VANCOUVER : Figure-skating’s revised scoring system, the one designed to remove subjectivity and emotion from the judging process, may face its sternest test tonight.

That’s when Joannie Rochette will compete in the women’s free skate.

The Canadian lost her mother earlier this week. Tonight, the Pacific Coliseum crowd, the figure-skating community, most of the world, probably, will be hoping she doesn’t lose a medal, too.

But what about the judges? Will they be strong enough to ignore the emotional tug of Rochette’s heartbreaking story?

There’s no way to know, of course. Until someone develops a machine to grade skating, there will always be an imperfect human component.

But a women’s competition that, for Americans anyway, had lacked a compelling drama has one now.

The 24-year-old Canadian, biting her lip, holding herself together until her elegant and deft short program was complete, earned the highest marks of her life – 71.36 – at the start of what is typically the Winter Olympics’ marquee event.

The 11,000 fans were on their feet when the routine ended. As Rochette bowed, her eyes welled with tears. Finally, she skated to coach Manon Perron, laid her head on the older woman’s shoulder and wept.

She is in third place, from where a bronze, silver or – should Korean leader Kim Yu-Na unexpectedly fall flat – perhaps even a gold medal are within reach.

Skating in tonight’s final group, along with Yu-Na (78.50) and second-place Mao Asada of Japan (73.78), Rochette figures to mesmerize the spectators here, as well as a worldwide television audience.

There will be tears and cheers. And, just as the judges begin tabulating their scores, a long and heartfelt ovation.

Rochette, of course, is the 2009 world silver medalist and fully capable of winning this event on her own merits, as her stirring short routine displayed.

That skate, in fact, was likely a relief for the mourning athlete. And as difficult as it must have been for her, it was no easier for the audience.

As one American reporter wrote of her short program, “Technically, it was almost perfect. Emotionally, it was exhausting.”

They met briefly and then her parents went to their rented apartment.

Sometime later, her father found Therese, 55, unconscious. She was rushed to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead of a heart attack. Norman then went to the athletes’ village where, at 6 a.m. he broke the news to his daughter.

While Canadian officials had assumed she would depart these 2010 Winter Games, Rochette decided to stay and skate through her grief.

American Idol Top 24, Michael “Big Mike” Lynch:  Big Mike’s dad allegedly revealed his son’s Top 24 status weeks ago, thus breaking “Idol’s” rules of confidentiality, but the Florida native and personal trainer has a smooth voice and sweet disposition that’s simply undeniable. He is shown  last week was shown listening in by cell phone as his wife gave birth to their daughter

Didi Benami: If she could keep the tears in check for more than five seconds, we might dig Didi the person as much as we like Didi the voice.

Katelyn Epperly: We didn’t get to see or hear too much of Katelyn, who auditioned in Chicago, but she proved her vocal prowes singing Colbie Callait’s “Bubbly.”

Casey James: Denver’s hottest auditioner is a no-brainer; the show’s been teasing viewers with his sexiness for weeks. And we know Kara’s a fan. His popularity was not affected by the fact that he spent some time behind bars.

Aaron Kelly: This 16-year-old countrified contender sang Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” during auditions. Prior to that, he won Disney World’s American Idol Experience.

Lee Dewyze: The season’s resident rocker may be this little-known Chicago auditioner, who showed Chris Daughtry-like promise with his version of the Fray’s “You Found Me.”

Todrick Hall: He showed exceptional freestyling skill during his Dallas audition, where he wowed the judges with an original song. But since that first appearance Todrick’s progress onstage and off has been fraught with drama. Group auditions didn’t exactly paint him in a positive light.

MUMBAI India: Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s famous poem “Madhushala’ has been made into a song, sung by Mana Dey and composed by Jaidev, a long time ago. However, it turns out that the poet had composed a tune for the poem, which may soon be brought out as a song by his son, Amitabh Bachchan.

Amitabh has decided that he will soon sing his father’s rendition of “Madhushala’ so that the people can be exposed to the original that his father had composed. Although he likes the Manna Dey-Jaidev version, he would like to sing it with an orchestra as he has lesser film assignments for this year.

Wendy Williams and Whoopi Goldberg, We all know Wendy dished all the dirt on whoever she needed too in order to get to the top. It’s rumored that Whoopi Goldberg is one of the many people that Wendy dished the dirt on by saying things like Whoopi is ugly, looks like a monkey, and a drug user. She also said that her daughter, Alex, had a cocaine addiction. If all of this is true, then that was really big of Whoopi to be a guest on her show.

Kim Kardashian Birthday, Plump fashionista Kim Kardashian was born on October 21, 1980, in Los Angeles, California. Born of Armenian descent, Kardashian’s father late OJ Simpson defense attorney Robert Kardashian. He has nine brothers and sisters, including three full siblings, two half-sisters, three step-brothers, and one step-sister. Kardashian’s step-father is 1976 Olympic gold medalist, Bruce Jenner, father of the Prince of Malibu star Brody Jenner.

