Saturday, September 4, 2010

THREE top Premier League clubs are poised to kick off a classroom revolution by setting up their own schools.

Three Premier League clubs to fund schools
By Sophy Ridge, 05/09/2010

ON FORM: the 3 clubs

ON FORM: the 3 clubs

THREE top Premier League clubs are poised to kick off a classroom revolution by setting up their own schools.

Education Secretary Michael Gove has called on footie teams to help educate local kids through his radical free schools.

On-the-ball directors at Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Everton will meet the minister soon.

Anyone can now set up a school free from council control. A football club running one could base its timetable around fitness and fixtures.

Mr Gove hopes a cash boost from clubs and the inspiration of footie heroes will help pupils zoom up the league tables.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "I can envisage the day when there is a Premier League school. If you have an elite athlete why not work on their education?"

Tottenham's Foundation already runs breakfast, after-school and lunch clubs providing sports for primary schoolchildren - and will have more facilities when White Hart Lane is redeveloped.

Club executive director Donna-Maria Cullen, said: "Football is a magnet so we teach through sport. Nobody truants when our coaches go into schools."


Wayne Rooney sank to new depths the night he committed the ultimate sin for a married man-inviting vice girl Jenny Thompson back to his family home.

Wayne Rooney told hooker: Let's score at home
"He texted me to say that Coleen had gone out... come on over"

By Keith Gladdis & Dominic Herbert, 05/09/2010


BEAT THAT: Vice girl Jenny in raunchy Facebook poses with pals and whip

RECKLESS Wayne Rooney sank to new depths the night he committed the ultimate sin for a married man-inviting vice girl Jenny Thompson back to his family home for sex.

Jenny, 21, exclusively told us: "One night, well into our relationship, Wayne and I met up at the 235 Casino again.

"At the end of the evening, after we'd gone our separate ways, he started texting me. He wanted to know where I was and, when I told him I was on my way home, he texted back, 'Why don't you come back to mine?'

"I thought to myself, 'I can't do that. I can't go to his wife's house.' I mean that's just wrong, isn't it?"

OUT FOR KICKS: Roo invited vice girl on tour

OUT FOR KICKS: Roo invited vice girl on tour

Even the lure of a luxurious night at his plush £4.5m house in posh Prestbury, Cheshire, couldn't tempt Jenny. She insisted: "I told him: 'No, I can't!' But he kept begging and begging me, pleading, 'Please come! No one's in.'

"When I still refused, he eventually left it and didn't even want to talk to me any more that night.

"But, as far as I'm concerned, paying a girl to have sex with you is one thing. Paying a girl to come back to your marital home when your pregnant missus is out is taking it a step too far.

"Especially when you know you could easily go somewhere else to get what you want.

"But to make that decision to do it in your house, I thought that was a bit much. You're really bringing your dirty washing home, aren't you?

There was absolutely no emotion shown or spared for Coleen there. Wayne didn't seem to feel too much about what he was doing to his wife. I really wrestled with my conscience several times."

It was 2008 when Wayne and childhood sweetheart Coleen wed at the 17th Century Palace of Villa Durazzo, Portofino-a bash believed to have cost a staggering £5million with OK! magazine paying half.

During his wedding speech Rooney told of his love for Coleen saying: "I've never believed in love at first sight but the first time I saw Coleen, I knew she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

"To have her sitting next to me as my wife is something words can't describe and I think today she looks absolutely amazing."

Visibly choked he then turned to his new wife and said: "Coleen, I love you more than words can say, you're my life and I love you."

But just a year later all that seemed a distant memory as he took up his dangerous liason with £1,200-a-time hooker Jenny.

ROO'S WOMEN: Rooney asked Jenny (right) into Coleen's bed

ROO'S WOMEN: Rooney asked Jenny (right) into Coleen's bed

At the time Coleen was talking publicly about how thrilled she was to be pregnant with first son Kai, now ten months old.

But as she was steadily building up the family's wholesome image-creating her own multi-million pound career with her magazine column, a show on ITV2, Coleen's Real Women, plus work with Asda and and exclusive watch and jewellery range with Argos-Wayne was doing dirty deals with vice girls.

Rooney, 24, was so careless in his pursuit of extra-marital sex he actually asked Jenny to join him on a Manchester United tour.

"He was texting me pleading for me to join him," she revealed. "He was saying that I should get a flight and stay at the hotel. He said if I paid for the flight he'd give me the money when I got there. I thought it was too risky going there, in a hotel with the rest of the team.

"I was surprised he suggested it. I said I couldn't make it. He said he'd see me when he got back."

"But Wayne never really spoke about football other than to mention that he'd been training.

TEAMMATE: Ronaldo walked past and Wayne muttered: F*****g w****r
TEAMMATE: Ronaldo walked past and Wayne muttered:

"The only time he ever mentioned one of the other players was when we were at a party one night and he called Cristiano Ronaldo a 'w***er'.

"Wayne and I were standing in the smoking area when Ronaldo walked past, and Wayne muttered 'F***ing w***er' after him.

"Another time I commented to him how rude I thought Rio Ferdinand was-but Wayne just laughed and said, 'That's what Rio's like when he's had a bit to drink.'

"But to be honest, I don't think Wayne hangs out much with the other Man Utd players. I only ever really saw him out with his cousins or his brother."

And Jenny said even their sex got a bit samey. She said: "When I'd arrive at the hotel, I'd text him, 'On my way up.' I'd knock on his door and he'd quickly let me in. He was usually in the white fluffy hotel robe and would get straight on the bed and lie down. All he'd say was, 'Hi!' It was a bit embarrassing actually-seedy, in a way.

"I'd take all my clothes off, lie next to him and awkwardly say 'Hi!' back. And then we'd just get down to it.

"Wayne was really quite plain with his routine. He wanted straight sex with a little bit of 'naughty' thrown in-but not too naughty.

"But when we were apart Wayne would be full of what he wanted to do to me the next time we met. He'd often text asking me to bring sexy toys and telling me what he wanted to do with them. He was always quite explicit on his texts.

"When Wayne's had a drink, he's a scally and he'll suggest all sorts. But it was drunken talk because when I got there it was always the same.

"Whenever it came down to it- when we were face to face in the hotel room-he was quite different. He never talked dirty.

"And he never said, 'Don't go and tell anyone about us.' What he always said was, 'If this ever got out, it wouldn't be good.'

"But not once did he say:, 'It would be terrible for Coleen.'"

He begged me to join him on a Man United tour but it was too risky

Once his son Kai was born, Rooney stopped using Jenny's services. But he was well aware of the risks he'd been running. Three years after he was exposed for visiting hookers as a teenager, 24-year-old Coleen wrote about her then boyfriend's cheating in her first book Welcome to My World.

Coleen said: "When the story came out about Wayne and the prostitutes my life was suddenly turned upside down. I spent days sitting indoors thinking the whole world was against me.

"Wayne and me were 18, we'd been together for nearly two years and were engaged to be married. What Wayne had done in the past was wrong but he knew that and he was sorry.

"I've grown up with Wayne and Wayne's grown up with me. I've learned from him and vice versa."

Tellingly Coleen added: "Trust in any relationship is important but especially so when you're in the spotlight." Rooney also wrote about the disgrace and apologised to Coleen in his book My Story So Far, published in 2006, as the couple rebuilt their lives through the pages of glossy magazines climaxing in the big romatic wedding extravaganza in 2008.

Talking about his brothel-creeping days in Liverpool, Rooney wrote: "It's my biggest single regret in life. I can never sufficiently make it up to Coleen-but I have tried and am trying."

Our revelations today prove he wasn't really trying at all. And Coleen's forgiving trust in him was massively misplaced.

