New York ‘best city for blokes to live, work and play’

April 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Melbourne, Apr 21 (ANI): New York is the best city in the world for blokes, a survey has claimed.

A poll by men”s website Askmen.com ranked 29 cities across the globe based on how good they are for men to live, work and play.

The survey was based on data that includes the number of vacation days, the ratio of men to women, the weather, the unemployment rate and new restaurant and club openings.

Melbourne took second spot, while Tokyo was ranked third.

Madrid and London rounded off the top five.

“We”re positioning the best cities that you can live in say for a year, somewhere exotic, with cultural options, and job opportunities as well, and also entertainment as a man, which includes clubs and fresh air options,” News.com.au quoted James Bassil, the website”s editor-in-chief, as saying.

Askmen.com ranks cities on seven factors—weather, cost of living, professional life, dating, night on the town, day on the town and this year”s newcomer, fresh air factor. (ANI)

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Yahoo! Re-Imagines Entertainment; Launches Yahoo! Entertainment App for iPad

April 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Essential Living Room Companion for Couch Potatoes Everywhere
SUNNYVALE, Calif.–(Business Wire)–
Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) today announced Yahoo! Entertainment for the Apple
iPad. The app provides consumers with a brand new experience for the way they
live, consume and enjoy content. People are able to explore entertainment
content, television listings, videos, news and more – through an elegant and
immersive experience that only Yahoo! can provide. Yahoo! Entertainment for iPad
is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at

http://itunes.com/apps/yahoo-entertainment.

Yahoo! is leveraging the powerful features of the iPad to create one of the most
interactive and personal experiences possible. An innovative Multi-Touch user
interface makes it easy to help people discover new content on Yahoo!
Entertainment. The app takes advantage of iPad`s geo-location functionality to
pinpoint consumers` locations to deliver relevant, local television listings and
content. The app can be used in both portrait and landscape displays.

“Devices like the iPad allow Yahoo! to create new experiences and expand the art
of what`s possible in the eyes of consumers. Just like we did with Connected TV
and mobile, we successfully re-imagined the consumer experiences for an entirely
new platform,” said Tapan Bhat, senior vice president of Yahoo!`s Integrated
Consumer Experiences. “Yahoo! Entertainment for iPad is simply amazing. The
combination of compelling and engaging content coupled with unique design and
innovation, provides consumers with an unparalleled Web experience.”

The Yahoo! Entertainment App offers an intuitive and rich design. Through
real-time content from local providers, the app surfaces and recommends TV
shows, entertainment articles, and a wide variety of videos from across the Web.
Key features of Yahoo! Entertainment for iPad include:

* TV Program Guide and Listings: Find favorite programs, featured TV shows, and
recommendations; customize and filter content for a personalized entertainment
guide.
* News, Comics, and Book Reviews: Read the most sought after entertainment news
from Yahoo! TV and Yahoo! Movies and more, in an easy-to-navigate,
magazine-style layout.
* Original Video Content: From sports to news, discover videos from Yahoo!`s top
media properties, including Yahoo! Sports Minute and Tech Ticker. Video content
is also available from other notable sources.

The Yahoo! Entertainment App demonstrates the future direction of Internet
design and is another example of Yahoo!`s continued commitment to delivering
cutting-edge, innovative and personally relevant experiences. It is the first of
many engaging experiences being developed by Yahoo! for iPad. For more
information on the Yahoo! Entertainment iPad app, please visit

http://entertainment.yahoo.com/ipad

About Yahoo!

Yahoo! attracts hundreds of millions of users every month through its innovative
technology and engaging content and services, making it one of the most visited
Internet destinations and a world-class online media company. Yahoo!’s vision is
to be the center of people’s online lives by delivering personally relevant,
meaningful Internet experiences. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale,
California. For more information, visit http://pressroom.yahoo.com or the
company’s blog, Yodel Anecdotal (http://yodel.yahoo.com).

