Israel attacks to Iran on a blue chess board

An Israeli chess grandmaster began a marathon chess match against 520 players in an attempt to beat the Guinness record for simultaneous chess games, currently held by Iran.

The tournament began under a blazing midday sun with grandmaster Alik Gershon shaking hands with every single player as he walked along rows of tables lined with chess board.

Hollywood hor celebrity Angelina Jolie is probably pregnant cause of Brad is being nice to her, says big star Star

Angelina Jolie

Hollywood biggest celebrity, Angelina Jolie is might be pregnant causes of Brad is being fine to her life.s her pregnancy probably .

TO beWanted: A transsexual community lifensetting

Obama talks to Friday Night Lights

[A gloriously dramatic shot of Barack Obama as he rallies for Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick this evening.

Cowgirls, Reversed at Times squer (Pic Of The Day)

[Times Square got all country-western today—including this pair doing the, um, "Boot Scootin' Boogie"—as a Professional Bull Riders competition was held in the middle of Manhattan. Another photo of bull riding on Broadway below. Yee-Haw!]

Just by the set of his arm, I can tell that that is the great J.B. Mauny *2 bullrider in the world. He's amazing.
By the way,the bulls in this sport are treated like royalty and live to ripe old ages, usually they are retired to live outside the rest of their lives as ranch mascots or family pets,,(unlike most bulls who go straight to market as calves for veal or a bit later as steak).
A "ride" is 8 seconds long,and usually a bull works, at most, 2 rides per event. There are strict veterinary and humane rules for treatment of the bulls who are considered "animal athletes". Spurs are filed smooth so bulls won't even get scratched during a ride, and the rope on the flank has to be far enough ahead so it doesn't irritate the bull's genitals. They even have chiropractors who travel with them! My favorite bull gets a huge helping of waffles on his way home from each even.

Tiger Woods' sex record to hit market Friday

There is no stopping Tiger Woods' sex tape with porn star Devon James hitting the market Friday, says producer Nick James who is also the husband of the porn star.

James told the celebrity web site RadarOnline.com that he doesn't think a last minute bid by the disgraced golfer's lawyers will stop the alleged sex tape with his wife becoming available Friday.

He said they are moving forward with the release "no matter what."

James said, "I was told there was a bid by his lawyers to buy the tape but so far no deal has been struck and I don't think it will be either."

Lebanese hail Ahmadinejad as super hero

A poster of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad set up in Beirut for his visitMahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, has been welcomed by thousands of mostly Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon on a visit that underlines the deep divisions between the country's Shia militants and its pro-western factions.

Ahmadinejad's first state visit to Lebanon comes amid tensions between Iranian-backed Hezbollah and American-backed parties. There are fears for the fragile unity government, which includes both sides and has managed to keep a tenuous calm.

In The present Month's Al-Qaeda Magazine: How to Make a Death Car [Terrorism]

Looking for new tips on how to best wage jihad against the decadent West? Check out the new issue of Inspire, the official English-language al Qaeda magazine—it's chock-full of great ideas for the at-home terrorist, including:

* "A random hit at a crowded restaurant in Washington, D.C., at lunch hour might end up knocking out a few government employees"
* Instructions on turning your pickup truck into "the ultimate mowing machine," by welding steel blades to the grill and "mow[ing] down the enemies of Allah" on the sidewalk "to achieve maximum carnage."
* How to make creepy cookies for Halloween

Oh, no, wait, that last one is from a different terrorist magazine.

Inspire is produced by an American-born terrorist named Samir Khan, who operates out of Yemen as part of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and, as a company, it's already more valuable than Newsweek. Really, though, who are these guys kidding? The only way to get people to read magazines these days is Kim Kardashian nude pics.

Trio share achieved Nobel prize for economics achieved Nobel prize for economics

"The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the 10 million Swedish kronor prize (£947,000) to the three economists for their analysis of..."

This year's Nobel prize for economics has been awarded to American economists Peter Diamond of MIT and Dale Mortensen of Northwestern University, as well as British-Cypriot Christopher Pissarides of the London School of Economics for their work on unemployment and the labour market.