The latest Sunday Times Rich List places Rooney's wealth at £33million and claims he is paid about £100,000 a week by United.

He has endorsement deals with Nike, Coca-Cola and EA Sports a £1million two-year deal with Mercedes and sponsorship said to be worth about £6million a year.

"Wayne chased me with sex texts and paid in wads of cash. He didn't seem to care he was betraying Coleen." Watch Video.

Cheating Wayne Rooney beds hooker


TREACHERY: Vice girl Jenny, and Rooney with Coleen

WAYNE ROONEY had a series of romps with a £1,200-a-time hooker when wife Coleen was pregnant, we can reveal today.

By Dominic Herbert & Carole Aye Maung, 05/09/2010

SHAME: Wayne Rooney yesterday
SHAME: Wayne Rooney yesterday

The England and Man United striker bedded pretty Jenny Thompson, 21, over several MONTHS.

Last night she told us: "Wayne chased me with sex texts and paid in wads of cash. He didn't seem to care he was betraying Coleen."

The Cheating England ace begged Jenny, 21, and her pretty friend to fulfil his fantasy with a sordid THREESOME.

Then he summoned the vice girl back again and again - while trusting wife Coleen was expecting their son Kai.


Wayne Rooney's £1,200 a night hooker Jenny Thompson

Last night Jenny, 21, exclusively told the News of the World: "Wayne certainly enjoyed all our meetings and didn't seem to care what he was doing to his wife.

"I think he believes he's invincible and untouchable. As a woman, I wouldn't like that done to me - especially if I was pregnant."

In an interview that will shatter Rooney's carefully-nurtured family man image - which has helped earn the celebrity couple millions - Jenny revealed how the Manchester United star took astonishing risks as he:

  • BEDDED her at Manchester's top five-star hotel, a favourite with celebs and team-mates.
  • BEGGED her to join him on TOUR with the Premier League side.
  • FIXED for a pal to pay her cash when he ran short of readies.
  • ROMPED with her at a team party.

Jenny told how she first met Rooney, 24, in June last year at the Manchester 235 Casino where he was drinking with relatives and team-mate Rio Ferdinand.

"I was at the bar in the VIP area with another escort girl and they called us over for a chat," she said.

"We went for a smoke in the toilets with Wayne and his brother and exchanged phone numbers. At that point Wayne didn't know what sort of work I did."

But the star quickly made it plain what he was after. "He told me to meet him in a quiet corner of the casino and we had had a kiss for about three or four minutes," said Jenny.

SAFE BET: 235 casino where they met

SAFE BET: 235 casino where they met

"It was about 3am when my friend and I left and I started getting texts from Wayne as he was going home. He said, 'Do you fancy meeting up?'

"I said yes but told him it wouldn't be for free. He texted back saying, 'Fine, that's not a problem.' Then he asked if my friend would like to join us and she agreed."

A week later Rooney met the girls at the famed five-star Lowry hotel. "My friend and I made an effort," said Jenny.

"We both wore identical black lacy bra-and-brief sets specially bought from La Senza.

"Wayne told us he'd never had a threesome before. He was shy and awkward - and me and my friend were left to do all the work.

"He didn't want us to put on a lesbian sex show, he was more into two girls pleasuring him at the same time. But it was all over far too quickly."

"I asked Wayne if he'd ever been with vice girls before and then, all of a sudden, I remembered he HAD!

He wanted a threesome so my sexy pal joined us in bed... it was all over so quickly

"I told him, 'I remember reading in the newspapers about you and the old granny!' Wayne just laughed. He thought that was really funny."

Rooney's earlier brush with scandal came in 2004 when he confessed to visiting a seedy massage parlour in a rundown area of Liverpool for £45-a-time sex, including a romp with a 48-year-old grandmother nicknamed Auld Slapper - the first time he was caught cheating on devastated childhood sweetheart Coleen.

Since then Rooney, who played for England on Friday night at Wembley, has crafted a brand of happy family life that's helped win big-money sponsorships and endorsements.

But the tawdry truth is just a year ago he was at it again.

After the threesome the second vice girl stayed out of the arrangement but Rooney kept up his liaisons with Jenny. It was two weeks later the pair met again at the Lowry.

Jenny, who normally charges between £150 and £200 an hour, headed straight to the star's room on the third floor.

PLAYS LONG: They romped repeatedly in bed and on chaise longue at Lowry Hotel
PLAYS LONG: They romped repeatedly in bed and on chaise longue at Lowry Hotel

"It was about 11am," she said. "The door was off the latch and I just walked in.

"He was on the bed, in his bathrobe with nothing underneath, ready for it. There was an iPod and a few clothes lying around. We went straight into it. It lasted for about half an hour."

Jenny also had sex with Rooney on a chaise longue next to the bed. "I did most of the work, and he was saying nice things about my body," she added. "He was trying to be filthy but he couldn't quite do it. He's quite shy. Five minutes after sex he said he wanted a smoke and got the guy from the desk downstairs to go and get them. He paid him £200 or something ridiculous like that for a packet of Marlboro.

"We were chatting but he didn't mention anything about Coleen and I didn't bring it up. The money was in his jeans pockets. He counted it and handed £1,200 to me in twenties and fifties. He said he'd enjoyed it and we'd have to meet up again.

"I never imagined Wayne Rooney would ever be one of my clients. I know a lot of people call him Shrek but he's actually not that ugly when you're sat in front of him."

Jenny said most of their meetings followed the same pattern. "Wayne had a few different mobile phones to contact me, all pay-as-you-go throw-aways," she added. "Wayne was actually quite boring in bed. We always had sex with a condom. I'd stay about 45 minutes with him in his hotel room.

He spent 200 quid on a packet of Marlboro minutes after we had sex

"Then he'd pass me the money, the correct amount, all counted out, sometimes in an envelope, sometimes just a bundle. When he didn't have the money with him I'd pick it up later from a pal of his who worked in a designer clothes shop."

One night Jenny and her star punter met up again at the 235 Casino. Again they went to the toilets but this time it was business. "It wasn't full sex," said Jenny.

"It was me on him. I was in there for about 15 minutes. He was a bit drunk. He gave me a £1,000 gambling chip. I lost about £500 but took the rest home."

The next time Jenny saw Rooney was at a party in Rio Ferdinand's Rosso Italian restaurant.

"I went with a few girls and the whole team were there," recalled Jenny. "They were all very drunk.

"We hadn't arranged to meet but Wayne spotted me int the crowd. About half hour later he held my hand in front of everyone and led me away down these stairs.

Michael Owen was looking at him in disgust. Wayne made no effort to be discreet and I was embarrassed.

"Wayne took me downstairs into the cooking area and into an office. Again we didn't have full sex, I pleasured him. He couldn't say much because he was so drunk. He was sat on a chair.

"We were only down there for about 10 to 15 minutes. A few days later he texted saying he'd left some money at the clothes shop.

"I wasn't really that concerned but there was about £600 in an envelope marked 'Jenny'."

The 27-year-old actress was back as escort Belle de Jour to film the final series of ITV's Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

Bille Piper's got tart and sole
05/09/2010

BILLIE Piper leans on a lamppost as she totters in high heels in her TV role as a vice girl.

The 27-year-old actress was back as escort Belle de Jour to film the final series of ITV's Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

Heavily-dolled-up, Billie drew admiring glances from passers-by on a busy London street as she leaned into cars pretending to punt for business.

An onlooker joked: "I've never seen a prostitute looking as incredible as that - especially not in the middle of the day!"

The chart-topper really does Turn It Up as she poses for the camera... and proves she's got the X Factor.

