Hurt Mischa Decides to Get In Shape

TV star Mischa Barton, who shot to fame because of her role in The O.C, has been feeling down in the dumps lately.
Reports have it that she’s very “hurt” over being left out of the promo shots of her new TV series, The Beautiful Life.
Mischa has been left out of the racy shots, in which the other cast members are barely wearing anything.
That’s not that surprising, considering Mischa’s excessive partying, out of whack lifestyle, and subsequent bloating, and sources say she’s aware of it.
It seems like some good did come out of it though, because Mischa is now more keen than ever to get back to her former svelte self, and has even joined a gym which she visits daily.
Sources say she’s been looking healthier and happier than she has in a long time.
Too bad then, that the show just got pulled off the air because of mixed reviews and poor viewership.
Uh-uh, that's not going to help matters at all. Let's hope Mischa doesn't take it too hard, and doesn't relapse into her previous out of control ways!

Sources: Star Magazine UK, TheCelebrityCafe.com

Tawam Hospital to Launch Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

Tawam Hospital is going to launch a breast cancer awareness campaign during the whole month of October.
October is typically used to raise awareness about the disease all over the world, and Tawam aims to do the same in the UAE.
The Health Authority of Abu-Dhabi (HAAD), and Abu-Dhabi’s health services organisation (SEWA), are supporting Tawam in its efforts during the coming month.
Although the campaign aims to raise awareness about breast cancer all over the UAE, its activities will be largely concentrated in the cities of Abu-Dhabi and Al-Ain, especially in those areas where awareness is low.
The campaign will educate men, women, and families about breast cancer by highlighting the importance of early detection, regular check-ups, and self examinations.
Tawam hospital is also going to screen women aged 40 and above free of charge, using their mobile mammography van, in the areas they visit.
Lots of family and community oriented activities will also be organised, to make the learning experience fun as well as educational.
There will even be a “Fun Run” at Al Tuwaya Public Park in Al-Ain, and it’s open to anyone who wishes to participate.
As a mark of solidarity, other organisations in the community, including some media organisations, are going to celebrate “Pink Day” on October 26th. Everyone will wear at least one piece of clothing that is pink.
Tawam Hospital wants to make sure people are aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as well as being pro-active about their health. It emphasises the importance of early detection in being able to combat the disease successfully.
They do say prevention is better than cure. Here’s hoping the hospital succeeds in raising awareness, and saving lots and lots of lives.

Source: gulfnews.com

Here Comes the Paan Police! - Special Feature @ DesiVibe.Ca

Most people of South Asian descent are aware of what Paan is. For those who aren’t so sure,
Paan is made of various spices and ingredients that are mixed together and wrapped up in a betel leaf. Tobacco can be added for those who want. There are different types of Paan, each with its own combination of ingredients and unique flavour.
Chewing Paan is an Indian tradition, but has spread to countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Bollywood mega-star, Amitabh Bachan, sang and danced to a song about Paan in the 1978 movie, Don. Decades later, Shahrukh Khan did the same in the movie’s remake.
More recently however, signs of Paan chewing have also been found in Gulf countries like Qatar and the UAE.

For the complete article go to:
http://www.desivibe.ca/special-feature/307-here-comes-the-paan-police

Gwyneth Paltrow's Not So Inspiring T-shirt Line

The good news for Gwyneth Paltrow fans is that ZOEtee’s has launched a collection designed by her.
Gwyneth picked out the fabrics, cuts, and packaging of the clothing line.
The bad news is, the collection is apparently pretty drab and boring, fit only for women who prefer the granny look.
The colours that dominate are sombre ones, like gray and black.
The collection isn’t getting any rave reviews, and is hardly even selling.
Well, what can you expect, Gwynnie? People aren’t going to buy trash just because you have your name on it. Looks like you’re going to have to work harder if you want people to shell out some cash, instead of just slap your name on stuff and hope people will pay for it!

