Sunday, January 2, 2011
China's online population rises to 450m
"By the end of November, the number of netizens had reached 450 million, a rise of 20.3 percent compared to the same period last year," Wang Chen, minister for the press office of the State Council, China's cabinet, said. The figure marks an increase of 30 million -- more than the population of Peru -- since the number of web users was last given in July. "The coverage rate of the Internet in China is 33.9 percent -- above the world average of 30 percent," Wang told a press conference. |
Almonds fight diabetes, heart diseases
NEW JERSEY: Eating almonds could help prevent diabetes and heart disease, according to a study.Researchers found that incorporating the nuts into our diets may help treat type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90 to 95 per cent of all cases.
As well as combating the condition, linked to obesity and physical inactivity, it could tackle cardiovascular disease, said the report published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
Diabetics have a shortage of insulin or a decreased ability to use the hormone that allows glucose to enter cells and be converted to energy.
When diabetes is not controlled, glucose and fats remain in the
Discovery cancels Michael Jackson autopsy TV show
 LOS ANGELES: The Discovery television network on Friday said it canceled plans to air a reenactment of the autopsy on Michael Jackson's body, citing an upcoming court hearing and concern by the late pop star's estate.The show, "Michael Jackson's Autopsy: What Really Killed Michael Jackson," had been set to air in several countries of western Europe and in the United Kingdom on Jan. 13. "Given the commencement of legal proceedings beginning next week, and at the request of Michael Jackson's estate, the scheduled broadcast of the medical documentary related to Michael Jackson's official autopsy has been postponed indefinitely," Discovery Networks International said in a statement. |
India divorce rate doubles
NEW DELHI: It is wedding season in India, the time of year when astrologers say the omens are best for a long and successful marriage.Traditionally these were arranged by the two families and the weight of social pressure ensured divorces hardly ever happened.
But as it grows wealthier, so India's old taboos are being challenged, and the chances of this year's newly-weds staying together for the rest of their lives are slimmer than ever.
"There has been a huge change, a drastic change and divorce rates are increasing," Dr Geetanjali Sharma, a marriage counsellor working in Gurgaon, a wealthy Delhi satellite city, told the BBC.
Fog blanket stalls trains, flights in Punjab
LAHORE: Life in Punjab especially in land areas, including capital city Lahore and Multan, has come to standstill on Sunday as dense mist has blanketed all over province, badly disrupting hustle and bustle of daily life, Geo News reported.Meanwhile, airport has been closed down, all domestic and international flights have been postponed, and trains are being rescheduled as rainfall on first day of 2011 contributed to worsen the situation in Lahore.
Also, traffic on roads has turned thin due to dropping of mercury and zero visibility conditions as the drivers are being advised to turn headlights of vehicles on while traveling during day hours.
Motorway has been shut down for all kinds of traffic due to
DiCaprio is attracted to special films
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Hollywood star Leonardo Dicaprio has come a long way from his lover boy role in Titanic and the actor says that he continues to be demanding when it comes to accepting new projects.
"I want it to be special and really original. For me, the three elements there have to be are; it has to be a great script, with a great director and great people to work with. That's what I want and I guess it would sum up the dream for any actor," the actor said.
DiCaprio became an overnight sensation with his portrayal of Jack Dawson but keen to shed his pretty-boy persona, the actor opted for gritty roles in movies like Gangs of New York, The Aviator, Blood Diamond and The Departed.
"I want it to be special and really original. For me, the three elements there have to be are; it has to be a great script, with a great director and great people to work with. That's what I want and I guess it would sum up the dream for any actor," the actor said.
DiCaprio became an overnight sensation with his portrayal of Jack Dawson but keen to shed his pretty-boy persona, the actor opted for gritty roles in movies like Gangs of New York, The Aviator, Blood Diamond and The Departed.
Taylor Swift says her dad is her biggest fan
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Singer Taylor Swift says her father is her biggest fan and supports her professionally.
"My dad (Scott Kingsley Swift) is adorably optimistic, positive, pie-in-the-sky. He thinks every new song I write is my best. He sells T-shirts at my merchandise stands and hands out guitar picks to fans," contactmusic.com quoted her as saying.
Swift also revealed how she takes elements of her mother's personality into her onstage persona.
"Mom is a planner, an organiser. She's very strong and practical. She's the person that'll tell me if I ever start to change my personality. The balance of the two of them created my personality," she said.
"My dad (Scott Kingsley Swift) is adorably optimistic, positive, pie-in-the-sky. He thinks every new song I write is my best. He sells T-shirts at my merchandise stands and hands out guitar picks to fans," contactmusic.com quoted her as saying.
Swift also revealed how she takes elements of her mother's personality into her onstage persona.
"Mom is a planner, an organiser. She's very strong and practical. She's the person that'll tell me if I ever start to change my personality. The balance of the two of them created my personality," she said.