Pixie's bust magic in purple

LOTTA LEG: Pixie dazzles in shorts PHOTO: CAMERA PRESS / Perou

LOTTA LEG: Pixie dazzles in shorts PHOTO: CAMERA PRESS / Perou

HIP hip hooray - check out these lovely leggy Pix of singing sensation Pixie Lott in shorts and a purple bra.

The chart-topper really does Turn It Up as she poses for the camera... and proves she's got the X Factor.

Pixie, 19, stood in for new mum Dannii Minogue as a judge on the ITV1 talent show.

Judging by these snaps she'd have no trouble getting the thumbs up from the panel as she shows off some seriously long pins in high heels, high shorts and purple lingerie.

In another snap the singer, who had a hit with Mama Do, drapes a mic over herself as she teases the fellas in a low-cut top.

A show source revealed: "It was a huge honour for Pixie to be asked by Simon Cowell to be a judge.

"She's only young but Simon and the producers believe she's earned the right to sit with the other judges.

"I wouldn't be surprised if she was asked back permanently in a few years' time. She made a valuable contribution - she was a real natural."

DETERMINED Cheryl Cole is set to end another big relationship - she's planning to QUIT X Factor at the end of this series. File Photos.


MOVING TO THE STATES: Cheryl PHOTO: Polfoto/PA

Cheryl wants to ditch X Factor too

Freshly-divorced star sets her heart on American career

DETERMINED Cheryl Cole is set to end another big relationship - she's planning to QUIT X Factor at the end of this series.

Just two days after divorcing her cheating husband Ashley, we can reveal the British babe is planning a fresh start in the US with boyfriend Derek Hough.

She is being lined up as a judge on the brand new American X Factor alongside close pal Simon Cowell - and to focus on her music career.

A close source told us: "This is Cheryl Cole phase two. She's not changing her name but she's changing every other aspect of her life.

EX: Cheryl divorced Ashley Cole this week

EX: Cheryl divorced Ashley Cole this week

"She wouldn't have the time to do both of the X Factors plus release new songs - and she's got her heart set on America where Derek lives."

Global X Factor supremo Simon has already started hinting that Girls Aloud singer Cheryl will join him on the US show when it begins next September.

An insider said: "He believes she will be a huge star in the States."

We can confirm that the US series means there will be no X Factor over here next year. And when it returns in 2012 it will be dramatically different.

Cowell is set to be a judge on both shows. But the source close to Cheryl said: "She wouldn't have the time.

"The US show is a huge opportunity but she'd have to give up the show here because she wouldn't be able to do her music too.

"In Britain, her priority is music and it always will be. She's primarily a music star and she feels three years on X Factor will be enough.

"Plus, everything's going to be shaken up in the next series so this is the perfect time for her to bow out.

"ITV will do everything they can to keep her but she doesn't need the money. She only really did this series because of her close friendship with Simon."

Cheryl's departure would throw a lifeline to the only other female judge, Dannii Minogue.

AMBITION: Cheryl's 'heart set' on US PHOTO: Reuters

AMBITION: Cheryl's 'heart set' on US PHOTO: Reuters

It was thought the new mum's position was under threat, with recent rumours that Cowell wanted a different woman on the four-strong panel.

"But the show insider said: "There's no way we can face the possibility of losing both our female judges in one go. So if Cheryl goes, Dannii's safe."

Cheryl was due to fly into London today from Los Angeles, where Derek has been helping her recover from malaria. She'll stay here till December, when The X Factor ends.

In the next few weeks she hopes to sell her former marital home in Surrey and buy a London base, in trendy Notting Hill.

She and England footballer Ashley, 29, have agreed to split the profits from their mansion, and Cheryl will keep their two dogs.

The source said: "Cheryl wants a base in London but the idea is she'll spend less and less time here.

"Notting Hill is close to Heathrow Airport and handy for her music career too." Derek, 25, is expected to stay in America, where he's a dancer on Dancing With the Stars, the US version of Strictly Come Dancing.

ITV bosses are now looking for another big show to take on the BBC's Strictly in their Sat- urday-night ratings war next autumn.

Speculation had been mounting about X Factor since Cowell announced he was taking the format to the States.

And a few days ago nearly 100 of X Factor's regular workers were told they would not be required for 2011. An insider said: "Many of them assumed they would be working next year as usual. It came as a complete shock, even to some of the top producers."

Staff were also told to expect radical changes in 2012 - with a different judging line-up, a new auditions format and a revamp for the live finals in the pipeline.

The source said: "Nothing has been decided. But how the show is run in the US will be a clear indication as to what will happen to the UK version."

Engineer Michael had whispered his intentions to bride Amy before leaping on stage to serenade her before bed. Watch Video.

Groom skewers his wedding tackle on rusty nail in freak reception fall

HITCHED: Amy and Michael

HITCHED: Amy and Michael

JUST-wed Michael Race promised his new wife a wedding night to remember - then SKEWERED his manhood on a rusty nail.

Engineer Michael had whispered his intentions to bride Amy before leaping on stage to serenade her before bed.

Then a bench collapsed and he fell, impaling his wedding tackle.

Couple whose wedding night was ruined by groom tearing tackling on rusty nail.

With blood pouring from his crotch, Michael pulled down his trousers - and fainted when he saw the damage.

Amy, 25, said: "I thought it was romantic that he started singing to me. But he ended up writhing in pain."

The couple, from Manchester, had been celebrating their marriage at Comlongon Castle, in Dumfries, Scotland.

And Amy didn't realise how badly her new hubby was injured until he ripped his trousers and boxers off in front of guests.

She says: "I thought he must have had too much to drink and went over to tell him to put it away.

"Then I saw all the blood and Michael started crying hysterically. He screamed, 'My ball's hanging off'. I couldn't believe the sight in front of me - he was ripped apart. Then he fainted. No-one had seen anything like it, let alone at a wedding.

"He'd promised me the night of my life but neither of us expected it to end like this."

Michael, also 25, was rushed to hospital. He says: "We must have looked a right state with Amy's wedding dress covered in blood. They spent ages stitching me up - I had 17 in all - and thankfully told me there wasn't permanent damage."

Amazingly the couple consummated the marriage just TWO days later.

Amy laughs: "We made love very carefully. I kept thinking he was moaning in pain!"

British weekly tabloid newspaper has issued video of Pakistan Test player Yasir Hameed, Watch Video.

British tabloid weekly releases video of Yasir Hameed
Updated at: 0549 PST, Sunday, September 05, 2010

LONDON: British weekly tabloid newspaper has issued video of Pakistan Test player Yasir Hameed, which exposed many shocking facts in connection with corruption in Pakistan cricket team, Geo News reported.

The video footage, apparently recorded secretly on a hidden camera, showed that Yasir Hameed was gossiping with a reporter of newspaper, Mazhar Mehmood, in a friendly atmosphere.

Yasir Hameed was shot with camera claiming that most agents of players are bookies in reality.

He was further shown claiming that he had been too offered huge amount of money for match-fixing including offer for a Ferrari Car and 1500,000 pounds but he refused proposals every time.

“Many players are involved in fixing matches”, said Yasir on camera, adding that those players who did illegal activities are paying for their misdeeds.”

“Allah has penalized guilty players. Sydney Test earned corrupt players up to 1.8 million pounds for fixing match”, Yasir claimed.

A PAKISTAN cricketer who played in the rigged Lord's Test has sensationally confirmed that there WERE cheats in his team.

Respected opening batsman Yasir Hameed claims bent teammates were fixing "almost every match".

And he provided a devastating insight into the shady world of betting scams, telling how he:

  • REFUSED bribes of up to £150,000 from a corrupt bookmaker to throw matches.
  • LOST his own place in the squad and saw his career damaged as a result.
  • WATCHED as crooked colleagues splashed out on plush properties and expensive sports cars funded by their illicit activities.
  • LEARNED that shameless players pocketed an astonishing £1.8million for rigging a Test match against Australia earlier this year.