Source: Star Magazine, UK

Rihanna Still Stuck on Chris

Rihanna’s friends say the 21 year old singer is still in love with her ex, Chris Brown, and often cries and tells them she can’t live without him.
Instead of rooting for him to get some jail time for his battering behaviour, Rihanna’s friends say that she was relieved he got off light.
Even though Brown had beaten Rihanna twice before, Rihanna still wishes things between them hadn’t ended.
She was even upset that the judge had ordered Brown to stay at least 50 yards away from her, 10, if they were at the same event.
Rihanna never requested the judge for any such order, and is unhappy about it.
The judge warned Brown that he would face jail time if he disobeyed the order.
While Rihanna is said to be feeling extremely sad and lonely without him, Brown seems to be doing just fine.
A bit too fine, that is, because he was spotted partying with his pals to celebrate getting off so light for his bad behaviour.
Move on, Riri! You can do so much better than a girlfriend beater who doesn’t even have the decency to act ashamed. Instead, he chose to go around painting the town red the same day he received his sentence!
Talk about being an insensitive jerk!

Source: Star Magazine, UK

Britney to Play Lead in Dirty Dancing Remake?

Guess who’s vying for the female lead in the remake of the famous Hollywood flick, Dirty Dancing?
It’s none other than Britney Spears!
Vanessa Hudgens and Jessica Biel are also said to have their hearts set on the role, and are trying hard to get it.
Oh Brit Brit, spare us this once will you?
We’ve already had to endure so many of your train wrecks, that we really don’t have the patience for yet another disaster!

Source: Star Magazine, UK

Sugababes Member Leaves Group

London based English pop group, Sugababes, just announced that its last original member, Keisha Buchanan, will no longer be with the group.
The group’s official webpage confirmed yesterday that singer Jade Ewen will be replacing her.
Keisha, who’s been a member of the group for the last 11 years, said on Twitter that she was sad her time in the group had come to an end, but she’s excited about what the future holds.
Keisha stated that she still has nothing but the best to say about her band mates, and there were no fights or arguments that lead to the decision.
She did admit however, that it was not her choice to leave the band.
Record company, Island Records, has decided to keep Keisha onboard as a solo artist.
It’s clear then, that her exit from the group isn’t because of issues with the record label. But if it is indeed like she claims, and she doesn’t have any conflicts with her band members either, then what could be the reason for her having to leave without wanting to?
Looks like the mysteries just keep coming today!

Sources: perezhilton.com, sugababesuk.com

Sandra Bullock's Strange Choice

Sandra Bullock showed up to the premiere of the movie, All About Steve, in a pretty monstrous creation.
Why she’d buy such an outfit, and then decide to wear it in public, is questionable.
This one is best left to Halloween, or a costume party, where you’re dressed up as some sort of curtain/rag/scarf monster.
What say?

Source: Star Magazine, UK

For a snap of the ugly creation go to: http://www.usmagazine.com/stylebeauty/fashionpolice/photos/sandra-bullock-2009318
If you want more pictures go to:
http://www.celebritysmackblog.com/2009/08/27/sandra-bernhard-all-about-steve-premiere-pics/

Khloe Kardashian to Wed this Sunday(?)

Reality TV star, Kim Kardashian’s sister, Khloe Kardashian, is all set to marry her boyfriend of just a few weeks.
Khloe and NBA player, Lamar Odom, are said to be all set for the wedding this coming Sunday.
Guests were informed over the phone, and the ceremony will take place at a family friend’s house.
When quizzed about her upcoming wedding, Khloe stayed mum, preferring not to confirm or deny anything at all.
What’s the rush people? With most Hollywood marriages biting the dust anyway, why would someone want to take a risk like that?
Go figure.

Source: perezhilton.com

For a picture of the couple visit:
http://perezhilton.com/2009-09-21-khloe-and-lamar-getting-married-on-sunday

MizzPinkx Thought Bubbles - Happy Eid!

