MOSCOW — Libya has struck a deal to buy Russian arms worth almost two billion dollars, Russian news agencies quoted Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as saying Saturday.
"Yesterday (Friday), a contract worth 1.3 billion euros (1.8 billion dollars) was signed. It does not only involve firearms", Putin was quoted as saying by Ria Novosti and Interfax.
Putin was speaking following a meeting with the head of the Izhmash factory, which manufactures Kalashnikov rifles.
Russian officials said early this week that negotiations were underway with the Libyan Defence Minister Younes Jaber in Moscow over the sale of Russian weapons.
The Russian prime minister did not specify the type of arms or military equipment involved in the deal.
But a Russian diplomatic source told Interfax Tuesday however that Libya wanted to acquire 20 fighter planes, at least two S-300 air defence systems, several dozen T-90C tanks and other arms.
Moscow and the North African state enjoyed close ties during the Cold War, and much of Libya's arsenal was purchased from the Soviet Union in its last years.
Moscow and Tripoli have stepped up their contacts in recent years. In 2008 Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi visited the Russian capital in his first visit to Moscow since the 1980s.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
UN must speak out on Cambodia rehab centres: group
PHNOM PENH — A leading rights group on Sunday called on the United Nations to review its support for Cambodian government-run drug rehabilitation centres, where detainees allegedly suffer grave abuses.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report last week calling for the closure of at least 11 centres nationwide, where it said detainees suffer "sadistic violence" such as electric shocks, forced labour and rape.
The government has denied the allegations in the HRW report, which also said people were often held in the centres without reasonable cause and were denied access to a lawyer.
Though several UN agencies have since spoken out about the abuses, those working most closely with the government in detention centres and on drug policy have been less vocal, HRW said in a statement on Sunday.
The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) "need to make clear to the Cambodian government that the centres should be shut down," said Joe Amon, HRW health and human rights director.
"Instead of remaining silent, the United Nations should review its programmes and support for these centres," he added.
Representatives from UNICEF and UNODC were not immediately available to comment.
Rights groups have in the past made allegations about abuse at Cambodia's drug rehabilitation centres and UN health officials have questioned their treatment methods.
According to the latest report from HRW, detainees were forced to donate blood, were fed rotten or insect-ridden food and chained while standing in the sun as punishment.
The centres, run by various branches of the Cambodian state including the police and the ministry of social affairs, detained nearly 2,400 people in 2008, the report said.
Detainees were arrested for drug use and vagrancy, but were also frequently rounded up in police sweeps of people considered "undesirable" in advance of national holidays or international meetings, it added.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report last week calling for the closure of at least 11 centres nationwide, where it said detainees suffer "sadistic violence" such as electric shocks, forced labour and rape.
The government has denied the allegations in the HRW report, which also said people were often held in the centres without reasonable cause and were denied access to a lawyer.
Though several UN agencies have since spoken out about the abuses, those working most closely with the government in detention centres and on drug policy have been less vocal, HRW said in a statement on Sunday.
The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) "need to make clear to the Cambodian government that the centres should be shut down," said Joe Amon, HRW health and human rights director.
"Instead of remaining silent, the United Nations should review its programmes and support for these centres," he added.
Representatives from UNICEF and UNODC were not immediately available to comment.
Rights groups have in the past made allegations about abuse at Cambodia's drug rehabilitation centres and UN health officials have questioned their treatment methods.
According to the latest report from HRW, detainees were forced to donate blood, were fed rotten or insect-ridden food and chained while standing in the sun as punishment.
The centres, run by various branches of the Cambodian state including the police and the ministry of social affairs, detained nearly 2,400 people in 2008, the report said.
Detainees were arrested for drug use and vagrancy, but were also frequently rounded up in police sweeps of people considered "undesirable" in advance of national holidays or international meetings, it added.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Gates pledges 10 billion dollars for 'miracle' vaccines
DAVOS, Switzerland — Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, the world's richest man, on Friday promised 10 billion dollars (7.2 billion euros) to develop "miracle" vaccines for the world's poorest nations.
Gates announced at the World Economic Forum that the money will come over the next decade from the foundation he runs with his wife Melinda, and that vaccines will become the charity's top priority.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has now committed more than 25 billion dollars to various health projects, especially targeting AIDS and polio and other diseases that hit poor countries.
"We must make this the decade of vaccines," Gates said in Davos. "Vaccines already save and improve millions of lives in developing countries.
"Innovation will make it possible to save more children than ever before."
Increased vaccination could save more than eight million children by 2020, he added, but called on governments and the private sector to do more.
"Increased investment in vaccines by governments and the private sector could help developing countries dramatically reduce child mortality by the end of the decade," Gates said in a statement.
Melinda Gates added: "Vaccines are a miracle -- with just a few doses, they can prevent deadly diseases for a lifetime.
"We?ve made vaccines our number-one priority at the Gates Foundation because we?ve seen first hand their incredible impact on children?s lives," she added.
UN agencies and campaign groups welcomed Gates stunning announcement.
"The Gates Foundation?s commitment to vaccines is unprecedented, but needs to be matched by unprecedented action," said World Health Organisation director general Margaret Chan.
"It?s absolutely crucial that both governments and the private sector step up efforts to provide life-saving vaccines to children who need them most."
One, the activist group set up by rock singer Bono to fight against poverty and preventable disease, said Gates's money "is a testament to their belief in catalyzing transformative change."
But it also said that western governments and institutions must "accelerate their own investments in effective organizations."
Gates began working full time at the Foundation after stepping down from heading up Microsoft business operations in July, 2008.
He is in Davos as the world's leading philanthropist and his activities overshadowed those of the political and business elite at the Swiss ski resort.
Meanwhile at the meeting, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou sought to shore up international support for his country as its borrowing costs shoot up and debt problems in Greece and other countries put pressure on the euro.
Reaffirming his determination to cut the 12.7 percent budget deficit, the prime minister acknowledged the country's troubles over the past year including serious riots in Athens before his socialist PASOK party won an election.
"The riots that we had last year were at the height of the scandals in our political life," he said.
"Banks were being bailed out then, there was corruption and there was no legitimacy in the political system.
"We have re-established legitimacy and there is great support for us even from the younger generation."
Papandreou said: "It is important that whatever we do it is seen as just. It may be painful but it must be seen that we are all paying for the burden." And he insisted that the government would protect the unemployed.
"We do have to make sure that in carrying out this austerity programme we don't push the bottom rung out into desperation," he said.
Other leaders held talks on climate change, focusing on a summit to be held in Cancun, Mexico this year after the widely criticised UN summit in Copenhagen in December.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon said the cost to governments of climate change would be central to the success of any campaign but admitted there are "low expectations" for the summit.
He said the battle against climate change must also be a battle to create a new kind of jobs. "We aim to reach a robust, substantial and comprehensive agreement," he said.
Gates announced at the World Economic Forum that the money will come over the next decade from the foundation he runs with his wife Melinda, and that vaccines will become the charity's top priority.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has now committed more than 25 billion dollars to various health projects, especially targeting AIDS and polio and other diseases that hit poor countries.
"We must make this the decade of vaccines," Gates said in Davos. "Vaccines already save and improve millions of lives in developing countries.
"Innovation will make it possible to save more children than ever before."
Increased vaccination could save more than eight million children by 2020, he added, but called on governments and the private sector to do more.
"Increased investment in vaccines by governments and the private sector could help developing countries dramatically reduce child mortality by the end of the decade," Gates said in a statement.
Melinda Gates added: "Vaccines are a miracle -- with just a few doses, they can prevent deadly diseases for a lifetime.
"We?ve made vaccines our number-one priority at the Gates Foundation because we?ve seen first hand their incredible impact on children?s lives," she added.
UN agencies and campaign groups welcomed Gates stunning announcement.
"The Gates Foundation?s commitment to vaccines is unprecedented, but needs to be matched by unprecedented action," said World Health Organisation director general Margaret Chan.
"It?s absolutely crucial that both governments and the private sector step up efforts to provide life-saving vaccines to children who need them most."
One, the activist group set up by rock singer Bono to fight against poverty and preventable disease, said Gates's money "is a testament to their belief in catalyzing transformative change."
But it also said that western governments and institutions must "accelerate their own investments in effective organizations."
Gates began working full time at the Foundation after stepping down from heading up Microsoft business operations in July, 2008.
He is in Davos as the world's leading philanthropist and his activities overshadowed those of the political and business elite at the Swiss ski resort.
Meanwhile at the meeting, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou sought to shore up international support for his country as its borrowing costs shoot up and debt problems in Greece and other countries put pressure on the euro.
Reaffirming his determination to cut the 12.7 percent budget deficit, the prime minister acknowledged the country's troubles over the past year including serious riots in Athens before his socialist PASOK party won an election.
"The riots that we had last year were at the height of the scandals in our political life," he said.
"Banks were being bailed out then, there was corruption and there was no legitimacy in the political system.
"We have re-established legitimacy and there is great support for us even from the younger generation."
Papandreou said: "It is important that whatever we do it is seen as just. It may be painful but it must be seen that we are all paying for the burden." And he insisted that the government would protect the unemployed.
"We do have to make sure that in carrying out this austerity programme we don't push the bottom rung out into desperation," he said.
Other leaders held talks on climate change, focusing on a summit to be held in Cancun, Mexico this year after the widely criticised UN summit in Copenhagen in December.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon said the cost to governments of climate change would be central to the success of any campaign but admitted there are "low expectations" for the summit.
He said the battle against climate change must also be a battle to create a new kind of jobs. "We aim to reach a robust, substantial and comprehensive agreement," he said.
Friday, January 29, 2010
N.Korea fires artillery for third day: Seoul military
SEOUL — North Korea Friday fired artillery into the sea near its disputed border with South Korea for a third successive day, Seoul's military said.
The communist state fired 20 shells between 7.50 am (2250 GMT Thursday) and 11.50 am, a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) told AFP.
He said shells landed in North Korean waters off South Korea's Yeonpyeong island. They dropped further away from the borderline than on Wednesday and Thursday.
Seoul's defence ministry said it is considering shipping more artillery and advanced radar to two border islands in response to the shelling, which began Wednesday near the tense frontier in the Yellow Sea.
The North says it is conducting a routine artillery drill but Seoul and Washington criticise the gunfire as provocative.
