doubles from $195.

Olarro, Loita Hills, Kenya

Photo: Courtesy of Olarro

Olarro

Loita Hills, Kenya

With a silent partner like Paul Allen (yes, that Paul Allen) backing Olarro, it’s no wonder this hillside lodge overlooking the Masai Mara is becoming Kenya’s next high-profile hideaway. Designer Anthony Russell has worked his magic on the seven thatched cottages and a two-bedroom villa: the tiled floors resemble giraffe markings, and the billowing fabric ceilings give the feel of a tented camp (without the hassle of having to unzip your door). At this new conservancy the wildlife may not be as prolific as in other parts of Africa, but after-dark safaris with night-vision goggles, as well as a perfect perch to watch the annual wildebeest migration, more than compensate. Doubles from $1,370.

GoldenEye Hotel & Resort, Jamaica

Photo: Jessica Sample

GoldenEye Hotel & Resort

Jamaica

This property on the northern coast of Jamaica has quite a pedigree: in the 1940’s, Ian Fleming built a villa on a hidden cove to write his James Bond novels and entertain visitors including Noël Coward and Errol Flynn. Now owner Chris Blackwell has transformed GoldenEye into a small but stylish resort. With only 11 cottages and six suites along a white-sand beach and secluded lagoon, the vibe is as exclusive as it was in Fleming’s day and the guest list just as impressive (was that Beyoncé and Jay-Z hanging out at the waterfront Bizot bar?). Doubles from $448.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah,U.A.E.

Photo: Courtesy of Banyan Tree Al Wadi

Banyan Tree Al Wadi

Ras Al Khaimah, U.A.E.

Camel rides? Check. Sand dunes? Check. Private pools? Check. The new Banyan Tree Al Wadi—tucked into the desert and a 45-minute drive from Dubai—is a daydreamer’s oasis. Set on 250 acres, 150 of which are a nature preserve, 101 villas blend regional design elements (bedouin-style tented ceilings) with Far Eastern service touches (the spa specializes in Thai massages). We rose early for a tour of the honey-colored landscape and returned to dine at the resort’s Al Waha restaurant while spotting wild gazelles through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Doubles from $465.

Kenoa, Barra de São Miguel, Brazil

Photo: Courtesy of Kenoa Resort

Kenoa

Barra de São Miguel, Brazil

It was a risky proposition for engineer Pedro Marques to quit his career to open a 23-room eco-retreat on a sleepy beach along Brazil’s Alagoan coast, north of Bahia. But the gamble has paid off in spades. The hotel wows with eucalyptus columns and natural wood and brick interiors, all of which reinforce the indoor-outdoor aesthetic that sets the retreat apart. Environmental responsibility is emphasized: staffers are instructed in conservation techniques to avoid disturbing the nearby preserve. Doubles from $630.

Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy

Photo: Courtesy of Borgo Egnazia

Borgo Egnazia

Puglia, Italy

Though this blinding-white stone monolith looks as ancient as the fortified farmhouses that surround it, sprawling Borgo Egnazia is actually brand- new. Rooms are monochromatic, splicing luxe (limestone double sinks; wide shaded terraces) with unexpected design moments (single olive branches in lieu of flowers). Twin pools are lounge-worthy and huge; if only management would designate one of them exclusively for adults. Doubles from $455.

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, India

Photo: Courtesy of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Taj Falaknuma Palace

Hyderabad, India

You’ll trade your car for a horse and carriage at the gate of the Taj Falaknuma Palace, which crowns a hill above the city, and be showered with rose petals when you ascend the marble steps. After a 10-year restoration, this former palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad (once the world’s richest man) is now a living museum, with 60 opulent guest rooms done up in ivories and golds. Wander the property if you like: nothing is off limits, including the library of rare books. Adding to the fairy-tale setting, at sunset you’ll hear the lilting strains of a flute in the courtyard. Doubles from $890.

Ritz-Carlton Shanghai

Photo: Chris Cypert / Ritz-Carlton

Ritz-Carlton Shanghai

Pudong, Shanghai

It’s almost impossible to actually walk anywhere in the frenetic Pudong neighborhood, so lucky for you that Ritz-Carlton’s second Shanghai property offers plenty of reasons to stay put. Topping off Cesar Pelli’s 58-story IFC Shanghai building, the 285-room hotel places you in a cloud-level fantasy. Guest rooms, with their Art Deco touches, have skyline views from floor-to-ceiling windows, Frette linens, and freestanding bathtubs built for lounging. Doubles from $534.

W Retreat Koh Samui, Thailand

Photo: Courtesy W Hotels Worldwide

W Retreat Koh Samui

Thailand

Bringing a long-lacking dose of mod design and youthful exuberance to this ever-popular Thai resort island, W Hotels’ first “Retreat” property in Southeast Asia hews to the brand’s urbane aesthetic. Fans of the cheeky W formula will find all the requisite diversions, such as morning Thai boxing. Seeking serenity? The resort occupies a coveted peninsula on Samui’s quiet northern coast. While the lure of the beach may be hard to resist, guest rooms offer plenty of watery temptations as well: all of the 75 glass-walled villas have private pools, and the best offer shimmering Gulf of Thailand views. Doubles from $712.

Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown, New Zealand

Photo: Courtesy of Matakauri Lodge

Matakauri Lodge

Queenstown, New Zealand

It’s no wonder hedge-funder turned hotelier Julian Robertson chose a secluded South Island spot for his family’s third hotel, Matakauri Lodge, the latest sibling to the Farm at Cape Kidnappers and the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs. The property is ideal for adventurers in search of a luxury lodge near Queenstown. The 11 large, timber suites, decorated in rust, orange, and cream by native design doyenne Virginia Fisher, feature walk-in closets, open fireplaces, and the requisite mountain vistas. Doubles from $460.

Newest 'X-Men' can't measure up to others

2011-06-06T03:36:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES - Young X-Men don't have the same box-office superpowers as their older selves.

"X-Men: First Class" had a solid No. 1 opening with a $56 million weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.

But the 20th Century Fox prequel chronicling the formative years of the comic-book mutants found smaller audiences than the franchise's first four big-screen adventures, which featured older versions of the X-Men.

Debut weekends for the last three "X-Men" flicks ranged from $85.1 million to $102.8 million. The original "X-Men" opened 11 years ago with $54.5 million, but that would amount to about $80 million today adjusting for ticket-price inflation.

Fox distribution executive Chris Aronson said the studio achieved its goal of opening the prequel at about the same revenue numbers as the original "X-Men."

"This is just an excellent start in launching a brand new chapter of the `X-Men' franchise," said Aronson, dismissing comparisons to the $85.1 million debut of Hugh Jackman's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" in 2009.

"You can't compare this one to any of the other `X-Men' movies, except maybe" the first one, Aronson said. "Something like `Wolverine' is a totally unfair comparison because that had a bonafide worldwide star in Hugh Jackman and arguably the most popular character in the `X-Men' stable."

The prequel presents a rising cast of new talent rather than the established stars of the franchise's previous chapters.

"X-Men: First Class" features James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as Marvel Comics mutants Professor X and Magneto, roles originated by Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen in the characters' older years.

