Holiday Inn hotel made of key cards is world’s first

Melbourne, Sep 18 (ANI): A Holiday Inn hotel made entirely of key cards has been unveiled in New York.

The 37-square-metre hotel, built by world record-holding Cardstacker Bryan Berg, is made from more than 200,000 key cards and weighs 1814 kilograms.

It includes a guest bedroom, bathroom and lobby, with life-sized furniture.

The design was created by Holiday Inn, the world’s largest hotel group, to mark the relaunch of 1200 of its hotels around the world.

“The Key Card Hotel is a fun and interactive way to showcase the changes happening at our hotels and is the only structure of its kind to ever be created by a hotel brand,” News.com.au quoted Kevin Kowalski, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Management, Holiday Inn, as saying.

Berg, who will also build a freestanding three-metre replica of New York’s Empire State Building in the lobby of the Key Card Hotel using Holiday Inn playing cards, said constructing the hotel has been a great challenge.

“This is my largest cardstacking challenge to date and the only card creation I have ever made at full human scale,” Berg added about the hotel.

The first 250 guests who attended the Key Card Hotel grand opening received a free night stay at any Holiday Inn.

The company’s 1 billion dollar relaunch is one of the largest in the history of the hospitality industry. (ANI)

Susan Sarandon’s daughter Eva Amurri strips for TV show

Melbourne, Sep 18 (ANI): It seems budding actress Eva Amurri is following in her mother Susan Sarandon’s footsteps, for she is playing the role of a student who turns to stripping in the latest series of US hit show ‘Californication’.

Sarandon was known for doing similar roles more than 20 years ago- in ‘The Hunger’ in 1983, she dropped her clothes for a controversial lesbian love scene with Catherine Deneuve and has never shied away from nudity in films.

And now Eva, 24- born from Sarandon’s relationship with an Italian director during the Eighties- is kick-starting her own acting career in a racy guest appearance on the show.

She stars as Jackie, a student who moonlights in a strip club, during the third season of the show starring David Duchovmy, reports the Daily Telegraph.

The show sees her writhing around Duchovmy’s college professor character Hank Moody, peeling off a corset to dance for him topless.

And later, she is shown at his place taking their relationship to the next level. (ANI)

Lady Gaga says no to judging ‘American Idol’

Washington, Sep 14 (ANI): Lady Gaga has said that she does not want to be a judge on TV show ‘American Idol’, because it is difficult for her to criticise someone else’s talent.

The ‘Poker Face’ singer denied that she would be a judge on the show.

“I did appear on the show but I am not going to be a judge. I generally feel uncomfortable judging other artists anyway. I don’t feel that a musician’s life is a contest,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

The singer also slammed shows that push new artists straight into the limelight, claiming they should spend time nurturing their talent.

“It’s more about growing and struggling and playing live. It would be very uncomfortable for me to judge someone else,” she said.

Already, celebrities of the likes of Victoria Beckham, Shania Twain and Mary J Blige have appeared as guest judges on the talent show after Paula Abdul decided not to return for the new season.

Meanwhile, it was recently announced that US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has replaced Paula on the judging panel, alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi. (ANI)

Debt-ridden Duchess of York Fergie in line to join Loose Women

London, September 13 (ANI): Debt-ridden Duchess of York Sarah, 49, may soon bag a presenter’s job on the hit lunchtime chat show ‘Loose Women’.

After her guest appearance on the programme earlier this month, Sarah is now desperate to have a permanent seat at the table anongside motormouths like Carol McGiffin and Denise Welch.

Fergie, as she is popularly known, is even said to have begged ITV1 bosses for the job.

“Sarah loved it so much that afterwards she asked to be a panellist,” the News of the World quoted part-time anchor Andrea McLean, 39, as saying.

“We would all jump at the chance. She would be absolutely ideal. We’d love to have her,” McLean added.

Sued by three firms over nearly 25,000 pounds in unpaid bills, Sarah can make up to 50,000 pounds a year if she gets a regular spot on the show.

An ITV1 insider said: “Fergie has a lot of interesting things to say and would be great for Loose Women.” (ANI)

Simon Cowell planning lavish £250k party for 50th b’day

Washington, Sept 9 (ANI): Celebrity judge Simon Cowell is planning an extravagant birthday bash for himself when he turns 50 next month.

Cowell is all set to shell out 250,000 pounds for a glamorous party to celebrate his birthday on October 7, say reports.t is believed 400 celebrity friends of Cowell will descend at Hertfordshire’s Wrotham Park to join the celebrations.

Contactmusic quoted a source as telling the Daily Mirror: “Simon’s been planning this party for months and the guest list is phenomenal – a ‘Who’s Who’ of the celebrity world.

“It’s going to be the highlight of the showbiz calendar. Simon’s not a massive party person, so when he says he’s going to do something, he does it in style.”