Wrapping up the 2010 Nobel season, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced this lunchtime that the 10m Swedish kronor prize (£947,000) has been given to the three economists for their analysis of "markets with search frictions". On Friday, the prestigious Nobel peace prize was awarded to jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, which sparked calls for his release by the west and a furious condemnation by China.

UK beil 'killed by Afghan captors'

Afghan forces conduct a search in Kunar province following the death of Linda Norgrove in a rescue attempt by Nato troops yesterday. The British aid worker was abducted on 26 September while travelling in Kunar

US special forces in Afghanistan stormed a compound in a pre-dawn raid yesterday, where 36-year-old Linda Norgrove was being held in the village of Dineshgal, Kunar province, in the east of the country.

A tribal elder was quoted as saying that the kidnappers had killed Norgrove during the assault. A suicide vest was found nearby, but it was not clear if it had been detonated or if other explosives had been used to kill the aid worker. "There is nothing at all to suggest that US fire was the cause," a Foreign Office spokesman added. Seven insurgents are also understood to have died during the rescue bid.

Big B, Hrithik electrify but king Khan steals the show

With Big B and Hrithik walking down the ramp with elan Thursday evening, the audience couldn't have asked for more, as they electrified the atmosphere with their enigmatic and powerful personalities, but there was more to the drama.

As the two showstoppers - Amitabh Bachchan dressed in a black coat with aviators and Hrithik in a military coat - came to take the final bow with the designers, Karan suggested that they get King Khan, who was sitting in the first row, on the ramp too.

So they walked back and Big B gave his hand to King Khan, pulled him onto the ramp while the audience, which included a host of Bollywood celebrities, cheered and clapped seeing the three "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" stars walk together.

Then King Khan broke into a jig and asked Amitabh and Hrithik to join in too, much to the joy of the audience.

Misbah named Pakistan Test captain

Misbah-ul-Haq has been appointed Pakistan's captain for the two-Test series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi in November. He becomes the fourth man, after Mohammad Yousuf, Shahid Afridi and Salman Butt, to lead Pakistan in Tests in 2010 alone, and the decision completes a remarkable and typically Pakistani comeback; earlier this year, after the Australia tour, he had been dropped from all formats of the game. In July, he was contemplating retirement.

Instead, he will now lead a 15-man squad which includes Mohammad Sami, opener Taufeeq Umar, Danish Kaneria - each of them recalled - and a first time Test call-up for Asad Shafiq, who impressed in his debut ODI series against England recently.

There are signs that the decision hasn't pleased everyone involved with selection of the squad. When asked about the reasons behind the appointment, Mohsin Khan, chief selector, told ESPNcricinfo only that "the selection committee has nothing to do with the appointment of the captain." He refused to comment about the squad.

For now, however, the main focus will be on the 36-year-old Misbah who has, over the years, never quite managed to nail down a long-term position in any Pakistan side.

Since making his Test debut in 2001, he has played only 19 Tests and the majority of those came after 2007, when he returned to the international stage after a four-year gap. Over the next year or so, Misbah enjoyed his most productive period, scoring two Test hundreds on a successful tour of India. But a run of just three half-centuries in his last 15 Test innings - despite decent returns in the limited-overs formats - resulted in his exclusion in favour of younger options.

Though the decision is surprising, as one selector told ESPNcricinfo, it has been compelled on a board short of serious options. Shahid Afridi, who was retained as ODI and T20 captain, retired from Test cricket after a one-Test return as captain in England. Salman Butt, who succeeded him and impressed, is currently suspended for his alleged role in the spot-fixing scandal that rocked the summer tour. Ijaz Butt's feud with the man who has twice walked away from the captaincy, Younis Khan, continues to rule out the latter's involvement. Yousuf was the only other credible option within the side, but after leading Pakistan to seven international losses in Australia, has not been considered again.

