World Tourist Attraction

Breast-dressed model! Designer unveils bizarre 'boob gown' at Rome fashion week

2012-01-31T07:15:00.000+07:00

By LAUREN PAXMAN

Coy, and letting it all hang out: A model shows off Molaro's mega-boob creation at Alta Roma fashion week in the Italian capital

As fashion weeks go, Alta Roma is not exactly up there with Paris, London or Milan.
But designers there know as well as any others that the best way to draw attention to your collection is to flash a lot of flesh.
Gianni Molaro proved that breast is best at his controversy-seeking catwalk show yesterday.

Love is in the air: These looks would turn heads on Valentine's day

One of his models took to the catwalk with her arms strangely folder over her chest as if she was wearing a straight-jacket. When her hands were lowered to her sides, though, they exposed a single, huge breast which had been sewn to the bodice of her top. The look was completed with a wide-hipped, floor-length, fishtail skirt, which curiously had a large cross sewn over the crotch, and a stripy, transparent headpiece over the model's face.

Chic-onomics: Gianni Molaro, left, with his piece de resistance which was inspired by the euro-zone crisis

A third, model was dressed as a huge red heart covered in cracks. Hearts also formed a backdrop for a pale blue gown - embellished with golden feathers - which seemed to hover above the ground.
But the piece de resistance was an homage, of sorts, to the Eurozone crisis.
The pale, yellow dress had with cut-away panels on the bodice and currency-style line charts at the bottom of the skirt.
'Spread' and 'BTP' were also emblazoned on the floor-length gown - in reference to the dangerous gap between Italian government bonds and German bunds.

Musical entertainment: One model hung from a bellhop trolley as she played the electric violin

Making a statement: Even the more wearable offerings were rendered wackier by colourful false eyelashes and gloomy eyeshadow

The dress was embellished with a blue and yellow disk over the model's right shoulder. And a, rather apt, flashing blue light was embedded in her hair.
The music for the show was provided by a violin player - wearing another of Molaro's creations - who was suspended from a bellhop trolley while she played the electric violin. And even the more wearable offerings were rendered wackier by colourful false eyelashes and gloomy eyeshadow.
Guests at the show must have been wondering how Molaro would top 2004's tribute to those who died in the twin towers during September 11. Now the mega-boob is the one to beat.

source: dailymail

Secondhand style: Taylor Swift wears a pretty vintage crochet dress as she continues to indulge in her antique obsession

2012-01-31T07:06:00.000+07:00

By JADE WATKINS

Secondhand style: Taylor Swift was spotted going bargain shopping at the Ventura Country Flea market yesterday

She may be worth millions of dollars, but it appears that Taylor Swift prefers a more thrifty style.
It appears that the 22-year-old has developed a penchant for all things secondhand, from everything from her home wares to it seems her attire.
The country music singer was spotted going bargain shopping at the Ventura Country Flea market yesterday.

Gorgeous: The blonde statuesque beauty wore what appeared to be a vintage dress for the outing, slipping her lithe figure into a cream crochet dress

The blonde statuesque beauty wore what appeared to be a vintage dress for the outing, slipping her lithe figure into a cream crochet dress paired with nude kitten heels and a tan suede and leather bag.
Taylor, who is worth millions of dollars, showed no fear in shopping for extra cheap art, picking up a couple of framed items.
She also took particular interest in some books.
It was the second time in one week that Taylor has indulged in vintage shopping.

Having a ball: Taylor, who is worth millions of dollars, showed no fear in shopping for extra cheap art, picking up a couple of framed items

On Friday, the Love Story singer was spotted at an antique store in Santa Monica with her mother Andrea.
The dressed down star looked effortless in a pair of skinny black jeans and a billowing white blouse.
Taylor has just arrived home from a trip to London, where it was said she was rehearsing for the Les Miserables film.

Novel idea: She also took particular interest in some books

During the trip, she visited the London Zoo, the Diana memorial fountain at Hyde Park, and of course did a spot of shopping along Portobello Road.
There she visited Alice's, an antique dealer which specialises in decorative furniture from a range of periods.
She reportedly spent 30 minutes in the store, which was said to have closed especially for her, but it is unknown if she made any purchases.

Pretty as a picture: Taylor's outfit was perfect for the warm Californian day

She did however make three female fans day when her security let them in the store to meet her.
Earlier in the day Taylor also took time out to visit the Princess Diana Memorial fountain at Hyde Park.
Gazing into the water, the young star appeared to be paying her respects and also carefully read the fountain's plaque.

Antique obsession: On Friday, the Love Story singer was spotted at an antique store in Santa Monica with her mother Andrea

The memorial fountain was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth in July 2004.
According royalparks.org,uk: 'The design aims to reflect Diana's life, water flows from the highest point in two directions as it cascades, swirls and bubbles before meeting in a calm pool at the bottom. The water is constantly being refreshed and is drawn from London's water table,' it says.
The Memorial also symbolises Diana's quality and openness. There are three bridges where you can cross the water and go right to the heart of the fountain.'

Lovely and low-key: The dressed down star looked effortless in a pair of skinny black jeans and a billowing white blouse

Listening to her iPod, Taylor clearly was enjoying some alone time during the sightseeing tour.
She smiled as she marveled over a pair of picturesque perfect swans and took particular interest in a giant bird sculpture at the grounds.
The singer was reportedly in London to rehearse for the Les Miserables film, where she thought to be playing the role of Eponine, according to broadwayworld.com.

London trip: Taylor has just arrived home from a trip to London, where she visited the London zoo

The full cast has not officially been announced but several publications have reported that Taylor has snagged the role.
She is said to be joining a star-studded roll call, consisting of Hugh Jackman in the lead role of Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Javert, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, Sacha Baron Cohen as Thernardier, Eddie Redmayne as Marius, Aaron Tveit as Enjolras, Anne Hathaway as Fantine and Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thenardier.
The musical is due to hit cinemas at the end of December.

Memorable: Taylor also took time out to visit the Princess Diana Memorial fountain at Hyde Park

Efron and Taylor were seen being rather flirtatious when the pair allegedly arrived at an Italian restaurant and 'were deep in conversation and very giggly' earlier during the week.
After a red carpet appearance together to promote their upcoming movie The Lorax, and gushing remarks about each other, the couple were thought to be more than just friends.

source: dailymail

Strike a pose there's nothing to it: Miranda Kerr works her magic during Vogue shoot

2012-01-31T06:52:00.000+07:00

By ANDREA MAGRATH

White hot: Miranda Kerr shows why she is one of the world's highest-earning models as she works a bikini photoshoot on Sydney Harbour today

At first glance it appears as though Miranda Kerr was enjoying some rest and relaxation during a trip home to her native Australia.
But despite her soaking up the summer sun as she floats on Sydney Harbour, the supermodel was in fact hard at work.
Miranda, 27, was steaming up the cameras during a photoshoot for UK Vogue magazine on Monday.

Strike a pose: The model reclined on a boat named La Dolce Vita during the shoot, for UK Vogue magazine

The Victoria's Secret Angel knows a thing or two about working skimpy lingerie, and it was no different as she reclined on a small speedboat in a white bikini.
Miranda luxuriously stretched herself out along the stern of the vessel, aptly named La Dolce Vita.
She shaded her eyes in a pair of aviator sunglasses as the driver sped around the harbour in the sunshine.

La Dolce Vita: It was hard to tell whether the Victoria's Secret model was working or taking a nap as she soaked up the sun aboard the speedboat

On the high seas: Miranda held on as the small boat battle choppy waters

Miranda protected herself from the breeze with a cover-up in between shots, and later slipped into a pretty sundress for another take.
Miss Kerr kept her followers on Twitter updated on her agenda that morning: tweeting 'Have a great day everyone! I'm off to work to shoot uk vogue xxx.'
The stunning brunette jetted Down Under last week with husband Orlando Bloom and baby Flynn in tow.

She's an Angel: The Aussie bombshell showed off her stunning figure as she hopped into the boat

Wind chill: The 27-year-old kept warm with a cover-up in between takes

Tomorrow night the model will present an award at the Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (AACTA) Awards in Sydney.
But her trip home hasn't been all work and no play. On Sunday Miranda was spotted arriving at trendy Sydney bar and restaurant The Winery with her mother Therese to join friends for a drink.
Even off-duty, Miranda looked like she had just stepped off a catwalk, showing off her enviably long legs in a white mini dress.

