Buffalo Plane Crash, House Destroyed (VIDEO)

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A commuter plane crashed into a suburban Buffalo home and erupted in flames late Thursday, killing all 48 people aboard and one person on the ground, authorities said.

Flames silhouetted the shattered home after Continental Connection Flight 3407 plummeted into it around 10:20 p.m.

"The whole sky was lit up orange," said Bob Dworak, who lives less than a mile from the crash site. "All the sudden, there was a big bang, and the house shook."

The 74-seat Q400 Bombardier aircraft, operated by Colgan Air, was flying from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey to Buffalo Niagara International Airport in light snow, fog and 17 mph winds.

Dworak said while residents of his neighborhood about 10 miles from the Buffalo airport were used to planes rumbling overhead, this one sounded louder than usual, sputtered and made some odd noises. After hearing the crash, he drove over to take a look, and "all we were seeing was 50 to 100 foot flames and a pile of rubble on the ground. It looked like the house just got destroyed the instant it got hit."

Witness Tony Tatro said he saw the plane flying low and knew it was in trouble.

"It was not spiraling at all. The left wing was a little low," he told WGRZ-TV.

It was the first fatal crash of a commercial airliner in the United States since Aug. 27, 2006, when 49 people were killed after a Comair jetliner took off from a Lexington, Ky., runway that was too short.

Prior to the crash, the voice of a female pilot on Continental Flight 3407 could be heard communicating with air traffic controllers, according to a recording of the Buffalo air traffic control's radio messages shortly before the crash captured by the Web site http://www.liveatc.net. Neither the controller nor the pilot exchange showed any concerns that anything is out of the ordinary as the airplane is asked to fly at 2,300 feet.

A minute later, the controller tries to contact the plane but hears no response. After a pause, he tries to contact the plane again.

Then the controller asks the pilot of a nearby Delta Air Lines plane to see if he can see the Continental flight.

"Delta 1998, look off your right side about 5 miles for a Dash 8 about 2,300 (feet). You see anything there?" he asks.

"Uh, negative," the Delta pilot says.

Houston-based Continental Airlines issued a statement saying that preliminary information showed the plane carried 44 passengers and a crew of four.

"At this time, the full resources of Colgan Air's accident response team are being mobilized and will be devoted to cooperating with all authorities responding to the accident and to contacting family members and providing assistance to them," the statement said.

Chris Kausner, believing his sister was on the plane, rushed to a hastily established command center after calling his vacationing mother in Florida to break the news.

"To tell you the truth, I heard my mother make a noise on the phone that I've never heard before. So not good, not good," he told reporters.

Clarence emergency control director Dave Bissonette said the crash killed one person on the ground.

Manassas, Va.-based Colgan did not immediately return telephone calls.

Federal Aviation Administration investigators will join a team led by the National Transportation Safety Boardthat will be on the scene at first daylight, FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown said from Washington.

Twelve homes were evacuated near the crash site, about 10 miles from the airport. The tail or part of a wing was visible through flames and thick smoke that engulfed the scene.

Two women believed to be residents of the neighborhood were being treated at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital for what were described as non-life threatening injuries, hospital spokesman Michael Hughes said. They were transported by ambulance approximately 11:35 p.m

The crash came less than a month after a US Airways pilot guided his crippled plane to a landing in theHudson River off Manhattan, saving the lives of all 155 people aboard. Birds had apparently disabled both its engines.

On Dec. 20, a Continental Airlines plane veered off a runway and slid into a snowy field at the Denver airport, injuring 38 people.

Continental's release said relatives and friends of those on Flight 3407 who wanted to give or receive information about those on board could telephone a special family assistance number, 1-800-621-3263.

Clarence Center Plane Crash

Plane Crash In Buffalo New York: 50 Lives Feared Lost

A Continental Airlines plane crash in Buffalo, New York, killed 49 people, the Buffalo News said, citing unconfirmed reports from Buffalo Niagra International Airport.

The dead included 44 passengers, four crew members and a person on the ground, the newspaper said.

As many has 50 people may have been aboard the aircraft, the newspaper said, citing County Executive Chris Collins. Crew members reported mechanical problems as the plane approached the airport, the newspaper added.

India to launch cow urine as soft drink (no, we're not taking the p***)

Does your Pepsi lack pep? Is your Coke not the real thing? India's Hindu nationalist movement apparently has the answer: a new soft drink made from cow urine.

The bovine brew is in the final stages of development by the Cow Protection Department of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), India's biggest and oldest Hindu nationalist group, according to the man who makes it.

Om Prakash, the head of the department, said the drink – called "gau jal", or "cow water" – in Sanskrit was undergoing laboratory tests and would be launched "very soon, maybe by the end of this year".

"Don't worry, it won't smell like urine and will be tasty too," he told The Times from his headquarters in Hardwar, one of four holy cities on the River Ganges. "Its USP will be that it's going to be very healthy. It won't be like carbonated drinks and would be devoid of any toxins."

The drink is the latest attempt by the RSS – which was founded in 1925 and now claims eight million members – to cleanse India of foreign influence and promote its ideology of Hindutva, or Hindu-ness.

Hindus revere cows and slaughtering them is illegal in most of India. Cow dung is traditionally used as a fuel and disinfectant in villages, while cow urine and dung are often consumed in rituals to "purify" those on the bottom rungs of the Hindu caste system.

In 2001, the RSS and its offshoots – which include the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party – began promoting cow urine as a cure for ailments ranging from liver disease to obesity and even cancer.

The movement has often been accused of using more violent methods, such as killing 67 Christians in the eastern state of Orissa last year, and assaulting women in a pub in Mangalore last month. It also has a history of targeting foreign business in India, as in 1994, when it organised a nationwide boycott of multinational consumer goods, including Pepsi and Coca Cola.

The cola brands are popular in India, now one of their biggest markets, but have struggled in recent years to shake off allegations, which they deny, that they contain dangerous levels of pesticide.

