Jane Seymour sickened by food poisoning

LOS ANGELES - Actress Jane Seymour missed Tuesday night's "Dancing With the Stars" results show after being sickened by food poisoning, a television station reported.

Seymour was taken to a hospital to be checked out, KABC-TV reported. A call to the actress' publicist wasn't immediately returned.

Seymour, a contestant on ABC's dance competition, also missed part of the show earlier this month after her 92-year-old mother died.

Seymour told People magazine she had difficulty focusing on her dancing last week because her husband was busy defending their Malibu home from the wildfires that swept through the coastal area.

A Dancing Shocker: Sabrina Sent Home

Los Angeles (E! Online) - The only thing the Cheetah Girl couldn't pull off was the foxtrot.

Sabrina Bryan, the most promising horse out of the gate, was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars Tuesday, a shocker for all on a night—and a season—that had already played host to its share of weirdness.

Joining her in the bottom two was Cameron Mathison, who may have missed the mark with his tribal samba but was considered both the season's most improved contestant and the next-likeliest to take his shirt off.

"It's total madness!" exclaimed Bruno Tonioli after learning that those two, who each received a 25 on Monday, were facing the firing squad. "Sabrina, the most consistent. Cameron, the most improved. You have got to vote, nobody's safe!"

"There's been some bizarre things happen, but this takes the biscuit," Len Goodman agreed, while Carrie Ann Inaba sat there with tears in her eyes.

Goodman was of course referring to the string of mishaps that have befallen the show this season, including the ongoing lift controversy, Marie Osmond's fainting spell (which, because she was okay, turned into the joke of the week), the passing of Jane Seymour's mother, Mathison's hip injury, Jennie Garth's mid-performance slip-up, and the family emergencies that caused Gloria Estefan and Jennifer Lopez to miss their scheduled performances.

To top if all off, knock wood, Seymour was absent from the ballroom again tonight due to a bout of food poisoning, according to host Tom Bergeron.

And now it's the at-home voters who have apparently been stricken with some sort of mental ailment.

Bryan, who scored a 30 two weeks ago on her paso doble with partner Mark Ballas Jr., was one of the early favorites to make the finals this season and was only criticized so harshly last night because the judges expect nothing but the best from her.

"This is the most vocal our audience has been in five seasons. We are all shocked here tonight," said the usually impartial Bergeron, who also told Bryan that he had her "so pegged for the finale."

This was "an amazing opportunity and an incredible cast," the obviously surprised 23-year-old said after hearing the bad news. "I have grown as a performer so much out on this stage. Thank you so much."

"Thank you so much, baby," Bryan told Ballas, who responded by telling her how proud he was, followed by, "I love you."

Hmmm.

Meanwhile, completely safe were Seymour, who was in last place after scoring a 22 on her jive, and Osmond, whose paso doble "played it a hair safe," according to Inaba, and only merited a 23.

Seymour was starting to feel the heat more than anyone, having been scolded by Inaba for what looked like lifts during a couple of performances—an exchange which in turn has set off a tame yet pointed war of words between both ladies and Seymour's partner, Tony Dovolani.

"I've never met anyone who loves dancing as much as Jane," Dovolani, who in questioning Inaba's ballroom credentials dug up a rulebook and presented her with the section on lifts, told tvguide.com. "But it's hard to come back from them slamming us." (Inaba, a former Fly Girl, either shrugged off Dovolani's gift or gave him the finger, depending on who you believe.)

"I don't have the doll thing going," Seymour said, referring to the dolls Osmond hawks on QVC. "And some dancers [like Mel B] can come out here and just walk around. You get higher scores in this competition if you just walk around. Or you go up to the judges and you go pat, pat, on the cheek and you get 10s for that."

But despite being told by all three judges that the jive definitely wasn't her "most comfortable dance," Seymour has been given the chance to glide across the floor another day.

After only six hours of rehearsal, Melanie Brown and Maksim Chmerkovskiy continued to roar back from their brush with elimination by positively nailing their rumba, the slow Latin dance whose elusive combination of rhythm, romance and lust has proved especially hard for the stars to perfect.

"We got 10!" the Spice Girl, who did more than "just walk around," exclaimed back stage. "No, we got three 10s," Maks corrected her. "We got three 10s!" Brown reiterated after dancing the second perfect rumba in the show's history.

The only other 30-caliber rumba belongs to season three's Joey Lawrence and Edyta Sliwinska, who didn't strike that balance until week nine.

Replanting herself near the top of the leader board was Jennie Garth, who scored a 27, this time on a technically tough mambo (siblings Derek and Julianne Hough are truly the show's star choreographers) that had the judges singing her praises.

"What a difference a week makes!" said Tonioli, who last week complained that Garth had lost her "puff" halfway through her samba.

"To progress in this competition, you've got to come out with an exceptional performance…[long pause]…You did that," Goodman said, cheeky as always.

Helio Castroneves, whose cha-cha put him back in the race after a rare off-week, saved the photo finish for another day and also vaulted into the final six.

Each contestant will perform two dances next week. And as tonight, not to mention this season, has proved—anything can happen, and no one is safe.

Saif gifts jewellery to kareen

Saif gifts jewellery to kareen


The story goes that Saif has fair knowledge about precious and semi-precious stones




Of late, Saif Ali Khan is making frequent trips to posh jewellery stores in Bandra. The actor, who is taking renewed interest in women’s jewellery, has been generously gifting his girlfriend Kareena Kapoor with solitaire diamonds. A source close to Saif informs, He usually buys jewellery from his jeweller friends in Bandra. He has a keen eye for good pieces of jewellery. He has purchased a few diamonds for Kareena worth a few lakhs very recently.

The story goes that Saif has fair knowledge about precious and semi-precious stones, thanks to sibling Saba Ali Khan, who is a talented jewellery designer. Apparently, Saif had purchased heavy white gold sets in the past only to realise that Kareena prefers the minimalist look. Ever since, he has been picking up diamonds of various shapes and sizes for his pretty girlfriend.

A source close to Kareena says, Kareena has a very different taste when it comes to jewellery. She prefers to wear minimum jewellery. Chunky rings and heavy sets are a complete no-no. She loves solitaire rings and neckpieces.