Costume change: Miranda slipped into a pretty sundress for the next shot

Work and play: The day before Miranda was pictured arriving at Sydney hotspot The Winery with her mother Therese to join friends for drinks

source: dailymail

Worth every penny of that $3.5m spot: First look at the David Beckham for H&M Super Bowl commercial

2012-01-31T06:40:00.000+07:00

By TAMARA ABRAHAM

High-profile debut: A television commercial for the new David Beckham Bodywear collection, due to launch at H&M on Thursday, will premiere during the Super Bowl

It goes without saying that the ads that run during the Super Bowl are as eagerly anticipated as the game itself. And one in particular is sure to have the full attention of female viewers.
H&M this morning released its first commercial for David Beckham Bodywear, which will make its debut during the second quarter of the NFL championship final.
Starring the man himself, the 30-second black-and-white ad, set to the song Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood by The Animals, shows close-ups of the soccer star's many tattoos and flawless body.

One for the ladies: The black-and-white ad shows close-ups of the soccer star's many tattoos and flawless body - but not much of the products from the line

In fact, the focus is so much on the 36-year-old LA Galaxy player, one might be tempted to ask what exactly the ad is promoting.
Of course we do get a glimpse of the products in question, right at the very end. The soccer star sports a pair of briefs, which will retail for $12.95, and trunks, which will be priced at $14.95.

Tattoo tribute: One shot shows an inking in honour of the 36-year-old's second son, Romeo

Mr Beckham admitted he was excited that the ad would be airing in such a high-profile spot.
He said in a press release: 'I'm excited about my bodywear ad featuring in this year's Super Bowl.
'My design team and I spent 18 months developing the collection, it's been a fantastic collaborative experience, and I'm very happy with the end result.
Like every fan, I'm looking forward to Super Bowl Sunday.'

Brief glimpse: Only at the end of the 30-second spot do we see any of the David Beckham Bodywear range

Star turn: As well as the briefs, Mr Beckham models trunks (pictured), which will be priced at $14.95

Steve Lubomski, Director of Marketing for H&M North America, echoed the star's sentiments.
He added: 'We're thrilled about David starring in our Super Bowl spot, which kicks-off the North American launch of the global David Beckham Bodywear collection.
We'll reach a significant number of our consumer base during the Super Bowl, and we'll continue the momentum with a 360 degree marketing campaign that includes social media, national advertising, PR and consumer engagement.'

Cheeky smile: The LA Galaxy player grins at the camera by way of a parting shot

H&M is also promoting the launch with a huge ad on the corner of 8th Avenue & 34th Street in Manhattan.
A full body-length image of Mr Beckham modelling the new trunks will be hand-painted over a period of two weeks and completed by Super Bowl weekend. The process will be captured on video and shared as a time-lapse video on YouTube.
The David Beckham Bodywear line will go on sale on Thursday, just in time for Valentine's Day.

source: dailymail

How posh! Victoria Beckham's new collection goes on sale in Harvey Nichols

2012-01-31T06:31:00.000+07:00

By LAUREN PAXMAN

Catch them while you can! Harvey Nichols workers put the finishing touches to a display of Victoria Beckham's 'Victoria' collection

Mrs Beckham's new standalone brand, Victoria, has already been seen on the likes of Danielle Lineker, Katy Perry, Julianne Moore and Michelle Williams... And now UK shoppers can finally snap up the collection for themselves.
The pretty, above-the-knee shift dresses went on sale at Harvey Nichols this morning.
Speaking of her newest collection, the designer formerly known as Posh Spice said: 'This new line serves to channel my inner girl - it is fun and young with a distinct sense of humour. The Victoria range can't help but make you smile with its energy and personality.'

Harvey Nichols described the collection as: 'The free-spirited sister brand to Victoria Beckham's eponymous mainline label.'
The flirty, summery frocks are displayed with pride - complete with bejewelled cat's heads which help draw attention to the cartoon character who inspired the range, Emily the Strange.

Catwoman: The frocks were inspired by cartoon character Emily the Strange - which explains the feline connection

Beyond Harvey Nichols' womenswear section, the cat-theme continues.
Mrs Beckham collaborated with quirky illustrator and film-maker, Quentin Jones, to decorate the department store's legendary windows with bold cut-outs which highlight the collection's key themes.
They are already attracting the attention of Kensington's well-heeled shoppers who could not wait to get their hands on the dresses.

Almost ready: Another Harvey Nichols worker finishes off a window display which was a collaboration with quirky illustrator and film-maker, Quentin Jones

Victoria is sold at a lower price point that the former-Spice Girl's designer collection, Victoria Beckham. But it is not a diffusion line, it is its own standalone brand. Dresses cost between £375 and £995.
VB's trademark zip has disappeared - to be replaced with loose-fitting dresses that have a more casual feel.
Cherry red, candy pink and cornflower blue are blocked with black and white, with pretty scallop edging and whimsical cat, cloud and moon prints.

Shoppers admire the display outside the department store before being allowed inside to see the dresses for themselves

Mrs Beckham told Vogue.com: 'It's not a second line, or a diffusion line - it's another line, another side to my wardrobe.
'This is a way to give my customers what they want. They are really easy-to-wear day dresses.
'You can wear everything with heels, but you can wear them with flats as well. And they fit a lot of different people. Nothing's tight: everything's quite comfortable and roomy.'
At the collection's catwalk launch, in New York last September, models echoed the designer's comic book inspiration with blunt fringes.

Calm before the storm: Workers steam a cloud-covered dress, which is the same design that was worn by Danielle Lineker last night

Pretty in pink: Victoria Beckham wearing a pink and black scalloped Victoria dress in New York, and Michelle Williams wearing the same dress in different colours at the LA Baftas

They strode the catwalk in towering platforms in co-coordinating colours and prints, the result of a collaboration with footwear brand-of-the-moment Charlotte Olympia.
But Harvey Nichols' mannequins are bare-foot, and the fringes have been swapped for cat's ears and whiskers - perhaps to show that the dresses really do go with anything?
The department store has exclusive rights to the dresses which can be bought in both the London Kensington and Birmingham stores - as well as by email though their website.

source: dailymail

The day it rained blue balls of jelly! Homeowner stunned as hailstorm showers his garden with weird goo

2012-01-31T06:20:00.000+07:00

By EMMA REYNOLDS

Mysterious: The transparent, slippery spheres that rained down on Steve Hornsby's garden are about the size of marbles

A baffled homeowner could not believe his eyes when jelly-like blue balls began falling from the sky outside his house.
Steve Hornsby, 61, was forced to run for cover when the freak weather hit his neighbourhood in Bournemouth, Dorset.
He said the sky turned a strange shade of dark yellow and a hailstorm began pelting down on his garden.
It was only after the downpour that he noticed the silicone-like balls on his lawn and went outside for a closer look.
The aircraft engineer scooped up some of the mysterious, slippery globes in a jar and hopes to have them analysed to work out the puzzle.

He believes that about 20 of the marble-sized objects landed in his garden last Thursday. While most were broken, some remained intact.
'I was just about to pop into the garage to get some logs for the fire when the sky went very dark and then a strange yellow colour,' he said.
'There was then a short, sharp hailstorm that lasted for about 20 seconds.
'I rushed to stand by the wall out of the way and it was all over very quickly. I had seen the hail come down and it looked like rock salt.
'Then I spotted something on the lawn and it looked like broken glass - I thought it must be the kids.
'But then I put my foot on it and it disappeared... I thought it was strange. Then I looked around and there were lots of others.

Astonished: Mr Hornsby and wife Carol ran for cover when caught in the freak hailstorm - but what they found afterwards was even more of a shock

A scientist at his local university suggested they may be eggs taken from the sea by a bird, which then dropped them over Steve’s house in the hailstorm.
But this is thought to be unlikely as they are transparent and there are no signs of eggs or an embryo inside.
Mr Hornsby, who made the discovery with his equally bewildered wife Carol, added: 'They only landed in our garden in an area of a couple of hundred square-metres. I’ve checked the neighbours’ gardens.
'It is the most peculiar thing I have ever seen - there must be about 20 complete spheres.
'They don’t smell and they don’t float. I’ve been an aircraft engineer for many years and I’ve never seen anything like it.

