One in five men ‘hates doing DIY’

London, May 16 (ANI): One in five men hates doing DIY, according to a new study.

Despite traditionally being seen as a man”s job, the fear of failure puts off two out of five men, while a similar number claimed they don’t have enough time.

In the poll of 1,000 adults, a third said DIY was too time-consuming and one in five said they didn”t do it because they had no idea what they were doing. Another 21 per cent admitted they were simply too lazy.

“There was a time when almost every man would love nothing more than heading down to his shed to make something, or indulge in a spot of DIY around the home. But it seems this is no longer the case as a large number of men now see it as a chore rather than a hobby,” the Daily Mail quoted Chris Tidy, DIY expert for Bosch, as saying.

Of those who like to indulge in DIY, 45 per cent said it filled them with pride. A further 26 per cent used it to express their creativity.

More than a quarter liked the feeling they got after creating something unique.

On the other hand, it was found that one in four women actually enjoy a spot of handiwork around the home. (ANI)

Times Square case: Expert says Shahzad”s signature reveals hostility

New York, May 6 (ANI): Thirty-year-old Faisal Shahzad”s handwriting on a 2004 condo sale agreement unmasks him as a hostile, self-destructive, arrogant man, an expert has said.

The New York Daily News quotes forensic document examiner and author of “Handwriting Analysis 101” Bart Baggett, as saying: “He”s angry at everybody and he”s lashing out at the world.”

Baggett identified three “ticks” – tiny marks where the pen has dragged – that indicate aggression and hatred: at the top of the F, the bottom of the S and the end of the L in Faisal.

The one on the F is particularly telling because Shahzad”s handwriting has large “upper zones” that suggest an interest in philosophical ideals, religion and analysis, Baggett said.

The presence of the tick there, means Shahzad is angry at religion and ideology, he said.

Shahzad also signed only his first name, indicating pride. The excessive pen pressure he used shows determination, Baggett said. (ANI)

Jesses James says he has a “huge hole” in his heart

London, April 29(ANI): Sandra Bullock”s love-rat husband Jesse James has opened up for the first time after the actress” reported decision to divorce him following the exposure of his extra-marital affairs.

The TV mechanic is saddened by the turn of events and claims to bear a “huge hole” in his heart.

“My whole life has been full of hard decisions. The decision to let my wife end our marriage, and continue the adoption of Louis on her own, has been the hardest,” the Mirror quoted him as telling People magazine.

He added: “The love I have for Louis cannot be put to words. Not having him around to love and to hold has left a huge hole in my heart.

“Sandy is the love of my life, but considering the pain and devastation I have caused her, it would be selfish to not let her go. Right now it is time for me to beat this addiction that has taken two of the things I love the most in life.

“I have always taken great pride in proving people wrong. That time has come once again to show that I am not what everyone says I am.

“I know in my heart that I can be the best father possible to my four children, and the mate Sandy deserves, and realize that this is an incredible mountain to climb.

“But I believe that the steps I have taken in the last 30 days are the foundation for making this happen. The lifelong commitment I am making is what being a real husband and father is all about.

“I ask that you please do not judge Sandy for the things I have done. She has done no wrong. She played no part in any of this. She has been an amazing wife, mother, and best friend, for the over 6 years we have been together.” (ANI)

Ferguson”s pep up talk boosts Man U”s title hopes

London, Apr 19 (ANI): Manchester United skipper Gary Neville has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson boosted the morale of the team by making players believe that they can still win the Premier League.

United had been written off after falling four points behind Chelsea, being knocked out of the Champions League, and then having to face their in-form rivals Manchester City.

But a winner from Paul Scholes against City has given United hope to win the Premier League.

“The manager asked us before the game: ”Do you want to win this title?” It may sound obvious, but the answer is yes, of course we do want to do that,” The Sun quoted Neville, as saying.

“We knew we had to go out and show our fans we have the pride and the desire to win matches – and to win the league,” he said.

“We”re not getting carried away because we still have three difficult games to go, starting with Tottenham next Saturday,” Neville said.

After Scholes” winner with just 17 seconds left at Eastlands and Chelsea losing at Spurs, United believe anything is possible.