Hameed, once rated amongst the world's finest batsmen, said of his scandal-struck colleagues: "They've been caught. Only the ones that get caught are branded crooks.

Pakistan cricket star Yasir Hameed blows lid off cricket match fixing

"They were doing it (fixing) in almost every match. God knows what they were up to. Scotland Yard was after them for ages.

"It makes me angry because I'm playing my best and they are trying to lose."

And, predicting the likely fate of the players exposed by the News of the World, Hameed added darkly: "The guys that have got done have got themselves killed.

"They're gone - forget about them."

Hameed's remarks will heap pressure on the ICC investigation and the preposterous defence thrown up last week by shamed Pakistan skipper Salman Butt, bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir and their Pakistan Cricket Board bosses.

Sipping white wine in a Nottingham hotel just two days after our revelations sparked a worldwide sensation, Hameed, 32, described how he became a victim of betting cartels' vengeance for refusing to fix games.

PLAYER: Yasir in 4th Test
PLAYER: Yasir in 4th Test

"It's because of all these wrong things that I was outed, because I wouldn't get involved," he told our undercover reporter.

"If you sat here and said, 'I'm a bookie and I want you to fix the match tomorrow' - I've met lots of people like that in the past and I refused. They offered me handsome money.

"I could have come to see you in a Ferrari. They give you so much money that you can live out your dreams, buy a flash car.

"I've been offered huge amounts of money, up to £150,000."

"I wouldn't get involved. That's why I was out of the team for two years - two years! Now God has punished them. I played in the (Lord's) match. Even though I flopped, these guys have been caught out.

"Just look at my average. It's 38, 39 (runs scored per innings). Which player in the world has that average and is dropped?

"If I was playing for any other country, what would I be now? I'd be the team captain."

Hameed's record supports his case. He had a sensational start to his international career in 2003, scoring 170 runs in his first innings and another 105 in the second, against Bangladesh.

In his first 30 One Day Inter- nationals, he scored more runs than any other batsman. Yet despite that he has bounced in and out of the national team.

"The truth is I've never sold a match for Pakistan. I've always got by on legitimate money. I come from a middle-class hard-working family," he said. Hameed detailed how the lure of riches had led some of his comparatively poorly paid teammates to fall for the lure of match-fixers.

By contrast with the limited fees of around £2,000 a match, Hameed said the potential rewards for rigging games were huge.

Detailing the crooked price list of the match-fixers, he said: "The £150,000 (paid to Majeed) was just (a deposit) to show what would happen on this ball, what would happen on the other ball.

"In the future, imagine how much money they would have made. Imagine how many pounds they would have made!

RESPECTED: 'I've been offered £150k but I wouldn't get involved. Now God has punished them,' says Yasir Hameed
RESPECTED: 'I've been offered £150k but I wouldn't get involved. Now God has punished them,' says Yasir Hameed

"He (Majeed) pays the players whatever the rate is. I think they get £20,000 or £25,000 for no balls. God knows what was the deal, I didn't ask."

Hameed asked why Asif - one of three players at the centre of the scandal who was last week suspended by the ICC - had been able to amass a big property portfolio.

"I'm having a house built and it's stopped halfway," said Hameed. "I'm building it from legitimate money and work has stopped.

"Asif - how many matches has he played and how many have I played? I've played 80 matches and he's played around 50. He has four mansions. Where did they come from?

"He has just built a house in Italian style in Lahore. You go there and you will think you are in Italy - that's how good his house is."

Hameed also dramatically claimed that another game had been thrown. Talking about fixed matches, he said: "The ICC Champion Trophy, Rose Bowl, we lost a match against West Indies, do you remember?" That was a semi-final game in 2004 at The Rose Bowl in Southampton.

The West Indies won the match by seven wickets despite posting just 132 runs. Pakistan capitulated to 131 all out.

The ICC's anti-corruption team may well now add the match to another they are investigating - January's farcical Test Match between Pakistan and Australia in Sydney.

Last week, we revealed how gloating Majeed bragged to our undercover team how they fixed the result.

"We let them (Australia) get up to 150 in the morning, and then everyone lost their wickets. That one we made 1.3 (million)."

Amazingly, Hameed claims Majeed underestimated the cash netted in the scam. He told us: "In the Sydney Test Match they made £1.8million - they gave away the match. I don't know how the money was divided up."

Of some agents who swarm around players, Hameed angrily told us: "There are agents but they are bastard bookies basically."

Turning to Mr Fix-it Mazhar Majeed - the lynchpin of the Lords scandal - Hameed spoke of his relief that he had given the crooked agent a wide berth.

"He had seven players. He didn't make me an offer and I didn't want to take a chance. I know what was going on."

But Hameed remains curiously loyal to shamed skipper Butt.

"He's a nice guy basically," he said. "I don't know why he's gone like this because of money."

NTR will be seen in Krishna's attire in his upcoming film Brindavanam.

Junior NTR to depict Lord Krishna
Friday, September 3, 2010, 12:33 [IST]
By: Prakash Upadhyaya




On the auspicious day of Krishna Janmastami, there is good news in store for Lord Krishna
's devotees and Junior NTR fans. According to some reports, NTR will be seen in Krishna's attire in his upcoming film Brindavanam.

Reports say that NTR will present himself as Lord Krishna in one of the song sequences, which also features Samantha and Kajal Aggarwal.

It may be recalled that Junior NTR's grandfather Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao became popular by doing mythological roles. He has also portrayed the role of Lord Krishna in many films like Maya Bazaar, Sri Krishnarjuna Yudham, Daana Veera Soora Karna etc.

Director Rajesh’s Boss Engira Bhaskaran has got a clean ‘U’ certificate.

Boss Engira Bhaskaran gets U certificate
Friday, September 3, 2010, 12:30 [IST]



Director Rajesh’s Boss Engira Bhaskaran has got a clean ‘U’ certificate. The members of the Central Board of Film Certification watched the film last evening and congratulated Rajesh for making a decorous family entertainer. The film has Aarya and Nayantara in lead roles with Santhanam playing an important role. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s songs have already become chartbusters and the teasers have kept the expectations on higher levels.

Having acquired the project from K. Srinivasan and Aarya, producer Udhayanidhi Stalin has decided to release the film on 10th September on the occasion of Ramzan. It will be a long weekend as Saturday will be observed Vinayaga Chaturthi.

Also there will be couple of releases that includes Mammootty - Arjun starrer Vande Mataram and Srikanth - Vishnu starrer Drohi. The latter film is directed by debutant Sudha, once an associate of filmmaker Mani Ratnam and is touted to be an action crime

Director Dinesh Babu's Kannada movie Eradane Maduve has crossed 50 days of running at many theaters in Karnataka.

Dinesh Babu’s Eradane Maduve crosses 50 days
Thursday, September 2, 2010, 12:22 [IST]


Director Dinesh Babu's Kannada movie Eradane Maduve has crossed 50 days of running at many theaters in Karnataka. The title of the film means ‘second marriage’ and the director made it a reality in his life by marrying his assistant Chetna, which is his second marriage.

The film Eradane Maduve was released in other states and abroad apart from the native Karnataka. The producers Rajiv and Suresh have earned good results for their first venture. Besides the Karnataka theaters, it has received a good response from places like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Mumbai, Chennai and California.

Producer Suresh was quoted saying that they have been able to recover their investment of Rs.1 crore and 30 lakhs and now they are earning profits. Eradane Maduve was not released in Andhra Pradesh because the director Dinesh Babu is in the process of remaking the movie in Telugu.

