Liverpool combo of Torres and Gerrard can help beat Hungarian champions

London, Sep.16 (ANI): Liverpool hitman Fernando Torres believes that his partnership with Steven Gerrard is the double act every Reds fan reckons can fire them to glory in tonight’s Champions League tie with Hungarian champs Debreceni.

Torres sees England’s deadly duo as the biggest threat to his chances of notching a famous double in South Africa next year.

The Sun quoted Torres, as saying: “I have never played with a better player than Stevie – for me he really is the best in the world. If Rooney can get an understanding with him, that will make England one of the most dangerous attacking forces in the world.”

“When a nation wins a major tournament there are always two players who form a devastating understanding. You had Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, Del Piero and Totti and, most recently, the understanding I had with David Villa.

“That is the sort of class I know Stevie and Wayne can be in if they get that understanding.

“They are world class and have the attributes to complement each other very nicely.

“But, most importantly, they show passion when playing for their country and you can’t win a tournament without that.” (ANI)

Swann hopes to wake England pals from their one-day slumber

London, Sep.15 (ANI): Off-spinner Graeme Swann is hoping to give a wake up call to his England team-mates when they take on Australia in the fifth of the seven match NatWest series.

The day-night clash is to be played at Trent Bridge tonight.

The spin ace told SunSport: “I’m going to try to lift the camp. I find it easy to have a laugh while playing cricket – and it’s probably more important to do that when you are losing. I don’t target anyone in particular with the piss-taking. It is whoever walks in the dressing room at the wrong time. But you can’t kid anyone, we’ve played terrible cricket in the one-day series so far.”

England’s one-day form needs a sharp hand-brake turn if they are to stand any chance in the upcoming Champions Trophy in South Africa. Their mini-World Cup campaign starts on September 25 and once again you wouldn’t back them to bag the silverware.

Swann was meeting fans on the Ashes Urn Tour. (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)

Natalie Cole makes comeback after kidney transplant op

Washington, September 11 (ANI): R andB singer Natalie Cole made a comeback to the stage and performed at a concert in Hollywood after fighting severe health conditions for almost a year.

“I really do have to say … it really is a miracle time. It’s a miracle night for me. I never thought I’d be standing here healthy and whole and 100 percent,” People magazine quoted her as telling the crowd present.

The singer was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in April last year.

Apart from treating the liver disease with chemotherapy, she also battled kidney problems later that year.

However, she was back with a bang at the Hollywood Bowl belting out hits like ‘This Will Be,’ ‘Our Love,’ and ‘Unforgettable’

She said: “My heart is very full tonight, and I know a lot of you know why. It’s just good to be back. You know what I’m saying?

“You know, things don’t always go the way we want it to. Things happen unexpectedly. You got to take the good with the bad.”

Cole also brought the attention of the audience to health problems.

She said: “One in eight people has kidney failure. That’s a lot of people and I never thought it would happen to me, but here we are.”

She described the phase she was ill as “a real tough journey.” (ANI)

For Brit men “sex o’clock” is governed by footie fixtures!

London, Sept 5 (ANI): Feeling romantic? Well, then gear up for some kinky action – but wait till 10.16pm tonight, for that’s the time when half of UK’s population gets turned on with their lovers.

After asking 5,000 adults, cynical researchers have claimed that the romantic schedule means men can catch up with their football highlights on Match Of The Day at 10.30pm.

The second most popular time for sex is 9pm on Friday, followed by 9.30am on Sunday, reports The Daily Express.

A spokesman for pollsters www.OnePoll.com said: “One might conclude from this survey that romance is dead.

“It certainly seems that sex has become a matter of convenience for many people.

“When couples get past the honeymoon stage in their relationship they seem to settle down a bit, and sex isn’t as important any more.”

The survey shows a quarter of couples go longer than two months between romps. (ANI)

Phoenix pastor who prays for Obama’s death faces flak

Washington, Sep. 1 (ANI): Protestors have started voicing their opposition outside the congregation of a Phoenix-based pastor, who tells his parishioners that he prays for President Obama’s death.

Phoenix-based Pastor Steven Anderson attracted widespread attention after he delivered a sermon titled, “Why I Hate Barack Obama,” and encouraged his parishioners to join him in praying for the president’s death.

“I hope that God strikes Barack Obama with brain cancer so he can die like Ted Kennedy and I hope it happens today,” Fox News quoted him, as saying.

He called his message “spiritual warfare” and said he does not condone killing.

