Malayalam actor Mohanlal in a new avatar | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site

Malayalam actor Mohanlal in a new avatar | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site: "Donning a new role, versatile Malayalam actor Mohanlal has teamed up with an entrepreneur friend to set up a Rs four-crore performing arts centre in Kochi to showcase and preserve varied and unique art forms of Kerala.

The actor has joined hands with businessman Jose Thomas to give shape to a Performing Arts Centre here which would preserve, nurture, propagate, celebrate and showcase the countless treasures of performing arts with a focus on music, dance, theatre and folk art.

Christened JT Pac (Jose Thomas Performing Arts Centre), the state-of-the art centre is designed to be an ‘intellectual crucible’ that can shape the sensibilities of the public, set benchmarks in artistic standards and influence the very culture of art appreciation, Mohanlal told reporters here.

The centre is coming up at nearby Tripunithura at the ‘Choice school campus.’ About 75 per cent of the work has been completed and it is expected to be ready by February-end or early March, Jose Thomas, Chairman of the Kerala-based Choice group of companies and the centre’s president, said. A three-month calendar of performances is getting ready, he said.

The centre will play a lead role in making Kerala the centre stage of world class theatre, dance and folk art performances, Mohanlal said."

Kaka, from Manchester City to Milan? | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site

Kaka, from Manchester City to Milan? | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site: "Manchester’s City are thought to be prepared to make Kaka, the highest-paid player ever and with speculation mounting that City will pay whatever it takes to lure the 26-year-old away from Milan. News from Kaka’s camp says that the player will not be swayed by money.

They’ve already swooped on Robinho, but on Manchester City’s radar is an even bigger star, Kaka the midfield maestro, Ballon d’Or winner and 2007 World Player of the Year.

And the Cityzens, have made a staggering 100 million pound offer to AC Milan for Kaka if finalised, it’s a world record that sets other transfer deals to shame. The previous record stands at 46 million pounds paid by Real Madrid for French legend Zinadine Zidane in 2001.

Madrid also holds the 2nd highest transfer record for Luis Figo whom they snapped up from Barcelona for 37 million pounds. Meanwhile, Man City paid a whopping 34 million for Robinho in a British record last August.

The Eastland club is reported to be ready to pay the AC Milan playmaker 5,00,000 pound a week after a team led by their chief executive Garry Cookmet top Milan officials Adriano Galliani and Ernesto Bronzetti on Tuesday.

However, Kaka’s spokesman Diogo Kotscho insists the player will not be swayed by money and that he"

Top Fashion Trends for Spring/Summer 2009 | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site

Top Fashion Trends for Spring/Summer 2009 | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site: "I know it is only January, and many parts of the country are enduring below freezing temperatures, but before you know it spring and summer will be here. I have compiled a list of some of the top trends you will begin seeing. I am so excited for the new trends, many are fun and playful yet provide a bit of sexiness."

Selecting a Suitable Wedding Dress | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site

Selecting a Suitable Wedding Dress | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site: "Las Vegas is among the most beautiful places to get married. A bride-to-be in Las Vegas may have many options when selecting a wedding dress. Brides need to select a dress that suits them perfectly and one that blends with their skin tone. Different types of wedding gowns come in different styles, colors, prices, materials and length. The bride should order their wedding dress between four and six months prior to the wedding ceremony to avoid last minute disappointments. Additionally, they should consider the weather and type of wedding ceremony that they are going to have. Most people getting married in Las Vegas do not necessarily put on flowing gowns. Simple wedding dresses suit them just fine.


How to Get a Suitable Wedding Gown Online

A bride-to-be can purchase or rent their Las Vegas wedding dress from a wedding store or via the internet. Many people prefer to shop on the internet for wedding dresses because they can read other people’s blogs to get recommendations from other online buyers. Additionally, they can make recommendations regarding what kind of dress they want and any changes they want implemented. This ensures that the bride gets the most suitable Las Vegas wedding dress that she wants. Shopping online enables a person to visit many websites thus enabling them to select a"

Somdev in 2nd round of Aus Open qualifiers | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site

Somdev in 2nd round of Aus Open qualifiers | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site: "Somdev Devvarman moved one step ahead in the his quest of making the main draw of the Australian Open, overcoming a fighting Prakash Amritraj in the first round of the qualifying event in Melbourne today (January 14).

Somdev, seeded 28, tamed his unseeded compatriot 6-4 3-6 6-4 in the opening round. The 154th ranked Indian next takes on 207th ranked Lukasz Kubot of Poland in the second round.

Kubot beat Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France 3-6 6-3 6-1 in their first round match.

Somdev broke Amritraj twice in the hard fought match and dropped his serve once apart from saving one breakpoint.

India’s 196th ranked Sunitha Rao will open her women’s singles qualifying campaign against America’s Melanie Oudin, who is ranked 173 in the WTA list, tomorrow.