Mr Prakash said his drink, by contrast, was made mainly of cow urine, mixed with a few medicinal and ayurvedic herbs. He said it would be "cheap", but declined to give further details about its price or ingredients until it was officially launched.

He insisted, however, that it would be able to compete with the American cola brands, even with their enormous advertising budgets. "We're going to give them good competition as our drink is good for mankind," he said. "We may also think of exporting it."

News Source: Times

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26/11 dossier: Pak accepts India's charges

Highlights of the press conference:

Three boats were used for the attack, they have been identified.

The other boats were repainted and ‘Mashallah’ was inscribed on it.

India's evidence is credible: Rehman.

We have asked 30 questions to India in our reply: Rehman

Indian High Commissioner briefed in Pakistan: Rehman.

26/11 links with Spain, Austria and Italy also established: Rehman

Six people are under our custody: Rehman

26/11 links with Spain, Austria and Italy also established.

We have requested India to bring to our notice if there is an Indian who is involved in 26/11.

Some of the accused are linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba

Pakistan wants Ajmal Kasab's statement made in court. It also wants to know how some SIM cards were procured in India, says Rehman.

Nine accused have been named in the FIR of whom six have been arrested.

New Delhi: Pakistan on Thursday responded to India's 26/11 dossier.

Pakistan has lodged an FIR in connection with the Mumbai terror attacks, Interior Ministry Chief Rehman Malik said in a press conference.

Malik also accepted that some part of conspiracy related to the Mumbai attacks was planned in Pakistan.

Three persons have been named in the FIR lodged under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The FIR number is 01/2009 and it was lodged in the Special Investigating Unit in Samba.
Hamad Ameen Sadiq, who facilitated money transfer for the terrorist attack in Mumbai and is the main operative, has also been arrested.

Some bank details too have been zeroed in on. FIA has been able to get the hideout in Karachi and the nearby areas.

Rehman appeased the Indians saying, “People of India, we are with you and with the international community who are against terror attacks. However, we will be requesting some additional response from the Indian Government to strengthen our prosecution.”

Pakistani national Javed Iqbal, who acquired the VoIP phones for Mumbai attackers in Spain, has also been arrested. Rehman even confirmed that the terrorists had bought five SIM cards.

In brief

There are three vital leads in the case - Hamid, the shop from where the boat engine was bought and the bank from where they financed their conspiracy.

26/11 dossier: Pak accepts India's charges

Highlights of the press conference:

Three boats were used for the attack, they have been identified.

The other boats were repainted and ‘Mashallah’ was inscribed on it.

India's evidence is credible: Rehman.

We have asked 30 questions to India in our reply: Rehman

Indian High Commissioner briefed in Pakistan: Rehman.

26/11 links with Spain, Austria and Italy also established: Rehman

Six people are under our custody: Rehman

26/11 links with Spain, Austria and Italy also established.

We have requested India to bring to our notice if there is an Indian who is involved in 26/11.

Some of the accused are linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba

Pakistan wants Ajmal Kasab's statement made in court. It also wants to know how some SIM cards were procured in India, says Rehman.

Nine accused have been named in the FIR of whom six have been arrested.

New Delhi: Pakistan on Thursday responded to India's 26/11 dossier.

Pakistan has lodged an FIR in connection with the Mumbai terror attacks, Interior Ministry Chief Rehman Malik said in a press conference.

Malik also accepted that some part of conspiracy related to the Mumbai attacks was planned in Pakistan.

Three persons have been named in the FIR lodged under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The FIR number is 01/2009 and it was lodged in the Special Investigating Unit in Samba.
Hamad Ameen Sadiq, who facilitated money transfer for the terrorist attack in Mumbai and is the main operative, has also been arrested.

Some bank details too have been zeroed in on. FIA has been able to get the hideout in Karachi and the nearby areas.

Rehman appeased the Indians saying, “People of India, we are with you and with the international community who are against terror attacks. However, we will be requesting some additional response from the Indian Government to strengthen our prosecution.”

Pakistani national Javed Iqbal, who acquired the VoIP phones for Mumbai attackers in Spain, has also been arrested. Rehman even confirmed that the terrorists had bought five SIM cards.

In brief

There are three vital leads in the case - Hamid, the shop from where the boat engine was bought and the bank from where they financed their conspiracy.

26/11 dossier: Pak accepts India's charges

Highlights of the press conference:

Three boats were used for the attack, they have been identified.

The other boats were repainted and ‘Mashallah’ was inscribed on it.

India's evidence is credible: Rehman.

We have asked 30 questions to India in our reply: Rehman

Indian High Commissioner briefed in Pakistan: Rehman.

26/11 links with Spain, Austria and Italy also established: Rehman

Six people are under our custody: Rehman

26/11 links with Spain, Austria and Italy also established.

We have requested India to bring to our notice if there is an Indian who is involved in 26/11.

Some of the accused are linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba

Pakistan wants Ajmal Kasab's statement made in court. It also wants to know how some SIM cards were procured in India, says Rehman.

Nine accused have been named in the FIR of whom six have been arrested.

New Delhi: Pakistan on Thursday responded to India's 26/11 dossier.

Pakistan has lodged an FIR in connection with the Mumbai terror attacks, Interior Ministry Chief Rehman Malik said in a press conference.

Malik also accepted that some part of conspiracy related to the Mumbai attacks was planned in Pakistan.

Three persons have been named in the FIR lodged under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The FIR number is 01/2009 and it was lodged in the Special Investigating Unit in Samba.
Hamad Ameen Sadiq, who facilitated money transfer for the terrorist attack in Mumbai and is the main operative, has also been arrested.

Some bank details too have been zeroed in on. FIA has been able to get the hideout in Karachi and the nearby areas.

Rehman appeased the Indians saying, “People of India, we are with you and with the international community who are against terror attacks. However, we will be requesting some additional response from the Indian Government to strengthen our prosecution.”

Pakistani national Javed Iqbal, who acquired the VoIP phones for Mumbai attackers in Spain, has also been arrested. Rehman even confirmed that the terrorists had bought five SIM cards.