We may be as different as the colours of the rainbow, yet Ramadan is a time of contemplation, worship, and doing good for most Muslims.
Here’s hoping this Ramadan was a blessed month for all of us, and that we all learned a thing or two about the true spirit of the season.
Now that the month of fasting is over, it’s time to celebrate.
I hope all of you have a wonderful Eid, surrounded by friends, family, and those you love most.
I'm off now, to do some Eid stuff, and then to attend a dinner at a friend's place.
More later, have fun, and stay safe!
xOxOxO

Calligraphers Produce Authentic Copy of Qur'an in Three Days

In a Ramadan forum for Quranic Calligraphy in Dubai, a team of skilled calligraphers produced a copy of the Holy Qur’an in three days and three nights.
A special ceremony was held at Zabeel Palace in Dubai to honour the calligraphers and the members of the jury who attested to the authenticity of the text.
The calligraphers were praised for their determination and passion in producing an accurate copy of the Qur’an in such a short time.
The copy is said to be exquisitely beautiful and will be displayed at the UAE museum.
Now that’s really taking the spirit of Ramadan to heart, and having something to show for it too!

Source: gulfnews.com

Beggars and Cell Phone Peddlers Try to Take Advantage of Ramadan

Sharjah police arrested 120 beggars, and 40 illegal cell phone peddlers this Ramadan season.
Begging is illegal in the UAE, and beggars often beg in residential areas, ringing doorbells and going from door to door, which can be quite a nuisance for many residents.
Ninety of the beggars were caught during the last three weeks of Ramadan, and they were all between 40 and 50 years of age.
The beggars have now been detained as they are all illegal residents, and will be shipped off to their respective countries.
Meanwhile, illegal cell phone peddlers tried to sell their ill-gotten goods not just in residential, commercial, and industrial areas, but also mosques.
Three of the cell phone dealers were also found selling pornography in residential areas.
The crackdowns were the result of a campaign carried out by the authorities to root out illegal immigrants and residents carrying out illegal activities.
It seems like the beggars were looking to take full advantage of the spirit of the season, hoping that they’d be able to make lots of money off of people’s charitable emotions during the month.
The cell phone peddlers on the other hand, didn’t spare even mosques in their pursuits for illegal gains.
Hopefully now though, they’ll take this Ramadan as a lesson in virtue, and not repeat their mistakes once they’re back in their home countries!

Source: gulfnews.com

New Flamingo Breeding Colony Discovered in Abu Dhabi

A team of biologists from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) recently discovered a breeding colony of flamingos somewhere in the west side of the emirate.
A total of 1,954 flamingo nests were found in the colony, with at least 224 of them currently in use. The rest had already been used, or were abandoned because of a storm in the area.
The EAD team has put the number of flamingos at 18,000, the highest that has ever been recorded in the country.
This is such an important discovery because the birds have only bred twice before in the UAE’s history, once as long as a decade ago.
EAD's biologists were aware of the site’s existence since 2005, after it was located via satellite, and have kept an eye on it since.
The usual number of flamingos during summer time is around 10, 000, so this is a significant jump.
The EAD will be monitoring the area, just to make sure everything’s running smoothly, and also to determine future conservation needs.
The UAE has a diverse array of wildlife, much of which is unfortunately in danger because of increased expansion and development.
Here’s wishing the EAD team lots of luck in their endeavours, as well as lots more flamingo sightings!

Source: gulfnews.com

For more details go to: http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Environment/10348625.html

MizzPinkx Thought Bubbles - On Housework and Staying Positive

One of my pet peeves is doing housework.
I know it sounds lazy and spoilt, but it’s something you get quite used to when living in Gulf countries. House help, whether full or part time, is available readily and easily, and doesn’t involve breaking the bank.
I honestly don't know anyone there who does all their housework themselves.
Cooking, a bit of cleaning, picking up things, sure, but not full on, top to bottom, cleaning the entire house, kind of work.
And when I do have to do it, it leaves me feeling vaguely irritated and annoyed for the rest of the day afterwards. Now that I’m back in Ottawa, I’m finding it particularly hard to break out of my previous luxury filled habits. Not that I have significantly better habits when I’m here, but you know what I mean.
Then again, maybe I just need to remain positive about the whole thing, and hope that one day, I’ll be one of those people who like doing housework. Or more realistically, at least be able to do it without getting into a foul mood.
After all, if a 107 year old woman can set her sights on getting married for a 23rd time (see post below) and start over again, why can’t I just learn to clean a bathroom without getting ticked off?
Which reminds me, I have a suitcase to unpack.
More later, take care, and keep reading!
xOxOxO
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107 Year Old Wants to Say "I do" for 23rd Time

