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You can keep your kids busy for hours inside your house without any need to send them outside. Design kids play room and stock it with plenty of board games, dart boards, strategy games; and nay kid will love it. You can even buy game tables which are available these days for many games. There are pool tables, air hockey tables, ping pong tables, chess, foosball tables and even multi game tables to keep your child involved with hectic activities. Multi game tables are designed such that one can play up to 13-14 games on that table. There are 3 in 1 or 4 in 1 tables also available. On these game tables, kids can play shuffleboard, dome hockey, bumper pool, poker and many more. There are many good brands which offer these combination game tables. Game tables are not only meant for young kids but even older kids and teenagers will love it.

Stores also stock home fitness equipment to build a make-shift gymnasium in your house. There are treadmills, dumbbells, and cycles, cross trainers, upright bikes, rowers and even home gym units. You can even buy kids fitness equipments from these stores. a habit of exercising should be inculcated into a child from an early age. This will help in their overall development.

I have a little box where I keep all of my cards, invites and other stationery and thought that it was about time that I had a good sort out and threw away some things form it as it will no longer shut because it is so full. The first thing, that I came across were a couple of spare baby shower invitations which were left over when I threw a small party after having my first child. I didn’t have the time or money to do one when I had my second and so my Mother kindly threw one for me! Then I came across birthday invitations for every party that I threw for my children.

I am afraid that these party invitations will be staying in my box as they are far too precious to get rid of. I did find a few oddly sized envelopes with no cards inside and some old blotting paper and yellowed writing paper so at least I got rid of a few things and the lid on my precious box nearly shuts now! I guess I should move these lovely things into a photograph album or something but it is lovely to have them hidden away in a box for me to discover in another few years and relive all those memories again.

My brother is into all things technical. His wife was complaining to me the other day that he has now been buying even more equipment and has just ordered a Taiyo DVD R. She was saying that although he has his own office where he can store all this sort of thing and play with it as much as he likes, she would never see him if it was only restricted to there. This means that she does have a series of things creeping through the rest of her otherwise beautifully pristine house. She says that she cannot believe that she has things called Blue Ray duplicators in her drawing room!

She is pretty happy about it really as he lets her spend lots of money on making her house look beautiful on condition that he can have a few of these electronic things every so often. She just is starting to wonder where it will all end as they are running out of space and electric sockets and he will be getting Tower DVD duplicators so they will have even more things and he never throws anything away even if he no longer uses it.

Musical impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber is to compose Britain’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest next year in a bid to improve the country’s recent miserable record in the competition.

After British entrant Andy Abraham finished joint last in the 2008 contest, Lloyd Webber will create a song for the winner of a BBC television programme “Your Country Needs You” for the 2009 competition.

“In my life I’ve never shied away from the impossible and this looks like the biggest mission impossible of all time,” said Lloyd Webber in a statement on Saturday.

The BBC programme will involve six finalists chosen by Lloyd Webber and music industry professionals from both amateur and professional entries sent to the BBC website.

The final say on who Lloyd Webber will compose the song for will be made by a television viewer vote.

“I am thrilled Andrew will be championing the country’s search for a star to storm this year’s Eurovision,” said BBC One Controller Jay Hunt.

Following the 2008 contest veteran presenter Terry Wogan blamed racism as well as politicised voting for Britain’s poor showing after not one of the 22 east European countries voted for Abraham as Russia won for the first time.

Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Wogan said: “East of the Danube, they won’t be voting for a black singer any day soon.”

Russian singer Dima Bilan beat 24 contestants with the rock ballad “Believe” to win in May, with President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin offering their congratulations after the show, which was watched by 100 million viewers.

For entry details visit www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision.

A video showing Christie Brinkley‘’s hubby Peter Cook having sex with his curvy teen office worker Diana Bianchi is for real.

The video, which has made rounds of Internet circles, shows nude Cook and Bianchi having sexual intercourse on a brown love seat.

The tape apparently made at Cook’’s Southampton architectural office without Bianchi’’s knowledge also shows her performing a sizzling striptease.

It was in July that Brinkley divorced philandering Cook owing to his affair with then-18-year-old Bianchi. She also won full custody of their kids.