Justin Bieber relies on Usher for support
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Teen sensation Justin Bieber says he is grateful to pop star Usher for all the support he has provided him and that he relies on him for guidance.
"I call him all the time. I ask for advice. We hang out. He's probably the closest person to me in the music business," femalefirst.co.uk quoted him as saying.
Usher stepped in to help Justin rise to fame when he was discovered on video sharing website YouTube by his now-manager Scooter Braun.
"I just started posting videos online and then it just got to the point where they wanted to move me out to Atlanta and start recording songs," he said.
"I call him all the time. I ask for advice. We hang out. He's probably the closest person to me in the music business," femalefirst.co.uk quoted him as saying.
Usher stepped in to help Justin rise to fame when he was discovered on video sharing website YouTube by his now-manager Scooter Braun.
"I just started posting videos online and then it just got to the point where they wanted to move me out to Atlanta and start recording songs," he said.
Britney Spears new single to release next week
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Pop star Britney Spears' long-awaited new single 'Hold It Against Me' is all set to be premiered on US radio next week.
The 29-year-old singer latest track will debut on radio few days prior to its release and insiders who have heard the song think her fans won't be disappointed, Entertainment Weekly reported.
"It's produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin. And the beat that they give her is really unique compared to other artists. Plus, the hook is just amazing. It will be out on January 7," said Sharon Dastur, programme director for New York's Z100 radio.
Rumoured lyrics to the track leaked online earlier this week, but producer Dr.Luke insisted they were not genuine.
The 29-year-old singer latest track will debut on radio few days prior to its release and insiders who have heard the song think her fans won't be disappointed, Entertainment Weekly reported.
"It's produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin. And the beat that they give her is really unique compared to other artists. Plus, the hook is just amazing. It will be out on January 7," said Sharon Dastur, programme director for New York's Z100 radio.
Rumoured lyrics to the track leaked online earlier this week, but producer Dr.Luke insisted they were not genuine.
Sheila ki Jawani lands Mumbai students in trouble
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If setting the Indian hearts racing wasn't enough, Sheila ki Jawani has claimed some student victims. Three boys from an ICSE school in Mumbai are now in trouble.
According to sources, a few students of standard IX of St Aloysius High School, Nalasopara, decided to trouble their principal named Sheila by writing Sheila ki Jawani on the blackboard.
While the students did have some fun, the incident that took place a few days before the Christmas break, resulted in an inquiry into the matter.
The erring students were pulled up with their parents being summoned up for an official warning.
According to sources, a few students of standard IX of St Aloysius High School, Nalasopara, decided to trouble their principal named Sheila by writing Sheila ki Jawani on the blackboard.
While the students did have some fun, the incident that took place a few days before the Christmas break, resulted in an inquiry into the matter.
The erring students were pulled up with their parents being summoned up for an official warning.
Veena Malik denigrating Pakistani women: Meera
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Pakistani actress Meera is not happy with the way her fellow actress Veena Malik conducted herself on Colors' reality show Bigg Boss 4 and accuses her of portraying Pakistani women in poor light.
"Veena Malik is acting very cheap. The way she presented herself in front of Indian audiences is not right. She is denigrating the image of Pakistani women. This is not how women in Pakistan are," Meera, who is in India to shoot for diector Faizal Khan's Hindi movie Om Allah, told IANS in an interview.
Her liplocking courted controversy after people in Pakistan raised objections and she was apparently fined for this. But right now she feels Veena has crossed all limits.
"Veena Malik is acting very cheap. The way she presented herself in front of Indian audiences is not right. She is denigrating the image of Pakistani women. This is not how women in Pakistan are," Meera, who is in India to shoot for diector Faizal Khan's Hindi movie Om Allah, told IANS in an interview.
Her liplocking courted controversy after people in Pakistan raised objections and she was apparently fined for this. But right now she feels Veena has crossed all limits.
My on-screen chemistry with Shruti is amazing: Emraan
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Bollywood's serial kisser Emraan Hashmi seems to be bowled over by Shruti Haasan, whom he will be seen romancing in Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, and is all praise for their on- screen chemistry in the comedy.
"Shruti is a fabulous actress and extremely beautiful. The on-screen chemistry between us in the film is amazing and that's something to look forward to," said Emraan.
The film that also stars Ajay Devgn and Omi Vaidya will release Jan 28 and has been directed by Madhur Bhandarkar.
"Shruti is a fabulous actress and extremely beautiful. The on-screen chemistry between us in the film is amazing and that's something to look forward to," said Emraan.
The film that also stars Ajay Devgn and Omi Vaidya will release Jan 28 and has been directed by Madhur Bhandarkar.