(Agencies)"

‘Rahman has taken music to new heights’

"Noted lyricist Gulzar, who originally penned the ‘Jai Ho’ track for Rahman, feels that Rahman has taken Indian music to new heights by becoming the first Indian to win the Golden Globe awards for his music in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

Rahman received the coveted prize for the Best Original Music Score for his track in British filmmaker Danny Boyle’s Mumbai-based saga. The film went on to bag three more prestigious prizes at the 66th Golden Globe including the Best Film.

“Rahman is an great artist and with this win he has taken Indian music to new heights,” Gulzar told said.

“I am very happy with ‘Jai Ho’ from ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ getting the Golden Globe. It means a lot for Indians and the music here,” said Gulzar.

Interestingly, the award-winning song was originally penned by Gulzar for Subhash Ghai’s film Yuvvraj’ but went to ‘Slumdog’ after Ghai did not use it in his movie.

“I had written the song ‘aaza aaza Shamiyane ke tale…’ for Ghai’s film ‘Yuvvraj’ but he felt the song did not suit his film and Rahman suggested that the track should be used in ‘Slumdog’ and it fitted well with the movie,” Gulzar said.

“When we talked"

Amy Winehouse’s husband seeks divorce

"The husband of British pop singer Amy Winehouse, whose recording success has been overshadowed by a torrid private life, is seeking a divorce, the lawyer acting for Blake Fielder-Civil said on Monday.

“I can confirm that I have been instructed to commence divorce proceedings on the grounds of Amy’s adultery,” solicitor Henri Brandman said.

Winehouse’s representatives confirmed the move. “Papers have been received and the matter is with Amy’s lawyers,” a spokesman said.

Fielder-Civil and Winehouse married in Miama in May 2007, but since then Winehouse has attended a rehabilitation clinic for drug addiction and Fielder-Civil has spent time in prison after pleading guilty to beating up a pub landlord in 2006 and conspiring to cover up the crime.

Winehouse, 25, won five of the recording industry’s prestigious Grammy awards in 2008.

(Agencies)"

We should not shy away from reality: Irrfan Khan

"Actor Irrfan Khan, who plays the key role of an inspector in Golden Globe winning ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ said that the film should not be criticised for showing poverty as it is the reality of today’s India.

“If anyone has any objection to the depiction of poverty in the film they should first come forward and take initiative to remove it. Only talking won’t help,” the actor said in an interview.

“Scams like Satyam computers are doing a better job of giving a bad name to our country than the depiction of poverty in a film. We should not shy away from showing the truth,” he added.

Irrfan plays the character of an investigative officer in the Danny Boyle film, which is based on the life of a Mumbai slumdweller. The film has been criticised in certain sections for depicting stereotyped Mumbai.

“We can not shut our eyes from the fact that a large section of our country continues to live abject poverty which can not be removed by not being shown in a film. We need to work on grass-root level to remove this problem,” he added.

The actor, who has worked in international films like ‘The Warrior’ and ‘A Mighty Heart’ with Angelina Jolie believes"

Firebrand Mamata sings a different tune

"Mamata Banerjee’s fiery speeches have often made headlines. But, now at a recent reality TV show for aspiring singers, the Trinamool Congress leader decide to display her talents as well.

Mamata Baneerjee has been on stage countless number of times before, but this was going to be different.

She started with a few words for the audience, “At night no tension…only relaxation…music can give you inspiration.” And after waxing eloquent, it was Mamata like we haven’t seen her ever before.

Mamata Baneerjee–an activist, a politician, and now a singer. When asked if in the future she would like to do anything related to music, she replied, “of course, if I get the opportunity I will surely do it.”"

Sensex climbs 204 pts in early trade

"Snapping a four-session long losing streak after Satyam fiasco, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today (January 14) recovered by over 204 points in early trade on revival of buying by foreign funds, taking cues from firming trends in the other Asian equity markets.

The Sensex moved up by 204.01 points at 9,275.37 in early trade with all the sectoral indices trading in positive zone with gains up to 3.37 per cent.

Similarly, the broader National Stock Exchange Nifty, rose by 47.40 points at 2,792.35.

The 30-share barometer tumbled nearly 1,264.57 points in the last four straight trading sessions.

Stock brokers said sentiments were largely buoyed by gains in other Asian stock markets and a better-than-expected beginning of earnings season after IT bellwether Infosys Technologies came out with impressive third quarter results yesterday.

They said covering-up of short positions by speculators and recovery in Indian rupee against the US greenback also supported the stock prices.

(Agencies)"

India Provided Pakistan With Evidence, Not information: Pranab

"NEW DELHI: Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Wednesday that India had provided Pakistan with concrete evidence about Mumbai attacks.

Talking to media here, Pranab said Pakistan was not cooperating with India in Mumbai attacks investigation.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani while giving policy statement in the National Assembly on Tuesday stated that India had not given Pakistan any evidence on Mumbai attacks and only information was exchanged through diplomatic channel."

