Al Pacino gets rave reviews for Dr. Death role

London, April 19 (ANI): Hollywood actor Al Pacino has got accolades and praises for his role as the American pathologist and voluntary euthanasia follower Dr. Jack Kevorkian a.k.a. Dr. Death.

The 81-year-old doctor, who claims to have assisted 130 patients to die, is the subject of a television movie called ‘You Don”t Know Jack’.

The film, also starring Susan Sarandon, will be screened in the US on April 24, reports The Telegraph.

Pacino said that he has not met Dr. Kevorkian but had a chat with him and seen his television footage.

“The real zealots are rare, they go out the window. That kind of commitment, I wanted to see what that was like. There are times when you want to meet the person you”re playing. With Kevorkian, I just enveloped myself in the research. I see him as a doctor who cared for his patients. A sort-of 1960s revolutionary,” said Pacino.

Right-to-die activist Dr Kevorkian was convicted of second degree homicide in 1999 and jailed in Michigan. He was released in 2007. (ANI)

Al Pacino gets rave reviews for Dr. Death role Home

London, April 19 (ANI): Hollywood actor Al Pacino has got accolades and praises for his role as the American pathologist and voluntary euthanasia follower Dr. Jack Kevorkian a.k.a. Dr. Death.

The 81-year-old doctor, who claims to have assisted 130 patients to die, is the subject of a television movie called ‘You Don”t Know Jack’.

The film, also starring Susan Sarandon, will be screened in the US on April 24, reports The Telegraph.

Pacino said that he has not met Dr. Kevorkian but had a chat with him and seen his television footage.

“The real zealots are rare, they go out the window. That kind of commitment, I wanted to see what that was like. There are times when you want to meet the person you”re playing. With Kevorkian, I just enveloped myself in the research. I see him as a doctor who cared for his patients. A sort-of 1960s revolutionary,” said Pacino.

Right-to-die activist Dr Kevorkian was convicted of second degree homicide in 1999 and jailed in Michigan. He was released in 2007. (ANI)

Lord Shiva devotees carrying 54-feet long Kanwar draw people in Patna

Patna, July 15 (ANI): A group of Kanwarias or, the devotees of Lord Shiva, are drawing wide public attention for carrying a 54-feet long Kanwar or, a wooden carrier fitted with water pots on both ends of the pole, in Patna city.

Hundreds of thousands of devotees take arduous on-foot religious journey to express their devotion for Lord Shiva in the Hindu month of Shravan or Monsoon month (mid June to July).

This group, however, is a fascinating everyone’s attention, as members of the group enjoy their time dancing and chanting praises of Lord Shiva.

The lanes and by-lanes of the city reverberating with the chants of the devotees and hundreds of people gather to watch them, as the group moves on.

Normally, as per the ritual, a devotee is expected to carry one Kanwar, the pole carrying two water pots on behalf of his family. But, this time, it is 18 people carrying this 54 feet long ‘Kanwar’ wishing for the well-being of their families and all people.

“Our only aim is to pray for well being of the people. We are praying for rains, to deal with the drought. People should be happy. Our farms should be green again, so that we can earn our living,” said Vinod Kumar, one of the Kanwarias carrying the 54-feet Kanwar.

These Kanwarias are set to traverse hundreds of kilometres to reach the holy town of Baidyanath.

The pilgrimage continues through the whole of Shravan month of Hindu calendar (July-August) for 30 days and is considered the longest fair of the world, drawing a lot of devotees from abroad.

The devotees with this unique ‘kanwar’ believe that this is just another way of showing their faith in Shiva and praying for good rains.

Devouts believe, offering sacred water to Lord Shiva during the month will fulfill their wishes. By Ajay Kumar (ANI)

Ashes Test: Ponting has got it right, says Benaud

Cardiff (Wales), July 12 (ANI): By closing his side’s first innings with a lead of 239, Australian captain Ricky Ponting has set his England counterpart Andrew Strauss a task that will test his leadership as well as his batting ability, feels former player and noted commentator Richie Benaud.

“I was disappointed in England’s bowling attack because I’ve been singing its praises of late.Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Andrew Flintoff were in the form of their lives and I rate Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar highly,” Benaud says in his article for News of The World.

