Jenjie

Weeeeeeee!! What an exciting match! Am absolutely loving it. Think on effort in the first half USA deserve to win. That Italian red card was spot on. filthy, filthy cheat!!

Kind of. Manchester wasn't mentioned as having trouble, and there was no mention of a Manchester ban in the national news. Why do the ignorant yobs always have to spoil things for everyone else?

Billie Piper to leave Doctor Who Actress Billie Piper is to leave Doctor Who at the end of the current series, the BBC has confirmed. But the corporation refused to comment on reports that her character, Rose Tyler, would die in the final episode. "It has been an amazing adventure and I can confirm it comes to an end, for now at least, as series two climaxes," the former pop star said. Writer Russell T Davies said the Doctor Who team had created "a stunning exit" for Piper's character. "The Doctor Who team have had a whole year to plan this final scene," he said. "We will miss Billie and wish her all the success in the world for her future." Piper, 23, is currently filming a BBC adaptation of Philip Pullman's Victorian thriller The Ruby in the Smoke. "Rose and I have gone on the most incredible journey over the past two years," she said. "I am truly indebted to Russell and to all the Doctor Who fans old and new who have been so supportive." Speculation has been mounting over Rose's future on the programme, although the BBC had previously scotched reports predicting her departure. The series two finale, entitled Doomsday, sees Rose and the Doctor, played by David Tennant, caught up in an invasion that threatens to destroy modern-day Earth. Dave Bradley, editor of SFX Magazine, told the BBC News website there had been "a lot of rumours" regarding Piper's exit. But he said that even if Rose did meet a sticky end, the door would still be open for her to return. "No-one ever stays dead in science-fiction," he said. http://www.bbc.co.uk

The US government gave up to $1.4bn (£760m) in assistance to bogus victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last year, congressional inspectors say. The Federal Emergency Management Agency was tricked into funding hundreds of fraudulent schemes, the report said. Money was spent on American football tickets, a holiday, a divorce lawyer and a sex change operation, it said. The agency has acknowledged mistakes, but says it has only found evidence of fraud worth $16m (£8.6m). More than 1,300 people died when Hurricane Katrina swept across five states last August and more than three-quarters of New Orleans was flooded. Rita also wrought extensive damage after hitting Texas and Louisiana in late September. 'Cemetery' claimant Debit cards handed out by Fema to people displaced by the storms bought diamond jewellery, champagne and erotic videos, the congressional audit discovered. Investigators also found hundreds of claims from false addresses and rental assistance paid to prisoners. A supposed victim who used a New Orleans cemetery for a home address and a person who spent 70 days at a Hawaiian hotel were among the claimants, the report said. The chairman of the House of Representatives subcommittee overseeing the investigation called the bogus spending "an assault on the American taxpayer." "Prosecutors from the federal level down should be looking at prosecuting these crimes and putting the criminals who committed them in jail for a long time," Michael McCaul said. Fema officials said the agency was serious about ensuring that public money is spent wisely. Spokesman Aaron Walker said Fema had "revamped the registration process" and had a contract with a company that would verify immediately the identity and address of anyone for assistance. "We are confident in the system we have in place at this point," Mr Walker said. "We are prepared for the upcoming season." http://www.bbc.co.uk

Educational authorities in the US city of Miami have voted in favour of removing a controversial book about Cuba from the city's school libraries. The book sparked protests from some in the Cuban exile community, but its removal could lead to a legal battle. The Miami Dade School board voted six to three in favour of removing the 32-page geography book A Visit to Cuba from public school libraries. It follows months of campaigning by Cuban exiles to have it removed. They say it portrays an idealised view of life in Cuba - and fails to reflect what they describe as the harsh conditions Cubans have lived under since Fidel Castro came to power in 1959. Legal appeal It first came to the attention of Cuban exile leaders after a young Cuban American student brought the book home and showed it to her father - a Cuban dissident who had served time in prison on the island. He demanded the book's withdrawal, saying it was biased and full of lies. However, the American Civil Liberties Union has already reacted to the move by describing it as a flagrant act of censorship which violates the US Constitution. They say they are going to launch a legal appeal against the ban to force the school board to put the book back in school libraries. Like so many of these issues relating to Cuban politics in Miami, the vote was divided along ethnic lines - with Hispanic board members voting in favour of the ban and all others against. But not all Cubans in Miami support the ban. Some who spoke in favour of it remaining on the shelves accused conservative Cuban exiles of becoming the mirror image of the totalitarian system in Cuba they oppose. http://www.bbc.co.uk