In brief

There are three vital leads in the case - Hamid, the shop from where the boat engine was bought and the bank from where they financed their conspiracy.

81th Oscar Awards 2009 Live Streaming Online - Dates 22nd Feb. 2009 Watch It Live on ABC Television

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After UP, now Andhra MLAs on the rampage

HYDERABAD: A day after MLAs in Uttar Pradesh disrupted the assembly session on Tuesday, pandemonium broke out in the Andhra Pradesh state 

MLAs on the rampage in Andhra Pradesh assembly (Times Now) More Pictures

assembly on Wednesday when a major row broke out between chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and leader of the opposition, TDP's Chandrababu Naidu. 

Reddy challenged Naidu and said he would complain to agencies, if the latter found fault with the companies that were run by his son Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. The Andhra chief minister lashed out at Naidu for casting aspersions on his character and accusing him and his family of being complicit in the Satyam scandal, due to their alleged proximity with the IT firm’s disgraced ex-chief, Ramalinga Raju. 

Reddy also alleged that Heritage Foods, a company promoted by Naidu's family, sold Rs 60 crore worth of land for a mere Rs 3 crore to a subsidiary  Heritage Infra, thereby causing heavy loss to the shareholders. 

Eventually pandemonium broke out in the assembly following which the house was adjourned twice, TV channel Times Now reported. 

Assembly affairs minister Rosaiah introduced motion of suspension of opposition members, following which Speaker Suresh Reddy suspended 55 members. Members, however, refused to leave the House and marshals had to pull the members out of House. In the ensuing scuffle, one TDP MLA P Keshav was injured. 

The Andhra CM had said on Tuesday that there was "nothing amiss" in the companies run by his son and challenged leader of opposition N Chandrababu Naidu to lodge a "complaint" against them if he finds any fault. 

"There is nothing amiss in the affairs of either Sandur Power Company or other subsidiaries floated by my son Jaganmohan Reddy and business partners," the chief minister had said, reacting to the allegations leveled by Naidu during the course of the debate on the Satyam scandal in the assembly. 

He said, "If there is anything wrong, you can approach the proper agencies with your complaint". What's wrong in it? If shares of Sakshi newspaper, floated by Jagan were sold at a higher price than the face value," Reddy added.

After UP, now Andhra MLAs on the rampage

HYDERABAD: A day after MLAs in Uttar Pradesh disrupted the assembly session on Tuesday, pandemonium broke out in the Andhra Pradesh state 

MLAs on the rampage in Andhra Pradesh assembly (Times Now) More Pictures

assembly on Wednesday when a major row broke out between chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and leader of the opposition, TDP's Chandrababu Naidu. 

Reddy challenged Naidu and said he would complain to agencies, if the latter found fault with the companies that were run by his son Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. The Andhra chief minister lashed out at Naidu for casting aspersions on his character and accusing him and his family of being complicit in the Satyam scandal, due to their alleged proximity with the IT firm’s disgraced ex-chief, Ramalinga Raju. 

Reddy also alleged that Heritage Foods, a company promoted by Naidu's family, sold Rs 60 crore worth of land for a mere Rs 3 crore to a subsidiary  Heritage Infra, thereby causing heavy loss to the shareholders. 

Eventually pandemonium broke out in the assembly following which the house was adjourned twice, TV channel Times Now reported. 

Assembly affairs minister Rosaiah introduced motion of suspension of opposition members, following which Speaker Suresh Reddy suspended 55 members. Members, however, refused to leave the House and marshals had to pull the members out of House. In the ensuing scuffle, one TDP MLA P Keshav was injured. 

The Andhra CM had said on Tuesday that there was "nothing amiss" in the companies run by his son and challenged leader of opposition N Chandrababu Naidu to lodge a "complaint" against them if he finds any fault. 

"There is nothing amiss in the affairs of either Sandur Power Company or other subsidiaries floated by my son Jaganmohan Reddy and business partners," the chief minister had said, reacting to the allegations leveled by Naidu during the course of the debate on the Satyam scandal in the assembly. 

He said, "If there is anything wrong, you can approach the proper agencies with your complaint". What's wrong in it? If shares of Sakshi newspaper, floated by Jagan were sold at a higher price than the face value," Reddy added.

After UP, now Andhra MLAs on the rampage

HYDERABAD: A day after MLAs in Uttar Pradesh disrupted the assembly session on Tuesday, pandemonium broke out in the Andhra Pradesh state 

MLAs on the rampage in Andhra Pradesh assembly (Times Now) More Pictures

assembly on Wednesday when a major row broke out between chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and leader of the opposition, TDP's Chandrababu Naidu. 

Reddy challenged Naidu and said he would complain to agencies, if the latter found fault with the companies that were run by his son Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. The Andhra chief minister lashed out at Naidu for casting aspersions on his character and accusing him and his family of being complicit in the Satyam scandal, due to their alleged proximity with the IT firm’s disgraced ex-chief, Ramalinga Raju. 

Reddy also alleged that Heritage Foods, a company promoted by Naidu's family, sold Rs 60 crore worth of land for a mere Rs 3 crore to a subsidiary  Heritage Infra, thereby causing heavy loss to the shareholders. 

Eventually pandemonium broke out in the assembly following which the house was adjourned twice, TV channel Times Now reported. 

Assembly affairs minister Rosaiah introduced motion of suspension of opposition members, following which Speaker Suresh Reddy suspended 55 members. Members, however, refused to leave the House and marshals had to pull the members out of House. In the ensuing scuffle, one TDP MLA P Keshav was injured. 

The Andhra CM had said on Tuesday that there was "nothing amiss" in the companies run by his son and challenged leader of opposition N Chandrababu Naidu to lodge a "complaint" against them if he finds any fault. 

"There is nothing amiss in the affairs of either Sandur Power Company or other subsidiaries floated by my son Jaganmohan Reddy and business partners," the chief minister had said, reacting to the allegations leveled by Naidu during the course of the debate on the Satyam scandal in the assembly. 