“Neither the England off spinner nor the left hander bowled a tight line and length and their changes of pace were virtually non-existent. Ponting, Simon Katich and Michael Clarke handled them superbly, but I give top marks to Marcus North,” Benaud says.

“When Ponting was dismissed with Australia 118 behind, the chance was there for England to gain a sizeable lead – but North rebuffed them. More credit to him because he was another written off as being below Ashes standard,” he adds.

He also says that Ponting’s declaration was perfectly timed as he was keeping tabs on the weather.

He (Ponting) wanted 10 overs at England before the rain arrived. In fact he managed only seven, but it was enough to take two England wickets, Benaud says. (ANI)

St. Lucia official brands Amy Winehouse ‘tattooed reptile’

London, June 19 (ANI): Launching a stinging attack on Amy Winehouse, a former St. Lucia Government official has called the pop star a “tattooed reptile” who is corrupting the local youth by her constant visits to the island.

Jeff Fedee, a former spin-doctor for the idyllic resort, blasted the troubled star’s drunken behaviour in the St. Lucia Star newspaper.

While lashing out at the island’s most famous tourist, Fedee also took a swipe at the natives and officials for offering Winehouse support during her stay.

He insisted that they were “misguided” to stand by her after her disastrous comeback at the St Lucia Jazz Festival in May this year, when she walked offstage mid-set.

“I had also been perplexed by the number of St Lucians going public to express sympathy and tolerance to the nauseating antics of Amy Winehouse in St Lucia,” the Daily star quoted Fedee as writing in the publication.

He added: “I had dutifully trekked to Pigeon Point during the Jazz Festival to see how our tax dollars were being wasted, because evidently to our Tourism officials a notorious reputation for obnoxious behaviour and not necessarily musical ability was the main criteria for including Amy Winehouse in the Jazz line-up.”

Fedee further wrote: “For me it was a stomach churning experience to witness a reptilian looking character with a skeleton frame, staggering onto the stage, barely fitting into what appeared to be a size zero dress, cut just above an unsightly crotch. I thought Amy Winehouse should be locked up, be put in compulsory rehab and force fed to put some flesh on her insect frame.”

He claims that Winehouse has no future in music due to her booze-addled antics, insisting that no one will remember her songs in 12 months time.

“On current form, none of her songs will be remembered one year from now. A career destined to bomb spectacularly. The notoriously fickle public will soon tire of her louche behaviour,” he said.

He added: “Those who sing the praises of Amy Winehouse are missing the point: he is not a good model for St Lucian citizens, particularly the youth, despite the music. And the effrontery of this character who reminds me of a tattooed reptile, offering to help St Lucian youth when it is Winehouse who needs help.”

The Rehab star has been on an extended break on the Caribbean island since December last year, as she battles her drink and drug addictions. (ANI)

‘Clear-headed’ Farrah Fawcett praised by doctor

London, May 20 (ANI): Cancer-stricken Farrah Fawcett’s doctor has showered the actress with praises, saying her “clear thinking” has lent her a helping hand in battling the disease.

The former Charlie’s Angels star was diagnosed with anal cancer back in 2006, and it has since spread to her liver.

The 62-year-old, in 2007, refused to undergo a colostomy, a surgical procedure that involves connecting a part of the colon onto the anterior abdominal wall, opting for an alternative therapy in Germany instead.

And now, her doctor, Lawrence Vogl, feels the star was right in turning down the surgery.

“I’m not truly convinced (it would have helped). Farrah always had – and has – a very special insight and very clear thinking. And I think if you see it now, I think she, in a way, was right,” the Daily Star quoted Vogl as saying in an interview with Larry King.

Vogl further said he admired the brave actress for her determination, adding: “If you treat the person for a longer time, you will always have a very special relationship.

“But from a lot of treatments and contact and communication, I think she is extremely special, an extremely brave person. She was very charming and very, very controlled.” (ANI)

Duchess of Cornwall praised for her bowling skills

London, May 12 (ANI): Duchess of Cornwall was showered with praises for bowling “a good length” despite trying her hand at the sport for the first time.

The wife of Prince of Wales was at the Box Bowls Club in Wiltshire for the opening of their new 400,000-pound clubhouse when she was encouraged to take up the challenge.

“I’ve never bowled before but I’ll have a go,” the Telegraph quoted the Duchess as saying.

