Silver Scorpio - International News | Spot News | Top News | Flash News | Live News
Pop singer Whitney Houston has cancelled a concert in Paris because of illness.
Organisers say Houston is suffering from a respiratory infection.
A new date will be announced soon.
The concert, at the Paris-Bercy arena, was to have been the first date in Houston’s European tour.
Houston endured a controversial tour of Australia in February, marked by fan walkouts and poor reviews.
Kuala Lumpur, Sep 19 (ANI): Beyonce Knowles is all set to perform in Kuala Lumpur next month, two years after cancelling her Malaysian concert.
Kuala Lumpur is one of her destinations in the ‘I Am…’ world tour which spans North America, Europe and Asia.
The ‘Baby boy’ singer is scheduled to stage her first concert in Malaysia at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, at 8pm on Oct 25, reports the Star Online.
The singer was originally slated to perform in Malaysia in 2007, but cancelled her concert following protests from PAS Youth and she headed for Jakarta instead.
The world tour comes with the release of her third studio album, ‘I Am… Sasha Fierce’, which features hits like ‘If I Were a Boy’, ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’, ‘Halo’, ‘Sweet Dreams’ and ‘Broken-Hearted Girl’.
Beyonce, along with Black Eyed Peas and Jacky Cheung, will also perform at F1 ROCKS Singapore with LG on Sept 26. (ANI)
Karachi, Sep.16 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed hope that the drought of international tournaments for the national squad would soon be over with several foreign tours and multi nation events scheduled for the next few months.
“The dry spell is finally over and that’s a good sign for our cricket,” PCB’s Chief Operating Office (COO) Wasim Bari said, adding, “A lot of positive developments are taking place. I must say that things are improving for Pakistan cricket.”
After virtually spending the last six months in hibernation, Pakistan has a packed cricket calendar in the forthcoming ten months.
Starting from the elite eight-nation ICC Champions Trophy beginning September 22, Pakistan would be touring three continents for a number of Test, one-day and twenty20 matches.
Pakistan is scheduled to ‘host’ New Zealand for four One-day Internationals and two Twenty20 matches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai next month. It will then fly to New Zealand to participate in a three match ‘home’ Test series against the Black Caps in November-December.
Then follows the tough tour of Australia, where they would be playing three Tests, five ODIs and a Twenty20 game. Later, in 2010, Pakistan would be seen defending their ICC World T20 Champions title in the Carribeans.
Bari also expressed hope that international cricket would soon return to Pakistan and claimed that the security scenario was getting better in the country with time.
“Our players will get plenty of cricket in the coming months.
It’s now time that they prove their worth. The security situation (in Pakistan) is getting better every day which is why I’m hopeful for an early return of international cricket here,” The News quoted Bari, as saying. (ANI)
Lahore, Sep.16 (ANI): Days after former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf’s statement that Islamabad had diverted US aid to strengthen its defence against India was splashed in the media all over, the former general has denied allegations of misuse of army equipment, saying the media has highlighted a ‘non-issue’.
Dr Nasim Ashraf, one of Musharraf’s close friends, told a private television channel that the former President has categorically denied misuse of any US military aid during his regime.
Ashraf said it was wrong to say that the Pakistan Army had violated the agreement regarding the equipments supplied by the US.
“If a unit stationed in Waziristan moved to Kashmir, the equipment would move with it, which was not a violation of the agreement,” The Daily Times quoted Ashraf, as saying.
Responding to a question he said Musharraf would return to Pakistan as soon as his lecture tour is finished.
It is worth mentioning here that in an interview to a Pakistani news channel earlier this week, Musharraf had admitted that he had violated the rules governing the use of the military aid, but justified his action, saying he had “acted in the best interest of Pakistan.” (ANI)
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)
London, Sep 14(ANI): England batsman Kevin Pietersen has said that he is making a slow and steady recovery from the Achilles tendon surgery and is targeting a return to action during England’s South Africa.
“I saw a couple of surgeons during the week and it is very slow at the moment. I’ve got an open wound in my leg and I’m only truly hoping to get back in time for the tour to South Africa,” The Mirror quoted Pietersen, as saying.
The 29-year-old has suffered complications in his recovery from the Achilles surgery that forced him out of the last three Ashes Tests, the seven match ODI series against Australia and the Champions Trophy.
Following absence of experienced players like Pietersen, all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and wicketkeeper Matt Prior due to injury, the inexperienced team is in dire straits in the seven match ODI series, where Australia have taken an unassailable 4-0 lead. (ANI)
London, September 13 (ANI): A string of messages penned by Michael Jackson in his final hours have come to light.
Post-its notes and sheets of paper, scribbled as “wishes for the world” have reportedly been found on the mirror in the late singer’s bathroom.
