Swedish high school forgets to offer class required for graduation

Skipping out on a class required for graduation is the kind of thing you’d expect from a slumping senior, but not the high school itself.

Students at a high school in Gothenburg, Sweden, were outraged to learn that their school “forgot” to teach them a required religion class—days before the students were about to graduate, according to UPI.com.

Principal Christel Berver of the publicly financed, privately run, free high school said it was all a big misunderstanding. "When you read the law, it can be interpreted that you can switch religion with social science," she told the Local.

It turned out she was wrong—which some of the students had suspected.

"The last two years I've wondered, 'Aren't we supposed to have religion?'" said student Patricia Kjellby to the Local, who now worries that she won't be able to wear the white graduation cap.

The seniors have been given two choices: Use the few days before graduation to make up the work. Or, accept a failing grade and take the class next fall. We’re guessing students will be praying for a miracle.

Louis Vuitton owner faces maximum fine in luxury row

A battle between French luxury handbag makers spilled out into the public eye on Friday with market regulators seeking the maximum fine for Louis Vuitton owner LVMH (LVMH.PA) for failing to disclose moves to build a stake in rival Hermes (HRMS.PA). The row centers around deals, first disclosed in late 2010, by LVMH owner and France's wealthiest man Bernard Arnault that have left the firm with a roughly one fifth stake in its biggest rival, the producer of the iconic Kelly and Birkin handbags.
Arnault, who has built LVMH by steadily acquiring other brands over the last decade, says he is happy to remain a long-term shareholder while some industry observers say he may be playing a long game in the hope of someday convincing Hermes' family owners to sell out.
Hermes owners have fought tooth and nail against Arnault, however, since discovering LVMH had built up an initial 14 percent stake.
Regulator AMF said on Friday that LVMH's dealings regarding its stake building in Hermes were opaque and represented grave misconduct which could even be regarded as "fraudulent behavior".
LVMH, which now owns 22.6 percent of Hermes, surprised the stock market in October 2010 when it announced it had a 14 percent stake, gained partly via derivatives that allowed it to not declare its holding.
The AMF said LVMH should have disclosed in its accounts the size of its exposure to Hermes shares through equity derivatives acquired in 2008 as well as the fact it had a Hermes stake of just under 5 percent acquired in 2001 and 2002.
In France, companies are required to disclose when they take a stake worth more than 5, 10 and 15 percent of a another company's capital if the target is listed on the stock market.
Hermes is also challenging LVMH's stake building in a separate court procedure. The AMF finding will not have any impact on the court case, but still represents a boost to Hermes' case.
The amount of the fine, 10 million euros ($13.05 million), is small change for a group whose market value is around 70 billion euros but the regulator's decision is a public relations setback for Arnault, who owns some 60 luxury brands.
HERMES ATTRACTION
Arnault owns Louis Vuitton, the world's biggest luxury brand in terms of revenues, together with a string of fine wine and spirits makers including Hennessy cognac and Moet & Chandon champagne.
He has built the group into a global powerhouse in the space of 15 years by acquiring brands including Guerlain and Chateau d'Yquem. Hermes' own spectacular growth into a brand worth over 3 billion euros in annual sales has wetted his appetite.
The hearing revealed that the world's biggest luxury group had as early as 2007 and 2008 mandated Lazard and Rothschild bankers to look into the possibility of acquiring control of Hermes and strike an alliance with some family shareholders.
Since making public its Hermes holding, LVMH has consistently denied seeking control of Hermes and denied any wrongdoing in terms of financial disclosure and transparency.
Hermes is controlled by three families, the Puech, the Dumas and Guerrand who together represent more than 75 descendents of Emile Hermes who founded the company in 1837 as a harness and saddle maker.
They responded to LVMH's stake build-up by creating a holding that controls 51 percent of the company though the AMF's inquiry also disclosed that the biggest Hermes family shareholder Nicolas Puech had sold some of his shares to LMVH.
That puts into question Hermes' public assertion that the family was united in the battle against LVMH.
Earlier on Friday, the AMF said it would look into LVMH's call for the judicial process to be made invalid but it would not halt the process. The AMF's sanctions committee is due to respond within a matter of weeks to the regulator's findings and proposed fine.

New Lexus IS shows you free parking spaces in real-time

Lexus and Inrix have teamed up to create one of the most awesome in car satnav systems we have seen. Inside the new Lexus IS is a navigation setup capable of detected free parking spaces around you and directing you to them.
Things don't stop there either, the service can even show price differences between car parks and send you to the cheapest one closest to your destination. The car parks do need to be connected to Inrix's services, which is a shame, but the total number of car parks involved at present is more than 42,000 across Europe, so city dwellers will benefit.
On top of this, the Lexus IS also incorporates real-time traffic information into its navigation system. Select a destination and your drive will automatically be re-routed via the fastest available roads. It works by analysing data such as accident information, weather and even a crowd-sourced network of other vehicles stuck in traffic.
“Lexus drivers expect high-performance luxury vehicles, capable of making smarter, more fuel and time-efficient journeys, said Paul Van der Burgh, director of Lexus Europe, adding: “Our aim is to provide Lexus drivers in Europe with a navigation system that smartly routes them around traffic and finds them the best place to park once they arrive at their destination.” 
The new Lexus IS is designed to take on the likes of BMW's 3-series and will ship in both conventional and hybrid forms of drive. On top of the clever navigation technology you also get a 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system as well as clever touch-sensitive air conditioning controls.
Next up, let's hope for real-time street parking spaces. In the meantime, there is always Parkopedia to enjoy.

