Taiwan pop trio S.H.E to launch online radio station

Taiwan's hottest pop trio S.H.E will soon try their hand at broadcasting on their own online radio station, "FM S.H.E". Through their programs they hope to share their thoughts, emotions and music with their fans.

n's hottest pop trio S.H.E will soon try their hand at broadcasting on their own online radio station, "FM S.H.E". Through their programs they hope to share their thoughts, emotions and music with their fans.

Besides running the show, the three girls also shoulder responsibilities behind the scenes, with Selina, who has the sweetest voice to be the telephonist, the even-tempered Hebe to be the chief executive, and the outgoing Ella to manage the logistics.

To add more fun to their program, the three talkative girls also plan to invite celebrities to conduct exclusive interviews.

The application of "FM S.H.E" is still underway, and if everything goes smoothly it will be launched by the end of September.

(Agencies)

Jessica Simpson's rosy gas

Jessica Simpson says she has a wind problem, but her gas smells like "roses".

Jessica Simpson says she has a wind problem, but her gas smells like "roses". The singer - who will be releasing her debut country album 'Do You Know' later this year - told stunned fans at her concert in Ontario, Canada, that she has a unique digestive system.

She said: "I do pass gas a lot. But I guarantee you it smells like roses." Jessica's country single 'Come On Over' and bid to be accepted in the specialist industry is already attracting negative reviews from critics.

John Law wrote in the Niagara Falls Review: "It might be unfair calling Jessica Simpson's recent show a train wreck - at some point, a train knows where it's going.

Jessica is still living in a reality show, convinced everyone is so fascinated with her personal life, they'd rather hear her talk than sing.

Referring to former 'Newlyweds' star Jessica's supposed interest in legendary singer Dusty Springfield, John added: "It's hard to take her seriously when she declares how much she loves 'Destiny' Springfield, and then performs a version of 'Son of a Preacher Man'."

(Agencies)

Michael Jackson to appear at MTV Video Music Awards

Pop star Michael Jackson attends the funeral of singer James Brown in Augusta in this Dec. 30, 2006 file photograph. Jackson turns 50 on Aug. 29, 2008.

Michael Jackson is rumored to be appearing at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The "Thriller" singer - who turned 50 on Aug. 29 - is reportedly in talks to present an award with his sister Janet at the ceremony which is taking place on Sept. 7 in Los Angeles.

The reclusive star is in the process of recording his new album in Las Vegas at the moment, and MTV bosses are keen for him to re-launch his faltering career by appearing at the show.

Michael - whose career has faltered since he was acquitted of child sex charges in 2005 - has been in the studio with Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am.

It was recently rumored troubled pop star Britney Spears would be making her comeback at the ceremony, but her manager Larry Rudolph has since denied the claims.

He said: "Contrary to media reports, Britney was never slated to perform at this year's VMAs. She's in the middle of recording her next album, which is going amazingly well, and her focus remains on the studio."

MTV has yet to announce who will be presenting awards at the event - which is being hosted by British comedian Russell Brand - although they have released a list of performers, with Pink, Rihanna and the Jonas Brothers all set to take to the stage.

(Agencies)

Lindsay Lohan blasts dad: he is "addicted to fame"

Lindsay Lohan branded her father Michael a "public embarrassment and a bully." The "Mean Girls" actress is furious her dad accused her girlfriend Samantha Ronson of using her to raise her profile, and insists it is Michael who is "addicted to fame."

Taking a break from the set of "Labor Pains", Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson went shopping for diamonds at Cartier in Beverly Hills on Wednesday (July 2).

She wrote in a MySpace blog: "If you have something to say to me, say it to my face - that's what I have believed my whole life - don't be a coward and say it to others first, let alone to all the media in the world. "It really hurts, because I have tried - after all that my mother and siblings have gone through, I really tried to make things work - for the hope of having a father again and wanting things to change - even though people have said, some people will forever remain the same. "

He has become a public embarrassment and a bully - to my family, my co-workers, my friends, and a girl that means the world to me (it's obvious who that is). "His recent attack on my life and my loved ones is simply for an ADDICTION THAT HE HAS - FAME. If he really cared about me and my life, then he would learn to respect my wishes by staying out of it. Samantha has not and would never sell me out. Nor has my mother, who is wonderful."

