IBT Staff Reporter

Network Communications Inc, the company behind U.S.-based real estate-related publications such as The Real Estate Book, said on Friday it signed its fourth extension on a standstill agreement with lenders as it continues talks on restructuring debt ahead of a November expiration.

The percentage of U.S. home sellers who cut their asking price fell in August, the first time in five months, with price reductions holding steady from the month before, real estate website Zillow.com said.

Jennifer Lopez said she hardly finds time for herself for relaxation as she keeps worrying about her family. The 41-year-old singer-and-actress, who has two-year-old twins Max and Emme with husband Marc Anthony, admits she doesn't find time to indulge her own hobbies and interest.

A further downturn in the battered U.S. housing market has put the Obama administration in a tough spot with few tools to stem foreclosures ahead of congressional elections in which Democrats face big losses.

The U.S. government is likely to take a loss on General Motors Co in the first offering of the automaker's stock, six people familiar with preparations for the landmark IPO said.

Nissan Motor is open to a green car alliance with Chinese automakers, a senior executive said on Saturday, as it moves to tap the fledgling industry in the world's largest auto market.

Major Chinese automaker Chongqing Changan Automobile is in talks with Ford Motor to expand their partnership beyond China, a senior Chinese executive said.

Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp said it will build its fourth auto plant in India, boosting its output in one of the fastest growing car markets to 1.5 million units a year.

China's top economic planner and a leading government-backed research body disagreed at an auto industry forum over whether the world's largest auto market is facing excessive capacity after breakneck growth in 2009.

Israeli start-up firm Tawkon has developed software to measure mobile telephone handset radiation aimed at helping users reduce exposure to emissions without giving up their phones.

Madonna and ex-husband Guy Ritchie had apparently had a fall-out over their 10-year-old son Roco's birthday party arrangement.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe revealed filming the highly-anticipated Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was arduous. In an interview to a magazine, Daniel has said it took 95 retakes to complete 7 scenes to complete the last sequel of the wizardry saga.

A rebound in the cross-border mergers and acquisitions market would be the major driver of the world economic growth in foreign direct investment (FDI), said UNCTAD's survey.

Smokers developing lung cancer may get a cure in the common diabetes drug metformin, Reuter reports according to National Cancer Institute research findings on Wednesday. Metformin prevented lung tumor growth in mice exposed to a cancer-causing agent found in tobacco.

The less you sleep the more pounds you gain. Wondering from where the extra calories come from?

Medical malpractice liability costs the U.S. healthcare system more than $55 billion a year, most of it in defensive medical practices such as extra tests and scans, according to a report released on Tuesday.

The hallucinogen psilocybin -- known by the street name magic mushrooms -- may help ease the anxiety that often accompanies late-stage cancer, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

A lowering of blood pressure to 130/80 or below is not the solution to check kidney damage among African Americans who generally have a higher than average high blood pressure, reported Reuters.

It is common belief that staying mentally active in old age keeps Alzheimer's at bay. But once a person develops dementia despite engaging in brain exercises, he is more prone to extensive brain damage, Reuters reports according to Neurology, an online journal. This does not mean that a mentally stimulating lifestyle is a bad thing.

An underactive thyroid gland may make you live longer, according to a recent Dutch study from Reuters. However, the researchers emphasize it doesn't prove that a sluggish thyroid function delays aging. Further dedicated research and clinical trial is needed to establish the fact, it says.

Eco-friendly boutique luxury hotel chain The James has made its entry to New York.

A new molecular test can diagnose tuberculosis faster than the currently available tests. Even the drug-resistant types can be easily diagnosed, according to Geneva-based scientists.

Sexy Italian actress Monica Belluci will play Robert De Niro's love interest in Manual of Love 3, announced producer Aurelio De Laurentii

Actress Natalie Portman is lapping up all good comments coming from the critics' quarter for her latest movie Black Swan, which debuted as the opening picture at the ongoing Venice film festival.

Grammy-winning rapper T.I. and his wife were arrested on suspected possession of drug methamphetamines in Los Angeles. This came five months after the hip-hop star finished a prison stint on weapons charges.

Julian Schnabel's film Miral based on his Palestinian partner's biographical book was screened at the ongoing Venice Film Fest.

Chinese officials have ordered state companies to meet investment bankers to explore ways to block BHP Billiton's $39 billion (25 billion pound) bid for Potash Corp , a source with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Stocks jumped and commodities rose on Friday after data showing fewer U.S. job losses than expected reinforced other reports this week to ease fears the American economy is on the cusp of a new recession.

A major earthquake of 7.4 magnitude hit New Zealand, 30 km (20 miles) west of Christchurch early on Saturday morning, causing no immediate reports of casualties but widespread damage, authorities said.