The prequel follows their first meeting, early alliance and eventual falling out as they take opposite approaches in their dealings with ordinary humans fearful of the superpowered mutants.

The movie added $64 million from 74 overseas markets for a worldwide total of $120 million.

The previous weekend's top movie, the Warner Bros. sequel "The Hangover Part II," fell to second-place with $32.4 million. That raised its domestic total to $186.9 million but represented a steep 62 percent drop from its huge opening weekend.

Still, with overall receipts rising for the fourth-straight weekend, Hollywood continued on a summer box-office tear that has helped studios recover from a dismal first quarter.

Domestic revenues totaled $164 million, up 27 percent from the same weekend a year ago, when "Shrek Forever After" was No. 1 with $25.5 million, according to box-office tracker Hollywood.com.

"We're definitely on a roll compared to the first quarter, when we were so used to having one down weekend after another," said Hollywood.com analyst Paul Dergarabedian.

Hollywood continued to close the gap between revenues this year and last year. Receipts through Sunday totaled $4.2 billion, off 7 percent compared to 2010's.

Earlier this year, revenues had been down by more than 20 percent as a weak lineup failed to live up to 2010's big winter releases.

DreamWorks Animation and Paramount's sequel "Kung Fu Panda 2" slipped from second- to third-place in its second weekend with $24.3 million. The animated adventure raised its domestic total to $100.4 million.

Also crossing the $100 million mark was Universal's comedy "Bridesmaids," which held up well in its fourth weekend with $12.1 million. That lifted its domestic haul to $107.3 million.

The year's top-grossing film domestically, Universal's action sequel "Fast Five," pulled in $3.2 million and crept past the $200 million mark.

But Disney's sequel "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is closing in, grossing $18 million to raise its domestic take to $190.3 million.

Both movies have done far more business overseas, with the latest "Pirates" installment now at a worldwide total of $790.7 million and "Fast Five" climbing to $568.6 million globally.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "X-Men: First Class," $56 million.

2. "The Hangover Part II," $32.4 million.

3. "Kung Fu Panda 2," $24.3 million.

4. "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," $18 million.

5. "Bridesmaids," $12.1 million.

6. "Thor," $4.2 million.

7. "Fast Five," $3.2 million.

8. "Midnight in Paris," $2.9 million.

9. "Jumping the Broom," $865,000.

10. "Something Borrowed," $835,000.

The 10 most disappointing cars of 2011

2011-06-06T03:28:00.000-07:00

With its ungainly lift back and high load floor, the 5 Series GT produced a lot of comments along the lines of "What were they thinking?" when it was introduced two years ago, but now it is official: Even BMW makes mistakes.

Designing and engineering new models is part art, part science: a billion-dollar bet on what the car buying public will want for years into the future. The deepest pitfalls come in trying to head off in a new direction, like a convertible minivan or an SUV with a coupe body. Despite all the market research, focus groups, and educated guesses, car companies can get it wrong. The design fails to catch hold, the market doesn't develop, competition proves stronger than expected. Bottom line: They blew it.

Herewith, ten of the biggest mistakes currently on the market:

BMW X6

The X6 is marketed as a "sports activity coupe" that combines the attributes of an SUV (high ground clearance, all wheel drive large wheels and tires) with the stance of a coupé (bold styling, dramatic sloping roof). BMW sales are hot, but buyers are apparently confused by the concept, put off by the chunky styling, or deterred by the high price -- close to $100,000 for the turbocharged M version. So far this year, BMW has sold just 1,559 of them versus more than 10,000 of the more conventional X5.

Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Similar woes have afflicted the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, first introduced in 2006. Essentially a low-roofed minivan with three rows of seats, it was initially marketed as a "sports cruiser." When that didn't fly, Mercedes tied on a more apropos "family tourer" moniker. Confused buyers, put off by the R's funereal looks, stayed away. U.S. sales never came within shouting distance of Mercedes' goal of 25,000 a year. Despite healthy incentives, the round-roofed R-Class has remained anchored to dealers' lots. A scant 195 found buyers during the month of April.

Ford Flex / Lincoln MKT

A valiant attempt to reinvent the minivan by emphasizing its horizontal proportions and flattening the roof, the Flex and its Lincoln sibling, arrived on the market in 2008, which turned out to be exactly the wrong time; consumers were looking for vehicles with less-exaggeratedly large proportions. Despite Ford's blossoming, the Flex found itself trailing the more conventional Chevy Traverse and Toyota Highlander in the showroom. Ford was expecting to sell 100,000 annually but has struggled to sell a third that many. So far in 2011, only about 2,000 Flexes are finding buyers each month.

Smart Fortwo

Smart is still trying to prove that a funny-looking two-seat car that is challenged at highway speeds and gets mediocre gas mileage will appeal to enough American buyers to constitute a business. Superdealer Roger Penske threw in the towel in February when he returned his exclusive distributor to corporate parent Mercedes-Benz. A new battery-powered version probably isn't going to charge up sales, which fell to 467 in April.

Toyota Tundra

Toyota put all its brains and brawn behind the second generation Tundra that it launched in 2006, surveying buyers for wanted features and building a dedicated assembly plant in San Antonio. For all that, it has been unable to convince Ford and Chevy truck owners to switch. The recession and Toyota's recall crisis haven't helped. The Texas plant has the capacity to build 200,000 trucks a year, but Toyota only sold 93,309 in 2010. Sales look a little better this year, but Tundra is in no danger of dethroning the F-150 or Chevy Silverado.

Nissan Quest

Nissan's fourth attempt at cracking the minivan equation was supposed to close the gap with the Big Three: Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota. No such luck. Nissan has sold just 3,335 Quests this year, while Honda has rolled out 36,306 Odysseys. Blame it on 1) the decision to sit out the 2010 model year; 2) the fact that Nissan is far down the shopping list for minivan buyers; and 3) a design that looks big on the outside but is small on the inside. Will Nissan follow GM and Ford in exiting the minivan business? Stay tuned.

Maybach

Maybach was launched with a flourish in 2002 when a helicopter plucked the first one off the deck of the Queen Elizabeth 2 in New York harbor and deposited it on the dock. Nine years later, the QE2 has managed to avoid the scrap yard, but Maybach may not be so fortunate. To compete with an all-new Rolls-Royce and Bentley, Mercedes-Benz rushed out two re-bodied S-Class cars, christened them with an historic German car brand, and priced them in the stratosphere -- upwards of $400,000. Even the super-rich could see through the sheet metal. A mere 20 Maybachs have found buyers this year.

Honda Insight

The Insight went on sale in March 2009 in the U.S as a 2010 model with prices starting at $19,800, making it the least expensive hybrid vehicle available in the United States. That should have boosted sales but didn't. Blame part of it on a drop in gasoline prices of over one-third over the past year that eroded demand for fuel-efficient cars. Blame the rest on excessive enthusiasm for cost-cutting. Embarrassingly for Honda, the more expensive Prius continues to beat Insight like a drum, outselling the Insight seven to one.