Stars expected to attend the party include music maestro Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish, actor Kevin Spacey, actress Denise Richards, supermodel Kate Moss, Aussie pop princess Kylie Minogue, his co-judges from talent shows and most of his recording artists.

The insider added: “All his recording artists have been invited.And all the judges on his shows from both sides of the Atlantic.

“He’s always incredibly composed but he’ll definitely be toasting his birthday properly. There will be champagne on tap, plus a three-course banquet.

“But he can’t get up to too much, as his mother Julie is the guest of honour.” (ANI)

President Patil leaves for Russia today

New Delhi, Sep. 2 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday left for a weeklong visit to Russia and Tajikistan.

Patil was accompanied by Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Murli Deora and Minister of State for Textiles, Panabaka Lakshmi.

Strengthening bilateral ties with these countries will be top of the agenda of the visit.

Patil will first go to Moscow and meet Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

She is also scheduled to meet the Chairman of the Federation Council and the Speaker of the Duma.

Patil and Medvedev will participate in a gala concert in Moscow and witness an Indian cultural performance. The “Year of India” is being celebrated in Russia this year.

She will also scheduled to meet the Indian community and Friends of India. She will also visit St. Petersburg where she will meet the plenipotentiary representative of the President to the North-West District and visit a Russian School, which teaches Hindi.

President Patil will be the guest of honour in the Independence Day celebrations of Tajikistan in Dushanbe.

This is the first time a foreign dignitary is being given this honour.

She will also inaugurate the India-Tajikistan Joint Business Forum apart from her meetings with the Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Prime Minister Oquil Oquilov.

Patil will be the first Indian President to visit to Tajikistan. (ANI)

President Patil to leave for Russia today

New Delhi, Sep. 2 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil will leave on a weeklong visit to Russia and Tajikistan from today.

She will be accompanied by Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Murli Deora and Minister of State for Textiles, Panabaka Lakshmi.

Strengthening bilateral ties with these countries will be top of the agenda of the visit.

Patil will first go to Moscow and meet Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

She is also scheduled to meet the Chairman of the Federation Council and the Speaker of the Duma.

Patil and Medvedev will participate in a gala concert in Moscow and witness an Indian cultural performance. The “Year of India” is being celebrated in Russia this year.

She will also scheduled to meet the Indian community and Friends of India. She will also visit St. Petersburg where she will meet the plenipotentiary representative of the President to the North-West District and visit a Russian School, which teaches Hindi.

President Patil will be the guest of honour in the Independence Day celebrations of Tajikistan in Dushanbe.

This is the first time a foreign dignitary is being given this honour.

She will also inaugurate the India-Tajikistan Joint Business Forum apart from her meetings with the Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Prime Minister Oquil Oquilov.

Patil will be the first Indian President to visit to Tajikistan.(ANI)

President Patil to leave for Russia, Tajikistan on Wednesday

New Delhi, Sep. 1 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil will leave on a weeklong visit to Russia and Tajikistan from Wednesday.

She will be accompanied by Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Murli Deora and Minister of State for Textiles, Panabaka Lakshmi.

Strengthening bilateral ties with these countries will be top of the agenda of the visit.

Patil will first go to Moscow and meet Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

She is also scheduled to meet the Chairman of the Federation Council and the Speaker of the Duma.

Patil and Medvedev will participate in a gala concert in Moscow and witness an Indian cultural performance. The “Year of India” is being celebrated in Russia this year.

The President will also meet the Indian community and Friends of India. She will also visit St. Petersburg where she will meet the plenipotentiary representative of the President to the North-West District and visit a Russian School, which teaches Hindi.

President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil will be the guest of honour in the Independence Day celebrations of Tajikistan in Dushanbe.

This is the first time a foreign dignitary is being given this honour.

She will also inaugurate the India-Tajikistan Joint Business Forum apart from her meetings with the Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Prime Minister Oquil Oquilov.

Patil will be the first Indian President to visit to Tajikistan. (ANI)

Charlotte Church has dropped three dress sizes

London, Aug 31 (ANI): Welsh singer Charlotte Church has reportedly dropped three dress sizes in the recent past.

She was recently spotted during the christening of son Dexter Lloyd at St Mary’s in Cardiff.

The beauty gave birth to the second child with Welsh rugby ace Gavin Henson earlier this year.

However, she seems to have gained a svelte figure after the delivery.

“Charlotte’s sensational after two kids,” the Mirror quoted a guest present at the event as saying. (ANI)

Andy Roddick’s wife ‘to star in Ugly Betty’

New York, Aug 29 (ANI): Tennis sensation Andy Roddick’s wife Brooklyn Decker has reportedly be signed for a cameo in ‘Ugly Betty’.

According to a source, Decker “just signed on for a guest role” for the ABC comedy.