Talking about Saif and Kareena’s rock-steady relationship, the source adds, Saif loves to gift his near and dear ones. He has bought Kareena a one karat diamond ring amongst a few other things.
A salesman from a lavish store in Bandra on condition of anonymity confirms that Saif has been looking for
specific-sized diamonds rings. He says, He told us that it’s for a very special lady and he gave us the ring size also. Saif was not available for comment

It's splits ville for Emma watson

Harry Potter star Emma Watson has broken up with rugby hunk beau Tom Ducker.


Watson’s friend has revealed that the actress was “distraught” over her split with Ducker. “She is very upset. He was her first love,” a tabloid quoted the friend, as saying.

A spokesman for the teenage actress has revealed that the couple broke up because the magic was lost in their relationship. “They just drifted apart as teenagers often do during their growing up years. Emma is now just concentrating on her A-levels and the new film,” spokesman said.

The couple started dating in the beginning of this year and their romance went from strength to strength as she whisked him to the French Riviera for a holiday this summer. The actress’ pals claimed that she dumped Ducker after seeing pictures on a website of him with a string of teenagers at a party. However, some insiders said that the pair had already split when the photos were taken.

Sir Ben Kingsley Raves About Mary-Kate Olsen

You’ve been falling in love with her (and her sister) since their debut in the 1990s on “Full House.” But actor Sir Ben Kingsley reports that Mary-Kate Olsen is still as charming as ever.

The British actor/icon recently revealed to press that he is an ardent admirer of Olsen, with whom he co-starred in “The Wackness.”

In an interview, Kingsley gushed, “Mary-Kate is a genius. She’s great company and a very good actor indeed.”

And he knows his stuff. The 63-year-old actor has been a permanent resident on Hollywood’s A-list ever since his breakthrough role in “Ghandi” as the title character. He’s set to begin working on “Taj Mahal” soon, opposite Indian actress Aishwarya Rai.

Kim Kardashian’s Fabulous 27th Birthday Party

Her new show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” is an instant hit, and Kim Kardashian couldn’t be happier. And at her 27th birthday party last night at Los Angeles hot spot Les Deux, the Armenian Princess partied it up with friends and family.

Kim wore an amazing flesh-tone, knee-length dress, complete with crystal accents. And her trademark booty was in full force as she danced the night away.

Funny enough, Kim doesn’t consider herself a typical party girl in Hollywood, and she’s hoping her new show will disprove the false image people have of her. She recently told US Weekly, “I am really excited because I feel like there are so many misconceptions of what us Hollywood girls are really like. We are so different from what people would think and I think everyone is going to be shocked.”

She continued, “Everyone thinks that I am this wild party girl and that I get drunk and dance on tables, but I don’t even drink alcohol. We (she and sisters Khloe and Kourtney) own businesses and we work every single day and we have 10 kids in the family and we did not grow up with nannies.”

R.I. man sues Jim Belushi over used SUV

PAWTUCKET, R.I. - Jim Belushi is being sued by the 78-year-old father of his former driver, who accuses him of selling a used 2001 Land Rover that turned out to be a lemon.

Ted Lewandowski worked as Belushi's driver when the star was filming the Walt Disney movie "Underdog" in Providence. He claims the sport utility vehicle needed more than $6,000 in repairs — and he demands that Belushi pay.

"The claim is false and frivolous," Belushi's Los Angeles attorney, Brian Wolf, said Thursday. "The exact claim for the same repairs to the same vehicle has already been adjudicated."

Wolf said a Los Angeles small claims court found in February that Belushi did not owe Lewandowski any money, and the new action amounts to harassment of his client.

While driving Belushi last year, Lewandowski mentioned that he wanted to buy a car for his father, Jan Lewandowski, said Steve VanderPyl, a private investigator for Lewandowski. He said Belushi suggested his old Land Rover and referred Lewandowski to a listing for the vehicle posted on the Internet auction site eBay.

"He told him it was in perfect mechanical condition," VanderPyl told The Associated Press. "He thought being a movie star, the guy's not going to lie to me about it."

He said Lewandowski sent an $11,500 payment to Belushi's representatives in California, then flew to the West Coast to retrieve the SUV.

Paris Out of Africa...For Now

Los Angeles (E! Online) - The New Paris Express won't be making a stop in Africa just yet

The Playing for Good Foundation, which links businesses and celebs with a multitude of charities benefiting children and families in need, announced Thursday that Paris Hilton's upcoming trip to Rwanda has been postponed while the agency restructures.

"Paris has been a loyal and gracious supporting of Playing for Good, but the foundation has to regrettably reschedule this trip," the organization said in a statement. "Playing for Good would like to thank Ms. Hilton for her generosity and her continued support of this initiative and is looking forward to rescheduling the trip with her at a later time."

It was foundation founder Scott Lazerson who originally invited the heiress to make the visit to Rwanda.

Hilton told E! Online last month that she planned to visit the impoverished, civil-war-plagued central African nation in November, after finishing work on her movie, Repo! The Genetic Opera.

"There's so much need in that area, and I feel like if I go, it will bring more attention to what people can do to help," Hilton said at the time.

The trip would have marked Hilton's first major foray into high-profile, Angelina-style philanthropy, a concept that she said she planned on becoming more familiar with while serving 23 days behind bars for probation violation earlier this year.

"Now that I've been here and I've been seeing life through different eyes—just getting letters from all around the world—I have a lot of compassion for things that are going on around me that are so much more important than things I ever thought about," the 26-year-old Simple Life star told E!'s Ryan Seacrest in a jailhouse phone call.

"I'm so much more grateful for everything that I have, even just to have a pillow at night or food or anything…I don't know," Hilton said. "I just want to start using what I've been given by God to bring light to causes that I believe in."

Namely, at the time, she said that she wanted to build a transitional facility for recently released female inmates to help them as they rework their way into society.

Hilton has certainly been busy since flying the coop, although not all of her extracurricular ventures have been of the nonprofit variety.

Aside from her movie, a rock musical that has been shooting in Toronto, the "Stars Are Blind" singer has gotten the ball rolling on a new album with über-producer Scott Storch, inked a deal with Antebi Footwear Group to launch a signature line of shoes and, in August, debuted her eponymous clothing line at celebrity shop spot Kitson in West Hollywood

Jessica Alba Fits Cash Into Her Schedule

While she was busy yesterday with co-hosting duties at the El Sueño De Esperanza Gala, Jessica Alba found time in her schedule to fit in a lunch date.