While her debut attempt fell short of nearly two metres, her second go, a “jack high”, won her praises.

Club secretary Jean Collier, 63, said: “I thought she was great. In bowling terms, she bowled a good length. If you forget her first ball, the second one was jack-high (level with the jack) and that is very important.
“We say the three ‘Ls’ in bowling are line, length and luck. She was very relaxed and the ladies and gentlemen of the club will be delighted she bowled on our green.” (ANI)

‘Princess Eugenie rescued from rock pelting bandits by bodyguards’

London, May 4 (ANI): British Princess Eugenie was rescued by her two bodyguards who fought against a group of bandits trying to thug her pal’s purse in Cambodia, according to reports.

Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughter, who has been spending her gap year travelling the world with friends, had allegedly been walking at night in Phnom Penh when one thief tried to snatch away her friend’s purse.

The royal protection officers were said to have rugby-tackled a bandit as he tried to escape with the purse and while doing so were reportedly being hit with rocks by another robber.

The brave guards were then claimed to have whisked the 19-year-old to safety, according to a Buckingham Palace source, who showered praises on the SO14 Special Branch officers.

“They feared the incident was escalating out of control and took the decision to focus on the safety of their principal,” the Sun quoted the source as saying.

Eugenie, daughter of Prince Andrew and Fergie and sixth in line to the throne, has been to India, South America, Australia, South Africa and Thailand during her ongoing gap year. (ANI)

Samantha Ronson’s mum says her daughter is doing fine post split

London, Apr 20 (ANI): DJ Samantha Ronson’ mother Ann Dexter Jones has revealed that her daughter is doing fine after her break-up with Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan.

Ann is currently giving her daughter space to get over the split on her own.

“She’s doing great. She’s really, really well. She’s always working. But I don’t pry. I’m giving her space. She’s strong and smart and with a great heart,” the Daily Star quoted Ann, as saying.

Though Ann lavished her daughter with praises, she declined to comment on Lindsay.

“Sam is a strong, fabulous girl. But I think it is good that I don’t comment on Lindsay,” Ann added. (ANI)

Boy gets Bollywood break on a prayer

Maybe there is a God. Merajuddin Rather, a 14-year-old from Aroo, a village near Pahalgam in Kashmir, has become the first singer from the valley to sing for a Bollywood movie.

The Class IX student was singing a prayer at the morning assembly when a Bollywood crew shooting nearby heard him. Director Piyush Jha called him and asked if he wanted me to sing in his movie.

“I was surprised to receive an offer from an unknown face. I have sung the same prayer in the movie,” said the shy 14 year-old singing the first line of the song: “Yeh Arzoo thi meri, arzoo ko dastay rehmat say kalima padhaw (It was my wish that your sacred hands be on my head as I recite the kalima).

” Rather is now on the brink of a promising career. He debuts as playback singer with Sikander, Jha’s film produced by Big Pictures and Sudhir Mishra’s production house, CineRas Ltd.

The Class IX student said the director has promised him more. “He told me that I must act in his movies as well.

I am delighted. My parents are really proud of me,” he said.

Rather, he is now something of a hero. He is constantly pressed to sing ‘that’ song.

His friends, he said treat him “like a king. They think I have conquered the world.

I keep on telling them it is just a beginning. They keep asking me about my next song”.

The Pahalgam boy believes God heard his prayer and fulfilled his ambition to be a playback singer. “The prayer I was reciting was full of praises for the Prophet.

I believe God might have liked that and that is why my wish of becoming a singer came true right away,” he says.

Kylie Minogue ‘banks œ1m for Blue’s item song’

London, March 14 (ANI): Kylie Minogue reportedly grossed almost a million pounds for a single dance number in a new Bollywood flick ‘Blue’.

The stunning singer was said to have earned 800,000 pounds for her one-scene appearance in the film, making her the highest-paid foreign celebrity in Bollywood history.

Her co-star and Bollywood heartthrob Akshay Kumar showered praises on the pop diva, who also worked new tunes with double Oscar-winning composer A.R.Rehman.

“Kylie couldn’t have been more perfect. Her beautiful voice and bubbly personality are adored by so many. She is the perfect diva,” the Daily Star quoted Akshay as saying.

Kylie, who appears as herself in the Anthony D’Souza movie, had said: “My overriding memory is the warmth and professionalism of people. I arrived as a stranger but left considering myself as family.”