He said, "If there is anything wrong, you can approach the proper agencies with your complaint". What's wrong in it? If shares of Sakshi newspaper, floated by Jagan were sold at a higher price than the face value," Reddy added.

UPA Minister charged in murder case

New Delhi: In an embarrassment to the UPA Government, Union Small Scale Industries Minister Mahavir Prasad has been charged with abettment to murder.

The Uttar Pradesh Police has registered a case against him and two others in Gorakhpur.
Prasad, a Congress MP, has been charged of involvement in the murder of one Ramprakat Singh, who was killed over a property dispute on January 28, 2008.

Using his influence, the minister allegedly got a case of accident registered against the two main suspects instead of a murder case.

This was challenged in the Allahabad High Court by the family of the victim.
On the basis of the High Court direction the police has now named Prasad a co-accused.

Who is Mahavir Prasad?

He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Bansgaon in Gorakhpur in 2004.

He has been an MP thrice before, first being elected to the Lok Sabha in 1980.

He has served as a Union Minister of State for Railways and also Mines in previous Congress governments.

He was also the Governor of Haryana from 1995 to 2000.

UPA Minister charged in murder case

New Delhi: In an embarrassment to the UPA Government, Union Small Scale Industries Minister Mahavir Prasad has been charged with abettment to murder.

The Uttar Pradesh Police has registered a case against him and two others in Gorakhpur.
Prasad, a Congress MP, has been charged of involvement in the murder of one Ramprakat Singh, who was killed over a property dispute on January 28, 2008.

Using his influence, the minister allegedly got a case of accident registered against the two main suspects instead of a murder case.

This was challenged in the Allahabad High Court by the family of the victim.
On the basis of the High Court direction the police has now named Prasad a co-accused.

Who is Mahavir Prasad?

He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Bansgaon in Gorakhpur in 2004.

He has been an MP thrice before, first being elected to the Lok Sabha in 1980.

He has served as a Union Minister of State for Railways and also Mines in previous Congress governments.

He was also the Governor of Haryana from 1995 to 2000.

UPA Minister charged in murder case

New Delhi: In an embarrassment to the UPA Government, Union Small Scale Industries Minister Mahavir Prasad has been charged with abettment to murder.

The Uttar Pradesh Police has registered a case against him and two others in Gorakhpur.
Prasad, a Congress MP, has been charged of involvement in the murder of one Ramprakat Singh, who was killed over a property dispute on January 28, 2008.

Using his influence, the minister allegedly got a case of accident registered against the two main suspects instead of a murder case.

This was challenged in the Allahabad High Court by the family of the victim.
On the basis of the High Court direction the police has now named Prasad a co-accused.

Who is Mahavir Prasad?

He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Bansgaon in Gorakhpur in 2004.

He has been an MP thrice before, first being elected to the Lok Sabha in 1980.

He has served as a Union Minister of State for Railways and also Mines in previous Congress governments.

He was also the Governor of Haryana from 1995 to 2000.

Pathan brothers' blitz powers India win

Seems it was a brothers' day out on Tuesday. After Michael and David Hussey scripted Australia's win against New Zealand, India's Pathan brothers -Yusuf and Irfan - snatched a 3-wicket win from Sri Lankan jaws in the one-off T20 match.

Chasing 172 runs, Pathan brothers combined after India were reeling at 115 for 7. They added unbeaten 59 runs in just 4.1 overs with Irfan contributing 33 runs and Yusuf adding 22 runs. Apart from their batting excellence, the brothers shone with the ball as well. Yusuf picked two wickets and Irfan took one. And the elder brother was rightly chosen the 'Man of the Match'.

Pathan brothers' blitz powers India win

Seems it was a brothers' day out on Tuesday. After Michael and David Hussey scripted Australia's win against New Zealand, India's Pathan brothers -Yusuf and Irfan - snatched a 3-wicket win from Sri Lankan jaws in the one-off T20 match.

Chasing 172 runs, Pathan brothers combined after India were reeling at 115 for 7. They added unbeaten 59 runs in just 4.1 overs with Irfan contributing 33 runs and Yusuf adding 22 runs. Apart from their batting excellence, the brothers shone with the ball as well. Yusuf picked two wickets and Irfan took one. And the elder brother was rightly chosen the 'Man of the Match'.

Pathan brothers' blitz powers India win

Seems it was a brothers' day out on Tuesday. After Michael and David Hussey scripted Australia's win against New Zealand, India's Pathan brothers -Yusuf and Irfan - snatched a 3-wicket win from Sri Lankan jaws in the one-off T20 match.

Chasing 172 runs, Pathan brothers combined after India were reeling at 115 for 7. They added unbeaten 59 runs in just 4.1 overs with Irfan contributing 33 runs and Yusuf adding 22 runs. Apart from their batting excellence, the brothers shone with the ball as well. Yusuf picked two wickets and Irfan took one. And the elder brother was rightly chosen the 'Man of the Match'.

Dawood's men hired to kill Qasab, claim Mumbai cops

Mumbai: In an ironic turn of events, the only terrorist of 26/11 captured alive is now facing a death threat from the Dawood gang, apparently a hit ordered by terrorist groups, who fear he is India's most valuable piece of evidence.

The Mumbai police is now increasing security for him, the police also said the chargesheet against Qasab will be filed on February 24; up to 11 countries are also filing charges against him for the killings of their citizens.

Mumbai police says that terror groups in Pakistan may have hired the D-company to kill Qasab in order to eliminate the only living link of the 26//11 attacks to Pakistan.

This information is based on intelligence inputs received in January. It even came up in a meeting with the Union Home Minister on how to strengthen Qasab's security.

Dawood's men hired to kill Qasab, claim Mumbai cops

Mumbai: In an ironic turn of events, the only terrorist of 26/11 captured alive is now facing a death threat from the Dawood gang, apparently a hit ordered by terrorist groups, who fear he is India's most valuable piece of evidence.

