‘Monty Python’ pals John Cleese and Michael Palin may work together again

London, September 20 (ANI): Former ‘Monty Python’ stars John Cleese, 69, and Michael Palin, 66, may soon be working together again.

They are said to have been discussing reuniting for the first time in more than a decade.

The pair met last month while Cleese, who lives in California, was in London after his 12million-pound divorce from third wife Alyce Faye Eichelberger.

Palin revealed on Michael Ball’s Radio 2 show that they were chatting about old times then Cleese, 69, said: “Wouldn’t it be good to act again?”

The Daily Express quoted Palin as saying: “I saw John the other night and we were saying it would be nice to do some acting again, so you never know.”

Palin’s agent, however, said that there were no definite plans yet for the pair to work together.

The pair starred together in the hit movie ‘A Fish Called Wanda’ in 1988, and its sequel ‘Fierce Creatures’ in 1997. (ANI)

Passport refused to footballer due tohis father’s link with militants

Srinagar, Sep 16 (ANI): The regional passport authorities of Jammu and Kashmir have denied passport to a Kashmiri youth, sighting the reason of his father’s involvement with militants in the valley.

A Nineteen-year -old youth, Basharat Bashir, was all set to fly to Spain for the soccer training, but the news of denial of passport has crushed his dreams.

“They were (passport authorities) only telling me that your case has not been recommended by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and FRO from police. I know they have denied me to give the passport because my father was a militant,” said Ahmad.

Bashir was among the 11 players selected by International Sports Academy Trust (ISAT) for training in Spain, but was dropped at the last moment because of non availablitiy of passport.

When contacted, the passport office authorities refused to talk about it.

Former Indian football captain Abdul Majeed Kakroo said it was injustice to Bashir and demanded the intervention of state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the matter.

“His father was into wrong things but now he has improved. Now, why should his son suffer for that? Why should he be denied the passport, and hurdles put in his way? On behalf of all the football players I would request the chief minister to help him,” Kakroo said.

Bashir also said that he was a year-and-a-half old when his father was arrested and was later released.

“He had become militant even before my birth,” Bashir said. By Parvez Butt (ANI)

‘Embarrassed’ Musharraf’s close aides shying away from commenting on his misdeeds

Islamabad, Sep.16 (ANI) : Close aides of former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf are too embarrassed and are shying away from responding to the former general’s claims that he had taken the November 3, 2007 actions only after consulting various top officials, including the then Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and the current Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani.

Musharraf’s erstwhile close associates find the topic as ‘too dirty’ to speak about and have been avoiding any queries regarding that by simply saying ‘no comments’.

A former spokesman of the Shaukat Aziz government, however, denied that the cabinet had prior knowledge of Musharraf’s plan of imposing the emergency.

When asked about the issue, Lieutenant General (retired) Ali Jan Orakzai said: “It’s such a dirty subject that leaving it untouched would be a better option.”

Orakzai said he is waiting for the apt time to speak on Musharraf’s claims.

“Let’s see the gravity of the subject. I would record my statement before the court in case summoned on this issue,” The News quoted Orakzai, as saying.

When informed about Shaukat Aziz’s statement that he was not consulted on the November 3 actions, Orakzai said issuing such statements from abroad is easier.

“Shaukat Aziz can do this as he is living in London. I can’t do so,” he said.

Former Punjab Governor Lieutenant General (retired) Khalid Maqbool said he has decided not to enter into any controversy related to the past events that occurred during his stint. (ANI)

Clooney vows to take revenge against Damon for gay joke

London, Sep 14 (ANI): American actor George Clooney has vowed to take revenge against his ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ co-star Matt Damon for joking to a foreign reporter that the former is set to marry his gay partner.

Damon, 38, had recently admitted to having fuelled rumours that Clooney, 48, is gay, leading to a reporter stripping off his clothes and then propositioning him during an interview.

But now Clooney has decided to get back at Damon for the embarrassment caused, and he says that he has something planned.

“I’m going to do something. I’ve got something big planned,” the Daily Express quoted him as saying. (ANI)

Miandad says Pak cricket team are world beaters

Karachi, Sep.14 (ANI): Former Pakistan cricket captain Javed Miandad said Monday Pakistan is blessed with the best bowling attack in the world and can beat any team provided the squad overcomes its batting problems.

“I think Pakistan has one of the best bowling attacks in the world and if they improve their batting they can win the Champions Trophy,” The Nation quoted Miandad, who has coached Pakistan in three previous stints in the past, as saying.

He was made a consultant after the team’s batting failure in Sri Lanka last month where they lost the Test series 2-0 and one-day series 3-2.

Pakistan face a stern test at the Champions Trophy from September 21-October 5, where they meet the West Indies, Australia and India in Group A. (ANI)

Hurriyat leader Geelani placed under house arrest

Srinagar, Sep.11 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday placed leader of the hardline faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) under house arrest as a preventive measure.