The happiest countries in the world

The residents of Switzerland are the most satisfied with their lives, according to the latest Better Life Index report, released this week by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Switzerland has moved up to the top spot, bumping Denmark to fifth. For the third year, the United States failed to make the top 10, while countries like Canada, Mexico and all the Scandinavian nations did.

The Better Life Index rates the 36 OECD countries in 11 areas that aim to cover every aspect of life. The OECD looked at housing, income, jobs, education, community, the environment, civic engagement, health, safety, work-life balance and life satisfaction. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the Better Life Index and ranked the countries based on the life satisfaction measure alone. These are the 10 countries whose residents are most satisfied with their lives.

[More from 24/7 Wall St.: Cities Where Suburban Poverty Is Skyrocketing]

While each of the other 10 categories of quality of life measured in the study is related to life satisfaction, there are several that clearly play a much bigger role, Conal Smith, section head within the statistics directorate at the OECD, explained in an interview with 24/7 Wall St.

The first, and arguably the most important, is jobs. Of the 10 countries with the highest levels of reported life satisfaction, eight had among the 10 highest employment rate — that is, the percentage of the population that is employed. Of the 10 countries with the lowest reported levels of life satisfaction, six had unemployment rates in excess of 11% in 2012. This includes countries like Greece, Portugal and Italy.

“For life satisfaction, it is pretty clear that unemployment drives the relationship,” explained Smith. “Not having a job when you’re willing and able to work affects life satisfaction more than anything else.”

Not surprisingly, good health appears to affect life satisfaction. In seven of the 10 countries, there was a better-than-average proportion of residents reporting good health. This includes Canada, where 88% of respondents reported being in good or better health, compared to an OECD average of 69%. Life expectancy was also high in most these countries, with Switzerland reporting an average life expectancy of 82.8 years, the highest among the 36 countries measured. Of the 10 countries with the worst life satisfaction, the majority had below-average life expectancy.

Another factor many of the countries on this list have in common is governments that tend to provide ample benefits for residents. Five of these countries, including Sweden, Denmark and Austria, spend more than the United States as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) on their residents. Likely as a result, income equality is also very high in the majority of these countries.

Dropping three spots this year, the United States is tied for 14th in life satisfaction. This is in spite of the fact that the it had the highest disposable income of any country measured and a high rate of self-reported good health. Given how well the country does on most measures, it suggests that life satisfaction encompasses more than simply income or even health.  Mexico, which had among the lowest scores for many indicies, still reported among the highest life satisfaction.

[More from 24/7 Wall St.: Most Popular American Brands In China]

Based on figures published by the OECD as part of its annual Better Life Index, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 3o indices measured for each of 34 member nations and participating countries. The indices that make up the Better Life Index are comprised of 11 categories: housing, income, jobs, community, education, the environment, civic engagement, health, life satisfaction, safety and work-life balance. Figures used to calculate the index and its components are from different years, and the values for individual nations represent the most current data available. We relied on unemployment rates from the OECD’s most-recent Economic Outlook data release, as well as figures covering government outlays and the Gini coefficient, which measures income equality after taxes and transfer payments for each country.

These are the happiest countries in the world.

10. Mexico
> Life satisfaction score: 7.3
> Self-reported good health: 66% (14th lowest)
> Employees working long hours: 28.6% (3rd highest)
> Disposable income: $12,732 (3rd lowest)
> Life expectancy: 74.2 years

Mexico received a high life satisfaction score despite receiving low scores in a number of categories that make up the OECD’s Better Life Index. No nation rated worse than Mexico in safety — the nation’s murder rate of 23.7 murders per 100,000 residents in 2011 was the highest of any OECD nation and more than 10 times the OECD average that year. Additionally, 13.1% of residents had been assaulted or mugged in 2012, also the highest of any nation considered. Mexico also ranked as one of the worst nations for both work-life balance and income. The nation had one of the lowest averages for household disposable income in the OECD, at just $12,732 as of 2010. This is less than a third of the average disposable income in the United States. However, none of these factors have prevented Mexicans from being satisfied with their lives.

9. Finland
> Life satisfaction score: 7.4 (tied for 7th highest)
> Self-reported good health: 69% (18th highest)
> Employees working long hours: 3.9% (8th lowest)
> Disposable income: $25,739 (13th highest)
> Life expectancy: 80.6 years

People in Finland spent an average of 19.6 years getting an education, more than any other country in the OECD. Based on students’ average scores in reading, mathematics and science, Finland was considered to have the most accomplished students. The government, relative to the nation’s size, is one of the largest spenders in the developed world, providing a significant social welfare system. In 2012, the government’s total spending was equal to nearly 56% of GDP. Finland’s employment rate of 69% in 2011, although lower than quite a few other countries, was higher than the 66% average rate across all OECD countries. People in Finland worked just 1,684 hours annually, compared to 1,776 hours in all OECD countries. Just under 4% of all employees worked very long hours, compared to about 9% in all OECD countries.