Looking quite chic in a white sun dress and black leather cowgirl boots, the Sin City starlet met up with her producer boyfriend Cash Warren for a little couple’s time.

Not to be outdone by his lady love, Cash kicked up his appearance, wearing a shirt and tie, topped off with a navy button-down sweater.

We just hope that Mr Warren doesn’t get to used to all of the attention he’s been paid recently, as Jessica has five movies in the pipeline and will be one busy young lady.

Cate Blanchett Charms Rome Film Festival

Her first appearance as Queen Elizabeth, King Henry VIII’s daughter, won her an Oscar nomination. And Cate Blanchett is hoping for a similar outcome as her new film “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” (released last week Stateside) made its European premiere.

Yesterday at the Rome Film Festival, “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” captivated audiences in it’s out-of-competition viewing. And Blanchett told press that taking the gig was a no-brainer.

"It would have been perverse (to refuse to play in the sequel). It’s undeniable that Elizabeth I is an extraordinary woman in history.”

Cate also made the connection between the time period of the film and modern society. “On a prosaic level you’ve got a popular film of a holy war, and then you have a kernel within it of a modern dilemma, a woman facing the aging process and feeling isolated.”

Hard shoulder scheme rolled out

Hard shoulder scheme rolled out

A scheme which allows motorists to drive on the hard shoulder of a motorway is to be rolled out.

BBC Midlands Today has learnt transport secretary Ruth Kelly will declare the scheme a success on Thursday.

Drivers have been using the hard shoulder on an 11-mile stretch of the M42, from south Birmingham and through Warwickshire, at peak times.

Transport correspondent Peter Plisner said figures showed the motorway was safer at these times.

He said a report, also due to be unveiled on Thursday, would show that motorway capacity is up by 13% and that pollution has fallen.

The M42's hard shoulder has been used by drivers since 12 September, 2006.

A 50mph speed limit warning over the hard shoulder between junctions 3a and seven shows when the lane is in use.

Rallies held for detained Suu Kyi

Rallies held for detained Suu Kyi

Activists are marking the 12th year of detention for Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in a series of protests taking place in 12 cities.
Campaigners are targeting Chinese embassies, as they say Beijing holds the key to Ms Suu Kyi's release.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner has been held by Burma's military junta, mostly under house arrest, for 12 of the past 18 years.

Meanwhile, Australia has announced sanctions against Burma's rulers.

Canberra said the measures would target 418 individuals, including top military figures and cabinet ministers.

Pressure has been growing on the military junta since its bloody suppression of pro-democracy protests last month.

The generals have agreed to another visit from the UN's special envoy Ibrahim Gambari, who is currently in China lobbying for Beijing's backing for democratic reforms in Burma.

And they are also allowing the UN's human rights investigator, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, to visit the country for the first time in four years. He is due to speak in New York later.

Laureates' appeal

In the Thai capital, Bangkok, a small group of activists gathered outside the Chinese embassy, dressed in chains and wearing masks of Ms Suu Kyi, chanting: "Free, free, Aung San Suu Kyi."

SUU KYI APPEAL
Open letter signed by Nobel peace laureates Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi, Wangari Maathai, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan Maguire
Rallies in London, Paris, Berlin, Dublin, Vienna, Sydney, Washington, Toronto, New York, Brasilia, Bangkok and Cape Town

Other cities involved in the protests include London, Paris, Brasilia, New York, and Cape Town.

Six female Nobel peace laureates have jointly appealed to the UN, urging it to help Ms Suu Kyi regain her freedom.

"The detention of Aung San Suu Kyi is the most visible manifestation of the regime's brutality but it is only the tip of the iceberg," they wrote in an open letter published in UK newspaper The Guardian.

Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a convincing victory in a general election in 1990 but the junta refused to hand over power.

Close ally

The protests coincide with the anniversary of the UN charter, and campaigners say they will be stepping up the pressure for UN action.

They blame China for blocking a UN resolution against Burma's generals.

Mr Gambari, who is expected to return to Burma next month, is meeting senior Chinese officials this week.

But he will not see any of the country's top leaders, the BBC's Daniel Griffiths reports from Beijing.

Although China, one of Burma's closest allies, has expressed concern about the situation there, it has always stressed that it will not interfere in its neighbour's internal affairs.

It is a sign that Beijing is unwilling to push Burma too hard, our correspondent says.

Burmese officials say 10 people died during the crackdown on protests in September, but diplomats believe the true figures are much higher. Hundreds of people are thought to be in detention.

Lindsay Lohan Badmouthed By Riley’s Ex

What would you do if Lindsay Lohan came along and stole your fiancée? Bree Tierney had to answer that question for real recently, and she’s none too pleased.

The former fiancée of Riley Giles, Bree says that when her man went to the Cirque Lodge for help with his addiction, he fell into a whole new problem LiLo.

Bree told press, Lindsay Lohan stole my fiance and wrecked my life. I loved Riley and Lindsay stole him from me. I’ve stuck by Riley through the good and the bad. Even after a car accident in Las Vegas, when Riley was arrested and I was left at the scene. That was his third or fourth DUI. We knew then he had to get help.

But according to Tierney, she didn’t expect her man to be getting any “sexual healing.He went into rehab, and I waited for him. We lived together for three years and planned on being together. But then he confirmed that he had sex with Lindsay in one of the stairwells at Cirque - that was it, we were done.

And Bree says she doesn’t have high hopes for any longevity between the Mean Girls actress and Giles. There’s no way they are going to last. He’s just looking for publicity. He’s got Lindsay to get attention for his so-called snowboarding career. He’s using her, and she’s using him - nice, huh?

Oddly enough, Bree says she can see the silver lining in all of this. “I should thank Lindsay. She ruined my life but also opened my eyes. She actually did me a favor. Riley and Lindsay are perfect for each other.”

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens’ Big Birthday Dinner

As reported previously by Fropki.com, yesterday was the big 2-0 for High School Musical star Zac Efron.

And what better way to celebrate the occasion than with a classy dinner out at Orso with co-star girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens.

Despite rumors of a split, the Disney stars seemed as close as ever, as they laughed and held hands throughout the evening.