Following your favourite football team in the World Cup via the net has its dangers, research shows. Many websites associated with teams playing in the tournament are infested with spyware and adware found security firm McAfee. The Angolan team has the largest number of risky sites associated with it, found the analysis. Top footballers, such as Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, also have some unsafe sites connected with them. Risky results To gather their statistics McAfee researchers looked at websites hosting screensavers related to the 32 teams competing in the World Cup. This was cross-referenced with data from McAfee's SiteAdvisor software tool. This has scoured almost four million websites to see whether they are safe to visit or if they host spyware and adware that tries to install itself on users' computers. This analysis found that 24% of the sites hosting screensavers for Angola were home to a variety of malicious programs. Some installed software that made unwanted ads pop-up and others led to people receiving a lot of e-mail spam. Second in the list of most dangerous teams to follow were Brazil with 17% of sites hosting potentially risky software. "The vendors of spyware, adware and other unwanted software know how to exploit fans' passions for financial gain," said Chris Dixon, director of strategy for McAfee SiteAdvisor. As well as looking at teams the analysis also ran search results for 736 football players taking part in the World Cup. Again Angola took the top slot with 45% of the sites associated with player Luis Mamona Joao (aka Lama) found to be risky. In total three Angolan players featured in the Top Ten of most dangerous players. About 30% of the sites associated with England's David Beckham and Brazil's Gaucho Ronaldinho were also found to be unsafe. The World Cup has also proved popular with virus writers who have been crafting malicious programs attempting to cash-in on interest in the tournament. http://www.bbc.co.uk

The annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission begins on Friday on the Caribbean island of St Kitts. The indications are that for the first time in 20 years nations which favour whaling may have a majority. The expected shift comes after years of lobbying by Japan to get developing nations to join the IWC. Environmental groups accuse these countries of voting with Japan in return for aid, a charge which the Japanese deny. The basic argument is the same as it has been for years. The self-styled pro-conservation countries led by Australia, New Zealand and the UK, believe whales are intrinsically special animals and should never be killed. In the opposition corner is a bloc led by Japan, which sees things differently. Japan's deputy commissioner to the IWC, Joji Morishita, says the organisation has become too concerned with conservation. Speaking on BBC Five Live Breakfast he said many Japanese people felt the IWC was "arrogant" and that whales could be used on a sustainable basis. This meant "science and probably international law" were on the side of the Japanese, he said. "Many of the Japanese citizens thinks that westerners, (the) outside world, is imposing their own value code on Japan on an emotional basis, and naturally they think they're bullies or... arrogant." He added: "Allowing sustainable use of abundant species while protecting the depleted... we don't see the problem with that. It's exactly the same as conservation and management of any other wildlife or fishery resources." But if the argument is familiar, the balance of power this year looks very different. Changes possible Four countries have just joined, of which three look set to support Japan giving it a majority on paper. That could mean a number of important changes to the IWC. Japan has hinted it may remove programmes aimed at conservation and whale welfare and move towards overturning the 20-year moratorium on commercial whaling, although a vote for resumption of commercial hunting at this meeting itself is highly unlikely. Not every member nation turns up to these meetings, and the actual balance of power will not be known until two key votes scheduled for the opening day. To try to erode Japan's support, environmental groups have been campaigning in some of the small developing nations which traditionally support Japan. A survey commissioned by WWF suggested there was a majority opinion against whaling in all 10 of the Caribbean and Pacific states in which they polled. WWF is urging delegates from those nations to cast their votes accordingly. http://www.bbc.co.uk

Nice to see that the German equivalent of The Sun hasn't changed much then. The Sun neeevvvvvveeeeerrr does anything like that, does it? :dozey:

There's likely to be a new angel in heaven soon. They've taken the very difficult decision to reduce the steroids which were keeping the tumour at bay. Spare a thought or a prayer for Jack tonight.

Gwyneth Paltrow is already planning an acting career for her daughter Apple, even though the tot is only two! The Oscar-winner insists she will support her children, Apple, and Moses, three months, in whatever life they choose, but admits she already sees a career on the stage or silver screen for her eldest child. The Proof beauty says, "My daughter can be quite dramatic. "So I think there is a chance that she'll do something like that (acting) - but I'll support her whatever she wants to do." Source - http://www.itv.com

This month has been full of new-born Hollywood babies. The first in line was undoubltedly the child of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, whose birth in Namibia turned the media up-side down. It is said that for the first pictures of the little Shiloh (name that Angelina chose for her baby) People Magazine payed about 4 million dollars, but these money shall be used for charity purposes. Then there was Rachel Wiesz's baby boy, who came earlier this June. And now it's time for super-star Matt Damon to becom a father, after his wife Luciana Bozan, brought baby Isabella into the world in Miami on Sunday night. Damon's brother Kyle confirmed last night (12.06.06): "The baby is here. Isabella arrived on Sunday." Moreover, Jennifer Allen, Matt's representative, said that "Mother and Isabella are doing fine. The family is very happy and everyone's healthy." . The couple were married Dec. 9 in New York City during a private ceremony attended by the bride's daughter, Alexa, then 7, from a previous marriage. Source: Playfuls.com

I've seen the episode after "the other 48 days", but won't get to see the next episode tonight as its on really late. Not sure when will get the chance to watch it as Ian'll be watching football!!!!