However, some protesters gathered around his church on Sunday, calling Anderson’s words “incomprehensible.”

According to the report, Anderson has also received some death threats.

Anderson’s provocative message stems from Obama’s abortion-rights stance.

In his controversial sermon, delivered at his Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe before Obama arrived for a speech in Phoenix earlier in the month, the pastor had said he wants the president to “melt like a snail” with salt on it.

“I’m gonna pray that he dies and goes to hell when I go to bed tonight. That’s what I’m gonna pray,” he told his congregation.

The last time fierce opposition to Obama’s abortion position drew widespread attention was when Obama delivered the commencement address at the University of Notre Dame, the report said.

The Anderson sermon was also in news after it was reported that one man carrying an assault rifle outside the Phoenix arena where Obama spoke was a member of Anderson’s church, the report added. (ANI)

Noel Gallagher quits Oasis

London, Aug 29 (ANI): Noel Gallagher has quit rock band Oasis following differences with frontman and brother Liam.

“It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight,” the BBC News quoted him as stating on the band’s website.

He said: “People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.”

The guitarist apologized to fans waiting for the band to perform in near future.

He added: “Apologies to all the people who bought tickets for the shows in Paris, Konstanz and Milan.”

Before the announcement came, the band had pulled out of second concert in the space of a week.

They were scheduled to play at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris, but to the shock of their fans, screens at either side of the stage showed the message “as a result of an altercation within the band, the Oasis gig has been cancelled”.

Hamish McBain, from music magazine New Musical Express, believes that it really must be the end of Oasis.

He said: “The relationship between Noel and Liam has been frosty over the last tour, to say the least, but it’s been frosty before.

“Noel has left tours before, Liam’s not showed up for gigs before, and they’ve carried on. But this, certainly the way Noel’s presented it on the Oasis website, it does feel like it has a degree of finality to it.”

Meanwhile, Oasis diehards are finding it difficult to come to terms with it.

A band follower named Wolvolass said: “I feel sick, sooo many good memories and gigs seeing Oasis over the years.”

Another fan MattGriffin added: “This is the worst day ever.”

Oasis was formed in Manchester in 1991and were originally known as The Rain.

They have a great track record with eight UK number-one singles, 15 NME Awards, five BRIT Awards, nine Q Awards and four MTV Europe Music Awards. (ANI)

Stuart Broad can fill my boots, says Freddie Flintoff

London, Aug.24 (ANI): Andrew Flintoff signed off from Test cricket with Ashes glory and declared that Stuart Broad would adequately make up for his absence.

The 31-year-old said: “What a Test for Stuart Broad – I think once I’ve gone, they’re not going to be missing me. They seem to have found someone far better. It’s been a real team effort and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

Flintoff will now undergo surgery on Tuesday on his injured right knee, having suffered a gruelling run of knocks since the 2005 Ashes.

But after his run-out of Ricky Ponting sparked the Aussie collapse, the all-rounder claims it has all be worthwhile.

He added: “All the injuries and operations, It’s for moments like this. What a way to go. My contribution may only have been a run-out but there’s been a few question marks over my fielding so I think I’ve put them to bed.”

“I’m sure I’ll celebrate tonight but at the moment I don’t know what to do with myself.

“I’m going to celebrate, probably not in the same style as 2005, I’ll take the missus out for dinner and then spend the day with my family tomorrow,” The Sun quoted him, as saying. (ANI)

Lester did donate sperm to MJ, confirms doc pal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aussie batsman North confident of chasing down a record 546

London, Aug 23(ANI): Australian cricketer Marcus North, who took four wickets with his part time off-spinners on the low turning pitch in England’s second innings of the final Ashes Test at The Oval, has said that his team might be able to chase down a record 546.

“History is against us. It’s too early to look that far ahead. There is still a lot of cricket to be played,” The Daily Telegraph quoted North, as saying. What you’ll see are 11 guys, who have got a lot of character to show, who are going to give everything for every contest for every over. Hopefully, that can lay the foundation to give us a chance,” he added.

North said that if past second innings scores are taken into consideration, Australia has a good chance to retain the Ashes. At Lord’s Australia scored 406 before losing and in the rain-ruined match at Edgbaston they had scored 5-375 to save the game.

“Our first objective was to get through tonight unscathed and Simon and Watto did that superbly. To walk off at 0 for 80, it’s the position we need to be in,” North said.

“We batted well at Lord’s, had some big partnerships, and laid some foundations to give us some opportunity to chase that target down. This is a different Test, different conditions. Again, we’ll have to show some character,” he added.

