Thursday 1 March 2012

Greek museums to increase security after thefts

Greece's Culture Ministry says it is taking extra security measures at museums across the country after two major thefts in as many months netted antiquities and paintings by 20th-century masters.

Ohio police: 'Seinfeld' actor von Bargen shot self

Police say an actor who played George Costanza's boss on "Seinfeld" and also starred on "Malcolm in the Middle" has shot himself in the head at his suburban Cincinnati apartment.

Comcast launches new streaming video service

Cable TV giant Comcast is launching a new subscription video service that will enable its customers to instantly view movies and TV shows both in and out of the home.

Correction: Obit-Davy Jones story

In a Feb. 29 obituary for singer Davy Jones of The Monkees, The Associated Press misspelled the name of one of the group's television show producers. His name is Don Kirshner, not Kirchner.

Funeral home denies role in Houston casket photo

The owner of the New Jersey funeral home that handled services for Whitney Houston says the home had nothing to do with a photograph that surfaced showing the singer's body in an open casket.

'American Idol' announces 13 finalists

FILE - In this file image released by Fox, judges from left, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson listen to contestants on the singing competition series "American Idol" is down to the top 13 singers.


'American Idol' announces top 13 finalists

FILE - In this file image released by Fox, judges from left, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson listen to contestants on the singing competition series The top 13 singers have been selected on "American Idol."


Infamous 'Carrie' returns but results the same

In this image released by The O+M Company, actress Molly Ranson stars in the title role of the reimagined musical based on Stephen King's novel After what happened to Carrie White the last time she went to the prom, it's a wonder she ever returned. As for those of you in the theater seats, you may wonder why you came at all.


Mariah Carey Named ‘Godmother’ of Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship

The pop superstar and singer of the 1995 hit song “Fantasy” has been named godmother of the new Disney Cruise Line ship named, aptly, the Fantasy. “I christen thee Disney Fantasy,” she said. “May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.” The...

'Housewives' actress says she was stunned when hit

FILE - In this July 27, 2011 file photo, actress Nicollette Sheridan poses for a portrait at during The Television Critics Association 2011 Summer Press Tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. Opening statements began Tuesday Feb. 28, 2012 in Sheridan's trial over her firing from Nicollette Sheridan told jurors on Thursday that she was shocked and humiliated after being struck in the head by the creator of "Desperate Housewives" on the set of the hit ABC show.


Five unforgettable movie parties

"Project X" follows one wild night as a group of high school outcasts throw an epic bash, one they hope will make them popular. Watching other people getting a little out of hand on screen makes you wish you could be there, too â€" you can enjoy yourself vicariously without suffering through a hangover the next day.

Rights group says Tintin publisher's anti-racism 'ambiguous'

French rights group CRAN on Thursday attacked the publisher of the Tintin books for his "very ambiguous" anti-racism after he said he was proud to sell the racially stereotyped 'Tintin in the Congo'.

Irish block murder suspect's extradition to France

An Englishman long suspected of killing a French filmmaker in Ireland won his appeal Thursday against his extradition to France, capping a two-year legal battle that raised troubling questions about Ireland's handling of the case.

'Lost' novel by dead Nobel laureate published

Portuguese Nobel literature laureate Jose Saramago in Madrid in 2009A "lost" novel by Portuguese Nobel literature laureate Jose Saramago which he wrote in the 1950s before he achieved international acclaim has been published nearly two years after his death.


Review: Hangover comes quickly in 'Project X'

In this film image released by Warner Bros., Oliver Cooper, left, and Thomas Mann are shown in a scene from except it never achieves the hilarity of the former or the thrills of the latter.


Justin Long signs up for Broadway debut

FILE - In a Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012 file photo, Justin Long, a cast member in The first new student has been revealed for the Broadway play "Seminar" â€" Justin Long.


Luxury Snacking: Childhood Snacks Get a High-End Makeover

Couch potatoes now have something more exciting to snack on  as the basic grocery store nibbles we grew up on get an epicurean upgrade. Food producers have been pushing the limits of snacking, taking inspiration from popular dinner and dessert recipes.  A love of  General Tso’s chicken might lead you...

Billboard Proposal Wins a ‘Yes’ from New York Woman

Nothing says “I love you” like a giant billboard smack in the middle of a highway, right? That was the go-big-or-go-home approach taken at least by one New York man.  He purchased ad space on a billboard to ask his girlfriend to marry him. Joe...

Box Office Preview: Seuss gets green with 'Lorax'

In this film image released by Universal Pictures, animated character Lorax, voiced by Danny Devito, is shown in a scene from "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax," the beloved author's nod to the environment, should grow a leading $45 million-plus at the domestic box office this weekend as the animated Universal release sprouts on 3,728 screens, including 269 IMAX locations.