Yahoo!, Yahoo! Entertainment, and Yahoo! Sports are service marks and trademarks
owned by Yahoo!All other marks may be the property of their respective owners.

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Yahoo! Inc.
Zealous Wiley, 408-431-9466
zealous@yahoo-inc.com
Cory Pforzheimer, 408-349-2686
coryp@yahoo-inc.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010

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SkyGrid App for iPad Now Available on the App Store

April 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

SILICON VALLEY, Calif.–(Business Wire)–
SkyGrid today announced its SkyGrid App for iPad is now available on the App
Store. Using SkyGrid, iPad users can now discover and share exciting new things
from across the Internet right when they`re happening.

“The iPad with its large display, innovative Multi-Touch user interface, and
revolutionary software was our first choice of devices to launch SkyGrid on,”
said Kevin Pomplun, founder & CEO of SkyGrid. “We`re delighted to have an app
available for the launch of the breakthrough iPad.”

To anyone with a TV, the SkyGrid App for iPad will feel familiar and
easy-to-use. Today when you watch TV you flip through many channels to find what
you want. SkyGrid works just like a TV, and instead of channels it has streams.
SkyGrid streams are dedicated to important changes happening around events,
people, or specific things users care about. SkyGrid even has rising streams
that quickly take users to the events, people, and topics that are spreading
fastest across the Internet.

The patented technology behind SkyGrid uses a unique algorithm that determines
information velocity or the things that are spreading the fastest across the
Internet. By determining what is spreading the fastest, SkyGrid connects users
to only the most important or relevant content.

The SkyGrid App for iPad is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at

http://www.itunes.com/appstore.

About SkyGrid

SkyGrid lets you see the events, people, and topics that are spreading the
fastest across the Internet, right as they`re happening. SkyGrid is for people
who want a simple way to see the important changes happening around events,
people, or specific things they care about. Many people enjoy using SkyGrid to
see exciting things changing in sports, entertainment, world events, politics,
travel, fashion, business, and an almost unlimited number of categories. SkyGrid
has quickly gathered a lot of enthusiasm for its unique experience of helping
people discover what`s most exciting to them. SkyGrid was founded in 2005 and is
headquartered in Silicon Valley. Investors include RRE Ventures, Black Rock,
Draper Fisher Jurvetson, DFJ Frontier, Esther Dyson, and others. For more
information, please visit SkyGrid.com or call (408) 731-9494.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6236538〈=en

For SkyGrid
Caroline Wolter, 646-805-2044
cwolter@rlmnet.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010

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Tim Burton to direct 3-D version of The Addams Family?

March 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Mar 19 (ANI): Film director Tim Burton is reportedly planning on bringing a new animated 3-D version of The Addams Family.

Burton, 51, is hoping the groundbreaking movie technique will resurrect the spooky Addams Family, who last appeared on the big screen in 1993’s Addams Family Values, reports the Daily Express.

And according to Deadline.com, Illumination Entertainment has acquired the rights to the original cartoons by Charles Addams, and the company’s boss Chris Meledandri will act as the producer.

Burton has enjoyed huge success with his previous animated features, and his latest 3-D version of Lewis Carroll’s classic ‘Alice In Wonderland’ is said to have pulled in 130.4 million pounds during its two-week run at the box office. (ANI)

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PETA urges people to avoid fish-eating in Tamil Nadu

March 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Chennai, March 10 (ANI): Activists of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are running a campaign to appeal people in Tamil Nadu to desist from the habit of eating fish, as it is a risk to human health for the chemical toxins, besides suffering of the animal.

Talking to media here on Wednesday, PETA activists said eating fish also poses danger to human beings’ lives.

PETA activists said that by this protest they wanted to urge the people to adopt an animal friendly policy.

“There are many reasons why PETA is running this campaign asking people not to eat fish. The major reason why we are running this is the cruelty aspect how fish are being killed. As we have shown in this video how the sharks and dolphins are killed and their meat is sold openly in the market for 22 US Dollars to 44 US Dollars,” said Nikunj Sharma, an activist.