Let’s just hope that Disney’s telling the truth, as it would be heartbreaking to split these two lovebirds up for the upcoming High School Musical 3

'Malaysian Gagarin' eyes return to space

MOSCOW (AFP) - Malaysia's first ever astronaut is already thinking of a return trip to space, two days after the end of his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

It was too short, only 12 days. I dream of staying much longer, Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor told journalists Tuesday on his return to Moscow from the landing site in Kazakhstan.

I hope to come back and be fit for a six month" trip, he said during the briefing at the Star City space training centre on the outskirts of the Russian capital. Who knows I might be the commander of the ISS one day.

A 35-year-old doctor and part-time model, Muszaphar returned to Earth with two Russian cosmonauts on Sunday.

The three touched down safely in Kazakhstan but 200 kilometres (120 miles) off-target in a rare and unexplained 'ballistic landing' by the Soyuz craft.

It was very hot. We were turning upside down. It was going very fast but I feel very good now, he said.

I feel great and I don't have any defect whatsoever.

Muszaphar was chosen from thousands of hopefuls in a nationwide competition that generated tremendous excitement in Malaysia.

The Malaysian government has until the end of 2009 to decide if it wants to accept an offer from the Russian Space Agency for another Malaysian to journey to the ISS in late 2010 or early 2011, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak was quoted as saying on Monday.

Malaysian leaders see the space flight as a milestone for the country which is marking a half-century of independence from British colonial rule.

I do hope to be the Malaysian Gagarin, to inspire all the Malaysian people, especially the school children and the younger generation," Muszaphar said in a reference to Russia's Yury Gagarin, the first man in space.

The Malaysian astronaut trained for over a year at Star City before he left for the mission on October 10 with American Peggy Whitson, the new commander on the ISS, and a Russian Yury Malenchenko.

Heroes' welcome for SA Springboks

Heroes' welcome for SA Springboks

Thousands of fans have greeted the South African rugby team as they arrived home after winning the Rugby World Cup in France on Saturday.

Springbok captain John Smit led his team out of Johannesburg airport holding aloft the Webb Ellis trophy.

The Springboks lifted the coveted trophy after a 15-6 win over England.

Their victory has been embraced as a symbol of unity and reconciliation in a country still trying to overcome racial tensions left by the apartheid era.

If it's not a unifying experience then it's a waste of time

Rugby fan John


Game which united a country

"We expected it to be pretty busy at the airport but this has gone far beyond anything we imagined," said Smit.

"We're just happy that we have brought the trophy back where it belongs, with the people of South Africa."

Skipped work

The team will be guests at a series of victory events this week, including a reception hosted by President Thabo Mbeki and a open-top bus tour of Johannesburg and Soweto.





The BBC's Peter Greste was at Oliver Tambo International Airport among the thousands of people who donned their Springbok jerseys and skipped the start of work and school to greet their heroes.

Some had even camped there overnight.

He said whole offices turned out, both black and white together, basking in the reflected glory the Springboks are bringing home with them.

"I'm more than happy. I don't know what to say - it's another feeling. I'm on top of the world, I'm happy because I'm part of them. I'm proud of South Africa," one fan told the BBC.

It was not just the fans who embraced one another.

"I guess that every South African is just so proud of being South African," said Brian Habana, one of the seven black players in the touring group.

"It just brings us so much closer together and we as a group of 47 achieved that; and every person that's let that feeling go to his head in the last four years has made a contribution towards this and the success of South Africa as a nation."

Racial quota debate

Across South Africa media reaction since Saturday's game has had a common theme of national unity.

They have demonstrated the power of sport to break down language barriers. We must take this momentum forward

Gert Oosthuizen
Deputy sports minister

Some fans, like John, said they hoped this feeling will continue after the celebrations finish.

"If it's not a unifying experience then it's a waste of time," he told the BBC.

"You know this is what it's about, it's about bringing us together, hopefully people getting over their history and coming together and moving forward together so I'm excited about that. I'm hoping that's what it's going to produce and not just now but in years to come."

Deputy Sports Minister Gert Oosthuizen said: "These heroes have put out a positive message that we are a winning nation. They have proved that South Africa is united in our diversity and they have made us proud.

"They have demonstrated the power of sport to break down language barriers. We must take this momentum forward."

Our correspondent says there is now a debate raging as to whether a racial quota should be imposed on the national team.

The coach, Jake White, says the team should be selected on merit and the question is still to be resolved.

But for now all South Africans are celebrating as one, our reporter says.

And the authorities are hoping to stretch that sense of pride and unity for as long as possible with a series of triumphal parades through the key cities over the coming weeks.

Elle Magazine Celebrates “Women in Hollywood

If you’re the proud owner of two “X” chromosomes, you’ll be happy to know that Elle Magazine was, once again, paying tribute to the fairer sex with their annual “Women in Hollywood” celebration last night.

And it was a who’s who of leading ladies, along with a legendary director. Those women being honored were director Julie Taymor ("Across the Universe"), and actors Lauren Bacall, Diane Lane ("Unfaithful"), Kate Bosworth ("Superman Returns"), Jennifer Connelly ("A Beautiful Mind"), Amy Adams ("Junebug") and Scarlett Johansson ("Lost in Translation").

The eldest honoree at 82-years-old, Lauren Bacall, told press, “It’s great that the focus is on women, who are functioning, who are all working, who are productive. I’ve always been in favor of that, and I’ve always known that women are capable of going as high as they want to go.”

And Diane Lane commented on the opportunities for women in the industry these days. “There’s a lot more opportunity for young women, and that’s great, and I like to think that I was there to help pave a few stones. It’s wonderful to have all the different stages of a woman’s life acknowledged and appreciated.”

Navratri is boom for private detectives

Parents in Gujarat are hiring private detectives to spy on their teenage children during Navratri when late-night dance celebrations attract tens of thousands of youngsters.

"It is strange to pay someone to keep a night watch on my daughters but it is better than regretting later," said S. Doshi, a 42-year-old mother of two girls, aged 17 and 19.

Doshi used a detective agency to keep a vigil on her daughters, who dress up in revealing clothes every night and hop across several dance venues, eat and go for long drives with their friends.

