Mexico cuts flu death toll, businesses shut down

MEXICO CITY, May 2: Mexico lowered its estimated death toll from a new strain of flu to up to 101 yesterday from as many as 176 previously and voiced hope it may be getting control of an epidemic that has raised fears of a pandemic.

Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova said laboratory tests on samples from some of the people who died from abnormal fevers in recent weeks came back negative for the new H1N1 virus. He said 16 deaths are confirmed as caused by the swine flu and tests are being run on samples from the other 85 victims.

Cordova cautioned, however, that it was too early to say that Mexico has beaten the new swine flu that has infected people in 15 countries and led to chunks of the economy being shut down to curb the rate of infection.

"For now it’s unpredictable, we don’t have that information," he said, noting that epidemics can often peak again after an initial spurt in infections drops off.

Mexico has released a confusing soup of flu victim data in recent days but public hospitals have noticed a steady drop in the number of patients turning up with severe flu symptoms, suggesting the infection rate is declining.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, also took a calmer tone than in past days, saying the flu outbreak may not be as severe as it looked at first and citing many mild cases that were not immediately noticed.

Fifteen countries have confirmed cases of the new H1N1 swine flu virus. South Korea confirmed its first case at the weekend, a day after Hong Kong reported Asia’s first H1N1 patient and sealed off a hotel where the man had been staying.

Almost all infections outside Mexico have been mild, and only a handful of patients have required hospital treatment.

In Mexico, many businesses were closed for a five-day break on a presidential order to help slow the spread of the disease. The capital’s mayor, Marcelo Ebrard, said emergency measures against the virus were bringing results.

"This has led us to a situation where the numbers are getting better every day," he said. However, he cautioned, "I’m not saying we should let our guard down."

Mexican public hospitals that treat roughly half the country admitted just 46 patients with severe flu symptoms on Thursday, down from 212 patients on April 20.

Cordova said that out of 159 files on suspected flu victims, tests showed 58 had died of other causes.

In Hong Kong, police in surgical masks stood guard at a hotel where a 25-year-old Mexican visitor was staying before becoming the first verified case in Asia, and stopped guests from leaving.

MEXICO WINDS DOWN

The United States, which has the most confirmed infections outside Mexico, now has 145 cases across 22 states after two people fell sick in Florida and one in Connecticut.

The CDC said it had confirmed 97 cases and seven deaths in Mexico blamed on the H1N1 strain. The only death outside Mexico has been a Mexican toddler in the United States.

US President Barack Obama praised efforts to fight the virus. "I think that those who have been on top of this have done an extraordinary job. I’m optimistic that we’re going to be able to manage this effectively but we still have more work to do," he said after a Cabinet meeting.

Much of Mexico shut down until Wednesday to help contain the outbreak. Building sites, car plants, factories, corporate and government offices will let workers stay home and extend a long weekend that began with the May 1 holiday.

The Labor Ministry said it would fine or forcibly close companies that stay open Monday and Tuesday.

Restaurants that would normally cater to families off work were shut as far north as the border city of Tijuana. Ice cream vendors at shuttered parks rued a dearth of clients.

Many families canceled trips to beach resorts, but some felt relieved the death toll seemed to be stabilizing after a week of people wearing face masks and avoiding crowds.

"We are going to keep taking precautions but I feel a little less worried now," said Jessica Santiago, 29, an optometrist walking her dog beside a deserted park.

Washington urged China and Russia to end restrictions on US pork, noting the flu cannot be spread by food.

The WHO has said it would call the new virus strain Influenza A (H1N1), not "swine flu," since there is no evidence that pigs have the virus or can transmit it to humans.

Experts have struggled to explain why so many deaths have occurred in Mexico and nowhere else. Yesterday, the CDC suggested a simple explanation: there are many cases in Mexico, most are mild, and just the bad ones have been seen so far.

Scientists hope to get a clearer picture with data from test kits the CDC sent to Mexico to measure the extent of the illness. Even common seasonal influenza kills an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 people globally every year.

(agencies)

Robert Pattinson’s baby photos unveiled

LOS ANGELES, May 2: Fans of Hollywood heartthrob Robert Pattinson can now fawn over the hunk’s baby photos, which have been published by ‘Life and Style’ magazine.

The three photographs of the ‘Twilight’ star snapped when he was still a little boy were obtained by the magazine and will appear in its latest issue.

The photographs reveal that the dark haired actor is a natural blonde, and show him on a bicycle and eating a sandwich, reported E!Online.

No details have been provided by magazine about when and where the photos were snapped.

The British actor who is currently shooting for the sequel to the hit vampire drama ‘Twilight’, had said in a earlier interview that he had planned to quit acting for a career in music before the opportunity to star in the film came by him. (PTI)

UN’s Ban deplores attacks on journalists around world

UNITED NATIONS, May 2: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement deploring the death, jailing and intimidation of journalists around the world ahead of World Press Freedom Day tomorrow.