Breathtaking: The balls that landed in the 61-year-old's vegetable patch have an unusual blue tinge

'I thought it could have been some kind of atmospheric pollution like a chemical that has been released into the atmosphere, got sucked into a storm cloud and solidified and then released in droplets with the hailstones.
'The winds that day were blowing from the east. Ideally I’d like to get them chemically analysed to find out what they consist of.'
He said that the balls did not dissolve in water and he has been keeping them in his fridge while he tries to figure out what they were.
The Met Office said the jelly-like substance was 'not meteorological'.
Josie Pegg, a science research assistant at Bournemouth University, speculated that the strange phenomena might be 'marine invertebrate eggs'.

Phenomenon: Mr Hornsby believes the balls could be a result of pollution, while a scientist at Bournemouth University suggested they could be eggs transported on birds' feet

Remarkable: Several of the crystalline globes remained intact and the aircraft engineer plans to have them analysed

She said: 'These have been implicated in previous "strange goo" incidents.
'The transmission of eggs on birds’ feet is well documented and I guess if a bird was caught out in a storm this could be the cause.'
Gavin Pretor-Pinney from the Cloud Appreciation Society said: 'The most likely explanation is that these things were sucked up by a water-spout.
'Because there was hail, we know they must have come from a cumulonimbus cloud, which have violent rising and falling currents.
'The air rushing up can cause small tornadoes that can suck up things from the sea or land and they can stay in the cloud for some time until they are dropped.'

Hailstorm: A crater left behind in the Hornsbys' vegetable patch after the freak weather

source: dailymail

A road runs through it: Resourceful engineers in crowded Japanese city build flyover via the middle of an office block

2012-01-31T06:06:00.000+07:00

By RICHARD ASHMORE

If you can't get round it: The 16-level office block has a busy fly-over running straight through the ground floor - locals have nicknamed the building the beehive referring to its appearance as a bustling place

Resourceful Japanese engineers did not let a small matter like a lack of space deter them when they needed to begin a new construction project and managed to build a road through an office block in the city of Osaka.
The 16-storey building Gate Tower Building has a busy fly-over running straight through the ground floor as this amazing picture shows
Locals have nicknamed the building the 'beehive' referring to its appearance as a 'bustling place.'

Lighting the way: The road looks even more futuristic by night

The building has a double core construction, with a circular cross section and the Umeda Exit of the Ikeda Route of the Hanshin Expressway system passes between the fifth and seventh floors. The highway is the tenant of those floors and actually pays rent. The lift even passes through the floors without stopping, floor 4 being followed by floor 8.
The floors through which the highway passes consist of elevators, stairways and machinery. The motorway does not make contact with the building and it passes through as a bridge, held up by supports next to the building.
Architects surrounded the road with a structure to protect the building from noise and vibration.

source: dailymail

Don’t look down: Vertigo-inducing photographs taken by daredevils who climb skyscrapers and then lean over the edge

2012-01-30T22:07:00.000+07:00

By KERRY MCQUEENEY

Head for heights: Thrillseeking photographer Tom Ryaboi took this shot from the roof of a skyscraper, high above the streets of Toronto

If you're thinking of giving this new photography craze a go, a head for heights is as essential as a camera.
Rooftopping is the heart-stopping photography movement which involves thrill seekers climbing to the top of city skyscrapers, hanging off the edge and taking pictures of the spectacular view beneath them.
Photographer Tom Ryaboi is one of the crusaders of Rooftopping. The 27-year-old, from Toronto in Canada, has climbed more than 100 buildings and produced some of the most stunning examples of the craze.

Above the world: The stunning photography shots produce amazing results but photographers have to go to extreme lengths to capture the images

He said: 'It's addictive and I am always looking for a higher roof in the city. But I still feel the buzz whenever I reach the top and feel the wind. It's a pure rush of adrenaline.'
Disguising themselves so they can carry out their daring stunts, the thrill seekers avoid security and CCTV before climbing to the top of skyscrapers and hanging off the edge - photographing the evidence as proof of their antics.
Tom added: 'I try to blend in as much as possible. In an office building I dress like I work there, on a construction site I dress like the workmen.
'It's in my blood. When I was a child one day, my dad came home from work and found me sitting on top of the fridge.
'They had no idea how I had got there, but obviously I just liked climbing things.'

Risky business: Photographer Tom Ryaboi (pictured) has climbed more than 100 buildings and produced some of the most stunning examples of Rooftopping to date

Growing in popularity: Using the internet to spread his new found love of storming skyscraper roofs, Tom has now inspired other Rooftoppers to start climbing too

Birds eye view: Rooftoppers avoid security, CCTV and risk their lives on top of the windy ledges up to almost 1,000 feet high

Having spent the past four years on top of Canada's largest city's roofs, Tom enjoys the isolation he feels hundreds of feet above the pavement.
He added: 'I've been on the top three tallest buildings in Toronto. But I often tell people it's not really the height the matters.
'The coolest views are often from lower buildings nestled in between the tall ones.

Vertiginous: A dedicated few 'Rooftoppers' are determined to climb to the top of every skyscraper roof in their city, hang off the edge and photograph the evidence as proof

'You really get a sense you're in the urban 'jungle' then, surrounded by this forest of concrete, steel and glass.
Using the internet to spread his new found love of storming skyscraper roofs, Tom has now inspired other rooftoppers to start climbing too.
'I'm not the first in the world, but I've introduced about 20 people to rooftopping and now groups of men and women are all trying to do it.'

Don't look down: On lower buildings, Tom says you get a sense of being in an urban 'jungle', surrounded by a forest of concrete, steel and glass

Dangerous and daring: A Rooftopper climbs up an open structure in a bid to get the perfect shot

Long way down: Tom, pictured from behind to protect his identity, peers out across the cityscape high above the streets of Toronto

Easy does it: A Rooftopper inches his way to the edge of the building (left) while another climbs up a ladder (right) in a bid to reach the perfect vantage point

Concrete jungle: Tom says he enjoys the isolation he feels hundreds of feet above the pavement

source: dailymail

Get ready for Freezing February! Temperatures set to plunge to -11C as ice and snow transform countryside in scenes of breathtaking beauty

2012-01-30T21:53:00.000+07:00

-Department of Health issue 'Level 2' cold-weather alert as freeze poses significant health risks
-Warning of ice forming on untreated surfaces

By KERRY MCQUEENEY

Snow way! Gracie-Mai Hochin, one, walks through the snow in Princetown, Dartmoor, Devon, for the first time (left). She is joined right by her friend Seanna Evans, one

Temperatures are set to plunge as low as -11C this week as Arctic winds bring in a big freeze with ice and snow expected to blanket the countryside, forecasters said today.
Parts of Britain were waking up this morning to up to two inches of snow as the longest spell of cold weather so far this winter sets in.
The chill is being caused by a high pressure system hanging over Scandinavia and western Russia which is set to push raw, easterly winds towards the UK as the week progresses.

Winter wonderland: A hiker walks through snowy woodland near Princetown, Devon, today after snowfall hit the region overnight for the first time this winter

The west of England and Wales was covered in snow overnight and the Met Office has warned up to four inches of snow could yet fall on higher ground. They have issued a warning of severe cold weather across much of England until at least Thursday.
Paul Mott, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: 'There has been a sprinkling of snow overnight over parts of Wales, Devon, Somerset and Hampshire.
'It has mainly been over hills - with accumulations of up to 5cm in some areas - but there have also been some falls on lower ground locally.

Snow: A motorist clears her car before setting off in Brynmawr, south Wales, after significant snowfall in the area overnight

The Department of Health issued a 'Level 2' cold-weather alert running for the next two to three days, which is triggered when low temperatures give rise to significant health risks.
It warned that low temperatures can especially be dangerous for the young and the elderly or those with chronic disease.
Yesterday the countryside was glazed in snow, frost and mist. Ducks were pictured skirting across the water in the icy waters of Derwentwater, near Keswick, in the Lake District.
Dan Williams, of the Met Office, said: ‘This is certainly the longest run of colder weather we will have seen so far this winter.
'There’s cold air pushing in from the east, and it’s looking very wintry over the next few days and might last for the first half of February.’