"Children can do anything. Drugs, unprotected sex and bad company are my main worry," said Doshi, a resident of Ahmedabad. Detective agencies say they are the only solution to the parental concern during the Navratri festive fervour which ends this weekend.

Garba, a traditional Indian dance, is performed to pay respect to Goddess Durga and it is on a grand scale, with visits from Bollywood stars and music troupes.

"We follow the boy or the girl to make sure that they have gone to the dance venue and report to parents if they leave the ground or spend time at a friend's house instead of dancing," said Sanjiv Thakkar of Mission Detective Agency.

Parents provide a photograph of their children and even details about their friends to the detectives who charge 2,000 to 4,000 rupees for snooping around every night.

Detective agencies say anxious parents have meant business is booming during the festive season and most are forced to hire freelance detectives to cater to soaring demand.

"You cannot stop your children from going out with friends but you can keep a check on them," said Neeta Vashist, a gynaecologist in Ahmedabad who conducts workshops for teenagers before the festival.

"Every year, I get caseload of unmarried girls seeking abortions after the festival is over," she said.

Gujarat, thought to be a conservative state, also sees a sudden rise in condom sales during the festival, according to Rajan Gupta, a member of the Gujarat Drugs and Pharmacy Association.

"Freedom for nine nights is what children enjoy but parents have sleepless nights," said Gupta, who has a 16-year-old son.

Rihanna and Josh Hartnett’s Club Hookup

Rumors of a possible new couple are emerging after Good Girl Gone Bad singer Rihanna was spotted getting cozy last night with Pearl Harbor actor Josh Hartnett.

A source told Us magazine that the the two met up at NYC hotspot Pink Elephant after Rihanna’s performance at the Nokia Theater in Times Square.

"He walked in and made a bee line straight to her table,” a witness at the club informed OK!. “Right away, they were dancing, drinking Dom Perignon and making out right at the table.”

According to the insider, the groping session lasted for about two hours before the pair exited the club arm-in-arm. “They didn’t come together, but left together,” the witness adds.

Christina Aguilera’s Growing Baby Register

It’s almost humorous that Christina Aguilera has been preggers for awhile now, to the point that it is starting to majorly show, and she’s still not confirming anything.

Last night, the Dirrty singer was spotted out in Hollywood shopping for candles with her hubby Jordan Bratman. And they didn’t look too pleased to see a horde of paparazzi swarming to see them.

The “You are Beautiful” singer has been making her rounds to the many baby boutiques as of late, but never purchasing anything. It looks like she’s just registering for gifts for her little bun in the oven.

And Christina is looking more and more well-rounded lately, with a healthy baby glow about her. How much longer can she go without stating the obvious?

Britney Spears Spotted Grabbing Starbucks in Malibu

Back in the day, authors CS Lewis (The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe) and JRR Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings) were pals, sitting around The Eagle and The Child pub discussing theology not really a scene you’d think Britney Spears would fit into.

Yet, she was spotted reading one of Lewis’ works this past Friday. “The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe” is one of Lewis’ children’s books, hence she may be doing some homework for when Jayden James and Sean Preston come to visit.

Due to a pink eye infection, the “Gimme More” singer was forced to cancel her new video shoot that was scheduled for the end of this week. No doubt bored out of her mind, she decided to take another random drive.

And when she needed gas, Brit simply called on the chivalry of one of the many paparazzi that were following her. And at no point during the day did Brit show off her “undercarriage.” Maybe she’s finally getting it.

Lindsay Lohan Continues To Do Well

She’s been out of rehab for a week now, and according to her father, Lindsay Lohan is doing extremely well. And from the details he shared with press, she’s taking all the right steps to maintain her success.

The Mean Girls actress is scheduled to start filming “Dare to Love Me” in Los Angeles beginning October 15th, and Michael Lohan says that she’s bringing a companion to help keep her out of trouble. This “sober companion” is from the Cirque Lodge, and is trained to be with people that are trying to overcome addictions.

Michael told press, “Lindsay’s companion is really, really tough, and she’s really nice, she’s an amazing lady, a great influence on Lindsay’s life.”

Another positive influence on LiLo is her current man candy, Riley Giles. According to Daddy Lohan, he’s top notch. “He’s a great, great kid. If you met him, you’d like him.”

To help keep her out of the whole Hollywood party scene, Lindsay and her father are arranging for her to stay near the Cirque Lodge, with the Georgia Rule actress already planning to purchase a home there. “It looks like she may have already found a house,” said her father.

French transportation expected to halt

Strikes slated to begin Wednesday will disrupt flights to and from France, train routes through Europe and leave Paris virtually stripped of public transportation as workers protest plans to trim some retirement packages.

The strikes, to last at least through Thursday, present popular French President Nicolas Sarkozy with his first real challenge since taking office in May and are meant to send a warning that deeper cuts may come at a cost.

Sarkozy is facing a number of challenges simultaneously as the economy continues to lag, despite his pledges to invigorate it, and signs of discord arise within his own party over the president's policies.

His rocky marriage is front-page news.

The president himself appeared unfazed, saying Tuesday night he would push through benefits changes regardless of public protest because "That's what I was elected for."

A union leader threatened more strikes if the government did not negotiate further.

While French strikes are famously common, the country has not had any serious labor strife since Sarkozy took office. This week's action could be the biggest in years.

Labor leaders hope the walkout will be reminiscent of 1995 strikes that paralyzed the country and sapped then-President Jacques Chirac's appetite for labor confrontations.

Sarkozy will be out of country at an EU summit in Portugal on Thursday while tens of millions of commuters will likely struggle to get to work and school.

The Paris transport authority RATP said traffic would be "virtually nil" on most of its lines, and "nearly paralyzed" on the national rail network.

Eurostar trains to London and connections to neighboring countries also will be disrupted.

Transit workers initiated the strikes, but employees of state-run electricity, gas and other services may also take part.

Most teachers were not planning to strike, but some schools were expected to close because of transport difficulties.

Air travel may also be disrupted, according to civil aviation authorities, particularly early in the day if administrative and airport personnel cannot get to work.

The strikes could seep into Friday. Three train federations were calling for a daily vote on whether to extend the strikes.

The pension plans under threat, which cover workers at an array of different companies and institutions, were originally devised to give advantages to those in physically demanding jobs.