Australia will resume at 0-80 today, they are still 465 behind with two days to play. (ANI)

Warne urges Australia to be aggressive to quell Flintoff factor

London, Aug.20 (ANI): With the Ashes up for grabs during the next five days, Australia needs to play positive cricket from ball one tonight to retain the famous little urn, says former leg spinner Shane Warne in an article for the Herald Sun.

“Australia must remain aggressive and try to win the Test match. The Poms, though, will approach this match with a nothing-to-lose attitude. That’s when a team can be most dangerous – when it has everything to gain,” Warne says.

“England has to win here to pinch the Ashes, and its mindset has to be super aggressive, both at selection and on the field. It must play potential match-winners, so Steve Harmison has to get the nod. It will also welcome back Andrew Flintoff with open arms. He will undoubtedly inspire his teammates in his final Test for England,” he adds.

“Australia will look once again to “Mr Reliable” Michael Clarke and Marcus North for most of its runs. But I have a feeling Ponting is in for a big, big hundred. Selection-wise, The Oval pitch will turn, so expect Australia to go in with a spinner. It’s a question of who makes way for Nathan Hauritz,” Warne says.

“The fifth Test presents an opportunity for someone, on either side, to make a name for himself and go down in history as a hero,” he concludes. (ANI)

Ponting takes rookies on a spiritual journey at Lords

London, July 16 (ANI): Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting became a tour guide for his rookie team at Lords on Wednesday.

Ponting, on his fourth Ashes tour, didn’t have to wear one of the green blazers of officials who guide visitors around the game’s spiritual home.

He took pacer Peter Siddle and spinner Nathan Hauritz, on their first visit to the home of cricket.

“It was their first time at the ground today … I had to show Sids the way out on to the ground. He didn’t know where he was going, he was walking around down the bottom there getting lost,” the Daily Telegraph quoted Ponting, as saying.

“I said ‘Out through that door, mate, through that Long Room there.’ He found his way to the nets.”

Australia boast of an imposing record at Lord’s, only losing here once in the last century _ and that was in 1934.

Ponting, who carries a scar on his right cheek after being hit by Steve Harmison at Lord’s in 2005, said his team was inspired by the history of the place.

“The history that comes with this ground and the very proud record that Australia have had here for so long makes you feel good about the place when you arrive,” he said.

“The guys in the team meeting were talking about our record here and how much everyone has been looking forward to playing here and what it means to a lot of our younger guys.

Whenever you play at these sort of venues around the world, you just feel better when you arrive,” he added.

Siddle, 24, will fulfil a childhood dream when he walks through the Long Room and charges out on to the ground when the second Test starts tonight.

“Growing up, there were two Tests I wanted to play in,” Siddle said.

“As a Victorian, it was always the MCG on the Boxing Day Test and I got that opportunity last year. The other one was an Ashes series playing at Lord’s. To get to fulfil them at such an early age is a great honour and it’s just amazing history and the tradition of playing ere. It’s going to be an amazing feeling running out on the first day,” he added. (ANI)

Oz brothels put on more staff to serve US naval officers

Melbourne, July 3 (ANI): Brothels in Australian city of Perth are putting on more staff to deal with the arrival of two US warships, carrying more than 5400 sailors.

Nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington and guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens docked off Fremantle yesterday.

According to business groups estimates, the sailors’ arrival will boost the local economy by 5 million dollars during the ships’ five-day stay.

Beverly Clarke, the owner of Perth brothel Langtrees, said that she had put on five extra staff for the weekend, including two from the eastern states.

Although the business had already been boosting up a little, she was quite positive that the numbers would increase markedly by tonight.

“Two more (US) sailors just walked in. At the moment I’ve even got girls from the eastern states here to assist us,” News.com.au quoted her as saying.

A spokeswoman for another brothel Maddison Avenue said that they were preparing for a busy weekend.

“We’ll find out tonight (if we are busy). We’ve got all staff rostered on and a couple of more girls than a normal Friday night,” said the spokeswoman. (ANI)

Janet Jackson pays tearful homage to Jacko at star-studded BET Awards

Washington, June 29 (ANI): A star-studded audience at the BET Awards on Sunday were left stunned, when Janet Jackson paid a tearful tribute to her late brother Michael.

After a ceremony dedicated to the King of Pop, who suddenly passed away on Thursday, the crowd fell silent as Janet went on to the stage and fought back tears as she paid a tribute to Jacko.