Other Hollywood celebrities offered bumper payouts included Sylvester Stallone and Brandon Routh who are reportedly banking more than 300,000 pounds each for cameos in “Kambakht Ishq”. (ANI)

Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton bury the hatchet with hugs, air kisses

New York, March 12 (ANI): U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton dissolved the unpleasantness between them in a hearty round of hugs and air kisses at a high-profile State Department ceremony on Wednesday.

Party insiders recently revealed that Michelle and Hillary could not abide each other.

However, the two of them showered each other with praises during Wednesday’s event.

While Hillary praised Michelle’s “grace and her wisdom”, the latter called her “such a committed person, friend, supporter to me.”

As Michelle swept into State’s ornate Benjamin Franklin Room, America’s top diplomat greeted her “very special guest” to honour International Women’s Day.

They presented awards to eight women who advanced human rights around the world, including Wazma Frogh of Afghanistan, who has battled domestic violence and child rape in her country.

“Communities are only as strong as the health of their women. The difference between a strong family and a healthy family is often the presence of a strong woman,” the New York Daily News quoted Michelle as reminding her audience of about 200 diplomats and guests. (ANI)

Nicole Richie is all praise for multi-talented Christina Aguilera

New Delhi, March 9 (ANI): Nicole Richie admires fellow mum Christina Aguilera for being a “great wife, great mom and great singer”.

The American actress welcomed her first child Max around the same time when Christina gave birth to her little Harlow last January.

The 27-year-old showered praises on the ‘Beautiful’ hitmaker, appreciating the skill with which she carried her multiple roles in real life, reports the China Daily.

“Christina and I haven’t known each other long but we met through mutual friends,” Nicole said.

“Because we had our babies at the same time – they were born one day apart – we’ve got to know each other.

“She’s a great wife, great mom and great singer. She does it all. And I’m sure Max gets better lullabies than Harlow!” she added. (ANI)

The ‘bossy’ parrot that mimics owner’s voice – to order other pets!

London, January 18 (ANI): A “bossy” parrot has become skilled at mimicking his owner’s voice and has learnt to practise his “high opinion of himself” – by ordering other pets in the house.

Barney loves to call owner Margaret Sullivan’s three dogs, Harry, Tilly and Bluey, by their names.

The ten-year-old bird, in Tredworth, Gloucestershire, shouts orders and even rewards obedience with praises such as “good dog”.

“Barney’s a really bossy parrot. He even chats back at me and swears when I’m talking sometimes – he’s so cheeky,” the Telegraph quoted Margaret as saying.

“He’s always tried to learn how to speak in my voice but he has got better and better at it ever since I bought him.

“Barney’s got a really high opinion of himself and he certainly likes to think he’s my favourite out of the pets. He’s not – but I would never tell him that.

“He always says ‘come here’, ‘come on’ and ‘good dog’ to the pets and gives out orders to all the animals in Margaret’s voice.

“It’s uncanny. He mimics her perfectly and when the dogs come over to the cage as if they are following his orders.

“The animals all think he’s Margaret when he speaks. He loves ordering them around and commanding them – it’s very surprising. He’s not frightened or scared of them at all,” she added.(ANI)

Nicole Kidman ‘not proud’ of her performance in ‘Australia’

Sydney, Jan 09 (ANI): Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman has admitted that she is not proud of her performance in ‘Australia’, and was quite uncomfortable watching it.

The actress stated that she was very fidgety while watching the flick with her husband Keith Urban at the Sydney Premier.

“I can”t look at this movie and be proud of what I”ve done. I sat there, and I looked at Keith and went, ”Am I any good in this movie?” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Kidman, as saying.

However, Kidman was all praises for her co-actor Hugh Jackman and Brandon Walters’ performances in the flick.

“But I thought Brandon Walters and Hugh Jackman were wonderful. It”s just impossible for me to connect to it emotionally at all,” Kidman said.

Its been reported that just after the premier of Australia was over, Kidman fled her native country, with her husband and daughter, as she was very nervous about her performance and the reviews.

“We ran because I didn”t want to read anything. I didn”t want to know. I saw my sister and my family and we saw Keith”s family and then we were straight on a plane,” Kidman told Australian radio station 2dayFM. (ANI)