The ministry said the North Wednesday fired 300 shells -- far more than earlier reported -- and 50 on Thursday. The JCS has said it has information the artillery drills will end later Friday.
Analysts say the display of firepower is partly an attempt by the North to raise tensions, to press its case that a formal peace pact on the heavily armed peninsula is essential.
South and North Korea have remained technically at war since their 1950-53 conflict ended only in an armistice.
The North refuses to return to six-nation nuclear disarmament talks until the United States agrees to discuss a formal peace treaty.
Seoul has reacted calmly to the barrage and has said it will go ahead with talks scheduled for Monday in North Korea about a joint business project.
South Korean Marines fired 100 warning shots when the barrage began Wednesday but did not respond after that.
Officials say the North's shells have all landed on its side of the borderline, apparently indicating it does not want to go too far.
Seoul will "seriously consider" reinforcing Baengnyeong and Yeonpyeong islands, Defence Minister Kim Tae-Young was quoted as telling parliament.
The head of parliament's defence committee, Kim Hak-Song, quoted the minister's remarks to a closed session of his committee. The defence ministry confirmed the substance of the minister's comments.
The ministry will consider deploying more K-9 self-propelled guns on the islands plus Firefinder radars which can track the source of incoming fire.
"Such radars are crucial for our side to launch quick and precise counter-attacks," a JCS spokesman said.
Despite this week's rise in tensions, President Lee Myung-Bak said he is willing to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il this year if it would help nuclear disarmament efforts.
"I'm always ready to meet with Chairman Kim Jong-Il," Lee said in an interview with the BBC Thursday in Davos, where he attended an economic forum.
His office released a transcript Friday.
"However, if we meet, we have to engage in fruitful dialogue and hold enough discussions on the North Korean nuclear issue," Lee said.
"When we get into a situation where (such a summit) may be helpful for peace on the Korean peninsula and the settlement of the nuclear issue, there is no reason why I can't meet him, even within this year."
Lee said the North's actions could be aimed at delaying its return to the six-party talks, or pressing demands for a peace treaty and for inter-Korean dialogue.
"However, this is not a good method," he said.
South Korean media have reported that the two Koreas held talks last year about a possible summit following months of hostility, but that the talks broke down due to differences over conditions.
The communist state fired 20 shells between 7.50 am (2250 GMT Thursday) and 11.50 am, a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) told AFP.
He said shells landed in North Korean waters off South Korea's Yeonpyeong island. They dropped further away from the borderline than on Wednesday and Thursday.
Seoul's defence ministry said it is considering shipping more artillery and advanced radar to two border islands in response to the shelling, which began Wednesday near the tense frontier in the Yellow Sea.
The North says it is conducting a routine artillery drill but Seoul and Washington criticise the gunfire as provocative.
The ministry said the North Wednesday fired 300 shells -- far more than earlier reported -- and 50 on Thursday. The JCS has said it has information the artillery drills will end later Friday.
Analysts say the display of firepower is partly an attempt by the North to raise tensions, to press its case that a formal peace pact on the heavily armed peninsula is essential.
South and North Korea have remained technically at war since their 1950-53 conflict ended only in an armistice.
The North refuses to return to six-nation nuclear disarmament talks until the United States agrees to discuss a formal peace treaty.
Seoul has reacted calmly to the barrage and has said it will go ahead with talks scheduled for Monday in North Korea about a joint business project.
South Korean Marines fired 100 warning shots when the barrage began Wednesday but did not respond after that.
Officials say the North's shells have all landed on its side of the borderline, apparently indicating it does not want to go too far.
Seoul will "seriously consider" reinforcing Baengnyeong and Yeonpyeong islands, Defence Minister Kim Tae-Young was quoted as telling parliament.
The head of parliament's defence committee, Kim Hak-Song, quoted the minister's remarks to a closed session of his committee. The defence ministry confirmed the substance of the minister's comments.
The ministry will consider deploying more K-9 self-propelled guns on the islands plus Firefinder radars which can track the source of incoming fire.
"Such radars are crucial for our side to launch quick and precise counter-attacks," a JCS spokesman said.
Despite this week's rise in tensions, President Lee Myung-Bak said he is willing to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il this year if it would help nuclear disarmament efforts.
"I'm always ready to meet with Chairman Kim Jong-Il," Lee said in an interview with the BBC Thursday in Davos, where he attended an economic forum.
His office released a transcript Friday.
"However, if we meet, we have to engage in fruitful dialogue and hold enough discussions on the North Korean nuclear issue," Lee said.
"When we get into a situation where (such a summit) may be helpful for peace on the Korean peninsula and the settlement of the nuclear issue, there is no reason why I can't meet him, even within this year."
Lee said the North's actions could be aimed at delaying its return to the six-party talks, or pressing demands for a peace treaty and for inter-Korean dialogue.
"However, this is not a good method," he said.
South Korean media have reported that the two Koreas held talks last year about a possible summit following months of hostility, but that the talks broke down due to differences over conditions.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Obama: 30 billion dollar fund for small businesses
WASHINGTON — US President Barack Obama has said that 30 billion dollars from a Wall Street bailout fund would be used to help small businesses still reeling from financial crisis.
"I'm proposing that we take 30 billion dollars of the money Wall Street banks have repaid and use it to help community banks give small businesses the credit they need to stay afloat," Obama said in his first State of the Union address.
Many of the biggest US banks have repaid billions of dollars they borrowed from the state-run Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) established to bail out the financial industry on the verge of collapse from the financial crisis.
The crisis stemmed from an American home mortgage meltdown.
Obama also proposed a new small-business tax credit, "one that will go to over one million small businesses who hire new workers or raise wages."
"While we're at it, let's also eliminate all capital gains taxes on small business investment, and provide a tax incentive for all businesses, large and small, to invest in new plants and equipment," he said.
"I'm proposing that we take 30 billion dollars of the money Wall Street banks have repaid and use it to help community banks give small businesses the credit they need to stay afloat," Obama said in his first State of the Union address.
Many of the biggest US banks have repaid billions of dollars they borrowed from the state-run Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) established to bail out the financial industry on the verge of collapse from the financial crisis.
The crisis stemmed from an American home mortgage meltdown.
Obama also proposed a new small-business tax credit, "one that will go to over one million small businesses who hire new workers or raise wages."
"While we're at it, let's also eliminate all capital gains taxes on small business investment, and provide a tax incentive for all businesses, large and small, to invest in new plants and equipment," he said.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Google Voice slips past Apple onto iPhone
WASHINGTON — Google on Tuesday slipped its Voice service onto iPhones by using the Web to sidestep Apple's rejection of mini-program to be given away free at the App Store.
"Today we are launching a new Google Voice mobile web app for iPhone OS 3.0 and higher and Palm Web OS devices," Google engineer Michael van Ouwerkerk said in a blog post.
Google is using "HTML5" technology that allows data-rich applications to run quickly in Web browsers, according to the engineer.
Google Voice allows users to merge their home, office and mobile phones into a single number. It also allows them to make cheap international phone calls, send free SMS messages and provides transcripts of voice-mail messages.
The application accessible on mobile browsers at m.google.com/voice lets users access a streamlined version of the Google Voice inbox and displays the Google number as caller ID.
Google and Apple got into a tussle last year over Voice, a program for which was stopped at the door of the App Store on the grounds it usurped core telephone features designed into iPhones.
"Today we are launching a new Google Voice mobile web app for iPhone OS 3.0 and higher and Palm Web OS devices," Google engineer Michael van Ouwerkerk said in a blog post.
Google is using "HTML5" technology that allows data-rich applications to run quickly in Web browsers, according to the engineer.
Google Voice allows users to merge their home, office and mobile phones into a single number. It also allows them to make cheap international phone calls, send free SMS messages and provides transcripts of voice-mail messages.
The application accessible on mobile browsers at m.google.com/voice lets users access a streamlined version of the Google Voice inbox and displays the Google number as caller ID.
Google and Apple got into a tussle last year over Voice, a program for which was stopped at the door of the App Store on the grounds it usurped core telephone features designed into iPhones.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The UK welcomes new Dalai Lama talks with China
LONDON — The UK welcomed Monday the resumption of talks between China and the Dalai Lama, expressing hope that progress could be made towards "meaningful autonomy" for Tibet.
Representatives of Tibet's exiled spiritual leader will resume talks on the Himalayan region's autonomy on Tuesday, his office said.
Junior foreign office minister Ivan Lewis, who made the first ever trip to Tibet by a British government member in September, welcomed the news.
"I urge both sides to enter these talks in good faith and to make progress towards meaningful autonomy for Tibet," Lewis said.
"Peaceful dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama?s representatives is the only way to bring about a lasting and peaceful solution to the problems in Tibet.
"I made this clear during my own visit to Tibet and Beijing last year."
The last round of talks collapsed 15 months ago with Beijing saying no progress had been made and insisting it would not compromise on the status of Tibet as an integral part of China.
China has often repeated demands that the Tibetan leader renounce "separatist" activities -- which he denies supporting.
The Dalai Lama has sought "meaningful autonomy" for Tibet since he fled his homeland following a failed uprising in 1959 against Chinese rule, nine years after Chinese troops invaded the region.
China says the Dalai Lama is really seeking full independence for the territory.
Representatives of Tibet's exiled spiritual leader will resume talks on the Himalayan region's autonomy on Tuesday, his office said.
Junior foreign office minister Ivan Lewis, who made the first ever trip to Tibet by a British government member in September, welcomed the news.
"I urge both sides to enter these talks in good faith and to make progress towards meaningful autonomy for Tibet," Lewis said.
"Peaceful dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama?s representatives is the only way to bring about a lasting and peaceful solution to the problems in Tibet.
"I made this clear during my own visit to Tibet and Beijing last year."
The last round of talks collapsed 15 months ago with Beijing saying no progress had been made and insisting it would not compromise on the status of Tibet as an integral part of China.
China has often repeated demands that the Tibetan leader renounce "separatist" activities -- which he denies supporting.
The Dalai Lama has sought "meaningful autonomy" for Tibet since he fled his homeland following a failed uprising in 1959 against Chinese rule, nine years after Chinese troops invaded the region.
China says the Dalai Lama is really seeking full independence for the territory.