“You saw Paul Scholes running 70 yards to get in the box and on the end of that cross. That wasn”t about experience, it was about desire,” Neville added. (ANI)

Terri Irwin defends bauxite mine petition

Conservationist Terri Irwin has rejected suggestions the Queensland Government should ignore a petition to stop bauxite mining on a Cape York reserve in the state’s far north.

Cape Alumina wants to mine near the Steve Irwin Nature Reserve near the Wenlock River.

The company says many of the 280,000 signatures on a petition opposed to the mining are from overseas, and the petition is based on an emotional campaign of misinformation.

But Ms Irwin says overseas interest in the issue only reinforces the global significance of the reserve.

“The people have spoken very loudly on this issue. We have scientists currently from 12 different countries interested in the research opportunities on the reserve,” she said.

“I don’t see that as a bad thing, I see that as a point of pride that this area is recognised globally for its importance.”

‘Banned’ Younis Khan gets President’s Pride of Performance award for T20 triumph

Islamabad, Mar.24 (ANI): Less than two weeks after being banned for an indefinite period by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for creating rift in the team, former skipper Younis Khan has received the President’s Pride of Performance award for leading the team which lifted the ICC World T20 Championship in England in 2009.

Talking to reporters after receiving the award, Khan said he has always given his best for the country and would continue to do in future also.

“I feel proud about this award and thank Pakistan’s government for bestowing this award on me. I have always felt proud of being a Pakistani and will do my utmost to serve my country,” The Daily Times quoted Khan, as saying.

When asked about the ban imposed by the PCB, he said: “At this point I don’t want to speak about the penalties but I am in consultation and will lodge an appeal.”

All-rounder Shahid Afridi also received the President’s award for playing an important role in Pakistan’s triumph in the T20 World Cup last year. (ANI)

Reddy inaugurates Yamuna Sports Complex in Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 6 (ANI): Union Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy has inaugurated the Yamuna Sports Complex, a venue for archery during the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

The stadium has a capacity of around 3,500 seats.

The stadium would host the preliminary rounds of the archery events during the Commonwealth Games, which is scheduled to be held in October-November this year.

The venue has been constructed over an area of 4.8 hectors at an estimated cost of rupees 250 million.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna, who was present at the inauguration, expressed confidence that the under-construction work for the games would be completed well in time for the Games.

“I want to assure that all things would be ready in time and country”s pride would rise manifolds by the event,” Khanna told reporters.

The games organizing committee came under severe criticism after construction of several venues and facilities for the games, including the athletes” village, fell behind schedule, forcing the postponement or shifting of many international meets planned as test events. (ANI)

England can avoid 7-0 drubbing in NatWest Series: Anderson

London, Sep 19(ANI): England paceman James Anderson has said that the England team would be looking forward to avoid a humiliating 7-0 whitewash against Australia in the NatWest Series.

England team has been out of sorts after the historic Ashes series win, and in the absence of experienced players like Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen they have not been able to prevent Australians from taking a 6-0 lead.

“Obviously, we don’t want to lose 7-0. There’ll be a lot of pride to play for on Sunday. We’re very disappointed with the way we’ve played in this series, we’ve never really clicked. But, we’re leaving for the Champions Trophy in South Africa on Monday and we can look forward to that as a fresh start,” The Sun quoted Anderson, as saying.

“The vast majority of us in the dressing room still believe we can beat Australia and think that 6-0 flatters them a bit,” he added.

The 27-year-old further said that Australians have taken note of England’s weaknesses and have been able to take advantage of it.

“Throughout the series, it seems as though we’ve tried to make it look as complicated as possible. I suppose when confidence is low as a batting team, it affects everything, not just shot selection,” Anderson said.

England will now be playing for pride in the final contest at Chester-le-Street on Sunday. (ANI)

Australia stay grounded while on verge of 7-0 sweep over England

London, Sep.19 (ANI): With an historic 7-0 whitewash of their one-day series against England firmly within their grasp, Australia’s cricketers head to Durham.

No team has ever swept a seven-match series, but Tim Paine, the stand-in wicketkeeper-batsman whose maiden international century led Australia to a 111-run victory and a 6-0 lead at Trent Bridge on Thursday, has played down the importance of the word whitewash.