8. Canada
> Life satisfaction score: 7.4 (tied for 7th highest)
> Self-reported good health: 88% (3rd highest)
> Employees working long hours: 3.9% (9th lowest)
> Disposable income: $28,194 (9th highest)
> Life expectancy: 81 years

Canada was rated among the top nations for residents good health. In 2011, 88% of residents surveyed reported they were in good health, higher than all countries except for the United States and New Zealand. Canada also had one of the higher average household disposable incomes among nations considered, at more than $28,000. This was well above the OECD average of $23,047. Canada was rated as one of the best nations in the OECD for housing — although there are some concerns in the country that a real estate bubble is forming.

7. Austria
> Life satisfaction score: 7.4 (tied for 7th highest)
> Self-reported good health: 69% (18th highest)
> Employees working long hours: 8.8% (14th highest)
> Disposable income: $28,852 (6th highest)
> Life expectancy: 81.1 years

Last year, just 4.7% of all workers in Austria were unemployed, less than any other nation in the eurozone, where the 2012 unemployment rate was 12.3%. As many as 72% of Austrians between the ages of 15 and 64 were employed in 2011, among the top 10 of all countries and better than the 66% average rate for OECD countries. Austria was in the top third of all countries in terms of both household financial net worth, at $47,458, and personal earnings for full-time employees, at $43,688. In addition, 96% of all residents indicated that the water quality was satisfactory, higher than all but two other countries and significantly better than the 87% who indicated that across all OECD countries. Austria also has high levels of civic participation — the voter turnout rate was 82% in 2008, the ninth highest among countries considered.

6. Netherlands
> Life satisfaction score: 7.5 (tied for 5th highest)
> Self-reported good health: 76% (11th highest)
> Employees working long hours: 0.7% (2nd lowest)
> Disposable income: $25,493 (14th highest)
> Life expectancy: 81.3 years

The Netherlands was rated as one of the best countries for jobs by the OECD. In 2011, 73% of the population between 15 and 64 years old was employed, one of the highest proportions of all nation’s measured. Further, only roughly 1.5% of workers had been unemployed for more than one year as of 2011, less than half the OECD average of 3.1%. Also potentially contributing to residents’ happiness is the fact that 94% of residents asked said they had a support network they could count on for help if they were in trouble. This was one of the highest figures among countries measured.

[More from 24/7 Wall St.: The Countries with the Highest Unemployment]

5. Denmark
> Life satisfaction score: 7.5 (tied for 5th highest)
> Self-reported good health: 70% (17th highest)
> Employees working long hours: 2.0% (4th lowest)
> Disposable income: $24,682 (15th highest)
> Life expectancy: 79.9 years (12th lowest)

Employees in Denmark had an average full-time gross pay of $45,802, higher than all but four other countries in the OECD. The average worker in Denmark put in just 1,522 hours annually, much lower than the OECD average of 1,776 hours. Air quality and water quality was considerably better in Denmark, compared to many other countries. Some 94% of residents indicated satisfaction with the water quality, the seventh highest of all countries and better than the 84% indicated across the OECD. The government of Denmark spends considerably to ensure the general well-being of its residents. Last year, government spending totaled 59.5% of GDP, the most of any OECD nation.

4. Sweden
> Life satisfaction score: 7.6 (tied for 3rd highest)
> Self-reported good health: 80% (8th highest)
> Employees working long hours: 1.2% (3rd lowest)
> Disposable income: $26,242 (12th highest)
> Life expectancy: 81.9 years

According to the OECD, Sweden ranks as the top country among all nations measured in terms of protecting its environment. Swedes enjoy some of the highest quality air of any nation — as of 2009, there were just 10 micrograms of small particulate matter per cubic meter in the county’s most populous areas. Its water quality in 2012 also ranked among the highest for all countries. The nation’s residents also are among the healthiest of any nations measured. Nearly 80% of those surveyed in 2011 stated they were in good health, well above the 69% average for the OECD. Although Sweden received moderate ratings for income and jobs, it was one of Europe’s best nations for income equality, with one of the lowest Gini index scores of any country.

3. Iceland
> Life satisfaction score: 7.6 (tied for 3rd highest)
> Self-reported good health: 77% (9th highest)
> Employees working long hours: 13.5% (8th highest)
> Disposable income: $21,201 (16th lowest)
> Life expectancy: 82.4 years

Iceland residents have the strongest support networks of all countries — 98% of residents indicated they could count on friends or relatives if they needed help. Iceland residents tend to be in good health as well, with the country’s life expectancy and self-reported health both among the top 10 of all countries. The employment rate for those between the ages of 15 and 64 was 79%, tied with Switzerland for the highest among all countries. Where Iceland did not do as well relative to other countries was income and wealth — average disposable household income of $21,201 and average household net financial wealth of $31,182 were both lower than OECD averages. But after accounting for taxes and transfer payments, income in Iceland was more evenly distributed among residents than in other nation in the OECD.