Workers covered by the special pensions are able to retire earlier and on more generous terms than the vast majority of the French working population.

Sarkozy, who pledged changes to France's labor protections during his election campaign earlier this year, deems the benefits too costly, outdated and unfair.

Labor Minister Xavier Bertrand said Wednesday that the reforms were "indispensable."

The head of the CGT union, Bernard Thibault, urged the government to start "real negotiation" over the retirement benefits or face more strikes, according to an interview with Le Monde published Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Sarkozy is facing dissent within his own UMP party. UMP lawmakers are split over plans for a DNA test for immigrants and have bristled at hints he will open his government to more opposition Socialists.

The economic outlook offers little inspiration. Public deficits are widening even as forecasts for French growth shrink to 1.8 percent, less than the 2 percent to 2.5 percent the government had targeted.

On a personal level, a respected newsweekly reported Wednesday that Sarkozy and his wife, Cecilia, have informed a judge they are separating. The president's office would not comment on the report, which comes after weeks of such rumors.

Indians beat Red Sox 7-3, lead ALCS 3-1

The Cleveland Indians are one win away from the World Series after last night's 7-3 win over the Boston Red Sox. The Indians lead the American League Championship Series 3 games to 1 and have won 32 of their last 43 going back to the regular season.

Casey Blake's solo homer started a seven-run fifth inning off knuckleballer Tim Wakefield last night. Jhonny Peralta added a three-run home run. Blake came up again and delivered a bloop single that scored Kenny Lofton, who singled and stole second. Paul Byrd got the win with five-plus innings, allowing two runs.

Boston's Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez hit consecutive solo home runs in the top of the sixth. It's the first time in league championship series history that a team has hit three consecutive home runs.

There's an off day today. The Indians can earn a World Series trip against Colorado with a victory Thursday night in Cleveland. The Red Sox will pitch their 20-game winner Josh Beckett against 19-game winner C.C. Sabathia for Cleveland.

The Indians haven't won a World Series since 1948.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies have another week to wait to play in their first World Series. They have a team workout scheduled today.

"We'll probably scrimmage ourselves," says Rockies outfielder Ryan Spilborghs. "It'll be the first time in a while we'll lose."

The Rockies have won 21 of their last 22.

British explorer Pen Hadow prepares to test his waterproof survival suit and survey vessel

A British explorer who was the first man to reach the North Pole solo announced plans Tuesday to lead an expedition to measure the thickness of the Arctic ice caps.

Pen Hadow, who reached the top of the world alone in 2003, will lead a three-person team including a woman scientist on the Vanco Arctic Survey mission, which could provide key evidence on global warming.

"The results of the Vanco Arctic Survey (VAS) will give the clearest prediction yet of precisely how long the Arctic ice cap will exist before it melts into the ocean," he said in a statement.

The latest estimates for how long it will take for the Arctic ice caps to melt range from 16 to 100 years, said Hadow, who will be joined by fellow scientists Ann Daniels and Martin Hartley.

"This will be the first time that such a detailed survey of the ice thickness and snow load will be made from the surface over a full crossing of the Arctic Ocean," said Joao Rodrigues of Cambridge University.

The expedition will kick off at Point Barrow, Alaska, in mid-February and the group will cover 2,000-2,200 kilometres (1,250-1,370 miles) before they arrive at the geographic North Pole about 120 days later, in mid-June.

They hope to average about 18 kilometres a day, in temperatures that will dip as low as minus 50 degrees celsius (minus 58 degrees fahrheit), while lugging 85 kilograms (187 pounds) of scientific equipment.

Their supplies will be replenished about every two weeks, and their route also involves swimming for about 100 hours in water as cold as minus 1.8 degrees celsius.

An ice penetrating radar will make survey measurements every 20 centimetres, while ice cores will be drilled through the ice every 20 kilometres to measure its density.

The Arctic ice cap covers just three percent of the total surface of the Earth, but reflects 80 percent of the solar energy that penetrates the planet's atmosphere.

According to a statement announcing the expedition, eight percent of the Arctic's surface is believed to be melting each year, causing sea levels last century to rise between 10 and 20 centimetres.

"A further increase of between 20 centimetres and 80 centimetres could lead to 300 million people being flooded each year," it said.

Tropical Storm Kiko forms in Pacific

Tropical Storm Kiko formed Tuesday off the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm was stalled far out to sea, and was not expected to strengthen or even move much in the coming days, forecasters said. It had sustained winds of 40 mph and was not expected to threaten land.

Beyonce Loves Burlesque

Some singers are all talk. But Beyonce isn’t one of them. When she sings “I’ll be your naughty girl…” she’s not kidding!

And the “Bootylicious” singer isn’t ashamed of a little risqué entertainment. She reportedly attended a Burlesque show at New York City’s “The Box” last Thursday, and wasn’t shy about her praise for the performers.

According to a source, “Beyoncé was really making the most of the burlesque strip show. She was on the table in the VIP balcony cheering loudly as two girls got naked and licked each others’ feet. She stayed until 3:30 in the morning.”

And the best news of all? Now Jay-Z won’t have to worry about feeling guilty for attending shows at “The Box.” In fact, now he has a buddy to go with!

Rumors of royal engagement are rekindled

Photographs Prince William's girlfriend, Kate Middleton, clad in khaki on a Scottish hunting trip, have rekindled speculation the pair will soon announce their engagement.

British Sunday newspapers ran pictures showing Middleton, 25, on a stag hunting expedition at the royal family's Balmoral estate alongside William's father, Prince Charles.

One shows Middleton, in jeans and a camouflage jacket, lying on her stomach as she lines up her rifle for a shot, reportedly at a practice target.

The Sunday Telegraph said it was the first time Middleton had been photographed with Charles, "fueling speculation that she is about to become engaged to Prince William."

The Sunday Times said the pictures suggested that Middleton's "induction into the royal family appears to have stepped up a notch."

Buckingham Palace refused to comment on the trip, saying it was a private activity.

William and Middleton met at St. Andrews University in Scotland and dated for several years, but announced their split in April as speculation swirled that they were about to marry.

Middleton had been pursued by photographers outside her London home and nightclubs in scenes that drew comparisons to the coverage of William's mother, Princess Diana, before her death in 1997.