Monday, January 25, 2010
EDF 'abandons sale of British electricity grid'
PARIS — EDF has given up plans to sell its electricity distribution network in Britain because the French state electricity giant's new boss is against the move, a financial news website reported Sunday.
"Henri Proglio, who has always been opposed to this project that was initiated by (former EDF boss) Pierre Gadonneix, is set to announce soon that he is ending it," Wansquare website said, citing British banking sources.
EDF declined Sunday to comment directly on the report, with a spokesman saying only that the group was "examining the options for the evolution of the ownership of its electricity distribution networks in Britain."
Wansquare, in which France's Le Figaro newspaper group has a majority stake, said EDF was giving up its sell-off plans because the offers it had received were too low and the move was opposed by trades unions in EDF in France.
EDF said in October it had put its British distribution network in Britain on sale with the aim of raising more than 4.0 billion euros (5.8 billion dollars) to reduce debt.
The French government in November named Proglio as EDF's chief executive and chairman to replace Pierre Gadonneix.
The French state owns 85 percent of EDF, which operates France's 58 nuclear reactors, the world's biggest network of atomic power plants.
"Henri Proglio, who has always been opposed to this project that was initiated by (former EDF boss) Pierre Gadonneix, is set to announce soon that he is ending it," Wansquare website said, citing British banking sources.
EDF declined Sunday to comment directly on the report, with a spokesman saying only that the group was "examining the options for the evolution of the ownership of its electricity distribution networks in Britain."
Wansquare, in which France's Le Figaro newspaper group has a majority stake, said EDF was giving up its sell-off plans because the offers it had received were too low and the move was opposed by trades unions in EDF in France.
EDF said in October it had put its British distribution network in Britain on sale with the aim of raising more than 4.0 billion euros (5.8 billion dollars) to reduce debt.
The French government in November named Proglio as EDF's chief executive and chairman to replace Pierre Gadonneix.
The French state owns 85 percent of EDF, which operates France's 58 nuclear reactors, the world's biggest network of atomic power plants.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Germany to step up Afghan security training: Merkel
BERLIN — Germany is to speed up the training of Afghan security forces, making this its primary task in the country, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday ahead of an international conference on Afghanistan.
"We are going to focus our military mission principally on training security forces," Merkel said in her weekly Internet blog.
"Germany is chiefly engaged in northern Afghanistan, and that is where we will fulfil our training commitment, in a speedier and more concentrated manner than hitherto," she said.
Merkel said she would meet Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Berlin on Tuesday and Wednesday to "discuss how best to coordinate Afghan and international efforts".
The chancellor was to address parliament on Wednesday on the government's policy on Afghanistan.
Berlin's participation in the 110,000-strong international force fighting the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan, the third largest behind the United States and Britain, is deeply unpopular among Germans.
Merkel made no mention Saturday of sending more German troops to Afghanistan, having previously said that she would take no decision on this score before the London conference on Thursday.
But Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper that he would present before London a "concrete figure for an eventual increase of the participation of German troops".
The increase would however depend on the outcome of the London meeting, he said in an interview to appear Monday.
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, who would represent Berlin at the conference, also did not rule out boosting Germany's 4,300-strong force in remarks to be published Sunday.
"I've never said that we would send no extra troops, for example to train Afghan forces," he told the Bild am Sonntag weekly. "But I'm not giving a blank cheque."
Westerwelle also called for "using the current contingent in the best way".
Outgoing Afghan Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta told the daily Tagesspiegel that "the training of troops and police must be strengthened".
"I haven't come to Europe to ask for more soldiers," he added. "We aim to take full responsibility in every province in 2015, so that our allies serving in Afghanistan can go home."
The aim was to have an army of 171,000 well-trained troops and 134,000 police, he said.
US envoy in Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke was quoted as saying by the weekly Der Spiegel on Saturday that the "strategy for Afghanistan is settled" and the London conference would be to implement it.
But Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said it an interview due to appear Sunday that Germany had no choice but to step up its troop presence in Afghanistan.
"It is not possible for a country not to want to engage itself basically for political or historical restraints," he told Welt am Sonntag, referring to Germany's reticence to send troops abroad after World War II.
"We have to leave all that behind us," he said, adding: "We have to reinforce our efforts in Afghanistan now before withdrawing as soon as possible."
The minister also criticised some countries, among them Germany, for sending troops to Afghanistan with a limited mandate.
"When one gives an army a mandate, it should win, and to win, it has to be equipped with good instruments," the former defence minister said.
German troops in Afghanistan operate under a mandate which prevents them from taking part in offensive operations such as those undertaken by other countries.
"We are going to focus our military mission principally on training security forces," Merkel said in her weekly Internet blog.
"Germany is chiefly engaged in northern Afghanistan, and that is where we will fulfil our training commitment, in a speedier and more concentrated manner than hitherto," she said.
Merkel said she would meet Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Berlin on Tuesday and Wednesday to "discuss how best to coordinate Afghan and international efforts".
The chancellor was to address parliament on Wednesday on the government's policy on Afghanistan.
Berlin's participation in the 110,000-strong international force fighting the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan, the third largest behind the United States and Britain, is deeply unpopular among Germans.
Merkel made no mention Saturday of sending more German troops to Afghanistan, having previously said that she would take no decision on this score before the London conference on Thursday.
But Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper that he would present before London a "concrete figure for an eventual increase of the participation of German troops".
The increase would however depend on the outcome of the London meeting, he said in an interview to appear Monday.
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, who would represent Berlin at the conference, also did not rule out boosting Germany's 4,300-strong force in remarks to be published Sunday.
"I've never said that we would send no extra troops, for example to train Afghan forces," he told the Bild am Sonntag weekly. "But I'm not giving a blank cheque."
Westerwelle also called for "using the current contingent in the best way".
Outgoing Afghan Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta told the daily Tagesspiegel that "the training of troops and police must be strengthened".
"I haven't come to Europe to ask for more soldiers," he added. "We aim to take full responsibility in every province in 2015, so that our allies serving in Afghanistan can go home."
The aim was to have an army of 171,000 well-trained troops and 134,000 police, he said.
US envoy in Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke was quoted as saying by the weekly Der Spiegel on Saturday that the "strategy for Afghanistan is settled" and the London conference would be to implement it.
But Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said it an interview due to appear Sunday that Germany had no choice but to step up its troop presence in Afghanistan.
"It is not possible for a country not to want to engage itself basically for political or historical restraints," he told Welt am Sonntag, referring to Germany's reticence to send troops abroad after World War II.
"We have to leave all that behind us," he said, adding: "We have to reinforce our efforts in Afghanistan now before withdrawing as soon as possible."
The minister also criticised some countries, among them Germany, for sending troops to Afghanistan with a limited mandate.
"When one gives an army a mandate, it should win, and to win, it has to be equipped with good instruments," the former defence minister said.
German troops in Afghanistan operate under a mandate which prevents them from taking part in offensive operations such as those undertaken by other countries.
Hewitt faces up to Federer after Baghdatis retires
MELBOURNE — Former finalist Lleyton Hewitt had an easy ride into the fourth round of the Australian Open after Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis retired with a shoulder injury in the second set on Saturday.
The Australian 22nd seed was leading 6-0, 4-2 at the time the unseeded Baghdatis walked to the net to concede the match and give Hewitt an early passage into the round of 16.
Hewitt will now take on top seed and 15-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer on Monday.
"It's a blessing that I didn't finish really late and have to bounce back from a tough five-set match, because it's hard enough playing Roger when you're fresh," Hewitt said.
It was an anti-climatic end to the match after Hewitt, who lost to Marat Safin here in the 2005 final, had broken the Baghdatis's service four times to control the match on Rod Laver Arena.
The 2006 finalist was treated for a right shoulder injury at the changeover after dropping the opening set to love and was seen taking two painkilling tablets.
But once he was broken in the sixth game of the second set he decided he could not continue and retired.
"I felt some pain in the shoulder," Baghdatis said. "I felt a bit of pain yesterday on the serve, a bit today, and in the match I just couldn't hit the forehand. I couldn't control the ball."
It was massively deflating for the capacity home crowd, with memories of Hewitt's epic third round encounter with Baghdatis at the 2008 tournament.
That game started just before midnight and ran for four hours 43 minutes to be the latest finish in Open history.
Hewitt prevailed 4-6, 7-5, 7-5, 6-7 (7/4), 6-3 but was a spent force for his next match against eventual champion Novak Djokovic.
The Australian was in blinding form in the opening set, breaking Baghdatis's serve three times, hitting five winners, while the Cypriot made 12 unforced in a muted opening.
Baghdatis had come into the match on the back of a seven-match winning streak after winning this month's Sydney International and two rounds here, including a five-setter over Spanish 17th seed David Ferrer.
The Australian 22nd seed was leading 6-0, 4-2 at the time the unseeded Baghdatis walked to the net to concede the match and give Hewitt an early passage into the round of 16.
Hewitt will now take on top seed and 15-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer on Monday.
"It's a blessing that I didn't finish really late and have to bounce back from a tough five-set match, because it's hard enough playing Roger when you're fresh," Hewitt said.
It was an anti-climatic end to the match after Hewitt, who lost to Marat Safin here in the 2005 final, had broken the Baghdatis's service four times to control the match on Rod Laver Arena.
The 2006 finalist was treated for a right shoulder injury at the changeover after dropping the opening set to love and was seen taking two painkilling tablets.
But once he was broken in the sixth game of the second set he decided he could not continue and retired.
"I felt some pain in the shoulder," Baghdatis said. "I felt a bit of pain yesterday on the serve, a bit today, and in the match I just couldn't hit the forehand. I couldn't control the ball."
It was massively deflating for the capacity home crowd, with memories of Hewitt's epic third round encounter with Baghdatis at the 2008 tournament.
That game started just before midnight and ran for four hours 43 minutes to be the latest finish in Open history.
Hewitt prevailed 4-6, 7-5, 7-5, 6-7 (7/4), 6-3 but was a spent force for his next match against eventual champion Novak Djokovic.
The Australian was in blinding form in the opening set, breaking Baghdatis's serve three times, hitting five winners, while the Cypriot made 12 unforced in a muted opening.
Baghdatis had come into the match on the back of a seven-match winning streak after winning this month's Sydney International and two rounds here, including a five-setter over Spanish 17th seed David Ferrer.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
WHO attend key European hearing on flu pandemic
GENEVA — The World Health Organisation's leading flu expert will join a Council of Europe hearing next week to scrutinise if they had overreacted to the swine flu pandemic, an official said Friday.