Kim Kardashian really know how a birthday! After celebrating in Las Vegas for her 29th birthday, Kim was the guest of honor at a birthday dinner on Wednesday at Philippe in West Hollywood.

First, the star stopped by Kitson for the fashion show hosted by sisters Khloe’s new husband, Lamar Odom, then went to join her mother Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian and her sister 20 my friends for some delicious Asian cuisine.

To turn on the night even more, a big cake with pink and white with sparklers and Kim’s baby pictures were taken out and everyone sang

State of Delaware State of Emergency, For those of us located in the Mid-Atlantic Region, this should come as no surprise since we’re currently experiencing the second major snow storm in five days, but for those of you in the rest of the country we think it’s important to note that Governor Jack Markell has declared a State of Emergency in all three counties in the state of Delaware. What this means for the people snowed in in Delaware is that the roads are off-limits to all non-essential personnel, and anyone found driving unnecessarily can be ticketed. For those of you outside the state of Delaware, this means that if you need any searches, certificates, or copies from the Secretary of State, you’re out of luck for the time being. This State of Emergency, which was declared as of 12:01 a.m. on February 10th, will continue until terminated by the Governor.

Nelson Mandela’s greatest pleasure, his most private moment, is watching the sun set with the music of Handel or Tchaikovsky playing. Locked up in his cell during daylight hours, deprived of music, both these simple pleasures were denied him for decades. With his fellow prisoners, concerts were organised when possible, particularly at Christmas time, where they would sing. Nelson Mandela finds music very uplifting, and takes a keen interest not only in European classical music but also in African choral music and the many talents in South African music. But one voice stands out above all – that of Paul Robeson, whom he describes as our hero. The years in jail reinforced habits that were already entrenched: the disciplined eating regime of an athlete began in the 1940s, as did the early morning exercise. Still today Nelson Mandela is up by 4.30am, irrespective of how late he has worked the previous evening.

By 5am he has begun his exercise routine that lasts at least an hour. Breakfast is by 6.30, when the days newspapers are read. The day s work has begun. With a standard working day of at least 12 hours, time management is critical and Nelson Mandela is extremely impatient with unpunctuality, regarding it as insulting to those you are dealing with. When speaking of the extensive travelling he has undertaken since his release from prison, Nelson Mandela says: I was helped when preparing for my release by the biography of Pandit Nehru, who wrote of what happens when you leave jail. My daughter Zinzi says that she grew up without a father, who, when he returned, became a father of the nation. This has placed a great responsibility of my shoulders. And wherever I travel, I immediately begin to miss the familiar – the mine dumps, the colour and smell that is uniquely South African, and, above all, the people. I do not like to be away for any length of time. For me, there is no place like home.

Mandela accepted the Nobel Peace Prize as an accolade to all people who have worked for peace and stood against racism. It was as much an award to his person as it was to the ANC and all South Africa’s people. In particular, he regards it as a tribute to the people of Norway who stood against apartheid while many in the world were silent. We know it was Norway that provided resources for farming; thereby enabling us to grow food; resources for education and vocational training and the provision of accommodation over the years in exile. The reward for all this sacrifice will be the attainment of freedom and democracy in South Africa, in an open society which respects the rights of all individuals. That goal is now in sight, and we have to thank the people and governments of Norway and Sweden for the tremendous role they played. Personal Tastes Breakfast of plain porridge, with fresh fruit and fresh milk.

Alec Baldwin Hospital, Actor Alec Baldwin was rushed to a New York City hospital overnight after his daughter thought he was being unresponsive, according to various reports. A law enforcement official told the Associated Press that Baldwin and 14-year-old Ireland had been arguing, and she told 911 that he had threatened to take pills. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity.

According to various accounts, when police and medics arrived at his apartment, Baldwin was awake and agreed to be taken to the hospital for examination. He was driven to Lennox Hill Hospital, where he was treated and released an hour later.

Baldwin’s publicist issued a statement calling the whole thing “a misunderstanding on one person’s part.” The statement said Baldwin is “completely fine and will be at work” on Thursday.

The Emmy-winning actor has no known history of illness. Baldwin’s relationship with daughter Ireland was the source of a 2008 scandal involving phone messages in which he berated her as a “pig.”

US Jury Finds Dr Aafia Guilty, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui has been proven guilty by American court and all the allegations on Aafia have been proved.
The federal district court in New York under the Judge Richard Berman and 11 other members of the jury conducted the hearing on the case for twelve days;where as eight women were members of the jury.
The biggest allegation against her was attempting to murder US agents with an army rifle and shot at the US agents while she was detained for questioning in Afghanistan. None of the Americans were injured but Aafia, was shot. Nine witnesses were presented to the jury of whom six were present in the room at the time of shooting. American army Captain Schnieder and Afghan national police officer Bahsir were present during the case.
A lawyer fighting her case said that Aafia would appeal for a review of the verdict since the decision was unfair. He also said that there was no allegation on Aafia being linked to any act of terrorism however the jury tried to establish a connection between Aafia and terrorist organization.
Aafia reacted violently to the verdict and said that the American system of justice is not fair. She said that the decision has been taken by Israel.