"Who else is there right now?" the selector said. "We'll have to wait and see how it goes of course but Misbah has plenty of domestic experience as a captain to back him up at least."

Misbah has led Pakistan once, in an Asia Cup ODI win against India when he stood in for Shoaib Malik. He was impressive both as captain and batsman in that match, during a period in which he was Malik's official deputy, and was considered by some in the team management as a potential captain. He has plenty of leadership experience domestically to draw on, having led his departmental side Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

The board also announced on Friday their decision to retain Afridi as the limited-overs captain of Pakistan. Though the ODI and Twenty20 squads had been announced for the series on Thursday, the board did not initially name a captain. This led to speculation that Afridi might not be retained, the board claiming that the appointments were done on a series-by-series basis.

An official told ESPNcricinfo, however, that the delay came about due to the chairman's concerns about Afridi's role. "Afridi didn't get a very good report on his leadership in England from the team management," the official said. "That, and then some of his public comments recently have not impressed the board. Ultimately though it has been decided to give him another opportunity."

The series with South Africa takes in two Twenty20s, five ODIs and two Tests.

Test squad: Imran Farhat, Taufeeq Umar, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah ul Haq (capt), Umar Akmal. Azhar Ali, Saeed Ajmal, Danish Kaneria, Abdur Rehman, Zulqarnain Haider, Umar Gul, Tanvir Ahmed, Mohammad Sami, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir (subject to fitness).

Barack Obama's national security adviser resigns

General James Jones to be replaced by his deputy in two weeks' time, president to announce
Barack Obama and his national security adviser, James Jones, at the White House. Photograph: Pete Souza/White House photo/EPA
Two senior administration officials say General James Jones is resigning as President Barack Obama's national security adviser, to take effect in two weeks.

Jones will be replaced by Tom Donilon, the deputy national security adviser, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not yet been made public.

Obama will announce the change today in a Rose Garden ceremony with Jones and Donilon.

The officials said Jones had planned from the start of his tenure to leave the position at about the two-year mark.

How to do business with the Taliban – an insider's view

Abdul Salem Zaeef's book claims the Taliban existed in embryonic form in the 1980s
The Taliban is a coalition of tribes and ideologies that is largely opaque to westerners and has committed little of its thoughts and internal workings to print. The exception is an autobiography by the Taliban's former ambassador to Islamabad, Abdul Salam Zaeef, which is now being seen as an indispensable primer for would-be negotiators.

Zaeef's book, My Life With the Taliban, provides a description of the movement from the inside which differs on many points from the western view. After a childhood of brutal poverty in Kandahar province, in which his mother, sister and father died of illness and starvation, Zaeef joined the jihad against the Soviets in 1983. He describes floating from one mujahideen leader to the next on the basis of family introductions, and becoming disillusioned with the mercenary motives and behaviour. Contrary to the widely held western belief that the Taliban was conjured into existence by Pakistani intelligence in the 1990s, Zaeef said it existed in embryonic form a decade earlier.

He was drawn to the group because it offered an education as well as a rifle, and appeared to live by a code of conduct.

Most importantly, Zaeef portrays the Taliban as an essentially nationalist movement, which grew organically out of Pashtun culture, and which would be open to a settlement if it led to the departure of foreign troops.

In a telling foreword, Barnett Rubin, a New York University academic now serving as a US government special adviser on Afghanistan, writes: "For me, this book poses one question above all: do I need to be this man's enemy?

"Politics and war, alas, may give their own answers. But a world where Mullah Zaeef and I cannot live in peace is not the world I want to inhabit."

Another senior diplomat said the book "shows that there could be scope for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan and the region, if only America could bring itself to talk to its supposed enemies, rather than killing them."

Drone killed 'British Taliban' plotter

A Pakistani soldier patrols the border with Afghanistan in North Waziristan, where Abdul Jabbar is said to have met Taliban and al-Qaida militants. Photograph: Declan Walsh for the Guardian

A British militant killed in a recent American drone strike had ties to the failed Times Square bomber and was planning to set up a British chapter of the Taliban, according to reports.