Samantha also wrote a blog entry about the incident, insisting she is being "used" in Michael's desperate attempt to boost his profile.

She said: "I really don't want to say anything because I feel like he wins - he, being the man who is so desperate for attention that he goes to the media whenever possible - I know I am being used, I am just a pawn - easy to sacrifice in order to feed his addiction. I was angry when I first read his attack on me, but I believe that actions speak louder than words. So now I just pity him."

(Agencies)

The Mummy meets terracotta warriors

Jet Li plays the title role in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

The mummy has come to China. Or rather, the third installment in the popular film franchise, The Mummy, is set in China and its cast includes three well-known Chinese actors.

Though The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is not the only Hollywood blockbuster to feature Chinese elements in recent years, it is among the most prominent.

Kungfu maestro Jet Li plays the Dragon Emperor, who has been cursed by a witch, played by Michelle Yeoh, to suffer as a mummy - in an unending state of limbo between life and death. Hong Kong actress Isabella Leong plays Yeoh's daughter.

In one of the most exciting scenes, the emperor unleashes his terracotta army, which has been buried underground for nearly 2,000 years.

The plot draws upon the true history of Qinshihuang, the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty. Discovered in 1974, the tomb located near the city of Xi'an, Shaanxi province, has attracted visitors and archaeologists from around the world to see the 7,000 terracotta soldiers and hundreds of chariots and horses made for the emperor's tomb.

The booby traps featured in the movie's tomb scene were inspired by the legend that the real Qinshihuang tomb is full of traps the emperor ordered built to protect him from enemies even after death.

Director Rob Cohen is a passionate lover of Chinese culture. Li describes him as "outside American and inside Chinese".

The director stresses the film's mission is not too serious. "It is an entertaining film," he says. "Things the director thinks funny and appealing he adds them to the film. If you find fun and laugh, that's enough."

For his part, Li said he especially enjoyed being able to play a villain. He is best known for playing heroes in Asian movies. "I have played too many good guys," he told the TV show Access Hollywood. "It's very heavy, because the good guy has the responsibility of taking care of his family, wives, children, neighbors, dog. Being good is not easy." In contrast, he points out, "The bad guy is straightforward, selfish. I like the girl. It belongs to me. I like his car, give to me."

The film will premiere in theaters across China on September 2, with Chinese language dubbing and bilingual subtitles.

The film also stars Brendan Fraser, who continues his role as Rick O'Connell. He is joined in his adventures by his wife Evelyn, played by Maria Belloand, and son Alex, played by Luke Ford. In the film, the O'Connell family must save the world by stopping the ferocious Dragon Emperor from carrying out his diabolical plans.

(Agencies)

George Bush wants Michael Phelps as son-in-law?

U.S. President George W. Bush, first lady Laura and their daughter Barbara Bush watch the swimming competition at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, China, Aug. 10, 2008.

With eight Olympic gold medals in hand, American Michael Phelps becomes a hot golden bachelor in his country. Now Barbara Bush, George Bush's unmarried daughter, seems to have a crush on Phelps, after the president acted as go-between, U.S. media reported on Tuesday.

"Barbara, 26, often talked about Phelps, 23, with her friends even before the Beijing Olympic Games," the Globe Magazine was quoted as saying.

From her words Barbara apparently admired Phelps' swimming skills and believed he could win many gold medals. Like other American girls, Barbara also regarded Phelps as a charming and handsome athlete, and Prince Charming in her heart.

George Bush was not only with Barbara on this point but also would like to play Cupid.

In order to hook up Barbara with Phelps, George Bush took Barbara to watch Phelps' competition at the National Aquatics Center, or Water Cube where Phelps began his unprecedented eight-gold quest in men's 400 individual medley final on Aug. 10.