The arrest was ordered to prevent protests against Indian rule during Friday prayers.

Geelani’s close aide Aiyaz Akbar told reporters here that the former had been told not to break through his security cordon.

The ailing Geelani, 79, was earlier set free by police on Wednesday after serving a three-month jail sentence for organising protests against the Shopian double rape and murder case.

The latest detention came hours after he led scores of Kashmiris in an anti-India demonstration in Srinagar.

Police and federal paramilitaries were monitoring Friday prayers during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

He had addressed a press conference at his residence Thursday afternoon and later led scores of his supporters who shouted anti-India and pro-freedom slogans. (ANI)

Macca says Beatles overindulged in drugs

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)

Coach must take pride in his work: Aaqib Javed

Islamabad, Sep.11 (ANI): Former Pakistan fast bowler and assistant coach Aaqib Javed has said a coach of a national squad should take pride in his work and not impose himself on the players.

Javed, who was sacked from the assistant coach post by the Pakistan Cricket Board last month, said a coach should be able to communicate effectively with the players.

“I’m not one for shouting at the players, or making a lot of noise for the sake of it. Coaching players is all about taking pride in your work and ensuring that you show a caring attitude towards the players,” Javed told PakPassion.net.

Javed said a coach must earn the respect of teammates and added that he preferred working hard for the players instead of imposing himself on them.

“You have to earn the respect of the players you are working with. We have to be pulling in the same direction. I work very hard with the players and in return the players who work hard for me get their rewards,” he said.

The PCB had axed Javed over Pakistan’s poor performance during the Sri Lanka series.

Sources said his ouster came due to negative reports about him filed by coach Intikhab Alam, who felt Javed was getting too involved with some of the senior players.

Captain Younis Khan is also said to be unhappy with Javed’s presence in the team.

Javed has been replaced by Mohtashim Rasheed, younger brother of former Test batsman, Haroon Rasheed.

When enquired about Javed’s sacking, PCB chief Ijaz Butt had said he has ‘better plans’ for the former fast bowler. (ANI)

Geri Halliwell on women-welfare mission in Nepal

Washington, September 11 (ANI): Former Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell showed her humanistic side by launching a campaign to help women suffering from gender based violence in Nepal.

As goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund, the singer is currently on a visit to the country to promote maternal health care and women’s rights.

“When we empower women and take care of them, everyone benefits,” Contactmusic quoted her as telling reporters in the region.

The beauty met the country’s Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal for support to raise awareness of violence against women in the south-west of the country.

Halliwell also spoke about the dangers of domestic abuse and a lack of medical care for pregnant women. (ANI)

Former Kerala CM Karunakaran hospitalized

Thiruvananthpuram, Sep 11 (ANI): Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala, K. Karunakaran has been admitted to the Sree Chithra Thirunal Hospital here on Friday, as he complained of high fever.

Karunakaran led the state for four times and also was the minister in the Union Cabinet.

Karunakaran, who is almost away from the active politics had turned up at the Thiruvananthapuram airport to meet Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi who made a brief visit to the city on his way to Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu, early this week.

At this age Karunakaran is not leaving any opportunity to meet the party leaders and activists. (ANI)

Ex-Mossad head says ‘Netanyahu agreed to Golan pullout’

Jerusalem, Sep.10 (ANI): Former Mossad head Danny Yatom has claimed that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu agreed to withdraw Israeli troops from the entire Golan Heights during his first term in exchange for a peace deal with Syria and the normalization of ties between Jerusalem and Damascus. Yatom told Israel Radio that the proof for his claim was a document that appears in his new book, in which Ron Lauder, Netanyahu’s special envoy for talks with Syria at the time, reported the prime minister’s agreement to then-US president Bill Clinton.

The former Mossad chief said that although Netanyahu’s agreement didn’t bind him now, 11 years later, “he has to admit” that he did agree to withdraw from the territory.

Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud), however, told the radio station that the prime minister had not agreed to such a pullout and had repeated it on numerous occasions.

According to the Jerusalem Post, Yatom also told Army Radio on Wednesday night that only a military strike would stop Iran from attaining nuclear arms status. (ANI)

Jordan set for boxing match against cage-fighter boyfriend Alex Reid

London, Sep 9 (ANI): Former model Katie Price, a.k.a. Jordan, is set for a showdown with her cage-fighter boyfriend Alex Reid, and will be facing him in a boxing match.

Jordan, 31, will be fighting Reid in an “extreme sports” combat bout.

“She’s got all the moves – Alex will have to watch out,” the Daily Star quoted Jordan’s boxing trainer Sol Gilbert as saying.

“She can deliver some really special right hooks,” he added.