The man - identified as Abdul Jabbar, a British citizen living in Pakistan - had "some links" to Faisal Shahzad, who was yesterday jailed for life, but the nature of those ties was not clear, a Pakistani intelligence official told Reuters.

Jabbar was planning to lead a new group calling itself the Islamic Army of Great Britain, the BBC said, quoting a senior security source overseas.

Three months ago Jabbar reportedly attended a meeting of 300 Taliban and al-Qaida militants in North Waziristan, the main hub of militant activity in Pakistan. At the meeting he was allegedly asked to organise Mumbai-style attacks on targets in Britain, France and the UK. Jabbar received training in North Waziristan and survived a US drone strike targeting the network of Hafiz Gul Bahadur, a major militant leader. Jabbar was killed in a second drone attack on 8 September.

McCullum wins Twenty20 award

Sachin Tendulkar has won his first ICC award, the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, by being named the Cricketer of the Year during the 2010 ICC Award ceremony in Bangalore. Tendulkar, however, lost out in the other major categories he was nominated in, with Virender Sehwag winning the Test Cricketer of the Year award and AB de Villiers claiming the ODI prize.

"This last season has been really special for the entire team," Tendulkar, who also received the People's Choice Award, said. "I think right from the start of the season, when we won in Sri Lanka and I scored a hundred in the finals, and from there on the season took off for us. We became No. 1 in the Test rankings, something we all wanted to achieve, and we've been able to maintain our performances in the last ten months."

Tendulkar fought off competition from Sehwag, Hashim Amla and Graeme Swann, the other nominees in the Cricketer of the Year category. Previous winners of the Cricketer of the Year award include Rahul Dravid, Andrew Flintoff, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Mitchell Johnson.

During the period under consideration for the award - August 24, 2009 to August 10, 2010 - Tendulkar scored 1064 runs at an average of 81.84 in ten Tests. He made 914 runs in 17 ODIs at 65.28, and also scored the format's first double-century against South Africa in Gwalior. Tendulkar is presently third on the ICC's rankings for Test batsmen, and tenth in ODIs.

MS Dhoni was named captain of the Test team of the year, which included Sehwag, Kumar Sangakkara, Swann, Tendulkar, Amla, Simon Katich, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, James Anderson and Doug Bollinger.

Ricky Ponting was captain of the ODI team of the year, leading a side comprising Tendulkar, Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, de Villiers, Paul Collingwood, Dhoni, Daniel Vettori, Stuart Broad, Bollinger and Ryan Harris.

Brendon McCullum, the New Zealand batsman, won the award for the best Twenty20 Performance of the Year for his 116 not out against Australia in Christchurch in February. McCullum edged out Hussey, Mahela Jayawardene and Ryan McLaren, the others nominated for the Twenty20 award.

Netherlands allrounder Ryan ten Doeschate won the Associate Player of the Year award. ten Doeschate's performances during the English domestic season has made him a sought-after player in international Twenty20 competitions. He has been signed by Tasmania for the Big Bash and by Canterbury for New Zealand's domestic tournament.

Steven Finn, the England fast bowler, won the award for Emerging Player of the Year. Finn, 21, made his Test debut against Bangladesh in March and has since taken 32 wickets in eight matches.

New Zealand won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award for the second time in row and the third time overall. Aleem Dar, the Pakistani umpire, also won the Umpire of the Year Award for the second time in a row.

Rachel Heyhoe-Flint, the former England women's captain, was the first woman cricketer inducted into the ICC's Hall of Fame, while Shelley Nitschke, the Australian allrounder, was the Woman Cricketer of the Year.

McCullum wins Twenty20 award

Sachin Tendulkar has won his first ICC award, the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, by being named the Cricketer of the Year during the 2010 ICC Award ceremony in Bangalore. Tendulkar, however, lost out in the other major categories he was nominated in, with Virender Sehwag winning the Test Cricketer of the Year award and AB de Villiers claiming the ODI prize.

