Boy ‘killed father after 1,000 smacks’
November 30, 2008
An eight-year-old US boy accused of murdering his father and a family friend kept a tally of his parents’ smackings, vowing that the 1,000th time would be the last, police believe.
By Tom Leonard in New York.
The unnamed boy allegedly shot dead his father, Vincent Romero, 29, and Timothy Romans, 39, their lodger, at the family home in St Johns, Arizona, with a .22 rifle as they were coming home from work at a local power plant.
The double murder on Nov 5 shocked the US, with investigators initially struggling to find any motive.
However, according to police records reported by the Arizona Republic, the boy “is believed to have Read more
Bangkok chaos grows after grenade attack on opposition protesters
November 30, 2008
Ian MacKinnon in Bangkok, guardian.co.uk.
Thailand’s political crisis deepened last night when its opposition leader blamed government supporters for a grenade attack that wounded 46 pro-democracy protesters.
Suriyasai Katasila, leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), accused followers of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat of hurling the device into a crowd of PAD activists who have been occupying the premier’s offices at Government House.
‘I had come down from the stage about 30 minutes before the grenade dropped into a crowded area’, Read more
Quantum of Solace: the Times review of the new James Bond
November 10, 2008
From The Times
Wormy, arrogant villains, naked agents – latest film has it all
The latest incarnation of Bond is a master of heartache and punishment. And Gemma Arterton as a fellow agent in MI6 is no slouch either
James Christopher
James Bond is back, and this time it’s mighty personal. Daniel Craig’s craggy agent picks up exactly where he left off in another bruising thriller that leaves you feeling both drained and exhilarated.
There are hand-to-hand fights that make your eyes water and old-school stunts involving motorbikes, speedboats, jet fighters and expensive cars that give you whiplash just looking at them. Really, nobody does it better than the new 007.
What makes Marc Forster’s film such an intriguing watch is that this is the first of the 22 Bond movies
Kareena set to win the `Sexiest Vegetarian Alive` title
November 10, 2008
Spicezee Bureau
Mumbai, Nov 09: Drop-dead gorgeous Kareena Kapoor is touted to win PETA’s `Sexiest Vegetarian Alive` title this time round. The film industry is abuzz with a news piece that suggests that Saif’s ladylove is the hottest contender for the title.
The size zero actress, who has won the PETA’s ‘Cutest Vegetarian Alive’ title in the past has Bollywood and Hollywood’s biggest hotties competing with her for the same. Some of those in contention for the title besides Bebo include Vidya Balan, Shahid Kapur, R Madhavan, John Abraham, Mahima Chaudhary, Alicia Silverstone, Kim Basinger, Pamela Anderson, Shania Twain and Hollywood hunks like Bryan Adams, Joaquin Phoenix, Tobey Maguire.
Being `green`, living healthy, embracing compassion and looking fabulous is the current rage Read more
Expats sending less as currencies lose value
November 10, 2008
Asif Showkat.
Non-resident Bangladeshis are keeping a tight hold on their money as major currencies are losing value amid a global financial crisis that rings an alarm bell for recession.
Central bank sources said inward remittances from Bangladeshis working abroad fell by 17.40 per cent in October than in the previous month mainly due to the decline in exchange rates of the euro and the Great Britain pound against the US dollar.
‘Bangladeshi currency has slightly appreciated against the US dollar, which also is seen less rewarding for remitters. So, NRBs have chosen to send less money home until the currency market situation Read more
Dhaka Nrittya Utsab: A vibrant and lively show
November 10, 2008
Cultural Correspondent.
Captivating performance by dancers at the festival. Photo Courtesy: Saikat Mojumder
A three-day dance festival, titled Dhaka Nrittya Utsab, has been organised by Bangladesh Nrittyashilpi Shangstha. Beginning from November 7, at the Music and Dance Centre of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the performance is being held at Segun Bagicha in the city.
Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam; eminent theatre personality, Nasiruddin Yousuff; president of Bangladesh Nrityashilpi Shangstha, Rahiza Khanam Jhunu; joint secretary of the organisation, Zinnat Barkatullah; cultural secretary Dipa Khondokar
Jennifer Hudson mourns family
November 5, 2008
Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce Knowles, Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah attended the memorial service for Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew yesterday (03.11.08).
Jennifer looked “upset but managed to keep herself together” as she joined 450 mourners at Chicago’s Apostolic Church of God to bid a final farewell to her mom Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and seven-year-old nephew Julian King, who were fatally shot last month.
The Oscar-winning actress entered the church with her fiance David Otunga, following a Read more