“We’ll be talking about the seventh game and how we’re going to go about winning it,” Paine said.

The Australians have completely outclassed England all series and the home side have just one more chance to salvage a bit of pride.

England captain Andrew Strauss is barely able to contain his frustration following his team’s latest defeat.

“Sitting around in a team room having a chat about it is not going to solve anything. What is going to solve it is a couple of guys standing up and showing the necessary character to go out and turn things around,” Fox Sports quoted Strauss, as saying.

“Six-nil is bad enough, to be honest with you. We’ve got one more opportunity to show our calibre as a side. We need to take that opportunity,” he added. (ANI)

China raises questions over US embassy expansion plans again

Islamabad, Sep.13 (ANI): China has once again expressed its concerns over the massive expansion work of the US embassy in Islamabad.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui met President Asif Ali Zardari here and told him about Beijing’s apprehensions regarding the reported expansion of the US embassy.

Sources said Zardari assured Zhaohui that Pakistan would never compromise on its sovereignty.

This is the second time in a week that Beijing has questioned the US expansion plans.

Zhaohui had said that the expansion of the American embassy should be in accordance with the rules and regulations of Pakistan and Washington should respect Islamabad’s sovereignty.

“China has concerns over expansion of US embassy in Islamabad and the United States should expand its embassy by materializing rules and regulations of Pakistan,” Zhaohui said.

Sources privy to the meeting said Zardari told Zhaohui about his plan to visit China in December to learn more about China’s rapid growth in all the sectors.

“Pakistan can gain a lot from the Chinese experiences, and these can be emulated in Pakistan for achieving greater development,” they quoted Zardari, as saying.

The Nation quoted the sources as saying, the President said that Pakistan attaches high value to its relations with China and takes pride in Beijing’s success story. (ANI)

Phulan Rani, the ageless painter of Punjab

Amritsar, Sep.11 (ANI): Defying her age, octogenarian Phulan Rani today stands as a tall figure that inspires the youth by her love for painting and deep urge to give creative expressions to her thoughts and observations of the world around her.

A resident of Amritsar, Phulan Rani works in both oils and water colour and paints realistic landscapes and portraits of local leaders.

“I was born on Dec 12, 1923 and have seen various ups and downs during my life span. I have been inspired to paint from all good things in life and the thoughts and the preaching of the gurus that I have heard,” said Phulan Rani, the painter. She is a nature lover by heart.

“Nature is like an open book as we can see many beautiful things through it. Like honeybees collecting nectar from the flowers and then constructing hives. It inspires an artist to paint. The inspiration also comes from beautiful faces, flowers, landscapes and the teachings of the gurus,” she says.

Phulan Rani is full of pride when she realizes how her work has reached in different parts of the world.

“A person can be successful in any sort of work if he or she gets full support from his life partner and children. You can imagine the work done by me through the paintings hanging on the walls of my house. I have sold a number of paintings, but I had enough time to paint replicas of those sold paintings to keep at home. My paintings have reached across the world,” says Phulan.

The sixth President of India, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, had released Phulan Rani’s book of ‘Painting visions of beauty’ in 1981. By Ravinder Singh Robin(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)

Arnie believes sex is most important part of marriage

Washington, September 11 (ANI): Comedian Tom Arnold has revealed that California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger advised him before his wedding that sex is the most important thing in marriage.

The ‘Pride’ star met the actor turned politician just before marrying his fourth wife Ashley Groussman.

“He (Schwarzenegger) called me and he said he was concerned. He said, ‘It’s getting close to the marriage, how’s the sex?… Keep your eye on that,” Contactmusic quoted him as saying.

Tom added: “He doesn’t mean it in a sexy way, he means keep it (the marriage passionate), because you forget about the important things and sex is important in the marriage. He’s reminding me: Don’t forget about the sex!’”

The two became friends long before the ‘Terminator’ star joined politics. (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)

MIC urges Universiti Malaya to maintain its Indian Studies dept’s name

Kuala Lumpur, Aug. 29 (ANI): Malaysian Indian Congress chief S. Samy Vellu has urged Universiti Malaya’s vice-chancellor Ghauth Jasmon not to change the name of university’s Indian Studies Department.