"There will be a WHO delegation going to Strasbourg to this open hearing on Tuesday," said spokesman Gregory Haertl, adding that it would be led by Keiji Fukuda, WHO Special Adviser on Pandemic Influenza.
The France-based Council of Europe announced on its website Thursday that the hearing entitled "The handling of the H1N1 pandemic: more transparency needed?" would be held in public.
The Health Family and Social affairs commission of the Council's assembly invited the WHO and pharmaceutical firms after a political storm erupted over the alarm caused by the declaration of a pandemic with A(H1N1) influenza.
Council of Europe parliamentarian Wolfgang Wodarg has accused national and international authorities of declaring a "false pandemic", claiming pressure from pharmaceutical firms anxious to profit from vaccine and drug sales.
The WHO responded a week ago by announcing a likely independent review of its response to swine flu, but only once the pandemic is over.
Haertl defended the UN health agency's response after the emergence of the new flu virus with fast spreading illness, and deaths, in the United States and Mexico in April 2008.
"The question is not really whether we had contact with the industry but whether we had any undue influence exerted upon us by commercial interests -- and the answer is no," he told journalists on Friday.
He insisted that the WHO had maintained that the symptoms of the disease were largely mild in a "sober and balanced" assessment of the worldwide spread of swine flu into more than 200 countries.
French Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot on Friday described talks with drug companies to cancel orders for millions of swine flu vaccines as "tough".
France spent 869 million euros (1.25 billion dollars) on 94 million vaccines for the A(H1N1) virus, but like some other European countries it has witnessed less demand than expected.
"There will be a WHO delegation going to Strasbourg to this open hearing on Tuesday," said spokesman Gregory Haertl, adding that it would be led by Keiji Fukuda, WHO Special Adviser on Pandemic Influenza.
The France-based Council of Europe announced on its website Thursday that the hearing entitled "The handling of the H1N1 pandemic: more transparency needed?" would be held in public.
The Health Family and Social affairs commission of the Council's assembly invited the WHO and pharmaceutical firms after a political storm erupted over the alarm caused by the declaration of a pandemic with A(H1N1) influenza.
Council of Europe parliamentarian Wolfgang Wodarg has accused national and international authorities of declaring a "false pandemic", claiming pressure from pharmaceutical firms anxious to profit from vaccine and drug sales.
The WHO responded a week ago by announcing a likely independent review of its response to swine flu, but only once the pandemic is over.
Haertl defended the UN health agency's response after the emergence of the new flu virus with fast spreading illness, and deaths, in the United States and Mexico in April 2008.
"The question is not really whether we had contact with the industry but whether we had any undue influence exerted upon us by commercial interests -- and the answer is no," he told journalists on Friday.
He insisted that the WHO had maintained that the symptoms of the disease were largely mild in a "sober and balanced" assessment of the worldwide spread of swine flu into more than 200 countries.
French Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot on Friday described talks with drug companies to cancel orders for millions of swine flu vaccines as "tough".
France spent 869 million euros (1.25 billion dollars) on 94 million vaccines for the A(H1N1) virus, but like some other European countries it has witnessed less demand than expected.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Kindle beefs up for what Apple has in store
SAN FRANCISCO — Amazon on Thursday further bolstered the defenses of its popular Kindle electronic readers in apparent anticipation of Apple unveiling a hot new tablet computer next week.
A day after pumping up the royalties it pays to authors or publishers who offer digitized books for sale to Kindle users, Amazon invited software savants to craft fun, functional or hip programs for the e-readers.
"We've heard from lots of developers over the past two years who are excited to build on top of Kindle," Amazon Kindle vice president Ian Freed said while announcing the pending release of a kit for building programs for the devices.
"The Kindle Development Kit opens many possibilities -- we look forward to being surprised by what developers invent."
An interactive Zagat guide is in the works to wirelessly deliver updated restaurant reviews and ratings to Kindles. Sonic Boom is crafting word games and puzzles for Amazon e-readers.
"We look forward to bringing some of the world's most popular and fun games to Kindle and their users, said Adam Sussman, vice president of worldwide publishing at the mobile division of US videogame titan Electronic Arts.
Applications made by outside developers should be on the virtual shelves of the online Kindle Store later this year, according to Amazon.
Developers can learn more about the development kit at a website at www.amazon.com/kdk/ and sign up to be notified when a limited testing phase starts next month.
Amazon on Wednesday unveiled a higher royalty payment scheme for authors and publishers who use a self-publishing platform on its Kindle platform.
The online retail giant said the new royalty option will allow authors to keep 70 percent of the list price of a digital book minus delivery costs, which work out to around six cents per unit.
Amazon did not reveal the amount of the previous standard royalty option.
Amazon said the new 70-percent option will be available from June 30 and comes with a number of conditions.
The list price of a digital book must be between 2.99 dollars and 9.99 dollars and 20 percent below the lowest list price for the physical book.
Seattle-based Amazon said the 70-percent royalty option only applies to in-copyright works and, for the moment, is only be available for books sold in the United States.
Amazon's moves come less than a week ahead of a hotly anticipated product announcement by Apple, which is widely expected to unveil a tablet computer which can double as an electronic reader on January 27.
"They are battening down the hatches and getting ready for war," Silicon Valley analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group said of Amazon bracing for Apple launching a tablet-size version of its iPod Touch device.
According to various reports, Apple has been holding talks with book, newspaper and magazine publishers about making their content available for the device.
"Apple is clearly moving into areas that Amazon thinks of as its own. Amazon has to move into apps much like Apple is moving into their space," Enderle said.
"Amazon is aggressively moving against the iTablet, iSlate, or whatever Apple's device is going to be called."
Amazon is expected to upgrade its Kindle line, adding color screen and multimedia capabilities along the lines of features expected in an Apple tablet.
Amazon's Kindle is considered the runaway leader in the e-book reader field but has been facing increasing competition from Japan's Sony, Britain's Cool-er and US bookstore Barnes and Noble among others.
A day after pumping up the royalties it pays to authors or publishers who offer digitized books for sale to Kindle users, Amazon invited software savants to craft fun, functional or hip programs for the e-readers.
"We've heard from lots of developers over the past two years who are excited to build on top of Kindle," Amazon Kindle vice president Ian Freed said while announcing the pending release of a kit for building programs for the devices.
"The Kindle Development Kit opens many possibilities -- we look forward to being surprised by what developers invent."
An interactive Zagat guide is in the works to wirelessly deliver updated restaurant reviews and ratings to Kindles. Sonic Boom is crafting word games and puzzles for Amazon e-readers.
"We look forward to bringing some of the world's most popular and fun games to Kindle and their users, said Adam Sussman, vice president of worldwide publishing at the mobile division of US videogame titan Electronic Arts.
Applications made by outside developers should be on the virtual shelves of the online Kindle Store later this year, according to Amazon.
Developers can learn more about the development kit at a website at www.amazon.com/kdk/ and sign up to be notified when a limited testing phase starts next month.
Amazon on Wednesday unveiled a higher royalty payment scheme for authors and publishers who use a self-publishing platform on its Kindle platform.
The online retail giant said the new royalty option will allow authors to keep 70 percent of the list price of a digital book minus delivery costs, which work out to around six cents per unit.
Amazon did not reveal the amount of the previous standard royalty option.
Amazon said the new 70-percent option will be available from June 30 and comes with a number of conditions.
The list price of a digital book must be between 2.99 dollars and 9.99 dollars and 20 percent below the lowest list price for the physical book.
Seattle-based Amazon said the 70-percent royalty option only applies to in-copyright works and, for the moment, is only be available for books sold in the United States.
Amazon's moves come less than a week ahead of a hotly anticipated product announcement by Apple, which is widely expected to unveil a tablet computer which can double as an electronic reader on January 27.
"They are battening down the hatches and getting ready for war," Silicon Valley analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group said of Amazon bracing for Apple launching a tablet-size version of its iPod Touch device.
According to various reports, Apple has been holding talks with book, newspaper and magazine publishers about making their content available for the device.
"Apple is clearly moving into areas that Amazon thinks of as its own. Amazon has to move into apps much like Apple is moving into their space," Enderle said.
"Amazon is aggressively moving against the iTablet, iSlate, or whatever Apple's device is going to be called."
Amazon is expected to upgrade its Kindle line, adding color screen and multimedia capabilities along the lines of features expected in an Apple tablet.
Amazon's Kindle is considered the runaway leader in the e-book reader field but has been facing increasing competition from Japan's Sony, Britain's Cool-er and US bookstore Barnes and Noble among others.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Apple may replace Google with Bing on iPhone: report
WASHINGTON — Apple is in talks with Microsoft to make Bing the default search engine on the iPhone instead of Google, BusinessWeek magazine reported on Wednesday.
BusinessWeek, citing two people familiar with the matter, said the talks have been under way for weeks and reflect the growing rivalry between Apple and Google, which is currently the default search engine on the iPhone.
Google chief executive Eric Schmidt resigned last year from Apple's board of directors and the Internet search and advertising giant recently came out with a smartphone of its own, the Nexus One, seen as a rival to Apple's iPhone.
Apple also recently bought mobile advertising company Quattro Wireless, two months after Google purchased Quattro Wireless rival AdMob.
BusinessWeek said the discussions between Apple and Microsoft on replacing Google with Bing, which Microsoft launched in June, could still unravel and may not be concluded quickly.
The magazine noted that being the default Web search engine on the iPhone carries financial benefits for Google, which collects money from advertising placed alongside search results and shares it with Apple.
BusinessWeek, which was bought recently by Bloomberg financial news agency, said that making Bing the default search engine on the iPhone could require users to adjust the phone settings if they want to search the Web using Google.
The magazine also said that Apple is looking at providing a search option itself and that a deal with Microsoft may be "about buying itself time."
Google is the overwhelming Web search leader with a 65.7 percent share of the US search market in December compared with just 10.7 percent for Bing, according to tracking firm comScore, and also dominates in mobile search.
BusinessWeek, citing two people familiar with the matter, said the talks have been under way for weeks and reflect the growing rivalry between Apple and Google, which is currently the default search engine on the iPhone.