The Mumbai police is now increasing security for him, the police also said the chargesheet against Qasab will be filed on February 24; up to 11 countries are also filing charges against him for the killings of their citizens.

Mumbai police says that terror groups in Pakistan may have hired the D-company to kill Qasab in order to eliminate the only living link of the 26//11 attacks to Pakistan.

This information is based on intelligence inputs received in January. It even came up in a meeting with the Union Home Minister on how to strengthen Qasab's security.

Dawood's men hired to kill Qasab, claim Mumbai cops

Mumbai: In an ironic turn of events, the only terrorist of 26/11 captured alive is now facing a death threat from the Dawood gang, apparently a hit ordered by terrorist groups, who fear he is India's most valuable piece of evidence.

The Mumbai police is now increasing security for him, the police also said the chargesheet against Qasab will be filed on February 24; up to 11 countries are also filing charges against him for the killings of their citizens.

Mumbai police says that terror groups in Pakistan may have hired the D-company to kill Qasab in order to eliminate the only living link of the 26//11 attacks to Pakistan.

This information is based on intelligence inputs received in January. It even came up in a meeting with the Union Home Minister on how to strengthen Qasab's security.

Obama: Afghanistan Policies Under Review

President Barack Obama is reviewing U.S. policies in Afghanistan, where he says efforts to build democracy are not going as well as those in Iraq. As VOA's Kent Klein reports from the White House, Mr. Obama also addressed the al-Qaida and Taliban threat in Afghanistan and Pakistan, during his first news conference since taking office. President Obama calls the situation in Afghanistan a "big challenge," and says progress toward democracy there is lagging behind that in Iraq.

• He said, "We just saw an election in Iraq that went relatively peacefully and you get a sense that the political system is now functioning in a meaningful way. You do not see that yet in Afghanistan. They have got elections coming up, but, effectively, the national government seems very detached from what is going on in the surrounding community."
  

'Terrorist Safe-Havens Must Go':

In a nationally televised news conference, the president also said terrorist safe havens along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border must be eliminated. As part of his review, he says he will assess American and multinational diplomatic, economic and military efforts to cooperate toward that end.

• The president said, "In addition, you have got the Taliban and al-Qaida operating in the FATA (Federally Administered Areas of Pakistan) and these border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and what we have not seen is the kind of concerted effort to root out those safe havens that would ultimately make our mission successful."
  

Obama: Afghanistan Policies Under Review

President Barack Obama is reviewing U.S. policies in Afghanistan, where he says efforts to build democracy are not going as well as those in Iraq. As VOA's Kent Klein reports from the White House, Mr. Obama also addressed the al-Qaida and Taliban threat in Afghanistan and Pakistan, during his first news conference since taking office. President Obama calls the situation in Afghanistan a "big challenge," and says progress toward democracy there is lagging behind that in Iraq.

• He said, "We just saw an election in Iraq that went relatively peacefully and you get a sense that the political system is now functioning in a meaningful way. You do not see that yet in Afghanistan. They have got elections coming up, but, effectively, the national government seems very detached from what is going on in the surrounding community."
  

'Terrorist Safe-Havens Must Go':

In a nationally televised news conference, the president also said terrorist safe havens along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border must be eliminated. As part of his review, he says he will assess American and multinational diplomatic, economic and military efforts to cooperate toward that end.

• The president said, "In addition, you have got the Taliban and al-Qaida operating in the FATA (Federally Administered Areas of Pakistan) and these border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and what we have not seen is the kind of concerted effort to root out those safe havens that would ultimately make our mission successful."
  

Obama: Afghanistan Policies Under Review

President Barack Obama is reviewing U.S. policies in Afghanistan, where he says efforts to build democracy are not going as well as those in Iraq. As VOA's Kent Klein reports from the White House, Mr. Obama also addressed the al-Qaida and Taliban threat in Afghanistan and Pakistan, during his first news conference since taking office. President Obama calls the situation in Afghanistan a "big challenge," and says progress toward democracy there is lagging behind that in Iraq.

• He said, "We just saw an election in Iraq that went relatively peacefully and you get a sense that the political system is now functioning in a meaningful way. You do not see that yet in Afghanistan. They have got elections coming up, but, effectively, the national government seems very detached from what is going on in the surrounding community."
  

'Terrorist Safe-Havens Must Go':

In a nationally televised news conference, the president also said terrorist safe havens along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border must be eliminated. As part of his review, he says he will assess American and multinational diplomatic, economic and military efforts to cooperate toward that end.

• The president said, "In addition, you have got the Taliban and al-Qaida operating in the FATA (Federally Administered Areas of Pakistan) and these border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and what we have not seen is the kind of concerted effort to root out those safe havens that would ultimately make our mission successful."
  

Al Qaeda's chilling threat to India

Al Qaeda's Mustafa Abu al-Yazid :A top al-Qaida commander, who was reported killed in a US drone strike last year, has appeared in a video warning India of more Mumbai-style terror attacks if it tried to attack Pakistan.

"India should know that it will have to pay a heavy price if it attacks Pakistan," Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, believed to be al-Qaida's military commander in Afghanistan and ranked behind No 2 Ayman al-Zawahiri, said in a 20-minute video in Arabic received by BBC.

Yazid, who the Pakistani military said may have been killed in fighting last August in the Bajaur tribal region, said: "The Mujahideen will sunder your armies into the ground, like they did to the Russians in Afghanistan.

"They will target your economic centres and raze them to the ground." Yazid denounced the ban on militant groups in Pakistan following the Mumbai attacks and asked the people of Pakistan to rise up and overthrow the government and President Asif Ali Zardari, the BBC reported.

The al-Qaida leader is said to have been involved in a number of terror attacks, including last year's Danish embassy bombings, in Pakistan and had claimed the responsibility of assassinating former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

He was last heard in August 2008 when he confirmed the death of al-Qaida chemical-weapons expert Midhat Mursi al-Sayid Umar.