Eradane Maduve is a comedy
starring Ananth Nag and Suhasini Manirathnam. Prem, Sharan, Tara and Rangayana Raghu also play important roles in the movie. The lead actor Ananth Nag said that such a wonderful response was not expected.

However, producer Rajiv was disappointed at the removal of the film from some theaters in spite of receiving good collection. This comedy movie was perfect for the family audiences. The story of the movie deals with a senior government officer and his family including his autocratic wife and three arrogant daughters.

Dinesh Baboo is always known for his light hearted family films. Whenever the director has done films under that genre, he has always found success. Now the director is back with not only a comic-family film called 'Eradane Maduve' (aka `Second Marriage'), but also with the best pair Sandalwood has ever witnessed, ie none other than the wonderful pair of Ananth Nag and Suhasini.

As the title itself suggests, the film tells the comic story of a second marriage. Ananth Nag plays a top ranking official in the Government, while his wife Suhasini is a bank manager. Somehow, both of them opt for second marriage. What all the circumstances that prevail both of them to look outside the marriage and how they are united back is the comic part of the film.

While Ananth Nag and Suhasini play the elderly couple, Prem and Jennifer Kotwal play the younger leads. Well known comedians like Rangayana Raghu, Sharan and others provide ample support. Tara, Navya, Sindhu and others are also the part of star cast.

Like his previous films, Dinesh Baboo takes the responsibility of handling the story, screenplay, dialogues and camera departments besides direction. There is only one song in the film and new comer Jayadev has composed songs for the film.

Guns N' Roses have walked off stage at a gig in Dublin after being booed and having plastic bottles thrown at them by the crowd.

Guns N' Roses bottled off stage in Dublin
By Greg Cochrane Newsbeat music reporter
Page last updated at 08:31 GMT, Thursday, 2 September 2010 09:31 UK



Guns N' Roses have walked off stage at a gig in Dublin after being booed and having plastic bottles thrown at them by the crowd.

Fans were upset after Axl Rose's band arrived nearly an hour late.

The singer was forced to stop the O2 set 20 minutes in during Welcome To The Jungle and said: "Here's the deal: One more bottle and we go home."

Last weekend band caused controversy after trying to play over their curfew at the Reading and Leeds festival.

Guns' appeal.

After being hit by two or three missiles, speaking from the stage in Dublin after halting Welcome To The Jungle mid song, Rose said: "It's up to you. We would like to stay. We want to stay. We want to have some fun.

"If you don't want to have fun, all you've got to do is let us know. We've got no problem - we'll go on our way."

Following the walk off a member of staff at the venue addressed the audience and said: "We're trying hard to get Axl to come back on stage. I will ask you to refrain from throwing items. I promise you a great show, but you need to be calm."

After a break of 60 minutes the band did return to to the stage at 2330 to play a set which continued until 1am to the fans who remained in the venue.

A joint statement issued by promoters MCD and the O2 has apologised to fans for the late running but added: "No artist should be subjected to missiles and unknown substances being thrown at them."

After attempting to play through their extended curfews at Reading and Leeds Axl Rose declared "war" on the promoters as he left the stage on Sunday (29 August).

Festival organiser Melvin Benn replied by saying he would book the band again but "wasn't sure they'd play for me".

Comic Eddie Kadi can command vast crowds at his live shows. Why has he attracted so little mainstream attention?

The most famous comedian you've never heard of
By Jon Kelly BBC News Magazine
4 September 2010 Last updated at 01:10 GMT



Comic Eddie Kadi can command vast crowds at his live shows. Why has he attracted so little mainstream attention?

On Saturday evening, The 02 Arena - one of London's largest venues - plays host to a comedian who can draw in audiences by the thousands.

Taking the step up onto the big stage is a performer who has already played to packed-out crowds at the 1,200-capacity Hackney Empire, the 2,000-capacity 02 Indigo Arena and the 3,500-seater Hammersmith Apollo.

His name? Eddie Kadi.

If you haven't heard of him, you're in good company. A search on the Lexis Nexis newspaper database reveals that he has, so far, received just a handful of mentions in the national press.

So how can a performer be this popular but escape mainstream attention?

In the past, black comics like Gina Yashere - who relocated from east London to Los Angeles because of what she said was a lack of opportunity - have bemoaned the paucity of breaks available to those with non-white faces.

But 27-year-old Kadi insists that racism, subtle or overt, has never been an issue for him - and cites the popularity of Lenny Henry and Chris Rock among British audiences as proof that nothing is holding him back.

"To be honest with you, I don't think there are any barriers," he says. "I've played Jongleurs [a major comedy venue] to mostly white crowds and gone down really well. We need to stop thinking of ourselves as victims."

Nor is his brand of humour in any way edgy or difficult. He says his main influences are Michael McIntyre, Lee Evans and Jonathan Ross.

His sets are purposefully wholesome and family-friendly - the consequence, he says, of his mum coming along to all his shows. "I like a lot of alternative comedians," he says. "But if she heard any swearing from me, she'd be going, 'What's all this profanity, I want a refund!'"

Most of his audiences come from Britain's African-Caribbean community. Yet while his on-stage anecdotes rely on his experiences growing up amid west London's African community - Kadi emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo aged eight - little of his material is overtly culturally specific.

"People relate to having embarrassing parents, getting an education, giving it all that but being a softy inside - these are the things I joke about, and you don't have to be black or white to get any of it," he insists.

Kadi's 02 show will, to some extent, be something of a publicity stunt - he expects to only sell around 8,000 tickets in a venue which can hold up to 23,000. But his crowd will still be one for which most British comedians would kill.

Initially, he says, the owners of the 02 scoffed when he suggested playing there, and suggested he try out the smaller Indigo Arena first. He sold it out, twice.

Dr Oliver Double, a former comic who teaches stand-up at the University of Kent, says it is far from uncommon for comedians to do extremely well within Britain's thriving black comedy circuit yet fail to attract the attention of promoters and the press.

"There have been black comedians who have had a big following within the black community but were unknown outside of that," Dr Double says.

"But what's also the case is that audiences in one part of the country don't know what's going on in another if journalists and the media don't tell them, and unfortunately coverage of comedy is quite fashion-led."

Veteran comedian Felix Dexter - whose CV takes in Absolutely Fabulous, the Real McCoy, the Fast Show and Grumpy Old Men - agrees that the fickleness of critics and promoters rather than racism is to blame for performers like Kadi having to flourish under the radar.

But he is confident that the power of the web will overcome this.

"I love comedy and I don't want to sound embittered," he says. "But comedy is all about cliques and it's clear that there are certain power groups within it, like Oxbridge for instance.

"However, with the internet people can reach out beyond the traditional channels, with Facebook and Twitter they can create something which goes viral.

"And if you can fill up major venues, you're a viable proposition - people are going to take notice. I think there are going to be a lot more Eddie Kadis."

When he takes the stage on Saturday, Eddie Kadi will hope to show the world that there is only one.

The 70-year-old had previously been barred from leaving Australia over an unpaid multi-million dollar tax bill.

Paul Hogan given leave to return to US
3 September 2010
Last updated at 08:26 GMT



Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan has reached an agreement with tax authorities in Australia allowing him to return to his home in the US.

The 70-year-old had previously been barred from leaving Australia over an unpaid multi-million dollar tax bill.

His lawyer said a deal had been reached following a "cordial and co-operative" meeting with tax officials.

Hogan was served an Australian Taxation Office order last month after returning to Sydney for his mother's funeral.

Earlier this week, the actor told Australia's Nine network he was unable to pay "10% of what they're asking".

"I don't have, and never had, the money people think I got," he continued.

It is claimed the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is seeking tax on A$37.5m (£22.1m) of allegedly undeclared income from Hogan.

Hogan has denied claims he has put tens of millions of dollars in film royalties in offshore tax havens.