Google chief executive Eric Schmidt resigned last year from Apple's board of directors and the Internet search and advertising giant recently came out with a smartphone of its own, the Nexus One, seen as a rival to Apple's iPhone.
Apple also recently bought mobile advertising company Quattro Wireless, two months after Google purchased Quattro Wireless rival AdMob.
BusinessWeek said the discussions between Apple and Microsoft on replacing Google with Bing, which Microsoft launched in June, could still unravel and may not be concluded quickly.
The magazine noted that being the default Web search engine on the iPhone carries financial benefits for Google, which collects money from advertising placed alongside search results and shares it with Apple.
BusinessWeek, which was bought recently by Bloomberg financial news agency, said that making Bing the default search engine on the iPhone could require users to adjust the phone settings if they want to search the Web using Google.
The magazine also said that Apple is looking at providing a search option itself and that a deal with Microsoft may be "about buying itself time."
Google is the overwhelming Web search leader with a 65.7 percent share of the US search market in December compared with just 10.7 percent for Bing, according to tracking firm comScore, and also dominates in mobile search.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Apple shares hit record high on tablet computer reports
NEW YORK — Apple shares surged on Wall Street on Tuesday and closed at a record high after the company said it would host an event later this month expected to be the unveiling of a long-awaited tablet computer.
Shares in the Cupertino, California company behind the Macintosh computer, the iPod and the iPhone gained 4.42 percent and closed at an all-time high of 215.04 dollars after reaching 215.19 dollars at one point during the day.
Apple announced on Monday it would hold a "special event" in San Francisco on January 27 to unveil its "latest creation."
The company did not supply any further details about the event but Silicon Valley has been buzzing for months with rumors that Apple plans to release a touchscreen tablet computer that resembles an oversized iPod Touch.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the color multimedia device will allow users to browse the Web, listen to music, watch movies or television shows and also serve as an electronic book and newspaper reader.
A tablet computer would be Apple's first major product release since it came out with the popular iPhone three years ago.
Shares in the Cupertino, California company behind the Macintosh computer, the iPod and the iPhone gained 4.42 percent and closed at an all-time high of 215.04 dollars after reaching 215.19 dollars at one point during the day.
Apple announced on Monday it would hold a "special event" in San Francisco on January 27 to unveil its "latest creation."
The company did not supply any further details about the event but Silicon Valley has been buzzing for months with rumors that Apple plans to release a touchscreen tablet computer that resembles an oversized iPod Touch.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the color multimedia device will allow users to browse the Web, listen to music, watch movies or television shows and also serve as an electronic book and newspaper reader.
A tablet computer would be Apple's first major product release since it came out with the popular iPhone three years ago.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Lazaridis family gives $5M to Stratford
RIM co-founder Mike Lazaridis and his wife, Ophelia, have pledged $5 million to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, the theatre festival announced Monday.
In an effort to encourage further donations, the couple has specified the $5 million will be handed out in increments as other individuals and governments commit to giving to the festival.
Ophelia Lazaridis has been a member of the board at Stratford since 2007 and is particularly interested in educational outreach.
"We're inspired by what the festival has accomplished but even more energized about its potential for the future, particularly its efforts to connect with young audiences through its Shakespeare productions," she said in a statement.
Mike Lazaridis, co-CEO of BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion with Jim Balsillie, was voted The Canadian Press Business Newsmaker of the Year for 2009.
The matching-gift challenge will be used to encourage incremental donations beginning in the 2010 season.
The Lazaridis gift is the largest the festival has ever received directed to annual operations. Other donors have given equally generous donations to the festival's endowment fund.
The season, with productions that include As You Like It, Kiss Me, Kate, The Tempest, Dangerous Liaisons, Evita and Two Gentlemen of Verona, begins previews in April.
In an effort to encourage further donations, the couple has specified the $5 million will be handed out in increments as other individuals and governments commit to giving to the festival.
Ophelia Lazaridis has been a member of the board at Stratford since 2007 and is particularly interested in educational outreach.
"We're inspired by what the festival has accomplished but even more energized about its potential for the future, particularly its efforts to connect with young audiences through its Shakespeare productions," she said in a statement.
Mike Lazaridis, co-CEO of BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion with Jim Balsillie, was voted The Canadian Press Business Newsmaker of the Year for 2009.
The matching-gift challenge will be used to encourage incremental donations beginning in the 2010 season.
The Lazaridis gift is the largest the festival has ever received directed to annual operations. Other donors have given equally generous donations to the festival's endowment fund.
The season, with productions that include As You Like It, Kiss Me, Kate, The Tempest, Dangerous Liaisons, Evita and Two Gentlemen of Verona, begins previews in April.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Bill Clinton headed to quake-devastated Haiti
WASHINGTON — Former US president Bill Clinton, the UN special envoy to Haiti, said he will travel to the quake-devastated country Monday to deliver relief supplies and meet with leaders and survivors.
"As UN special envoy for Haiti, I feel a deep obligation to the Haitian people to visit the country and meet with President (Rene) Preval to ensure our response continues to be coordinated and effective," Clinton said.
The Clinton Foundation said the former president would "deliver emergency relief supplies including water, food, medical supplies, solar flash lights, portable radios, and generators."
He will also meet with "members of the Haitian government and the international community to discuss the way forward, as well as visit with personnel and volunteers on the ground."
Clinton and former president George W. Bush have been asked by President Barack Obama to lead a major fundraising effort in the devastated Caribbean republic.
"As UN special envoy for Haiti, I feel a deep obligation to the Haitian people to visit the country and meet with President (Rene) Preval to ensure our response continues to be coordinated and effective," Clinton said.
The Clinton Foundation said the former president would "deliver emergency relief supplies including water, food, medical supplies, solar flash lights, portable radios, and generators."
He will also meet with "members of the Haitian government and the international community to discuss the way forward, as well as visit with personnel and volunteers on the ground."
Clinton and former president George W. Bush have been asked by President Barack Obama to lead a major fundraising effort in the devastated Caribbean republic.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Medvedev photo outdoes Putin's painting
SAINT PETERSBURG — A photograph taken by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sold on Saturday for 1.2 million euros -- even more than the amount a painting by his predecessor Vladimir Putin fetched last year.
The black-and-white photo of the Tobolsk Kremlin, or fortress, in western Siberia taken by Medvedev from a helicopter sold at auction for 51 million rubles (1.2 million euros, 1.7 million dollars).
Mikhail Zingarevich, a member of the board for wood and paper company Ilim, bought the photo at the charity auction. Medvedev worked as legal affairs director for the company in the 1990s.
Medvedev's photography "is very professional and really pleases me," Zingarevich said at the auction in Saint Petersburg.
The Russian president outshone strongman Prime Minister Putin -- the man who many say remains Russia's true leader.
A year ago, a painting by Putin sold at auction for 37 million rubles (868,000 euros, 1.2 million dollars).
Medvedev's photo was among 29 items sold for charity, bringing in 1.9 million euros.
The money would be distributed to a children's hospital, a rehabilitation centre for alcoholics and an assistance programme for World War II veterans.
The black-and-white photo of the Tobolsk Kremlin, or fortress, in western Siberia taken by Medvedev from a helicopter sold at auction for 51 million rubles (1.2 million euros, 1.7 million dollars).
Mikhail Zingarevich, a member of the board for wood and paper company Ilim, bought the photo at the charity auction. Medvedev worked as legal affairs director for the company in the 1990s.
Medvedev's photography "is very professional and really pleases me," Zingarevich said at the auction in Saint Petersburg.
The Russian president outshone strongman Prime Minister Putin -- the man who many say remains Russia's true leader.
A year ago, a painting by Putin sold at auction for 37 million rubles (868,000 euros, 1.2 million dollars).
Medvedev's photo was among 29 items sold for charity, bringing in 1.9 million euros.
The money would be distributed to a children's hospital, a rehabilitation centre for alcoholics and an assistance programme for World War II veterans.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Depp gets statue in Serbia
BELGRADE, Serbia – Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Depp was honored Wednesday with a life-size statue in Serbia.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star had a statue in his image unveiled to him by renowned Serbian director Emir Kusturica during an annual film festival — called Kustendorf — held in a mountain village in southwestern Serbia.
Depp met with Serbian President Boris Tadic upon his arrival on Tuesday. He was then flown by helicopter to the mountaintop village constructed by Kusturica for one of his movies.
Kusturica, a two-time Cannes Film Festival winner, said he plans to make a movie with Depp paying legendary Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa.
"Depp will be my guest for three days," Kusturica said. "He will lead several workshops for participants of the festival, drink wine, watch films and visit some locations where he will shoot a film about Pancho Villa."
The Pirates of the Caribbean star had a statue in his image unveiled to him by renowned Serbian director Emir Kusturica during an annual film festival — called Kustendorf — held in a mountain village in southwestern Serbia.
Depp met with Serbian President Boris Tadic upon his arrival on Tuesday. He was then flown by helicopter to the mountaintop village constructed by Kusturica for one of his movies.
Kusturica, a two-time Cannes Film Festival winner, said he plans to make a movie with Depp paying legendary Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa.
"Depp will be my guest for three days," Kusturica said. "He will lead several workshops for participants of the festival, drink wine, watch films and visit some locations where he will shoot a film about Pancho Villa."
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Duffy recruits diverse duo for second album
NEW YORK (Billboard) – Welsh singer Duffy is working with Roots drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and veteran songwriter Albert Hammond Sr. on her second album.
A planned three-week session just got underway in New York, with Thompson and Hammond contributing both songwriting and production ideas. A source who has heard the early material says it "feels like it was born in 1963" and is much in the vein of the Dusty Springfield-inspired soul found on her smash 2007 debut, "Rockferry."
Thompson has also contributed to singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles' upcoming second album. Hammond, the father of Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., is best known for penning such hits as "It Never Rains in Southern California" and "To All the Girls I've Loved Before."
Duffy's as-yet-untitled album is expected to be released before the end of the year on Mercury. "Rockferry" won a Grammy for best pop vocal album and has sold 848,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It was an even bigger hit in the United Kingdom, where it debuted at No. 1 on the album chart and spawned a massive single, "Mercy," which spent five weeks at the top.