Acura ZDX

Instead of producing "a new level of prestige for Acura," as promised, the ZDX has produced a new, and wholly unwanted, level of exclusivity. Although it is based on the Honda Pilot crossover, Acura decided to market the ZDX as a "luxury four-door sports coupe," thereby throwing customers a curve ball. That, combined with styling that could politely be described as controversial -- as well as the overall malaise afflicting the Acura -- combined to sink the ZDX. Sales never got out of the batter's box, and fewer than 1,000 have found buyers this year.

Subaru Tribeca

Usually conservative Subaru decided to show a little leg in 2005, when it introduced a new design language on the B9 Tribeca. Customers did not warm to the rounded body shape and odd triangular grille, and the Tribeca became the ugly duckling of the Subaru line. Quickly realizing its mistake, Subaru dropped "B9" from the name and abandoned the new look faster than you can say "Fuji Heavy Industries," but it was too late to save the Tribeca. With only 910 sold through April, it is rumored to be headed for extinction.

Twin friars die on same day at age 92

2011-06-06T03:15:00.000-07:00

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Identical twins Julian and Adrian Riester were born seconds apart 92 years ago. They died hours apart this week. The Buffalo-born brothers were also brothers in the Roman Catholic Order of Friars Minor. Professed friars for 65 years, they spent much of that time working together at St. Bonaventure University, doing carpentry work, gardening and driving visitors to and from the airport and around town.

"It was fun to see them, just quiet, gentle souls," Yvonne Peace, who worked at the St. Bonaventure Friary for nearly 21 years, said Friday.

They died Wednesday at St. Anthony Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., Brother Julian in the morning and Brother Adrian in the evening.

Both died of heart failure, said Father James Toal, guardian of St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg, where the inseparable twins lived since moving from western New York in 2008.

"It really is almost a poetic ending to the remarkable story of their lives," St. Bonaventure spokesman Tom Missel said. "Stunning when you hear it, but hardly surprising given that they did almost everything together."

Julian and Adrian Riester were born Jerome and Irving on March 27, 1919, to a couple who already had five daughters. They took the names of saints upon their ordination in the Catholic church.

"Dad was a doctor and he said a prayer for a boy," Adrian once said, according to St. Bonaventure. "The Lord fooled him and sent two."

After attending St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, the brothers were turned away by the military because of their eyesight, the university said. One had a bad left eye, the other a bad right eye.

Eventually they joined the friars of Holy Name Province in New York City. They received separate assignments before reuniting at the seminary at St. Bonaventure from 1951 to 1956. After serving parishes in Buffalo for 17 years, they returned to St. Bonaventure in 1973 and spent the next 35 years there.

They had separate rooms in the friary but one telephone extension that rang into both, Peace recalled. It was usually the more talkative Adrian who answered, though Julian possessed a quiet authority. They never said who was born first.

"Brother Julian was like the big brother. Brother Adrian would defer to him," Peace said. "They picked up one of our friars at the airport one time and the friar said, `Can I take you to dinner?'

"Brother Adrian looked at Brother Julian and said, `We aren't going to dinner?' `No, we'll go home,'" Peace said. "So that was it. No discussion, no contradicting. `No, we aren't going today.'"

The richest counties in America

2011-06-06T03:10:00.000-07:00

Boasting a strong school system and positioned about six miles from the nation's capital, Falls Church has for years enticed rich families, making it the nation's richest county with median annual household income of $113,313.

"It indicates that the City of Falls Church is located in a healthy economic area in the national capital region," says Wyatt Shields, city manager for Falls Church. "We are proud of the fact that we take advantage of the city's healthy economic area to attract people to live here."It's No. 1, but it isn't alone. In fact, four of the top ten richest counties in the nation are concentrated in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, and a fifth, Howard County, Md., is equidistant between Washington and Baltimore.

In recent decades northern Virginia has become an economic dynamo, driven by a private sector that feasts on government contracting. These counties are also home to corporate lobbyists, lawyers and consultants who work in or around the nation's capital, soaking up federal government spending. And government-related hiring manages to keep the unemployment rate in places like Falls Church City down to 5.7%.

To determine America's richest counties, we looked at median annual household income estimates from 2005 to 2009 in each county in the nation, provided by the U.S. Census' American Community Survey. The estimates are in 2009 inflation-adjusted U.S. dollars.

Nader Baroukh, the mayor of Falls Church, is not shying away from the designation of being the richest, but he does disagree with one of the U.S. Census' conclusions. "We are actually a city and not a county, but I can't comment on how the Census puts its data together," says Baroukh. "We are a small jurisdiction, about 2.2 square miles, and I think given our location it's a very attractive place to live and our top schools are one of the big attractions."

Falls Church is in fact an independent political subdivision of the state, but most Virginia counties are much larger than Falls Church, which has a population of 12,330. Whatever you want to call it, even wealthy Falls Church is not exempt from the kind of tough fiscal realities facing counties and cities across the nation. Fall Church has cut 14% of its workforce over the last three years and raised property taxes.

Nearby Loudoun County, Va., used to be a sleepy rural community just a few decades ago, but in recent years it has become a technology center and a popular Washington suburb. It is now the second-richest county in the nation with median annual household income of $112,021. Another Washington county, Fairfax County, Va., rounds out the top three with annual median household income of $104,259. Making the median high income in Fairfax County even more impressive is the fact that it has 1.1 million residents. This populous county has a massive federal government presence and is home to companies with strong connections to the government, like Freddie Mac, and intelligence agencies like the CIA and the National Counterterrorism Center.

Only counties that are part of the New Jersey suburbs of New York City can rival Northern Virginia. The richest county in the nation outside of Virginia is Hunterdon County in northwest N.J., where the median annual household income is $102,500. Rural Hunterdon County has become a magnet for rich commuters heading to New York City and even Philadelphia. Morris County, N.J., where the taxes are high but the median household income is $96,316 or Somerset County, also are among the richest counties in the nation.

Most of the richest counties in America are in the East. The richest county in the Western United States is Los Alamos, N.M., where decades of government money spent on nuclear weapons has resulted in median annual household income of $100,423. Most of the 18,000 residents of this county, which is New Mexico's smallest, live in Los Alamos or White Rock and the biggest employer is the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Here are the five richest counties in America:

Howard County, Md.

5. Howard County, Md.
Median annual household income: $101,003

Located between Baltimore and Washington, this fast-growing county boasts a fantastic school system, attracting rich residents.

Hunterdon County, N.J.

4. Hunterdon County, N.J.
Median annual household income: $102,500

This county in northwestern N.J. has the highest median annual household income in the country outside of the Virginia suburbs. A rural area, it borders Pennsylvania and has become home to both New York City and Philadelphia commuters in recent years.

Fairfax County, Va.

3. Fairfax County, Va.
Median annual household income: $104,259

Another Washington county, Fairfax County, Va., rounds out the top three. With 1.1 million residents, this populous county has a massive federal government presence. It is home to companies with strong connections to the government, like Freddie Mac, and intelligence agencies like the CIA and the National Counterterrorism Center.

Loudon County, Va.