Al Qaeda's chilling threat to India

Al Qaeda's Mustafa Abu al-Yazid :A top al-Qaida commander, who was reported killed in a US drone strike last year, has appeared in a video warning India of more Mumbai-style terror attacks if it tried to attack Pakistan.

"India should know that it will have to pay a heavy price if it attacks Pakistan," Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, believed to be al-Qaida's military commander in Afghanistan and ranked behind No 2 Ayman al-Zawahiri, said in a 20-minute video in Arabic received by BBC.

Yazid, who the Pakistani military said may have been killed in fighting last August in the Bajaur tribal region, said: "The Mujahideen will sunder your armies into the ground, like they did to the Russians in Afghanistan.

"They will target your economic centres and raze them to the ground." Yazid denounced the ban on militant groups in Pakistan following the Mumbai attacks and asked the people of Pakistan to rise up and overthrow the government and President Asif Ali Zardari, the BBC reported.

The al-Qaida leader is said to have been involved in a number of terror attacks, including last year's Danish embassy bombings, in Pakistan and had claimed the responsibility of assassinating former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

He was last heard in August 2008 when he confirmed the death of al-Qaida chemical-weapons expert Midhat Mursi al-Sayid Umar.

Al Qaeda's chilling threat to India

Al Qaeda's Mustafa Abu al-Yazid :A top al-Qaida commander, who was reported killed in a US drone strike last year, has appeared in a video warning India of more Mumbai-style terror attacks if it tried to attack Pakistan.

"India should know that it will have to pay a heavy price if it attacks Pakistan," Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, believed to be al-Qaida's military commander in Afghanistan and ranked behind No 2 Ayman al-Zawahiri, said in a 20-minute video in Arabic received by BBC.

Yazid, who the Pakistani military said may have been killed in fighting last August in the Bajaur tribal region, said: "The Mujahideen will sunder your armies into the ground, like they did to the Russians in Afghanistan.

"They will target your economic centres and raze them to the ground." Yazid denounced the ban on militant groups in Pakistan following the Mumbai attacks and asked the people of Pakistan to rise up and overthrow the government and President Asif Ali Zardari, the BBC reported.

The al-Qaida leader is said to have been involved in a number of terror attacks, including last year's Danish embassy bombings, in Pakistan and had claimed the responsibility of assassinating former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

He was last heard in August 2008 when he confirmed the death of al-Qaida chemical-weapons expert Midhat Mursi al-Sayid Umar.

The Oscar Nominations 22ndFEB - Oscars Nominations 2009

NOMINEE LIST:-

Actor in a Leading Role
Richard Jenkins (THE VISITOR)
Frank Langella (FROST/NIXON)
Sean Penn (MILK)
Brad Pitt (THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON)
Mickey Rourke (THE WRESTLER)

Actor in a Supporting Role
Josh Brolin (MILK)
Robert Downey Jr. (TROPIC THUNDER)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (DOUBT)
Heath Ledger (THE DARK KNIGHT)
Michael Shannon (REVOLUTIONARY ROAD)

Actress in a Leading Role
Anne Hathaway (RACHEL GETTING MARRIED)
Angelina Jolie (CHANGELING)
Melissa Leo (FROZEN RIVER)
Meryl Streep (DOUBT)
Kate WinsletTHE READER

Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams (DOUBT)
Penélope Cruz (VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA)
Viola Davis (DOUBT)
Taraji P. Henson (THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON)
Marisa Tomei (THE WRESTLER)

Animated Feature Film
BOLT
KUNG FU PANDA
WALL-E

Art Direction
CHANGELING
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
THE DARK KNIGHT
THE DUCHESS
REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

Cinematography
CHANGELING
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
THE DARK KNIGHT
THE READER
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Costume Design
AUSTRALIA
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
THE DUCHESS
MILK
REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

Directing
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
FROST/NIXON
MILK
THE READER
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Documentary Feature
THE BETRAYAL (NERAKHOON)
ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD
THE GARDEN
MAN ON WIRE
TROUBLE THE WATER

Documentary Short
THE CONSCIENCE OF NHEM EN
THE FINAL INCH
SMILE PINKI
THE WITNESS - FROM THE BALCONY OF ROOM 306

Film Editing
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
THE DARK KNIGHT
FROST/NIXON
MILK
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Foreign Language Film
The Baader Meinhof Complex
The Class
Departures
Revanche
Waltz With Bashir

Makeup
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
THE DARK KNIGHT
HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY

Music (Score)
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
DEFIANCE
MILK
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
WALL-E

Music (Song)
"Down to Earth"WALL-E
"Jai Ho"SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
"O Saya"SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Best Picture
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
FROST/NIXON
MILK
THE READER
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Short Film (Animated)
La Maison en Petits Cubes
LAVATORY - LOVESTORY
OKTAPODI
PRESTO
THIS WAY UP

Short Film (Live Action)
AUF DER STRECKE (ON THE LINE)
MANON ON THE ASPHALT
NEW BOY
THE PIG
SPIELZEUGLAND (TOYLAND)

Sound Editing
THE DARK KNIGHT
IRON MAN
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
WALL-E
WANTED

Sound Mixing
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
THE DARK KNIGHT
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
WALL-E
WANTED

Visual Effects
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
THE DARK KNIGHT
IRON MAN

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
DOUBT
FROST/NIXON
THE READER
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Writing (Original Screenplay)
FROZEN RIVER
HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
IN BRUGES
MILK
WALL-E

History of the Academy - Oscar Awards How It Began

In early 1927, during dinner at the home of M-G-M’s studio chief Louis B. Mayer, Mayer and three of his guests – actor Conrad Nagel, director Fred Niblo and producer Fred Beetson – began talking about creating an organized group to benefit the entire film industry. They planned another dinner for the following week, with invitees from all the creative branches of the film industry.