Michael Phelps of America celebrates victory after the men’s 400m individual medley final of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at National Aquatics Center in Beijing, China, August 10, 2008. Michael Phelps won in a world record time of 4:03.84

Combination of eight pictures done on August 17, 2008 showing Michael Phelps of the U.S. displaying the eight gold medals he won at the swimming events during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. From L to R, top row: men's 4 x 100m medley on August 17, 100m butterfly on August 16, men's 200m individual medley on August 15, men's 4 x 200m freestyle relay on August 13. From L to R, bottom row: men's 200m butterfly on August 13, men's 200m freestyle on August 12, men's 4X100m freestyle relay on August 11, men's 400m individual medley on August 10.

Photo taken August 17, 2008. shows U.S. swimmer and all-time Olympian Michael Phelps poses exclusively for the Aug. 25, 2008 edition of Sports Illustrated in this photograph taken in Beijing, China on Aug. 17, 2008. This photo of Phelps, 23, posing with his eight medal collection, the richest gold medal haul ever from a single Olympic Games, marks Phelps' fifth appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Phelps has more SI covers than any other swimmer including Mark Spitz, who is second with three. The August 25, 2008 issue of Sports Illustrated will go on sale on Wednesday.

When Phelps started his final charge with the freestyle, Barbara stood up in cheers, waving an American national flag.

After Phelps finnaly won the gold medal, George Bush congratulated Phelps on his success and "incidentally" introduced Barbara to him, according to the Globe Magazine.

On Aug. 17, George Bush appeared very excited of Phelps' achieving historic feat of eight golds and invited him to be a special guest in White House next month.

Bush also mentioned he will let Barbara accompany Phelps during the stay.

(Agencies)

Paris searches for best friend in Britain

Calling all young, beautiful Britons with a yearning for life in the fast lane - celebrity socialite Paris Hilton is heading to Britain to find a new best friend.

Since parting ways on screen with Nicole Richie, her former best friend and co-star of reality TV show The Simple Life, the heiress has filmed a new series in Los Angeles called "Paris Hilton's My New BFF (Best Friends Forever)."

Actress and fashion icon Paris Hilton and HairTech International team up with Sally Beauty Supply to launch "The Bandit," the first interchangeable hair extension headband, at a press conference and launch party on August 23, 2008 in Malibu, California.

In the show, which goes to air Sept. 30, 20 wannabe members of Hilton's entourage battle it out in a house to win her friendship with contestants eliminated along the way.

But with the series over, Hilton, 27, said she had so much fun that she going to head to England to do it all over again.

"Imagine all the trouble and fun I could cause all at once just with a text on my Blackberry, from me to them," she wrote in a posting on her MySpace page.

"And because I had so much fun doing this one, I decided I need to find my new British BFF ... Everyone knows I love LA. But London, watch out."

She said her London best friend needed to be hot, able to keep up with her, and not a backstabber.

A statement from ITV2 said Hilton would be putting a group of potential friends from suburbia to the Shetlands through their paces to test their ambition and determination.

Anyone wanting to try to win Hilton's affection needs to be aged between 18 and 28, with the energy to keep up with her schedule and the looks and style to match her lifestyle.

Men can apply too but Hilton make no bones about where her romantic affections lie - with boyfriend rocker Benji Madden, the twin brother of Richie's partner.

"I have a great boyfriend ... My favorite part of the summer has been the time I've gotten to spend on tour with my love Benj," raved Hilton.

"Paris the Heiress" is known for being a high-society party girl, part-time model, part-time singer, and quasi-actress. Her most notable roles were playing herself on the reality show "The Simple Life."

(Agencies)

Madonna furious as love letters to be made public

U.S. singer Madonna performs on the opening night of her "Sticky & Sweet" tour at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff Aug. 23, 2008. Madonna is furious that her explicit love letters may be made public.

Madonna is furious that her explicit love letters may be made public.

The "Give It 2 Me" singer has reportedly instructed her lawyers to stop the organizers of new exhibition "Simply Madonna: Materials of the Girl" from displaying the racy notes.

Madonna sent the 17 letters - which include photographs - to her then-boyfriend James Albright in the 90s and signed some of them Spanky, said to be a reference to her fondness of being spanked during sex, while others include a lipstick kiss.

A source said: "Who would want private sentiments to someone they loved revealed? Lawyers sent a warning. She hopes it will work."