2. Loudoun County, Va.
Median annual household income: $112,021

The second richest county in the nation used to be a sleepy rural community just a few decades ago, but in recent years it became a technology center and a popular Washington, D.C. suburb.

Falls Church County, Va.

No. 1 Falls Church County, Va.
Median annual household income: $113,313

Boasting a strong school system and located about six miles away from the nation's capital, Falls Church has for years enticed rich families, making it the nation's richest county.

Kristen Stewart's daring red carpet style

2011-06-06T03:05:00.000-07:00

We did not find any results for "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart turned heads in an edgy, safety pin-covered Balmain mini and pointy black pumps upon arriving at the 20th annual MTV Movie Awards, which were held at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California.

Smuggled turtles seized in Bangkok

2011-06-06T03:02:00.000-07:00

BANGKOK: Thai customs has found 451 turtles worth 1 million baht ($33,000) stashed in suitcases offloaded from a passenger flight from Bangladesh, the latest seizure of live creatures at Bangkok's bustling Suvarnabhumi airport.

Turtles of varying sizes worth around 2,000 baht apiece in Thai markets, and seven false gavials, a type of freshwater crocodile worth 10,000 baht each, were found on Thursday in small bags packed into cases after authorities received a tip off that a known trafficker was on his way to Thailand.

The alleged trafficker, a Bangladeshi national, did not collect the luggage and fled on arrival in Bangkok, customs officials said.

The discovery was the biggest since September last year, when 1,140 turtles were found by customs on a single day. A further 218 were seized a month later.

Thailand, which borders four countries, has seen its fair share of illegal wildlife trafficking and customs officials at Suvarnabhumi often seize reptiles and small animals in luggage.

They found a two-month old tiger cub in a bag last August, which was concealed by stuffed tiger toys and bound for Iran.

Prasong Poontaneat, director-general of Thailand's customs department, said it was likely the turtles were destined for Bangkok's Chatujak Market, a sprawling mass of 11,000 stalls and shops that has a dedicated pet section where endangered species are sometimes sold.

The market, which operates on weekends only, generates as much as 1 billion baht ($33 million) a month from some 350,000 foreign and local shoppers, according to the State Railway of Thailand, which owns the land.

German e-coli probe focuses on restaurant

2011-06-06T02:55:00.000-07:00

HAMBURG: Investigators searching for the origin of a killer bacteria were attempting to track supplies made to a north German restaurant where 17 guests fell ill, the press reported here Sunday.

The owner of the 'Kartoffelkeller' restaurant in the Baltic seaport of Luebeck, Joachim Berger, told ZDF public television that health inspectors had carried out tests at the premises after three separate groups of people had fallen ill after eating there.

More than 2,000 people have been taken ill over the past month, mostly in northern Germany, and at least 19 have died after being contaminated by the virulent enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) with symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever and vomiting.

Health officials, cited by Berger, said a family, a group of Danish tourists, and some women tax-inspectors were among the 17 who ate at his restaurant on May 13 and who contracted EHEC.

Guests who became ill appeared to have eaten steak and salad.

Bild am Sonntag newspaper said a 48-year-old woman tax-inspector later died, while eight remain ill, two of them critically.

"I have nothing to hide, I'm sure everything is in order" with the restaurant, the 67-year-old Berger told the newspaper.

Inspectors had thoroughly examined his kitchens and taken stool samples from all his employees, Berger said. None of the staff, who ate the same food as the guests, had been ill, he added.

Christian Seyfert, a spokesman for the consumer protection ministry in the region, told AFP that speculation about the restaurant's link to the outbreak was unfounded.

Berger said his food supplies came from a wholesaler in Moelln who obtained them from the central food market in Hamburg, the northern port where numerous cases of EHEC have also been reported.

German Health Minister Daniel Bahr, who on Sunday was to visit Hamburg's Eppendorf University clinic where many of the region's EHEC patients are being treated, has warned that the source of infection could still be active.

"Food health officials are working around the clock to identify the source of the infection," Bahr told the Ruhr Nachrichten newspaper on Saturday.

"But from earlier outbreaks we know that we can't always identify the source.

"It can't be ruled out that the source of infection is still active," he added, pointing to the need for continued vigilance as authorities still counsel against eating raw tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers.

Speaking to Bild am Sonntag, Bahr also the situation in a number of north German hospitals, especially Hamburg and Bremen, was "difficult" because of the high number of admissions, adding that other hospitals would be called upon to help.

Hamburg's top health official, Senator Cornelia Pruefer-Storcks, told NDR radio-television that the number of EHEC cases appeared to be growing more slowly.

Hamburg had registered 19 confirmed or suspected EHEC cases between Friday and Saturday, with one new case of full-blown haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a kidney-threatening condition, she said.

At least 552 people have contracted HUS, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Earlier figures of infection for Hamburg had been much higher.

Cases of E. coli poisoning have also been reported in more than 12 other countries, including Austria, Britain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. Each was related to German travel.

Video of SRK item song ‘Antenna’ released

2011-06-06T02:53:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: The video of long awaited song ‘Antenna’ featuring Bollywood icon Shahrukh Khan has been released.

Amidst magnanimous projects like 'Ra.One' and 'Don 2', Shah Rukh Khan was so pressed for time to get more involved into his home production's next offering 'Always Kabhi Kabhi' that the superstar wanted to in a way gift something to the movie that would bear the renowned SRK trademark and that was how the promotional song of the film "Antenna" was born.

In spite of having a packed schedule and being busy with the post production work of his films Shah Rukh Khan was involved with the song right from its nascent stages - from coming up with the beats and approving the lyrics,to going over various compositions for the song to even shooting for the video in a record breaking time.

Sources say that Shah Rukh Khan was present for almost all of the music sittings that Roshan Abbas and Pritam had arranged for he was completely involved in the making of the song from the lyrics composition, the visualizing of the music video and the likes. He even shot for the song in a flat 3 hours. SRK has always wanted to gift something to the film and "Antenna" seemed appropriate.

Oil mixed in Asia ahead of OPEC meeting

2011-06-06T02:49:00.000-07:00

SINGAPORE: Oil was mixed in Asian trade Monday ahead of a key OPEC meeting this week in Vienna, analysts said.

New York's main contract, light sweet crude for July delivery, rose eight cents to $100.30 a barrel and Brent North Sea crude for July delivery lost six cents at $115.78.

"Looking ahead, the OPEC meeting is coming up this Wednesday... and it is going to be an important event for oil," said Victor Shum, an analyst with energy consultancy Purvin and Gertz.

The 12-nation Organisaton of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will meet Wednesday in the Austrian capital amid growing fears that high crude prices could further dent faltering world economic growth and energy demand.

The International Energy Agency has already called on OPEC to increase output and prevent another damaging spike in prices, with seasonal demand set to strengthen in the coming months as the northern hemisphere enters summer.

So far this year, Brent oil prices have soared by about 21 percent, largely as a result of spreading unrest in the crude-producing Middle East and North Africa region -- and particularly in OPEC member Libya.

At the same time, recent downbeat global economic data has suggested that the economic recovery is struggling and this complicates the outlook.