India Chalks Out New Game Plan Against Pakistan

"NEW DELHI: India has finalized a new game plan against Pakistan, said an Indian TV channel on Wednesday.

It said, under the new plan the process of composite dialogue will be suspended for an indefinite period while the option of military action against Pakistan will be kept open.

The employment term of Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan is nearing completion, the Indian channel added."

Anushka Sharma in, Kareena Kapoor Out

"After she resolved not to dance at weddings, Kareena Kapoor recently made news for declining to perform with Katrina, Priyanka, Deepika and

Bipasha at an upcoming awards function.

But the real surprise is her replacement – newcomer Anushka Sharma. “The idea was to get all the girls who made a mark in Bollywood in 2008, and truly, Anushka is one of the them,” says Mohammed Morani of Cineyug, the organisers of the show.

The grand finale act will see Rock On! hunk Arjun Rampal joining Katrina, Priyanka, Deepika, Bipasha and Anushka. “Yes, Arjun has confirmed and he will perform with the gorgeous ladies,” confirms Morani."

India should be ready for war like situation: Army General Deepak

"NEW DELHI: The head of Indian army General Deepak Kapoor Wednesday said India should to remain prepared for the war-like situation in the wake of regional tension.

Addressing army officers and later speaking at a news conference in the capital, he said the Indian army was ready to face every type of situation.

The possibility of clash could not be ruled out in the view of regional situation, however, he said the operational preparations of Indian army should to be finalised to ensure defence of the country.

He said following the Mumbai attacks India was keeping all options open."

Pakistan Dismisses Indian Data As Not Evidence

"Pakistan’s prime minister has downplayed the significance of an Indian dossier on the Mumbai attacks, saying it only contained information and ”not evidence,” state media reported.

Yousuf Raza Gilani’s remarks late Tuesday before Parliament were likely to anger New Delhi, which says the dossier provides evidence that Pakistani militants staged the November slaughter of 164 people.

India specifically blames Lashkar-e-Taiba, a militant group believed to have links to Pakistani intelligence. Pakistan only recently acknowledged that the only surviving Mumbai gunman was Pakistani, but it insists none of its state agencies played a role in the attacks.

Under international pressure, Pak has detained some suspects allegedly linked to the attacks, while repeatedly calling on India to provide evidence to allow legal prosecutions. ”All that has been received from India is some information. I say information because these are not evidence,” Gilani said, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

The dossier, handed over on Jan. 5, includes transcripts of phone calls allegedly made during the siege by the attackers and their handlers in Pakistan. Previously, India had given Pakistan a letter from the lone surviving gunman, Mohammed Ajmal Kasab, that reportedly said he and the nine other gunmen were Pakistani"

John in great mood

"Pals, John Abraham is really in great mood nowadays. His recent film 'Goal' already made huge impact on box office internationally. He won praise from all corners all over the world for his great acting prowess in 'Goal”. He enjoyed the release of the film sitting in a galaxy multiplexer hall at Delhi. He enjoyed every seconds of the show watching audience’s spontaneous show of emotions.
People have gladly accepted his roll as a professional football star and his fight against injustice. John performed special drills to prepare well for a football that hard work seems to pay off now."

Ajay in great mood

"Ajay Devgan who forevermore in safety other he ranklings handiwork conversations (wife Kajol shares the ardor) says he forcefulness receive to oblige in it congeries since his own flick*, ‘U, Me Aur Hum’ will be up for manumission soon. At first he is virtuous in reverse it. He has always age-old, at entry level ultimate of the allotment. Arctic in Goa, shooting for Sri Ashtavinayak Cine Vision’s ‘Golmaal Termination’ Ajay is in a mood to chitchat*. He looks in toto at happiness on the contradictory standard of this Rohit Shetty determined motion picture.

His attached emancipation is Raj Kumar Santoshi’s ‘Halla Bol’. Speak him it looks a lot alike his leading top twenty, ‘Gangajal’ and ‘Apaharan’ and he instantaneously says, “No, ‘Halla Bol’ is extra pecuniary. It is highly difficult to find a fist all over the place is wholesaling decent, has humour, has enchantment and gross* drama….’Halla Bol’ is one such a one dailies*.”

Ajay says stable nevertheless he smash*s a superstar in ‘Halla Bol’, the style is not at all approximative him. “He is this diminutive boonies boy who matures a optimum star. He amities and revelments in all"

Chadan Sparsh Spa Launch Katrina Kaif | Bollywood Actress, Entertainment News, Indian Models, Gossips, Reviews and Movies

"Chadan Sparsh Spa Launch Katrina Kaif. Katrina these days is shooting with Ranbir Kapoor for Raj Kumar Santoshi’s film Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani and is known to have got along so well with his co-actor, that they’ve been spending some quality time on the sets and off it too. Katrina Kaif tops the most searched person in ‘Google’ list according to a recent survey. She had her share of fame and attention."