Plummeting temperatures: Sheep in snow near Merthyr, South Wales today as it was revealed it will be as cold as -11C later this week

Skiing conditions: Hill walker Richard Walker, from Aberdare, in Powys, South Wales, today as the area is blanketed with snow for the first time this winter

Wrapped up warm: These highland cows stand in the snow near Princetown, Devon, today

Meanwhile, residents all over the country were bracing themselves for the Siberian weather front heading for Britain.
Residents in a Cornish village have bought their own snowplough and gritter after they were cut off for a week in a blizzard during previous winters.
The Badgall and Laneast Action Group (Blag), have raised £2,650 to buy the plough and mechanical salt spreader.
Two farmers in the area have been designated to operate them during heavy snowfall.
Blag said residents 'voted with their pockets' after being cut off during the last two winters.

Chilly: A Belted Galloway cow feeds on Birdlip Hill, Gloucestershire, today as temperatures plummet across the country

Grim weather: A dog walker trudges through the snow with his dog in Brynmawr as snow falls across south Wales

Freezing: A woman and her dog walks along snowy footpaths in Princetown, Devon, after snowfall hit the region overnight for the first time this winter

source: dailymail

'I'm going to destroy America and dig up Marilyn Monroe': British pair arrested in U.S. on terror charges over Twitter jokes

2012-01-30T21:41:00.000+07:00

By RICHARD HARTLEY-PARKINSON

Leigh Van Bryan was due to go to Los Angeles with his friend Emily Banting but was stopped when he arrived in the U.S. over tweets he had sent

Two British tourists were barred from entering America after joking on Twitter that they were going to 'destroy America' and 'dig up Marilyn Monroe'.
Leigh Van Bryan, 26, was handcuffed and kept under armed guard in a cell with Mexican drug dealers for 12 hours after landing in Los Angeles with pal Emily Bunting. The Department of Homeland Security flagged him as a potential threat when he posted an excited tweet to his pals about his forthcoming trip to Hollywood which read: 'Free this week, for quick gossip/prep before I go and destroy America'.

Offending tweet: Mr Bryan told security officials that 'destroy' is slang for party in the UK, but that was not enough to convince them

After making their way through passport control at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) last Monday afternoon the pair were detained by armed guards.
Despite telling officials the term 'destroy' was British slang for 'party', they were held on suspicion of planning to 'commit crimes' and had their passports confiscated.

Leigh was also quizzed about another tweet which quoted hit US comedy Family Guy which read: '3 weeks today, we're totally in LA p****** people off on Hollywood Blvd and diggin' Marilyn Monroe up!
Federal agents even searched his suitcase looking for spades and shovels, claiming Emily was planning to act as Leigh's 'look out' while he raided Marilyn's tomb.
Bar manager Leigh, from Coventry, and Emily, 24, from Birmingham, were then quizzed for five hours at LAX before they were handcuffed and put into a van with illegal immigrants and locked up overnight.
They spent 12 hours in separate holding cells before being driven back to the airport where they were put on a plane home via Paris.
Leigh, an Irish national, and Emily arrived at Birmingham Airport last Wednesday afternoon.
Emily said: 'The officials told us we were not allowed in to the country because of Leigh's tweet. They wanted to know what we were going to do.
'They asked why we wanted to destroy America and we tried to explain it meant to get trashed and party.
'I almost burst out laughing when they asked me if I was going to be Leigh's lookout while he dug up Marilyn Monroe.
'I couldn't believe it because it was a quote from the comedy Family Guy which is an American show.

Paperwork handed to Mr Van Bryan confirms that he was questioned by the Department for Homeland Security before entry to the U.S. was denied

'It got even more ridiculous because the officials searched our suitcases and said they were looking for spades and shovels. They did a full body search on me too.
'We just wanted to have a good time on holiday. That was all Leigh meant in his tweet. He would not hurt anyone.'
Leigh posted the tweet on January 16 before the pair flew to LA last Monday.
Leigh said: 'It's just so ridiculous it's almost funny but at the time it was really scary. The Homeland Security agents were treating me like some kind of terrorist.

'I kept saying to them they had got the wrong meaning from my tweet but they just told me "you've really f***** up with that tweet boy".
'When I was in the van I was handcuffed and put in a cage. I had a panic attack but the worse was yet to come.
'When we arrived at the prison I was shoved in a cell on my own but after an hour two huge Mexican men covered in tattoos came in and started asking me who I was.
'They told me they'd been arrested for taking cocaine over the border.
'When the food arrived on the tray they took it all and just left me with a carton of apple juice.'
After 12 hours in custody they returned to the airport where they were handed documents which stated they had been refused entry to the US.
Emily's charge sheet stated: 'It is believed that you are travelling with Leigh-Van Bryan who possibly has the intentions of coming to the United States to commit crimes.'
Leigh's charge sheet, alongside a police mug shot and finger print, added: 'He had posted on his Tweeter website account that he was coming to the United States to dig up the grave of Marilyn Monroe.
'Also on his tweeter account Mr Bryan posted that he was coming to destroy America.'
Leigh and Emily have now been told they must apply for visas from the US Embassy in London before flying to the US again.

source: dailymail

Boxer Amir Khan introduces his knockout fiancée Faryal at £150,000 engagement party... held at Bolton Wanderers Reebok stadium

2012-01-30T21:14:00.000+07:00

By ANDREA MAGRATH

Wife to be: Amir Khan became formally engaged to Faryal Makhdoom at the couple's lavish engagement party last night at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton

Amir Khan has certainly scored a knockout. The boxer had an enormous smile on his face last night, and one look at his stunning fiancée shows why.
Khan, 25, and 20-year-old Faryal Makhdoom revealed their plans to marry earlier this month, and made it official this weekend by exchanging rings in front of 1000 of their nearest and dearest at a lavish engagement party.
The couple celebrated with a lavish £150,000 bash at the Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium.

Family-oriented: The 20-year-old New Yorker flew in with her family for the occasion, and plans to move to Bolton following the wedding

Friends including Ricky Hatton watched as Amir presented his wife-to-be with a £100,000 platinum ring encrusted with three staggering diamonds.
In return, beautiful Faryal gave her beau with an equally bling platinum ring.
After the party Amir tweeted: 'Amazing day, I'm so tired and my fiance faryal looked so beautiful and was very patient, everyone loved it, I love my ring faryal got me x' (sic)

Family-orientated: The 20-year-old New Yorker flew in with her family for the occasion, and plans to move to Bolton following the wedding

Last night the happy couple posed for pictures as they were showered with rose petals after the ceremonial exchanging of rings.
Faryal wore a deep red sari and elaborate jewels to compliment her stunning features.
During a visit to her family in New York earlier this month, Amir gushed over his love: 'A lot of girls back home have said to me, "Your girl is beautiful" - and that's great because people can be so jealous.'
The student and her family jetted into the UK for the engagement celebrations and Faryal plans to move to Bolton following their wedding.

Bling: The boxer presented his fiancée with a £100,000 engagement ring at the bash

But she has had to work on understanding her husband-to-be's thick accent.'I was used to London accents and thought that's how everyone spoke in Britain,' she told the Sun last week.
'But when Amir opened his mouth it was completely different.
'It was like he was speaking in a foreign tongue — so I just used to nod, agree with whatever he was talking about and say, 'Yeah'.
'He'd say things like "daft" and "innit" and I had no idea what they meant. He'd say, "Don't be daft!" - and I'd be wondering what daft was supposed to be!'

Extravagant: The couple celebrated with 1,000 of their nearest and dearest during the £150,000 party

Amir shouldn't expect to see her beloved cheering ringside at any of his future matches. Faryal says she 'never' wants to see her man fight, and while he was losing to Lamont Peterson in December, she was back in the hotel room 'praying with his mother.'

source: dailymail

And the winners are...Tears of shock and joy as The Help sweeps the boards at the SAG Awards

2012-01-30T20:22:00.000+07:00

By MARISSA CHARLES

Tearful: Octavia Spencer wept tears of joy when she won the SAG for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for The Help in Los Angeles on Sunday night

It was ladies’ night at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards when the film The Help swept the boards.
The female ensemble cast walked away with three major awards - for leading actress, best supporting actress and ensemble cast.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Viola Davis picked up her award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her performance in The Help.

