Miss Oklahoma lost Miss USA 2010 crown due to Arizona immigration law?

New York, May 18 (ANI): It has emerged that Miss Oklahoma Morgan Elizabeth Woolard may have lost the coveted Miss USA 2010 title due to the Arizona immigration law.

Woolard had finished first runner-up to winner Rima Fakih of Michigan, and conspiracy theorists are grumbling that her support of SB 1070 may have cost her the crown.

According to Fox News, when “The Office” star Oscar Nunez posed Miss Oklahoma a question about where she stood on Arizona’s SB 1070, the crowd erupted in boos over the intrusion of politics.

“I’m a huge believer in states’ rights. I think that’s what’s so wonderful about America,” the New York Daily News quoted Woolard as saying of the law which requires state police to stop and question possible undocumented immigrants.

“So I think it’s perfectly fine for Arizona to create that law,” she had stated. (ANI)

Knights delighted to secure Hurley

Essendon coach Matthew Knights says young star Michael Hurley rejected a massive pay hike from the new Gold Coast AFL team because he believes in the Bombers’ long-term vision.

Hurley was reportedly offered up to $600,000 a season – double his current salary – to move north.

However the 19-year-old key position player has turned his back on the money to remain with Essendon.

Knights said Hurley, who kicked four goals in the win against Hawthorn at the weekend, had rebounded well from an off-field incident last year.

He was suspended by the club for the first three games of this year after an alleged drunken attack on a taxi driver last September.

But Knights said Hurley had worked hard to turn around his approach and he was delighted the Bombers had enticed him to stay at Windy Hill.

“I’m confident that he’s going to stay,” Knights said.

“All looks fine. We’ve got a really great person on our hands in Michael Hurley.

“I think the progression he’s made over the last two or three weeks to find a little bit of the ball the other night was fantastic.

“He obviously is a big believer in what we’re doing here, along with a lot of our other key position players.

“He’s really enjoying the culture and the program and the Essendon Football Club full stop, so it’s great to have him on board long-term.

“We’re glad that he’s with us and I think that he’s glad (the club) are with him.”

Knights said Hurley received a lot of support from the club after his indiscretion.

“He’s been through a difficult patch in the last three or four months but I think collectively everyone stuck together, everyone stayed really united on supporting Michael,” he said.

Hurley is expected to play against Port Adelaide on Sunday but has a query over an ankle injury.

“We are looking to play him this week. He has got a knee concern and he won’t do much on the track today but we’ll look to get him activated Thursday and Friday,” Knights said.

“All going according to plan, he’ll play but he’s certainly not out of the woods yet, along with Ricky Dyson who’s going to miss between four to eight weeks with a knee injury, which is a blow.

“Ricky’s been a very consistent player and structurally very sound for us – his career has really come on in the last couple of years.”

Brumby ‘won’t be bullied’ into health deal

Victorian Premier John Brumby has ramped up his opposition to the Federal Government’s hospital takeover proposal, saying he will not be bullied into signing up to a deal that is “wrong” for patients.

Mr Brumby used a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra today to state his case against Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s move to take back 30 per cent of GST revenue from the states to directly fund 60 per cent of hospital costs.

Mr Rudd only has five days left to get all the states on side before next Monday’s COAG meeting, but Mr Brumby says he would be a “mug” to sign up to the deal, saying Victoria “cannot and will not” support the Commonwealth deal.

And he accused Mr Rudd of never signalling that a GST clawback was on the cards.

“At no time, ever, ever, formally, informally, on the record, off the record, in meetings, out of meetings, has there ever been any suggestion from the Prime Minister that they would steal the GST from the states,” he said.

“That just came out of the blue.”

The Federal Government has put $3 billion of sweeteners on the table if the states agree to the plan, but Mr Brumby says it is holding patients to ransom and the money should be handed out now.

“We’re not going to be bullied into a position that’s wrong for the states and wrong for Australia,” he said.

“The GST part of this is not a good deal. I know what our own modelling shows.”