“My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful, so they elected me to be here to speak with you,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

“To you Michael was an icon. To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love, and for all your support. We miss him so much,” she added.

Jackson’s father Joseph was also present at the event, and he briefly spoke with reporters on the red carpet.

“I wish the world had recognised him when he was living. Right now, he’s bigger than ever. But I wish he was here to see all this, to hear all this,” he said.

The event was a wholesome tribute to Jackson, and it kicked off with full a reunion of New Edition, including Bobby Brown, to perform a medley of Jackson Five songs.

Ne-Yo and Ciara also paid homage to the pop superstar during the night by performing his songs.

The ceremony was hosted by Jamie Foxx, who honoured Jackson throughout the night by appearing in a number of Jacko-inspired outfits.

Foxx even Moonwalked the length of the stage, enthralling the celeb-packed crowd at Hollywood’s Shrine Auditorium.

He closed the event with an emotional duet of Jackson track ‘I’ll Be There’, with R and B star Ne-Yo. (ANI)

Kim Kadarshian has a “girl crush” on Megan Fox

Washington, June 25 (ANI): Kim Kardashian has said that she has a “crush” on world’s sexiest woman Megan Fox.

“Megan Fox is so hot. She is, like, my girl crush-and I don’t have girl crushes!” Us magazine quoted Kardashian as telling Entertainment Tonight.

Kadarshian, who attended L.A. premiere of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, which stars Fox, said: “That’s really the only reason I’m here,” while also hinting that her beau Reggie Bush also has a thing for the actress.

The socialite, who came into major limelight after her sex-tape surfaced, added: “I’m just really confident sexually, and I think that sort of oozes out of my pores, it’s just there. It’s something I don’t have to turn on.

“If you know how to take control of [being a sex symbol], then it can be powerful. But I have no idea how to handle it yet, how to deal with it.” (ANI)

Henry doubly happy to clinch Champions League medal on his daughter’s birthday

London, May 28 (ANI): Barcelona’s forward Thierry Henry was doubly happy, as he clinched a Champions League winners’ medal on his daughter’s birthday.

The Barcelona ace’s little daughter Tea turned four on Wednesday. And Henry, who lost in the 2006 final with Arsenal against Barca, said: “It is doubly special for me to win because it is my daughter’s birthday.”

“The disappointment of losing with Arsenal will always be there for me because the club are in my blood but I am very happy tonight. It’s an unbelievable feeling to win the Treble,’ The Sun quoted him, as saying.

Teammate and former Manchester United defender Gerard Pique revealed: “I cut out a bit of the net as a memento of the night.

I feel sorry for United because they are my friends – but I’m pleased we won.” (ANI)

Army of Man U fans ready to paint Rome red

London, May 26 (ANI): Thirty thousand Manchester United fans are expected to travel to Rome for Wednesday’s Champion League final, painting the Eternal City red.

Only 20,000 United fans have tickets for the game, but another 10,000 were expected to make the journey, despite pleas not to travel without a ticket.

The Red Army of United fans want to see Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering European and English Champions do battle with the continent’s most dangerous side, FC Barcelona.

The authorities in Rome were bracing themselves for a similar number of Spanish fans, with fears that the high number of ticketless supporters could lead to trouble before kick-off at the Stadio Olimpico, The Independent reports.

In a bid to avoid incidents, city officials have banned the sale of alcohol around the stadium and in airports and stations, from tonight until Thursday morning.

Rome’s mayor Gianni Alemanno said: “I have asked (interior) minister Roberto Maroni to have maximum attention from the security officers to avoid any incidents. I want to thank them in advance for the work they will carry out.

“To prevent any incidents we have spoken to Rome football fans and asked them to show maximum solidarity,” he added.

Manchester Airport brought in extra staff as it geared up for the busiest two days of the year, with 11 scheduled flights to depart today and 30 on Wednesday.

Fans have been warned by the police that they had no chance of getting into the Stadio Olimpico without a genuine match ticket, which this year resembles a credit card, with personal details of each ticket holder embedded in a micro-chip in each stub.

Supporters will also have to produce photographic identity to confirm they are the legitimate holder, matching the details on the ticket.

Recent European games involving United and Barcelona have passed off trouble-free. But Italian football clubs, especially in Rome, have a number of notorious hooligan gangs, known as Ultras, who it is feared might target travelling fans. (ANI)

Hugh Grant’s post-scandal chat declared best moment of Leno’s Tonight Show

Washington, May 25 (ANI): Hugh Grant’s first TV chat after his headline-making arrest in 1995 has bagged the top prize in a new magazine poll of the best moments of The Tonight Show, during comedian Jay Leno’s tenure as its host.