"Attacks on journalists remain shockingly high in number," Ban wrote yesterday.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), 41 journalists were killed in 2008 while on the job and 11 have been killed since the start of 2009.

The UN cultural agency UNESCO posthumously awarded Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga-murdered in January-the UNESCO 2009 press freedom prize for his work.

UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura will formally award the prize at a ceremony in Qatar tomorrow.

Ban called on the government of Sri Lanka "to ensure that those responsible for (Wickrematunga’s) murder are found and prosecuted."

The CPJ "also reports that as of 1 December 2008, 125 journalists were in prison. Some have been incarcerated for years and some for more than a decade.

"Three countries-China, Cuba and Eritrea-account for half of those cases," Ban said.

"I urge all governments that have detained journalists to ensure that their rights are fully respected, including the right to appeal and defend themselves against charges," he added. (Agencies)

David Letterman plays nurse to Jennifer Garner

LONDON, May 2: When Hollywood beauty Jennifer Garner turned up for an appearance on ‘The David Letterman Show’ covered in scabby cuts, TV host Letterman took the opportunity to play nurse.

The 37-year-old stunner admitted that she had cut herself quite badly after taking a fall while running and Letterman offered to apply antiseptic cream to her injuries in a bid to speed up the healing process, reported Daily Mail online.

The 62-year-old host then took out a ointment tube and applied it to the cuts on Garner’s legs and elbows, advising her," Leave that on. It will come off in the shower, then put more on."

The actress who is married to ‘Pearl Harbour’ star Ben Affleck revealed that she had an embarrassing fall while running with 3-year-old daughter Violet in a park.

"If you do it when you’re making an action movie, you feel cool. When you do it when you’re just running on a beautiful day in front of a lot of people, you don’t feel so cool," said the actress. (PTI)

Lily Allen snubbed by Joan Collins

LONDON, May 2: It was meant to be a meeting of divas, but Lily Allen’s attempt at befriending yesteryear’s siren Joan Collins was snubbed by the actress as she side stepped the singing sensation.

While Collins had meant the interaction to be restricted to a hello, an enthusiastic Allen bent over to kiss her but the Dynasty legend rebutted saying, "I don’t kiss people I don’t know," reported Daily Mail online.

But the snub did not stop Allen from Twittering about the incident.

"I was just introduced to Joan Collins, shook her hand and went to kiss her on the cheek. Amazing," wrote Allen.

Both Allen and Collins were attending the party thrown to celebrate 100 years of the London store ‘Selfridges’. (PTI)

Joe Jonas idolises Johnny Depp

LOS ANGELES, May 1: Teen heartthrob Joe Jonas of the popular American band ‘Jonas Brothers’ idolises Johnny Depp and has named him as his all time favourite movie star.

The 21-year-old Disney star named the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor as his favourite during an interview with Seventeen magazine.

"Johhny Depp always incorporates music into what he does," said Jonas when explaining the reason behind his admiration for the actor.

As for his favorite book, Jonas named Paulo Coelho’s "The Alchemist" revealing that he might want to "write a book one day".

The singing sensation who is currently dating actress Camilla Belle, also talked about being targeted by ex-girlfriend Taylor Swift, who wrote the chartopping "Forever and Always" about their relationship.

"It’s flattering. It’s always nice to hear their side of the story," said Jonas. (PTI)

Nicole Kidman wants Katie Holmes to have a baby boy

LONDON, May 2: Hollywood beauty Nicole Kidman has called on ex-husband Tom Cruise’s wife to have a baby boy so that her adoptive children get the brother they want.

The Australian actress shares custody of Isabella, 17, and Connor, 14, the two children she had adopted with Cruise during their ten-year-long marriage.

Both Cruise and Kidman had remarried and had children after their 2001 divorce. While the ‘Top Gun’ star has a three year old daughter, Suri, with actress Katie Holmes, Kidman also has a 10-month old daughter, Sunday Rose with country singer Keith Urban.

And after her adopted son expressed the desire to have a brother, Kidman is hoping that Holmes will step up and provide a new tot for the family.

"Connor and Isabella are very adoring of Sunday Rose. They’re used to having a little one around because of Suri. Bella is very maternal. Connor would like one of us to have a boy. Katie?" said the actress during an interview. (PTI)

Gulf Air to cancel Jet lease deal.......

DUBAI, May 2: Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air has walked away from a deal to lease four Boeing 777 aircraft from India’s Jet Airways, citing economic conditions.

Gulf Air said it had an option to lease the aircraft after an existing six-month contract expires, but has decided not to go ahead, the Gulf Daily News reported.

"After careful analysis of various commercial and other business considerations, Gulf Air has decided not to pursue the dry lease option for the foreseeable future," the daily quoted the airline as saying.

Dry leases are contracts under which airlines lease planes without staff.

Gulf Air said in February it had agreed to lease four Boeing 777s as part of its efforts to replace its fleet.

The existing six-month contract is a wet lease agreement, which typically includes staff.

Meanwhile, Gulf Air has placed a USD 270 million order for CFM56-5B engines to power 15 new Airbus A320 family aircraft.