Hollywood Ramayana-Hollywood Meets Bollywood

"Hollywood Meets Bollywood in a big way ,we all know about the bollywood actors, who have worked in hollywood movies but they always had small role, sometimes the role given to them were not that appealing .

Ramayana is been made in hollywood and guess what ? Abhishek Bachchan Is playing the role of Rama,Aishwarya Rai will be featuring as Sita .

Duryodhana will be either played by Daniel Craig or ShahRukh Khan .
Nicole kiddman has also role in this movie . Nothing has been finalised yet .I Will be updating about the hollywood Drama in my Bollywood blog hereafter Hope you all will like reading my stuff ."

‘Rahman’s taken music to new heights’ | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site

‘Rahman’s taken music to new heights’ | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site:
"Noted lyricist Gulzar, who originally penned the ‘Jai Ho’ track for Rahman, feels that Rahman has taken Indian music to new heights by becoming the first Indian to win the Golden Globe awards for his music in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

Rahman received the coveted prize for the Best Original Music Score for his track in British filmmaker Danny Boyle’s Mumbai-based saga. The film went on to bag three more prestigious prizes at the 66th Golden Globe including the Best Film.

“Rahman is a great artist and with this win he has taken Indian music to new heights,” Gulzar told said. “I am very happy with ‘Jai Ho’ from ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ getting the Golden Globe. It means a lot for Indians and the music here,” said Gulzar."

Bombay HC admits case against Big B | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site

Bombay HC admits case against Big B | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site:
"The Bombay High Court today (January 14) admitted a petition against megastar Amitabh Bachchan and others for allegedly violating anti-tobacco laws in Goa saying there was a prima facie case against the actor.

The Goa bench of the High Court observed that there was a prima facie case against Bachchan and others for violation of the Tobacco Control Law in a criminal complaint filed by an Non-Government Organisation (NGO)."

Aamir: ‘Taare Zameen Par’ is special film to all Indians | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site

Aamir: ‘Taare Zameen Par’ is special film to all Indians | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site:
"Actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan said Taare Zameen Par’, which crashed out of the Oscar race today (January 14), is a film which is very special to him and all the audiences of Indian cinema.

“Well, I suppose the Academy jury liked nine other films more. I am just happy that it is a film which is very special to me and to all audiences of Indian cinema. I would like to thank everyone for their unwavering support to the film,” Aamir, who is in Bangalore shooting for ‘3 Idiots’, said in a statement issued here.

India’s Oscar dreams ended with ‘Taare Zameen Par’ losing out to nine films that have advanced to the next round of voting in the foreign language film category."

Malayalam actor Mohanlal in a new avatar | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site

Malayalam actor Mohanlal in a new avatar | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site: "Donning a new role, versatile Malayalam actor Mohanlal has teamed up with an entrepreneur friend to set up a Rs four-crore performing arts centre in Kochi to showcase and preserve varied and unique art forms of Kerala.

The actor has joined hands with businessman Jose Thomas to give shape to a Performing Arts Centre here which would preserve, nurture, propagate, celebrate and showcase the countless treasures of performing arts with a focus on music, dance, theatre and folk art."

Britney leaves her ‘jinxed’ home behind | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site

Britney leaves her ‘jinxed’ home behind | PakMahfil.com - Woman Magazine - Pakistani woman site: "Pop-star Britney Spears is all set to start afresh this year after her infamous meltdown she has successfully put her music career, relation with her family back on track.

The 27-year-old singer has also slimmed down to get back in shape and is now finally she making some changes to her surroundings.

Spears will be moving to her new mansion worth USD 2 million leaving behind the USD 7.1 million six bedroom home in the Los Angeles which was the setting for her big meltdown and has often been referred as ‘jinxed’ home."

Oil price around $39 a barrel

Oil price around $39 a barrel: "Singapore: Oil rose over 3 percent to around a barrel on Wednesday, as OPEC kept up its talk of production cuts and a cold snap in the United States boosted heating oil demand."

Shortage of fertilizers to affect wheat production: Farmers

Shortage of fertilizers to affect wheat production: Farmers: "LAHORE: Additional supply of artificial fertilizers is compulsory for the necessary production of new yield of wheat in country this year. Meanwhile, cultivators said that they are short of 5 million sacks of fertilizers for the current year’s production.

They also feared that this shortfall would cut wheat production by 20 to 25 per cent."

Oil higher in Asia on OPEC chief’’s comments

Oil higher in Asia on OPEC chief’’s comments: "SINGAPORE: World oil prices were higher in Asian trade Wednesday, pushed up in reaction to OPEC’’s comments that the cartel was prepared for “further measures” to shore up the market, analysts said.

Prices were also partly boosted by a severe cold spell sweeping across the northeast United States, they said."