The notes allegedly show the King of Pop’s bizarre state of mind before he died of drug addiction on June 25, reports the News of the World.
Pals of the singer believe Jackson was using the notes as means to prepare himself for his comeback concerts in London.
Note number one, found on the right of Jackson’s gold-framed mirror, apparently read: “I am so grateful that I am a magnet for miracles.”
Note number two, pinned to the bottom of the mirror, a message in large handwriting said: “Love, no violence ever!” And underneath, in smaller handwriting, he had added: “Remember a beautiful future promise of tomorrow.”
Note number three was a startling reminder to perform the hit charity single he recorded with soul legend Lionel Ritchie in 1985, saying: “Do We Are The World in show”.
Note number four read “Call Temperton”, referring to British songwriter and producer Rod Temperton, who co-wrote several Jackson songs including Thriller and Rock With You.
A source said: “It’s worrying that he had to write reminders about things as obvious as these while he was rehearsing for his tour…But the drugs he was taking obviously had a huge impact on his mind and memory.” (ANI)
London, Sep 12(ANI): Australian all-rounder Cameron White reckons that Australia can finish their Ashes-losing England tour with a flourish by defeating their arch rivals seven-nil in the on-going ODI series.
Australia lost the five-Test campaign 2-1, but they are leading 3-0 in the seven match ODI series.
“At the moment if we keep playing good, consistent cricket, keep bowling and fielding well, there is no reason why not,” The Daily Telegraph quoted White, as saying.
“In saying that, winning seven one-dayers against a really good side is a pretty strange thing to happen. But, I am not saying that it can’t. We want to keep the momentum going and I don’t think we are playing at our total best right now,” he added.
White further said that Australian team still has some areas where they needed to improve and also emphasised that they cant write-off the England squad, as they will bounce back at some stage.
“There are still probably some areas that we think we can improve in, so there are things we need to work on to get better for these four games. Then, come four games’ time, we are hopefully at our peak,” White said.
Meanwhile, Australia captain Ricky Ponting would comeback to join the squad after his post-Ashes break. (ANI)
London, Sep 11 (ANI): Despite facing a three nil scoreline in the seven match ODI series against Australia, England have rested all-rounder Paul Collingwood and paceman James Anderson ahead of the must-win match at Lord’s on Saturday.
Collingwood and Anderson have opted to take short breaks for three and two matches respectively.
Collingwood will comeback for the final match of the series at Chester-le-Street next weekend, while Anderson will join for the second of back-to-back day-nighters at Trent Bridge, The Independent reports.
After the seven-match series, England will leave for South Africa for the Champions Trophy. They also have a tour of South Africa scheduled, which comprises four Tests and five ODIs. (ANI)
Washington, Sept 11 (ANI): Guns n’ Roses’ far east tour will also see the band perform at Japanese cities of Osaka and Tokyo in December this year, it has emerged.
Taiwanese concert promoter Brokers Brothers Herald Ltd is advertising both the shows on the Internet, reports Contactmusic.xl Rose and his team are believed to have given a nod for performing at Osaka Dome on December 16 and the Tokyo dome on December 19.
Taiwanese rock fans may also get to swing with the GNR metal if the speculations of a gig in Taipei come true. (ANI)
London, Sept 11 (ANI): Genesis drummer Phil Collins may be forced to quit drumming after a back injury.
The 58-year-old had suffered back injury during the last Genesis tour, in 2007, and had said earlier this week that the problem had come about because of his drumming posture, due to which his vertebrae had been crushing his spinal cord.
The rockstar has now revealed that a surgery to repair the dislocated vertebrae in his neck had left him incapable of holding drumsticks properly or playing the piano.
However Collins was optimistic about the future and said “stuff appens in life”
The Telegraph quoted him as saying: “There isn’t any drama regarding my ‘disability’ and playing drums.
“Somehow during the last Genesis tour I dislocated some vertebrae in my upper neck and that affected my hands.
“After a successful operation on my neck, my hands still can’t function normally.
“Maybe in a year or so it will change, but for now it is impossible for me to play drums or piano.
“I am not in any ‘distressed’ state – stuff happens in life.” (ANI)
Amritsar, Sep.10 (ANI): An endeavour is underway to preserve various heritage buildings of Punjab State in a bid to treasure the cultural heritage including historical monuments, which can help in boosting tourism in Punjab.
The palaces and Havelis across Punjab bespeak glorious heritage. These historically important buildings include religious places belonging to different faiths and can attract tourists to Punjab.
The Sheesh Mahal and Qila Mubarak at Patiala, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s summer palace at Amritsar or ancestral home of Shaheed Bhagat Singh at Khatkar Kalan – they are important sites that need to be preserved for the coming generations.