A planned three-week session just got underway in New York, with Thompson and Hammond contributing both songwriting and production ideas. A source who has heard the early material says it "feels like it was born in 1963" and is much in the vein of the Dusty Springfield-inspired soul found on her smash 2007 debut, "Rockferry."
Thompson has also contributed to singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles' upcoming second album. Hammond, the father of Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., is best known for penning such hits as "It Never Rains in Southern California" and "To All the Girls I've Loved Before."
Duffy's as-yet-untitled album is expected to be released before the end of the year on Mercury. "Rockferry" won a Grammy for best pop vocal album and has sold 848,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It was an even bigger hit in the United Kingdom, where it debuted at No. 1 on the album chart and spawned a massive single, "Mercy," which spent five weeks at the top.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Zemeckis finds Beatles for "Yellow Submarine"
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – It's "all together now" for the cast of director Robert Zemeckis' upcoming Beatles feature.
British actors Cary Elwes, Dean Lennox Kelly, Peter Serafinowicz and Adam Campbell are in negotiations to portray the members of the Fab Four in "Yellow Submarine," a remake set up at Disney.
The original 1968 animated movie was based on the music by the Beatles and featured a storyline wherein a soldier called Old Fred meets up with the Beatles and travels in a yellow submersible to Pepperland. Among the group's encounters are the music-hating Blue Meanies.
As with his recently released "A Christmas Carol," Zemeckis is making the movie using 3D performance-capture technology. He also wrote the screenplay.
The Beatles tribute band Fab 4 will be motion-captured as the ensemble for the musical performance sequences though -- since actual Beatles music will be utilized (licensed from Sony/ATV and EMI-Capitol Records) -- they won't actually be performing the 16 songs used in the movie.
Kelly, who is currently on the BBC's "Robin Hood" series, is portraying John Lennon. Liverpool-born Serafinowicz ("Shaun of the Dead," "Couples Retreat") plays Paul McCartney.
Elwes, who worked with Zemeckis on "A Christmas Carol" and is in the upcoming "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn," will play George Harrison. Campbell will be Ringo Starr. His credits include "Epic Movie" and "Date Movie," and he will be seen on NBC's miniseries "Day One."
British actors Cary Elwes, Dean Lennox Kelly, Peter Serafinowicz and Adam Campbell are in negotiations to portray the members of the Fab Four in "Yellow Submarine," a remake set up at Disney.
The original 1968 animated movie was based on the music by the Beatles and featured a storyline wherein a soldier called Old Fred meets up with the Beatles and travels in a yellow submersible to Pepperland. Among the group's encounters are the music-hating Blue Meanies.
As with his recently released "A Christmas Carol," Zemeckis is making the movie using 3D performance-capture technology. He also wrote the screenplay.
The Beatles tribute band Fab 4 will be motion-captured as the ensemble for the musical performance sequences though -- since actual Beatles music will be utilized (licensed from Sony/ATV and EMI-Capitol Records) -- they won't actually be performing the 16 songs used in the movie.
Kelly, who is currently on the BBC's "Robin Hood" series, is portraying John Lennon. Liverpool-born Serafinowicz ("Shaun of the Dead," "Couples Retreat") plays Paul McCartney.
Elwes, who worked with Zemeckis on "A Christmas Carol" and is in the upcoming "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn," will play George Harrison. Campbell will be Ringo Starr. His credits include "Epic Movie" and "Date Movie," and he will be seen on NBC's miniseries "Day One."
Monday, January 11, 2010
Flashpoint, Bridge missing from CBS lineup
Two Canadian drama series were missing from the CBS lineup announced over the weekend by the network's entertainment head.
Nina Tassler, on a winter media tour in Pasadena, Calif., announced Saturday that a new series about a Florida trauma facility will be getting the Friday night slot in place of Numb3rs starting April 2.
Last year, CBS picked up Flashpoint — about an elite Toronto tactical unit — for that same slot. It was considered a hit on both sides of the border, with the series also featured on CTV.
Last April, the network had also picked up CTV's crime drama The Bridge, which is also missing from the lineup this year.
When pressed about the two shows, Tassler conceded that her network simply had "more content then we had real estate for."
There are still 18 episodes of Flashpoint and 13 episodes of The Bridge left in the CBS locker.
Tassler remained coy about whether either show could see the light of day again on the network.
While a summer run for both shows is a possibility, the executive also said Numb3rs could be revived, too.
Nina Tassler, on a winter media tour in Pasadena, Calif., announced Saturday that a new series about a Florida trauma facility will be getting the Friday night slot in place of Numb3rs starting April 2.
Last year, CBS picked up Flashpoint — about an elite Toronto tactical unit — for that same slot. It was considered a hit on both sides of the border, with the series also featured on CTV.
Last April, the network had also picked up CTV's crime drama The Bridge, which is also missing from the lineup this year.
When pressed about the two shows, Tassler conceded that her network simply had "more content then we had real estate for."
There are still 18 episodes of Flashpoint and 13 episodes of The Bridge left in the CBS locker.
Tassler remained coy about whether either show could see the light of day again on the network.
While a summer run for both shows is a possibility, the executive also said Numb3rs could be revived, too.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Funerals held for 2 Alberta soldiers killed in Afghanistan
They died together on a dusty road in a war-torn country far from home and were buried on the same day, in the same Alberta community, where hundreds mourned their loss.
Funerals were held Saturday in Sherwood Park for Cpl. Zachary McCormack, who was 21, and Sgt. George Miok, who was 28.
The Edmonton-based soldiers died when an improvised bomb exploded in Kandahar city Dec. 30. Also killed were Sgt. Kirk Taylor, 28, of Yarmouth, N.S., Pte. Garrett Chidley, 21, of Cambridge, Ont., and Calgary journalist Michelle Lang, 34.
McCormack's flag-draped coffin was solemnly carried into the church where grieving family and friends had gathered. The skirl of a bagpipe was the only sound as the service began. A member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, he was on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.
His commanding officer said in a statement that the young reservist was "kind-hearted, determined and tough" and was "an excellent soldier and friend."
Brig.-Gen. Michael Jorgensen, who presented McCormack's parents and fiancée with the Memorial Cross, said the soldier's incredible and infectious smile epitomized his approach to life, but "frustrated military photographers who prefer a more grim look."
McCormack's father, Robin, described his son as the best anyone could have and told those gathered that his death has "completely devastated us."
"I'm not sure we have the strength to recover," he said in a letter read by McCormack's uncle. "It makes me cry every day that we only have 21 years of memories."
Other family members described him as a vibrant young man with a gentle soul who cared deeply about those he loved. "Everyone who knew him, knew they were important to him," fiancée Nicole Brisson recalled. "His willingness to help other people always astounded me."
A few hours later, a second church in Sherwood Park was filled to overflowing as people came to say goodbye to Miok, also a reservist, who taught math, physical education and religion at a Catholic school in Edmonton. They were forced to stand in the doorway of the church as flags at half-mast fluttered in a gentle breeze.
Miok had served part-time with the 41 Combat Engineer Regiment for 10 years. It was his second time in Afghanistan.
"Everything he had went into everything he did," remembered his friend, Master Cpl. Nathan Goisnard. "Today's service was very respectful and represented George well."
Warrant Officer Dayris Litle, also a reservist, said he had a hard time functioning at his day job this week. "It's absolutely crushing," Litle said after the service. "This was one of the hardest weeks of my life."
Miok's commanding officer said in a statement that he was an exceptional leader to his peers and "always led from the front, regardless of the risks or hazards involved."
Miok's students were so fond of him they held a tribute at their school earlier this week and papered the hallways with photographs and personal notes.
"You were my favourite teacher and you will never be forgotten. You will be terribly missed," wrote one student. "You are our hero, our super hero, and you always made us laugh and smile."
His obituary said Miok "was so proud of the good changes that he saw in Afghanistan. He firmly believed in the importance of helping people and was determined to do more."
A funeral with full military honours is to take place for Taylor in Yarmouth on Monday, as is a service for Lang in her hometown of Vancouver.
Chidley, whose body arrived in Vancouver from Ontario on Saturday, will be buried in Surrey, B.C., on Tuesday.
Funerals were held Saturday in Sherwood Park for Cpl. Zachary McCormack, who was 21, and Sgt. George Miok, who was 28.
The Edmonton-based soldiers died when an improvised bomb exploded in Kandahar city Dec. 30. Also killed were Sgt. Kirk Taylor, 28, of Yarmouth, N.S., Pte. Garrett Chidley, 21, of Cambridge, Ont., and Calgary journalist Michelle Lang, 34.
McCormack's flag-draped coffin was solemnly carried into the church where grieving family and friends had gathered. The skirl of a bagpipe was the only sound as the service began. A member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, he was on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.
His commanding officer said in a statement that the young reservist was "kind-hearted, determined and tough" and was "an excellent soldier and friend."
Brig.-Gen. Michael Jorgensen, who presented McCormack's parents and fiancée with the Memorial Cross, said the soldier's incredible and infectious smile epitomized his approach to life, but "frustrated military photographers who prefer a more grim look."
McCormack's father, Robin, described his son as the best anyone could have and told those gathered that his death has "completely devastated us."
"I'm not sure we have the strength to recover," he said in a letter read by McCormack's uncle. "It makes me cry every day that we only have 21 years of memories."
Other family members described him as a vibrant young man with a gentle soul who cared deeply about those he loved. "Everyone who knew him, knew they were important to him," fiancée Nicole Brisson recalled. "His willingness to help other people always astounded me."
A few hours later, a second church in Sherwood Park was filled to overflowing as people came to say goodbye to Miok, also a reservist, who taught math, physical education and religion at a Catholic school in Edmonton. They were forced to stand in the doorway of the church as flags at half-mast fluttered in a gentle breeze.
Miok had served part-time with the 41 Combat Engineer Regiment for 10 years. It was his second time in Afghanistan.
"Everything he had went into everything he did," remembered his friend, Master Cpl. Nathan Goisnard. "Today's service was very respectful and represented George well."
Warrant Officer Dayris Litle, also a reservist, said he had a hard time functioning at his day job this week. "It's absolutely crushing," Litle said after the service. "This was one of the hardest weeks of my life."
Miok's commanding officer said in a statement that he was an exceptional leader to his peers and "always led from the front, regardless of the risks or hazards involved."
Miok's students were so fond of him they held a tribute at their school earlier this week and papered the hallways with photographs and personal notes.