Overcome: Viola Davis was overcome with emotion when she accepted her award

The Help: Octavia Spencer, middle, with her co-stars Emma Stone and Viola Davis in the hit movie

The 46-year-old received a standing ovation and her co-stars Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer were in tears. Angelina Jolie and Meryl Streep were also misty-eyed.
Davis accepted her award by paying tribute to veteran actress Cicely Tyson.
The 78-year-old wept as The Help star said: ‘I was eight-years-old when I decided to be an actor and I am just so privileged to be gazing on the beautiful face of the woman who inspired me that beautiful day and that’s Cecilia Tyson.’

Emotions running high: Viola was visibly moved when her name was called out and right, celebrating with Octavia backstage

Davis also paid tribute to The Iron Lady actress Meryl Streep, whom she pipped to the post to win the award.The two shared a screen a few years before in Doubt.
Earlier in the evening Octavia Spencer was overcome with emotion as she won the SAG for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of sassy maid Minny Jackson.
Struggling to lift the statute, she accepted the award, saying: ‘Oh wow I need to work out a little more. That guy’s heavy.’
Spencer’s win comes just weeks after she won the Golden Globe for the same role in the film, which is based on the novel about African-American maids who take a stand during the Civil Rights era.

Silent star: French actor Jean Dujardin beat Brad Pitt and George Clooney to scoop the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in Leading Role

Speechless: Jean Dujardin with his The Artist co-star Bérénice Bejo

She said: ‘I have to say that it was really a privilege to give a voice to so many women who made it possible for me to be standing here tonight…’
Spencer and Davis were back on the stage at the end of the night to accept an award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for bringing the characters from the book to the big screen.
Actors Emma Stone and Jessica Chastain watched as Davis told their peers: ‘We arrived on the set in July 2010 with such [a] heavy load on our shoulder; such great expectations were already there for this book that was so loved.’
She added: ‘The stain of racism and sexism is not just for people of colour or for women. It’s all of our burden. It’s on all of us.’

Old friends: The Help cast mates Viola Davis, Emma Stone and Octavia Spencer introduced their film while Dallas co-stars Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and Larry Hagman took on presenting duties

French actor swiped the leading actor award from under the noses of Hollywood’s biggest hunks – Brad Pitt and George Clooney.
And, true to his role as a silent star in The Artist, at first Dujardin didn’t know what to say when he took to the podium.
He eventually found the right words and said: ‘I was a very bad student. I didn’t listen in class.
‘I was always dreaming…My teachers called me Jean of the Moon. I realise now that I never stopped dreaming. 'Thank you very much. Thank you for this dream.’

Lifetime Achievement: Veteran comedy actress Mary Tyler Moore was recognised for her work in film and TV

Beloved actress Betty White seemed perplexed when she was announced as the winner for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series.
It’s not the first time the Golden Girl has won a SAG Award for her work in the TV series Hot in Cleveland. She topped the same category last year.
White said: ‘I think they made a terrible mistake.’
She then added that the award also belonged to her co-stars Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick.
But, ever the funny woman, she quickly quipped: ‘I’m not going to let them keep this but I’ll let them see it.’
Alec Baldwin was another previous winner who was crowned king of his category yet again.

Supporting men: Alec Baldwin won for his work on 30 Rock, while Christopher Plummer received his first SAG for The Beginners

The 53-year-old was given the statute for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy series for the sixth year in a row for his work in 30 Rock.
The usually articulate star screamed ‘Oh my God’ several times like an overexcited teen. Baldwin, who plays Jack Donaghy in the hit sitcom, thanked the show’s writers, including co-star Tina Fey. Other winners included Christopher Plummer who was honoured for his best supporting role in the film Beginners.

Funny women: Bridesmaids stars Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Melissa McCarthy got the glitzy crowd playing drinking games

The 82-year-old jokingly said: ‘I just can’t tell you what fun I’ve had being a member of the world’s second oldest profession…’
Speaking of winning a SAG for the first time, The Sound of Music star said: ‘It’s like being lit by the Holy Grail.’
Another first time winner included Jessica Lange who was recognised for her role in the dark TV series American Horror Story.
The Oscar-winner said about the Ryan Murphy show: 'Thank you to FX and to all the crazy, wild, imaginative people who put this thing together.
'It was a real leap of faith to jump into it, but it's been a wild ride.'

TV winners: Jessica Lange won for her role in American Horror Story while Steve Buscemi won for Boardwalk Empire

Golden Girl: Betty White took home the award for her work in Hot in Cleveland for the second year in a row

Other winners included Steve Buscemi for his performance in the period drama Boardwalk Empire.
The HBO show also won for best ensemble cast in a drama series, while the Modern Family actors won for their hit comedy.
Glenn Close accepted Kate Winslet’s SAG for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Mini Series.
The British star – who wasn’t at the ceremony - won for the remake of the classic film, Mildred Pierce.

Child's play: The young stars of Modern Family accepted the cast award for comedy series

Modern Family: Sofia Vegara and Rico Rodriguez beam with pride as they clutch their SAG Awards

Boardwalk Empire: The case of the HBO series won the SAG for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

Mary Tyler Moore was recognised for her work in film and TV with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Her former co-star Dick Van Dyke presented her with the honour.
They may not have been given a SAG but if there was a prize for the best gag it would have gone to the stars of Bridesmaids who encouraged the glitzy audience to join them in a drinking game.
Maya Rudolph encouraged everyone watching to have a drink every time the name Martin Scorsese was mentioned.

source: dailymail

Christina Aguilera reveals fake tan streaks on her Dirrty legs at the funeral of Etta James

2012-01-30T19:38:00.000+07:00

By J J ANISIOBI

Wet wet wet: Christina Aguilera has fake tan running down her legs as she sings at Etta James' funeral

Christina Aguilera must have been feeling the pressure of performing at the funeral of soul legend Etta James. The Dirrty singer was left red faced after a very unusual malfunction at the star studded farewell at the Bishop Noel Jones City of Refuge in Gardena, California. It wasn't just the 31-year-old's eyes that were running as she sang. The Voice judge seemingly over did it with the fake tan and the result was unpleasant streaks down her leg.

Running: The singer was dripping

As the blonde bombshell belted out a rendition of Etta's most popular song, At Last, lines of fake tan could be seen streaked down the inside of her thigh, across her shin. It appeared Miss Aguilera was aware that something was awry as she attempted to subtly wipe her legs with the sleeve of her jacket just before she began to sing.
Despite the mishap, Genie In A Bottle singer gave a heartfelt performance at the funeral.

She wore an all black ensemble that comprised of a skirt and a blazer but showed a little bit too much cleavage for such a sombre occasion.
With her trademark curves covered up, the tanned diva was moved by her own performance and admitted before the funeral that James was one of her idols.
Christina said via Twitter: 'One of the greatest moments of my life...Singing with my idol, the legendary Etta James. You will be forever missed.'

Heartfelt: Christina gave an emotional performance at the Bishop Noel Jones City of Refuge in Gardena, California

She added an old black and white photograph of herself performing with the recently deceased songbird. Music legend Stevie Wonder also performed three songs and gave a harmonica solo. The Reverend Al Sharpton , who met Etta when he was an up-and-coming preacher, delivered the heartfelt eulogy.

Her idol: Aguilera sang At Last and became very emotional during her performance

Sharpton described Etta as a trailblazer who helped break down the 'colour curtain in America.' He went on to say she used music to 'bridge a world that was separate,' referring to America's turbulent racial divisions during the civil rights era.
He said: 'She was able to get us on the same rhythms and humming the same ballads and understanding each others' melodies way before we could even use the same hotels.'

Paying respect: Stevie Wonder and backing singers gave tribute to Etta

The legend: Stevie Wonder performed three songs and gave a harmonica solo

James died on January 20 at the age of 73 after a long battle with leukemia and complications from dementia.
Hundreds of her friends, fans and family came out to honour her at the Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary.
Since the singer's death, her album sales have sky rocketed, with fans snapping up her various records.
For the week ending on January 22, James' albums sold a total 30,000 copies, marking a 378 per cent increase over the previous week, when she moved just over 6,000 units.
James won four Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement honour and she was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

Old friends: The Reverend Al Sharpton spoke about Etta James

source: dailymail

Snagging the prize for the cutest couple? Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt kiss their way through the SAG Awards

2012-01-30T19:25:00.000+07:00

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Passionate kiss: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt enjoyed an amorous evening at the Screen Actors Guild Awards

They are one of the most famous couples in the world.
And though their romance has been very public from the start, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt don't usually indulge in public displays of affection.
So it was a huge surprise when the pair shared a series of tender kisses on the red carpet at last night's Screen Actors Guild awards.