2. Norway
> Life satisfaction score: 7.7
> Self-reported good health: 73% (14th highest)
> Employees working long hours: 2.8% (6th lowest)
> Disposable income: $31,459 (3rd highest)
> Life expectancy: 81.4 years

Norway’s employment rate for those between ages 15 and 64 was 75%, tied with the Netherlands for the third highest rate among all countries. The gross pay of full-time employees neared $44,000, the ninth highest of all OECD countries. The average household income was $31,459, higher than every country except for the United States and Luxembourg. People in Norway tend to work significantly less than those in other countries — the average worker only put in 1,426 hours of work, compared to 1,776 in all OECD countries. Less than 3% of the country’s employees worked very long hours, lower than all but five other countries. In 2012, just 3.3% of all workers were unemployed, well less than all but one other nation examined by the OECD, South Korea. As many as 96% of the country’s residents were satisfied with the water quality, tied for third highest in the OECD. Norway also ranked among the 10 best countries in terms of air quality.

1. Switzerland
> Life satisfaction score: 7.8
> Self-reported good health: 81% (7th highest)
> Employees working long hours: 5.9% (17th lowest)
> Disposable income: $30,060 (4th highest)
> Life expectancy: 82.8 years

In no other country did residents have a better sense of well-being than in Switzerland. People in the country tend to be better off financially than residents of most other countries. In 2010, the average household’s disposable income was $30,060, higher than all but three other countries. Meanwhile, the average household financial net worth in Switzerland was more than $99,000, higher than any other country except for the United States. As many as 79% of the country’s residents were employed in 2011, tied for the highest employment rate in the OECD. People in the country work just 1,632 hours annually, compared to the OECD average of 1,776. Very few residents were unemployed in 2012, when the unemployment rate was just 4.4%, lower than all but three other nations studied.

Azarenka revels on shifting sands in Paris

 PARIS  - Power merchants often find their wheels slipping on clay, preferring the solid feel of hard courts, yet Victoria Azarenka is revelling in getting down and dirty on the red dust as she targets a maiden French Open crown.

The former world number one and twice Australian Open champion has never gone past the last eight in the singles at Roland Garros but the Belarussian is confident she is making steady progress on the slippery surface.

Like fellow baseliner Maria Sharapova, who once described herself as a "cow on ice" on clay before adjusting so well she won the French Open, Azarenka is more at ease on quick surfaces, on which her best results have come.

Pete Sampras won 14 major titles, although he reached the French Open semi-final only once.

Andy Murray, the U.S. Open champion, has never won a title on clay while even 15-times grand slam champion Serena Williams has to go back to 2002 to recall her only French title.

"Because the movement changes a lot, the game changes a lot," Azarenka, who won only one of her 16 titles on clay, told Reuters after defeating German Annika Beck 6-4 6-3 in the second round on Thursday.

"You don't have a steady ground, you have to slide and that can throw you off balance, while on hard court or grass you don't have that same ground,"

Azarenka, however, is determined to break the secret of clay. If Sharapova won the French Open last year, why couldn't she?

"I feel that every year I improve, there is still a lot of room for me to improve but I'm getting really excited by this challenge," she said, before detailing the changes a player needs to make to play on clay.

What makes the difference between clay and the other surfaces - hard, grass - is that to perform on the slowest surface, you need to change your game.

NEED TO ADAPT

"You need to really adapt to the surface," added Azarenka, who will face France's Alize Cornet for a place in the last 16.

"You don't just have to work on your movement speed wise, you also need to make the small adjustments, the footwork, the little steps."

To play on clay and manage the sometimes lung-burning rallies, one needs a different mindset.

"These adjustements, details are very important. You have to understand that and work on it," said Azarenka, who reached the final of the Italian Open, a big pre-French Open claycourt event, after beating claycourt specialists and former French Open runners up Samantha Stosur of Australia and Italian Sara Errani.

"Sometimes it's a bit difficult because you need to change your game but I'm really willing to do that," she said.

Just like the play on clay, adapting to the surface is a slow process.

"I try to take the best out of what happened the previous years and put them together to develop a better strategy, a better movement to become a better athlete on this surface," said Azarenka, who gained confidence from the Italian Open despite losing the final to Serena Williams.

"It was a great feeling to come back and to compete at this level, it gives you definitely a boost. It shows I can play good here," said Azarenka.

"I understand (the surface) better this year, I'm always curious as an athlete, it's a process that's not going to end after this tournament."

Help your kid say No to tobacco

Students pose for pictures with "big cigarette models" during a campaign ahead of the World No Tobacco Day.

One can completely understand the stress of having to counsel children against unhealthy lifestyle habits; smoking and tobacco consumption being one of the most damaging. The burgeoning trend of impressionable children picking up a cigarette is not really that surprising – the thrill of trying something new, peer pressure, increasing their “cool quotient”, or aping role models – all of this contributes to this habit. What is particularly disturbing is that, despite the networked and knowledge based environment that we live in, many children are still oblivious to the ill effects of smoking,not just on their health but also on their overall lifestyle.