"You were my favourite teacher and you will never be forgotten. You will be terribly missed," wrote one student. "You are our hero, our super hero, and you always made us laugh and smile."
His obituary said Miok "was so proud of the good changes that he saw in Afghanistan. He firmly believed in the importance of helping people and was determined to do more."
A funeral with full military honours is to take place for Taylor in Yarmouth on Monday, as is a service for Lang in her hometown of Vancouver.
Chidley, whose body arrived in Vancouver from Ontario on Saturday, will be buried in Surrey, B.C., on Tuesday.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
"Idol" judge Jackson calls Cowell rumors distracting
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson said on Friday he did not know whether fellow panelist Simon Cowell would be leaving the show but fevered speculation on his future was a distraction from the TV singing contest's mission of finding the next superstar.
Jackson also told reporters ahead of Tuesday's 9th season opener of the top-rated U.S. show that he missed departed judge Paula Abdul, and that the dynamics on the panel had changed.
"She is one of our best friends. I miss that. We look down the table sometimes and think, 'Where's Paula?'," said Jackson. "It's going to take a little getting used to. We're really sad about that."
Cowell's contract as a judge with the Fox show ends in May 2010. His brother Tony said in a radio podcast in December that he would then quit "Idol" to focus on bringing his "The X Factor" singing contest to the United States in 2011.
Asked if Cowell would leave, Jackson said: "I really don't know until I hear it from him...The rumors get so wild and crazy, you just don't know what to believe."
"It is pretty much a distraction. I think people get a little side-tracked with that...Let's also focus on what we are judging and what the actual heartbeat of the show really is, and it is about finding that next superstar talent," he said.
Cowell told USA Today on Thursday that he was still in discussions with Fox, but added: "Whether I'm on it or off it, I promise you -- and I really mean it -- I think the show will flourish without me. I genuinely do."
Talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres takes the place of Abdul this season but will not join the panel until aspiring singers from nationwide auditions are brought to Hollywood.
Jackson said shooting for those episodes starts next week and will be shown in early February.
"Ellen is funny, very charismatic and really cool...I think she will bring expertise from being a fellow entertainer who has been hugely successful. I think she will give the home viewer a real voice on the panel," he said.
Pop stars Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige and Joe Jonas are among the celebrity judges for the early audition rounds. Abdul abruptly quit the show last summer in a contract renewal dispute.
Abdul's departure, the uncertainty over Cowell and slipping ratings over the past 3 years have led to questions about how long "American Idol" can continue its reign.
"I think it can go on for some time," said Jackson. I think it is the best music reality show that has ever been on TV."
Jackson also told reporters ahead of Tuesday's 9th season opener of the top-rated U.S. show that he missed departed judge Paula Abdul, and that the dynamics on the panel had changed.
"She is one of our best friends. I miss that. We look down the table sometimes and think, 'Where's Paula?'," said Jackson. "It's going to take a little getting used to. We're really sad about that."
Cowell's contract as a judge with the Fox show ends in May 2010. His brother Tony said in a radio podcast in December that he would then quit "Idol" to focus on bringing his "The X Factor" singing contest to the United States in 2011.
Asked if Cowell would leave, Jackson said: "I really don't know until I hear it from him...The rumors get so wild and crazy, you just don't know what to believe."
"It is pretty much a distraction. I think people get a little side-tracked with that...Let's also focus on what we are judging and what the actual heartbeat of the show really is, and it is about finding that next superstar talent," he said.
Cowell told USA Today on Thursday that he was still in discussions with Fox, but added: "Whether I'm on it or off it, I promise you -- and I really mean it -- I think the show will flourish without me. I genuinely do."
Talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres takes the place of Abdul this season but will not join the panel until aspiring singers from nationwide auditions are brought to Hollywood.
Jackson said shooting for those episodes starts next week and will be shown in early February.
"Ellen is funny, very charismatic and really cool...I think she will bring expertise from being a fellow entertainer who has been hugely successful. I think she will give the home viewer a real voice on the panel," he said.
Pop stars Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige and Joe Jonas are among the celebrity judges for the early audition rounds. Abdul abruptly quit the show last summer in a contract renewal dispute.
Abdul's departure, the uncertainty over Cowell and slipping ratings over the past 3 years have led to questions about how long "American Idol" can continue its reign.
"I think it can go on for some time," said Jackson. I think it is the best music reality show that has ever been on TV."
Friday, January 8, 2010
Cameron, Tarantino score Directors Guild nods
LOS ANGELES – The science-fiction blockbuster "Avatar" has earned James Cameron his latest nomination for the top honor from the Directors Guild of America.
Cameron won the guild prize 12 years ago for "Titanic." Also nominated are Kathryn Bigelow for the Iraq War drama "The Hurt Locker," Lee Daniels for the Harlem teen tale "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Jason Reitman for the recession-era story "Up in the Air" and Quentin Tarantino for the World War II hit "Inglourious Basterds."
Like the Golden Globes on Jan. 17, the awards put Cameron up against ex-wife Bigelow, a first-time Directors Guild nominee.
Daniels and Reitman also earned their first guild film nominations, while Tarantino previously was nominated for 1994's "Pulp Fiction."
Directors Guild picks usually are a good reflection of how the category will shake out at the Academy Awards. The winner at the guild awards usually goes on to win the directing Oscar, as Cameron did for "Titanic" and last year's guild winner, Danny Boyle, did for "Slumdog Millionaire."
The guild announces TV, documentary and commercial nominations Friday. Awards will be presented at a banquet Jan. 30 in Los Angeles, three days before Oscar nominations come out.
If the Oscar nominees match the guild picks, it would be one of the most diverse lineups ever in the directing category, which usually consists of five white men.
Daniels would follow John Singleton ("Boyz N the Hood") as only the second black filmmaker nominated for best director. Bigelow would be only the fourth woman nominated for director, following Lina Wertmuller ("Seven Beauties"), Jane Campion ("The Piano") and Sofia Coppola ("Lost in Translation").
Director Norman Jewison, whose films include "In the Heat of the Night," "A Soldier's Story" and "Moonstruck," will receive the guild's lifetime-achievement award.
___
On the Net:
http://www.dga.org
Cameron won the guild prize 12 years ago for "Titanic." Also nominated are Kathryn Bigelow for the Iraq War drama "The Hurt Locker," Lee Daniels for the Harlem teen tale "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Jason Reitman for the recession-era story "Up in the Air" and Quentin Tarantino for the World War II hit "Inglourious Basterds."
Like the Golden Globes on Jan. 17, the awards put Cameron up against ex-wife Bigelow, a first-time Directors Guild nominee.
Daniels and Reitman also earned their first guild film nominations, while Tarantino previously was nominated for 1994's "Pulp Fiction."
Directors Guild picks usually are a good reflection of how the category will shake out at the Academy Awards. The winner at the guild awards usually goes on to win the directing Oscar, as Cameron did for "Titanic" and last year's guild winner, Danny Boyle, did for "Slumdog Millionaire."
The guild announces TV, documentary and commercial nominations Friday. Awards will be presented at a banquet Jan. 30 in Los Angeles, three days before Oscar nominations come out.
If the Oscar nominees match the guild picks, it would be one of the most diverse lineups ever in the directing category, which usually consists of five white men.
Daniels would follow John Singleton ("Boyz N the Hood") as only the second black filmmaker nominated for best director. Bigelow would be only the fourth woman nominated for director, following Lina Wertmuller ("Seven Beauties"), Jane Campion ("The Piano") and Sofia Coppola ("Lost in Translation").
Director Norman Jewison, whose films include "In the Heat of the Night," "A Soldier's Story" and "Moonstruck," will receive the guild's lifetime-achievement award.
___
On the Net:
http://www.dga.org
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Swift has year's top album; music sales up 2.1 pct
NEW YORK – Susan Boyle put up a strong challenge, but Taylor Swift ended 2009 with the year's best-selling album.
Nielsen SoundScan, which tracks the nation's album sales, says Swift's "Fearless" sold 3.2 million copies last year. It was released in late 2008. Boyle's "I Dreamed a Dream" sold 3.1 million copies — and it only came out in late November.
Michael Jackson's "Number Ones" was No. 3 with 2.3 million sold. "The Fame" by Lady Gaga was No. 4 with 2.2 million copies and Andrea Bocelli's "My Christmas" also sold about 2.2 million copies to come in at No. 5.
Jackson was the year's top-selling artist, selling 8.2 million records to Swift's 4.6 million.
Music sales overall were up 2.1 percent from 2008, but album sales continued their decline, down 12.7 percent.
Nielsen SoundScan, which tracks the nation's album sales, says Swift's "Fearless" sold 3.2 million copies last year. It was released in late 2008. Boyle's "I Dreamed a Dream" sold 3.1 million copies — and it only came out in late November.
Michael Jackson's "Number Ones" was No. 3 with 2.3 million sold. "The Fame" by Lady Gaga was No. 4 with 2.2 million copies and Andrea Bocelli's "My Christmas" also sold about 2.2 million copies to come in at No. 5.
Jackson was the year's top-selling artist, selling 8.2 million records to Swift's 4.6 million.
Music sales overall were up 2.1 percent from 2008, but album sales continued their decline, down 12.7 percent.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Irish author says suffering 'crippling depression'
LONDON (AFP) – Best selling Irish author Marian Keyes has revealed she is battling "crippling depression" that has left her unable to write, read, sleep or even talk to people.
Keyes, whose books have sold millions of copies, has told fans that although prone to depression, her latest battle with the illness was like "living in hell" and "much, much worse" than anything she had experienced before.
In a January newsletter posted on her website, Keyes, 46, whose books include "Watermelon" and "Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married," said she was attempting to recover from the illness.
"I?m aware that these are terrible times and that there are people out there who have been so ruined by the current economic climate that they?ve lost the roof over their heads and every day is a battle for basic survival and I wish I could make their pain go away," said Keyes, reportedly a former alcoholic.
"But although I?m blessed enough to have a roof over my head, I still feel like I?m living in hell.
"I can?t eat, I can?t sleep, I can?t write, I can?t read, I can?t talk to people. The worst thing is that I feel it will never end.
"I know lots of people don?t believe it, but depression is an illness, but unlike say, a broken leg, you don?t know when it?ll get better."