Emotions will not help the case, says Dr. Aslam
American journalist Dr Aslam Abdullah said that Dr Aafia’s supporter should control their emotions. Emotions will not help the case. Pakistan government will not take any action. The government has sold the country and it is due to the criminal negligence of the government that today Pakistan is confronting so many challenges.
Aslam also said that he has expectations from Human right groups. However the human rights groups cannot influence on the decision but can contribute positively towards the review of the case. Support for terrorism by some groups in Pakistan has been a factor that Aafia has been proven guilty.
Aslam aslo pointed that “No one spoke clearly on Aafia and sketchy details were presented regarding her family and her education”.
Aslam said the Pakistani government will not do anything to help in the review of the case. He said that he cannot make any comments on how to prove Aafia’s innocence since he is not a lawyer or a politician.

We will not ask for mercy from Non Muslims, says Fauzia Siddiqui
Dr Fauzia siddiqui said to the media that “We are agreeing with the will of the Allah”. “Allah wanted to show to the world that American justice system is weak and corrupt”. She said that “This is the beginning of the end for America”. Fauzia said that Government lawyer did not contacted her since the verdict has been announced. She said that “We prayed to Allah and thanked him.”
Answering to a question she said that “I would have been satisfied by the government efforts if Aafia would have been here standing next to me since she is not here so I am not satisfied with the government.” She also said that we continue our fight. Our morale is high. Dr. Fauzia was refered to several Quran verses.

I am thankful to the media, says Aafia’s mother
Aafia mother was smiling. She said that she is very happy and proud on the role of the media, she is also happy that her daughter has been chosen to slap on face of America. She claimed that “Today would mark the beginning of American downfall”. Aafia’s requested all to stay calm and said not to protest on the roads and appealed not to cause any damage to public or private property. Although the world may assume that we would be in a somber mood but I have attained new strength after this decision.
She repeatedly said that “Write my words that the decline of America starts today”. I knew the decision in advance. She also said that “If the government would have acted responsibly then we would have not seen this day.”
Aafia’s mother also said that “I am thankful to the entire nation.” “I have trained Aafia that she would never lose hope or faith”. Aafia will never bow to the non Muslim demands. She accused Hussain Hakkani of making fake claims on Aafia’s return. She said that Allah would take revenge from Shah Mahmood. She also said that “We would not ask for mercy from non Muslims”.

Failure of foreign policy to be blamed, says Talha Mahmood
Senator Talha Mahmood said that only foreign policy is to be blamed. He said that “I do not think its not a good message from America. Demands of justice have not been full filled. Highest form delegations should be sent to USA and present a strict stance to the US government. He said that US and NATO image would not improve. Talha also said that delegations have been formed in the past as well but there were no results. The case has not been politicized entirely but the main flaw was in handling the case. All witnesses have been favoring Aafia but the decision was pre decided. Trial was just a fake show. The world has witnessed the poor American justice. Hakkani did not take up the issue seriously and I cannot comment as to what he did. Pak has made big sacrifices and no one has given these sacrifices. The nation would not accept this gift of the America.

Jd Salinger Dead, Jerome David “J. D.” Salinger; January 1, 1919 – January 27, 2010) was an American author, best known for his 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye, as well as his reclusive nature. His last original published work was in 1965; he gave his last interview in 1980.

Raised in Manhattan, Salinger began writing short stories while in secondary school, and published several stories in the early 1940s before serving in World War II. In 1948 he published the critically acclaimed story “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” in The New Yorker magazine, which became home to much of his subsequent work. In 1951 Salinger released his novel The Catcher in the Rye, an immediate popular success. His depiction of adolescent alienation and loss of innocence in the protagonist Holden Caulfield was influential, especially among adolescent readers. The novel remains widely read and controversial, selling around 250,000 copies a year.

The success of The Catcher in the Rye led to public attention and scrutiny: Salinger became reclusive, publishing new work less frequently. He followed Catcher with a short story collection, Nine Stories (1953), a collection of a novella and a short story, Franny and Zooey (1961), and a collection of two novellas, Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction (1963). His last published work, a novella entitled “Hapworth 16, 1924,” appeared in The New Yorker on June 19, 1965.

Afterward, Salinger struggled with unwanted attention, including a legal battle in the 1980s with biographer Ian Hamilton and the release in the late 1990s of memoirs written by two people close to him: Joyce Maynard, an ex-lover; and Margaret Salinger, his daughter. In 1996, a small publisher announced a deal with Salinger to publish “Hapworth 16, 1924″ in book form, but amid the ensuing publicity, the release was indefinitely delayed. He made headlines around the globe in June 2009, after filing a lawsuit against another writer for copyright infringement resulting from that writer’s use of one of Salinger’s characters from Catcher in the Rye.