Parents obviously want to protect their children from this habit; at the same time, one cannot really curb their day to day activities or social circle. Therefore, rather than stressing every time yourchild goes to a party, you should proactively counsel thechildand educate him/her about the various ill effects that this habit can have. Here are a few pointers which I think can help parents dissuade their kids from giving in to this habit:

Set a good example – There are no better role models for a child than his parents. You must therefore set an example by not smoking yourself. Take a look around – chances are anyone who you know who smokes, has had a parent who smoked as well. And it is really not very effective when a person who smokes tries to educate another person against it.

Have an open mind – Try to be less of a father and more of a friend to your kids. Do not vilify them if you come to know about their smoking habits. Try to empathize and understand their part of the story. Shouting is seldom effective in such scenarios and instead try and understand why your child took up the habit in the first place. After you get a sense of the root cause, you will be better equipped to tackle the issue and come up with a solution.

Educate them about the ill effects on their health – sit them down and educate them about the repercussions smoking will have on their health in the long run. Addiction at a young age is difficult to break even as an adult. Cite examples of people you know who gave up smoking or lost the battle against it, make them readanecdotes and blogs on the topic, and ask them what exactly is it doing for them? Can they not find that pleasure or coolness in other activities? Isn’t learning the drums or dancing the salsa cooler?  


Show them the bigger picture – For a teenager, a health threat alone might not be a strong enough factor toquit or refrain from smoking. Therefore, try to paint a larger picture. Tell them about the financial consequences this habit might have on them. Give them a sense of the amount of money they will end up “turning to ashes” and the long term repercussions in terms of paying for health services; for a smoker, life and health insurance products come at a premium and in some cases chronic smokers are denied any insurance at all.Counsel them on how they can put this money to a better and more productive use. Also educate them about passive smoking and how this habit will not only harm them but also their loved ones.

Vices such as smoking and tobacco consumption, if not tackled carefully, can escalate into bigger issues that will impact the future of the child. As parents we should be vigilant, understanding and supportive and do all we can to ensure a healthier future for our children.

Sunscreen: what to know before you apply

As the weather heats up, it's time to slather on extra sunscreen to protect your skin. But what kind is best? Is it safe? An expert from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) answers your burning questions. (Content - Relaxnews)

"The best type of sunscreen is the one you will use again and again," said Dr. Henry W. Lim, chairman of the department of dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, this week. "Just be sure to choose one that offers broad-spectrum protection, has an SPF of 30 or greater, and is water resistant."

1. Are high SPF sunscreens better?
Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun's rays. SPFs higher than 30 block slightly more of the sun's rays, but Lim warns that no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun's rays. So be sure to reapply every two hours when outside and after swimming and sweating.

2. What sunscreens are best for infants and children?
Ideally, babies under six months should not spend time directly in the sun, Lim warns. Since babies' skin is much more sensitive than adults, sunscreens should be avoided if possible. Keep your little one in the shade as much as possible and dress them in long sleeves, pants, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. For older children, opt for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide since they do not penetrate the skin and are less likely to cause irritation.
3. Are sunscreens safe?
Dermatologists say that preventing skin cancer and sunburn far outweigh any unproven concerns for toxicity or human health hazard from sunscreen ingredients. Yet, the AAD recommends that in addition to applying sunscreen, you stay in the shade, wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and stay out of tanning beds -- all important behaviors to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

4. What type of sunscreen should I use?
Creams are best for dry skin and the face, while gels are good for hairy areas, such as the scalp or male chest, said Lim. Sticks are good to use around the eyes.

5. What about sprays?
While sprays are easy to use, the US Food and Drug Administration is currently investigating the risks of accidental inhalation of spray sunscreens. Still, never spray sunscreen around your face or mouth, Lim warns. Instead, spray an adequate amount of sunscreen into your hands and then apply the sunscreen to facial areas. When applying spray sunscreens on children, be aware of the direction of the wind to avoid inhalation.

6. How much sunscreen do I need?
"For adults, a convenient guideline is to apply one teaspoon of sunscreen to your face and scalp and to each arm, and two teaspoons to your torso and to each leg," said Lim. "Don't forget your hands and feet."

 

Dhoni sidesteps IPL row

Dhoni talks to the media in Birmingham.

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni kept his own counsel on Thursday when questioned on corruption claims regarding the Indian Premier League but promised to reveal his views at the "right time".

Controversial accusations of 'spot-fixing' have engulfed the sixth edition of the lucrative Twenty20 tournament, with Indian police making several arrests in recent weeks.