Mr Brumby singled out the Government’s pledge to spend $500 million to keep waiting times for patients at emergency departments to under four hours.

“It’ll encourage emergency departments to look after the more well patients who are presenting for treatment, to make sure that they keep the four-hour average,” he said.

South Australian Premier Mike Rann has accused Mr Brumby of attempting to scuttle the deal by proposing an alternative which he knows the Prime Minister will not accept.

But Mr Brumby says this is not the case.

“I’ve always been a great believer in cooperative federalism,” he said.

Speaking at a hospital in Gosford in New South Wales today, Mr Rudd said Mr Brumby was arguing for no change.

“No reform at COAG means the same old hospital system and the same old problems we’ve had in the past,” he said.

“People are sick and tired of excuses for delay.”

While Mr Brumby has hardened his stance, New South Wales appears to be signalling it is more receptive to a deal.

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally says the states agree there must be system reform.

“There is no first minister out there claiming that change is not required,” she said.

“What we as first ministers want to ensure is the change that we adopt is the right change.”

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has accused Mr Rudd of rushing the overhaul ahead of this year’s federal election.

“He’s threatening people, he’s hectoring people, he is proving himself to be the man who is a master of the blame game,” he said.

Gandhians in Ahmedabad laud government’s austerity drive

Ahmedabad, Sep 18(ANI): In contrast to leaders of some political parties, who are criticising the austerity measures mooted by the government as mere ‘tokenism’, Gandhians associated with the Sabarmati Ashram at Ahmedabad have lauded the initiative.

The Gandhains, who themselves live a life of extreme simplicity, following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, said that if politicians lead a simple life, people would certainly follow in tune with the adage: Follow the leader.

Amrut Modi, the managing trustee Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram, a staunch Gandhian himself, is a firm believer in Gandhi’s teaching of ‘doing one’s work by oneself’, and professes it religiously.

Appreciating the austerity drive of the government, he said that politicians through such measures inspire people towards leading a simple life, as the Mahatma did.

“If simplicity is acquired, it can lead to change. Gandhiji himself had brought about change in the country. He prepared the people for independence and self-rule. The principle of simplicity is included in his teachings. He inspired the common man, through his simple life. Even today if our politicians adopt simplicity, then people will take inspiration from them,” Modi said.

Several other believers of Gandhi’s teaching also said that simplicity could help the nation develop, and also set an example in front of the whole world.

“The ministers should adopt Gandhiji’s principles and teachings pertaining to simplicity. This will help in the development of the country financially and otherwise and they can also send the message to the world, that how beneficial it can be to walk on Gandhiji’s principles,” said Dhimant Badiya, another Gandhian. (ANI)

Shane- Simone romance saga back on track?

Las Vegas, July 4 (ANI): The on-and-off Shane Warne and Simone Callahan romance saga seems to be back on track.

After taking some initial steps to rekindle their rocky relationship last Christmas, former Australian cricketer Warne and his ex-wife are staying together in Las Vegas.

The retired leg-spinner is in America’s gambling capital, representing 888 Poker in the world series.

He has brought his entire family along for company, The Courier Mail reports.

The couple’s three children are believed to be staying at one of Las Vegas’ best hotels, enjoying the attractions.

The exact status of their relationship is still unclear and they have made no public statement.

It is understood they have been keen to keep the relationship private, while making slow, purposeful steps towards full reconciliation.

Recently, the pair was spotted getting cosy backstage at the Sound relief concert.

Warne raised many eyebrows as he tried getting cosy with his ex-wife, who seemed pretty interested in him.

Callahan was also seen reciprocating the feelings, as she eagerly waited and watched in the wings when Warne helped Chris Martin and his band Cold Play perform a rendition of The Monkeys” hit I”m A Believer’. (ANI)

Monica Bedi releases her first devotional music album in Mumbai

Mumbai, June 30 (ANI): Bollywood starlet Monica Bedi on Tuesday released her first devotional music album ‘Ek Onkaar’ in Mumbai.

Bedi, who recently shot to fame after starring in the television shows Jhalak Dilkhlaja and Big Boss, has resurfaced after remaining in oblivion for years.