“Every community, society has a very precious heritage which has to be and can be transferred to the next generation and this is the responsibility of any civil society to transfer that heritage to the coming generation if you don’t perform that duty, that is a sin, that’s crime,” said Dr. Sukhdev Singh, Punjab State convener, Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
To spread awareness about preservation of these heritage sites, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage recently organized a workshop on the theme ‘Cultural Heritage and Media’ in Amritsar.
The event highlighted the fact that popularizing existing heritage buildings and protecting sites of cultural importance, presently in ruins due to negligence and development activities, ought to be the main priority.
There were proposals to convert heritage sites into museums and heritage hotels for tourists to get a glimpse of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.
It was suggested that the restored monuments could be commercially used on public-private partnership basis.
“Nuclear families have become more common than joint families and it has resulted in a big change in the whole system. Like in our system, the kids are taught to respect elders and follow the path of honesty. People get equal share in all institutions like in home, office and agriculture but today they are aware of especially one aspect of their lives,” said Paramjeet Singh , Prof. Of Architechture, Gurunanak University, Amritsar.
“There is a significant relation between tourism and the heritage sites because some tourists surely have some interest in what’s the history of people and what’s the culture of people. They don’t come here just to see the huge marble buildings. They don’t want to see the modern architecture, which infact is mostly western, they come here to know about the past of this place, so it surely encourages tourism,” said Dr. Sukhdev Singh.
Amritsar is the heritage city of Punjab. The city is known globally for the revered Golden Temple, one of the pilgrimage centers, which stands intact and was built nearly 400 years ago.
The heritage tour in Amritsar remains incomplete without visiting the old city, known for its traditional market and centuries old residential houses.
Be it the historic Jallianwala Bagh or the Summer Palace, the royal residence of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, they take every visitor here to the era they stand testimony of. By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)
Washington, Sept 10 (ANI): Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram held meetings here with senior Obama administration officials, including National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. (retired) James Jones, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and the U.S. Attorney General Eric H Holder Jr. on Wednesday.
Enhanced co-operation between India and US on tackling terrorism particularly in South Asia dominated the discussions, sources said.
Pakistan’s inaction in dealing with the perpetrators of 26/11 was also raised.
Chidambaram also met Senator Dianne Feinstein, the Chairwoman of Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
Chidambaram is scheduled to meet the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday.
On Tuesday, officials from FBI, intelligence and security agencies and the New York Police briefed Chidambaram about the measures being taken by them to prevent a Mumbai-type terrorist attack.
From walking at the Penn Station, to a briefing by the New York Police, which had made several changes in its counter-terrorism measures post the 26/11 attacks, Chidambaram and his team of officials got to know what a mega city like New York can do to protect itself from terrorists without inconveniencing its residents.
Chidambaram was also informed about the coast guard facility at Staten Island. It was an important aspect of his trip given that the terrorists who attacked Mumbai on November 26 last year entered Mumbai through the sea route.
Within hours of his landing in New York, Chidambaram visited the Joint Terror Task Force Centre of the FBI where he was given an exclusive briefing by the New York Police Department.
Before leaving New York City for Washington by train, Chidambaram was briefed about security of the Mass Transport System at the Penn station.
The Home Minister is also scheduled to meet the top US intelligence and security officials, including FBI Director Robert Mueller and Director of National Intelligence Dennis C Blair; besides meeting National Security Adviser, Gen (Retd) James Jones at the White House. A tour of the National Counter-terrorism Centre in Virginia is also on his itinerary.
Besides meeting experts and think-tanks” members, Chidambaram is expected to hold talks with key US lawmakers, including Senator Joe Lieberman, Chairman, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; and Congressman Sylvester Reyes, Chairman, House Select Committee on Intelligence. (ANI)
Islamabad, Sep.9 (ANI): Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf may meet President Barack Obama in October, when he visits the United States for a lecture tour.
According to Musharraf’s lawyer, Chaudhry Fawwad, the former general will be arriving in Washington on September 14 for his 40-day US trip.
Musharraf is being paid a whopping fee of 300,000 dollars per lecture to various American think tanks and other institutions, Fawwad said.
Only former US president Bill Clinton is being paid as much for delivering a lecture and nobody else is being paid more than this amount,” PKonweb quoted Fawwad, as saying.
Musharraf is expected to deliver lectures in 17 American states during his tour. (ANI)
New York/Washington, Sep.9 (ANI): India’s Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Tuesday, was briefed by officials from FBI, intelligence and security agencies and the New York Police about the measures being taken by them to prevent a Mumbai-type terrorist attack.