"Mr Hogan is pleased to announce that the parties have reached agreement on terms... which will allow Mr Hogan to return to his family," Hogan's lawyer said on Friday.

"While the Commissioner and Mr Hogan remain in dispute on more general taxation issues, Mr Hogan continues to protest his innocence and denies any wrongdoing."

The former TV star became an international celebrity after playing wily bushman Mick "Crocodile" Dundee in 1986.

Crocodile Dundee went on to become Australia's most successful film, spawning two sequels.

Hogan now lives in Los Angeles with actress wife Linda Kozlowski, his co-star in the Crocodile Dundee films.

The ATO has made no statement about his case, saying it does not comment on individual taxpayers.

Despite reports that shoes and eggs were thrown at Blair, police could not confirm whether anything was thrown at him,Video

Arrests made at Blair booksigning in Dublin
By the CNN Wire Staff September 4, 2010 --
Updated 1149 GMT (1949 HKT)



Dublin, Ireland (CNN) -- Police made a "small number" of arrests in Dublin where former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was due to sign copies of his autobiography Saturday, a spokesman for Ireland's national police service said.

Despite reports that shoes and eggs were thrown at Blair, police could not confirm whether anything was thrown at him, and video from inside the store showed him unscathed, without any stains on his jacket.

A crowd of people, some of them anti-war protesters, gathered outside the shop to protest Blair's role in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A line of police wearing fluorescent yellow jackets kept them back from the street in front of the Eason bookshop in central Dublin.

Blair: Bush world view had 'immense simplicity'

Dozens of police were on duty in the street outside the bookshop since early Saturday and sections of the main thoroughfare were cordoned off to traffic.

Blair's book, "A Journey," describes his time in office, including his decision to go to war in Iraq. All proceeds from the book are going to the Royal British Legion, Blair has said.

Season 11 of Dancing with the Stars is right around the corner.

Brooke Burke: 5 Reasons You’ll Get Voted Off Dancing with the Stars
September 4, 2010


Season 11 of Dancing with the Stars is right around the corner. And while folks like David Hasselhoff, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and Bristol Palin are prepping to perfect (or at least learn) the Paso Doble, the show’s co-host (and season 7 champ) Brooke Burke has some tips for the new cast, which she calls “eclectic” and “exciting.” In between going up against everyday poker players for FOX’s PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge, airing Sept. 19, the TV personality gives PEOPLE her keys to success on ABC’s hit show.

Here are five things NOT to do on DWTS, according to Burke:

1. DON’T LOOK SCARED … EVEN IF YOU’RE SCARED S—-LESS.
“Even if you’re terrified, don’t look scared, because if you’re not having fun, you’re not fun to watch,” Burke tells PEOPLE, referencing her pal Kate Gosselin. “If you let the stress get the best of you, you have no chance. And that’s easier said than done. I’ll go on the record and say dancing was the scariest thing I’ve ever done — ever.”

2. DON’T FIGHT WITH YOUR PARTNER—BECAUSE IT WILL AIR
Last season brimmed with caught-on-tape feuds between (not only) Kate Gosselin and Tony Dovolani, but also Jake Pavelka and Chelsie Hightower. “We love dramatic packages, and I say that with love and humor,” Burke says. “I totally know that Dancing with the Stars is like a prearranged marriage, and you’re going to fight. But my advice — not that anyone on the show ever has any privacy — [is] be sure your fights won’t make air.”

3. DON’T PISS OFF ME AND TOM BERGERON
Even though Burke says she’s never personally encountered problems with contestants, she says, “I know I get them in their most vulnerable moments when they’ve been heavily critiqued, and sometimes they don’t want to talk.” But Burke, who describes herself and Bergeron as contestants’ “life line to vote,” says, “That’s the time between contestants and the viewers to be really real. Let people root for you and support you and be part of the process with you.”

4. DON’T FORGET TO EAT
Nothing affects a contestant’s scores like their ability to dance. And Burke says a big part of being able to move has to do with what you eat. “You’re so stressed out that you can’t keep weight on,” she says. “You’re doing cardio eight hours a day, so you can’t keep any calories. But it’s also hard to dance on a full stomach. It’s more challenging than it sounds. But you have to eat.” Burke says she managed her Dancing diet by “eating high-calorie protein shakes with maybe peanut butter or banana—fattier than I would normally make,” adding, “At night, pastas for some energy and some extra bulk, because no one can keep weight on, on that show. It isn’t a bad thing necessarily, but you don’t want to get too skinny.”

5. ACCEPT CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM FROM THE JUDGES
“Don’t be defensive,” Burke says. “The judges really do want everybody to do amazing. As harsh as it is, usually what the judges are saying is true.” But if anyone understands the difficulty of accepting such critiques, it’s Burke, herself. “It’s really hard to put your heart and soul into something and stand there and be criticized in front of people,” she says. “It’s humiliating and deflating, [but] I think that’s what’s exciting about the show — seeing peoples’ true colors. ” –Dahvi Shira

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about the fall. We've got pumpkins, colorful leaves, Halloween, and whatnot.

10 fall movies we can't wait to see
By Olivia Allin, The Frisky September 3, 2010 --
Updated 2115 GMT (0515 HKT)



(The Frisky) -- There are plenty of reasons to be excited about the fall. We've got pumpkins, colorful leaves, Halloween, and whatnot. But the hands-down best thing about fall is that this is the season when the "good" movies come out.

Summer and winter might drop the biggest blockbusters, but the autumn flicks carry a different kind of weight. Maybe because the world is shedding its summer skin and the natural drama of nature lends itself to more heady works? Yeah, maybe not. Whatever the reason, there are some fantastic-looking movies coming out this fall. We are counting down the days until these 10 are released.

The Frisky: 10 stars with bad body habits

1. "The Romantics"
A group of friends who call themselves "the romantics," because of their tendency to have incestuous relationships, gathers to witness the union of two of their own. Laura (Katie Holmes) is the maid of honor to her friend Lila (Anna Paquin), who is marrying the man they've both loved, Tom (Josh Duhamel). It's Holmes' first role in forever, so you know we'll be there. Comes out September 10.

2. "Never Let Me Go"
Based on Kazuo Ishiguro's bestselling novel of the same name, this movie follows three children, Ruth (Keira Knightley), Kathy (Carey Mulligan) and Tommy, as they grow up in an English boarding school and come to terms with the love they feel for each other and the lives that await them. It doesn't sound that interesting when summarized in a sentence, but trust me-the book is incredible. Hits theaters September 15.

The Frisky: 12 celebs who deny getting breast implants despite radical pics

3. "Easy A"
I don't think I could be more giddy about Emma Stone's venture into Hester Prynne territory. This flick is based on "The Scarlet Letter"-only the adultery scandal is staged. Why? For money (for her) and popularity (for him). Doesn't this also sound like "Can't Buy Me Love"? Comes out September 17.

4. "Howl"
James Franco portrays Beat poet and counter-culture icon Allen Ginsberg during his public obscenity trial and leading up to his most well-known work, "Howl." I shouldn't even have to sell you on this one, since James Franco is the undeniably hot star. Begins showing in cinemas September 24.

The Frisky: 10 famous men who chose their mistresses over their wives

5. "The Social Network"
This is the long-awaited tale of how Harvard undergrad and computer programming mastermind Mark Zuckerberg started Facebook and became the youngest billionaire in history. The story is wrought with drama, legal complications, and the looming question of what social networking has done to all of us in general. To which I say, "Bad things." Check it out October 1.