And so, on January 11, 1927, 36 people met for dinner at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles to hear a proposal to found the International Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (“International” dropped from the name soon after). Attendees included many of the biggest names in the industry at the time: Mayer, Mary Pickford, Sid Grauman, Jesse Lasky, George Cohen, Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, Cedric Gibbons and Irving Thalberg. The group supported the concept and things came together quickly. By mid-March of that year, articles of incorporation were presented and the first officers were elected, with Douglas Fairbanks as president.

On May 11, 1927, a week after the state granted the Academy a charter as a non-profit organization, an official organizational banquet was held at the Biltmore Hotel. Of the 300 guests, 230 joined the Academy, paying $100 each. That night, the Academy also awarded its first honorary membership, to Thomas Edison. Initially five branches were established: producers, actors, directors, writers and technicians.

Favorite Oscar® moment - The Streaker

Best Actor Oscar 2009 Prediction

Best Actress Oscar 2009 Prediction

Martin Scorsese winning an Oscar® for "The Departed"

Memorable Moments of Oscars.

Oscars 2009

Oscar Awards Phrases

Everyone watches Oscars because everyone watches Oscars

Faux celebrities

He is well known for being well known.

Oscarcast

Tens of millions of people watch the Academy Awards telecast is because tens of millions of people watch the Academy Awards telecast.

The Only Oscar to Win an Oscar

Oscar Hammerstein II won the Oscar for his song, "The Last Time I Saw Paris," in the movie Lady Be Good (1941).

"And the winner is..." with the phrase "And the Oscar goes to..."

The Statuette

The Oscar statuette stands 13 1/2 inches tall and weights 8 1/2 pounds. It depicts a knight, holding a sword, standing on a reel of film which has five spokes, representing the five original branches of the Academy (actors, directors, producers, technicians, and writers). In 1949, the Academy started to number the statuettes, starting with number 501.

Satyam's Raju gets special facilities in jail

Hyderabad: Satyam Computer Services Ltd's disgraced founder B Ramalinga Raju has been living the life of an ordinary inmate since his arrest on January 9.
Ramalinga Raju has been eating watery dal and rice and sharing toilets with other prisoners.
But now Nampally Criminal Court in Hyderabad has granted him special status allowing him access to facilities that go beyond basic necessities.
So after spending almost a month in Hyderabad's Chanchalguda Jail, Ramalinga Raju finally has something to feel relieved about.
He will now not have to share prison space with petty thieves and ordinary prisoners.
Raju will now be entitled to an individual cell and can also have access to fruits, biscuits and other food items brought by his family.
Raju will also be allowed to read newspapers and books of his choice. His individual cell will be furnished with a cot, mattress, a table, a chair and also have a separate bathroom.
Though Andhra Pradesh Prison Rule does allow allotment of special status to any accused from a respectable educational background and of a certain economic status, the jail superintendent confirmed that it was the first time in 20 years that the status has been awarded to an undertrail.

Satyam's Raju gets special facilities in jail

Hyderabad: Satyam Computer Services Ltd's disgraced founder B Ramalinga Raju has been living the life of an ordinary inmate since his arrest on January 9.
Ramalinga Raju has been eating watery dal and rice and sharing toilets with other prisoners.
But now Nampally Criminal Court in Hyderabad has granted him special status allowing him access to facilities that go beyond basic necessities.
So after spending almost a month in Hyderabad's Chanchalguda Jail, Ramalinga Raju finally has something to feel relieved about.
He will now not have to share prison space with petty thieves and ordinary prisoners.
Raju will now be entitled to an individual cell and can also have access to fruits, biscuits and other food items brought by his family.
Raju will also be allowed to read newspapers and books of his choice. His individual cell will be furnished with a cot, mattress, a table, a chair and also have a separate bathroom.
Though Andhra Pradesh Prison Rule does allow allotment of special status to any accused from a respectable educational background and of a certain economic status, the jail superintendent confirmed that it was the first time in 20 years that the status has been awarded to an undertrail.

Satyam's Raju gets special facilities in jail

Hyderabad: Satyam Computer Services Ltd's disgraced founder B Ramalinga Raju has been living the life of an ordinary inmate since his arrest on January 9.
Ramalinga Raju has been eating watery dal and rice and sharing toilets with other prisoners.
But now Nampally Criminal Court in Hyderabad has granted him special status allowing him access to facilities that go beyond basic necessities.
So after spending almost a month in Hyderabad's Chanchalguda Jail, Ramalinga Raju finally has something to feel relieved about.
He will now not have to share prison space with petty thieves and ordinary prisoners.
Raju will now be entitled to an individual cell and can also have access to fruits, biscuits and other food items brought by his family.
Raju will also be allowed to read newspapers and books of his choice. His individual cell will be furnished with a cot, mattress, a table, a chair and also have a separate bathroom.
Though Andhra Pradesh Prison Rule does allow allotment of special status to any accused from a respectable educational background and of a certain economic status, the jail superintendent confirmed that it was the first time in 20 years that the status has been awarded to an undertrail.

Major collision averted at Mumbai airport

A collision between an Air India passenger aircraft and an Air force helicopter was narrowly averted at the Mumbai airport on Monday morning.
An Air India domestic flight IC 866 to Delhi with 150 passengers was cleared by Mumbai's Air Traffic Control for take-off.
As the Air India plane reached the runway and was about to give full throttle, the Air Traffic Control informed the pilot about the Air Force helicopters, which were part of President Pratibha Patil's convoy, were about to land.
The ATC asked the pilot to abort the take-off. The pilot then applied the brakes on the aircraft. Almost at the same time, the three helicopters landed.
The tyres of the plane were changed after the wear and tear caused by the plane braking at the last moment. The plane took off after the tyres were changed.
Later, a statement was issued by the Rashtrapati Bhawan saying, "We took off in the Presidential chopper at 9:30 am from Mumbai. We did not see anything amiss. We landed in Gondia at the right time. The President is fine and going about her work.
"We have no idea whether anything was amiss in the schedule of the chopper or whether there was a near disaster. It certainly didn't seem like it," the statement added.