Newspapers reported this summer that the pair had rekindled their romance, and last week the couple were photographed by paparazzi as they left a London nightclub.

William's spokesman complained about the "threatening" behavior of the photographers, which came the same week as pictures of Diana being driven from the Ritz Hotel in Paris in 1997 were released as part of an inquest into her death.

Bollywood's Sexiest Bikini Babes

A hot Ursula Andress' emergence from the cool blue waters in a white bikini, even after about forty years, remains a reference point and makes a great and apt beginning for all articles that have 'bikinis' as their reference points. Ours then is no exception. Ursula Andress' role as Honey Ryder in Dr No made a statement of sorts.

Back home, Dr. No seems to be played by actress Jiah Khan, only literally speaking, of course. The actress, after her bold debut, sensual looks and quotable quotes could've well posed in a two piece for an international bikini event, but the girl simply refused big bucks, and considered the proposal to be too hot to handle.

Justin- Beyonce leadAMAs

The SexyBack singer was joined by fellow usaual suspect beyonce knowles as well as Daughtry and linkin park atop the list of nominees for the 2007 american music awards. each scored three nominations for the annual vox populi prizes. soon-to-be four- time AMA host Jimmy kimmel announced this yea's contenders at a press conference Tuesday. assisted by Ashanti and the jonas Brothers. neither of whom. sadly. manager to secure a nomination. Timberlake. meanwhile. once again scored a nod int the favorite Male Artist. Pop/Rock category to go along with nominationa for favorite Album in both the Pop/Rock and Soul/Rhythm & Blues categories for FutureSex/ LoveSounds.

Jessica Simpson “Smiles” at Charity Event

Jessica Simpson “Smiles” at Charity Event
Eat your heart out John Mayer! Jessica Simpson was looking stunning last night. She was out in Beverly Hills for a charity event.

The Beverly Hilton was the scene, as the former Newlywed lent her celebrity to benefit the Operation Smile Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala. And boy was she smokin!

Though she’s never been considered a true fashion icon, it seems that lately Miss Simpson has stepped it up a few notches in the “look” category. Earlier this week, she was spotted out in a very fashion-forward black frock.

And at the gala, she earned a few high fashion points as well. The “With You” singer wore a blue button-up-back dress along with classic nude heels. Her half-up-half-down hairstyle was the perfect complement to her ensemble.

Lauren Conrad Hooks Up With Brody Jenner

For all you fans of The Hills out there, this is a very exciting time. Just weeks after the new season began we already have a possible Lauren Conrad romance.

It seems LC has been growing tired of watching all of her friends hook up with guys, and now she’s gonna get some lovin’ of her own. And what better setting than Sin City?

Conrad attended her ex-boyfriend Brody Jenner’s birthday party in Las Vegas and got a little more than she bargained for. First, it was a birthday kiss for her ex. Then it turned into a night of making out between the two former lovers.

So, the obvious question is, where is this going to go from here? Could they be an item again? Or will this romance sparkle and fade? We’ll keep you up to speed, here at Gossip Girls.

Gisele Bundchen Goes Down Under

Gisele Bundchen Goes Down Under

With all the celebrity activity in Australia, paparazzi are working harder than ever to get pics of your favorite stars. This time around it was Gisele Bundchen, as she made her way to the land down under.

The Victoria’s Secret babe hopped a plane to Aussie land only to be greeted by a bevy of photogs trying to get a glimpse of the $37 million-a-year model. Bundchen was looking stunning in, of all things, a tattered AC/DC t-shirt as she deplaned in Melbourne.

But first things first… her boy Tom Brady and his team, the New England Patriots, had a game so she had to hide out in her luxury hotel to make sure she didn’t miss a minute of the action.

After that, Gisele decided to hit up the Healsville Sanctuary to check out some animal action before getting down to business with a launch party for her Ipanema footwear collection, with proceeds benefiting the Amazon Basin waterways.

Britney Spears Loses Custody Of Her Kids

According to breaking reports, Britney Spears has lost physical custody of her two sons - Sean Preston and Jayden James.

The troubled pop princess, who was spotted out to dinner at Taverna Tony’s with the boys just last night, now has less than 48 hours left with her children before handing them over to full-time guardian, Kevin Federline.

TMZ reports tell that County Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon issued an order stating that K-Fed “is to retain physical custody of the minor children on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 12:00 PM until further order of the court.”

It was also indicated that Federline’s attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, brought up the fact that Britney’s been driving the kids around without a valid California driver’s license. Many believe that this may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Cameron Diaz Enjoys NYC With Bradley Cooper

New York City is a popular place for romance. In the last year alone, Cameron Diaz spent plenty of time in the Big Apple with Justin Timberlake, and then John Mayer.

And now the Shrek actress is treating her latest man candy, Bradley Cooper, to the same treatment. The pair was seen taking in the sights this past weekend.

First, they dined at Asia de Cuba in the Morgans Hotel. Diaz and Cooper were very affectionate towards each other, and you could tell they were excited to be together, according to a witness.

Then, later they attended a Saturday Night Live after-party at hot spot Primehouse located on the ritzy Park Avenue South. Again, the lovebirds were anything but secret about their attraction to each other.

One onlooker told press, “they were very close and lovey. Something is definitely going on, and it’s clear they are more than just friends.”

The next day, Cam and Brad attended the New York Giants game with a couple of high-profile friends. They were seen with team owner Steve Tisch, Demi Moore (now officially “Kutcher”wink and Ashton Kutcher

Britney's Latest: Blackout

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Britney Spears has finally shed some light on the title of her new album.

Jive Records announced Friday that the embattled pop princess had dubbed her forthcoming oeuvre Blackout, a reference to "to blocking out negativity and embracing life fully." The album is due for release Nov. 13.

In addition to the chart-topping single "Gimme More," Blackout will feature the songs "Heaven on Earth," "Radar," "Piece of Me" and "Break the Ice," per Billboard.

The video for "Gimme More" hit iTunes Friday and was due to premiere on MTV's TRL Monday. In the video (which was briefly available on YouTube before being yanked), Spears stars as dual versions of herself—a blond-haired good girl curiously watching a brunette bad girl perform a pole-dancing routine.

Despite her success on the singles charts, the past week has been a tough one for Spears.

On Monday, a judge stripped her of custody of her sons, one-year-old Jayden James and two-year-old Sean Preston, turning them over to Kevin Federline full-time.

