United States

Genes decide whether smoking-cessation drugs will help you kick the butt

Washington, Sept 18: According to a new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), it is a person’s genes that decide whether or not a smoking-cessation drug would help when it comes to quitting smoking.

The study found that the enzyme, which is known to metabolise both the smoking cessation drug bupropion and nicotine, influences smoking cessation and is highly genetically variable in all ethnicities.

‘Britney Spears used drugs, walked around naked in front of her kids’, says minder

Washington, Sep 18: Britney Spears’ likelihood of getting the full custody of her two sons from ex-hubby Kevin Federline has further been put in jeopardy, with her former bodyguard accusing the pop star of taking drugs and walking around naked in front of her kids.

During a custody hearing on Sep 17, former minder Tony Barretto claimed that Spears took drugs in front of her two young sons, Sean Preston, two, and one-year-old Jayden James, and even walked around naked in front of them.

Zoe Saldana signs on to play Uhura in Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’

Washington, Sept 18: Zoe Saldana has signed on to star in the new ‘Star Trek’ movie to be helmed by JJ Abrams.

Saldana will be playing Uhura, the communications officer on the USS Enterprise.

In original TV series, Uhura - which means freedom in Swahili - rose to the rank of commander. The character was played by Nichelle Nichols in the series.

Saldana is currently filming James Cameron's sci-fi tentpole "Avatar."

Abrams is also producing "Star Trek" through his Paramount-based Bad Robot shingle.

Bush’s shortcomings spark nostalgia for his dad

New York, September 17: An upcoming biography of George H. W. Bush reveals that his liking among people has increased with the ratings of his son, President George W. Bush, showing a sharp decline.

Timothy Naftali's ‘George H.W. Bush’, edited by the late Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., has revealed that the 41st US president’s nostalgia has risen not because of his own dramatic stint at the White House, but rather due to the shortcomings of his son.

‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ continues to reign international box office

Washington, Sept 17: “The Bourne Ultimatum” has retained its top position at the international box office with 20.8 million dollars

The Matt Damon hit was followed by "The Simpsons Movie" conjured 10.5 million dollars at the second spot, reports Variety.

Disney's "Ratatouille" with 5.5 million dollars and Ogre pic ‘Shrek the Third’ (5.3 million dollars) finished third and fourth respectively.

‘No Reservations’ rounded off the top five, at the fifth slot with 4.9 million dollars.

George Clooney confers lifetime achievement award on Ocean's producer

September 17: Hollywood star George Clooney has conferred a lifetime achievement award on the producer of the Ocean’s film series, Jerry Weintraub.

The filmmaker received the award at a gala dinner, which was held as the annual film festival kicked off in Boston, the US.

"He's more than the consummate producer, he's one of the greatest friends you could ever have," the BBC quoted Clooney, who himself has starred in the Ocean's series, as saying.

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