Friday, December 31, 2010
Oldest Facebook user is 103 Years Old
LONDON: A woman from Tenby is thought to be the oldest member of social networking site, Facebook.
A BBC News report highlighted Lillian Lowe, who is 103-years-old, and now thought to be the eldest member of the site after Ivy Bean from Bradford, 104 (who was also a big tweeter) passed away this summer.
Season’s first rain: Capital shivers to the second day of rain
ISLAMABAD: Cold gripped the twin cities after the rainy spell continued for the second day on Thursday. Most people stayed indoors to avoid the harsh weather and commercial centres and recreational spots in the city sported a deserted look.
New Year’s Eve: City too dry and too wet
LAHORE: A shortage of whiskey and bad weather are hampering arrangements for New Year’s Eve parties across the city tonight.
Millions gathering to count in the new year
Enthusiastic Australians camped out at parks alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge to win the best view of Friday’s spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks kicking off celebrations around the world.As the clock ticked closer to 2011 across Asia, Vietnam’s capital was preparing its first-ever official New Year’s Eve countdown and Taiwan planned a massive pyrotechnic display in the shape of a dragon.
Europeans were looking forward to a celebration that could help them forget their economic worries.
In New York City, nearly a million
Strike against proposed amendment in blasphemy law
A nationwide strike was observed on Friday against proposed amendment in the blasphemy law.The strike was called by the Tehreek Khatm-e-Nabuwwat and the religious parties of the country.
Residents of major cities faced difficulties as there was no public transport on the roads.
Moreover, protest demonstration and rallies were held in the almost every part of the country.
In Karachi, all the markets and commercial sites remained closed for the
Partial solar eclipse on Jan 4
A partial solar eclipse will occur on January 4.This was announced by an official of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) here on Friday.
The eclipse will visible in Pakistan with a 13 percent obscuration of the solar disk.
The experts have warned not to look at the sun without wearing proper eye shielding as a solar filter
iPhone-controlled beer cannon is the robot friend of our dreams (video)
HEX ships iPod nano watch band, dares you to destroy it (video)
RIM: BlackBerry PlayBook battery life is still being optimized, won't cause delays
UK and French carriers working on cellular coverage for Channel Tunnel, aim to finish by 2012 Olympics
Why did Pluto lose its planet status? Because it never mattered enough
It's kind of hard to accept, Pluto has always been our favorite underdog, but the truth is that the Solar System's ninth planet was never really significant enough to earn that designation. Such is the coldly logical reason given for its removal from the planetary annals by a man who had a lot to do with its demise. Caltech astronomer Mike Brown discovered Eris, what he'd hoped was the tenth planet, back in 2005, but its extreme distance from the Sun and diminutive (by planetary standards) dimensions disqualified it from consideration. Unfortunately, its discovery is what doomed Pluto to be downgraded to a "dwarf planet," though Mike's not shedding too many tears over it. In fact, he's gone and written a book about the whole thing, the smug planet destroyer that he is. You don't have to buy it to learn more, however, as the source link has an interview with Mike all ready and waiting.Johnny Depp loves quirky roles
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Johnny Depp is famous for his love for quirky roles and with the Tourist doing badly at the box office, the Hollywood star admits that he is better off playing eccentric characters.
Depp has popularised quirky characters like Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland and Edward Scissorhands in his movies.
And the 47-year-old star says he loves hiding behind wigs and make-up in his movies, the Daily Express reported.
"Captain Jack is always going to be a part of me," he says, adding that he is not in the mood to hang up his bandana and
Depp has popularised quirky characters like Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland and Edward Scissorhands in his movies.
And the 47-year-old star says he loves hiding behind wigs and make-up in his movies, the Daily Express reported.
"Captain Jack is always going to be a part of me," he says, adding that he is not in the mood to hang up his bandana and
Anne Hathaway isn't a good flirt
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Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway said it was hard for her to be seductive while playing the overtly sexual Maggie Murdock in her new movie Love and Other Drugs.
"The most important thing was to make Maggie honest... she had amazing potential to be angry, funny, smart and incredibly wounded," showbizspy.com quoted her as saying.
"The thought of combining all of those aspects into a character was a challenge but very exciting. It was the sexuality of the character (that scared me)."
"I'm much happier talking with people than I am flirting with them. I'm pretty shy and not entirely comfortable with the kind of attention you get when you focus on your sexual side. I was afraid that I couldn't pull off playing Maggie," she added.
"The most important thing was to make Maggie honest... she had amazing potential to be angry, funny, smart and incredibly wounded," showbizspy.com quoted her as saying.