Tender touch: Brad was seen leaning in towards his partner and the couple shared a series of kisses mid-through the ceremony

Later, as they sat at a table during the ceremony, it was clear their attention was only for each other. Brad was seen leaning in towards his partner to share a kiss mid-way through the awards. And as Angelina looked back to the stage she was seen placing a hand on her partner’s thigh.
At the end of the show the couple were seen sharing another smooch as they stood up from the table and the flashing cameras close by certainly didn’t bother them.
Perhaps the show of affection was a consolation prize for Brad,48, who failed to scoop the Male Actor award which was won by The Artist star Jean DuJardin.

Thigh just can't get enough: Angelina was seen putting a hand on Brad's leg during the awards ceremony

Or it could be that the pair were simply making the most of a night off from parent duty to enjoy a few moments together.
There is also the tantalising possibility that the pair are about to get engaged. In a recent interview, Brad said that he wanted to marry his long-term partner because it meant so much to their six children.
Earlier in the evening the pair arrived on the red carpet and were greeted by pandemonium. As ever Brad proved the perfect gentleman and stepped out of the car and made his way around the car to open the door for Angelina.

The look of love: The couple, who have six children together were seen gazing into each other's eyes

Isn't she lovely: The pair were seen posing on the red carpet but only had eyes for each other

Classic look: Angelina shows off her tattoos with a scoop back dress which complimented her slim frame

The actress emerged in from the vehicle and gave the crowd the first glimpse of her Jenny Packham gown.
The couple made their way up the red carpet together hand in hand and as the photographers shouted to Angelina to secure a shot Brad admired his date.
Angelina’s lamé gown showed off her angular shoulders and dipped down at the back to reveal her tattoos.

Golden couple: Angelina looked stunning in her Grecian-inspired draping Jenny Packham gown while Brad looked dapper in his suit

Deep in conversation: During the dinner Angelina was seen deep in conversation with Tilda Swinton

Enjoying a tipple: The 36-year-old actress was seen enjoying a glass of red wine as she chatted to Tilda

The pair gave separate interviews to E! presenter Guiliana Rancic and Angelina spoke about being a mother and an actress.
She explained: 'It’s fun to wake up and play with your kids and then go out and this one you really get to hang out with other actors.'
When asked what the children think about the couple attending the glitzy awards ceremonies the 36-year-old said: 'They get that it’s part of our job... but it is a strange job... they are like "fine when are you coming home"'.

Group shot: Hollywood's Golden couples Brad and Angelina and George and Stacy posed up together

However Brandgelina weren’t the only golden couple at the Shrine Auditorium last night. George Clooney and girlfriend Stacy Keibler also commanded plenty of attention and the pair proved popular on the red carpet.
The couples met up on the red carpet and posed for pictures together.
Brad and George are old friends and shared a spot of mutual appreciation as they met on the red carpet and shared a warm embrace.

source: dailymail

Whoa Baby: Woman gives birth to 13 lb baby without painkillers or surgery

2012-01-30T18:57:00.000+07:00

By NINA GOLGOWSKI

Big surprise: An Iowa woman delivered a 13 pound baby Thursday without painkillers or a cesarean section

If giving birth to a 13 pound baby isn't enough to earn a title of Wonder Woman after labor, how about doing it au naturale?
An Iowa woman delivered her second son to weigh over 11 pounds Thursday after opting to forgo a cesarean section as well as pain killers.
At precisely 13 pounds and 12 ounces Asher came into this world greeting parents Kendall and Joshua Stewardson of St Charles, as well as his older brother Judah who weighed 12 pounds at his own birth.

Judah's birth, which was Mrs Stewardson's first child, would have easily masked the delivery of her second child's she thought. And appearing smaller on the ultra sound as well as needing just six-hours of labour, Asher's size was a surprise.
'When he came out we all thought he was smaller and then we put him on the scale,' Mrs Stewardson told WHO-TV, 'we were very surprised, but he's three inches longer.'
And heavier.
'So, everyone like double takes when they see him, but for us it's pretty standard and it wasn`t much worse than probably most people's' Mrs Stewardson said.
According to the National Council of Health Statistics, one out of 1,000 infants are born weighing over 11 pounds.

Not the first: The newborn named Asher is just one pound more than the birth weight of his older brother (shown in the arms of his father left) who was 12 pounds

The average infant born is between six and eight pounds according to The Nemours Center for Children's Health Media which says those born smaller or larger may require extra medical attention to assure there are no problems.

Record: Asher's weight of 13 pounds took the record for the Mercy Medical Hospital but was just short of the state's record of 14 pounds in 1980

Healthy: Medical staff say that Asher is completely healthy despite his size and his nine-day delay in birth

'Just to have two that had absolutely no issues, we're definitely very blessed that way,' Mr Stewardson told WHO-TV.
Asher's birth was the largest on record for Mercy Medical Hospital but is short by roughly a pound for the state record which goes to a Johnson County baby born in 1980 at 14 pounds, 13 ounces. According to Guinness World Records, the largest baby born on record was 23 pounds, 12 ounces to a Canadian Giantess named Anna Bates in 1879 but who died 11 hours later. Ms Bates stood herself at 7 feet, 5.5 inches or 2.27 meters.

source: dailymail

Djokovic hails six-hour Aussie Open victory over Nadal as the best of his career

2012-01-30T13:12:00.000+07:00

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER

Aussie rules: Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after the epic win over Nadal

Novak Djokovic has described his record-breaking Australian Open final victory over Rafael Nadal as the best win of his career.
The Serbian cemented his place at the head of men's tennis with an epic 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 (5/7) 7-5 triumph, achieved in five hours and 53 minutes, making it the longest grand slam final in history and the longest match ever at this tournament.
It also maintained his domination over Nadal - he has won their last seven meetings - and made him just the fifth man to win three successive grand slam crowns following his victories last year at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Exhausted: The players take a breather at the climax of the match

It was a truly remarkable match which swung one way and then another and gradually developed into a test of endurance as much as skill.
In the end, Djokovic edged it, falling to the floor in celebration before ripping off his shirt.
'Wimbledon is right up there because it was the tournament I always wanted to win but this comes out on top because we played for almost six hours, it was incredible,' he said.

'It was the longest grand slam final of all time. Just hearing that fact makes me cry. I am very proud to be a part of history, to be among the elite group of players who have won this trophy several times.
'I had a lot of chances to win it in four sets but he deserved to prolong it and then really both of us could have won the match, it could have gone either way.'

Centre of attention: Djokovic maintained his remarkable record against Nadal

Nadal claimed the first set after a second break handed him a 5-4 lead which he consolidated only for Djokovic to up his game markedly in the second.
His booming forehand was starting to land and a break for 3-1 meant he was in position to serve for the set at 5-3 only to falter.
Nadal broke back but then immediately surrendered his serve tamely, a double fault handing Djokovic the game and the second set.

The feeling the match was turning Djokovic's way strengthened at the start of the third as he continued to bully his opponent, who was relying on errors for points.
He broke for 3-1 and again at 5-2 with Nadal seemingly on the wane.
But the Spaniard is made of stern stuff and he started the fourth with renewed purpose, in particular on the forehand side.
He had to see off three break points to make it 4-4 as Djokovic threatened once more before the rain which had been forecast finally arrived, forcing the players to take a short break while the roof on Rod Laver Arena was closed

You beauty! The Serbian celebrates victory with management and family

It went to a tie-break which ebbed and flowed with Nadal hitting back from 5-3 down to claim a set point at 6-5 and he clinched it when Djokovic put a forehand into the tramlines. It was rapidly turning into a classic.
Both men had worked hard to get to the final - Djokovic requiring four hours and 50 minutes to get past Andy Murray and Nadal three hours and 42 minutes to see off old foe Roger Federer.
Crucially, though, Nadal's match had taken place 24 hours earlier and in the early stages of the fifth the Spaniard seemed to have a greater spring in his step.
And so it proved as he claimed the first break of the decider to move 4-2 up as Djokovic sent a cross-court forehand long.
But the match swiftly took another turn, Nadal missing a routine backhand at 30-15 with Djokovic subsequently breaking back straight away to get it back on serve.
The sheer physical effort required by both players was evident in the first point of the ninth game when a 31-shot rally ended with Djokovic sending a backhand long before dropping to the floor in exhaustion.