From walking at the Penn Station, to a briefing by the New York Police, which had made several changes in its counter-terrorism measures post the 26/11 attacks, Chidambaram and his team of officials got to know what a mega city like New York can do to protect itself from terrorists without inconveniencing its residents.
Chidambaram was also informed about the coast guard facility at Staten Island. It was an important aspect of his trip given that the terrorists who attacked Mumbai on November 26 last year entered Mumbai through the sea route.
Within hours of his landing in New York, Chidambaram visited the Joint Terror Task Force Centre of the FBI where he was given an exclusive briefing by the New York Police Department.
Before leaving New York City for Washington by train, Chidambaram was briefed about security of the Mass Transport System at the Penn station.
In Washington, Chidambaram will meet with top Obama Administration officials, heads of intelligence and security agencies and influential lawmakers over the next three days.
Apart from discussing the 26/11 dossiers that India has submitted to Pakistan,Chidambaram will also discuss issues related to combating financing of terrorism and steps which will need to be taken in this regard as well as with regard to prevention of money laundering.
Ways to strengthen Indo-US anti-terrorism cooperation are among the issues likely to figure prominently in the talks on Wednesday and Thursday.
Chidambaram will meet his counterpart Janet Napolitano; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Attorney General Eric H Holder.
The Home Minister is also scheduled to meet the top US intelligence and security officials, including FBI Director Robert Mueller and Director of National Intelligence Dennis C Blair; besides meeting National Security Adviser, Gen (Retd) James Jones at the White House. A tour of the National Counter-terrorism Centre in Virginia is also on his itinerary.
Besides meeting experts and think-tanks’ members, Chidambaram is expected to hold talks with key US lawmakers, including Senator Joe Lieberman, Chairman, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; and Congressman Sylvester Reyes, Chairman, House Select Committee on Intelligence. (ANI)
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)
London, September 5 (ANI): Britney Spears was said to have given in to her nicotine cravings, for the singer was spotted smoking in Miami.
The pop princess was seen puffing on her hotel balcony during a break from her ‘Circus’ tour.
Britney has been showing off her toned body, thanks to her abstinence from ‘greasy takeaway food and fatty Starbucks’, reports the Sun.
The mum-of-two, who previously suffered a series of emotional meltdowns, has also resorted to an improved diet and frequent workouts. (ANI)
Washington, September 5 (ANI): Madonna reportedly joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his family to celebrate the Jewish Sabbath.
The Queen of Pop, who arrived in the country for two concerts as part of her ‘Sticky and Sweet’ world tour, purportedly witnessed the traditional Friday evening ritual with the leader.
The singer was said to have spent two hours at the politician’s home, lighting candles and delivering blessings, reports Contactmusic.
Madonna apparently shares a special bond with the Jewish state as she’s a devout follower of Jewish mysticism Kabbalah.
She was previously reported to have taken on a Hebrew name, Esther, and made private pilgrimages in 2004 and 2007. (ANI)
Chennai, Sep 4 (ANI): Cricketer Gautam Gambhir on Friday said that swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag, who is sidelined due to injury, will be desperately missed by the team during the tour of Sri Lanka as well as the Champions Trophy.
“Any team will miss Sehwag (Virender Sehwag) because he was in such a form, that would have been a great advantage for any team,” Gambhir said.
Gambhir said this on the sidelines of ceremony held in Chennai, where he was appointed the brand ambassador of MRF.
India has announced the squad for the Sri Lanka tri-series followed by the Champions Trophy, in which they have recalled Rahul Dravid and left out Sehwag due to his shoulder surgery.
Gambhir further sad that international cricket was all about handling pressure, and you have to continuously deliver for the team.
“When you are playing international cricket it’s all about the pressure. You should know how to handle it and you should be able take that responsibility, which is very important and the responsibility only comes when the team starts expecting that you can deliver,” he said.
The series in Sri Lanka, which also involves New Zealand, will be held from September 8 to 14. (ANI)
Melbourne, Sept 4 (ANI): Lady Gaga ‘cleanly’ took issues below the belt as she spoke to silence her critics who claim she is a hermaphrodite.
The Poker Face singer told Brisbane RJs that she hardly thought twice about any gossip surrounding her sexuality but her “little vagina” was offended.he Nova Radio jocks had been forewarned that the interview “must stick to fashion, her tour, her fans and her music”, reports News.com.au.
But the one-on-one talk took a U-turn after Lady Gaga said: “I’m just a girl from New York who wanted to be a star. Anything you want to ask me is cool.”
Speaking on the doubts expressed that she was a hermaphrodite, the 23-year-old-star said, “My little vagina is very offended…I’m not offended, my vagina is offended.”
“I sold four million records in six months. I’m not embarrassed about anything,” she added. (ANI)
Copyright © 2013 · eleven40 theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in