"This last season has been really special for the entire team," Tendulkar, who also received the People's Choice Award, said. "I think right from the start of the season, when we won in Sri Lanka and I scored a hundred in the finals, and from there on the season took off for us. We became No. 1 in the Test rankings, something we all wanted to achieve, and we've been able to maintain our performances in the last ten months."

Tendulkar fought off competition from Sehwag, Hashim Amla and Graeme Swann, the other nominees in the Cricketer of the Year category. Previous winners of the Cricketer of the Year award include Rahul Dravid, Andrew Flintoff, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Mitchell Johnson.

During the period under consideration for the award - August 24, 2009 to August 10, 2010 - Tendulkar scored 1064 runs at an average of 81.84 in ten Tests. He made 914 runs in 17 ODIs at 65.28, and also scored the format's first double-century against South Africa in Gwalior. Tendulkar is presently third on the ICC's rankings for Test batsmen, and tenth in ODIs.

MS Dhoni was named captain of the Test team of the year, which included Sehwag, Kumar Sangakkara, Swann, Tendulkar, Amla, Simon Katich, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, James Anderson and Doug Bollinger.

Ricky Ponting was captain of the ODI team of the year, leading a side comprising Tendulkar, Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, de Villiers, Paul Collingwood, Dhoni, Daniel Vettori, Stuart Broad, Bollinger and Ryan Harris.

Brendon McCullum, the New Zealand batsman, won the award for the best Twenty20 Performance of the Year for his 116 not out against Australia in Christchurch in February. McCullum edged out Hussey, Mahela Jayawardene and Ryan McLaren, the others nominated for the Twenty20 award.

Netherlands allrounder Ryan ten Doeschate won the Associate Player of the Year award. ten Doeschate's performances during the English domestic season has made him a sought-after player in international Twenty20 competitions. He has been signed by Tasmania for the Big Bash and by Canterbury for New Zealand's domestic tournament.

Steven Finn, the England fast bowler, won the award for Emerging Player of the Year. Finn, 21, made his Test debut against Bangladesh in March and has since taken 32 wickets in eight matches.

New Zealand won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award for the second time in row and the third time overall. Aleem Dar, the Pakistani umpire, also won the Umpire of the Year Award for the second time in a row.

Rachel Heyhoe-Flint, the former England women's captain, was the first woman cricketer inducted into the ICC's Hall of Fame, while Shelley Nitschke, the Australian allrounder, was the Woman Cricketer of the Year.

Chelsea sink Arsenal at the Bridge to pull ahead at the Top of the Table

Chelsie go ahead b rightly.

India stutter chasing 216 to win 1st Test against Australia

The 1st cricket test between India and Australia at Mohali took a decisive turn towards a result on Day 4 as India bowled out the Australians for just 192 in their second innings. The heroes for the hosts were their two medium pacers, Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan, who picked up vital wickets at the top and bottom of the order to ensure that India had only 216 runs to make batting fourth to take an unbeatable 1-0 lead in the 2 match series. India, however, made a mess of their chase losing 4 wickets for 55 runs in the 17 overs possible before the close of play to leave themselves a challenging 161 runs to get on the final day on a deteriorating pitch.The morning started in the best possible fashion for the Aussies as the dominated for about an hour and a half, with Shane Watson and Simon Katich piling on the runs at a fair clip. Watson in particular showed how much he had fallen in love with the Mohali pitch as he raced to a half century at practically a run-a-ball. Katich at the other end was a little more circumspect, trying to anchor the innings. The positive approach of the Australians indicated their intent towards trying to put on an imposing target for the Indians to chase on the final day.

Former South Africa cricketer Andre Nel 'in suicide attempt'

Andre Nel currently plays for Surrey.
Andre Nel, the former South African fast bowler, allegedly attempted to take his own life on Friday, a report said.Last week it was revealed that Nel had had an extra-marital affair with 34-year-old Londoner Jelena Kultiasova while he was playing for Surrey last month. Later two other women came forward with similar allegations.

Nel and his wife Deanne Weitz have been married for six years. They are expecting their first child in April.