6. "It's Kind of a Funny Story"
Craig Gilner (Keir Gilchrist) is a stressed-out 16-year-old who bikes to a mental health clinic one morning and checks himself in, hoping to stop the noise in his head. The youth ward is closed for the day, so he's placed in the adult ward and an unhinged patient named Bobby (Zach Galifianakis) takes him under his wing. Craig falls for another displaced teen, Noelle (Emma Roberts). Craig is stuck in the ward for the minimum five-days stay but accidentally finds what he needs. Cute. Out October 8.

The Frisky: See Kim Kardashian's celebrity twin

7. "Nowhere Boy"
Growing up in Liverpool and being fought over by his aunt and mother, John Lennon (Aaron Johnson) dreams of starting a rock band and finds a kindred spirit in a young Paul McCartney. You know how this one ends. Look for it on the big screen October 8.

8. "Due Date"
Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) needs to get home in five days, in time for his wife's due date. As he's trying to catch a flight from Atlanta, he runs into aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis) who forces him to take a cross-country road trip with him. Hilarity ensues. It might just be "The Hangover" with Robert Downey Jr. But isn't that enough? Rolling out November 5.

The Frisky: 6 celebrities who are hoarding

9. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
In the first half of the final chapter of the Harry Potter series, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) leave Hogwarts and go off on a quest to destroy the Horcruxes, which hold Voldemort's power and immortality. In 3D, no less! Comes out November 19.

10. "Burlesque"
Ali (Christina Aguilera) runs off to Los Angeles to become a star. She comes across The Burlesque Lounge and manages to eventually wow the un-wowable proprietor, Tess (Cher), and show's current star (Kristen Bell). It might be a shame to admit, but I couldn't care less about Aguilera and Cher. I just want to see Kristen Bell dance! Hits theaters November 24.

Study says 1 in 4 in love with someone else

Earthquake struck near Christchurch, New Zealand, sending people into the streets as windows exploded, water mains broke and buildings crumbled.Videos

No deaths reported after powerful quake strikes New Zealand
By the CNN Wire Staff September 4, 2010 -- Updated 1341 GMT (2141 HKT)


(CNN) -- Officials declared a state of emergency Saturday after a powerful predawn earthquake struck near Christchurch, New Zealand, sending people into the streets as windows exploded, water mains broke and buildings crumbled.

No deaths were immediately reported.

The Christchurch City Council declared a state of emergency in response to what it called "significant damage," just hours after the 7.0-magnitude earthquake rattled residents. The order allows authorities to force evacuations and prohibit entry into areas believed unsafe. Officials in Selwyn, a rural district near where the quake hit, also declared a state of local emergency.

A curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. was in place, and the army was assisting local police to ensure there is no looting.

Roughly 100 people were being treated for minor bumps and cuts after the strong quake, hospital officials said. Two people suffered more serious injuries.
The house felt like it was on wheels, like it was rolling around on marbles," resident Hadlee Wright told CNN's Rick Sanchez.

Pictures that Wright took of the city before daybreak showed collapsed buildings and streets littered with bits of brick and rock. The facade of one structure was almost entirely torn off.

Power was out in the northwest part of the city, while water and sewage services have been affected in several regions, the Christchurch Civil Defense Group said in a statement. Roads were also damaged.



Images taken by Jimmy Le Comte, and sent to CNN's iReport, showed flooding in New Brighton, a Christchurch suburb. In one, a giant crack cuts across a road.

The quake had a magnitude of 7.0, down from an initial assessment of 7.4, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It struck about 35 miles from Christchurch, a city with a population of some 386,000 people on the east coast of South Island.

An aftershock with a magnitude of 5.7 struck not far from the epicenter about 20 minutes later, the survey said.

A man in his 50s was hit by a falling chimney, while another suffered serious injuries after being cut by glass, said Michele Hider, a spokeswoman with Christchurch Hospital.

Sebastian Koga, a hospital neurosurgeon, said roughly 100 people were being treated for minor injuries. He was not aware of any deaths.

"We've had a flood of lacerations and minor head injuries, but nothing that could not be handled," Koga said.

Civil Defense Minister John Carter said the country's prime minister is headed to Christchurch to assess the earthquake damage.

"We don't know entirely what level of issues we're dealing with at the moment. We're still getting reports on it, but it has been extensive," Carter told CNN affiliate TVNZ. "We were lucky that the impact on the people from a death point of view has not been what it could have been under normal circumstances."

The earthquake struck at 4:35 a.m. Saturday (12:35 p.m. ET Friday), when few people would have been out and about. Police said there was some initial looting activity, but that it was quickly brought under control.



A man who was at the international airport in Christchurch described the scene.

"The entire terminal started shaking," he said. "I knew it was an earthquake. There was not much you could do at that point."

Authorities evacuated the airport, he said, adding that he saw minor damage.

Reinier Eulink, general manager of the Holiday Inn in Christchurch, said there is damage around the hotel corridors and "big cracks in the walls."

"It was a big big long jolt, and the building moved a lot," he said. The 13-floor building, with about 150 rooms, was about 40 percent occupied, and he estimated that 80 or more people were staying at the hotel at the time.

Power was knocked out, but emergency power came on, Eulink added. People were milling around in the hotel lobby, trying to get warm during the chilly Southern Hemisphere winter.

The quake was 7.5 miles deep, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the event is not likely to generate a tsunami.

Prime Minister John Key told CNN affiliate TVNZ it would likely be some time before the full cost of the quake could be calculated. He sought to reassure residents.

"We're not going to let Christchurch suffer this great tragedy on its own," said Key.

Officials declared a state of emergency Saturday after a powerful predawn earthquake struck near Christchurch, New Zealand,

No deaths reported after powerful quake strikes New Zealand
By the CNN Wire Staff September 4, 2010 --
Updated 1341 GMT (2141 HKT)




(CNN) -- Officials declared a state of emergency Saturday after a powerful predawn earthquake struck near Christchurch, New Zealand, sending people into the streets as windows exploded, water mains broke and buildings crumbled.

No deaths were immediately reported.

The Christchurch City Council declared a state of emergency in response to what it called "significant damage," just hours after the 7.0-magnitude earthquake rattled residents. The order allows authorities to force evacuations and prohibit entry into areas believed unsafe. Officials in Selwyn, a rural district near where the quake hit, also declared a state of local emergency.

A curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. was in place, and the army was assisting local police to ensure there is no looting.

Roughly 100 people were being treated for minor bumps and cuts after the strong quake, hospital officials said. Two people suffered more serious injuries.
The house felt like it was on wheels, like it was rolling around on marbles," resident Hadlee Wright told CNN's Rick Sanchez.

Pictures that Wright took of the city before daybreak showed collapsed buildings and streets littered with bits of brick and rock. The facade of one structure was almost entirely torn off.

Power was out in the northwest part of the city, while water and sewage services have been affected in several regions, the Christchurch Civil Defense Group said in a statement. Roads were also damaged.

Images taken by Jimmy Le Comte, and sent to CNN's iReport, showed flooding in New Brighton, a Christchurch suburb. In one, a giant crack cuts across a road.

The quake had a magnitude of 7.0, down from an initial assessment of 7.4, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It struck about 35 miles from Christchurch, a city with a population of some 386,000 people on the east coast of South Island.

An aftershock with a magnitude of 5.7 struck not far from the epicenter about 20 minutes later, the survey said.

A man in his 50s was hit by a falling chimney, while another suffered serious injuries after being cut by glass, said Michele Hider, a spokeswoman with Christchurch Hospital.

Sebastian Koga, a hospital neurosurgeon, said roughly 100 people were being treated for minor injuries. He was not aware of any deaths.

"We've had a flood of lacerations and minor head injuries, but nothing that could not be handled," Koga said.

Civil Defense Minister John Carter said the country's prime minister is headed to Christchurch to assess the earthquake damage.