Streep gives $10K to Viola Davis' RI student fund

FILE - In this Nov. 18, 2008 photo, Meryl Streep, left, and Viola Davis, cast members in Actress Meryl Streep has donated $10,000 to a Rhode Island scholarship fund in honor of fellow Oscar nominee Viola Davis.


BO Preview: Dr. Seuss to get green this weekend

In this film image released by Universal Pictures, animated character Lorax, voiced by Danny Devito, is shown in a scene from "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax," the beloved author's nod to the environment, should grow a leading $45 million-plus at the domestic box office this weekend as the animated Universal release sprouts on 3,728 screens, including 269 IMAX locations.


Queen, Kate, Camilla take tea at Fortnum & Mason

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, right, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, centre, and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge stand outside the Fortnum and Mason department store for a ceremony to unveil a plaque to commemorate the regeneration of Piccadilly in central London, Thursday, March, 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)Queen Elizabeth II, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall went out for tea Thursday at London's posh Fortnum & Mason store.


Conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart dies in LA

FILE - In this Feb. 11, 2010 file photo, conservative media publisher and activist Andrew Breitbart is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at his home in Los Angeles. Breitbart, who was behind investigations that led to the resignations of former Rep. Anthony Weiner and former Agriculture Department official Shirley Sherrod, died Thursday, March 1, 2012 in Los Angeles. He was 43. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)Caustic commentator Andrew Breitbart was loved by conservatives who championed his viral Internet exposes that brought down politicians, and hated by others who said he selectively used the truth to do it.


Italian singer-songwriter Lucio Dalla dies at 68

FILE - In this Friday, Sept. 5, 2008 file photo, Italian singer Lucio Dalla arrives for the screening of the movie 'Il Seme Della Discordia' at the 65th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice. Lucio Dalla died of a heart attack, aged 68 in Montreaux, Switzerland, Thursday, March 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, file)His musical roots were in jazz, but his songs ranged from folk to pop to classical to opera, creating a soundtrack beloved by generations of Italians.


Loved and hated, Breitbart dies in LA at 43

FILE - In this Feb. 11, 2010 file photo, conservative media publisher and activist Andrew Breitbart is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at his home in Los Angeles. Breitbart, who was behind investigations that led to the resignations of former Rep. Anthony Weiner and former Agriculture Department official Shirley Sherrod, died Thursday, March 1, 2012 in Los Angeles. He was 43. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)Caustic commentator Andrew Breitbart was loved and hated.


French stiletto king takes red soles to dance at Crazy Horse

Christian Louboutin, the French designer whose red soles and teetering high heels make female fashionistas swoon, has taken his shoes to dance at the Crazy Horse, the Paris cabaret that insists its strip show is art.

Review: 'Clawback' is worth the investment

In this book cover image released by Viking, "Clawback" (Viking), by Mike Cooper: Wall Street greed and revenge collide in "Clawback," an intriguing thriller from Mike Cooper.


Last madam of infamous Texas brothel dies at 84

This 1978 photo shows Edna Milton Chadwell posing outside of the Broadway Theater where she was appearing in the musical based on her past, The last madam of the infamous Texas brothel that inspired the movie "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" has died. She was 84.


Streep gives $10K to Viola Davis' student fund

CORRECTS NAME TO VIOLA DAVIS -- Meryl Streep, right, is congratulated by Viola Davis before accepting the Oscar for best actress in a leading role for “The Iron Lady” during the 84th Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep has donated $10,000 to a Rhode Island scholarship fund in honor of fellow Oscar nominee Viola Davis.


Bristol Palin to star in Lifetime reality series

FILE - In this April 30, 2011 photo, Bristol Palin arrives for the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington. Bristol Palin's home life in Alaska is the subject of a reality series starring the daughter of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Lifetime says it will air 10 episodes of Bristol Palin's home life in Alaska is the subject of a reality series starring the daughter of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.


Conservative publisher Breitbart dies in LA at 43

FILE - In a Saturday July 31, 2010 file photo, conservative media publisher and activist Andrew Breitbart speaks to the audience at the Conservative media publisher and activist Andrew Breitbart, who was behind investigations that led to the resignations of former Rep. Anthony Weiner of New York and former U.S. Agriculture Department official Shirley Sherrod, has died in Los Angeles. He was 43.


Russia's artists enter political fray in elections

In this 2012 photo an art work entitled In Vladimir Putin's Russia, artists have done art and left politics to the politicians.


Maria B.

Fashion designer, Maria Belal, known as Maria B, has rocked the catwalks with her hip and glamorous designs, not only in Pakistan but also in Paris, Milan and New York.