Insurance premium on 5-year Pak Bonds stays at 30.84 pc

Insurance premium on 5-year Pak Bonds stays at 30.84 pc: "KARACHI: The insurance premium on five-year Pakistan Bonds in the international markets continued to remain at 30.84 percent.

According to credit market analysis, Pakistan Bonds’ credit default swap on October 27, 2008 had surpassed 50 percent, but after the loan received from the international financial agencies and the macro economic indicators showing some improvement,"

July-Dec., 2008 car sale compared previous year declined by 47 pc

July-Dec., 2008 car sale compared previous year declined by 47 pc: "KARACHI: The sale of cars during July-December, 2008 as against the same period previous year declined by 47 percent.

Pakistan Auto Manufacturers Association (PAMA) released figures showed that the sale of cars during the first quarter of the current fiscal year as compared to the same period previous year dropped from 78759 units to 41972. According to the statistics, 1000 cc cars sale dwindled most by 57 percent, while 1300 cc and above cars sale dropped by 39 percent to 14961 units."

Morgan Stanley, GE Want Tax Waiver on Loans From Offshore Units

Morgan Stanley, GE Want Tax Waiver on Loans From Offshore Units: "Morgan Stanley, United Technologies Corp. and General Electric Co. are promoting a plan to Congress that would waive U.S. tax penalties on businesses that borrow from their offshore units, according to congressional aides and lobbyists."

IBM, Accenture May Win Clients as Satyam Rocks India

IBM, Accenture May Win Clients as Satyam Rocks India: "International Business Machines Corp. and Accenture Ltd. are in a stronger position to win new contracts after the fraud at Satyam Computer Services Ltd. tarnished the credibility of India’s outsourcing industry."

Madoff’s Freedom Ignites Rage of Manhattan Neighbors

Madoff’s Freedom Ignites Rage of Manhattan Neighbors: "U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner denounced a federal judge’s decision to allow Bernard Madoff to remain free on bond while awaiting trial for allegedly running a billion Ponzi scheme.

“He should not be living at home, he should be in a jail cell,” said Weiner, a Democrat from New York, at a press conference yesterday in front of Madoff’s Manhattan apartment on East 64th Street. His comment followed the judge’s ruling in Manhattan federal court. “This judge doesn’t seem to get it.”"

Lloyds TSB New Subordinated Bonds to Pay 13 Percent

Lloyds TSB New Subordinated Bonds to Pay 13 Percent: "Lloyds TSB Group Plc, the U.K. bank buying HBOS Plc, is proposing to pay interest of 13 percent on new subordinated debt it’s issuing as part of a debt exchange to boost capital."

Blackstone’s GSO Said to Close Asian Investment Desk

Blackstone’s GSO Said to Close Asian Investment Desk: "GSO Capital Partners LP, Blackstone Group LP’s billion credit hedge fund, plans to close its Asia investment desk after failing to find attractive opportunities in the region, two people familiar with the matter said."

Petroleum products’ consumption in July-Dec. CFY falls

Petroleum products’ consumption in July-Dec. CFY falls: "KARACHI: The consumption of petroleum products during July-December current fiscal year declined by 4 percent."

Citigroup, Morgan Stanley in talks on joint brokerage

Citigroup, Morgan Stanley in talks on joint brokerage: "WASHINGTON: Troubled US banking giant Citigroup said Tuesday it is “in discussions” with Morgan Stanley on a potential tie-up of the brokerage operations of the two firms."

PNSC poised to scrap its three ships

PNSC poised to scrap its three ships: "KARACHI: Pakistan National Shipping Company (PNSC) has in principle approved scrapping of three of its cargo ships and replacing them by buying new or five-year old ships.

These three general cargo ships—thirty years old likely to be scrapped in the current fiscal year may include ‘Sibi’ and ‘Hyderabad’ ships."

HDIP finds quality CNG supplied at stations in 2008

HDIP finds quality CNG supplied at stations in 2008: "PESHAWAR: NWFP CNG stations’ supply of gas to its customers during 2008 was found of quality.

All Pakistan CNG Association’s vice chairman, Ghias Paracha told Geo News that NWFP CNG stations were monitored like every year in 2008 also. He said that the quality of gas supplied at CNG stations in 2008 was found satisfactory in a survey of over 200 CNG stations conducted, which also appreciated the service of he staff at CNG stations."

Banks begin selling shares of defaulting KSE members

Banks begin selling shares of defaulting KSE members: "KARACHI: The banks have started selling shares of the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) members, who failed to make payments of the margin amounts to the banks.

KSE members told Geo News that several major members were not being able to make payments of the margin for the last two months, which has prompted the banks selling all those share that they (defaulting members) had kept as security with the banks."

Pfizer to Fire 800 Scientists in Research Reshuffling

Pfizer to Fire 800 Scientists in Research Reshuffling: "Pfizer Inc., the world’s biggest drugmaker, will fire 800 researchers, or 8 percent of its science staff, to focus on developing treatments for cancer, brain disorders and diabetes.