The investigations started on May 16 when Delhi police arrested three cricketers including Test fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, accusing them of deliberately bowling badly in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars.
The scandal is threatening to bring down N. Srinivasan, the head of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), who has been under intense pressure after his son-in-law was arrested for allegedly betting on IPL games.
Gurunath Meiyappan, is an executive at the Chennai Super Kings IPL team -- owned by Srinivasan's India Cements and featuring Dhoni as one of its star players.
Dhoni, speaking at a news conference in Birmingham, central England, on Thursday to preview India's Champions Trophy bid, said he was glad to be abroad.
"It's good to be out of there (India)." But asked for his views on the evolving IPL row, which has seen Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf stood down from the Champions Trophy following fixing allegations in the Indian media, Dhoni was cautious.
"It's not that the reputation (of Indian cricket) is gone," he said. "When the right time comes I'll answer (more thoroughly), but as of now I don't think we have lost reputation because whatever the set-up will be throughout the world or in any sport, still you'll have people who will be slightly mentally weak compared to some of the others.
"I would love to elaborate but at the right time I'll do it. I just want to keep our side away from everything as of now."
Reigning world champions India are in the process of rebuilding their side and have arrived for the 'mini World Cup' that is the Champions Trophy without Sachin Tendulkar, now retired from ODIs, Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan.
Fans sad to see some of their favourites no longer involved have been critical of India in recent months but Dhoni backed a youthful squad to come good.
"It's an ongoing process. A few of them (fans) will ask questions and you have to silence them," he said.
"It's for us to see what kind of a squad we've got with a fresh bunch of players.
"You have to look at the positives. If you look at the positive you can say the players that have been playing in the IPL have had good exposure to international bowlers because bowlers from all over the world, they come and play in the IPL.
"The best that the world has to offer (play IPL) which means most of the players are in touch and are in good rhythm," wicketkeeper/batsman Dhoni added.
India have warm-up matches against Sri Lanka on Saturday and Australia on Tuesday before facing South Africa in the opening match of the tournament proper in Cardiff on June 6.

Top 10 Expensive Foods in the World

Extravagance and luxury are not just restricted to cars, homes and jewellery. Meet the top 10 expensive foods in the world.

  Cake:
    This $52 million cake has literally taken the bakery with it, and  been dubbed as the most expensive in the world.

  

  Dosa:
    The ubiquitous South Indian fare - the dosa - just got its first taste of luxury and how. Raj Bhog in Bangalore is the restaurant behind this dosa. What makes this dosa different from its peers is the fact that itis covered in gold, and costs Rs 1,001.
  

  Chutney:
    Made from a combination of organic produce, saffron and other spices along with gold make this delicious accompaniment the most expensive chutney in the world. A 190ml jar of this chutney costs £2000.
 

   Curry:
    Bombay Brasserie in London bags the title of serving up the most expensive curry in the world.  Priced at £2000, this dish is a seafood delight comprising lobster, caviar and sea snails topped with edible gold.
   

 Omelette:
    The Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata comes in at a whopping $1,000 dollars and is the most expensive omelette in the world.Watch how it's made.
   

 Burger:
    Fittingly called the “Le Burger Extravagant”,  this  $295 burger is made with Japanese Wagyu beef, white and black truffles, James Montgomery cheddar cheese and quail egg.

  

  Sushi:
    Wrapped in 24-carat gold leaf, this sushi comes with Mikimoto Pearls and diamonds! This five-piece sushi plate costs a mere $1978.15.

   

 Pizza:
    The humble go-to comfort commercial food just got turned on its head. White truffles and gold leaf make this pizza the most expensive in the world. Made in Malta, this pizza costs $2,400, and must be ordered in advance
   

 Caviar:
    This rare and expensive Iranian white Beluga caviar called Almas retails apparently at £16,000 for a kilo. It comes in gold-plated tin.
  

 Sundae:
    At $25,000, the Frrrozen Haute Chocolate is a bejwelled piece of work. This ice cream sundae is clearly the most expensive ice-cream sundae in the world.  This decadent dessert is made with a blend of several types of coco beans,  and is served in edible gold-lined goblet which is accessorized with diamonds and gold.

 

DoT to slap new Rs 650-cr fine on Bharti for roaming issues

New Delhi, May 30 -- 

India's largest telecom service provider, Bharti Airtel, may end up paying Rs. 1,650 crore of penalty to the government for violation of licence conditions. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is considering imposing a new fine of Rs. 650 crore on the company for allowing other telecom service providers to use its spectrum and offer services in 13 circles where they did not have licences, sources said.

The news sent the company's shares down 2% intra-day on the Bombay Stock Exchange, before recovering to close up 0.5% to Rs. 316.
The DoT had earlier imposed a fine of Rs. 350 crore on the company for offering 3G services in seven circles where it did not have licences. The company had entered into inter-circle roaming agreements with Idea Cellular and Vodafone and was offering services where they had won spectrum for 3G services. The matter is currently subjudice.
The government is likely to impose a penalty of Rs. 650 crore on the company for providing subscriber local dialing (SLD) services. In 2003, the company was offering SLD services, which was not permitted according to licence conditions. Under this service, a subscriber could talk while moving, without paying roaming charges. The file has been approved by communications minister Kapil Sibal.
A company spokesperson declined to comment. However, a source close to the company said that it will appeal to the Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal when the DoT imposes the fine.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra: Shape shifter

The actor reveals her post-baby body and how she got it, in an exclusive interaction with Prevention.

Her waistline is part of Bollywood legend. But it's not like pregnancy and childbirth would leave it untouched. Yet, one look at Shilpa Shetty Kundra as she walks through the door and we're thinking: how? Just how did she manage to get back in shape barely 10 months after childbirth? "I'm glad to be back in my old jeans," she beams, turning on her thousand-watt smile. "And I feel so proud that I'm shooting for a health magazine today when until two months ago, no clothes fit me." She's clearly earned that spot on our anniversary issue cover.