"The thought of combining all of those aspects into a character was a challenge but very exciting. It was the sexuality of the character (that scared me)."
"I'm much happier talking with people than I am flirting with them. I'm pretty shy and not entirely comfortable with the kind of attention you get when you focus on your sexual side. I was afraid that I couldn't pull off playing Maggie," she added.
Gomez has a crush on LaBeouf
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Singer actress Selena Gomez, who had earlier sparked off reports of dating Justin Bieber, says she has a crush on actor Shia LaBeouf.
"I don't have a perfect boy. I guess they need to be honest and they need to be some who can really be myself around. Although, if they look identical to Shia LaBeouf that would be great! You should be out having fun when you're younger, not getting caught up in a committed relationship," contactmusic.com quoted her as saying.
Selena also revealed she doesn't like going on dates.
"I don't actually like dates. I get awkward as I never know what to do. I still get butterflies and wobbly legs around a boy I like. But the best thing is to be very open and don't shut yourself off. Enjoy being young."
"I don't have a perfect boy. I guess they need to be honest and they need to be some who can really be myself around. Although, if they look identical to Shia LaBeouf that would be great! You should be out having fun when you're younger, not getting caught up in a committed relationship," contactmusic.com quoted her as saying.
Selena also revealed she doesn't like going on dates.
"I don't actually like dates. I get awkward as I never know what to do. I still get butterflies and wobbly legs around a boy I like. But the best thing is to be very open and don't shut yourself off. Enjoy being young."
Lady Gaga in Zoolander sequel
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Pop singer Lady Gaga may land her first big movie role soon as actor Owen Wilson is considering her for a part in the Zoolander sequel.
Wilson and actor Ben Stiller are keen to work on the sequel to the hit 2001 comedy, and are planning to release it in 2012. And Wilson admits that Gaga is in line to star as a female friend of model Derek Zoolander, played by Stiller, reports torontosun.com.
"Gaga has to be in it. The movie will happen soon. I just saw Ben and I think that people will be happy with some of this new stuff we have," said Wilson.
Wilson and actor Ben Stiller are keen to work on the sequel to the hit 2001 comedy, and are planning to release it in 2012. And Wilson admits that Gaga is in line to star as a female friend of model Derek Zoolander, played by Stiller, reports torontosun.com.
"Gaga has to be in it. The movie will happen soon. I just saw Ben and I think that people will be happy with some of this new stuff we have," said Wilson.
Toy Story 3 top earning film of 2010
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Toy Story 3, an animated film about the adventures of two action figures, has topped Forbes magazine's list of 2010's highest grossing films.
The film about a ten-inch tall astronaut and a cowboy, emerged victorious at the box office, earning an estimated USD 1.6 billion at the box office.
Not only does that make the Disney film the highest-grossing film of the year but the highest-grossing animated film of all time, reported Forbes.com.
The film, starring the voice talents of Tom Hanks as toy cowboy Woody and Tim Allen as his astronaut sidekick Buzz Lightyear, now ranks as the fifth highest-grossing film of all time.
Alice In Wonderland, starring Johnny Depp, came in second place pulling in USD 1.02 billion, making Disney the first studio ever to have two films in a
The film about a ten-inch tall astronaut and a cowboy, emerged victorious at the box office, earning an estimated USD 1.6 billion at the box office.
Not only does that make the Disney film the highest-grossing film of the year but the highest-grossing animated film of all time, reported Forbes.com.
The film, starring the voice talents of Tom Hanks as toy cowboy Woody and Tim Allen as his astronaut sidekick Buzz Lightyear, now ranks as the fifth highest-grossing film of all time.
Alice In Wonderland, starring Johnny Depp, came in second place pulling in USD 1.02 billion, making Disney the first studio ever to have two films in a
Robert De Niro is the deadliest star
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Hollywood icon Robert De Niro has the rare distinction of having died onscreen more times than any other actor.
The Taxi Driver star has met a nasty end in fifteen different movies, including Cape Fear, Jackie Brown, and Heat, reported Contactmusic online.
Second in the list is Bruce Willis, who has raked up eleven movie deaths, including two at the hands of his real-life ex-wife Demi Moore, in 'Mortal Thoughts' and Charlie's Angels: Full
Throttle.
Third place goes to Johnny Depp, with ten onscreen deaths, including his blood-spattered exit in A Nightmare on Elm Street.
The Taxi Driver star has met a nasty end in fifteen different movies, including Cape Fear, Jackie Brown, and Heat, reported Contactmusic online.
Second in the list is Bruce Willis, who has raked up eleven movie deaths, including two at the hands of his real-life ex-wife Demi Moore, in 'Mortal Thoughts' and Charlie's Angels: Full
Throttle.