The company will begin notifying the workers today, Kristen Neese, a spokeswoman for the New York-based drugmaker, said in an interview. She wouldn’t specify which research fields or what laboratories around the world will be affected."

Screen Actors Guild Ousts Allen as Top Negotiator

Screen Actors Guild Ousts Allen as Top Negotiator: "A divided Screen Actors Guild board moved to oust Doug Allen as lead contract negotiator, signaling Hollywood’s largest actors union may back away from a planned strike-authorization vote.

Reports coming out of the closed meeting were at odds. Allen was removed as negotiator, though not as the union’s executive director, board member Seymour Cassel said in an interview last night from Los Angeles, during a break in the meeting."

Elan Considers Sale to Raise Funds for Drug Tests

Elan Considers Sale to Raise Funds for Drug Tests: "Elan Corp., the Irish drugmaker whose shares slumped 72 percent last year, may consider a sale as it seeks funds to test experimental medicines and repay debt.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. will help review options including a merger, sale or strategic alliance, the Dublin- based company said in a statement. Elan’s shares gained as much as 18 percent today, giving the company a market value of about 3 billion euros ( billion)."

Infosys Profit Rises 33%, Beating Estimates on Orders

Infosys Profit Rises 33%, Beating Estimates on Orders: "Infosys Technologies Ltd., India’s second-largest computer-services provider, said third-quarter profit climbed to a record after winning outsourcing orders from clients seeking to cut costs amid the global recession.

Net income rose 33 percent to 16.4 billion rupees (4 million) in the three months ended Dec. 31, from 12.3 billion rupees a year earlier, Bangalore-based Infosys said today. That’s the fastest pace in six quarters and higher than the 15.4 billion rupee median of 18 analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg."

Privacy Groups’ Mobile-Ad Complaint May Test Obama’s Stance

Privacy Groups’ Mobile-Ad Complaint May Test Obama’s Stance: "Consumer advocates plan to file a complaint seeking new federal safeguards for mobile-phone users, a move that may provide an early test of President-elect Barack Obama’s stance on consumer privacy.

Google Inc., owner of the most popular search engine, is among companies “most energetically pushing the envelope” in tracking consumers’ mobile Web-surfing habits in order to target ads, according to the complaint, which the Center for Digital Democracy and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group said they intend to file today with the Federal Trade Commission."

Orbotech Sees No Flat-Panel Demand Rebound Until

Orbotech Sees No Flat-Panel Demand Rebound Until: "Orbotech Ltd., the Israeli maker of equipment used by Sharp Corp. to inspect flat-panel displays, said a recovery in demand for panels is unlikely before 2010 as manufacturers cut spending and delay expansion.

Orbotech’s sales this year will rely on equipment orders already received for panels in televisions and mobile phones, Chief Executive Officer Rani Cohen said. New contracts will come when consumers in India and China start replacing older TV sets and those in developed countries buy additional ones, he said."

Compal, Supplier to Hewlett-Packard, Acer, Halves Spending Plan

Compal, Supplier to Hewlett-Packard, Acer, Halves Spending Plan: "Compal Electronics Inc., the world’s second-largest maker of notebook computers, said it will halve spending this year as the global recession forces the company to scale back plans for new facilities in Vietnam.

“We want to control our capital spending and hold onto a high cash position because we don’t know how long this winter will last,” Chang Chih-ming, a spokesman for the Taipei-based company, said in an interview today. Compal has cut the size of its planned Vietnam factory by at least a half, he said."

Chicago Tribune Courts Commuters With Tabloid Edition

Chicago Tribune Courts Commuters With Tabloid Edition: "Bankrupt Tribune Co.’s flagship Chicago newspaper is targeting commuters with a tabloid-sized edition that will appear on weekdays starting Jan. 19.

The contents of the tabloid Chicago Tribune will be the same as those of the broadsheet edition, said spokesman Michael Dizon in an interview. Home-delivery subscribers will continue to get the broadsheet, while only the tabloid will be available at newsstands, he said."

Genachowski, Tech Executive, Said to Be FCC Choice

Genachowski, Tech Executive, Said to Be FCC Choice: "Julius Genachowski, a technology executive and former Federal Communications Commission official who advised Barack Obama’s campaign, is the president-elect’s choice to lead the agency, a Democratic official said.

As head of the body that regulates telephone, cable and broadcast companies, Genachowski, 46, would play a decisive role in issues as varied as spectrum policy, broadcast indecency and telephone rates."

Obama Love of BlackBerry Aids Its Maker as Long as He Loses It

Obama Love of BlackBerry Aids Its Maker as Long as He Loses It: "Barack Obama’s unpaid endorsement of the BlackBerry has provided maker Research In Motion Ltd. with a marketing boost its competitors can only dream of. Now, if the company is lucky, the president-elect will stop using it.