Shilpa's knocked off almost 20 kilos (she calls it the 'Viaan fat') within 10 months of giving birth to her son. "I have 1 kilo to go," she says, clearly proud of her achievement and quickly interrupting anyone who credits her genes for her active metabolism. "It's not fair to say it's only because of my genes. Yes, I do have my father's athletic genes and a good metabolism, but this weight loss is mostly due to my effort," says the actress, dance show judge and entrepreneur.

Finding Fitness

Dedication, that's the bedrock of her shapeliness. "My body worked very hard to deliver a baby," says Shilpa whose son turns one this May. Now she's working very hard on her body to get back into the svelte, lithe figure she's known for. It's not unknown territory for Shilpa who is known to be disciplined about her fitness regimes and also released her own yoga CD a few years ago. Currently she's enjoying her role as a judge for the dance competition Nach Baliye on Star Plus. But, baby Viaan is the centre of her universe. "Everything changed after Viaan was born. Everything revolves around our son now. Our day begins and ends with him, Raj and I both put our son first. So if I've to be at work one day, Raj brings his meetings home." When she returned home with her baby, Shilpa gained another 5 kilos. "I ate things made with ghee and drank whole milk. Like most mothers, my attitude was old school?baby comes first." When her son was five and half months, she began her weight-loss and fitness programme. It began with an hour of CrossFit four times a week and yoga once a week.

"You lose a lot of your strength when you deliver a baby. Your core becomes very weak so you have to build it from scratch. I used to be able to do 50 crunches at a stretch, but after Viaan, I could only manage 10 and was unable to run for more than two minutes." She shed 3 kilos in the first month and a remarkable 18 kilos in the following three months. All this without resorting to a strict diet plan? "I have always been averse to any kind of dieting," says Shilpa. She once tried a Blood Group diet and "it was such a mistake," she gained 3 kilos and Raj piled on 7! "Eating a balanced diet has worked best for me.

I eat enough of the right things and save indulgences for the week. Eating ends." Her tip: "Don't snack between meals, and control your portion size." Food for Thought It cannot be easy staying disciplined, especially with a Punjabi husband who loves his food, but Shilpa ensures that whoever eats in her home, eats right. "Raj is a Punjabi man who loves his rajma. But he's very cool and eats whatever is cooked. The menu is my decision and being healthy does not mean giving up on taste. This healthy eating eventually rubs off on everyone, and those who come home have no choice," she laughs. Shilpa's candour is refreshing. When we touch on the topic of beauty she says she "is average looking. Just look at my pictures from 20 years ago," she laughs. "But as film stars, we have a team of people to look after us. At the risk of being immodest, I would say that I know my flaws and my forte.

My personality is my strength. Beauty is just skin deep." Like every other young woman, Shilpa has gone through her phase of experimentation and mistakes. Rewind to her 1997 film Zameer. "Blonde hair, blue eyes, red lipstick- what a mistake! But I am human. I joined the industry very young and had to find my way on my own. I had the best body and copied all the latest styles from fashion glossies. I made a statement with what ever I could afford at that time," she says candidly. In a New Role Shilpa calls herself a full-time mom, but she's also working on producing a Bollywood film, is a partner at Iosis Spas and Wellness, has her fitness enterprises, TV commitments and supports husband Raj's projects. But her priorities are clear. "When I was working, I gave it my 100 percent, when I got married I enjoyed doing the things I had missed out on. Now I am basking in motherhood. I will ensure I am always around for my child. Other things will have to fit around that," she says. Then on a more thoughtful note, she says how being a good mother demands a lot of time and effort, yet mothers shouldn't feel guilty about needing some 'me' time. "A lot of ordinary women out there are doing the extraordinary job of being a mother. Everything (your roles as wife, daughter) can be adjusted, but bringing up a child is a 24X7 job and the most difficult role to play (well)," she says.

Four life lessons from Shilpa Shetty

 Don't give up on love
Shilpa’s heart was broken by the Khiladi of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar but she never gave up on love. The rumour mills were abuzz about her ‘relationship’ with director Anubhav Sinha, but she firmly denied them. After winning Big Brother, Shilpa went to launch her signature perfume S2 and met Raj occasionally for the launch preparations. On their first media appearance, Shilpa called Raj, her ‘business friend’ but their frequent meetings soon took a personal turn.

 Shilpa soon announced her engagement to the world and proudly showed off the 20 carat diamond ring which had been gifted to her by Raj. A firm believer of karma and past life, Shilpa went on to say in an interview that Raj was a part of her past life and now they are back together.
Lesson Learnt: So girls, no matter how many boys break your heart; don’t ever settle for anyone except for your Mr. Right.

 Never embarrass your ex publicly
You may be seething in anger and may want to kill your ex for two timing you, but in public, you must always be at your dignified best. Even though Shilpa was heartbroken after her break up, she has often said in interviews that there is no animosity between her and Akshay and they are good friends. Akshay and Shilpa have come face to face on a number of occasions, most recently on the celebrity dance show Nach Baliye, but Shilpa has always been pleasant to her ex-flame.
Lesson Learnt: Your ex may be the devil’s incarnate, but you should never wash the dirty linen in public.