On a lighter note, a 107 year old woman in Malaysia is all set for her 23rd marriage.
This, despite her being currently married to a man who’s 70 years her junior.
Wook Kundor, as she is called, says that she wants to remarry because she fears her husband will go off in search of another, much younger woman.
She says he is currently in drug rehab, and worries that once he gets out, he’ll take full advantage of his improved health.
The only problem is, women generally outlive men, so it might be rather difficult for her to find someone her own age. No harm in trying though, because it seems like she hasn't lost her zest for life, or men, for that matter!

Source: gulfnews.com

18 Die in Stampede in Karachi

In yet some other sad news, at least 18 women and girls died yesterday in a stampede in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi.
The women were gathered in a small building with a tight passageway to collect rations of flour when some of them panicked because of the place becoming increasingly crowded. The ensuing stampede resulted in the casualties. Some of those killed, died because they suffocated in the cramped conditions.
In a country that has been rocked with political and financial instability, such an incident is tragic, but not new.
Pakistan’s government needs to step up and take responsibility before incidents like this become the norm. How much more will it take for the government to shape up?
Innocent civilian lives are lost without anyone being held accountable, and it’s high time that changes. Let’s hope this tragedy was the last in a long line, and not just an indicator of more to come.

Source: gulfnews.com

R.I.P Patrick Swayze

Hollywood actor, Patrick Swayze, who shot to fame with his performance in the movie, Dirty Dancing, passed away yesterday.
He was battling pancreatic cancer, and was 57 years old.
Swayze passed away in L.A with his family by his side. He was battling with the disease since March 2008, and kept working even though he knew the cancer was incurable.
Here’s wishing his family and loved ones lots of strength and courage to get through this tough time.

Source: gulfnews.com

Dog Fight!

When Gerard Butler and his pooch, Lolita, went for a walk recently, the actor’s pug ended up getting attacked by a greyhound. That’s the story according to Butler anyway.
The owners of the greyhound however, insist that's not what happened.

They say Butler’s pug attacked their dog first, and when they told the actor he should have had her on a leash, Butler responded by behaving rather badly.
He not only cussed them out, but also proceeded to hit their dog on the head.
The greyhound’s owners then called the police to file harassment charges against Butler, but by then Butler was nowhere to be found.
Now, now, Gerard, just because your dog was attacked by another one, is no reason for you to behave like one too.

Source: OK! Magazine, UK

Yikes!

Lindsay Lohan had her house broken into last week.
The good news is she didn’t lose any expensive items.
The bad news is, the burglars made off with some items of a “highly personal nature”.
That really is bad news for us, because if some of the tapes and photos are made public, we’re not only going to be subjected to their contents, but will also have to bear the ensuing publicity this will garner for Miss Lohan.
For those of us already sick of seeing her in the tabloids for reasons spanning from her whacked out behaviour to her off and on again girlfriend, DJ Samantha Ronson, this just may be too much to stomach.
Let’s hope the burglars keep the tapes to themselves, using them only to blackmail Lindsay and extort some cash from her.

Source: OK! Magazine, UK

Dumb Doug

Former reality TV star and Paris Hilton’s ex boyfriend, Doug Reinhardt, seems to be very keen on winning back his lady love.
It is reported the two flew off to Hawaii to spend some time together recently, and Reinhardt pampered Paris with everything from luxurious accommodations to pricey gift items.
The only problem is, he can’t afford it.
Apparently, Reinhardt is trying extremely hard to get himself a part on MTV reality show, The Hills. The producers however, don’t share his enthusiasm, and are responding by ignoring all his phone calls and pleas.
Cast members of the show were seen (and heard) making fun of Reinhardt for being so desperate that he’s resorted to “begging” the producers for a role so he can make money to shower his beloved princess with expensive goodies.
Ever heard of self respect, Doug?

