LOS ANGELES, July 31: ‘Twilight’ star Robert Pattinson says he doesn’t hold grudge against Kristen Stewart although the actress cheated on him back in 2012 when they were still dating.
In an interview, the 28-year-old actor has opened up about his split with his ‘Twilight’ co-star, reported Ace Showbiz.
“It happens, you know?” the British actor said with a laugh when asked about his split with Stewart following her cheating scandal with director Rupert Sanders, who was married to Liberty Ross at the time.
“It’s just young people… It’s normal! And honestly, who cares?”
The actor, however, admits that facing questions about the affair was tough.
“The hardest part was talking about it afterwards. Because when you talk about other people, it affects them in ways you can’t predict,” he said.
“It’s like that scene in ‘Doubt’ (2008, in which Philip Seymour Hoffman plays a priest suspected of inappropriate behaviour), where he’s talking about how to take back gossip? They throw all those feathers from a pillow into the sky and you’ve got to go and collect all the feathers,” Pattinson said. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, July 31: Mentha oil prices edged lower by 0.24 per cent to Rs 694.50 per kg in futures trading today as speculators reduced positions, triggered by lower demand from consuming industries in the spot market.
Higher supplies from Chandouisi in Uttar Pradesh also influenced mentha oil prices.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, mentha oil for delivery in July fell Rs 1.70, or 0.24 per cent to Rs 694.50 per kg in business turnover of 104 lots.
In a similar fashion, the oil for delivery in August contracts shed Rs 1.30, or 0.18 per cent to Rs 709.60 per kg in 226 lots.
Market analysts said the fall in mentha oil prices at futures trade was attributed to trimming of positions by speculators following lower demand from consuming industries in the spot market. (PTI)
LOS ANGELES, July 31: Production on the upcoming eighth season of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ has been postponed as contract negotiations with the five original cast members are still on.
Warner Bros TV has postponed the season 8 production of the CBS comedy as five original stars Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar are still without contracts, reported Ace Showbiz.
“Due to ongoing contract negotiations, production on ‘The Big Bang Theory’-which was originally scheduled to begin today-has been postponed,” the studio says in a statement.
The production was scheduled to kick off, but Parsons, Galecki, Cuoco, Helberg and Nayyar, who have been seeking hefty pay raises, remain without new contracts.
The contract negotiations began in September last year. Parsons, Galecki and Cuoco reportedly ask for up to USD 1 million an episode from their current salary of USD 325,000 per episode, after their co-stars Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch inked new deals that gave them substantial salary increases.
CBS has planned to launch the new season of ‘Big Bang Theory’ on September 22. It’s unknown if the production delay will affect the premiere date. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, July 31: Silver prices declined 0.33 per cent to Rs 45,031 per kg in futures trade today as speculators booked profits amidst a weak trend in the global markets.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver prices for delivery in far-month December traded lower by Rs 148, or 0.33 per cent, to Rs 45,031 per kg in business turnover of four lots.
Similarly, the white metal prices for delivery in September declined by Rs 140, or 0.31 per cent, to Rs 44,340 per kg in business volume of four lots.
In the international market, silver prices traded 0.20 per cent lower at USD 20.57 an ounce in Singapore.
Market analysts said besides profit-booking by participants, a weak trend in global markets as positive US economic data strengthened the case for higher borrowing costs in the world’s largest economy and reduced the appeal for an alternative investment, put pressure on gold prices at futures trade here. (PTI)
Aries : A plain Jane day. Work goes on as usual, and there is progress. But as Ganesha says, it’s an ordinary day. Hum, whistle, doodle, and sip your green tea. While day dreaming, start planning your dream home. After all, that’s where the first plan takes shape.
Taurus : It is more than likely that you will emerge victorious in all your meetings and outings today, predicts Ganesha. Your calm temperament will not let you flinch in the face of pressure. It is in your best interest to take some time to cope with all the stress, advises Ganesha.
Gemini : You are on your way to falling in love. Your parents or children are likely to fetch you substantial gains, financially or otherwise. You may want to make a few changes at work, probably a new business strategy.
