Potter mirrors Rowling's pain of being orphaned (Go To Top)

   London: In what can be called a tragic irony, Harry Potter author JK Rowling conceived the boy wizard on the day her mother died, after battling with multiple sclerosis for ten years. "I know I was writing Harry Potter at the moment my mother died," she says. "I had never told her about," Rowling was quoted by the Telegraph, as saying. The deep shock of her mother's demise also led to Rowlings pre- occupation with death in the Potter novels, and her loss was also the inspiration for Harry being orphaned at the beginning of the series. "Barely a day goes by when I do not think of her. There would be so much to tell her, impossibly much," she added. Rowling who became an overnight celebrity after her Potter series was devoured by book lovers worldwide, also admitted that she has never been able to cope with celebrityhood. "I have never said this before, but when I was repeatedly asked, 'How are you coping?', I would say 'fine' (but) I was lying to myself. I had lived under a rock for such a long time and suddenly someone had lifted it off and was shining a torch on to me. I was petrified and didn't know how to handle it," she said.

Go veggie to lower your blood pressure (Go To Top)

    Washington: Now there is more reason to go veggie, as a new research has shown that people who eat more protein from vegetables tend to have lower blood pressure. Most adults have either high blood pressure (hypertension) or prehypertensive blood pressure levels. Previous studies have found evidence that meat eaters generally have higher blood pressure than vegetarians. Other research looked directly at the effect of high overall protein intake and found that people with higher total protein intake are likely to have lower blood pressure, the authors report. Paul Elliott, M.B., Ph.D., from Imperial College London, and colleagues analyzed data from the INTERMAP study, which included 4,680 people (2,359 men and 2,321 women) aged 40 to 59 years from four countries. They measured each participant's systolic and diastolic blood pressure eight times at four visits in a three- to six-week period. Judging by their food records and urine samples, those who ate more vegetable protein were more likely to have lower blood pressure than those who ate less vegetable protein. There was no link between total protein intake and blood pressure, in contrast to previous studies. The researchers are unsure exactly how vegetable proteins might affect blood pressure, but note from their data that amino acids may play a role. Some of these building blocks of protein have been shown to influence blood pressure, and different amino acids were present in diets high in vegetable protein than in those that contained more animal protein. Other dietary components of vegetables, such as magnesium, also may interact with amino acids to lower blood pressure. "Our results are consistent with current recommendations that a diet high in vegetable products be part of a healthy lifestyle for prevention of high blood pressure and related chronic diseases," the authors wrote. "Definitive ascertainment of a causal relationship between vegetable protein intake and blood pressure awaits further data from randomized controlled trials, especially regarding the effect of constituent amino acids on blood pressure, " they added.

Sunflowers may harbour HIV cure hopes (Go To Top)

    Washington: Sunflowers could hold the key to finding a cheaper cure for AIDS, as they produce a substance which prevents the AIDS pathogen HIV from multiplying, at least in cell cultures. This is the result of research carried out by scientists at the University of Bonn in cooperation with the Caesar research centre. For several years now the hopes for a completely new group of AIDS drugs have been pinned to what is known as 'DCQA'. However, the substance is only available in very small quantities and is thus extremely expensive. By using the Bonn method it could probably be produced for a fraction of the costs. Agricultural engineer Claudio Cerboncini found that Sunflowers produce anti-bodies to fight a certain kind of fungus, and isolated the antitoxins which the plants produced in response to the fungus. He discovered that the plant also produces dicaffeoyl quinic acid, or DCQA, the highly prized prototype for a new group of AIDS drugs. 'Dicaffeoyl quinic acid can prevent the HI virus from reproducing, at least in cell cultures. 'It is one of the few substances known today which inhibit viral integrase - this is an enzyme which is essential if the pathogen is to reproduce.' In contrast to other enzymes medical experts expect there to be only a few side-effects from such integrase inhibitors," he was quoted as saying. 'We need these substances to expand our arsenal of effective weapons against the disease. It remains to be seen, however, whether they will prove to be as effective in clinical practice as they seem to be at present.' ' Dr. Esther Vogt of the Immunological Out-Patient Service of Bonn University Clinic added DCQA occurs in the artichoke and wild chicory, though in extremely small doses. The market price is therefore currently 1,000 per milligram. ' This knowledge would make mass production of DCQA a distinct possibility. Even now chemists can 'copy' the substance, albeit only with great difficulty.