The show will open in East London next February, and will include some of the most iconic stage outfits she has worn during her 25-year career.

Among the 300 items going on show are the pink dress the singer wore in the "Material Girl" video, and the evening dress from the 1996 film 'Evita."

A black bustier she modeled in her "Open Your Heart" video and the wedding dress she wore during her "Like a Virgin" tour will also be displayed.

Exhibition Curator Ted Owen said: "This is an unprecedented collection of Madonna memorabilia, that represents every stage of her glittering career.

"These are museum-quality pieces - but they will be presented in keeping with the glamour and sense of theatre that the queen of pop has made her trademark - and Madonna fans should be very excited indeed."

Madonna kicked off her 50-date "Sticky and Sweet" world tour in Cardiff, Wales, on Saturday.

(Agencies)

Venice International film festival kicks off

U.S. actors Brad Pitt (L) and George Clooney pose on the red carpet at the Film Festival in Venice Aug. 27, 2008. Pitt and Clooney star in Ethan and Joel Coen's movie "Burn After Reading" which is opening this year's Venice Film Festival.

VENICE (Italy) -- The annual famous International Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday evening in this beautiful island Lido of Venice, in Italy.

George Clooney kicks off the Venice Film Festival with the world premiere of the Coen brothers' latest work but from then on Hollywood gives way to indie movies, Japanese anime and more Italian films than usual.

Clooney and his pal Brad Pitt hit the red carpet to promote Joel and Ethan Coen's "Burn After Reading," a crime comedy also starring John Malkovich and Tilda Swinton.

Joel Coen (1st L), actress Tilda Swinton (2nd L), actors Brad Pitt (3rd R) and George Clooney (2nd R) as well as director Ethan Coen (1st R) attend a news briefing in Venice, Italy, Aug. 27, 2008.

The movie, about two gym employees' bungled attempts to sell a CIA disc, is not among the 21 films in competition but audience and critical reaction may show whether the brothers can repeat last year's Oscar success with "No Country For Old Men" which won the best picture and director awards.

The only U.S. films by name directors are Jonathan Demme ("Silence of the Lambs")'s family dysfunction comedy "Rachel Getting Married" starring Anne Hathaway and three-time Oscar nominee Debra Winger, and Kathryn Bigelow ("Point Break")'s Hurt Locker, an Iraq drama starring Colin Farrell, Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes and Willem Dafoe.

U.S. actors Brad Pitt (L) and George Clooney smile as they arrive at the Film Festival in Venice August 27, 2008. Pitt and Clooney star in Ethan and Joel Coen's movie "Burn After Reading" which is being shown out of the competition at the Venice Film Festival.

The other American films in competition are by lesser-known or first-time directors.

Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler" stars Mickey Rourke in the title role while "Vegas, Based On A True Story" is top Iranian director Amir Naderi's bid for wider fame.

Acclaimed Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga ("Amores Perros,""21 Grams," "Babel") makes his debut behind the camera with "The Burning Plain," a multi-layered family drama featuring Kim Basinger and Charlize Theron. Japan and Italy occupy most of the remaining positions on the starting grid with three and four films respectively.

Two of the Japanese films are anime including cult director Hayao Miyazaki's "Ponyo On Cliff By The Sea."

Miyazaki, who made the Oscar-nominated "Spirited Away," has scored a huge hit in his home country with Ponyo. Another anime king, Mamoru Oshii, presents "The Sky Crawlers" while cult director Takeshi Kitano, a Golden Lion winner in 1997, has "Achilles And The Tortoise" in competition this time.

With the heavy Japanese presence, it could be the fourth straight year that the Golden Lion goes to Asia which won last year with "Lust, Caution" by Taiwan's Ang Lee.

Four Italian films will compete for the Lion: Pupi Avati's Il papa' di Giovanna (Giovanna's Dad); Pappi Corsicato's Il seme della discordia (The Seed of Discord); Chilean-Italian Marco Bechis's Birdwatchers; and Turkish-Italian director Ferzan Ozpetek's Un giorno perfetto (A Perfect Day).