"We don't know entirely what level of issues we're dealing with at the moment. We're still getting reports on it, but it has been extensive," Carter told CNN affiliate TVNZ. "We were lucky that the impact on the people from a death point of view has not been what it could have been under normal circumstances."

The earthquake struck at 4:35 a.m. Saturday (12:35 p.m. ET Friday), when few people would have been out and about. Police said there was some initial looting activity, but that it was quickly brought under control.

A man who was at the international airport in Christchurch described the scene.

"The entire terminal started shaking," he said. "I knew it was an earthquake. There was not much you could do at that point."

Authorities evacuated the airport, he said, adding that he saw minor damage.

Reinier Eulink, general manager of the Holiday Inn in Christchurch, said there is damage around the hotel corridors and "big cracks in the walls."

"It was a big big long jolt, and the building moved a lot," he said. The 13-floor building, with about 150 rooms, was about 40 percent occupied, and he estimated that 80 or more people were staying at the hotel at the time.

Power was knocked out, but emergency power came on, Eulink added. People were milling around in the hotel lobby, trying to get warm during the chilly Southern Hemisphere winter.

The quake was 7.5 miles deep, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the event is not likely to generate a tsunami.

Prime Minister John Key told CNN affiliate TVNZ it would likely be some time before the full cost of the quake could be calculated. He sought to reassure residents.

"We're not going to let Christchurch suffer this great tragedy on its own," said Key.

More than two dozen children were among the hundreds raped by armed rebels in the war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,Video.

Children among hundreds raped in Congo, U.N. says
By the CNN Wire Staff
September 4, 2010 -- Updated 0952 GMT (1752 HKT)



(CNN) -- More than two dozen children were among the hundreds raped by armed rebels in the war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations said.

Twenty-seven minors, including one boy, were among the victims, the U.N. said Friday. One attempted rape was also reported.

The children were among 240 people raped by Rwandan and Congolese rebels who raided villages in North Kivu province between July 30 and August 3, aid groups said. Attackers blocked roads and prevented villagers from reaching outside communications. Many homes were also looted.

Many of the victims were raped by two to six men, according to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping force in the country, raised the number of victims after earlier reports put it at 156.

Since the rapes were first publicly reported on August 22, more victims have come forward, the force said.

The United Nations has said it did not learn about the attacks until August 12, when it was alerted by International Medical Corps.

International Medical Corps said it first told the United Nations about the rapes on August 6.

A July 30 internal U.N. e-mail that was relayed to relief agencies working in the area warned that the rebels had taken over the villages, and had already committed one instance of rape.

The town of Mpofi, 52 kilometers from Walikale, had just fallen into the hands of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a rebel group.

"A woman was raped there," the e-mail said in French. "Humanitarian workers are said not to go there."

On August 10, the United Nations posted an online bulletin saying that 25 women had been raped in the villages, contradicting statements made by U.N. military spokesman Madnoje Mounoubai and special representative Roger Meece.

Asked to explain the discrepancy, deputy U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters this week: "We are aware of the existence of a number of e-mails and we are trying to trace exactly how those e-mails were responded to."

He said that about 80 peacekeepers were conducting patrols in an area about four times the size of Manhattan.

"The question is -- how much area could they cover, and were they able to get into the areas where they needed to be, where the relevant information was?"

U.N. officials have said they will toughen efforts to stop rapes in the region.

"The recent mass rapes underscores the need for an end to impunity for perpetrators of such crimes," said Margot Wallstrom, a U.N. special representative for sexual violence in conflict.

These attacks reinforce that "you cannot have a policy of zero tolerance backed by zero consequences," she said.


Against French President Nicolas Sarkozy, crowds of demonstrators marched through the boulevards of eastern Paris to protest his anti-crime measures.

French protests target president's anti-crime proposals
From Jim Bittermann, Senior International Correspondent September 4, 2010 -- Updated 1715 GMT (0115 HKT)



Paris, France (CNN) -- Hurling insults against French President Nicolas Sarkozy, crowds of demonstrators marched through the boulevards of eastern Paris to protest his anti-crime measures.

Organized by 50 human rights and activist groups, labor unions and political opponents of Sarkozy the cortege of protesters at one point stretched a mile and a half from the Place de La Republique to the Place de la Bastille, where a stained French flag was hung on a central monument. Organizers said 50,000 filled the streets, though police put the official estimate at 12,000.

Referring to France's contentious role in World War II, protesters held up signs such as "Sarkozy, son of Petain," referring to Marshal Philippe Petain, who led the pro-Nazi Vichy regime.

Organizers said about 130 cities in France are seeing similar protests against Sarkozy's so-called crime-busting proposals which have led to the expulsion of more than 8,000 Roma, commonly known as Gypsies.

Saturday's protests erupted after the recent raids against camps in Lyon and other cities that forced out a total of 8,300 Romanian and Bulgarian nationals of Roma origin. Close to 10,000 were expelled in 2009.

Roma are a group of people who live mainly in southern and eastern Europe, often in poverty. They tend to live in camps, caravans, or informal settlements and have been the target of persecution throughout history.

But the Roma are not the sole targets of the recent anti-immigration security measures proposed by the French government, protesters claim.
One must earn French nationality and be worthy of it.

Groups representing other causes voiced their concerns at the Paris rally as well, including advocates of illegal immigrants and demonstrators demanding better housing.

After recent anti-police attacks, the country's parliament is considering new laws to take away French citizenship from naturalized immigrants guilty of crimes like attacks on police, polygamy or female circumcision, traditions associated with some immigrant groups.

Some believe Sarkozy's approach of blaming immigrants for security problems flies in the face of France's democratic fundamentals -- liberty, equality and fraternity.

"He is not fighting crime ... He is deliberately putting into question the basic principles of republican equality, and what is already an extremely serious social and economic crisis now threatens the cohesion of all society," organizations supporting the protests said in a statement posted on the Education Without Borders Network's website Saturday.

When he announced the proposals in July, Sarkozy said French citizenship was a privilege.

"One must earn French nationality and be worthy of it," he said. "Anyone who fires on an agent enforcing order no longer deserves to be French."

Immigration policy has long been a top issue for the conservative Sarkozy. As interior minister, he advocated the deportation of foreign nationals caught in violent riots across France in 2005.

But the recent crackdowns have drawn criticism even within Sarkozy's government. Local media reported that Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said he was shocked by the president's anti-crime proposals.

Last month's ousting of Roma gypsies without valid identity papers -- drew international criticism with some comparing it to the deportation of Jews during World War II. Something the government said was absurd since those being expelled were being sent back to their homelands with financial compensation of 300 euros ($381) per adult and 100 euros ($127) per

child, Frances immigration ministry said.

French officials have said the deportations are part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration.

In his July speech, Sarkozy said France needs better immigration regulations.

"We are suffering from the consequences of 50 years of inadequately controlled immigration that led to a failure of integration," he said. "We are so proud of our system of integration, but perhaps we should wake up to see what it has produced. It has worked. It works no longer."

Angelina Jolie has released a new public service announcement pleading for help in Pakistan.

Angelina launches plea for Pakistani relief
Updated at: 0721 PST, Saturday, September 04, 2010



NEW YORK: Once again using her celebrity to shed light on a needy cause and being the UN’s ambassador, Angelina Jolie has released a new public service announcement pleading for help in Pakistan.

The United Nations Goodwill Ambassador wants financial support to try improve the dire situation resulting from devastating floods affecting a fifth of the country (nearly 17 million people).

Voicing the desperate need for help, Jolie said in the PSA, “This is not just a humanitarian crisis – it is an economic and social catastrophe."

Jolie, who has already given $100,000 to UNHCR's Pakistani flood relief work, added, “The more support we can give, the greater number of tents, food, clean water and medicine will get to the people in need."