"I would expect OPEC to leave quotas unchanged, rather than raise them, given the growing evidence that global demand is slowing," said Capital Economics analyst Julian Jessop.

"There is speculation in the market that they will be doing something to acknowledge the supply problems in Libya.

"Regardless of what OPEC happens to do... prices have further to fall," he added, citing recent weak economic data in top oil consumer the United States.

Israeli Golan firing death toll surges to 23

2011-06-06T02:46:00.000-07:00

DAMASCUS: The death toll in Israeli troops firing on hundreds of pro-Palestinian Syrian protesters gathered at the Golan Heights has surged to 23, while hundreds were wounded.

Foreign TV reports said that the Israeli soldiers battling with the protesters who tried to cross over the border bar opened fires that sent the death toll to 23, while the wounded count to 325. A woman and a child were also included among those killed.

Palestinians and their Syrian supporters were among those hundreds of protesters were holding high Palestinian and Syrian flags in their hands. The protesters had gathered commemorating the completion of 44th year Arab Israel 1967 six-day war.

U.S. three serial drone strikes kill 18

2011-06-06T02:44:00.000-07:00

WANA: U. S. drones in a serial third attack during the brief last 10 hours in South Waziristan’s different areas killed at least 4 persons, taking the total death toll in the three strikes to 18.

Initial report said that the U.S predator targeted a vehicle at Darnashtra in Tehsil Shawal by firing missiles that left at least four persons killed.

Earlier, the first strike occurred in Shalam Raghzai, 10 kilometres northwest of Wana, the main town in South Waziristan in the early hours. A drone fired two missiles at a house in the mountains near Wana.

A second slammed two missiles into a compound in the Wacha Dana area, 12 kilometres northwest of Wana, officials said.

Bangladesh paralysed by opposition strike

2011-06-05T04:06:00.000-07:00

DHAKA: Thousands of riot police and elite paramilitary forces were deployed in the Bangladeshi capital Sunday after violence ahead of a nationwide strike to protest changes to the country's electoral system.

At least 12 buses were set on fire overnight and 40 people were arrested, police said, just hours before the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) enforced its strike.

All shops, businesses and schools were shut in the capital on Sunday and major roads and highways were deserted.

At least 8,000 police and 1,500 paramilitary forces were deployed in the city on Sunday to prevent violence, local police officials said, while thousands more were on duty across the country.

"We have tight security arrangement throughout the city. So far the situation is peaceful. There is no incidence of violence anywhere in the capital," Dhaka police commissioner Benazir Ahmed told AFP.

The strike was called after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the ruling Awami League party announced plans last week to scrap the country's system under which a caretaker government takes over during election time.

The system is designed to cover three months over each election in Bangladesh, which has a long tradition of political violence since independence in 1971.

Opposition leader Khaleda Zia told reporters Saturday her party would not contest any future polls if the government went ahead in scrapping the caretaker system, which oversaw four successive polls.

Forces retake control of Upper Dir areas

2011-06-05T04:04:00.000-07:00

UPPER DIR: Pakistani security forces have regained the control of two Upper Dir areas Brawal and Nusrat Darra after the militants from Afghanistan stormed the security check posts and took over the border areas.

In the pre-dawn raid last Wednesday in Dir region, up to 400 militants crossed over from Afghanistan's Kunar province in the raid which have killed 75 militants, 28 personnel and eight civilians.

DIG Malakand Qazi Jameel-ur-Rehman told Geo News that 15 policemen and 12 levies personnel have embraced martyrdom during the clashes.

Search operation was underway in the area and more check posts have been established.

Fighting was concentrated around the Shaltalu police checkpoint, surrounded by mountains and forest about six kilometres (four miles) from the border with Afghanistan's Kunar province.

Soldier who fought off 30 Taliban — alone

2011-06-04T03:58:00.000-07:00

LONDON (AFP) – A Nepalese soldier in the British army has been given a top bravery award by Queen Elizabeth II for his heroics in Afghanistan, where he single-handedly saw off more than 30 Taliban fighters.

Corporal Dipprasad Pun, 31, said he thought he was going to die and so had nothing to lose in taking on the attackers who overran his checkpoint.

He was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC), which is given in recognition of acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy.

Pun fired more than 400 rounds, launched 17 grenades and detonated a mine to repel the Taliban assault on his checkpoint near Babaji in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan, last September.

Surrounded, the enemy opened fired from all sides and for 15 minutes Pun remained under continuous attack, including from rocket-propelled grenades and AK47 guns.

At one point, unable to shoot, he used his machine gun tripod to knock down a militant who was climbing the walls of the compound.

Two insurgents were still attacking by the time he ran out of ammunition, but he set off a Claymore mine to repel them.

Pun was given his medal in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London on Wednesday.

The CGC is second only to the Victoria Cross -- the highest honour for bravery in the face of the enemy.

"There wasn't any choice but to fight. The Taliban were all around the checkpoint. I was alone," he said.

"I had so many of them around me that I thought I was definitely going to die so I thought I'd kill as many of them as I could before they killed me.

Rihanna defends violent scenes in video

2011-06-04T03:55:00.000-07:00

Rihanna is defending her latest music video, which opens with a man being shot in the head.

"Man Down," which premiered Tuesday on BET, is a song about a girl who shoots her abuser in public. The video also portrays sexual assault.

On Wednesday, the Parents Television Council called the clip "disturbing" and asked BET to stop airing it.

But on Thursday's "106 & Park," BET's music video countdown show, Rihanna said the video is "art with a message."

"We just wanted to hone in on a very serious matter that people are afraid to address, especially if you've been victimized in this scenario," Rihanna said.

BET says it will continue to play the video, explaining that the network "has a comprehensive set of standards and guidelines that are applied to all of our content" and that Rihanna's video "complied with these guidelines and was approved for air."

MTV and VH1 have not played the video. Representatives for both networks said they are currently reviewing the video.

BET, MTV and VH1 are owned by Viacom.

Rihanna, who was attacked by then-boyfriend Chris Brown in February 2009, says she doesn't agree with violence.

Brown attacked Rihanna on the eve of the Grammys. He pleaded guilty to a felony and was sentenced to five years' probation.

"I've been abused in the past and you don't see me running around killing people in my spare time," she said.

But the 23-year-old says rape happens too often and those victims need a voice.

"If I can be a voice for so many that aren't heard, then I win twice," she said.

The "Man Down" clip was directed by Anthony Mandler, who has directed other Rihanna videos.

The Grammy winner says she didn't intend to make a controversial music video. She was hoping to display her acting skills and create "something raw and artistic."

The video for "Man Down" has not yet appeared on iTunes. A rep for iTunes said that decision is up to the label.

The world's 10 best secret islands

2011-06-04T03:48:00.000-07:00

Hollywood scouts were on to something when they skipped over Mykonos and chose a secret island in Greece as the location for Mamma Mia. The movie was a $600-million hit, in part because it fueled peoples’ fantasies of escaping to a secluded island (and yes, those catchy ABBA tunes didn’t hurt).

Surprisingly, that picture-perfect movie location, Skopelos, has stayed under the radar. When you hop off the ferry, you’ll be wowed by the view of the shimmering Aegean Sea, the island’s tile-roofed tavernas, and a decided lack of travelers.