The 65th Venice International Film Festival, organised by the Venice Biennale, runs from Aug. 27 to Sept. 6.

Two-headed baby born in Bangladesh

The boy, named Kiron, was born by Cesarean section on Aug. 25, weighing 5.5 kilogrammes.

A baby boy with two heads was born by Caesarean section at a clinic in Keshobpur, 135 km from the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka, on Monday, according to media reports Thursday.
The baby, weighed 5.5 kilograms, was named Kiron, and was moved to a larger hospital in nearby Jessore city.

Kiron was placed under police protection because hospital officials felt that the baby and his mother, 22, were at risk from the anxious crowd of 150,000 that had gathered to see him, gynaecologist Mohamad Abdul Bari said Wednesday.

"He has one stomach and he is eating normally with his two mouths. He has one genital organ and a full set of limbs," Bari said.

"He was born from one embryo but there was a developmental anomaly." Bari said.

Babies born with physical abnormalities in Bangladesh and India are often hailed as living gods. An eight-limbed girl named Lakshmi born in India last October was believed by villagers to be a reincarnation of the four-armed Hindu goddess of wealth.

The daily newspaper Samakal said many well-wishers had left money for the baby's family.

(Agencies)

Britney Spears not perform at the VMAs

Singer Britney Spears arrives at the Cannes festival palace to attend the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes in this January 24, 2004 file photo.

Bitney Spears is out of next week's MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), Ryan Seacrest reported on "On Air With Ryan Seacrest" on Monday morning.

"She did the promo for them, but there never were any plans for her to appear on the show," a spokesman for Rudolph said.

Quoting Spears's manager, Larry Rudolph, Seacrest said, "Britney Spears will not be performing at the VMAs this year. I'm telling you officially and unequivocally."

The pop star shocked audiences last year with a shaky performance of her hit song Gimme More, baring her belly and stumbling across the stage.

Spears attempted to make a comeback last year, using the 2007 VMA's as a launch-pad. Instead her club-footed dancing and dull voice turned out to be a professional disaster.

The MTV VMAs show is set to air in the US on 7 September.

(Source: China Daily)

Brangelina qualifies for $ 2,500 child benefits

Cast member Angelina Jolie and actor Brad Pitt arrive for the screening of the film "The Exchange" by U.S. director Clint Eastwood at the 61st Cannes Film Festival in this May 20, 2008 file photo.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are eligible for around 2,500 U.S. dollars in child benefits. Brad registered his family at Brignoles town hall just after they moved to the south of France, meaning the couple are eligible for an "orphan allowance" of 508.97 U.S. dollars for each of their three adopted children, Maddox, seven, Pax, four, and three-year-old Zahara.

Brad and Angelina could also claim a "nanny payment" of 975.84 dollars a month for new twins Knox and Vivienne and biological daughter Shiloh, two.

A spokesperson for Brignoles council told People magazine: "We do not discuss individual benefits cases. But we can confirm that all resident local families with young children are eligible for certain benefits." It is not believed the couple will accept the payments.

Meanwhile, it has been reported Brad, 44, has photographed his family for a magazine cover. Angelina, 33, Brad and their children are to appear on the cover of W magazine in November in pictures taken at their French home by the "Fight Club" actor.

The couple previously posed together in the July 2005 issue of the magazine for a shoot entitled "Domestic Bliss," which featured them in a series of poses as a married couple to promote their movie "Mr. and Mrs. Smith."

(Source: China Daily)

Jennifer Garner confirms pregnancy

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner has confirmed she is pregnant.

The 'Alias' actress has long been rumoured to be expecting her second child with husband Ben Affleck, and despite close friends speaking out, the couple had so far refused to comment.

However, she revealed the happy news to Access Hollywood on Wednesday, saying: "Thank you, we're so excited obviously. We've been through it before. It's all good, it's great. I'm really excited."

Jennifer - who has a two-year-old daughter Violet with Ben - at first remained coy, joking that: "Oh I'm not pregnant. I just had a lot of carbs for breakfast. It's just ? what do they call it? A breakfast pouch? Bunch?"