“He has to listen to the views of the Indian community. Tamil is our life,” he said when asked to comment on Ghauth’s statement over renaming the department to Indian and South Asian Studies department.
Ghauth had reportedly said that although the name of the department would be changed, its programmes would be maintained.
“We will not accept any changes to the Indian Studies Department because it was the Indians who contributed to the department’s existence and it is also our pride,” the New Strait Times quoted Samy Vellu, as saying.
He said he was informed by Human Resources Minister Dr. S. Subramaniam that the cabinet has agreed to maintain the during a recent Cabinet meeting.
“It has been agreed by the Cabinet. So, there must not be any change in the name,” Samy Vellu said.
He noted that the ISD was created from money collected from Indian estate workers in the early 1950s under the “Save Tamil Fund.”
“The department has many historical values for the Indian community. Changing its name would mean showing disrespect to the Indian community,” he added. (ANI)

‘I have not read Jaswant Singh’s book,’ says Bhagwat

New Delhi, Aug.28 (ANI): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Mohan Bhagwat said on Friday that he was yet to read expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh’s latest book – Jinnah -India, Partition, Independence.

Bhagwat’s comment came hours after Singh filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Gujarat Government’s decision to ban his book.

Deploring the ban of the book, Singh has already said that books are a medium of expression in the country, and professed the right to freedom of speech and expression.

He claimed that a ban on books actually means a ban on thinking.

“I am greatly saddened by it because the other example takes you to Salman Rusdie and Satanic Verses. The day we start banning books in India, we are banning thinking,” Jaswant had said while returning back from Shimla after his expulsion from the BJP last week.

The Narendra Modi-led Gujarat Government had banned the sale of Singh”"”s book in the State last week.

The Gujarat Government blamed Jaswant”"”s book for denigrating the image of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was a Gujarati and held in high esteem by people across Gujarat and rest of the India for his role during India”"”s freedom struggle against the British rulers.

Jaswant observes in his book that Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel together conceded Pakistan to Jinnah with help from the British.

Patel occupies a pride of place in BJP”"”s historiography with the party eulogising his tough action for the integration of rebellious Hyderabad and Junagarh with the Union, and contrasting it with the Nehru”"”s “blunder” in taking the Kashmir issue to the UN. (ANI)

Gujarat Govt. bans sale of Jaswant Singh’s book in the State

Gandhi Nagar (Gujarat), Aug.19 (ANI): Narendra Modi-led Gujarat Government on Wednesday banned sale of the expelled Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jaswant Singh book titled– Jinnah-India, Partition, Independence-in the State.

The Gujarat government blamed Jaswant’s book for denigrating the image of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, who was a Gujarati and held in high esteem by people across Gujarat and rest of the India for his role during India’s freedom struggle against the British rulers.

Singh observes in his book that Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel together conceded Pakistan to Jinnah with help from the British.

Patel occupies a pride of place in BJP’s historiography with the party eulogising his tough action for the integration of rebellious Hyderabad and Junagarh with the Union, and contrasting it with the Nehru’s “blunder” in taking the Kashmir issue to the UN. (ANI)

Malaysia tourism unaffected by swine flu

New Delhi, Aug 18 (ANI): Malaysian Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen has denied that the swine flu or global recession have affected the flow of tourists into Malaysia.

Talking to reporters after launching a rock bottom fare package of Malaysia Airlines and Tourism Malaysia here on Monday, Yen said, “We have not seen a decline in arrivals yet. So I am keeping my fingers crossed that this is the trend. However, I have to be very cautious because tourism industry is a very fragile, sensitive industry.”

Welcoming investments, Yen said that Malaysia would await Indian film star Shahrukh Khan’s investment proposals.

“We welcome investment into Malaysia either on creativity investment or in infrastructure development. So we see especially for such well known famous personalities like Shahrukh Khan to come to Malaysia is our pride and we are very privileged that he will consider coming to Malaysia and we will give him all the necessary official support whenever needed,” Yen said.

Malaysia conferred Shahrukh Khan the title of Datuk, akin to a British knighthood, in December last year.