Splitsville for Hillary Swank (Go To Top)

    Washington: Oscar-winning actress Hillary Swank has decided to split up with her husband of eight years, Chad Lowe. A statement issued by her manager said that the couple had mutually decided to separate, and hoped that they would be able to override the tough times it would bring in its wake. "Hilary and Chad have decided to separate, but they are hopeful they'll be able to get through this tough time," Eonline! quoted the statement, as saying. Swank has won two Best Actress Oscars in her movie career, for Boys Don't Cry in 1999 and 2004's Million Dollar Baby.

Has Leo found love with Lohan? (Go To Top)

   London: Hollywood heartthrob, Leonardo DiCaprio is rumoured to be getting up close and personal with teen-queen, Lindsay Lohan, after a flurry of clandestine meetings round the New Year weekend. Leo, who split with his long-time model girlfriend, Gisele Bundchen, in November, reportedly used caps to cover his face to avoid being detected, whilst Lohan was in hospital following an asthma attack, and showered her with gifts to make her feel better. "Leo visited every night. He would sneak in through a back entrance wearing a cap which covered his face. "He really helped her get through the ordeal. And he showered her with gifts and chocolates to keep her spirits up,"Femalefirst quoted a source, as telling UK's Star Sunday newspaper. And rumour now has it that he is so serious about pursuing his new-found affection for her, that he has decided to meet up with her mother in New York, to make his impression.

Uma Thurman wants her men toilet-trained (Go To Top)

    London: Men who fancy sexy actress Uma Thurman need to check their toilet habits, as the Kill Bill star has reportedly confessed that she can't stand a lover who is a pathetic bathroom user. The sexy blonde, who ditched her ex husband Ethan Hawke after he allegedly had an affair, has claimed that she would rather prefer to be in a relationship with someone who cheats on her, than one who doesn't flush the toilet. "It seems harder and harder to make contact with men, especially for mature women. But it's better to have a relationship with someone who cheats on you than someone who doesn't flush the toilet," Femalefirst quoted her, as telling Britain's Now magazine.

James Bond's 'girls' are all in the family (Go To Top)

    London: History might repeat itself as far as the Bond girls go, as Rachael Stirling, the daughter of Diana Rigg, who married Bond George Lazenby in On Her Majesty's Secret Service in 1969, is being considered by the filmmakers to play new 007 Daniel Craig's love interest in the upcoming film Casino Royale. The 26-year-old British actress starred in BBC lesbian drama 'Tipping the Velvet', a portrayal which made her every gay woman's pinup. "Rachael's dark sultry looks and pedigree as an actress make her a favourite with producers, " The Sun quoted an insider at Bond makers Eon Productions, as saying. "Diana is a legendary Bond girl and bosses think Rachael has the same sexy appeal," she added. Sienna Miller and Mission Impossible II beauty Thandie Newton had also been approached to star as MI6 agent Vesper Lynd, but have reportedly declined the offer.

James Bond does his bit for Middle-East peace (Go To Top)

    Washington: Politics may not be his forte but Hollywood's latest Bond, Daniel Craig recently played peacemaker on the sets of his new movie Munich, by giving an opportunity to Palestinian and Israeli actors to come together for a drink. "It was very inspiring. We did one scene in Beirut and we had young Palestinian actors and young Israeli actors and we all had a drink together that night," he was quoted by Contactmusic,as saying. "It was cause for celebration in some strange way because both Israeli and Palestinian actors said they would never have had this chance to meet each other, even though they lived very close to each other," he added. Craig, who plays a member of a gang of terrorists hired to track and kill the Palestinians responsible for the deaths of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics, insisted actors who would otherwise be on opposite sides joined together for the filming of the movie.

Liz Hurley in a tizzy over her wedding dress (Go To Top)

   London: Hollywood beauty Elizabeth Hurley has found a way to deal with the dilemma of choosing one from her numerous designer friends to design her wedding dress. The actress will simply buy a dress from Debenhams, to avoid hurting her pals by choosing one over the others "If I had a dress designed for me I'd be in absolute agony," she was quoted by the DailyMail, as saying.. "I wouldn't know who to go to. I have so many friends in the fashion business, and I work with so many fabulous people, I'd be in absolute hell. I'd probably make it myself or buy it at Debenhams," she added. Hurley will be travelling to her boyfriend Arun Nayar's native India in February to shoot an ad campaign for her swimwear collection but has refused to say if the couple will wed there. Meanwhile, the Estee Lauder model will make her TV presenting debut on Thursday with Sky One reality show Project Catwalk, in which 12 hopefuls compete to become the next "It" designer.