She then admitted she had enjoyed recent speculation about the reason behind her expanding stomach, adding: "It always makes me laugh when people say, 'Is she?' 'Isn't she?' It's like eventually you will know, so just chill out for a minute."

Close family friend Victor Garber, who starred alongside Jennifer in 'Alias' and officiated at the couple's wedding in 2005, first revealed the actress was pregnant last month. When asked if recent speculation was true and Jennifer was pregnant, he replied: "Yes she is."

(Source: China Daily/Agencies)

Jolie turns to porn star Gal Pal for catwoman tips

Cast member Angelina Jolie poses during a photocall for the film "The Exchange" by U.S. director Clint Eastwood at the 61st Cannes Film Festival May 20, 2008.

Angelina Jolie has been asking adult movie star Tera Patrick for advice on playing Catwoman. The 33-year-old actress - who gave birth to twins Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Leon last month - is said to be good friends with the busty brunette, and believes she can offer an insight into portraying the feline villain in the next Batman movie.

A source told the New York Post newspaper: "Tera and Angelina are friends and keep in touch via e-mail. They have a girl-talk thing going. After seeing reports that she'll land the lead role, Angelina asked Tera what she thought. Tera had such insights into the role that Angelina cracked, 'You should do it!' "

Since welcoming the twins, her fifth and sixth children with partner Brad Pitt, into the world last month, Angelina has been approached to star in a variety of movies including 'The Thomas Crown Affair 2' alongside Pierce Brosnan - a role for which movie bosses want her to put on weight.

The 'Wanted' star is also said to be the hot favorite to star in 'Edwin A. Salt', the espionage thriller Tom Cruise reportedly dropped out of after arguing with producers over his salary.

(Source: China Daily/Agencies)

Jolie pitted against Aniston in box-office tussle

This combo photo shows Jennifer Aniston (L) and Angelina Jolie.

Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston are sharing a play date. Brad Pitt's current romantic partner Jolie and ex-wife Aniston will go head-to-head at theaters Oct. 24, when both have a movie coming out.

Jolie stars in Clint Eastwood's missing-child drama "Changeling" while Aniston is part of the ensemble cast in the romantic comedy "He's Just Not That Into You."

Aniston probably will win the dollar battle because her film debuts in nationwide release, while "Changeling" starts in just a few cities to build critical buzz before going wide Oct. 31.

But Jolie, an Academy Award winner for "Girl, Interrupted," likely will lead the acclaim game. Well received by critics in its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, "Changeling" has put Jolie in the running for a best-actress Oscar.

Set in the 1920s and 1930s, "Changeling" is based on the true story of a single mom in a nightmare battle with corrupt Los Angeles police trying to cover their mistakes in the investigation surrounding her missing 9-year-old son.

The commercial prospects for "He's Just Not That Into You" are bolstered by an all-star cast including Ben Affleck, Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Connelly. Directed by Ken Kwapis ("The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"), the movie focuses on the mixed signals men and women send in relationships.

Pitt and Jolie — expecting twins, their fifth and sixth children — hooked up after co-starring in the 2005 hit "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" as his marriage to Aniston was unraveling.

Universal Pictures is releasing "Changeling" and Warner Bros. is distributing "He's Just Not That Into You."

(Source: China Daily)

Jennifer Aniston vows never to go under knife

Actress Jennifer Aniston walks on the stage to accept her award for favorite female movie star at the 33rd annual People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles, California January 9, 2007.

Jennifer Aniston has ruled out having plastic surgery. The former "Friends" actress -- who turns 40 next year -- insists the only reason she would ever consider going under the surgeon's knife would be for medical purposes.

She said: "I once had the degree of my deviated septum operated on. Since then, I can breathe much better and sleep nights like a baby.

The rest of my body is all mine. And absolutely natural. And it's going to stay that way. I am very satisfied with what God gave me." Jennifer also revealed she maintains her svelte figure with regular yoga sessions.

She added: "I do the best I can to keep myself fit, both in body and mind. I also draw a lot of strength and energy from yoga, new age and cosmic energies. I very much believe in karma -- the way you treat your fellow man is how you will ultimately be treated yourself."

