Sydney, Nov 27 : Natalie Portman was in the running to play the role of an emotionally conflicted nun in new movie ‘Doubt’, but the actress turned down the part because she didn''t "understand celibacy".

Director John Patrick Shanley revealed that he approached Natalie for playing the role of Sister James, which was eventually taken by Amy Adams.

Washington/London/Moscow/Chicago, Nov. 27: There has been widespread international condemnation of the series of shootings across Mumbai in which at least
80 people have been killed and many more injured. Following are some of the statements issued by heads of state, government and leaders, as reported by the BBC.

"These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response. I have sent a message to [Indian] Prime Minister [Manmohan] Singh that the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help. Urgent action is underway to offer every possible protection to British citizens in the region," said British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Mumbai, 27th Nov 2008 -- India woke to a bloody dawn today as terrorists attacked 10 places in India's financial capital of Mumbai, killing more than 100 and injuring at least 200 people.

They fired indiscriminately at some places, including at a hospital, and also took US, British and Israeli citizens as hostages in two hotels and a nearby building. In one hotel, the number of those held hostage was reported to be between 40 to 50, but there were several guests also locked in their rooms.

The incident is the worst ever terror attack in India, and perhaps also in the world.

Washington, Nov 27 : While most actors hope to win an Oscar once in their career, Reese Witherspoon was hoping that she doesn’t land the prestigious honour in
2006 as she was scared to speak in front of an audience.

The actress, who eventually went on to win the Academy Award in 2006 for her role in Johnny Cash biopic ‘Walk The Line’, insisted that wasn''''t ready to step up onstage and address the star-studded audience at Hollywood''''s Kodak Theatre.

"The whole time I was sitting there, hoping they wouldn''''t call my name - just because the idea of having to give a speech in front of everyone in the world is terrfying,” Contactmusic quoted Witherspoon as saying.

Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur, Nov. 27: The Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) has said that it will investigate the practice of yoga in Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, before issuing an edict on it.

The MUI said that the study would begin this week in the wake of the controversy triggered by an edict issued by Malaysia''s National Fatwa Council.

"We are investigating the practice of yoga not only because of the fatwa issued in Malaysia but also because the media asked us about it," Ma''ruf Amin, head of MUI''s fatwa commission, told New Straits Times.

Edimax Technology, top maker of networking solutions, announced the immediate availability of its Wireless USB Adaptor with 3 DBI Antenna EW-7711U. EW-7711U is a high-gain wireless USB adaptor, which provides a simple and easy way to add or upgrade wireless connectivity to your PC.

This nLITE high-gain USB adaptor backs up data rate up to incredible high-speed wireless network access and reduces the use of repeters at home.