India is the world””s third largest producer of fish.

Founded in 2000, PETA India is dedicated to establishing and defending the rights of animals.

The forum operates under the simple principle that animals are not for eating, wearing, experimenting on, or using for entertainment.

PETA India educates policy-makers and the public about animal abuse and promotes an understanding of the right of all animals to be treated with respect. (ANI)

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Ambika Soni reaffirms commitment to Public Service Broadcasting Trust

September 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sept 15 (ANI): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has renewed its commitment of financial support to the Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), a Delhi-based NGO.

Under the plan scheme component for production of documentaries through NGOs, the Films Division would grant funds to the PSBT, which has been short-listed for production of documentaries for the current financial year.

In the past also, the Doordarshan and the PSBT have had a successful public-private partnership.

Over the past nine years, a large number of documentary films have been funded by the Doordarshan.

Among the National Non-Feature Film Awards-2007, at least four of such joint productions of the Prasar Bharati and the PSBT have won accolades.

Speaking on the occasion of ‘Commemorating 50 years of Public Television In India’, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni invited suggestions from the luminaries of PSBT Trustees for making the Public Service Broadcaster-Doordarshan more vibrant and interesting while retaining its commitment for healthy entertainment suitable for family viewing.

Soni also reiterated that her Ministry would continue to strive to encourage creative skills so long as they honour the sensibilities of all single television viewing families.

The Minister exhorted the young filmmakers – particularly those who are the beneficiaries of the PSBT-Ministry fellowships, to take up the challenge of making relevant programmes for particularly the marginalized strata of society.

“The Doordarshan is the only channel with the widest terrestrial reach which caters to the remotest and border areas often neglected by the commercial interests of other channels,” she added.

She also invited stalwarts like Shyam Benegal (a PSBT Trustee), who had made the memorable ‘Bharat ek khoj’ serial for Doordarshan in the past, to contribute meaningfully to Doordarshan again.

Adoor Gopalkrishnan (Chairman PSBT)’s new film “Oru Pennum Randaanum”, funded by Doordarshan was screened on the occasion. (ANI)

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SunTec, Seachange partnership offers integrated IPTV billing solution

September 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Amsterdam (Netherlands)/ Trivandrum (Kerala), Sep 14 (ANI/Business Wire India): SunTec, the leading provider of convergent transaction pricing and billing solutions for the Communication, Media and Entertainment industry, has partnered with video-on-demand, IPTV and advertising software and systems leader SeaChange International to offer television service providers globally automated provisioning of IPTV consumers and accounts in ‘near real time’, while supporting complex revenue sharing business rules.

The SunTec and SeaChange partnership has already resulted in the integration of SunTec’s convergent billing solution, TBMS-T, with SeaChange’s TV Navigator IPTV middleware for the Smart Digivision’s MyWay (http://www.myway.in) IPTV service. Available in 54 cities across India on Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (http://www.bsnl.co.in) (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (http://www.mtnl.net.in) (MTNL) broadband networks, MyWay is expected to reach three million subscribers in the first five years.

“Integrating SunTec’s convergent billing system with SeaChange’s middleware opens a compelling opportunity to the IPTV Service Provider to roll out innovative services and programs for its consumers. SunTec is happy to have a strategic association with SeaChange and I see this partnership complement both the companies’ growth in the emerging IPTV markets,” said Rajesh BL Narashimha, Vice-President and Sales Head APAC and MEA, SunTec.

SunTec’s convergent billing solution, TBMS-T interfaces in near real time with SeaChange’s, TV Navigator middleware, electronic program guide, video-on-demand systems and set top box applications. The flexibility of TBMS-T, coupled with SeaChange’s open middleware, allows the service provider to design innovative services and pack programs/content to attract more usage and consumers. In addition to this, SunTec’s TBMS-T supports the service provider with complex revenue sharing business rules and settlement with IPTV service carriers and content providers/aggregators.