By now though there were no more miracles left and having staved off the danger, Djokovic set up a match point which he took with a winning forehand to complete an astonishing win.
'It was one of the toughest matches of my career,' said Nadal. 'But we played a nice tennis match, it was a very good show and I enjoyed being a part of it.
'I wanted to win but I am happy with how I did.'
When asked if he would watch a re-run of the match, Nadal joked: 'No, it's too long. Just the highlights.'

source: dailymail

Big top fun! Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt treat their lucky brood to a Cirque Du Soleil show during a family night out

2012-01-30T13:02:00.000+07:00

By JADE WATKINS

Family outing: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie took some of their six-strong brood to Cirque Du Soleil in Santa Monica last night.

They have enjoyed visits to the zoo and several trips to the toy store. And now Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have treated their children to a Cirque Du Soleil show. The couple and members of their brood were seen at the popular OVO extravaganza last night, which is currently being performed in a big-top by the famous Santa Monica pier. And it seems that Brad, 48, got into the spirit of the acrobatic show by wearing a black all-in-one jumpsuit. Meanwhile his children including Shiloh, five, and Knox, three, wore a silly hats with multi-coloured spikes coming out of the top.
Shy little Shiloh stayed close to both her mother and father and silently sucked on her thumb.

Big time fun: The couple and their children were seen on a VIP tour of the big top backstage

The youngster, who recently had her hair cut in a very short hairstyle, wore a tomboyish outfit consisting of a skull and cross bones T-shirt, a grey cardigan and charcoal trousers.
Her glamourous 36-year-old mother meanwhile looked gorgeous in a cream silk shirt, black skinny trousers tucked into leather knee-high boots and a sophisticated long black coat.
The stunning star wore her caramel locks out in a natural straight style and shielded her eyes from the sun down with some cool aviator sunglasses, a close match to her man's.

Hands-on mother: Angelina carried Knox and held hands with Shiloh

Back in black: Both Angelina and Brad wore black for the family outing, with the father-of-six getting into the spirit of the acrobatic show in a jumpsuit

Her other daughter Zahara, seven, had also joined the group, looking girly in a denim skirt worn over leggings paired with a pretty pink singlet.
It appeared that the clan received a private VIP tour of the big top as they were spotted being shown around the backstage area.

Thumbsucker: Shy little Shiloh silently sucked on her thumb throughout the outing

Although he denies adultery, Brad has said he fell in love with the actress on set.
They pair are parents to biological children Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne, three.
They also have adopted children Maddox, 11, Pax, eight, and Zahara.
Brad, who was nominated for an Academy Award this week for his role in Moneyball, also revealed during the interview the couple may have more children.
'We haven’t closed the book on it,' he said.

United: The clan were the picture of family bliss during the outing

It marks the third time the family have been spotted at a fast food joint in recent weeks. Last week, Ange was spotted pulling up to the drive thru at the Hollywood branch of In-N-Out burger. The Oscar-winning actress leaned over to discuss menu options while a perplexed looking restaurant worker waited to take the order.

Picturesque setting: The popular extravaganza is currently being performed in a big-top by the famous Santa Monica pier

source: dailymail

From the choir room to the red carpet! Lea Michele steals the show during the Glee girls' glamorous SAG Awards appearance

2012-01-30T12:40:00.000+07:00

By HOLLY THOMAS

Stole the show: Lea Michele looked gorgeous in Versace at tonight's Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles

She's usually one of the more reserved young stars on the red carpet.
But Lea Michele pulled out all the stops for tonight's Screen Actor's Guild Awards.
The 25-year-old stole the show in a gorgeous Grecian-style one shoulder Versace gown.

Seductive: Lea's gorgeous one-shoulder dress featured a daring slit up to the thigh, showing her toned legs

Lea's full-length pale blue-grey gown parted in a daring split to the hip on her left hand side, revealing her toned legs. The one-shoulder number features a fitted corset, with the long loose skirt flowing gracefully down from her hips.
Lea teamed her gown with simple but elegant silver heels, and a chuunky silver bracelet.

Classic: The 25-year-old kept her make-up simple, with a sweep of eyeliner and pink lips

The actress and singer wore her long dark brunette hair down in loose waves.
Lea kept her makeup simple, focusing on the eyes with a confident slick of eyeliner and mascara, leaving the rest of her face fresh with just a touch of colour on her lips.
She took to Twitter to express her excitement en route to the awards, posting: 'In the car in my way to the #SAGawards2012!! With my very handsome date Mr Jonathan Groff:)'

Vying for her attention? Glee co-stars Darren Criss and Kevin McHale posed up next to Lea

Jonathan has previously played Lea's love interest on Glee.
Naya Rivera, who plays Santana in the popular series, also looked stunning in a full-length pale silver gown embellished with a white and silver sequin pattern.
Like Lea she kept her long hair down, and the focus of her make-up on her eyes.

source: dailymail

Look at all those girls to choose from! Harry Styles and One Direction mobbed by fans... as Katherine Schwarzenegger dubs him 'a cutie'

2012-01-30T12:30:00.000+07:00

By EMILY SHERIDAN

Good Morning LA! (L-R) Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson are greeted by hundreds of screaming fans outside the W Hotel in Los Angeles

One Direction heart-throb Harry Styles has only been single a few days after ending his fling with TV presenter Caroline Flack.
But given his very warm reception in Los Angeles, it looks like there's no shortage of eager young women waiting to take her place.
And despite One Direction not being well-known in the States, it appears the X Factor boy band - and Styles in particular - has attracted the eye of one famous California girl - Arnold Schwarzenegger's daughter Katherine.

New fan: Arnold Schwarzenegger's girlfriend Katherine thinks Styles is a 'cutie'

The 22-year-old admitted she had just watched one of One Direction's two videos and was impressed with curly-haired Styles' looks.
She tweeted: 'Just watched my first One Direction video with my cousin and @Harry_Styles is a cutie indeed!' Although Styles is yet to reply to Schwarzenegger's compliment, he has been commenting on the weather and fans.

Brunette beauties: Katherine Schwarzenegger (left) is 10 years younger than Styles' ex Caroline Flack, pictured out in London on Saturday

He wrote on his Twitter yesterday morning: 'Just woke up thanks to a lovely crowd outside. Sunny day! Missing everyone back in the UK... :) .x
Meanwhile, his bandmate Louis Tomlinson, 20, was spotted working on his tan by the hotel's pool.
Since arriving in California on Saturday for a video shoot, One Direction have caused quite a stir.
They were met by screaming girls at LAX airport and then hundreds have been camped outside the W Hotel in the LA suburb of Westwood since.

Hi girls! The boys wave to their fans on the steps of their luxury hotel

Even though the group have only had two singles released in the UK - What Makes You Beautiful and Gotta Be You, it looks like they're already intent on launching themselves in the US.
While the X Factor catapulted them to fame just over a year ago, they'll have to work a bit harder to make a name for themselves in the notoriously hard-to-crack American market.
But it looks like they may be off to a good start given the large group of girls outside their hotel.

Working on his tan: Eldest One Direction bandmember Louis Tomlinson made the most of the warm California weather

Mania: Having been famous in the UK for the past year, One Direction have got used to screaming teenage girls

Styles and his bandmates' trip Stateside comes two days after it was revealed the 17-year-old had split up from Xtra Factor co-host Flack, 32, after a few months of dating.
On Friday, he tweeted: 'Please know I didn't 'dump' Caroline. This was a mutual decision. She is one of the kindest, sweetest people I know. Please respect that.'
And a few hours later, Flack wrote on her Twitter: 'Lots of really sweet messages today.. Thanks guys! Big hug with my new gloves :).'