She will be joined at the White Air festival in Brighton next week by pal Michelle Heaton, 30, who will also glove up to take shots against her man Hugh Hanley, also 30. (ANI)

Musharraf may meet Obama in October during US ‘lecture tour’

Islamabad, Sep.9 (ANI): Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf may meet President Barack Obama in October, when he visits the United States for a lecture tour.

According to Musharraf’s lawyer, Chaudhry Fawwad, the former general will be arriving in Washington on September 14 for his 40-day US trip.

Musharraf is being paid a whopping fee of 300,000 dollars per lecture to various American think tanks and other institutions, Fawwad said.

Only former US president Bill Clinton is being paid as much for delivering a lecture and nobody else is being paid more than this amount,” PKonweb quoted Fawwad, as saying.

Musharraf is expected to deliver lectures in 17 American states during his tour. (ANI)

A docudrama plays a story of women cricketers’ struggle and triumph

Kolkata, Sep 9 (ANI): A docudrama titled ‘Indian Women’s Cricket team Poor Cousins of Million Dollar Babies’ highlights the disparity between men and women cricket players in India.

As the title suggests, the docudrama shows how while men cricketers hog all the limelight and bask in the glory of success and money, women cricketers are way behind their male counterparts though they have been able to carve a name for themselves in the international sport arena.

The 25-minute audio-visual commentary narrates a story of the triumph of women’s cricket despite the disparities and differential treatment.

Former Indian Skipper Anjum Chopra said the docudrama has been able to mirror the women cricketers’ struggle, hard work and determination to reach the milestone they have achieved despite receiving far less attention of sports authority, sponsorship and media coverage as compared with their male counterparts.

“I really liked it. I think it’s very nice. It covers a lot of angels into the lives of women cricketers on and off the field. It’s a true depiction of the lives and struggles of Indian women cricketers go through,” Anjum Chopra added.

The The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI ) spends millions of rupees on men’s cricket and its stalwart players but women’s team, which has consistently done well in the context of world tournaments, has not received the same attention and promotion.

Sunil Yash Kalra, who has directed the documentary, said it’s time to tell the story of players engaged in the most popular and fast growing game in India despite their gender.

“It’s a sport which is a nerve centre of India, the subcontinent. And, it’s also included in the Asian Games next year. So, basically if you were to look at it… A, it’s the fastest growing game. B, there is a story that needs to be told about each individual member, that’s what the idea is to showcase the best to the rest of the world,” Kalra added.

The film also reveals interesting facts about women’s cricket in India. For example, women’s cricket in India can be traced back to early 20th century when an Australian school teacher Anne Kelleve made cricket a compulsory game at the Baker Memorial School in Kottayam, Kerala, in 1913.

The Women’s World Cup was initiated in 1973, two years before the men’s World Cup. And, Indian eves played T20 international cricket in 2006 while Indian men played their first match in 2007. (ANI)

Billiards champ Advani returns home after winning IBSF title

Bangalore, Sep 8 (ANI): World Billiards champion Pankaj Advani arrived here on Tuesday morning after pulling off a surprise win over nine-time winner Mike Russell in the final of the world championships in Leeds, UK.

On Sunday night, the 24-year-old Advani scripted a brilliant 2030-1253 win over Russell to win his maiden World Professional Billiards title at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds.

Former champions hailed Pankaj’s feat of becoming the second Indian cueist to clinch the world professional billiards crown in its 139-year history.

Advani has become the second Indian after Geet Sethi, to win the coveted title

After the win Pankaj said that the win is yet to sink in.

With this triumph, Advani has ensured that he has won all major billiards world titles. (ANI)

George Clooney’s ex Sara Larson turns private yoga instructor

Washington, Sep 8 (ANI): Former Las Vegas cocktail waitress Sara Larson, who dated actor George Clooney in 2007, has turned into a private yoga instructor in Los Angeles.

There had been rumours earlier this year of Larson having her own Vegas-based reality show in the works, but it seems she has opted for a more spiritually satisfying lifestyle.

“I do yoga pretty much every day. I am a certified yoga instructor, so I actually teach yoga,” Fox News quoted Larson as saying at the recent Reality Cares’ Sizzles Charity Benefit in Los Angeles.

She also revealed that “all of a sudden” guys have started calling out of nowhere for private classes, and she’s now in talks to design her own yoga-inspired clothing line.

Larson, who has found herself a new love, says she doesn’t give a hoot about her ex’s romantic relations.

“Dating has its challenges and either two people connect or they don’t,” she said.

“There’s a lot of other factors that are involved as to whether it will be a long-term relationship or not, but everything for me right now is new.