Though Spears is allowed to visit the boys every other day, her sessions will be observed by a monitor, who has the authority to "terminate visitation immediately if any conduct or action by [Spears] endangers the minor children," according to the judge's order.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for Oct. 26.

With very little in her life going her way, Spears may have finally decided to attempt to rebuild her relationship with her estranged family.

According to People, the pop star's mother and sister, Lynne and Jamie Lynn Spears, flew from Louisiana to Los Angeles on Friday evening.

"Brit really needed her mom," a source told the magazine. "So, Lynne flew out, and they met."

Perhaps in an attempt to evade the hordes of paparazzi, Lynne reportedly dropped by her daughter's Beverly Hills home at about 3 a.m., then drove the two of them back to Britney's new Malibu pad.

The mother-daughter duo had a public falling-out in June, when Britney was photographed handing Lynne a document that reportedly warned her to stay away from her grandsons if she had been taking any medication that could impair her judgment.

Jessica Alba Dismisses “Sexiest” Polls

While many Hollywood starlets will go out of their way for attention and compliments, Jessica Alba has been flowered with such high praise for her looks that she’s forced to try and disprove its validity.

The Into the Blue actress, who was spotted out yesterday continuing her search for a new house, recently commented to press about not letting the “Sexiest” polls go to her head.

“I don’t really think about it too much. I’m like everybody else. I get insecure about things just like everybody else. I wake up in the morning and think, What the hell am I going to do with my face today or my hair? What am I going to wear?”

Jessica continued, “People make me feel like … I’m not a person or superhuman or something because you’re on a list that’s being put together. But I understand that those magazines and those lists only exist just to give publicity for the magazine and publicity for the project that I’m in, and it’s not necessarily completely and totally true.”

Rock claims Pam lied about miscarriage

Kid Rock claims Pamela Anderson lied about a miscarriage during their brief marriage last year.

Anderson lied while they were arguing about visiting her on the set of a movie in Canada, the 36-year-old rapper alleges in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.

"She's in Vancouver shooting a movie and I have Lakers seats on the floor, and I'm gonna go to the Lakers (basketball) game with my friend Jesse James," the 36-year-old rapper says.

"I'm like, `Baby, I got these tickets. I'll see you on the weekend there,' and that leads into her saying, `You don't care about me, blah blah blah,'" Rock says. "She finally comes up with this: `I just had a miscarriage' ... and hangs the phone up."

Rock, claiming he was unaware that Anderson was pregnant, says he chartered a plane and flew to Vancouver. "When I get there, she's partying at this restaurant, drinking champagne, jumping on the tables. I'm thinking, `That's a quick recovery from a miscarriage.'"

Last November, a spokeswoman for the former "Baywatch" star said Anderson had suffered a miscarriage. Later that month, Rock, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, and Anderson filed for divorce, seeking to end their marriage of less than four months.

In response to the allegations, Anderson's publicist, Cindy Guagenti, referred The Associated Press to an e-mail that is quoted in the magazine's story.

"I hope his album does well," the 40-year-old actress says. "I hope he's happy in life. We were married for four months. If he has nothing nice to say about me, then please tell him to stop talking about me."

Last month, Anderson and Rick Salomon applied for — and were granted — a marriage license in Las Vegas, according to Clark County's Marriage License Bureau.

Rock's latest album, "Rock N Roll Jesus," is due out next Tuesday

In Pics: Sexiest women ever!

Okay, we know there are a million such lists out there, but hey, this one comes from FHM.

One of the most testosterone filled magazines out there, their reader poll of the sexiest women has to be taken seriously. We promise to keep the words to a minimum. For your viewing pleasure, here are the ladies:

Teri Hatcher

From Lois & Clark to Desperate Housewives, this increasingly hot woman has always turned television into a land of fantastic desire.

Carmen Electra

When she was briefly married to wild-at-heart basketball player Dennis Rodman, the Chicago Bulls complained his heart wasn't in his game. What, really?

Maria Sharapova

She's a gorgeous Russian to die for, and unlike Anna Kournikova, she actually plays good tennis!

Jenny McCarthy

Playboy's 1993 Playmate Of The Year, she does the bimbo routine on MTV and films like Scream. But hey, with looks like that, who's complaining?

Halle Berry

So she hasn't given us a watchable film ever since she bagged an Oscar. Who cares? With a bod like that, this woman is almost enough reason to sit through Swordfish twice.

Keira Knightley

If the criteria for watching her films would be to know Jane Austen inside out, we're heading to the library now. This saucy wench is just making the wait for Pirates Of The Caribbean 3 really long.

Jessica Simpson

Even if she massacred Nancy Sinatra's These boots were made for walkin, this All-American bimbette made sure the video took care of our complaints. These curves are all in place.

Jessica Alba

Possibly the most bodalicious woman in films today, Alba broke our hearts by mentioning that she'll never do nudity. We're hoping good sense and an arthouse European director eventually prevail.

Angelina Jolie

Last year's number one, Madame Jolie seems to have lost brownie points on most sexy women lists after turning relatively tame and shacking up with fellow stunner Brad Pitt. Those lips still guarantee her room on the podium, of course.

Scarlett Johansson

Whoa.

This girl just keeps getting hotter. Over the last few months, we've seen her in a brilliant red gown (enough to provoke carpet-walking fashion designers) at the Golden Globes; as a voluptuous siren in Woody Allen's Match Point; and naked for the annual special edition issue of Vanity Fair magazine.

Beyoncé Celebrates Usher’s Fragrance, Baby News

Beyoncé Knowles was one of the many celebrity faces in attendance in support of Usher’s new fragrance launch.

The R & B superstar “creatively” named his new scents - Usher for Men and Usher for Women. Besides the Irreplaceable hitmaker, producer Jermaine Dupri and rapper Nelly turned up to celebrate with their pal, who just passed on the big news that his wife’s expecting a child.

"I just want my son to fully be coherent and to be healthy, first and foremost,” Usher told People on Tuesday.

The “My Boo” singer continued, “I’ve found that it is a step-by-step process. You can wish for a million and one things. But I hope that my son has the same energy I had as a child. Hopefully, he won’t be as bad as me. I hope that he’s just a healthy son.”