Entertainment Weekly magazine has put together the best bits of comedian Leno, who is set to end his 17-year tenure with the late-night show on May 29.

And Grant’s interview, after he was taken into custody for misdemeanour lewd conduct in a public place with Hollywood prostitute Divine Brown, has taken the cake in the survey, reports Contactmusic.

The Mickey Blue Eyes’ actor’s infamous episode went on to beat President Barack Obama’s historical appearance in March, along with Leno’s tete-a-tete with Arnold Schwarzenegger when he announced his candidacy for California Governor in 2003.

The chat show king had sent the crowd into laughter when he began his interview with Grant in July, 1995, asking, “What the hell were you thinking?” (ANI)

Victoria footie club under probe for stripper’s act

Melbourne, May 18 (ANI): In the latest sex drama to engulf the sporting world, the Prahran Football Club is under investigation for hiring a stripper to perform for the team minutes before a game.

The management of the club has been ordered to appear before the Victorian Amateur Football Association’s integrity sub-committee tonight to explain the sordid stunt.

The change-room strip show has angered women’s lobby groups and is set to turn the spotlight on Aussie Rules after rugby league’s week of shame, reports the Herald Sun.

The Premier of the Australian state of Victoria, John Brumby, wants the football club at the centre of the strip shame to apologise.

“It’s just an appalling example to set young people and to set families. It’s just completely inappropriate behaviour and one of the things that we’re trying to do in Victoria is encourage young people to play sport, to take up sport and you open the paper today and you read about a football club that got a stripper in before a game, it’s absolutely, completely unacceptable and inappropriate and it sends all the wrong messages,” the paper quoted Brumby, as saying.

Prahran Club XVIII coach Craig Berger said a former player organised the stripper to perform about 30 minutes before a night match against St Bernard’s on May 1.

“One of the past players set it up to gee up some of the blokes who were struggling a bit, to stir them up a bit,” he said.

Berger said he first became aware of the stunt when the stripper came into the trainers’ room.

“The stripper came in and I heard some noise (in the change room) and she was asking for music,” Berger said.

“I walked in, and when I realised what was going on, I said, ‘What’s going on here?’ and then left the room. They (the players) were fully aware that I wasn’t happy about it. I think she was only there for a couple of minutes. Only a couple of the guys actually knew about it . . . it didn’t last long at all because they knew I wasn’t happy about it,” Berger added.

The incident happened at Elsternwick Park, the VAFA’s administrative headquarters.

VAFA chief executive Michael Sholly said representatives from the club, including Berger, would be asked to explain tonight.

Prahran could be charged with conduct unbecoming a member of the association. (ANI)

Designers unveil summer 2009 collection in Bangalore

Bangalore, May 15 (ANI): Various fashion designers showcased their summer 2009 collections in Bangalore, which included both Indian and western clothes.

The participants were- Ramesh Dembla, designer duo Anu Nagappa and Susan Fernandes from Astara and Michelle Salins.

Dembla’s collection was displayed in two sequences. First called ‘angel’s fantasy’ with dresses and gowns in white, and the second called ‘ethnic saris’ featuring saris in various colors and embellishments.

“Tonight I showed a collection of mine called ‘Angel’s Fantasy’ that was all gowns in white with very minimalist embellishments but very beautiful cuts and (they are) very nice clothes to wear. he second sequence is called ‘ethnic saris’, which we did for he finale,” he said

The showstopper for Dembla’s show was Bollywood actress Aarti Chabaria, who sashayed down the ramp in a pristine white sari.

“Actually I did get a glimpse (of the show). I think the colors were beautiful, very vibrant and very well put together and very-very classic,” she said.

Nagappa and Fernandes presented a vintage collection in white, with silhouettes from the 60s, but with a very contemporary edge. Lace detailing on pure cotton, khaki, silk, chiffons and georgettes in whites had also been used.

Meanwhile, Salins collection was titled ‘The Butterfly’. As the name suggests, the designs were playful, energetic, cheerful, vibrant, bright and sensuous.

The collection featured hot pants, bubble dresses and skirts in pure silk, satin and brocades teamed with interesting accessories.

To suit the Indian summers, designers smartly put a wide variety of color and fabrics into use. (ANI)