“I’m not in touch with George at all. I don’t have any regrets,” she added. (ANI)

Boy George plans comeback after prison release

Washington, September 8 (ANI): Former Culture Club frontman Boy George is drawing plans to head back to the studio and resurrect his career just fourth months after he walked free from jail.

The fallen pop star, real name George O’Dowd, was jailed in January for falsely imprisoning a male escort in his flat and beating the 29-year-old after a drug-fuelled nude photo shoot in 2007.

The 48-year-old was granted early release in May for his good behaviour, but was let off with a curfew and an ankle monitoring tag that was recently removed.

And now, the singer has revealed that he is preparing material for a new album of cover songs.

“I’m choosing songs that speak to me and have lyrics that reflect my personal journey and experiences,” Contactmusic quoted him as telling British newspaper The People. (ANI)

Jordan furious with Alex Reid for lying about sex film

London, Sep 7 (ANI): Former model Katie Price, a.k.a. Jordan, reportedly got furious when she came to know about her lover Alex Reid’s involvement in a sex film, which shows him naked in a rape scene.

Before the new nude footage emerged, the 31-year-old had publicly defended her boyfriend from porn allegations by saying that he did not strip for the ultra-violent flick ‘Killer Bitch’.

However, Jordan was left red-faced when Reid showed her a censored version of the film, cutting out his X-rated bits..

According to reports, the film almost cost Reid his love.

“He made a mistake and it nearly cost him his relationship with Kate,” the Daily Star quoted one of Jordan’s friends as saying.

“He’s pulled out of the film and is looking to sue the makers because there has obviously been a very big leak,” the friend added.

Though the two showed a united front at the Burghley Horse Trials, near Stamford, Lincolnshire, the atmosphere between them remained icy as she promoted her KP Equestrian range.

“Despite putting on a brave face, Kate is furious that Alex has betrayed her by lying about the film and keeping secret scenes from her,” a source said.

“She believed everything he said and stood by him, but has been left looking like a total mug. This will leave their relationship in turmoil.

“Kate was all business at Burghley but is set to haul him over the coals for humiliating her once she gets him alone.

“Alex let her make a fool of herself on national TV and it’s touch and go whether she’ll be able to forgive him.

“She’s furious and he’s treading on very thin ice,” the source added. (ANI)

Imran encourages Shoaib not to waste last few years of international cricket

Lahore, Sep 7 (ANI): Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has advised bad boy of Pakistan cricket Shoaib Akhtar not to waste his last few years of international cricket and try to work hard to get back into the team and then go out with honour and pride.

Shoaib went to attend a fund-raising campaign for Imran’s Shaukat Khanum Research Cancer Hospital, but declined to speak on cricket issues with the media.

The fast bowler, who has had a bad last few months and was not considered for the Sri Lanka tour or the Champions Trophy, also appeared fitter having shed considerable weight.

“Imran basically told him that if he gets back into the team and does well, everyone would forget his past and only remember the present. Imran told Shoaib he needs to work hard on his fitness,” the Daily Times quoted a source, as saying.

Chief selector Iqbal Qasim has also made it clear that if Shoaib wants to make a comeback to the Pakistan team, he needs to change his attitude and be more positive.

“Shoaib can still play for Pakistan, provided he works hard on his fitness. But I think he also needs to work on improving his relations with the board,” Qasim said.

The PCB is willing to give the fast bowler another chance as it has completely played down the issue of a show cause notice issued to Shoaib in July for appearing on a television talk show without seeking a clearance.

Shoaib is said to have apologised for his mistake, which pleased the board.

“If Shoaib can improve his attitude, behaviour and be more disciplined and focused he is still an asset for the Pakistan team,” a former Test player at the function said. (ANI)

Musharraf terms his meeting with Saudi King a success

Lahore, Sep 7 (ANI): Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that his recent meeting with Saudi King Abdullah was a success.

“I was accorded full protocol during my visit to Saudi Arabia to meet King Abdullah, I deem him as my elder brother and can contact him whenever I want,” a private TV channel quoted Musharraf, as saying.

He said during his visit, he discussed the recent political situation of Pakistan at length with the Saudi king, adding that the king had concerns about the situation in Pakistan.

Talking to the channel, Musharraf said the army operation against the Taliban in Malakand had proven successful.

“The operation was undoubtedly successful. The Pakistan Army has always rendered sacrifices and played a vital role to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country,” he said.

Earlier, the ‘royal’ treatment being given to Musharraf during his Saudi Arabia visit has his opponents worried.

The special treatment has sparked speculations that Riyadh is trying to use its influence to ask the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to shun its demand for Musharraf’s trial under the Article Six of the Constitution.

Sources said King Abdullah sent his special airplane to London to fetch Musharraf.

Reports regarding Saudi Arabia cracking its whip on the PML-N and other anti-Musharraf parties has probably forced PML-N to come out with clarifications. (ANI)