World's Best Affordable Beach Hotels

There are still gems like Skopelos hidden all around the globe, if you know where to look. T+L editors have done the hunting for you to uncover secret islands where you can truly unwind.

Greece: Skopelos

A one-hour ferry ride from Skiathos, the island of Skopelos is so picture-perfect (hidden coves; blue-roofed tavernas; hundreds of Byzantine-era churches) that Hollywood chose its Kastani Beach as a set for Mamma Mia. At the just-renovated Adrina Beach Hotel (Panormos; 34-24240/23371; adrina.gr; doubles from $98), the 49 pastel-colored rooms face the pine-tree-studded coastline, strewn with daybeds. Later this year, the same owners will debut the more upscale Adrina Resort & Spa (Panormos; ; theresort.gr; doubles from $110), with 16 terraced rooms and 22 villas that look out onto the turquoise Aegean.

T+L Tip: After a dinner of grilled lamb at garden-side Perivoli (Skopelos Town; 30-24240/23758; dinner for two $60), walk to open-air Mercurius Bar & Café (Skopelos Town; 30-24240/24593), or the hillside Ouzeri Anatoli (Skopelos Town; ), for live rebetika music.

Caye Caulker, Belize
Caye Caulker, Belize
Photo: Courtesy of Seaside Cabanas
Belize: Caye Caulker

There’s nary a traffic light on this laid-back island—a five-mile strip of land that’s a 15-minute flight from Belize’s main airport. Head to Shark Ray Alley to snorkel among nurse sharks and stingrays or go scuba diving at the underwater caves of Blue Hole. Aboveground, try the curried lobster at the roadside Jolly Roger’s Grill (Ave. Hicaco; ; dinner for two $25). On the eastern side of the Caye, Seaside Cabanas (; seasidecabanas.com; doubles from $105) has 10 rooms and six colorful cabins, each with its own roof terrace for taking in those amazing Caribbean views.

T+L Tip: Visit during the annual Lobster Festival (July 1–3), when the main road turns into a street party.

World's Best Island Hotels

Sampson Cay, Bahamas
Sampson Cay, Bahamas
Photo: Travis Rowan / Alamy
Bahamas: Sampson Cay and Exuma Cays

Partially protected from commercial activity since 1959, the Exuma Cays are normally the domain of cruisers—and a few privileged landowners such as Johnny Depp. But guests at Sampson Cay have access to the area’s thriving patch reefs and isolated islets. At the Sampson Cay Club (; sampsoncayclub.com; doubles from $275), the five modest villas include wide patios that are perfect for watching the sunset. While the limestone karst terrain may be rugged, every path ends on a stretch of secluded white sand.

T+L Tip: Rent a Boston Whaler from the hotel (from $250 per day) to tour the surrounding islands.

Flatey, Iceland
Flatey, Iceland
Photo: Agnar Danielsson
Iceland: Flatey

Don’t expect to see much night sky here: in summer, daylight shines for up to 21 hours on this rocky one-mile hideaway in Breiðafjörður Bay. Lush meadows and multicolored timber houses dot the scenery, and the mainland’s Snæfellsjökull volcano is always within eyeshot. In town, Flatey (; hotelflatey.is; doubles from $180) stays true to simple Scandinavian design (blond-wood furniture; whitewashed walls), and the downstairs restaurant turns into a live-concert venue for local talent at night.

T+L Tip: Swing by Iceland’s oldest (and smallest) library, built in 1864.

Gozo, Malta
Gozo, Malta
Photo: Wayne Hopkins
Malta: Gozo

This tiny Mediterranean island is where Odysseus was “held captive” by Calypso after the Trojan War. Take one look at the landscape, and it’s no wonder he stayed seven years. Rolling hills, crumbling castle walls, and a Bronze Age fortress are some of the most endearing features. Check in to Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa (Cenc St., Sanat; ; tacenchotel.com; doubles from $260), with 85 stone bungalows overlooking the sea. From there, it’s a short drive to Dwejra Bay, where you can take a dip, then munch on pastizzi (ricotta-filled pastries) at Tapie’s Bar (St. Francis Square; lunch for two $20).

T+L Tip: Bring home handblown objéts d’art from Gozo Glass (Ta Dbiegi Crafts Village, Gharb; 356-21/561-974).

World's Best Affordable Beach Resorts

Andaman Islands, India
Andaman Islands, India
Photo: LOOK Die Bildagentur der Fotografen GmbH / Alamy
India: Andaman Islands

These 550 atolls in the Bay of Bengal have all the prerequisites for an idyllic getaway—with an added dose of culture. You can still see a few ancient indigenous tribes. The island of Havelock, a two-hour ferry ride from Port Blair, is arguably the most appealing, thanks to its bone-white beaches. Book a sea-facing villa at the new SilverSand Beach Resort = silversandhavelock.com; doubles from $130) and ask the staff to take you on a trek to the Kala Pather forest.

T+L Tip: Get to know the area’s historic villages on an excursion with Island Vinnie’s (islandvinnie.com; tours from $11).

Rodrigues, Mauritius
Rodrigues, Mauritius
Photo: Keith Erskine / Alamy
Mauritius: Rodrigues

Locked in a shallow lagoon, this fish-shaped island has served as a paparazzi-free bolt-hole for Prince William in years past. With its verdant valleys and numerous islets, it’s a haven for hikers and kite-surfers, too. Stay at the beachfront Mourouk Ebony Hotel mouroukebonyhotel.com; doubles from $205), with 34 Creole-style rooms. For freshly caught seafood, don’t miss Coralie la Diffe’rence (Countour Oblasse; 230/832-1071; dinner for two $40).

T+L Tip: Spot giant Aldabra tortoises at the François Leguat Tortoise & Cave Reserve (tortoisecavereserve-rodrigues.com).

Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Photo: Patrick Reynolds
New Zealand: Great Barrier Island

At 104 square miles, “The Barrier” is the largest island off the Kiwi coast, but it’s also the most untouched. Spend your days hiking through dense kauri woods or exploring jagged inlets. Then refuel over mussel fritters at Tipi & Bobs (38 Puriri Bay Rd., Puriri Bay; ; dinner for two $45). The four modern rooms at the glass-walled Oruawharo Beach House (5 Ringwood St., Torbay; ; ihu.co.nz; doubles from $450) are designed by New Zealand architecture firm Fearon Hay and have spectacular views of Oruawharo Bay.

T+L Tip: Indulge in a soak at Kaitoke Hot Springs (greatbarrier.aucklandnz.com).

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Vila Ombak
Indonesia: Gili Trawangan

Searching for the Bali of, say, 1970? Head to Gili Trawangan, a tiny island near Lombok dotted with countless waterside cafés. No motorized traffic is allowed here—the best way to get around is to rent a bicycle or use your own two feet. The daily agenda involves nothing more than fishing, diving, or kicking back with a cold beer at Scallywag (South Beach; ; lunch for two $30). On the southern coast, Vila Ombak (hotelombak.com; doubles from $150) has 115 airy oceanfront rooms.