Third place goes to Johnny Depp, with ten onscreen deaths, including his blood-spattered exit in A Nightmare on Elm Street.
50 Cent rescues neighbours stuck in snow
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Rapper 50 Cent is making a quick buck out of the the blizzards that have hit the US. The millionaire rapper is shovelling snow from his neighbours' driveways and charging them for the service.
The hip-hop star's Connecticut home was buried under thick snow but he's making the most of the adverse conditions, charging USD 100 to clear sidewalks in the area.
And the 'In Da Club' proved he's serious about his new business after posting photos of himself hard at work with a shovel on Twitter.
"I'm going out to shovel snow and see if I can make me a few extra dollars today. I'm charging more if they want to take pictures. I want a hundred dollars per house. I bet anybody I'll make a grand moving snow today. I want a hundred dollars if
The hip-hop star's Connecticut home was buried under thick snow but he's making the most of the adverse conditions, charging USD 100 to clear sidewalks in the area.
And the 'In Da Club' proved he's serious about his new business after posting photos of himself hard at work with a shovel on Twitter.
"I'm going out to shovel snow and see if I can make me a few extra dollars today. I'm charging more if they want to take pictures. I want a hundred dollars per house. I bet anybody I'll make a grand moving snow today. I want a hundred dollars if
Rihanna and Matt Kemp split
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R&B superstar Rihanna and Matt Kemp have decided to call it quits after dating for almost a year.
The 'Umbrella' hitmaker and her Los Angeles Dodgers baseball player boyfriend reportedly decided to split because of their busy schedule, the Us magazine reported.
"It happened over the last few weeks. She basically was just over it," a source said.
"He just can't keep up with her crazy travel schedule. Matt's sick of always following after her like a puppy dog all over the world. He wants something more normal. Plus it was never as serious as it looked. It was always just having fun," the source added.
The 22-year-old singer started dating Kemp, also 22, in December last year following her messy break-up with singer Chris Brown, who brutally assaulted her in
The 'Umbrella' hitmaker and her Los Angeles Dodgers baseball player boyfriend reportedly decided to split because of their busy schedule, the Us magazine reported.
"It happened over the last few weeks. She basically was just over it," a source said.
"He just can't keep up with her crazy travel schedule. Matt's sick of always following after her like a puppy dog all over the world. He wants something more normal. Plus it was never as serious as it looked. It was always just having fun," the source added.
The 22-year-old singer started dating Kemp, also 22, in December last year following her messy break-up with singer Chris Brown, who brutally assaulted her in
Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster best selling album in 2010
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Pop star Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster has been named the top selling album in 2010. Gaga's album, a repackaged version of her earlier disc, The Fame, with an additional eight tracks, sold 5.8 million copies across the globe, according to the United World Chart, compiled by website mediatraffic.de.
Rap artiste Eminem, who made a comeback with his album Recovery earned the second stop with his disc selling 5.7 million copies. Eminem was followed by Canadian teen singing sensation Justin Bieber, who came in third with 5.6 million sales of his My World albums.
Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Susan Boyle, Black Eyed Peas, Michael Buble, Sade and Alicia Keys rounded off the top-ten list.
Gaga, meanwhile, took to twitter to
Rap artiste Eminem, who made a comeback with his album Recovery earned the second stop with his disc selling 5.7 million copies. Eminem was followed by Canadian teen singing sensation Justin Bieber, who came in third with 5.6 million sales of his My World albums.
Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Susan Boyle, Black Eyed Peas, Michael Buble, Sade and Alicia Keys rounded off the top-ten list.
Gaga, meanwhile, took to twitter to
Katy Perry creating a special perfume for tour
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Popstar Katy Perry is creating a special scent for her 2011 European tour.
The 'Fireworks' hit-maker is planning a extravagant stage show and wants to engage all the senses of her audience, reported People magazine.
"It's going to engage all the senses, so we're looking into alternative stuff like smell. We're talking to a couple of companies at the moment about creating an aroma for the performance," said the 26-year-old.
She promised that the tour will see her appear in several of her signature outrageous outfits on stage, though they are not easy to get into.
"There will be a medley of looks, and they'll be
The 'Fireworks' hit-maker is planning a extravagant stage show and wants to engage all the senses of her audience, reported People magazine.
"It's going to engage all the senses, so we're looking into alternative stuff like smell. We're talking to a couple of companies at the moment about creating an aroma for the performance," said the 26-year-old.
She promised that the tour will see her appear in several of her signature outrageous outfits on stage, though they are not easy to get into.