“IPTV operators require open solutions that allow flexibility to choose best of breed vendors and components,” said, Lincoln Owens, Director Broadband Sales, APAC, SeaChange International. Our TV Navigator middleware is rooted in this open approach, which has given way to beneficial alliances across markets. Our tie-up with SunTec has helped create one of the most promising IPTV efforts in Asia and we anticipate further success.” (ANI)

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Macca says Beatles overindulged in drugs

September 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, Sept 11 (ANI): Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney is amazed he and his band mates survived the excessive drug habit they had in their heyday.

The singer admits that the Fab Four overindulged in drugs, often falling asleep during recording sessions.

“(We were) overdoing substances and really getting crazy, as we all were… (We’d be) falling asleep – the kinda thing when you can hardly get your head off the pillow. You go, ‘Woah, I’d better get my head off this pillow,’” McCartney was quoted by Contactmusic as saying in the U.S. news show Entertainment Tonight.

However, the 67-year-old star also confessed it was during on such drug session that he wrote the Beatles classic Let It Be.

He said: “I had a dream, where my mother, who had been dead, by then, 10 years came to me in the dream and was very sort of helpful and very calming, and it was lovely just to see her… and she said, ‘Don’t worry about it… Let it be.’

“I went, ‘OK’, and I felt so good… and I woke up and wrote Let It Be. I thought, ‘That’s a good idea for a song.’” (ANI)

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Pammie’s Peta advert ‘too racy’ for US airports

September 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New York, Sep 10 (ANI): The new campaign by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), which starred Pamela Anderson, has run into trouble after it was considered too racy for CNN Airport Network.

The anti-fur, anti-leather commercial shows the former ‘Baywatch’ babe as a scantily clad airport security guard who strips passengers of animal products.

The ad also features Steve-O, Andy Dick, comic Carol Leifer and punk icon Nina Hagen, reports The New York Post.

PETA planned to debut the spot tomorrow at all three Gotham-area airports, and later this fall in the other 45 major airports serviced by CNN.

However, the network wrote to PETA that it’s “particularly sensitive because children make up part of the demographic in airports.”

And now the animal rights group is thinking of running the ad on in-flight entertainment. (ANI)

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Promoting kids’ talent for music in Nagaland

September 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Kohima (Nagaland), Sep 7(ANI): With an aim to promote the inherent musical talent of Nagaland, a musical competition was organized in the State.

The theme of the competition was ‘Discovering talents to a higher level’ and was organized by Pheto Music Association, an initiative by music enthusiast Kasheto Kiba.

Kiba had started the musical competition way back in 2007 to encourage young talent from the age group of 9 to 15 years and this year twelve participants mesmerized the audience with their favorite songs in one of its auditions at State Academy Hall in Kohima.

“I believe that kids for fame would bring peace in our land. Through this entertainment, many talented youth will be promoted not only in Nagaland but I believe they will go further even in national and international level. We are trying our best to help out in such a way that our kids will be promoted and we have this vision that one day our kids will definitely benefit themselves through singing and hope they will bring great change in our society,” Kiba said.

This was a fabulous opportunity for students to showcase their talent.

“I am grateful to the organizers for giving me this platform to expose my talent to the people,” said Tumchobeni Tsopoe, a participant.

The winner will be awarded a cash prize of Rs.2 lakhs in addition to a one-year educational scholarship and music training at Hope Centre in Dimapur.

Nagaland is rich in talent and if given proper opportunity there is no doubt that the state can produce musicians of international repute in the times to come. By Vibhou Ganguly (ANI)

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Manipur protests continue against alleged fake encounter

September 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Imphal (Manipur), Sep 7(ANI): People in Manipur are getting tired of protests against an alleged fake encounter in which a former militant and a pregnant woman were killed by police commandos on July 23.