And if she doesn’t love you for who you are, she’s not worth loving anyway. Next time, try to find a woman who loves you for you, and not the things you can buy her.

Source: OK! Magazine, UK

Another One

Megan Fox let another one rip recently when she informed everyone that she would "never" make a tape like the kind Paris Hilton is notorious for.
Here’s part of what she said, “Everything you say gets judged, everything you do gets judged. Literally all I have left are my private parts and I don't want to share them with the world. I'd like to keep them private. That's why they're called that!”
Errr, why, thank you Megan, how very thoughtful of you. That’s just what we wanted to hear??
Megan also explained why she doesn’t want to be caught on tape doing certain things, and no, it’s not just because of how indecent that’ll be. Her reasons are best not mentioned here, but if you want to know go to: http://perezhilton.com/2009-09-10-never-say-never-megan

Enjoy??

Sources: perezhilton.com

Dubai Metro Opens Today

The Dubai Metro will be all set for public use starting today. Its launching ceremony already took place yesterday, with members of the ruling family, dignitaries, and other VIPs in attendance.
Employees of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai are already familiar with the Metro and the stations that are on the route currently being opened. RTA employees have been using the Metro and all the facilities at its stations as part of the test-run before its official opening to the public.
The Metro is the world’s largest automated driverless transport system and has 87 trains to carry passengers. The trains will run on two main routes, the Red Line, and the Green Line.
The Red Line has a total of 29 stations, and will be open to the public starting today. The Green Line has 18 stations, and isn’t ready just yet.
It is estimated that all routes and stations of the Metro will be fully functional by 2012.
The Dubai Metro has park and ride facilities that can accommodate thousands of cars, the largest of which has parking for up to 6000 cars.
Passengers have the option of travelling Silver (economy class), Women and Children, and Golden (first class).
The Metro is designed so that people from all walks of life can use it easily, including the elderly and the disabled. All stations and trains are equipped with the tools necessary to facilitate the journey for anyone who wishes to travel by the Metro.
The Metro promises to be a safe, comfortable, and stress-free commute. It also promises to revolutionise the way people travel and think about transport in Dubai, as well as help ease traffic on the roads.

Here’s hoping the Metro succeeds in doing what it aims to!

Sources: gulfnews.com

For more details: http://archive.gulfnews.com/indepth/dubaimetro/puffs/mid_left/10112170.html

For pictures: http://www.gulfnews.com/gngalleries/galleries/10348282.html

What some commuters had to say: http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10347963.html

For reviews and blogs: http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10347206.html

Logitech MX

The world’s leading computer mouse manufacturer, Logitech International, recently announced two new products – the Anywhere Mouse MX, and its larger version, the Performance Mouse MX.The Anywhere Mouse MX promises to eliminate the age old problem notebook users face when using their mouse on different surfaces. Most users know what happens when they try to use their mouse on glass or other glossy surfaces – the mouse simply doesn’t work.

For the complete article go to http://www.desivibe.ca/the-tech-tree/291-logitech-mx

Sources: Gulf News, ZDNet.com, Logitech.com

Megan Fox's Crazy Quote

In Wonderland magazine’s newest issue, Transformers star, Megan Fox, is quoted as saying, “I basically read every book ever written about Marilyn Monroe. I could end up like that because I constantly struggle with the idea that I think I’m a borderline personality—or that I have bouts of mild schizophrenia. I definitely have some kind of mental problem and I haven’t pinpointed what it is.”
Err, Megan, just because you’re beautiful doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to expose your mentally unstable side.
And isn’t assessing mental issues something professionals like psychologists and psychiatrists are supposed to do?
Looks like it really is time you went in to see a good one. Maybe he/she will have better luck at “pinpointing” your exact problem.