“Nothing about Peter Cook’’s behavior shocks us. We don”t know anything about this tape. We never saw it and we never heard about it. Christie’’s concern is for the sake of her children and she hopes this video is kept private,” The New York Post quoted Brinkley’’s lawyer Robert Cohen, as saying.

However, Bianchi’’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, said she might sue Cook over the video.

“We are now going to review, and begin weighing our legal options, for Diana,” he told The Post’’s Dan Mangan.

While Cook refused to comment on the issue, a source close to him said: “He has no knowledge that any such material exists, but it is well known that Cook and Bianchi had a consensual affair, so anything is possible.”

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s health continues to improve and he has been put on a liquid diet on the fifth day of his hospitalisation following complains of abdominal pain, a spokesperson for Lilavati Hospital said here Wednesday.

‘Amitabh Bachchan continues to improve in health. He is on a liquid diet. While the doctors are definitely happy with his constant progress, they are not ready to comment on when he is going to be discharged,’ said Lilavati Hospital spokesperson Mohan Rajan in a statement.

‘The media has been requested to do factual and responsible reporting and not indulge in any speculation whatsoever,’ Rajan added.

Bachchan was rushed to the Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, a northwest suburb Saturday afternoon following complaints of abdominal pain and breathlessness. Later he was shifted to Lilavati hospital. He was celebrating his 66th birthday at his bungalow Pratiksha in Juhu.

Apart from his wife Jaya, daughter Shweta Nanda, son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai are present at the hospital.

Bachchan is now talking to his family members, all of whom are with him.

After receiving a spate of awards, critical acclaim and popularity at home, Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Chak De! India” has now been invited to the 21st Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF).

‘We are truly honoured. It is a wonderful pat on the back for everyone associated with this film,’ said Shimit Amin, the director of Yash Raj Films’ production, who will travel to Tokyo for the screening.

“Chak De! India”, about a coach inspiring the Indian women’s hockey team to victory, will be showcased in the Winds of Asia-Middle East section.

This section at the annual fest features some of the outstanding films from East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.

This year, 790 films from 72 countries will be featured in the competitive section at TIFF, to be held Oct 18-26.

Wine lovers are increasingly following their passion on vacation with more visitors to wine regions, which now boast top hotels, restaurants and tours.

TripAdvisor, an online travel community, has come up with a list of 10 top wine destinations in the world, according to its editors and traveller popularity. This list is not endorsed by Reuters:

1. Geaux Bordeaux: Bordeaux, France

Perhaps the world’s most famous wine destination, the Bordeaux region of France has long been renowned for its vineyards that produce everything from delicious table wines to the most expensive bottles in the world.

2. Golden Grapes: Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley has long been synonymous with superb wine and striking scenery, both of which draw millions of wine lovers to the region each year. Home to nearly 400 unique wineries, the valley has a Mediterranean climate that is ideal for growing a variety of grapes, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Zinfandel.

3. Keen on Chianti: Tuscany, Italy

Famed for its reds like Chianti and Montalcino, the Tuscany region of Italy is a delight for the senses. Celebrated not only for its vineyards and its cuisine, its sheer natural and historic beauty make it one of the world’s most sought-after destinations and a magical place to taste the local “vino”.

4. A Bit of the Bubbly: Champagne-Ardenne, France

The Champagne province is famous for the beloved sparkling white wine that shares its name. Its neatly-tended vineyards amongst a picturesque natural landscape, rich history, and unique culture make this region as vibrant as its effervescent wine.

5. Raising the Barossa: Barossa Valley, Australia

This scenic region in Southern Australia is highly regarded for its Shiraz and its other robust varieties of red wine. Characterised by its visibly rich German heritage, along with its rolling, vine-covered hills, Barossa Valley is a beautiful destination for sightseers and wine connoisseurs alike.

6. Spanish Inbibation: La Rioja, Spain

Spain’s most famous wine destination, Rioja is divided into three regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. Most recognised for its outstanding reds, the region’s wines are particularly distinctive because of the oak ageing and delicious vanilla flavours.

7. To the Moon: Sonoma Valley, California

Nicknamed the “Valley of the Moon” by legendary writer and one time Sonoma local Jack London, the Valley features amazing vineyards, with particularly remarkable whites, as well as beautiful scenery and charming towns.