Monica spoke at length about her new album and said that it was n honour to be part of such a great project,

“Being part of such a great thing it is really a big honour for me. Its definitely my way of thanking god after all I have gone through, its only god who has helped me out to become a stronger person. So I’m strong believer in god. I strongly believe that faith can move mountains,”said Bedi.

The album comprises her renditions of the “Mool Mantra” and passages from the Sikh religious compilation “Japji Sahib” in a musical background.

Universal Music has launched the music album. (ANI)

Gorakhpur Muslim sings Hindu prayers

Gorakhpur, May 10 (ANI): A Muslim in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur area has acquired big popularity for his inclination to sing praises of Lord Rama from Ramayana, the religious text of Hindus, with utter devotion.

Drawn to study Hindu religious texts since high-school days, 38-year-old Sadiq Ali is presently a charm for people to listen hymns and religious prayers from in public gatherings.

A firm believer in the oneness of God, Sadiq wants to promote humanity and affection among people of all sections, irrespective of religious faiths.

“When I was in High School, my Hindu friends used to take me to the readings of Ramayana and the Mahabharata. I developed an interest in Ramayana Kirtan (singing verses from the Ramayana). Now I am proficient in singing ‘Kirtans’,” he said.

Though initially Sadiq had to bear with the resentment of a few persons of his community, but it only strengthened his faith in bringing Hindus and Muslims close to each other.

He says if all religious have common teachings asking followers to develop goodness in life and live together, why should we allow ourselves to fight each other in the name of religion at all.

“There are problems sometimes. Religious leaders often try to dissuade me but I make them understand. I believe that all religions are equal, and I give equal respect to all religions,” Sadiq said.

“At some places people say that they do not want low caste Hindus and Muslims to sing Kirtans. But we try to make them understand that it is rather commendable that being a Muslim he is singing Ramayana kirtan,” said Radheshyam, a member of Sadiq Ali’s troupe.

Ali is, in his own way, setting an example of communal harmony and endorsing the oneness of God. By Pawan Shah (ANI)

Hugh Jackman thrilled about ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’

Melbourne, Apr 20 (ANI): Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman revealed that he is thrilled about his forthcoming flick ‘X-Men Origins: olverine’.

Hugh, who plays Wolverine in the upcoming flick, has also produced the flick with wife Deboraa-Lee-Furness and pal John Palermo.

“I am excited. There have been a lot of wild twists and turns in my life over the past six months that have been really exciting for me,” the Daily Telegraph quoted Jackman, as saying.

“For our company it’s obviously a big, big film and we are putting our names on there as producers so you live or die by the sword,” he added.

The actor revealed that cold showers, listening to Metallica and Godsmack, and shooting the flick at 4am helped him connect with his ultra-furious character.

“I am a believer that actors are limitless in the emotions they can touch. It’s just as big a mistake to think of yourself as a nice guy – that’s not your job as an actor. Your job as an actor is to be neutral and human and to observe,” Jackman said. (ANI)

Waqar Younis questions Pak ICL players’ national commitment

Lahore, Apr.13 (ANI): Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis has raised questions over the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) players’ commitment to national duty.

“I am a strong believer that a cricketer should be permitted to play anywhere, but in this case, I think, somewhere there is a doubt,” Younis said.

He charged the ICL players of putting the country’s reputation on a back seat while joining an unauthorized league.

“It means country was not dear to them before joining the ICL,” The Daily Times quoted Younis, as saying.

hen asked to comment on the forthcoming one-day international series between Pakistan and Australia, Younis said the Australian team was not the same that it used to be three-four years earlier.

“I think Australia are not favourites for this series. I have seen their performance against South Africa in the ongoing ODI series in South Africa. Pakistan can perform better against them,” he added.

He, however, said that the lack of international cricket for Pakistan could create some problem.