Cancer : Today, you will strictly follow your plan book. All Ganesha needs to do to predict your day is take a peep into the book. However, this is only one of those rare days when things go according to plan. You are likely to keep your views to yourself, and will hardly betray what’s on your mind.
Leo : You will attempt to reschedule your daily routine to be able to make the most of your day. While it is easy to make plans, implementing them and sticking to them depends on your own discipline and determination. You will become more aware about health issues and pay closer attention to your diet. You will spend an enjoyable time with your family, says Ganesha.
Virgo : A day to look inside and contemplate. Find peace and prosperity, says Ganesha. Clam up like those oysters and discover the peal within you. A fine helping hand you shall lend today to those who need it, says Ganesha.
Libra : Somebody in a position of power at your workplace may decide to pick on you, just for fun. But your luck is strong, and no one but your own thoughts and misgivings can harm you. You shall find it relatively easy to come out of these troubles; much to the chagrin of those who wish otherwise, predicts Ganesha.
Scorpio : It is about time you learn to deal with frustration in a more healthy manner. The right choice is always the hardest to make. Do not let sentiments sway you into hasty choices because they may feel right, but might also be extremely impractical. There may some strain on your relationship with near and dear ones. Learn to be patient and calm in the face of adversity, advises Ganesha.
Sagittarius : You will enjoy the magic of the Midas touch today, feels Ganesha. In business, sheer brilliance will help you derive the best possible results in productivity and clinching new contracts. Your approach, in general, will be methodical, disciplined and systematic for most part of the day.
Capricorn : You have always been generous by nature, but your benevolent attitude will do you no good, warns Ganesha. People will try, almost blatantly, to take advantage of you, and for once, you will feel that being crafty and unrelenting would have helped kept those blood-sucking leeches at bay. But as the day progresses, you will thank the Almighty for all the precious things he made you the guardian of. Your trust in Him will remain unshaken.
Aquarius : You zoom in on research and development today. Your fabulous work speaks volumes and your commitment pays off. You’re keen to play Romeo today, and all your gimmicks and surprises will work wonders! Love on, says Ganesha.
Pisces : A highly productive day awaits you. You will be driven to succeed, and filled with energy and enthusiasm to achieve your goals. Meetings with your superiors ought to yield some much anticipated results, says Ganesha.
NEW DELHI, July 31: Cardamom prices were down by 0.15 per cent to Rs 916.70 per kg in futures trade today as speculators booked profits at prevailing levels amid sluggish demand in the spot markets.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, cardamom for delivery in August declined by Rs 1.80, or 0.20 per cent to Rs 916.70 per kg in business turnover of 73 lots.
Likewise, the spice for delivery in September contracts shed Rs 1.30, or 0.15 per cent to Rs 884.00 per kg in 15 lots.
Market analysts said besides profit-booking by speculators at prevailing higher levels and subdued demand in the spot markets mainly led to the fall in cardamom prices at futures. (PTI)
TRIPOLI, July 31: Islamist groups have seized the army special forces headquarters in Libya’s Benghazi after days of fighting left at least 35 soldiers dead and plunged the country deeper into lawlessness.
An Islamist and jihadist alliance announced the capture of the main military base in the eastern city in a statement yesterday, which was confirmed by an army official.
Ansar al-Sharia, blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Washington, posted photos on Facebook of dozens of weapons and crates of ammunition it claimed its jihadists had seized from the base.
Libya’s Red Crescent said it had recovered the bodies of 35 soldiers from the base.
“Up to now we have managed to recover 35 bodies. But there are more” to be found, Red Crescent spokesman Mohamed al-Misrati told.
Fighting in Benghazi has claimed about another 60 lives since Saturday, medical officials in the city said.
“Special forces under the command of (Colonel) Wanis Abu Khamada withdrew after several attacks,” said the army official after the biggest loss yet for the armed forces in their fight against the country’s powerful militias.
The special forces are one of the units of Libya’s regular armed forces that support rogue Libyan general Khalifa Haftar, but they have not placed themselves under his command.