Keyes, a pioneer of the "chick-lit" genre, is known for her romantic comedies centred around a strong female character, but with dark themes including drug abuse, mental illness and domestic violence.
Her latest work "The Brightest Star in the Sky" was published in October.
Dozens of readers left messages of support on her website, describing her as "amazingly talented" and wishing her "a speedy recovery."
Keyes, whose books have sold millions of copies, has told fans that although prone to depression, her latest battle with the illness was like "living in hell" and "much, much worse" than anything she had experienced before.
In a January newsletter posted on her website, Keyes, 46, whose books include "Watermelon" and "Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married," said she was attempting to recover from the illness.
"I?m aware that these are terrible times and that there are people out there who have been so ruined by the current economic climate that they?ve lost the roof over their heads and every day is a battle for basic survival and I wish I could make their pain go away," said Keyes, reportedly a former alcoholic.
"But although I?m blessed enough to have a roof over my head, I still feel like I?m living in hell.
"I can?t eat, I can?t sleep, I can?t write, I can?t read, I can?t talk to people. The worst thing is that I feel it will never end.
"I know lots of people don?t believe it, but depression is an illness, but unlike say, a broken leg, you don?t know when it?ll get better."
Keyes, a pioneer of the "chick-lit" genre, is known for her romantic comedies centred around a strong female character, but with dark themes including drug abuse, mental illness and domestic violence.
Her latest work "The Brightest Star in the Sky" was published in October.
Dozens of readers left messages of support on her website, describing her as "amazingly talented" and wishing her "a speedy recovery."
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Socialite daughter of New York Jets owner has died
LOS ANGELES – Casey Johnson, the socialite daughter of New York Jets owner Woody Johnson and heiress to the Johnson & Johnson business empire has died, a spokesman for the family and police said Monday. She was 30.
TMZ.com reported that Johnson was found dead Monday. Police officers responded to her Los Angeles home around 11:51 a.m. where paramedics had already pronounced Johnson dead, officer Sara Faden said.
Faden said she did not know how long Johnson may have been dead by the time authorities arrived.
She said Johnson's death may have been from natural causes since a preliminary investigation turned up no signs of foul play. But Faden added that a final cause of death will be determined by coroner's officials, who will seek toxicology tests. Results of those tests could take six weeks to obtain.
In a statement released through publicist Jesse Derris, the Johnson family says it "is mourning its tragic loss, and asks for privacy during this very difficult time."
Casey Johnson gained celebrity as the girlfriend of Tila Tequila, a reality TV star best known for "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila," which ran for two seasons on MTV.
Tequila's publicist says the two were engaged.
TMZ.com reported that Johnson was found dead Monday. Police officers responded to her Los Angeles home around 11:51 a.m. where paramedics had already pronounced Johnson dead, officer Sara Faden said.
Faden said she did not know how long Johnson may have been dead by the time authorities arrived.
She said Johnson's death may have been from natural causes since a preliminary investigation turned up no signs of foul play. But Faden added that a final cause of death will be determined by coroner's officials, who will seek toxicology tests. Results of those tests could take six weeks to obtain.
In a statement released through publicist Jesse Derris, the Johnson family says it "is mourning its tragic loss, and asks for privacy during this very difficult time."
Casey Johnson gained celebrity as the girlfriend of Tila Tequila, a reality TV star best known for "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila," which ran for two seasons on MTV.
Tequila's publicist says the two were engaged.
Monday, January 4, 2010
"Southland" actor joining "True Blood"
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – "Southland" co-star Kevin Alejandro is staying in the South with another high-profile series gig, joining Alan Ball's vampire drama "True Blood."
Alejandro, expected to appear in almost every episode of the HBO series' upcoming third season, will play Jesus, a Latino orderly who is taking care of Ruby Jean Reynolds (Alfre Woodard) at her care facility and becomes involved with her son, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis).
Alejandro continues to be attached as a regular to "Southland," which recently moved from NBC to TNT. Because of the cable network's plan to air the 13 produced episodes of the cop drama, starting January 12, before making a decision whether to order a second season, Alejandro can accommodate "Blood" while keeping his obligation to "Southland."
Alejandro co-starred on "Shark," "Drive," "Ugly Betty" and recently had a recurring role on "Weeds." On "Blood," he joins such other new additions as Denis O'Hare, Marshall Allman, Theo Alexander, Grant Bowler, Joe Manganiello and Lindsay Pulsipher.
Alejandro, expected to appear in almost every episode of the HBO series' upcoming third season, will play Jesus, a Latino orderly who is taking care of Ruby Jean Reynolds (Alfre Woodard) at her care facility and becomes involved with her son, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis).
Alejandro continues to be attached as a regular to "Southland," which recently moved from NBC to TNT. Because of the cable network's plan to air the 13 produced episodes of the cop drama, starting January 12, before making a decision whether to order a second season, Alejandro can accommodate "Blood" while keeping his obligation to "Southland."
Alejandro co-starred on "Shark," "Drive," "Ugly Betty" and recently had a recurring role on "Weeds." On "Blood," he joins such other new additions as Denis O'Hare, Marshall Allman, Theo Alexander, Grant Bowler, Joe Manganiello and Lindsay Pulsipher.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Writer Stephen Fry to disconnect with 'outside world'
British writer and actor Stephen Fry, a popular Twitter user, says he's cutting off his "connections with the outside world" in order to concentrate on the second instalment of his autobiography.
"I need peace, absolute peace, an empty diary and zero distraction," said the popular author on his website.
"All this is a way of saying, of course, that my Twitter stream will dry up for that period," said Fry about his numerous posts on the micro-blogging site.
The 52-year-old writer said it would be a temporary absence until he delivers to his publisher the second volume of his autobiography, due in April.
Fry said he hopes his Twitter followers, said to number one million, will "understand that this is a) imperative and b) temporary. I shall return."
The first part of Fry's autobiography, Moab Is My Washpot, was published in 1997.
It was a rollicking account of his childhood and troubled adolescence in which he served time in jail for fraud.
Hard time writing second volume
Last year he revealed that he was having trouble writing the second instalment because it would have to include people who are well-known, including fellow comedians and actors Hugh Laurie — the star of House — and Emma Thompson.
The trio were members of Cambridge University's Footlights comedy society.
"There is pressure. The trouble with it now, is the moment it starts, it would have to be at university and it would be Hugh and Emma and all that sort of thing," he said in an interview with The Associated Press.
"It becomes a showbiz biography and I'm keen for it not to be too much. Why would I want to involve people without their permission?"
Fry's many credits as an actor, writer and director include TV series such as Blackadder, Jeeves and Wooster and Absolute Power.
He portrayed Oscar Wilde in 1997's Wilde and has since appeared in various films, including Gosford Park, V for Vendetta and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
"I need peace, absolute peace, an empty diary and zero distraction," said the popular author on his website.
"All this is a way of saying, of course, that my Twitter stream will dry up for that period," said Fry about his numerous posts on the micro-blogging site.
The 52-year-old writer said it would be a temporary absence until he delivers to his publisher the second volume of his autobiography, due in April.
Fry said he hopes his Twitter followers, said to number one million, will "understand that this is a) imperative and b) temporary. I shall return."
The first part of Fry's autobiography, Moab Is My Washpot, was published in 1997.
It was a rollicking account of his childhood and troubled adolescence in which he served time in jail for fraud.
Hard time writing second volume
Last year he revealed that he was having trouble writing the second instalment because it would have to include people who are well-known, including fellow comedians and actors Hugh Laurie — the star of House — and Emma Thompson.
The trio were members of Cambridge University's Footlights comedy society.
"There is pressure. The trouble with it now, is the moment it starts, it would have to be at university and it would be Hugh and Emma and all that sort of thing," he said in an interview with The Associated Press.
"It becomes a showbiz biography and I'm keen for it not to be too much. Why would I want to involve people without their permission?"
Fry's many credits as an actor, writer and director include TV series such as Blackadder, Jeeves and Wooster and Absolute Power.
He portrayed Oscar Wilde in 1997's Wilde and has since appeared in various films, including Gosford Park, V for Vendetta and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
3 die in Vancouver Island apartment fire
Three people are dead after a fire engulfed an apartment suite in the Vancouver Island community of Port Hardy, B.C., police say.
RCMP Cpl. Darren Lagan said four adults were inside the unit when the blaze broke out just after noon New Year's Day.
One female was able to escape and tried to get help for those still trapped inside.
Lagan said the fire was contained to one unit in the apartment complex and there is no evidence to suggest foul play was involved.
The names of the victims have not yet been released.
Port Hardy has a population of just under 5,000 and is located on the island's north coast.
RCMP Cpl. Darren Lagan said four adults were inside the unit when the blaze broke out just after noon New Year's Day.
One female was able to escape and tried to get help for those still trapped inside.
Lagan said the fire was contained to one unit in the apartment complex and there is no evidence to suggest foul play was involved.
The names of the victims have not yet been released.
Port Hardy has a population of just under 5,000 and is located on the island's north coast.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Diddy's clothing line sues over lingering scaffold at flagship store on NYC's Fifth Avenue
NEW YORK - The company behind Sean "Diddy" Combs' clothing line says it has a looming problem at its flagship New York City store - a scaffold that has been hanging over the shop for more than three years.
The company behind the rap impresario's Sean John label sued its Manhattan landlord on Wednesday.
The company, Christian Casey LLC, says the scaffold obscures the Fifth Avenue store's window displays, discouraging shoppers and cutting revenue in half.
The company wants at least $2.5 million in damages from its landlord and freedom from its more than $660,000-a-year lease.
A Delaware corporate services firm listed as an agent for landlord 475 Fifth 09 LLC declined to take a telephone message from The Associated Press on Thursday. The clothing company's lawyer hasn't returned a telephone call.
The company behind the rap impresario's Sean John label sued its Manhattan landlord on Wednesday.
The company, Christian Casey LLC, says the scaffold obscures the Fifth Avenue store's window displays, discouraging shoppers and cutting revenue in half.
The company wants at least $2.5 million in damages from its landlord and freedom from its more than $660,000-a-year lease.
A Delaware corporate services firm listed as an agent for landlord 475 Fifth 09 LLC declined to take a telephone message from The Associated Press on Thursday. The clothing company's lawyer hasn't returned a telephone call.
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