Bollywood: 2011 looks to be Aamir Khan's year
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Looking Forward 2011
2011 is expected to see Aamir Khan dominate the silver screen as the actor-producer has two of his home productions lined up for release in the first half while his other ventures starring Rani Mukherji and Kareena Kapoor is slated to hit the screens in the later part.
Aamir Khan Productions' Dhobi Ghat which marks the directorial debut of his wife Kiran Rao releases on January 21. This weekend is extremely special for Aamir as it is this day that 'Rang De Basanti' released.
Starring Aamir Khan, Prateik, Monica Dogra and Kriti Malhotra, Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries) is the quiet and stirring story of four characters bound together as they go through a journey of longing, loneliness, love and loss.
2011 is expected to see Aamir Khan dominate the silver screen as the actor-producer has two of his home productions lined up for release in the first half while his other ventures starring Rani Mukherji and Kareena Kapoor is slated to hit the screens in the later part.
Aamir Khan Productions' Dhobi Ghat which marks the directorial debut of his wife Kiran Rao releases on January 21. This weekend is extremely special for Aamir as it is this day that 'Rang De Basanti' released.
Starring Aamir Khan, Prateik, Monica Dogra and Kriti Malhotra, Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries) is the quiet and stirring story of four characters bound together as they go through a journey of longing, loneliness, love and loss.
Priyanka Chopra nervous about 2011
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Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra looks back at the past decade with pride, but hints that she is a little "nervous" about what the future holds for her. Nevertheless, she is raring to go.
"Today woke up with a strange sense of nervousness, fear maybe.. Worry also.. Wondering what direction life will take... new or familiar? I've always been God's favourite child. N everything happened for a reason. I look back at the last ten years n have a knowing smile that I'm right," Priyanka posted on her Twitter page Saturday.
Amrita's new year bash sans best friend Kareena
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Amrita Arora and Shakeel Ladhak threw a big party at their Bandra residence on the terrace.
"While Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan are in Switzerland, her best friend Amrita is throwing a big party tonight to bring in the New Year," says a guest.
About 40 people have been invited including Arjun Rampal and Mehr Jessia, Tusshar Kapoor, Abhishek Kapoor (Gattu), Anu and Sunny Dewan, Farah Khan, Sajid Khan, Maheep and Sanjay Kapoor, Nandita Mahtani and Dino Morea, Kajal Anand (Putlu), designer Shabina Khan and Neelam Kothari."
A few of Shakeel's friends including Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Queenie Dhody and Farhad Taraporewala will also be there.
"While Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan are in Switzerland, her best friend Amrita is throwing a big party tonight to bring in the New Year," says a guest.
About 40 people have been invited including Arjun Rampal and Mehr Jessia, Tusshar Kapoor, Abhishek Kapoor (Gattu), Anu and Sunny Dewan, Farah Khan, Sajid Khan, Maheep and Sanjay Kapoor, Nandita Mahtani and Dino Morea, Kajal Anand (Putlu), designer Shabina Khan and Neelam Kothari."
A few of Shakeel's friends including Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Queenie Dhody and Farhad Taraporewala will also be there.
SRK leaves for Dubai with Half of B-Town
Shah Rukh Khan was spotted at the Sahar airport enroute to Dubai yesterday afternoon. The star will be bringing in the New Year in the desert emirate with family and close buddies like Hrithik Roshan and Karan Johar.Meanwhile...
King Khan tweeted after a long gap on Wednesday. He writes: "To new beginnings. Have a healthy happy and fulfilling new chapter. May all your troubles be as short lived as your New Year resolutions."
As reported 'Nega'tweet' keeps SRK away' (Hitlist, December 22), the star had been receiving a lot of negative comments lately. He was upset and hurt as a result. He preferred to lie low instead of hitting back through the microblogging site. Half of B-Town in Dubai?
It appears that half of B-Town has headed for Dubai to usher in 2011...
Emraan Hashmi takes his family on a ten-day trip
Emraan Hashmi takes his family on a ten-day trip to a secluded island off the coast of MalaysiaDubai or Goa is not Emraan Hashmi's holiday destination for New Year's this year. The actor left with his wife Parveen and year -old son Ayaan for a secluded island off the coast of Malaysia, for a 10-day holiday.
Reveals Emraan, "I left for Christmas and New Year's for a few days for this place called Kota Kinabalu. It is a secluded island off Malaysia where I am going to relax, eat and shop with my wife and baby.
I also want to try some water sports like water skating, scuba diving and jet skiing."
The actor reveals that this is the second time that he's going with his baby on a vacation. "I am so excited because I rarely have time to spend it with my wife and son as I am bust shooting.
Amu's hot New Year bash... minus best buddy Kareena!
Amrita Arora's New Year's Eve bash happens tonight... minus best buddy Kareena KapoorAmrita Arora and Shakeel Ladhak are throwing a big party tonight at their Bandra residence on the terrace.
Says a guest, "While Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan are in Switzerland, her best friend Amrita is throwing a big party tonight to bring in the New Year.