Source: perezhilton.com

How Not to be Mistaken for Chris Brown

How NOT to be mistaken for Chris Brown (and get chased down the street by the paparazzi, Rihanna fans, or human rights activists).

Do NOT beat up your girlfriend.
Do NOT say that you forgot that you beat up your girlfriend.
Do NOT claim that you still love your now ex beaten up girlfriend.

Alright, so Brown later admitted he “misspoke” about forgetting that he bashed up Rihanna. Still, how can you misspeak about someone who you most definitely beat the daylights out of?
To top that off, Brown is said to be upset with Larry King for asking him questions which lead to him giving that statement. Looks like Brown really does need to grow up, because if he really wants to be upset at someone, it should be himself.
And just when you think he couldn’t have made matters any worse for himself, he goes ahead and says he still loves Rihanna.
Nice way of showing your love, Chris. Let’s hope you don’t go around showing any more of it in the future. And as a side note, you may want to keep that silly mouth of yours shut, before you make an even bigger train wreck of yourself than you already have.

Sources: peacefmonline.com, perezhilton.com
For details of what Brown said and for a picture of the ex-couple go to: http://showbiz.peacefmonline.com/news/200909/25740.php

Chris Brown's Punishment

Chris Brown recently got his due in an LA courtroom.
The 20 year old R&B singer was sentenced to five years of probation and 180 days of labour service by Judge Patricia Schnegg.
Yes, you got that right, labour service, not community service. That means Rihanna-bashing Brown is going to be doing things that involve actual physical labour like picking up other people’s garbage, washing cars, and keeping certain public areas clean.
He’s also going to have to sit through counselling sessions at a Catholic charity, as well as completing a year long domestic violence course.
Although Brown will be allowed to complete his sentence in his own state of Virginia, he still has to report back in person to the Judge every three months.
That’s probably so he doesn’t "forget" all the things he has to do, just like he "forgot" beating up Rihanna. Or maybe it’s to make sure he doesn’t "forget" and "misunderstand" his sentence, just like he says he "misspoke" about forgetting that he beat Rihanna.
In either case, it’s pretty smart of the Judge to be following up on Brown. Looks like Brown is all set for the next year or so. He'll have plenty of time to think about what he did while he washes cars and picks up trash.
Here’s hoping Brown's sentence gives Rihanna some peace, because reports have it, she’s been feeling really down lately. Her friends say she’s just not the same anymore, and they hardly ever see her smile.
Cheer up, Riri! Maybe you can throw some extra garbage in the areas Brown is responsible for, or send a really dirty car over for him to wash. Anything to make you feel better really!

Sources: gulfnews.com, perezhilton.com

Bird Story

A man in Dubai has confessed to stealing a hundred frozen chickens. The 28 year old chef stole the frozen birdies from the place where he worked.
He sold the stolen birds to a salesman, who claims he didn’t know the illegal nature of their transaction.
The duo was ratted out by one of their night-shift supervisors, who claims the salesman was in the know and was helping the chef in his birdly affairs. They are both being charged, and the trial is currently underway.
Too bad they couldn’t “fly” under the radar on this one.

Sources: Radio 101.6, gulfnews.com

Bye Bye Doggy

The world’s oldest pooch died on Friday, at her owners’ Long Island home in New York. Chanel was 21 years old, the equivalent of 147 in doggy years.
She made her way into the Guinness Book of World Records, and had a birthday bash thrown in her honour by a Manhattan based pet food company. The pooch party was held in May in true doggy style luxury at a dog hotel and spa facility.
Her owners, Denise and Carl Shaughnessy, said she was lively and delightful even in her later years, despite having to wear tinted goggles for her cataracts, and sweaters because of her sensitivity to the cold.
Her owners are sure to miss her, since they had her ever since she was just a six week old dachshund pup.
Perhaps they can take comfort in the fact that at least their pet had a long and healthy life, and went well after her time was due. Her memories will be sure to make them smile every time they think of her though.

Source: gulfnews.com