"There will be a medley of looks, and they'll be
Hindi soap opera in trouble for torture scenes
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A Hindi serial that airs on entertainment channel Colors has run into trouble over scenes that depict a woman being tortured.
The show, Rishton Se Badi Pratha, tackles the topic of what's referred to as honour killings- women being killed by their families for marrying men that are considered unsuitable, usually for reasons of caste.
The Inforamtion and Broadcasting Ministry has sent a notice to Colors for scenes that the government describes as "barbaric" for portraying "abnormal violence." The notice says the show uses "abusive language which is highly objectionable." It also states that the programme " lowers the dignity of women and appears to encourage and incite violence against them.
Colors has been given a week to
The show, Rishton Se Badi Pratha, tackles the topic of what's referred to as honour killings- women being killed by their families for marrying men that are considered unsuitable, usually for reasons of caste.
The Inforamtion and Broadcasting Ministry has sent a notice to Colors for scenes that the government describes as "barbaric" for portraying "abnormal violence." The notice says the show uses "abusive language which is highly objectionable." It also states that the programme " lowers the dignity of women and appears to encourage and incite violence against them.
Colors has been given a week to
After Tees Maar..., Akshay, Farah reunite for Joker
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The trio of Akshay Kumar, Farah Khan and Shirish Kunder are coming together again for their next 3D film Joker after Tees Maar Khan, which has garnered mixed response at the box office.
While Akshay Kumar will stay on to be the central protagonist, Farah and Shirish would switch roles in their next outing. Farah will be handling the production department while her husband Shirish would be calling the shots as a director.
"We will begin work on Joker in January. We are already through with the ground work and it is time to start the principal shoot. The film will be made in 3D," Farah told PTI.
Joker stars Sonakshi Sinha opposite Akshay Kumar and
While Akshay Kumar will stay on to be the central protagonist, Farah and Shirish would switch roles in their next outing. Farah will be handling the production department while her husband Shirish would be calling the shots as a director.
"We will begin work on Joker in January. We are already through with the ground work and it is time to start the principal shoot. The film will be made in 3D," Farah told PTI.
Joker stars Sonakshi Sinha opposite Akshay Kumar and
Katrina and Ranbir: Beginning of the end?
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Ranbir Kapoor is moving to newer pastures. The actor is currently fascinated by his Rockstar co-star Nargis Fakhri.
While his blow hot -blow cold status with Katrina Kaif continues, Ranbir seems to be cementing his relationship with Nargis. Sources reveal that Kapoor has already told close friends that he 'likes' Nargis and wants to give their developing relationship a chance.
While Nargis is getting to know him better, Kat is slowly and steadily distancing herself from Ranvir. In the last two months, Ranbir and Katrina have had many arguments and fights due to his growing proximity with the newcomer.
A source reveals, "Kat feels that
While his blow hot -blow cold status with Katrina Kaif continues, Ranbir seems to be cementing his relationship with Nargis. Sources reveal that Kapoor has already told close friends that he 'likes' Nargis and wants to give their developing relationship a chance.
While Nargis is getting to know him better, Kat is slowly and steadily distancing herself from Ranvir. In the last two months, Ranbir and Katrina have had many arguments and fights due to his growing proximity with the newcomer.
A source reveals, "Kat feels that
2010: Debutant directors script change in Bollywood
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New directors walked away with the honours in 2010 by introducing fresh ideas and new themes with a blend of reality and entertainment in Bollywood.
While multistarrers like Kites, Mani Ratnam's Ravaan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Guzaarish, and Ashutosh Gowarikar's Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey sank without trace at the box office, first timers like Abhishek Chaubey, Abhinav Kashyap, Anusha Rizvi, Abhishek Sharma and Vikramadiya Motwane brought refreshing stories onscreen.
Chaubey, who has worked with Vishal Bhardwarj, introduced Vidya Balan as a vengeful village belle in Ishqiya, who is not only well-versed with expletives but also knows how to shoot and manipulate. The combination of Gulzar-Bhardwaj ensured that the
While multistarrers like Kites, Mani Ratnam's Ravaan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Guzaarish, and Ashutosh Gowarikar's Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey sank without trace at the box office, first timers like Abhishek Chaubey, Abhinav Kashyap, Anusha Rizvi, Abhishek Sharma and Vikramadiya Motwane brought refreshing stories onscreen.
Chaubey, who has worked with Vishal Bhardwarj, introduced Vidya Balan as a vengeful village belle in Ishqiya, who is not only well-versed with expletives but also knows how to shoot and manipulate. The combination of Gulzar-Bhardwaj ensured that the
Salman appointed first brand ambassador of Mountain Dew
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Dabangg Salman Khan will now send out a new message to his fans - Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai - as the newly appointed brand ambassador of Mountain Dew soft drink.