The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2009 and 2013. The carrier has also signed a 10-year On Point Solution agreement of USD 100 million with GE Aviation for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the engines.

"Selecting the CFM56-5B engine demonstrates our continued trust and confidence in this product’s excellent technical capability," said Gulf Air chairman Talal Alzain. (PTI)

Dalai Lama ‘part of solution’ for China: Obama aide.........

WASHINGTON, May 2: China should see the Dalai Lama as "part of the solution" on Tibet instead of trying to isolate him, US President Barack Obama’s top Asia adviser has said.

Jeff Bader, senior director for Asia on the White House’s National Security Council, told the Committee of 100, a Chinese-American group, that it should use its influence in Beijing to encourage a different view of the Dalai Lama.

"I hope that you will use that credibility and those relationships to help persuade Chinese officials that the Dalai Lama is not part of their problem but rather part of the solution to the situation in Tibet," Bader said yesterday.

Beijing brands the Dalai Lama a separatist and has stepped up pressure on world leaders, including Obama, not to meet with him. The Buddhist leader fled to India 50 years ago as China crushed an abortive uprising in Tibet.

The Dalai Lama, an advocate of non-violence, says he is only seeking greater rights for Tibetans under Chinese rule. The Nobel Peace laureate is currently touring the United States, but he does not plan to visit Washington.

Bader acknowledged that human rights have become an irritant in US-China relations-"unsurprisingly, because China’s human rights record, as we know, is poor."

But he said Obama believed the most effective way to persuade China was to lead by example, citing the president’s decision to shut down the widely condemned "war on terror" detention camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. (Agencies)

‘God is busy, can I help?’.........

DUBAI, May 2: A Sri Lankan guitarist got more than he bargained for when he wore a T-shirt that read ‘God is busy...Can I help?’ to a music concert in Bahrain.

He was summoned by police to a Manama station where he was asked to change his T-shirt and his multi band’s concert at a local hotel was cancelled.

The "offensive" T-shirt was confiscated and the guitarist later left the station wearing a new shirt bearing the image of pop star Craig David, the Gulf News said.

The concert, a combination of a rock show and a battle of Gulf-based bands, was in the meantime cancelled allegedly as a result of "inappropriate clothing", causing outrage among the hundreds of fans.

Conservative MPs in the lower house have often cautioned against allowing rock concerts in Bahrain, claiming that many of the people involved were implicated in Satanic practices. (UNI)

Bollywood Pill for male customers at Malay massage parlour...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2: A local massage parlour is offering its male customers an aphrodisiac called "Bollywood Pill", which is supposedly more potent than Viagra and Cialis, a local newspaper said here today.

The pill, which is not registered in Malaysia, has reportedly been smuggled from India and "guarantees a man fierceness in bed", the Malaysian paper ‘Star’ quoting a report in a local daily said.

The Malay tabloid said the Health Ministry had heard about the pill and its pharmacy enforcement team had raided the premises of the parlour last week and found hundreds of those pills, estimated at around Rs 30,000.

"Based on our initial investigation, the product has received positive response among the customers in the massage parlour, with each pill being sold at 50 ringgit (Rs 650) to their customers," the paper quoting an unnamed source said.

The pill is reportedly made from a type of alkaloid extract and is believed to be able to increase a man’s libido.

However, the pill can also reportedly bring about negative side effects to the heart and lower the blood pressure, causing cardiac failure and increasing fat content in the body. It could also cause headaches, stomach disorders, liver disease and blindness or even sudden death, the paper warned. (PTI)

British explorers discover ‘world’s largest cave in Vietnam’..

LONDON, May 2: British explorers have discovered what they claim is the world’s largest cave passage, measuring 650-ft high and 500-ft wide, in Vietnamese jungle.

According to the British team, the Hang Son Doong is larger than the Deer Cave in Sarawak, Malaysia, which at more than 100 yards high and 90 yards wide is currently recognised as the world’s largest cave passage.

"It is a truly amazing sized cave and one of the most significant discoveries by a British caving team. The complete survey is at present being drawn up but initial estimates show the main passage to be 200 metres (656 ft) high in places and possibly greater in some sections.

"Much of the passage width is over 100 metres (328 ft) but certain sections are over 150 metres wide (492 ft)," ‘The Daily Telegraph’ quoted Adam Spillane, a member of the 13-man expedition, as saying.

The British team, which has discovered the cave in mid -April with help from representatives of the Hanoi University of Science, is now in the UK to analyse its findings.

The team spent six hours trekking through the jungle to reach the cave. Climbing down into a large chamber, they had to negotiate two rivers before reaching the main passage of the Hang Son Doong.

Spillane said that the entrance to the cave was first found by a local man, Ho Khanh, in 1991. "Khanh has been a guide for the team in many expeditions to jungle to explore caves and this year he took a team to the cave which had never been entered before by anyone including local jungle men.

"This was because the entrance which is small by Vietnamese cave standards and emitted a frightful wind and noise which was due to a large underground river," he said. (PTI)

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