Major collision averted at Mumbai airport

A collision between an Air India passenger aircraft and an Air force helicopter was narrowly averted at the Mumbai airport on Monday morning.
An Air India domestic flight IC 866 to Delhi with 150 passengers was cleared by Mumbai's Air Traffic Control for take-off.
As the Air India plane reached the runway and was about to give full throttle, the Air Traffic Control informed the pilot about the Air Force helicopters, which were part of President Pratibha Patil's convoy, were about to land.
The ATC asked the pilot to abort the take-off. The pilot then applied the brakes on the aircraft. Almost at the same time, the three helicopters landed.
The tyres of the plane were changed after the wear and tear caused by the plane braking at the last moment. The plane took off after the tyres were changed.
Later, a statement was issued by the Rashtrapati Bhawan saying, "We took off in the Presidential chopper at 9:30 am from Mumbai. We did not see anything amiss. We landed in Gondia at the right time. The President is fine and going about her work.
"We have no idea whether anything was amiss in the schedule of the chopper or whether there was a near disaster. It certainly didn't seem like it," the statement added.

Major collision averted at Mumbai airport

A collision between an Air India passenger aircraft and an Air force helicopter was narrowly averted at the Mumbai airport on Monday morning.
An Air India domestic flight IC 866 to Delhi with 150 passengers was cleared by Mumbai's Air Traffic Control for take-off.
As the Air India plane reached the runway and was about to give full throttle, the Air Traffic Control informed the pilot about the Air Force helicopters, which were part of President Pratibha Patil's convoy, were about to land.
The ATC asked the pilot to abort the take-off. The pilot then applied the brakes on the aircraft. Almost at the same time, the three helicopters landed.
The tyres of the plane were changed after the wear and tear caused by the plane braking at the last moment. The plane took off after the tyres were changed.
Later, a statement was issued by the Rashtrapati Bhawan saying, "We took off in the Presidential chopper at 9:30 am from Mumbai. We did not see anything amiss. We landed in Gondia at the right time. The President is fine and going about her work.
"We have no idea whether anything was amiss in the schedule of the chopper or whether there was a near disaster. It certainly didn't seem like it," the statement added.

Slumdog does it again, wins 7 BAFTA awards

London: Slumdog Millionaire yet again emerged as the winner. This time it bagged seven BAFTA awards. The movie was nominated in 11 categories.
This inspiring coming-of-age drama of a Mumbai slum kid won Best Film, Best Director for Danny Boyle and Best Music for India's very own A R Rahman.
Its other successes included Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Cinematography and also Best Sound for Indian sound designer Resul Pookutty.
“Slumdog Millionaire has been nominated for 11 BAFTA awards and we hope to bag all of them,” said actor Anil Kapoor before going for the award ceremony.

Slumdog does it again, wins 7 BAFTA awards

London: Slumdog Millionaire yet again emerged as the winner. This time it bagged seven BAFTA awards. The movie was nominated in 11 categories.
This inspiring coming-of-age drama of a Mumbai slum kid won Best Film, Best Director for Danny Boyle and Best Music for India's very own A R Rahman.
Its other successes included Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Cinematography and also Best Sound for Indian sound designer Resul Pookutty.
“Slumdog Millionaire has been nominated for 11 BAFTA awards and we hope to bag all of them,” said actor Anil Kapoor before going for the award ceremony.

Slumdog does it again, wins 7 BAFTA awards

London: Slumdog Millionaire yet again emerged as the winner. This time it bagged seven BAFTA awards. The movie was nominated in 11 categories.
This inspiring coming-of-age drama of a Mumbai slum kid won Best Film, Best Director for Danny Boyle and Best Music for India's very own A R Rahman.
Its other successes included Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Cinematography and also Best Sound for Indian sound designer Resul Pookutty.
“Slumdog Millionaire has been nominated for 11 BAFTA awards and we hope to bag all of them,” said actor Anil Kapoor before going for the award ceremony.

The Obamas Take First Marine One Trip For Overnight At Camp David (PHOTOS)

The Obamas Take First Marine One Trip For Overnight At Camp David (PHOTOS)

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India VS Srilanka.

Srilanka won the match.

India VS Srilanka.

Srilanka won the match.

India VS Srilanka.

Srilanka won the match.

Slumdog Millionaire Child Actors Underpaid, still in slums

This is one of the most hyped movies in years. It struck me as truly sad to learn that two of its child stars were dramatically underpaid for their roles, are still living in horrific slum conditions, and have even been told that they will not get any more money until they are 18 and stay in school the whole time! A bit colonial, no, Danny Boyle?

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Explore the Ocean in Google Earth 5.0

Google Latitude - New Google Product

Tech Fun - Web 2.0 - thefirstpost.co.uk

Main Features of IE 8 Internet Explorer 8

Ofcourse IE8 is faster than IE7, but not faster than Chrome.

With IE 8, Microsoft has recognised that performance is about more than just the speed at which the browser opens, however. A few new features of IE 8 are aimed at recognising the types of activities you perform on a regular basis and helping you to get those tasks done more quickly.

Thanks to the browser's new "accelerators" feature, you can highlight an address, right-click, and select Map to get almost instantaneous directions from your location, assuming you've registered your existing address with whatever mapping site you use regularly.

Among them is the new InPrivate browsing mode, which allows you to browse the web without having your browsing history stored for others to see. Google's Chrome calls this Incognito mode. In Firefox, you can achieve something close to Incognito mode by choosing to clear private date from the Edit - Preferences - Privacy dialog box.

For those who frequently visit the same web site over and over again, waiting for updates, IE 8 introduces Web Slices, a feature that allows you to be notified via IE's favourites bar when a site has been updated with new information. Sites have to be "Web slice enabled" in order for this feature to work. When they are, a green Web slice button will appear in the upper right-hand corner of your browser window. Click it, and you are subscribed to the site and notified instantly of updates.

When IE 8 detects that you're on a potentially dangerous site, the entire address bar turns red. Additional security controls help to prevent malware from being loaded onto your computer surreptitiously.