Queen, Kate, Camilla tour Fortnum & Mason

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, right, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, centre, and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge stand outside the Fortnum and Mason department store for a ceremony to unveil a plaque to commemorate the regeneration of Piccadilly in central London, Thursday, March, 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)Queen Elizabeth II, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall went out for tea Thursday at London's posh Fortnum & Mason store.


Estelle: It's hard to perform R&B music in the UK

FILE - In this Oct. 17, 2011 file photo, singer Estelle attends the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research Estelle said she left the United Kingdom to pursue her career in America because performing R&B music back home was too tough.


Telecoms groups fight back against free messaging

Corporate Vice President of Windows Web Services, Antoine Leblond attends the Windows 8 Consumer Preview presentation during a press conference at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. A test, or beta, version of the revamped operating system has been unveiled Wednesday in Barcelona, nudging it a step closer to its anticipated release next fall. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Just past the security gate for the world's largest cell phone trade show in Barcelona, executives of big mobile carriers can't avoid walking past a booth they would probably rather not see: It's for "Pinger," a small California company that offers free texting in the United States and Germany and has global expansion plans.


Adnan Pardesy

Fashion designer Adnan Perdesy has enthralled fashionistas in a very short span of time with his creative imagination, and he surely knows how to transform that imagination into beautiful outfits.

Samar Mehdi

Since its establishment in 1996, Samar Mehdi label has been growing to become one of Pakistan’s finest labels, which showcases both Pret and Couture and accessories including handbags and shoes.

Teejays

Created and established by mastermind fashion designer, Tanwir Jamshed, who has certainly become a legend in his own lifetime, TEEJAYS is recognized as the most prestigious fashion brands of Pakistan.

British galleries buy Renaissance masterpiece

Britain's National Gallery and the National Gallery of Scotland said Thursday they have raised 45 million pounds ($72 million) to buy a Renaissance masterpiece that has been in the U.K. for 200 years and to keep it on public display.

Tibetan writer says China blocks her from award

Poet Tsering Woeser is seen on a computer screen, top, during an online video chat with The Associated Press in Beijing, China, Thursday, March 1, 2012. The outspoken Tibetan writer said Chinese authorities prevented her from receiving a cultural award Thursday at the Dutch ambassador's residence in Beijing. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)An outspoken Tibetan writer said Chinese authorities prevented her from receiving a cultural award Thursday at the Dutch ambassador's residence in Beijing.


Monkees' heartthrob Davy Jones dies in Fla.

FILE - This June 4, 1967 file photo shows The Monkees posing with their Emmy award at the 19th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Calif. The group members are, from left to right, Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz. Jones died Wednesday Feb. 29, 2012 in Florida. He was 66. Jones rose to fame in 1965 when he joined The Monkees, a British popular rock group formed for a television show. Jones sang lead vocals on songs like Before there was MTV, before "American Idol" made overnight stars of people you never heard of, there was "The Monkees," a band fronted by a diminutive singer named Davy Jones who was so boyishly good looking that teenage girls swooned the first time they ever saw him.


How TV made heartthrob out of Monkees' Davy Jones

FILE - This June 4, 1967 file photo shows The Monkees posing with their Emmy award at the 19th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Calif. The group members are, from left to right, Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz. Jones died Wednesday Feb. 29, 2012 in Florida. He was 66. Jones rose to fame in 1965 when he joined The Monkees, a British popular rock group formed for a television show. Jones sang lead vocals on songs like Before there was MTV, before "American Idol" made overnight stars of people you never heard of, there was "The Monkees," a band fronted by a diminutive singer named Davy Jones who was so boyishly good looking that teenage girls swooned the first time they ever saw him.


Ayesha Kamil

Fashion Designer Ayesha is the fresh addition to the roster of Pakistani fashion designers, with her unique and youthful designs she has gained success in a short period of time.

Belgian man arrested in LA for alleged stalking

Authorities say an alleged stalker traveled from Belgium to Los Angeles in the hopes of getting close to comedian Esther Povitsky, who has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel's late night television show.

Correction: Arts Las Vegas story

In a story Feb. 26 about Las Vegas' growing arts community, The Associated Press incorrectly described the venue where the Las Vegas Philharmonic has long performed. The venue is a concert hall.

Libas

Pakistani fashion brand Libas is the name of perfection and purity carried forth by internationally recognized Pakistani fashion designer Sehyr Saigol who is a very familiar name in Pakistani fashion industry.

Nomi Ansari

Fashion designer Nomi Ansari has no doubt introduced a new range of different Saries. Fashion designer Nomi displayed his designs by many top class Fashion models, Film stars, and Showbiz stars,