Obama has lobbied to keep the device over the concerns of the Secret Service. While a presidential BlackBerry would enhance the maker’s image, its encryption would be a target for spies, putting its “sterling” reputation for confidentiality at risk, analyst Roger Entner said."

EU Streamlines Pesticide Approvals With Zonal System

EU Streamlines Pesticide Approvals With Zonal System: "The European Union agreed to cut red tape in the 6 billion-euro ( billion) pesticides market by streamlining product approvals, clearing the way for legislation that also tightens safety standards.

The European Parliament endorsed an overhaul of the current system under which an EU country can refuse to recognize other national licenses in the bloc. The Parliament voted to reduce the maximum number of approvals to three by dividing EU member states into northern, central and southern groups where a single authorization for pesticides will be valid."

Eradicating Cats Devastated Macquarie’s Environment

Eradicating Cats Devastated Macquarie’s Environment: "Eradicating the cat population on Macquarie, a remote island between Australia and Antarctica, has damaged the local environment, allowing rabbits to rapidly reproduce in their absence.

Wiping out the feral cats that were introduced on Macquarie in the 19th century to control rabbits, brought to the island by sealers as a source of food, has instead led to a rabbit explosion, the British Ecological Society’s Journal of Applied Ecology reported. Hungry rabbits and rats have caused 40 percent of Macquarie’s native flora to vanish, helping erode island slopes."

Obama’s Green Jobs Plan Will Boost Energy Costs, Group Says

Obama’s Green Jobs Plan Will Boost Energy Costs, Group Says: "President-elect Barack Obama’s plan to create environment-friendly jobs will increase consumer energy spending and might cost U.S. jobs, according to a report to be released by an energy industry-funded group."

Food Production Chaos Looms in Africa as Soil Quality Worsens

Food Production Chaos Looms in Africa as Soil Quality Worsens: "African farmers and climate change are combining to damage soil at a rate that may plunge the continent, home to about 1 billion people, into chaos as food production declines.

“The situation is very severe and soil fertility is declining rapidly,” Jeroen Huising, a scientist who studies soils at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, or CIAT, said today in an interview. “Many countries like Kenya already don’t have enough food to feed their population and soil degradation is worsening an already critical situation.”"

Long Ring Fingers May Point to Wealth in Traders, Study Says

Long Ring Fingers May Point to Wealth in Traders, Study Says: "A glance at a trader’s hand may reveal the size of his paycheck. The longer the ring finger is compared with the index finger, the bigger his pay is likely to be, a study of London traders found.

The secret to prosperity may be contained in their digit ratio, which reflects the length of the index finger divided by the length of the ring finger, according to a study of 44 London traders in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Traders with a lower digit ratio made an average of 679,680 pounds (or about million U.S.), compared with 61,320 pounds (,956 U.S.) by those with a higher ratio, the report said."

Hole-in-One Insurer Sued by State Over Charity Event

Hole-in-One Insurer Sued by State Over Charity Event: "An insurer that guarantees hole-in- one contests was sued by Connecticut’s attorney general after allegedly failing to pay when a golfer reached the cup in a single swing at a charity tournament in September."

Treasuries Fall as Higher-Yield Corporate Debt Draws Investors

Treasuries Fall as Higher-Yield Corporate Debt Draws Investors: "Treasuries declined as bank lending eased and at least .9 billion in debt being issued by U.S. corporations drew investors.

“There is a little bit of a crowding out of Treasuries and into corporate bond issuance,” said Tony Crescenzi, chief bond strategist at Miller Tabak & Co. in New York. “The tone in general for the credit markets has been a lot better.”"

Elan May Extend Alzheimer’s Study to Gather More Data

Elan May Extend Alzheimer’s Study to Gather More Data: "Elan Corp. may spend an additional six months testing its experimental Alzheimer’s disease treatment, potentially delaying the introduction of its most-promising new product.

The drug is one of the first designed to attack the plaque that forms clumps in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s, affecting memory and movement. The company may use the time to gather more data on the safety and effectiveness of the medicine, bapineuzumab, which was linked to brain swelling in an earlier trial, said Carlos Paya, who in November became president in charge of strategy at Dublin-based Elan."

UnitedHealth, New York in $50 Million Payment Accord

UnitedHealth, New York in $50 Million Payment Accord: "UnitedHealth Group Inc., the largest U.S. health insurer, resolved a conflict-of-interest investigation by New York, agreeing to pay million to fund an independent database on out-of-network reimbursement rates.

UnitedHealth will shut down the database operated by its Ingenix subsidiary, state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said today in a statement on the settlement. A nonprofit entity will provide data on “reasonable and customary” costs that insurers use to set reimbursement rates to patients."

Gilead to Start Advanced Trial of First Four-in-One AIDS Drug

Gilead to Start Advanced Trial of First Four-in-One AIDS Drug: "Gilead Sciences Inc. expects to begin the first trial to test the effectiveness of its experimental four-in-one AIDS-drug pill early in the second half of this year, President John Milligan said in an interview.