Shahrukh Khan plans to launch a film ‘Happy New Year’ in Malaysia this year and offered to develop the film industry in Malaysia. (ANI)

Yogurt could help gastric-bypass patients lose weight more quickly

Washington, July 14 (ANI): Taking probiotics after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery can help obese patients to lose weight more quickly, according to a new study.

Probiotics are the so-called ‘good’ bacteria found in yogurt as well as in over-the-counter dietary supplements that help in the digestion of food.

New research from the Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Hospital and Clinics suggests that patients who take probiotics after the gastric-bypass procedure tend to shed more pounds than those who don’t take the supplements.

“Surprisingly, the probiotic group attained a significantly greater percent of excess weight loss than that of control group,” said John Morton, MD, associate professor of surgery at the medical school who wrote the paper with lead author Gavitt Woodard, a third-year medical student, and five other medical students at the Surgery Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation in Stanford’s Department of Surgery.

The researchers followed 44 patients on whom Morton had performed the procedure from 2006 to 2007. Patients were randomized into either a probiotic or a control group.
oth groups received the same bariatric medical care and nutritional counseling, as well as the support of weight-loss study groups. Both groups also were allowed to consume yogurt, a natural source of probiotics.

In addition, the probiotic group consumed one pill per day of Puritan’s Pride, a probiotic supplement that is available online and in many stores. Morton has no financial ties to the company that makes the supplement.

The study showed that at three months, the probiotics group registered a 47.6 percent weight loss, compared with a 38.5 percent for the control group.

The study also found that levels of vitamin B-12 were higher in the patients taking probiotics – a significant finding because patients often are deficient in B-12 after gastric-bypass surgery.

The probiotics group had B-12 levels of 1,214 picograms per milliliter at three months, compared with the control group’s levels of 811 pg/mL.

Morton said he now recommends probiotic supplements to his patients, and he plans to continue to look for ways to enhance the outcomes from the procedure.

The study has been published in the July issue of the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. (ANI)

Sports authorities felicitate Gold medallist pugilist Suranjoy in Manipur

Imphal, July 8 (ANI): Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh of Manipur who recently won first Asian Championship Gold medal in 15 years at the Asian Boxing Championship held in China has inspired many young people in the north-east.

Suranjoy was recently felicitated in a ceremony organised by Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Youth Affairs and Sports Department of Manipur.

Senior officials of SAI and sportspersons attended the function.

During the function, the distinguished sports personalities opined that Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh, son of M. Inakhunba Singh of Uchiwa Leirak Achouba, has brought pride not only to the State but the country as a whole.

Born in the family of sportspersons, Suranjoy started his career as a football player, however, his journey as a boxer started at the age of 15. His introduction to the sport was when he joined a boxing camp at Sagolband Lukram Leirak.

Suranjoy has always been full of confidence and determination, which was on display in his achievement. It has motivated him to strive for perfection in the years to come.

“I am very happy. This is just the beginning. I have a long way to go. This win is an encouragement and motivation for me to strive for excellence even in other competitions in the future,” said Suranjoy Singh, Asian Boxing Championship, Gold Medallist, Manipur.

Suranjoy, who clinched the Gold in flyweight category of 51 kilogram arrived in Imphal and was greeted by a large number of enthusiastic supporters of the State.

In his career, besides several Gold Medals at the State and National Level championships Suranjoy also won a bronze medal in 2004 at the Junior World Championship.

Suranjoy’s family is today proud of their son for bringing laurels to the country. They are hopeful that the younger generation would be encouraged by Suranjoy’s success.

“I feel really proud of my son as he have brought fame not for the state of Manipur but for the country as well. He got the opportunity to play in different state in the country and was chosen to even play at the international level as well. Now he has won and I feel really happy about his achievement,” said M. Inakhunaba Singh, Suranjoy’s father.

“We got a phone call from Delhi saying that he got a gold medal. I was so happy on hearing the news. I couldn’t even utter a word out of happiness,” said M. Tmpak Leima Devi, Suranjoy’s mother.

During the function, a cash reward of Rs 50,000 was give to Suranjoy for his achievement in the international arena.

Suranjoy’s achievement is undoubtedly has inspired all sport enthusiasts in the northeast region of the country. By L. C. K Singh (ANI)