“If they play a little bit above their potential then I am sure Pakistan would achieve better results,” Younis added. (ANI)

Henry VIII ‘was devout Catholic’

London, Apr 4 (ANI): Known as the scourge of the Catholic Church, Henry VIII has long been regarded as a religious sceptic, however, a “new extraordinary discovery” has revealed that he was a firm believer in the religion he later attempted to destroy.

A prayer roll (bede) once owned by Henry and inscribed with his own handwriting has emerged. The roll, which is around 13 feet long and 5 inches wide, will be kept for public display for the first time at the British Library’s exhibition ‘Henry VIII: Man and Monarch,’ which opens later this month and marks the 500th anniversary of Henry’s accession.

The roll is made of narrow strips of parchment stitched together, and bears Henry’s official badge of arms and the Tudor rose. It is decorated with a series of illuminations including the Trinity, the Crucifixion and scenes from Christ’s Passion.

Under the central image of Christ’s Passion is an inscription written by Henry, which reads: “Willyam Thomas, I pray yow pray for me your lovyng master: Prynce Henry.”

Inscribed with Latin prayers and religious instructions, the roll explains how the devotions are to be performed and what rewards the faithful might expect, such as remission of time in Purgatory and protection against illness.

Experts reckon that the teenage Henry gave the roll to William Thomas, one of his personal servants in his Privy Chamber, some time between 1505 and 1509, when Henry was the Prince of Wales.

Dr David Starkey, the historian, who has curated the British Library’s exhibition, described the roll as “a very exciting discovery”.

“I knew nothing of its existence until I began my research for the exhibition, so it has been a very exciting discovery. Many academic historians have long argued that Henry was sceptical of religion from his youth, and that this scepticism ultimately led to the break with Rome and the Reformation,” The Telegraph quoted him, as saying.

He added: “But what we have here, for the very first time, is absolute concrete evidence to the contrary. The Ushaw roll shows just how conservative and pious he was as a young man and how he was, in fact, two very different men before and after his divorce.

“We tend to remember Henry for all the extraordinarily revolutionary things he did, but this highlights how incredibly old-fashioned the young Henry was.

“It is proof that he actually believed in the religion characteristic of late medieval piety and believed that the sacraments carried out miracles – beliefs which he tried to destroy with the Reformation. It will surprise a lot of people.”

Dr Starkey said that Henry would have used the roll as a talisman that he carried with him, which he would have unrolled when he wished to pray. (ANI)

‘Super cop’ turned MP bets on god to win again

Bangalore, April 1 (IANS) H.T. Sangliana, a former IPS officer who plunged into politics after retiring as a Karnataka ‘super cop’, is lucky to be nominated for the Lok Sabha elections from India’s IT hub despite switching loyalty to the Congress from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Just as the BJP sprung a surprise by fielding him in 2004 from Bangalore North and he defeated Congress veteran C.K. Jaffer Sharief, the Congress has gone out of the way to favour the 66-year-old to contest from the newly formed Bangalore Central Lok Sabha constituency.

‘It is by god’s grace that I am in the fray again, not by chance. I depend 100 percent on god and god’s people for my victory. I say so because I am a beginner in politics. I don’t want to be a so-called politician, which people define as a profession or occupation of scoundrels,’ Sangliana told IANS.

Sangliana, who originally hails from Mizoram, continues to live with his family in a modest apartment at the National Games village in upscale Koramangala suburb.

Though fearless and unfazed, Sangliana has ‘Z’ category security provided on the express directive of outgoing Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee after he was heckled by BJP MPs and his office was ransacked by BJP cadres for voting in favour of the UPA government during the trust vote in July 2008 on the India-US nuclear deal in parliament.

Ironically, someone who protected Bangalore as the city police commissioner in 2001-02 is guarded by six commandos round-the-clock. An escort jeep accompanied him when he travels.

A day after his candidature was announced in New Delhi late Saturday, Sangliana first touched base with Congress legislators representing the assembly segments within his Lok Sabha constituency.

‘I am a strong believer that god ordains each one of us for His purpose. I am twice blessed to serve the people even after retiring from 36 years of police service,’ Sangliana said.