Liz Hurley to gate-crash Sir Elton's honeymoon (Go To Top)

    Washington: It seems the company of two was not enough for Sir John Elton and his new missus David Furnish, as they have invited their celebrity pal actress Elizabeth Hurley to 'gate-crash' their honeymoon. The happy couple jetted off to Venice for a romantic break over Christmas and the new year, and the pair are reportedly sunning themselves in southern Africa, where they have invited Arun Nayyar's girlfriend to join them. "Elton has invited us to join him and David on their honeymoon in Africa," Ratethemusic quoted Hurley, as saying.

Tarantino terror rules over box-office (Go To Top)

    Washington: Quentin Tarantino's "Hostel" snatched the box-office crown from "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "King Kong", which had been jostling each other in and out of the top slot for the past few weeks, by grabbing an estimated 20.1million dollars over the last weekend. "I'm not surprised," E!Online quoted Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations, as saying. "Horror films are like gold at the box office...audiences love to be scared and enjoy these types of films in the communal environment of the theaters," he added. "Eli Roth has once again delivered a horror film that is gory enough to delight hardcore horror fans and intelligent enough to attract wider audiences," stated Tom Ortenberg, president of Lions Gate. Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media's film, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", ranked second with 15.4 million dollars, in the list of top 10-grossing films, based on estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations, leaving behind Peter Jackson's remake of the 1933 classic "King Kong", which sold tickets worth 12.5 million dollars, to the third spot. In fourth place was Jim Carrey starrer "Fun with Dick and Jane" with 12.2 million dollars, followed by the Steve Martin-fronted sequel Cheaper by the Dozen 2, coming fifth in the race with7.5 million dollars.

   The top-10-grossing films, as per estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations are: 1. Hostel, $20.1 million 2. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, $15.4 million 3. King Kong, $12.5 million 4. Fun with Dick and Jane, $12.2 million 5. Cheaper By the Dozen 2, $8.3 million 6. Munich, $7.5 million 7. Memoirs of a Geisha, $6 million 8. Rumor Has It, $5.8 million 9. Brokeback Mountain, $5.7 million 10. The Family Stone, $4.6 million .

Tarantino livid over 'Casino Royale' snub (Go To Top)

    Washington: 'Kill Bill' director Quentin Tarantino is 'annoyed' with Bond producers for failing to contact him when it came to directing the upcoming flick 'Casino Royale', as the whole idea had been his in the first place. Tarantino said that he should have been the first choice instead of 'Goldeneye' director Martin Campbell, as he was the one to suggest that producers remake Ian Fleming's original 1953 storyline after 'The World Is Not Enough' and 'Die Another Day' screenwriters Robert Wade and Neal Purvis publicly announced they were struggling to write a third script. "I'm annoyed that the James Bond producers never called me to talk about it because I can tell you that they would not be making Casino Royale if I hadnt talked about it first," Contactmusic quoted him, as saying. The Pulp Fiction director said that Bond movie bosses showed a complete lack of courtesy by not calling him first. "They should have called me. Especially since they are taking my idea and they are taking the publicity I gave them towards that idea. They should have at least had the courtesy to have coffee with me," he added.

Allen keeps an eye on Scarlett Johansson's hair (Go To Top)

    Washington: Comedian Woody Allen may not be fashionable himself, but as far as the leading ladies of his films are concerned he is a stickler for perfection. Hollywood beauty Scarlett Johansson who acted in Allen's latest film 'Match Point' has revealed that the director would send her back to her trailer even if a single strand of her hair was out of place. "He'll get this squinty look and cock his head to one side and you think, 'Oh, I just spent an hour and a half in make-up. Don't send me back,' she was quoted by Contactmusic,as saying. "It's funny because he's not particularly fashionable. But the thing about him is that even though he wears the same pants every day, they're made of the finest cotton and perfectly tailored. All of his shirts are handcut," she added.

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