Gilead, based in Foster City, California, is in discussions with the Food and Drug Administration about the size and scope of the trial, Milligan said today in an interview during the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. The trial also will evaluate the safety of the Quad pill."

Sports federations’ secretaries meet

Sports federations’ secretaries meet: "LAHORE: A two-day meeting of secretaries of sports federations would be started from tomorrow (Thursday) here."

New Zealand win ODI series 2-1 against West Indies

New Zealand win ODI series 2-1 against West Indies: "NAPIER: New Zealand secured the five-match One-day International series 2-1 by defeating the West Indies under Duckworth Lewis method in the rain-hit fifth and the final ODI here at the Maclean Park on Tuesday.

Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul set about building a formidable target batting in ideal conditions after New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori winning the toss put the West Indies into bat."

Cristiano Ronaldo wins FIFA World Footballer of the Year

Cristiano Ronaldo wins FIFA World Footballer of the Year: "ZURICH: Manchester United and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was on Monday named FIFA World Footballer of the Year for 2008.

He was given the award at a ceremony in Zurich while Palestine was given an special FIFA award for promoting football in the west bank."

Indian cricket team to tour Sri Lanka next month

Indian cricket team to tour Sri Lanka next month: "COLOMBO: India will play five One-day Internationals and a Twenty20 International against hosts Sri Lanka next month to help fill the gap created by their cancelled tour of Pakistan, officials said Tuesday."

ICC names officials for Pak-Sri Lanka series

ICC names officials for Pak-Sri Lanka series: "DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced here on Tuesday the names of the officials for the One-day International series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka."

Broad, Bond to supervise Pak-SL ODI series

Broad, Bond to supervise Pak-SL ODI series: "KARACHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) Tuesday announced details of umpire and match referee for the upcoming ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Three-match ODI series to start at National Stadium in Karachi from January 21, will be refereed by Chris Broad of England and umpired by Nigel Llong (England) along with local umpires."

Hockey teams’ foreign tours being considered: Bajwa

Hockey teams’ foreign tours being considered: Bajwa: "LAHORE: Secretary Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Asif Bajwa said that the Malaysian hockey team’s refusal to tour Pakistan is not a setback as the PHF is planning to send the national senior and junior teams to foreign countries."

Australia takes T20 series against South Africa

Australia takes T20 series against South Africa: "BRISBANE: Australia won the second successive Twenty20 match by six wickets to secure the series 2-0 against South Africa here on Tuesday.

Batting first, South Africa made 157 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs."

Pak-Sri Lanka series schedule revised again

Pak-Sri Lanka series schedule revised again: "KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revised again the schedule of the One-day International series on request from Sri Lanka.

As per the new schedule, two one-dayers will now be played in Karachi."

Sports federations’ secretaries meet

Sports federations’ secretaries meet: "LAHORE: A two-day meeting of secretaries of sports federations would be started from tomorrow (Thursday) here."

Kate Winslet explains forgetting Angelina Jolie

Kate Winslet explains forgetting Angelina Jolie: "In the first few weeks of this year’s awards season, it seems that everyone already has enough Jolie-Pitt material to freak out about for a lifetime. There was their absence and individual wins at the People’s Choice awards. There was their appearance at the Critics Choice Awards - the losing, the fondling, the alleged “dagger eyes” Jolie sent to Anne Hathaway. Now people are parsing everything Golden Globe-Jolie-Pitt related, including Kate Winslet’s acceptance speech when Winslet won for Revolutionary Road. As she seemed genuinely out of sorts and very excited, Winslet tried to thank her fellow nominees, but temporarily forgot Angelina."

Clive Owen talks about sexy spy thrillers

"Clive Owen could be reading the phone book and it would be sexy. But for him to actually star in a film that he calls a “sexy, savvy, banter movie” - be still, my heart. Seriously, his voice is the best part of an already perfect package. Anyway, Clive answered some questions from The Los Angeles Times via e-mail about his two upcoming spy films. First up is The International, co-starring Naomi Watts. After that is Duplicity, playing against his Closer co-star Julia Roberts."

Oil prices rise on Saudi cut

"Brent crude oil rose for the first day in five and futures in New York recovered losses, as Saudi Arabia’s reiteration of its plans to make deeper supply cuts than OPEC requires took hold.
Saudi oil minister Ali al-Naimi confirmed that the kingdom’s February production will be “lower than the target” yesterday."

Qatar’s port in the storm

Qatar’s port in the storm
Qatar: The Sri Lankan government offered land for growing food to Qatari ministers during a visit to Doha this week, according to daily Gulf Times.

Car-makers put on their brakes

Car-makers put on their brakes

Etisalat bags Iran

Etisalat bags Iran

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Indian army should be war ready - Army chief

Indian army should be war ready - Army chief