The transition to Congress following his disqualification by the BJP in August has not been smooth. Sangliana continued to face harassment from his erstwhile party cadres and was politically isolated for over eight months.

‘I am not a conventional politician by definition and do not waste time in socialising or wheeling-n-dealing. Though I was deprived of discharging my duties as an MP, I remained serving the people of my constituency and attending to their problems to the best of my ability,’ the former top cop recalled.

Having pipped Sharief in securing the much coveted Bangalore Central, the task is cut out for Sangliana. The constituency is not only new for him but it has witnessed polarisation after the 2008 assembly elections when the BJP grabbed 17 of the 28 assembly segments across the expanded city.

Sangliana has four Congress legislators to bank on for mobilising votes to outsmart B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan of the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) and P.C. Mohan of the BJP in a triangular contest.

‘I am confident of winning again as people are well aware of me. Though my constituency consists of diverse communities and a mix of citizens from other states, they are liberal, educated, articulate and cosmopolitan to judge a candidate on merits,’ he said.

With a 1.9 million electorate, the constituency forms the heart of the city and has a sizeable minority voters, especially from Muslim-dominated Shivajinagar segment represented by Congress legislator Roshan Baig.

Sangliana does not think the matured electorate, particularly the youth, would vote on caste and community lines if the candidate has a clean image and is reputed for honesty, integrity and morality.

‘The voters are aware of the infrastructure projects and civic works I executed in the North constituency under the MP Local Area Development Scheme. I was one of the few MPs from the state who fully utilised the corpus of Rs.20 million (Rs.2 crore) annually for developing the constituency. Even the people of that constituency are coming forward to campaign for me and testify my credentials,’ an upbeat Sangliana said.

Having been a no nonsense officer in service, Sangliana does not agree that his candidature is a reward from the Congress for bailing out the UPA government.

‘The fact I have been given ticket to contest from this prestigious constituency is a testimony to my ability to win. I consider it a reward for my god-given inner strength, honesty, integrity, dependability and principle against corruption and corrupt people,’ Singliana added.

Israel could strike Iran if US does not rein in its nuke ambitions: Netanyahu

Washington, Apr.1 (ANI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that if US President Obama doesn’t act to stop Iran developing a nuclear weapon, the Israelis may be forced to attack Iran.

An article titled, “Netanyahu to Obama: Stop Iran-Or I Will” in The Atlantic makes the threat of a unilateral strike on Iran’s nuclear sites very explicit, reports CBS.

“You don’t want a messianic apocalyptic cult controlling atomic bombs. When the wide-eyed believer gets hold of the reins of power and the weapons of mass death, then the entire world should start worrying, and that is what is happening in Iran,” Netanyahu told The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg.

“The Obama presidency has two great missions: fixing the economy, and preventing Iran from gaining nuclear weapons,” the hardline Israeli leader said, just hours before taking the reigns of the government for a second time on Tuesday.

Tempering the you-do-it-or-we-will tone of the article, Goldberg adds that Netanyahu did voice support for President Obama’s effort to end Tehran’s quest for a nuclear weapon. (ANI)

Shane Warne spotted canoodling with ex-wife

Melbourne, Mar 16 (ANI): Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne and his ex-wife Simone Callahan were recently spotted getting cosy backstage at Sound relief concert.

Warne raised many eyebrows as he tried getting cosy with his ex-wife, who seemed pretty interested in him, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Callahan was also seen reciprocating the feelings, as she eagerly waited and watched in the wings when Warne helped Chris Martin and his band Coldplay perform a rendition of The Monkeys’ hit ‘I’m A Believer’.

According to sources, the duo is said to be living under one roof again, and is on the verge of getting back together. (ANI)

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson: I believe in UFOs

Washington, Mar 14 (ANI): Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has confessed his belief in extraterrestrial beings while promoting his new movie at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.

“I’ve always believed in UFOs,” Johnson told FOXNews.com.

“But you also mentioned a word which was very interesting, the word magic. I’m a believer in magic, and I’m a believer in the world of possibility.

“So I’m one of those ‘anything could happen if you believe it’ type of guys,” he added.