 Maintain dignity under pressure
Life wasn’t easy for this gorgeous actress, but things took a turn for worse when she entered the celebrity Big Brother 5 in 2007. Racial slurs by her fellow contestants Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd, Jack Tweed and Jo O'Meara rattled her but she did not give up. She stayed in the house and soon emerged as Britain’s favourite with 63 per cent votes.

 Not the one to hold grudges, Shilpa soon forgave Jade Goody and other contestants. She told the host of the show Davina McCall, “People make mistakes and we're all human beings, we're all fallible." Lesson Learnt: In a high pressure situation, never let your attackers get to you. Keep yourself in positive spirits, maintain your dignity and always let bygones be bygones.

 Make time for family
You may be swiftly climbing the success ladder, but don’t forget your family in all that excitement. Shilpa decided to take a break from her acting carrer for a year after her son Viaan was born. She signed up for a couple of endorsements, but ensured that her schedule would not take up too much of her time.

In an industry where actresses are always under the media scanner for their weight-issues, Shilpa says that she is no hurry to lose post-pregnancy flab. She believes “As we are in the glamour business, we are always scrutinised for our appearances and are bound to have insecurities. But for a mother, these first four months are very crucial for the child's health. You should not compromise with it.”

In another interview when she was asked what things she would grab in case there is a fire in her home, the gorgeous actress replied, “I would just make sure that my family escapes. Material things don't matter.”
Lesson Learnt: Family comes first, always! And Ladies, enjoy each and every phase of your life. Motherhood is a blessing and do not let any nasty comments about your weight or appearance affect you.

 THE EAT-RIGHT PLAN

Shilpa is currently on a high protein diet Pre-breakfast: Amla juice, papaya Breakfast: Porridge with raisins and a banana or two eggs + a cup of tea Followed by a workout Lunch: Protein (fish or 2 eggs or dal) + vegetables + quinoa (in a roti or in pure form), Buttermilk or yoghurt Snack: Boiled sprouts or a turkey and egg sandwich, A cup of tea with brown sugar Dinner (by 8.30 pm): Clear soup, salad, fish or palak omelet

 

The top 10 restaurants in Asia

nfluential food site The Daily Meal has released their picks for the best 101 restaurants in Asia, giving the top spot to a restaurant chain that specializes in soup-filled dumplings in Taiwan. One of Taipei’s most popular dining destinations, Din Tai Fung, has been named the best restaurant in Asia thanks in large part to its world-famous xiao long bao, pork dumplings filled with a rich, soupy broth which burst in the mouth.

Take a virtual tour of the top 10 restaurants in Asia, as chosen by editors of The Daily Meal.

 Din Tai Fung, Taipei, Taiwan
    Famous for its soup-filled dumplings, Din Tai Fung also hosted actor Tom Cruise last month where they gave the superstar a private cooking lesson.
    ©Fred Hsu
   

 Duck de Chine, Beijing, China

    'Time Out Beijing' lauded Duck de Chine as the newest contender for the city's best roast duck.

    ©Johnnie Utah
  

  Green T. House, Beijing, China

    According to 'Travel + Lesiure' magazine, Green T. House "defies categorization" but can be described as a modern and quirky space where décor competes for attention with dishes like fennel dumplings and roasted lamb with oolong leaves.

    ©Green T. House
   

 Temple Restaurant, Beijing, China

    Located in a renovated 600-year-old Buddhist temple, this Beijing restaurant's menu is European and heavily influenced by the owner's work experience with French chef Daniel Boulud.

    ©Temple Restaurant
  

  Capital M, Beijing, China

    With an outdoor terrace that overlooks the Forbidden City, Qianmen Gate, and Tian'anmen Square, diners tuck into signature dishes such as crispy suckling pig, hothouse smoked salmon, salt-baked leg of lamb and pavlova dessert.
    ©Capital M
   

 Varq, New Delhi, India

    Set inside the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, Indian flavors are given the fine dining treatment.
    ©Varq
   

 Dali Courtyard, Beijing, China

    It's one of 'Time' magazine's top 10 things to do in Beijing: Stop in at Dali Courtyard to sample authentic and sophisticated dishes of southern Yunnan province in the outdoor courtyard.
    ©anaadi+
  

  Lung King Heen, Hong Kong

    Set in the Four Seasons Hotel, Lung King Heen boasts bragging rights to having been the first Chinese restaurant to earn triple Michelin stars. The fine dining destination serves Cantonese cuisine and overlooks Hong Kong's skyline and harbor.

    ©FourSeasonsHotelsandResorts
   

 Michel Bras TOYA Japon, Toyako, Japan

    This Windsor Hotels restaurant could be described as the Japanese version of chef Michel Bras's famous Laguiole restaurant in France, where local vegetables, seafood and meats from Hokkaido are given the Bras treatment.

    ©veroyama
  

 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, Hong Kong

    The contemporary Italian restaurant inside the Alexandra House owns bragging rights to holding three Michelin stars, the only Italian restaurant outside Italy to do so.
    ©Otto e Mezzo

 

Rare family photos of celebrities

It is not all work for these celebs, there is always time for family. Here's a look at some pictures of celebrities and their families, that you may not have seen before.