T+L Tip: Hop the ferry to Mount Rinjani (lombokmarine.com; tours from $225), an active volcano on Lombok.

Mabul, Maylasia
Mabul, Malaysia
Photo: Courtesy of Sipadan Water Village Resort
Malaysia: Mabul

Diving enthusiasts flock to Mabul, off the northeastern coast of Malaysia, where the exotic marine life is on a par with the Galápagos—native sea moths, bobtail squids, and the elusive paintpot cuttlefish are just a few of the inhabitants. At Sipadan Water Village Resort (; swvresort.com; doubles from $365), the 45 stilted bungalows are cooled by constant sea breezes.

One really creepy home foreclosure

2011-06-04T03:38:00.000-07:00

They say there are snake pits on Wall Street.

Chase has learned there are snake pits on Main Street too.

Last year, the J.P. Morgan Chase banking unit foreclosed on a home near Rexburg, Idaho, that is infested with garter snakes.

They slide through the yard, the crawl space, the walls, the ceilings, even across the floors. Sure, they're harmless, but there are perhaps thousands of them. They give off malodorous secretions when alarmed, and can even leave the well water tasting a bit like the way they smell.

Two families have fled the house in scenes reminiscent of horror-film classics. One turned to a local TV station in 2006 to document the infestation, complaining of not being able to sleep at night. The video is still available on YouTube and is doing absolutely nothing for sales. Watch the video on snakes in the house.

The next family appeared on TV's "Animal Planet" earlier this year. They said they were told the previous owners came up with the snake story to explain why they stopped paying their mortgage. But, it turns out, the story was true.

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Search "Idaho snake house" on the Internet and several intriguing posts emerge. Zillow.com offers a sales description that mentions "a large kitchen with center island," but nothing about snakes on the kitchen floor.

The house, built in 1920 and remodeled about five years ago, has somehow become a hibernaculum, where snakes gather en masse for winter. It's so famously infested that Chase has taken it off the market.

Earlier this year, the five-bedroom home at 675 W. 5000 North was listed for $109,200. That's about $66,000 below its market value. But somehow there were no takers, even in a region known for its Snake River.

Chase is now in the unenviable position of having to be delicate with snakes that continue to live in the home despite a defaulted mortgage. Once a house has been featured on "Animal Planet," you can't just burn it down or otherwise slaughter its reptilian residents. You have to be nice to snakes. It's just good business.

"We have contracted to have the snakes trapped and released," said Darcy Donahoe-Wilmot, a Chase spokeswoman in Seattle.

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"We plan to seal the foundation and install a barrier around the foundation to help prevent future access," she said. "A report will be issued by the contractor to be provided to any potential buyers."

Possible buyers might include some guy with a flute and a turban, or maybe a slippery salesman looking to replenish his line of proprietary oil. More likely, though, Chase is going to be stuck with the Idaho snake house for a long time.

Protesters recently appeared in Ohio at the annual meeting of Chase's parent, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., to complain about the company's foreclosure practices. There have been similar protests at all major banks, as if these institutions actually love foreclosing on homes.

Banks currently have about 1.9 million homes on their books or in foreclosure proceedings, according to RealtyTrac, a real estate market researcher.

Imagine all the disrepair, the pet-fouled carpets, the mold, the bugs, the rats and the snakes.

Foreclosures have slowed in recent months, but that trend is largely attributed to legal delays, including banks' dubious use of "robo-signers" on court documents.

Yes, major banks have major problems. But they're still swamped with more foreclosures than they can handle, and Americans are still slithering away from their homes like it's not a snake-like thing to do.

The Mortgage Bankers Association recently reported that about 8.3% of homeowners missed at least one mortgage payment in the January-March quarter. In a healthy market, that figure holds at about 1.1%.

Cereals that Americans no longer love

2011-06-04T03:34:00.000-07:00

Six cereal brands have been hit particularly hard by American's changing breakfast tastes. These include Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies, Corn Pops, and Special K. Sales of some of these brands fell by double digits between 2007 to 2010, and those declines have continued in the most recent period measured by Symphony/IRI.

"In the 1980s and the first half of the 1990's, the RTE (ready-to-eat) cereal industry was one of the most profitable of all food manufacturing industries, with profits averaging 17 percent of sales," according to a 2000 report from the USDA. "Consumers' consumption of RTE cereals declined in the early 1990's because of the high prices of name-brand cereals and the rising popularity of convenient breakfast foods such as bagels and toaster pastries."

These struggles continue.

Indeed, Dean Foods (NYSE: DF - News) CEO Gregg Engles recently blamed "soft" milk sales partly on a "a weak cereal category, which drives roughly 30% of milk use." The company is the largest U.S. processor and distributor of milk.

Cereal would seem like one of the most recession-resistant meals because it's fairly cheap and easy to prepare. S&P equity analyst Mark Graves, for one, said he was surprised by the softness in sales, which he doesn't believe is attributable much to restrictions on marketing food to children that the food industry implemented several years ago. Volume and sales should remain soft for at least the rest of the year, he added.

"I would expect cereal to be doing better," he says.

Cereal is under assault from many quarters. Government officials want to further restrict the use of cartoon characters such as Toucan Sam to sell sugary cereals because of concerns about soaring rates of childhood obesity. Companies have been reducing the amount of sugar in their products. They are also selling them in other ways such as breakfast bars, sales of which are soaring.

Much to the horror of nutritionists, the popularity of egg-based breakfast sandwiches is surging. It remains unclear how much this eats into cereal sales, however, since some people apparently eat a small breakfast at home and eat a "snack" like an Egg McMuffin later in the morning. What it does illustrate is the power of a convenient food item to drive sales at restaurants, which have seen breakfast sales remain strong throughout the economic downturn.

"The easiest way to prepare that meal is a power window," says Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst with NPD Group, in an interview.

When 24/7 Wall St. decided to compile a list of the cereals with the weakest sales growth, it found a few bright spots. General Mills, for instance, has a hit with Multi-Grain Cheerios. Symphony/IRI estimates that sales of the healthy cereal rose 11.62% to $107.4 million in the recent 52 week period, the biggest gain of any ready-to-eat cereal listed by the market research firm. Another General Mills product, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, gained 7.5% to $196.9 million. Both products have seen gains for the past few years. Sales at the diversified food company's Retail Business, which includes cereal, are struggling. Net sales and operating profit fell by more than 1% each. A General Mills spokesperson said the company was in an earnings quiet period and was unable to comment for this story.

Kellogg, the largest cereal company, isn't faring as well. Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, for instance, rose 1% to $246.7 million in the 52 weeks ending April 17, while sales of such stalwarts as Fruit Loops, Raisin Bran and Special K fell in the single digits. Sales of Kellogg's Corn Pops dropped 19% to $73.9 million. Kris Charles, a spokeswoman for Battle Creek, Michigan-based Kellogg, told 24/7 Wall Street that the Symphony/IRI data is misleading because it does not include its biggest customer, Walmart, or club stores such as Costco.