Yay its Lost night again!!! Actually managed to catch up and see last week's E4 episode. Had me in tears by the end, they definitely didn't need words in those end scenes. think I may watch it again tonight on C4

A man has been charged with holding one of the stars of TV castaway drama Lost hostage at his house in Hawaii. Ruben Royce is accused of committing five "home invasion robberies", including one involving actor Josh Holloway, who plays Sawyer on the show. Mr Royce also faces unrelated charges of assault, burglary and vehicle theft, with bail set at $1 million (£541,000). The 21-year-old's lawyer said his client would plead not guilty at his next court appearance later this month. Gunpoint The hostage drama is alleged to have taken place last October, in which Holloway's wife Yessica was also held at gunpoint by an intruder. Holloway made appearances on US drama series CSI and Navy NCIS before securing one of the main roles in Lost. The show is set on a mysterious desert island following a plane crash, and is filmed in Hawaii. It is now in its second season on ABC in the US and on Channel 4 and its sister digital network E4 in the UK. http://www.bbc.co.uk

Violent confrontations that left 16 people injured have marred a screening of England's winning opening World Cup game in London. Several arrests were also made at a showing in Liverpool after what was described as a "mini riot" broke out. As a result police cut the showing, on BBC big screens in Clayton Square, Liverpool and Canary Wharf. Manchester council is reviewing its arrangements after five people were arrested at its BBC screen. The BBC said it was the first time violence had broken out at its screens around England since they went into operation. Six people were taken to hospital in London, but police in Liverpool said the disorder resulted in no injuries. Police said 2,000 people had turned out to see the match in Clayton Square. Up to 6,000 attended the outdoor screening at Canary Wharf. Fans began hurling bottles, cans and other missiles at the screen - also a BBC Big Screen - the crowd and officers during the second half of the match in Liverpool city centre. Stores surrounding the screen locked their doors as police attempted to restore order. Supt Andy Fisher, of Merseyside Police, said: "In the most part, it was good-natured, however a minority of people decided to spoil the event. "This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and individuals can expect to be arrested." Shopworker John Rowland, said "everything just kicked off into a riot". 'Tiny fraction' "It is an absolute disgrace. This is the start of the World Cup - is this what we've got to look forward to? People were terrified," he said. A BBC spokesman said that more than 50,000 people watched the match on the screens around the country. "All but a very tiny fraction of these had the most wonderful day and behaved impeccably," he said. "Clearly we are disappointed that the actions of very small groups disrupted the enjoyment of large numbers of people." He said a review of operations was under way, in consultation with city councils, police and other partners the BBC operates the screens with. http://www.bbc.co.uk

another 10 years of hurt!!! :dozey:

it might just be their new book which is called Ghost hunters, not sure if it has a tv show. I was only asking because Yvette is coming to our store to sign copies of the book in July.

OMG! that's horrific.

is this the Uk show with Yvette Fielding & Derek Acorah? or do you have your own US version?

poor fella, wish him well. but now I have to go and make substitutions on one of my world cup teams already!

posting off-topic in threads wouldn't really be the right starting point, would it?

Just picked up "We Need To Talk About Kevin" again

you postwhore you :P :kiss:

Britons using bargain music download website allofmp3.com have been warned that they are breaking the law. Record industry trade association the BPI said consumers were breaking UK copyright law because allofmp3.com was not licensed to sell recordings. The Russia-based site, which offers albums to download for as little as £1, claims to be licensed. The BPI said it planned to sue allofmp3.com in the UK courts but that users would not be prosecuted. Allofmp3.com is the second most popular download site in the UK, accounting for 14% of downloads, a survey has said. BPI spokesman Matt Phillips said: "There is no doubt it is totally illegal. "It is illegal for them to sell the recordings in Russia or anywhere else because they are not licensed, and UK consumers are infringing copyright law because they are making illegal copies from an unlicensed source." BPI General Counsel Roz Groome on Tuesday told the House of Commons culture, media and sport select committee that allofmp3.com's claims to be legal were false. "We are going to sue allofmp3.com in the UK courts - we are going to seek a judgement not against the users of the site, but against the site itself," she said. Rock bottom Allofmp3.com offers individual tracks for as little as about 4p, compared with about 80p on most sites. "Because it is a professionally put together site it does look legitimate, although it should be obvious from the price that it isn't," Mr Phillips said. "It is able to charge rock bottom prices as it doesn't pay the artists and record companies, whatever it claims." The website says it is licensed by the Russian Multimedia and Internet Society (ROMS) and the Rightholders Federation for Collective Copyright Management of Works Used Interactively (FAIR). But the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) said the ROMS licence was not legitimate and it would not cover consumers in other countries even if it was. It said criminal proceedings were ongoing in Russia related to allofmp3.com. http://www.bbc.co.uk