The strike, called by civil rights organizations, call for an immediate punishment of those who are guilty.

“On behalf of the people, we want immediate peace and an end to the ongoing violence in the state, only then I believe the situation will return to normal,” said Phajabi Devi, a local protestor.

Following the strike, markets, educational institutions, banks, business establishments and entertainment houses remained closed, which has caused immense inconvenience to locals.

“The people are facing immense difficulties because of increasing violence in the state. There have been so many killings even in the past. We as mothers are unable to take it any more. We cannot live like this,” said Chaobi Devi, a local.

“Due to the violence and curfew in the state, education has been severely affected. We the people are really suffering. We are daily wage earners and because of the situation, a lot of our time has been wasted,” said Ibecha Devi, another local.

The Manipur government had ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and as protests continue curfew are imposed in disturbed areas to prevent any untoward incident. (ANI)

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55th National Awards announced: Gandhi, My Father wins two

September 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep.7 (ANI): The Anil Kapoor produced film ‘Gandhi, My Father’ has won two National Awards while the Shahrukh-starrer ‘Om Shanti Om’ has won in the Best Art Direction category, and Shahid Kapur-starrer ‘Jab We Met’ won the award in Best Choreography category in the 55th National Awards that were announced on Monday.

Gandhi, My Father was pitted against commercial successes like Taare Zameen Par and Chak De.

Feroz Abbas Khan, the director of the Gandhi, My Father won the National Award for Best Screenplay and Darshan Zariwala bagged theaward for the Best Supporting actor for portraying Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation who strives hard to have a normal relationship with his son in the film.

Meanwhile, actor Prakash Raj has won the Best Actor award in the 55th National Awards for his sterling performance as a silk weaver in Priyadarshan’s Tamil film Kanchivaram, which has been adjudged as the Best Film of 2007.

“It’s a very human story of pre-partition time about Kanjivaram. The film’s script was written so well that I didn’t require any homework. It is

It is Prakash Raj’s second National award. The previous one was in the Best Supporting Actor category for Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar in 1998 and a special jury award in 2003.

Directed by Priyadarshan, the film depicts the lives and times of silk-weavers of Kancheepuram in pre-Independent India.

Actor Umashree has won the Best Actress award for her performance for her lead role ‘Gulabi’ in Girish Kasaravalli’s Kannada film “Gulabi Talkies”.

The Gulabi Talkies, which was made in the coastal dialect of Kannada is based on the communal tension in Karnataka.

The best child actor award has gone to Sharad Goyekar for his role in the Marathi film “Tingya”.

Darshan Zariwala has got the best supporting actor award for his role in Feroz Abbas Khan’s film “Gandhi My Father”.

There is also a special jury award for this film, which explores the troubled relationship between Harilal Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi.

“Chak De” has got the award in the wholesome entertainment category and “Taare Zameen Par” in the family welfare category.

Playback singer Shankar Mahadevan has won the award for the song “Meri Maa” from the film “Taare Zameen Par”.

The jury members for the National Awards headed by Sai Paranjpe included Ashok Viswanathan and Namita Gokhale. About 102 films and 106 non-feature films were considered.

The list had been finalized last week but because of the death of Andhra Pradesh chief minister YSR Reddy, the announcement was postponed. (ANI)

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Mickey Mouse in $4 billion embrace with Spider-Man

September 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, Sept 1 (ANI): The world of animation entertainment is all set to become much bigger as Walt Disney buys Marvel Entertainment in a 4-billion dollar deal.

After the deal is sealed, Disney will be the owner of 5,000 Marvel characters, including superheroes like Spider-Man and the X-Men.

Shareholders of Marvel will receive 30 dollars per share in cash along with 0.745 Disney shares for every Marvel share they own.

The board of directors of both the entertainment companies have approved the deal, which will be inked after the support of Marvel’s shareholders and competition authorities.