The 22-year-old American model will star alongside America Ferrera as the frumpy fashionista’s co- worker, Lexie, reports New York Post.

Decker joins the list of guest stars Lindsay Lohan, Christian Siriano and Victoria Beckham. (ANI)

Maldives can always count on India as a well-meaning friend, says Antony

Male’ (Maldives), Aug 22 (ANI): Defence Minister A K Antony has said India and Maldives are a ‘shining model of how two countries of differing sizes can cooperate with each other as equals’.

Speaking at the concluding session of the India-Maldives Friendship Week here last night, he said: “India would like to share views on issues like climate change, economic development as well as problem areas such as drug trafficking, extremism and the threat of terrorism that is afflicting the region as well as the larger world.”

“We would be happy to work with Maldives in these areas to evolve collaborative and cooperative approaches,” he added.

Antony said: “Both countries have been extremely conscious of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and, at the same time, realize that their destinies are intertwined. Both countries have always emphasized the mutuality of interest and support each other in numerous ways- at the bilateral, regional and International level.”

“India is proud of this partnership and engagement and deeply value the friendship of the people of Maldives. In this quest, the people of Maldives can always count on India as a sincere and well-meaning friend,” he added.

Referring to the democratic transformation that has taken place in Maldives in recent years, he said India would be happy to assist Maldives in any way that is possible in strengthening democracy and democratic institutions that are being built in Maldives.

The event was attended by the top leadership of Maldives including President Maohammed Nasheed.

Meanwhile, Nasheed has agreed to a request from Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to be the chief guest at the Technology Development and Transfer Meeting on Climate Change to be held in New Delhi on October 22.

The request of the Prime Minister was conveyed by Antony to Nasheed in Male’ on Thursday. (ANI)

Mel Gibson provides guest vocals for girlfriend’s new album

Washington, Aug 15 (ANI): Mel Gibson has swapped the big screen for a recording studio, as he has provided guest vocals for his girlfriend Russian singer Oksana Grigorieva’s new album.

The ‘Lethal Weapon’ star has provided guest vocals for two songs for Grigorieva’s latest LP, ‘Beautiful Heartache’, and directed videos to accompany four of the tracks.

“Mel is an incredible artist. He has a great voice. He is a visionary. He enabled me to produce this… for my music to live,” Contactmusic quoted Oksana as saying.

“The videos are like dramatic miniature films – a whirlpool of different, exciting, bright images,” she added. (ANI)

George Clooney ‘declares war’ on peeping paparazzo in Italy

Washington, Aug 15 (ANI): George Clooney is planning to sue a paparazzo, who allegedly climbed the wall of his Lake Como retreat in Italy and took snaps of a topless 13-year-old girl changing in one of the star’s guest bedrooms.

The photographer also reportedly took shots of Clooney and his girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis enjoying private moments in the yard of his estate, reports Contactmusic.

The Hollywood hunk is also planning to take legal action against the two magazines that bought and published the pictures.

In a statement, Clooney said, “We’re suing two magazines and a photographer. I don’t know about the law in the United States but in Italy it’s illegal for photographers to climb over my wall and to take long lens pictures of a 13-year-old girl in her bedroom. I draw the line of privacy at that.” (ANI)

Oz ‘Fanatics’ claim responsibility for fire prank on English team

Leeds (UK), Aug.9 (ANI): Australian cricket fans have claimed responsibility for a hotel fire alarm that roused the England team from their beds the morning of their batting collapse on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley.

The Fanatics – Australian supporters who follow the Test team around the world – claim they set off the fire alarm at the Radisson Hotel in Leeds about 4.30 a.m. on Friday.

England’s Test team was evacuated with other guests and staff while two fire engines from West Yorkshire Fire Service searched the premises for the source of the alarm.

Players were left standing in the street in their pyjamas for more than 20 minutes until the all clear was given for them to return to their beds.

Warren Livingston, head of the Fanatics, told The Sunday Mail one of the 100-strong group had managed to set the alarm off with the intention of disrupting the English team’s sleep, saying it was “good old fashioned Aussie high jinks”.

“Yes it was one of our guys who did it as a bit of a prank. I got a text message after it happened. At first, I thought, ‘good onya’, we’re just doing our bit for Australia,” news.com.au quoted Livingston, as saying.

“But I can’t condone this sort of thing. I don’t want any trouble. We’ve all had a big laugh and it might have made a difference to the way they batted,” he added.

If the claim is found to be true, English cricket fans and authorities will not view the situation with any humor.

Earlier, British media reports said the alarm may have been set off by a guest who had rinsed her underwear in a bathroom sink and then left it close to a light bulb to dry.

When the underwear started to smoulder, the woman was reported to have thrown it back in the sink, but not before the room had filled with smoke and the fire alarm went off.