Haftar began his offensive against radical Islamist groups in Benghazi, dubbed “Operation Dignity”, in mid-May.
Yesterday, intermittent gunfire was heard in several parts of the city, and protesters managed to peacefully evict members of the “Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries” from Al-Jala hospital that they controlled, an AFP correspondent said.
Former deputy premier and MP Mustapha Abu Shagur was meanwhile freed by his kidnappers, hours after they snatched him from his Tripoli home on Tuesday, his family said.
The kidnapping highlighted the failure of authorities to rein in militias that sprang up during the 2011 uprising which overthrew long-time dictator Moamer Kadhafi.
“Doctor Abu Shagur has been freed. He is tired but in good health,” his nephew Isam al-Naass told.
Libya’s recently elected parliament had been due to meet in Benghazi on August 4 but will instead hold an emergency meeting Saturday in the eastern city of Tobruk, a lawmaker said.
“In light of the dangerous situation in the country we decided to hold an emergency meeting in Tobruk,” east of Benghazi, said Abu Bakr Biira, the MP who was due to preside over the inaugural session.
Amid rising lawlessness, several countries, including Portugal, the Netherlands, Canada and Bulgaria, evacuated citizens or closed their embassies in Tripoli earlier this week. (AGENCIES)
NEW DELHI, July 31: Crude oil futures prices today fell by 0.84 per cent to Rs 5,996 per barrel, as speculators trimmed positions amidst a weak trend in the Asian trade.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for delivery in September shed Rs 51, or 0.84 per cent, to Rs 5,996 per barrel in 176 lots.
The oil for August delivery moved down by Rs 50, or 0.82 per cent, to Rs 6,024 per barrel in volume of 1,868 lots.
The trading sentiment turned weak in futures trade after oil prices tumbled further in Asia as concerns eased that fresh Western sanctions on Russia over Ukraine would have an immediate impact on global oil supplies, analysts said.
Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil for September was down 66 cents at USD 99.61 a barrel, while Brent North Sea crude eased 29 cents to USD 106.22 per barrel in mid-morning trade on the New York Mercantile Exchange. (PTI)
LOS ANGELES, July 31: Actor Kelsey Grammer gave testimony at the parole hearing of Freddie Glenn, a man who kidnapped and killed the actor’s younger sister Karen Elisa Grammer in Colorado Springs.
The 59-year-old actor said via video conference that he forgave the man but didn’t want him to receive parole, reported Ace Showbiz.
“I miss her all the time,” the Emmy-winning star said.
He told Glenn, “I accept that you live with remorse. But I live with tragedy every day. I accept your apology. I forgive you. However, I cannot give your release my endorsement. To give that a blessing would be a betrayal of my sister’s life.”
Karen was killed in 1975. Glenn initially got death penalty after being convicted for her murder and the death of two other men. Colorado Supreme Court later overturned the ruling and sentenced him to life in prison. He has been serving his jail time in Colorado.
Glenn first applied for parole in 2009. In response, Kelsey wrote a letter to the parole board, “She was my best friend and the best person I knew. . . . I loved my sister, Karen. I miss her. I miss her in my bones. I was her big brother. I was supposed to protect her–I could not. … It very nearly destroyed me. When we heard this man might be paroled, the suffering began anew.”
Glenn is allowed to reapply for the third time in three years after his second parole request was denied. (PTI)
Sir,
It is quite disturbing that a number of communal incident occured in the country recently. Whether it is Kashmir, Kathua, Moradabad or Saharanpur. There is urgent need to contain them or these may divide the country on religious lines and tarnish the image of the country in the eyes of world.
The political parties who usually are blamed for inciting people must come forward and maintain communal harmony in the country. They should not do any politicking over religious issues.
The police in tandem with influential citizens must maintain control over mischief mongers, and punish them accordingly. No one whether high or low involved in rioting or arson should be spared.
The communal flare up is like cancer, it should be nipped at the bud. In case that does not happen, it will leave the country asunder. ‘A spark neglected burns the house’ should remind us the consequences of communal disharmony.
Yours etc…
Sanjay Kumar
Bakshi Nagar,
Jammu