The BBC quoted Robert Iger, Disney president and chief executive as saying: “We believe that adding Marvel to Disney’s unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation.”

“We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney.”

He added: “Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses,” said Marvel chief executive Ike Perlmutter.

“This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney’s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world.”

Business analysts say the deal is “win-win situation for both companies”. (ANI)

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Winona Ryder’s Heathers lined for small screen makeover

August 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, Aug 29 (ANI): Winona Ryder’s cult hit Heathers is all set for a new avatar, the flick will soon be to be made into a TV series.

The 1989 film’s small screen version will have all the original characters.

The Lakeshore Entertainment film company, which holds the rights to the black comedy, has confirmed that scriptwriters had already started work for the TV version of the flick.

The Daily Express quoted Lakeshore President Gary Lucchesi as saying: “We had the title, and talked about doing a film remake at times. But doing it for TV seemed like a fresh and original idea.”

According to the Daily Variety, Mark Rizzo and Sex And The City writer Jenny Bicks will write the scripts for the small screen version. (ANI)

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UNICEF celebrates 200 episodes of Kyunki… Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai.

August 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Aug.28 (ANI): UNICEF recently celebrated the telecast of the 200th episode of its entertainment education serial Kyunki… Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai on Doordarshan National.

A serial with all the emotional and dramatic twists and turns that make soaps so popular, Kyunki… has emerged as an innovative and effective agent for behavior change communication amongst Indian television viewers.

Watched by over 125 million viewers across India, the gripping social drama promotes life-enhancing, life-saving messages, critical to the welfare and survival of children and mothers everywhere.

From safe motherhood to HIV prevention, infant feeding to girls’ education, Kyunki promotes prosocial attitudes, behaviours, and practices that contribute directly to the reduction of infant and maternal mortality rates

Naysan Sahba, Programme Communication Specialist at UNICEF India Country Office, who conceptualized the serial says “When we began to work on the show’s concept about four years ago, at the height of the popularity of the saas-bahu sagas, everybody said impossible, there’s no audience for this. Well, we went ahead, carefully if courageously, and you can imagine our delight in that not only is our show doing well but a new wave of socially conscious TV serials, serials tackling hard-hitting issues effecting women and children, have followed suit and are taking the country by storm” .

Kyunki… has a rather unique viewership including unexpected regulars in the form of youngsters and men. A favorite of many across India, the serial is one of the top rankers in its primetime spot of 8:30 PM to 9 PM and is the leading daily soap on DD National.

Not shying away from taking up socially sensitive issues such as the ill effects of child marriage and early pregnancy, gender equality, proper use of contraceptives and prevention of HIV/AIDS, Kyunki… has been a catalyst in encouraging dialogues amongst young girls and families in rural India about things that they earlier had next to no say about.

Concurrent audience research shows that there has been a consistent increase in the number of viewers who say they intend to take action as a direct result of watching Kyunki…, including informing others about the importance of education, motivating children to join school, immunizing one’s own children and regularly washing hands with soap .

The serial has also become a helpful tool and an excellent reference point for frontline workers who promote positive changes in social and health behaviors through interpersonal communication. In depth interviews with health workers, teachers and other influencers has shown that Kyunki… in fact reinforces many of the same ideas they work with and introduces contemporary issues in an interesting, entertaining and practical manner. (ANI)

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Kylie Minogue named Australia’s Most Powerful Personal Brand

August 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Melbourne, Aug 26 (ANI): Singer Kylie Minogue has been named Australia’s most powerful personal brand in a recent survey conducted by Talent Inc!.

The singing sensation is chosen over eminent sports personalities, media moguls and even the Prime Minister.

The survey saw around 400 people in the marketing/entertainment industry rate popular Australians according to how well developed their brand and brand awareness is.

“I think what makes Kylie number one is overall she appeals to a broad stream of people,” the Couriermail quoted Mark Richardson from Talent Inc! as telling.