About 40 people have been invited including Arjun Rampal and Mehr Jessia, Tusshar Kapoor, Abhishek Kapoor (Gattu), Anu and Sunny Dewan, Farah Khan, Sajid Khan, Maheep and Sanjay Kapoor, Nandita Mahtani and Dino Morea, Kajal Anand (Putlu), designer Shabina Khan and Neelam Kothari."
A few of Shakeel's friends including Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Queenie Dhody and Farhad Taraporewala will also be there.
Amrita's sister Malaika Arora Khan won't be able to attend as she will be performing at the
33 on January 1: Vidya Balan stays home on birthday
Vidya Balan spends her 33rd birthday with her parentsVidya Balan turns 33 on January 1. The actress plans on bringing in her birthday and the new year at her parents' place in Khar.
Initially, she was planning to spend the special day with friends, but given the fact that she's been on the road promoting No One Killed Jessica for the last few weeks, Balan wants to be with her mom and dad.
A source close to Vidya says, "She's been in and out of Mumbai for the last six months. Earlier she was shooting for Sujoy Ghosh's Kahaani for almost two months.
After that she got into the promotion of Jessica travelling to almost every major city. Her schedule hasn't given her any chance to spend time with her parents."
Since her birthday and New Year fall on the same day, Vidya has a double reason to celebrate.
Despite buying a new apartment in
Rani Mukerji throws a fit after wardrobe malfunction!
Rani Mukerji gave her designer a verbal lashing in public for giving her a loose-fitting ghaghraRani Mukerji threw a fit last week at the Big Star Entertainment Awards in Mumbai because her designer gave her ill-fitting clothes.
Short exits
Says a source, "Rani wore a ghaghra-choli at the recently held awards, which will be telecast tomorrow on Star Plus.
She performed to various B-Town hits right from her first song Koi Mil Gaya (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai) to the title track of Dil Bole Hadippa.
Her last song was Dilli from No One Killed Jessica. However, Rani kept exiting the stage for a few moments and even moved backstage during her final track."
The source reveals, "The actress' skirt (ghaghra) was very loose and she had to return backstage for
The Biggest Controversies of 2010- the year of fights
As 2010 draws its final breath, we take a look at the year's biggest headliners and the children of controversy2010 was the year when squabbles, fights, temper tantrums and whims came tumbling out of the closet. Stars were not afraid to speak their mind, specially on chat shows.
Some forever-couples like Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone broke up while other couple like Deepika and Siddharth Mallya came together unexpectedly.
Javed Akhtar fought with producers for royalty rights for lyricists.
A television couple got married on a reality show, Rakhi Sawant made news (again!) when she apparently incited a man to commit suicide on a reality show.
Bigg Boss became the barometer of showbiz etiquette. The louder you abused the more you were bound to be noticed. Here's looking at the most colourful controversies of the year.
Kareena-Saif stay together in 300 year old Swiss chalet
The eco-friendly couple will be staying in a 300-year-old chalet that runs on solar energyKareena Kapoor loves being eco-friendly. She left last night for Switzerland on a 10-day trip with beau Saif Ali Khan.
The couple will be staying at a chalet-hut owned by the Gstaad Palace which runs on solar energy.
Says a source, "Bebo and Saif believe in preserving the eco-system in their own way. Last year, she had promoted eco-friendly handbags. Every year, they re-cycle their fir trees during Christmas.
This year, Kareena and Saif will be staying for a few days at the Gstaad Palace in Switzerland and then shift to a wooden hut (the Walig Hut) built like a small 18th century chalet at 5000 feet above sea level.
The 300-year old hut has been carefully restored with basic plumbing and solar-powered electric lighting. Saif loves
KJo's New Year vow: Throw away excess baggage!
Filmmaker Karan Johar has a New Year resolution. He wants to throw away all kinds of excess baggage in his life. "My resolution for 2011...get rid of all kinds of excess baggage...emotional and my cluttered closet!!! Why pile up when you can unfold, " Johar posted on his Twitter page.
He will hopefully get back to direction in the coming year, and has wished everyone "Big love and happiness in 2011!!!".
"Happy new year to all of you...the lovers, the haters and my favourite gang...the indifferent ones, " he added.
Salman Khan's Dubai birthday bash details revealed
A well-heeled Dubai birdie chirps to say that Salman Khan celebrated his birthday (December 27) at Caramel Restaurant and Lounge at Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. The bash went on till the wee hours and Sallu and his family and friends enjoyed themselves and even told the hotel guys that they would be back soon.
On the menu for the stars were Chicken Shawarma Bites, Miso Glazed Black Cod, Seared Kobe Beef Carpaccio, Yellowtail Sashimi, Mac & Cheese Sticks and Signature Chicken Lollipops.
PS: The birdie claims that Katrina Kaif was also there!