London, January 13 : Emma Thompson has revealed that she knew what Madonna meant when the latter publicly called her former hubby Guy Ritchie as "emotionally retarded", since she faced similar troubles with her actor-spouse, Greg Wise.

The Oscar-winning actress confessed that she initially had been taken aback by Madonna's swipe at Guy in front of thousands of fans at a Boston gig.

However, the Brit comedian admitted her fellow artist did strike a familiar chord on her views about British men.

"I felt very badly for British men when she said that," the Daily Star quoted her as saying.

London, January 13 : Holidaying Pamela Anderson has raised eyebrows after allegedly donning a skimpy bikini to lure a mystery new man surfing on Malibu beach.

The former `Baywatch' star was said to working up her tan while the bearded surfer dipped into the water, reports the Sun.

The glamour model has been in the spotlight for her well-publicized personal life, including her divorce with music producer and co-sex tape star Rick Salomon.

Her relationships with illusionist Chris Angel and ex hubby-drummer Tommy Lee have also made the headlines.

Melbourne, Jan 13 : Former Australian Test greats have demanded the immediate inclusion of new batting sensation David Warner into Australia's one-day squad.

The name of the youngster who belted 89 off only 43 balls at the MCG on Sunday night is nowhere to be seen in Australian squad for the ODI series against South Africa.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch is believed to be happy to review the squad after the first two of five ODI games, paving the way for the possible inclusion of the
22-year-old in the squad, the Daily Telegraph reported.

London, Jan 13 : Paying an emotional tribute to his teammates and family after winning World Player of the Year award, ace Ace Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo credited Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson with being behind his success.

Ronaldo became the first Premier League ace to win the award since its launch 18 years ago.

"Sir Alex has had an important role to play in my life. Last season was a great one for me, my club and the boss was important for me because I learned a lot from him," The Sun quoted Ronaldo, as saying.

Washington, Jan 13 : Scientists at Iowa State University have come a step closer to finding how to counter the Ebola virus.

They have now unfolded the structure from a key part of the Ebola protein known as VP35.

VP35 interferes with the natural resistance of host cells against viral infections.

"Usually when viruses infect cells, the host immune system can fight to eventually clear the virus. But with Ebola infections, the ability of the host to mount a defence against the invading virus is lost," said Gaya Amarasinghe, an assistant professor in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, who led the study.

The petroleum ministry has signaled that besides freeing fuel pricing from administrative control, the government on Thursday may cut petrol, diesel and domestic LPG prices.

According to an official working in the petroleum ministry, the Cabinet, which is planed to meet on Thursday, may reduce petrol price by Rs 5 a litre, diesel by Rs 3 per litre and domestic LPG by Rs 25 per cylinder, thus, giving relief to the common man and further easing inflationary pressures.