8. Grand Central: Valle Central, Chile

Just outside the Chilean capital of Santiago, the gorgeous Valle Central set among the Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean is internationally acclaimed. Wine enthusiasts will be particularly fond of the Maipo Valley’s Cabernets, and the Curico’s Chardonnays.

9. Great Escape: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Home to one of South Africa’s most visited wine routes, Stellenbosch is the heart of the Cape Winelands region, with more than 100 wine cellars to visit surrounding the culturally rich center town of Stellenbosch.

10. Blanc Stare: Marlborough, New Zealand

Located on the southern island of New Zealand, Marlborough is widely regarded as the country’s birthplace of winemaking. Famous for its white wine varietals, the region is best known for its delectable Sauvignon Blancs.

Not sure if your partner is true to you? Well, then here are a few signs that may help sniff out whether he/she is lying or not.

Here are seven ways to identify a liar, reports FoxNews.

1. Consider the person’s recall: Liars never forget what they have to say but they may stumble when telling a tale by making contradicting statements. They’re also eager to change the subject.

2. Observe the person’s overall body language: Liars can look ill at ease, fiddling with their hair, stroking their throat, or rubbing their eyes. With their body often turned away from you, you may notice hand or leg fidgeting. Liars also have trouble swallowing and may shake their heads after a point has been made. When the subject finally gets changed, they appear happier and more comfortable, maybe laughing nervously.

3. Take notice of any defensiveness: Liars will often take offence to any indication that they’re under suspicion. They’re likely to throw any accusations you throw at them back at you. They will also talk too much, feeling the need to over-explain themselves.

4. Home in on facial expressions: Liars fail to control their micro-expressions. While fibbing, you may notice nervous twitching. Their hand may be covering or touching their face. People also tend to touch the mouth when feeling guilty or anxious. They’re particularly good with fake smiles.

5. Don’t overlook the Pinocchio reaction: When a human tells a lie, extra blood gets pumped through the body and the nose swells by a fraction of millimeter. Liars may subsequently touch the tip of their nose unconsciously.

6. Concentrate on the eyes: A liar has a troubled brow and downcast or darting eyes. They have trouble directly engaging your gaze. They also give you eye-accessing clues. If the person is telling you the truth, he’ll look up and to the left since that’s the side of the brain we use for recalling information. If she’s lying, she’ll look up and to the right, which is the creative side of the brain, because she’s mentally constructing something that hasn’t happened.

7. Note the person’s voice: The higher the stakes are, the more the liar has a fear of getting caught. With this, the liar has a harder time controlling his body language or her voice. The pitch or rate of the speech may change, with the individual giving a lot of “umms” and “ahhs.” Often, a liar will appear stilted and monotone. Answers may seem rehearsed.

The rupee clawed back some of its losses on Tuesday after dropping to its lowest since December 2002, but weaker Asian currencies and a fall in the local stock market kept pressure on the unit.

It ended at 47.915/93 per dollar, 0.2% weaker than 47.80/81 at close on Monday. The rupee fell to as low as 48.17 during the session, its lowest since December 16, 2002, according to Reuters

data. “The rupee is under pressure because of the global scenario, dollar shortage, (and) weak equity outlook among other things,” said V Kumar, chief forex dealer at State Bank of Travancore.

Overnight forward rates, which were quoting at a premium earlier in the session, were at a discount of 0.03 rupees, to spot at the close of the trading session, after sentiment was undermined by the dollar’s strength overseas.

Bond yields fell to their lowest in nearly five months after a surprise cut in banks’ cash reserve requirements, but fresh bond supplies later this week trimmed most of the losses by the close.

The benchmark 10-year bond yield ended at 8.11%, off the day’s trough of 7.95%, its lowest since May 20, 2008. It had ended at 8.13% on Monday. Volumes were at a high of Rs 5,300 crore.

On Monday, the RBI cut its cash reserve ratio by 50 bps to 8.5% from October 11. The reduction is expected to release Rs 20,000 crore into the banking system.

Traders awaited fresh

auctions of bonds and bills this week. The central

bank will auction Rs 7,000 crore of treasury bills on Wednesday.