(Source: China Daily)

Britney Spears, Justin reunion

Britney Spears left Conway Studios after a couple hours in Los Angeles, August 21,2008.

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake are finally set to record a duet. The "Toxic" singer and her ex-boyfriend, who have been the subject of rumors they will record a song together for months, are to reportedly team up for a track on Britney's new album, due to be released later this year.

The pair were supposed to collaborate on a track for Britney's last LP "Blackout" but she missed the recording session scheduled at producer Timbaland's studio.

At the time, a source claimed Britney "just didn't show up". Britney's father Jamie -- who is currently acting as co--conservator of her estate -- is said to be keen for one time sweethearts to reunite.

Earlier this year, it was reported Jamie had asked Justin to perform with Britney, but the "Sexy Back" singer had refused.

At the time, a source said: "Jamie wanted Justin to help Britney. For a time Justin seriously considered doing a couple of concerts with her to help her out."

As well as a duet with Justin, Britney's next album is set to include a song she has written about her sons -- Sean Preston, two, and 23-month-old Jayden James. The troubled star revealed: "I've written a song for my next LP about them called 'My Baby'. It's a beautiful song, I'm really proud of it."

(Source: China Daily)

Snake charmers show skills at Hindu Jhapan festival

A snake charmer handles a poisonous snake during Jhapan festival in Bishanupur, about 200 km (123 miles) west of Kolkata, Aug. 17, 2008. The annual Hindu festival honours the Hindu snake goddess Manasha.

A snake charmer handles a poisonous snake during Jhapan festival in Bishanupur, about 200 km (123 miles) west of Kolkata, Aug. 17, 2008

A woman carries an idol of the Hindu snake goddess Manasha during the Jhapan festival in Bishanupur, about 200 km (123 miles) west from Kolkata, Aug. 17, 2008

An Indian snake charmer holds a poisonous snake in his mouth during the Jhapan festival in Bishanupur, about 200 km (123 miles) west from Kolkata, Aug. 17, 2008

A woman snake charmer handles a poisonous snake during the Jhapan festival in Bishanupur, about 200 km (123 miles) west from Kolkata, Aug. 17, 2008.

Cambodian Flag

Cambodian Flag: 1863-1948

Cambodian Flag: 1948-1970

Cambodian Flag: 1958

Cambodian Flag: 1970-1975

Cambodian Flag: 1976-1978 Cambodian Flag: 1979-1989 Cambodian Flag: 1989-1991

Cambodian Flag: 1991-1993 Cambodian Flag: 1993-Present

Look here, it's our sports meeting!

A macaque riding a goat performs during an animal sports meeting at a wildlife park in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 22, 2008. Some dozen animals in the park played on Friday for "gold medals" in events as "track and field", "gymnastics", "equestrian" and "football".

A black bear plays on a horizontal bar during an animal sports meeting at a wildlife park in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 22, 2008. Some dozen animals in the park played on Friday for "gold medals" in events as "track and field", "gymnastics", "equestrian" and "football".

An elephant tries a shoot during a "football" game of an animal sports meeting at a wildlife park in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 22, 2008. Some dozen animals in the park played on Friday for "gold medals" in events as "track and field", "gymnastics", "equestrian" and "football".

A pygmy loris looks back after winning a climbing event during an animal sports meeting at a wildlife park in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 22, 2008. Some dozen animals in the park played on Friday for "gold medals" in events as "track and field", "gymnastics", "equestrian" and "football".

Batman's cat: Yoda with 4 ears

Valerie Rock found Yoda being passed around a Chicago bar and took him home with her.

Two-year-old house cat Yoda was born with four ears. If Batman had a cat, it would probably look something like this.

Wait a moment please!

Athletes dive into the water attending the swim contest of Men's Final of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games triathlon event in Beijing, China, Aug. 19, 2008.

Transvestites take part in gay parade during Gaijatra festival in Kathmandu

A transvestite takes part in a gay parade during the Gaijatra festival in Kathmandu August 17, 2008.




A transvestite posing as a pregnant woman dances with a boy during a gay parade during the Gaijatra festival in Kathmandu August 17, 2008.