"Ready-to-eat cereal is a robust category; it's trusted by moms, great tasting, nutritious, convenient and on trend," she writes in an email, adding that ready-to-eat cereal accounts for about 50% of global net sales as it has for several years. When Kellogg reported first quarter earnings on May 4, 2011, the company increased its full-year 2011 internal net sales growth guidance to approximately 4 percent." She did not mention that Kellogg's earnings missed Wall Street estimates.

Indeed, many investors are bullish on the cereal makers, though not necessarily the product itself. Shares of Kellogg are up about 11% this year, as is General Mills. Ralcorp, which also makes private label cereals, is up 35% during the same time, buoyed by an unsolicited takeover bid from ConAgra Foods Inc. (NYSE: CAG - News). It acquired Post from Kraft Foods for $2.6 billion in 2007 and the business is under-performing. Sales of branded cereal fell 10% during the most recent quarter, the only Ralcorp business to do so. Volumes were off 14%. The unit, Ralcorp's most profitable, saw a 1% gain in segment profit because of cost cutting.

Post Honey Bunches of Oats, one of its flagship brands, fell 11.69% to $271.2 million in the April 52-week period, Symphony/IRI says. St. Louis-based Ralcorp said during its recent earnings conference call that sales of the product "grew revenue" by 8% in the quarter. A company spokesperson could not be reached for comment on the discrepancy. It plans to continue to improve its product pipeline.

Chile holds first solar-powered car fair

2011-06-04T03:31:00.000-07:00

SANTIAGO: Solar power enthusiasts convene for first-ever solar-powered car fair in Santiago as they bid to compete in 900 kilometre Atacama Solar Challenge desert rally.

Young enthusiasts showed off their solar-powered car prototypes in Santiago on Friday in Chile's first Solar-Powered Car Fair as they look to compete in a rally in Chile's Atacama Desert.

Twenty teams from around the country convened in the capital city to display their sun-powered vehicles and meet with business leaders interested in energy to make agreements as they look forward to competing in the Atacama Solar Challenge.

The desert race runs a 900-kilometre course through Chile's unforgiving Atacama Desert September 30 to October 2.

Participants hope their costly prototypes will one day lead to innovations that will allow solar-powered vehicles to carve out room in the consumer market.

"Solar energy is an alternative, obviously the cost of the car is pretty high, but the niche is growing and there are investigations and everything so that in the future it can be used in a more efficient way," said participant Gonzalo Pacheco.

Chilean government officials also came out to support the forward thinking fair.
"Those who today participate in this fair, who today step up to this challenge, who-- like the provost said-- are learning today in the race to get a better vehicle, they are the people who will be the leaders that the country needs in development of renewable energy sources for the future," said Energy and Mining Minister Laurence Golborne.

Experts advise people to get swine flu vaccine

2011-06-04T03:27:00.000-07:00

PESHAWAR: Health experts at a seminar urged the masses to vaccinate themselves against avian and pandemic influenza. They said that such people are at a high risk who do not get vaccinated against the virus.

The seminar held titled, ‘H1N1’ by National Programme for Prevention and Control of Avian ad Pandemic Influenza in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF here at local hotel on Thursday.

While addressing the awareness seminar, Dr Salma Kausar Ali, National Program Manager- NICP briefed media persons and identified symptoms of influenza.

The health expert said after hitting many parts of the world the first victim of avian influenza was reported in district Charsadda back in 2007 and till 2009 fifty people died of the virus in the country with reported 702 cases that in turn propel World Health Organization (WHO) to declare level-6 emergency in the region during the same year.

So far 300 cases of H1N1 were reported till 2011 in the country and most of it was in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.

Salman wish well for Shahrukh’s ‘Ra One’

2011-06-04T03:22:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has wished well for the success of his rival superstar Shahrukh Khan’s new movie ‘Ra one’.

Salman Khan, on the sideline of a function being held for the promotion of his film ‘Ready’ in an interview, told that his best wishes were with the Shahrukh Khan’s new film ‘Ra One’ that it turns out a hit.

To a question about showing film ‘Ready’ to Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan said that the producer of this film Bhusan Kumar and heroin Asin were interested in showing this movie to Shahrukh and he has no objection to it.

Fans in London want Boom Boom back

2011-06-04T03:17:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Supporters of all-rounder Shahid Afridi held a protest to show their support for him in Southall, London on Friday, Geo News reported.

Hundreds of supporters gathered in Southall and chanted slogans in the favor of former captain. They demanded that the board should resolve the issues and make his return possible in the international cricket soon.

The protestors said that they had bought tickets for Hampshire County Championship to watch their favourite star in the field but due to the cancellation of his No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), they will not be able to watch Boom Boom Afridi in action.

US to maintain 'robust' military role in Asia: Gates

2011-06-04T03:07:00.000-07:00

SINGAPORE: Defense Secretary Robert Gates vowed the US military would maintain a "robust" presence across Asia backed up with new high-tech weaponry to protect allies and safeguard shipping lanes.

Seeking to reassure Asian allies mindful of China's growing power and Washington's fiscal troubles, Gates on Saturday told a security conference in Singapore that Washington's commitment to the region would not be scaled back.

Instead, the US military will expand its presence in Southeast Asia, sharing facilities with Australia in the Indian Ocean and deploying new littoral combat ships (LCS) to Singapore, where it has access to naval facilities, he said.

The LCS is a speedy, lighter ship designed to operate in shallow coastal waters.

The US military will be positioned in a way "that maintains our presence in Northeast Asia while enhancing our presence in Southeast Asia and into the Indian Ocean," said Gates.

The speech came as countries facing a rising China watch the United States for signs of its long-term security plans in Asia, amid mounting disputes over territorial rights in the potentially resource-rich South China Sea.

"The US position on maritime security remains clear: we have a national interest in freedom of navigation; in unimpeded economic development and commerce; and in respect for international law," Gates said.

Citing investments in new radar-evading aircraft, surveillance drones, warships and space and cyber weapons, Gates said the United Sates is "putting our money where our mouth is with respect to this part of the world -- and will continue to do so."

The planned weapons programmes represented "capabilities most relevant to preserving the security, sovereignty, and freedom of our allies and partners in the region," he said.

The programmes also include maintaining America's nuclear "deterrence" amid continuing concern over North Korea's atomic weapons.

Senior US officers have long pointed to China's military buildup, saying Beijing's pursuit of anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles as well as cyber warfare capabilities pose a potential threat to US naval power in the region.

Without naming China, Gates said the new hardware was a response to "the prospect that new and disruptive technologies and weapons could be employed to deny US forces access to key sea routes and lines of communications."

Although the Pentagon's budget would come under growing scrutiny and military spending in some areas would be cut back, Gates predicted that investments in the key "modernisation" programmes would be left untouched.

"These programmes are on track to grow and evolve further in the future, even in the face of new threats abroad and fiscal challenges at home."

This would ensure "that we will continue to meet our commitments as a 21st century Asia-Pacific nation -- with appropriate forces, posture, and presence", he said.

Looking back on US policy in Asia since he took over at the Pentagon in 2006, Gates said the military had bolstered ties with old allies, such as Japan and South Korea, as well with new partners, including India and Vietnam.

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