He added: “Although she’s had ups and downs in terms of her albums, and especially in her … love life and her health, she’s always managed those things with grace and integrity.

“Over a period of time it’s given her brand a real strength and value.”

Elle Macpherson, who has her own lingerie label and skincare products, was voted second.

Cricketer Shane Warne came third, while Steve Irwin, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman were ranked in the top 10. (ANI)

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Lester did donate sperm to MJ, confirms doc pal

August 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, August 24 (ANI): Michael Jackson did receive sperm from former child star Mark Lester as he tried of a second child, the British doctor that the late King of Pop tried to hire as his personal physician has confirmed.

Dr. Susan Etok, a long-time consultant to Jackson, backs ‘Oliver!’ star Lester’s claim that he could be the biological father of Jackson’s daughter Paris.

He has revealed that Lester was among the sperm donors Michael used to impregnate his second wife Debbie Rowe.

“Michael really like the fact that he (Lester) had good genes,” Contactmusic quoted Dr. Etok as having told new show Entertainment Tonight.

The ‘Thriller’ star repeatedly dismissed reports he was not the biological father of all three of his children-Prince Michael, Paris and Prince Michael II.

Lester, however, told America’s Today show: “Michael was very shy when it came to women and he confided in me that he had found it very difficult to do the sexual act. I just jokingly said, ‘Well look, Michael, if you don’t wanna do it, maybe I’ll do it for you.’”

Lester even flew to the US with his 15-year-old daughter Harriet last week to show off the resemblance between her and Paris. (ANI)

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MJ death probe: Police raid his regular Beverly Hills pharmacy

August 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, Aug 22 (ANI): Cops have raided a pharmacy in Beverly Hills, where Michael Jackson was a regular, searching for any evidence of “improper dispensing of controlled substances”.

Jackson is believed to have received Demerol from Mickey Fine pharmacy, reports The Sun.

Dr Arnold Klein and other doctors who attended to Jackson also used the store frequently.

Meanwhile, a court has ruled that a case against the king of pop over a family reunion will still go on.

AllGood Entertainment had filed the lawsuit worth 24 million pounds but the company will have to sue Jackson’s estate now.

The firm claims he had agreed not to do any gigs before next July’s show – and broke the deal by planning 50 concerts at London’s 02. The trial is set for October 2010.

Meanwhile, Jackson’s burial has been postponed five days so that his family can “get things in order”. (ANI)

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Hugh Grant ‘seriously’ considering retirement

August 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, Aug 15 (ANI): Hugh Grant has revealed that he is seriously thinking of giving up acting – because he freezes up on camera.

The actor has joked about retiring in past – but now he’s starting to think it’s best if he steps away from the camera.

“I like everything about filming except the acting. I’m wonderful in rehearsals, but I’ve never been very good when they actually switch the cameras on,” Contactmusic quoted him as telling Entertainment Weekly magazine.

“In recent years, I’ve had really bad attacks, where I totally freeze up. I thought, ‘Well, if I’m going to get stage fright, then I’m packing it in,’” he added.

However, Grant also said that that he’ll have to either seriously quit acting or stop talking about quitting: “I feel foolish having said so often, ‘Oh, I don’t want to do any more (films).’ And then I always do.” (ANI)

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Ashton Kutcher says he’s piling his millions due to career fears

August 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, August 13 (ANI): Ashton Kutcher has revealed that he has barely spent his millions earned from movies, fearing his career may come to an end any time.

The “What Happens in Vegas” star confessed that he does not splurge big bucks on extravagant purchases because he is worried his Hollywood days maybe numbered.

“You never know what happens in this business,” Contactmusic quoted him as telling the New York Post.

“What we do for a living is nonsense. It’s entertainment… I still haven’t bought myself anything special with my earnings. I can’t even think what I’ve treated myself to.

“Actually, I haven’t spent anything. I’ve kept it all. Except I gave some to my stepdad, who drives needy kids wherever they have to go,” he added. (ANI)

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