England’s wicket-keeper Matt Prior blamed the incident for his team’s batting collapse in the first innings of the Test. (ANI)

Excited Posh taking acting lessons for ‘Sex And The City’ sequel

Washington, July 13 (ANI): Victoria Beckham is so keyed up for her cameo role in the ‘Sex And The City’ movie sequel that she has started taking acting lessons.

The ex-Spice girl had earlier turned down a guest appearance in the first film, as she was too busy rehearsing for the Spice Girls’ reunion tour in 2007.

However, the fashion icon is quite upbeat about doing full justice to her role alongside Sarah Jessica Parker.

“She really wanted to be in the last movie but wasn’t able to take part because of her commitments with the Spice Girls. This time she’s keen to take part,” Contactmusic quoted a source as having told Britain’s Mail.

But this is not the first time that Posh will be acting in a film, for she has starred as herself in the 1997 movie ‘Spice World’, and also made a cameo in one episode of hit U.S. TV comedy series ‘Ugly Betty’. (ANI)

Hilary Duff named youth ambassador in Colombian Capital Bogota

Washington, July 10 (ANI): American singer/actress Hilary Duff, 21, has been named a youth ambassador in Colombian Capital Bogota, in recognition of her efforts to be a role model for kids around the world.

She will be a guest of honour in the city next month, and receive the accolade from Mayor Samuel Moreno.

During her five-day trip, the budding philanthropist will visit schools.

According to Contactmusic, she will give out backpacks filled with food through non-profit organisation Blessing for Backpacks.

The online report says that dates for Hilary’s trip have yet to be determined. (ANI)

‘ABBA gig’ set for September in London

London, July 5 (ANI): ABBA’s songwriting team Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus will form a part of a gig featuring some of the pop legends’ greatest tracks in London.

Thank You For The Music… A Celebration Of The Music Of Abba is set to be hosted by Radio 2 and will see guest singers performing the band’s numbers in Hyde Park on September 13.

“This must be the greatest honour that can be bestowed on any songwriter. We are absolutely delighted and we hope thousands of Radio 2 listeners will join us there,” the BBC quoted the songwriters as saying in a statement.

The announcement came amid reports that the group was approached to fill in Michael Jackson’s 50-show run at London’s O2 arena.

But Andersson has denied the story saying on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, “”No-one’s asked us, and if they did we wouldn’t say yes.” (ANI)

Defence forces all set to participate in National Day Parade of France

New Delhi, July 4 (ANI): A 400-strong contingent of the three wings of Indian defence forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) performed a full-dress rehearsal here today ahead of their visit to France to participate in a parade making National Day celebrations in France on July 14.

This is the for the first time that all the three services – Army, Navy and Air Force will be participating in the National Day celebrations of another country.

Among the 400 personnel, 300 would be part of the marching contingent, while the rest are from the respective bands.

A prominent feature of the band contingent will be the drummers and bagpipers who would be playing Indian martial music.

The members of this contingent have been practicing for the past fortnight at the India Gate.

“We have stood first in the Army Day parade, the reason we have been selected for the French national day parade. And as far this specific practice for French National Day celebration is concerned we have been practicing from past one month and from last 15 days we have been practicing at India Gate,” said Captain Vinay Khanduri of 22 Maratha Light Infantry.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has invited Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to be the chief guest at the French National Day celebrations. (ANI)

Hindus urge Indian government to honour Jacko with postage stamp

Washington, June 30 (ANI): Leading Hindus are urging the Indian government to honour Michael Jackson posthumously by issuing a postage stamp.

Rajan Zed, the President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, said the King of Pop was treated like a God in the sub-continent, reports Contactmusic.

Zed says, “When Michael flew to India in 1996 for a live show, he was welcomed at the Mumbai airport by an aarti, which is a Hindu ceremony performed in adoration of a deity or any outstanding personage or guest.

“I now urge the government of India to honour Michael Jackson posthumously at least by issuing a postage stamp. Michael’s personal life might had been controversial, but he did provide joy to a large populace of the world through his music.”

Jackson died at the age of 50 after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest. (ANI)

‘Devastated’ Liz Taylor grieving over Jacko’s death in private

Washington, June 26 (ANI): Late King of pop Michael Jackson’s close friend Elizabeth Taylor is “too devastated” to comment on his death.

Her representatives have revealed that she is grieving her loss in private at this time.

“Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time. We will direct her words to you once we receive them,” E!online quoted her rep as saying.

Taylor first called Jackson the “King of Pop” when she presented him with the Artist of the Decade award in 1989.

She was also one of Jackson’s most ardent defenders when he was being tried on child-molestation charges in 1995.

Taylor was also a guest of honour when the ‘Thriller’ star gave Liza Minelli away when the Cabaret star wed David Gest. (ANI)