"I love the high-action imagery of Mountain Dew and more importantly the fact that it's not mindless action but there is a message at its core Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai. I have spent time with the Mountain Dew team and I eagerly look forward to working with them," Salman, who has been appointed by PepsiCo India as the brand ambassador, said in a statement.
This is the first time that a brand ambassador has been appointed for Mountain Dew.
Speaking about the association, Deepika
"I love the high-action imagery of Mountain Dew and more importantly the fact that it's not mindless action but there is a message at its core Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai. I have spent time with the Mountain Dew team and I eagerly look forward to working with them," Salman, who has been appointed by PepsiCo India as the brand ambassador, said in a statement.
This is the first time that a brand ambassador has been appointed for Mountain Dew.
Speaking about the association, Deepika
Big B to narrate again for Aamir
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He lent his voice for Aamir Khan's first production Lagaan and now taking forward his newly-found fondness for the Bollywood perfectionist, Amitabh Bachchan has loaned his rich baritone for the latter's Delhi Belly.
Big B takes on the role of a narrator for the first trailer of Delhi Belly, that comes attached with another Aamir production Dhobhi Ghat Jan 21.
"Couple of days ago, Aamir and Kiran (Rao) were seen visiting Amitabh Bachchan on sets. After a long closed door meeting and catching up, they left almost after two hours. And yesterday morning Amitabh Bachchan dubbed in a suburban studio for Delhi Belly," read a statement from the movie's publicist.
"It's an introductory piece and
Big B takes on the role of a narrator for the first trailer of Delhi Belly, that comes attached with another Aamir production Dhobhi Ghat Jan 21.
"Couple of days ago, Aamir and Kiran (Rao) were seen visiting Amitabh Bachchan on sets. After a long closed door meeting and catching up, they left almost after two hours. And yesterday morning Amitabh Bachchan dubbed in a suburban studio for Delhi Belly," read a statement from the movie's publicist.
"It's an introductory piece and
The real reason why Katrina turned down Rs.3.5 crore offer
The real reason why Katrina Kaif is refusing all offers to dance to Sheila ki Jawaani this New Year's eveMalaika Arora Khan postponed her New Year vacation with husband Arbaaz Khan, when an entertainment group offered her a large undisclosed sum for her anthemic Munni jig at Amby Valley. Katrina Kaif, on the other hand, has refused to dance to her Sheila ki Jawaani number from Tees Maar Khan.
Says a source close to Kaif, "A suburban luxury hotel offered her Rs 3.5 crores for the jig. Frankly, Katrina was tempted. But she backed out in time."
Munni and Sheila are Salman Khan's sister-in-law Malaika and former girlfriend Katrina Kaif respectively. The stunning ladies, never close friends but cordial enough to be called civil acquaintances, have revealed a contrasting attitude to their dance numbers.
Kaif screams in protest. "Are you crazy? I am not dancing at any hotel on New Year's eve. To be
Spirituality bug bites Katrina, leaves glamour for Satsang
Katrina gets set to play a woman robed in ochre and in search of spirituality in the Prakash Jha filmAfter opting out of Prakash Jha's Aarakshan, Katrina Kaif plays the central character in Satsang, the director's upcoming film exposing the multi-billion global religion factory in India.
After a critically acclaimed performance in Raajneeti, Kat seems dead serious about getting into serious non-glamorous roles.
However, her role in Satsang is so complex that even Jha was not sure, initially, if the actress could deliver.
"It would be the most challenging part of my career so far, " says Katrina, who played a pivotal character in the director's Raajneeti.
In Satsang, she doesn't just play the central character, but also a semi-autobiographical character. The character of a woman from the West in search of Oriental spiritualism is modelled on a real-life character.
This will be a startling departure from
Vidya Balan to get sensuous and curvy for Dirty Pictures
Vidya Balan will shed a few more kilos for her role as South siren Silk Smitha in Balaji's Dirty Pictures. After the release of No One Killed Jessica, the actress will devote all her time to get in shape for the role. A source reveals Balan's preparation for the role. "She will work out and lose more weight for the role. The brief is not to look lean and skinny, but curvy.
Silk Smitha was famous for her curves and Vidya wants to ape that look. However, she feels that it's necessary for her to lose some more weight before getting into the skin of the character.
Her portrayal of Smitha won't be through daring outfits but the body language and dance numbers."
In fact, Dirty Pictures director Milan Luthria has asked his leading lady to take three weeks off to rehearse for the songs.
"She will be working with two choreographers one from the south who will teach her the