According to a Sunday newspaper, Weitz confirmed on Friday night that doctors had been called to the couple's home in Irene outside of Pretoria. "He is not in any immediate danger and there are many doctors looking after him," she said.

Blackpool produce stunning 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield

Blackpool produced the upset as they beat the Liverpool 2-1 at an field. Chirly adam and Luck Verney scored at the first half to put the Tangerines two goals to the good at halftime. Sotyrios Kirigacos scored early in the 2nd half to cut the deficit but the Blackpool absorbed the Liverpool to earn a famous victory.the game started in auspiciously for the Reds, as Farnando torres went off injured in the 10 minutes withe groin enjury.

Australia on top after fluctuating day

India 405 and 55 for 4 (Tendulkar 10*, Zaheer 5*, Hilfenhaus 3-22) need another 161 runs to beat Australia 428 and 192 (Watson 56, Ishant 3-34, Zaheer 3-43)

There is one certainty at the end of the fourth day in Mohali: there will be a winner. The hard part is predicting who. That alone was a good result after a day that began with a draw as the short-priced favourite. But fine bowling from Ishant Sharma, Zaheer Khan and the Indian spinners set up a gettable chase of 216, before Ben Hilfenhaus bowled Australia to a winnable position of their own late in the day.

It left the Test finely balanced; India require 161 runs with Sachin Tendulkar at the crease on 10, and the night-watchman Zaheer on 5. Australia need six wickets, but they know that VVS Laxman, who batted at No. 10 in the first innings, would again be hampered by his bad back when he eventually comes to the crease. Much will depend on Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.

Tendulkar half-century lifts India

India 405 (Tendulkar 98, Raina 86, Dravid 77, Sehwag 59, Johnson 5-64) trail Australia 428 by 23 runs

Mitchell Johnson arrived just in time as Australia earned a surprising 23-run advantage after India failed to build on a series of promising half-centuries in Mohali. For most of the third day it looked like it would be the hosts who finished with a first-innings lead, but Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina and Rahul Dravid were cut down before the hosts were dismissed for 405.

India were ready to dominate when Johnson struck late to remove MS Dhoni (14), who was given out caught low down by Shane Watson at first slip in a confusing decision, and Harbhajan Singh edged behind next ball. Another key breakthrough came when Raina played back to Johnson and was lbw shortly before the close as part of a collaspe of 5 for 23. The burst left Johnson with 5 for 64 from 20 overs and gained him a sixth five-wicket haul in Tests.

It was a timely comeback for the tourists after they experienced difficult periods from their junior and senior opponents. Raina, 23, is 14 years younger than Tendulkar and was happy to take more risks - he out-scored Tendulkar in their stand of 124 - while the older man was typically calculating.

Australia post 428; Openers fall as India begin strong reply

zaheer_khan.jpgStarting the day at a wobbly 224/5, Australia finished with a solid looking score of 428 thanks to a resolute 92 from wicket-keeper Tim Paine, who was well supported by Mitchell Johnson (47). The Australian innings gained speed after a slow start to the day and some vital contributions from the lower order helped Ricky Ponting's men post a challenging total on the board.

India's reply was equally strong though, thanks to a speedy fifty from Virender Sehwag, and had it not been for his wicket late in the day, India would have finished with a clear edge. Mitchell Johnson's dual strikes to claim both openers left India at 110/2 and the game tantalizingly poised, with the famed Indian middle order looking to chip away at the Aussie score come Sunday.

The impressive Zaheer Khan began proceedings for India in the morning and with Ishant Sharma unavailable to bowl having spent most of yesterday away from the field, Harbhajan Singh supported Zaheer from the other end. The Australian plan was simple; to try and occupy the crease for as long as possible while trying to inch closer to the 400-run mark without exposing their tail too early in the process.

* Culture * Books * Malcolm Gladwell Twitter and Facebook cannot change the real world, says Malcolm Gladwell

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Malcolm Gladwell
bestselling author of The Tipping Point has enraged social network users by dismissing their impact on real issues