However, the wrestler added: “I can believe in the magic and the power of possibility but I am also pretty logical as well.

“A plus B most of the time equals C.”

His movie ‘Race to Witch Mountain’ is a re-imagining of the original 1975 film Escape to Witch Mountain, using elements from the originating book of the same name.

The film is directed by Andy Fickman. (ANI)

Ashley Cole’s legal advisers say photog breached privacy law

London, Mar 7 (ANI): Brit footballer Ashley Cole’s legal advisers claim that the photographer involved in the incident on March 5, which led to the arrest of the Chelsea left back, had breached the privacy law under the Human Rights Act.

Cole, 28, who earns 82,000 pounds a week, has threatened to sue The Sun for aggravated damages if the pictures showing him beside a beautiful blonde were published.

A source has revealed that Cole and the woman had been engaged in “an intellectual conversation” at the exclusive Collection Japanese restaurant and bar in Chelsea, West London.

“Ashley feels his privacy has been invaded by being photographed in the nightclub,” the Sun quoted the source as saying.

“He is a great believer in his right to privacy and will take legal action if anyone publishes those photos,” the source added. (ANI)

Ex-England skipper Vaughan wants no SOS from the Caribbean

London, Feb.13 (ANI): Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has told the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that they must not send him an SOS from the Caribbean.

He told SunSport: “I don’t believe in SOS calls. If there are injuries, they have to select someone and if that is me, then great.

“But I’m a firm believer that you pick a squad for a tour, and then you stick by those men to get the job done. I know the characters in the dressing room and I know they’ll be hurting badly from what happened last weekend. The one thing that is good for England is there is a quick turnaround. We start another Test now and know we can instantly put it right,” he added.

While he wouldn’t turn down a call-up, the right-hander believes his spell away from the game has helped recharge his batteries.

And since quitting the captaincy last summer, Vaughan has brushed off claims he is no longer hungry enough.

He said: “It’s been a good break. I’m ready enough to get back hitting balls and play for Yorkshire and get back in that England team. But first and foremost I want the side to pick up. Especially after the collapse last week – we have to get back to winning ways. I’m a supporter really – I want England to win Test matches whether I’m in the side or not.”

“My job is simple now and that’s score enough runs to get back into the team. The fire is burning, definitely. One thing that gets to me is when people say I have appetite. I wouldn’t be running up hill in winter training, alongside 18-year-old Yorkshire players, if that was the case,” he said. (ANI)

Jennifer Love Hewitt’s ‘spooky’ encounter with grandma

Washington, Jan 28 (ANI): Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, who’s firm believer the afterlife, has revealed that her grandmother has spoken to her from beyond the grave.

In an interview to UK’s OK! magazine ‘The Ghost Whisperer’ star revealed that her show’s producer James Van Praagh, who is also a psychic, had put her in contact with her late grandmother.

“We had an evening with James where he kind of did this thing, and my grandmother came through,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

“She just wanted to say hello and tell me that she was looking out for me. It was really nice,” she added.

Meanwhile, Hewitt’s fiance Ross McCall has denied couple’s split rumours, insisting that they are “working it out”.

Hewitt, who got engaged to the Scottish actor in 2007, reportedly split in December 2008. (ANI)

Scarlett Johansson’s success mantra – hard work and luck

London, Jan 10 (ANI): Actress Scarlett Johansson has revealed her secret to success -hard work and a touch of good fortune.

The 24-year-old ‘Lost In Translation’ star made it big in Hollywood with 1998 movie ‘The Horse Whisperer’ and since then has not looked back.

The pretty lady says right from the beginning she knew she would star in films, and credits hard work with helping her achieve her life-long ambition, reports the Daily Express.

She tells Moviehole.net, “I wanted to make movies since I was three years old, so I guess my perspective on it is that I was more than surprised by success.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have had success, because I’d seen and I know so many talented people that never get the opportunity.

“But I am a big believer that putting in the actual hours is kind of what makes a successful career and a lot of luck too, of course.”(ANI)