Waiting: A smaller group of fans were waiting outside the hotel on Sunday morning before word spread

source: dailymail

That's not like you! Katie Price lets friend take the limelight with bare legs and a sparkly dress as she covers up in a black hoody

2012-01-30T12:20:00.000+07:00

By HOLLY THOMAS

Feeling shy? Katie Price exited the Rose Bar in London last night covered under a large hood while her friend Madeleine Ford led the way in a sparkly dress

She's usually only too happy to be at the centre of attention at all times.
But it appears that even Katie Price is occasionally content to take a back seat.
The 33-year-old exited London's Rose bar wearing a large black furry hood and sunglasses, while her pal, stylist Madeleine Ford stole the limelight in a sparkly gold dress and heeled boots. Katie kept her head down while her friend led the way.
She clutched at a grey and black silk scarf, uncharacteristically not revealing any of her ample cleavage.

Covered up: Katie clutched at a scarf around her neck, and wore large, thick-rimmed sunglasses

Katie showed off a glimpse of her fishnet tights-clad thighs, but her upper body was completely concealed. The star reunited with her ex, Argentine Leandro Penna at the same bar earlier this week. The glamour model split from Leandro after it was claimed the language barrier was getting too hard. It was claimed they broke up over the phone.
A source told the Sunday Mirror at the time: 'Katie knew in her heart that it was coming. She’s being very adult about the split and says she didn’t see it as a long-term relationship that would lead to marriage and kids.
'But she will miss him. The language barrier was ultimately the problem for them.'

Favourite haunt: Katie partied at the Rose bar earlier this week- and certainly wasn't averse to showing off her figure on that occasion

According to reports, the couple were still having to use translators to understand each other seven months into the relationship.
Their outing this week appeared to have gone well nevertheless, with Katie tweeting that she had had a great night.
Katie has had quite the busy week, having won a debate at the Cambridge Union against Boris Johnson's sister Rachel.

Still friendly: Katie met up with her ex Leandro Penna and a mystery friend

Out of her comfort zone: Katie took part in a debate at the Cambridge Union on Thursday, and won a resounding victory against Rachel Johnson

Performance anxiety: Katie was very nervous, but argued her case well

source: dailymail

Kim Kardashian goes hell for leather in tight trousers... amid claims she earns $10,000 per endorsement tweet

2012-01-30T11:50:00.000+07:00

By MARISSA CHARLES

Hitting the shops: Kim Kardashian spent Sunday afternoon shopping with her family in Calabasas, California

Last week she hit the shops with her sister Kourtney Kardashian during a surprise trip to Dallas. On Sunday afternoon Kim Kardashian was ringing up the charges on her credit cards again. This time in Calabasas, California
Wearing a pair of Louboutin shoes, a bright yellow jacket and tight leather pants, the 31-year-old hit the stores in style.

Good looking: The socialite looked fit and trim in her tight-fitting pants

According to a report in the latest issue of New York Magazine there is a reason why Kim is able to spend her money so liberally.
The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star is among a number of celebrities the publication claims makes thousands of dollars endorsing products on their Twitter pages. Kim earns a reported $10,000 per tweet for promoting companies like ShoeDazzle.com and CVS pharmacy.

Block colour: Kim wore a bright yellow jacket when she went out shopping

Rapper Snoop Dogg apparently earns $8,000 per tweet while Paula Abdul and Whitney Port also earn money with a click of their fingertips.
Former Two and a Half Men star Charlie Sheen earns a massive $50,000 per tweet, according to the report that is published on Monday.
Kim took to her Twitter page in earnest on Sunday, keeping her more than 12 million followers up to date with her weekend activities.

Before they were famous: Kim posted a childhood photo of herself and her sister Kourtney Kardashian on her Twitter page on Sunday

Transformation: Kim began the weekend by going to a yoga class and finished it with a relaxing shopping trip

In addition to her shopping expedition she went to church with her family and declared that she wanted to start a Bible study group with her friends.
She also posted a childhood picture of herself with Kourtney.
The sisters are shown wearing similar summer dresses and hugging each other.
Kim didn’t say exactly when the photo was taken but she did say it was one of her favourites. She wrote: ‘This was on Easter at the house where we grew up.

Hanging out: Kim was spotted picking up food in West Hollywood as well on Sunday

Not a care in the world: Kim's estranged husband was hard at work playing basketball in Newark, New Jersey on Sunday

source: dailymail

Beautiful in black: Angelina Jolie, Stacy Keibler, Amber Heard and Ashlee Simpson stick to dark and dramatic gowns on the red carpet at the SAG Awards

2012-01-30T11:34:00.000+07:00

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Black is best: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and George Clooney and Stacy Keibler opted for all-black outfits

It's the staple colour of any wardrobe and it appeared that tonight on the red carpet stars stuck to the black is best mantra.
Angelina Jolie, Stacy Keibler, and Amber Heard Ashlee Simpson led the stars in the dark and dramatic style stepping out in sleek shiny gowns, lashing of lace and cut out creations at the Screen Actors Guild Awards this evening.
Miss Jolie arrived with her partner Brad Pitt and the 36-year-old sashayed up the carpet in her draped Grecian style gown in black lamé.

Group shot: Hollywood's Golden couples Brad and Angelina and George and Stacy posed up together

Simple and sophisticated: Angelina Jolie opted for a draped Grecian-inspired gown in shining lamé

Centre of attention: Angelina didn't seem phased by the wall of photographers who were calling her so they could secure a great shot of her

Angelina gave some tips to aspiring actors and said: 'I think the most important think is to have a very full life.'
Brad dropped hints the Hollywood's power couple would love to work together on screen again and said: 'We’re planning on it we haven’t seen anything specific, but we want to. We are working on it.'
Stacy Keibler also stepped out in black but she had donned a lace, off-the shoulder creation by Marchesa, which boasted a fishtail train.
The former wrestler was beaming as she made her way up the red carpet on the arm of George Clooney who looked dapper in midnight blue Giorgio Armani.

Cut out creation: Amber Heard donned a cut out gown by Zac Posen which she teamed with a oversized quiff hairstyle

Making a statement: Ashlee Simpson donned an ethereal Jenny Packham gown, Emma Stone stepped out in an angular Alexander McQueen gown while Jane Krakowski added a flash of metal and peach on her bodice

Clooney, who was nominated for a SAG told Guiliana Rancic that he was happy people had been so positive about The Descendants.
He said: 'It’s always nice when people are nice to you but it’s nice when they like the stuff because sometimes they don’t.'
Stacy joked that she had seen the film four times but admitted she loved it.
Clooney and Pitt, who are close friends shared a warm embrace and a friendly greeting while the men posed up together with their partners for a golden couple glamour snap.

Red hot: My Week With Marilyn star led the bright red trend in her fire engine red Valentino dress, Ahna O'Reilly wore a simple backless gown

The Rum Diaries star Amber Heard donned a cut out gown by Zac Posen which she teamed with a oversized quiff hairstyle and flicked out bronze eyeshadow to finish off her look.
One of the first stars to step out onto the red carpet was singer Ashlee Simpson, who stepped out in a Jenny Packham gown with a short blonde crop and she spoke about her heavily pregnant sister.
Speaking about Jessica she said: ‘She’s completely content she’s so happy it’s fun to be around her.’

Showing off her best assets: Sofia Vergara showed off her incredible shape in a raspberry pink Marchesa satin gown which she teamed with purple Judith Leiber jewels

Emma Stone steered away from her usual green palette and also conformed to the colour of the evening stepped out in an angular Alexander McQueen gown.
While black was one of the most prominent trends there was also a burst of bright berry shades also complemented the carpet.
My Week With Marilyn star Michelle Williams opted for strawberry red and looked great in a simple Valentino gown with lace overlay and scallop cut detail around the chest area.
Sofia Vergara showed off her incredible shape in a raspberry pink Marchesa satin gown which she teamed with purple Judith Leiber jewels.

Glee-ful: Lea Michele looked stunning in a pale grey dress with a thigh-high split and a glamorous long train

Modern couple: Modern Family star Sarah Hyland posed up with her beau Matt Prokop

source: dailymail

From the opening ceremony to war-time travel and plush 1930s interiors: Black-and-white images show the early days of New York City's subway

2012-01-30T11:05:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Grand opening: Officials sit in a car inside a tunnel during the opening ceremony for the first Manhattan subway line - the number 6 - at the City Hall station, October 1904

It is an integral part of any New Yorker's life - connecting the bright lights of Manhattan to communities throughout the five boroughs.
Now photographs from the beginning of the last century show how the New York City subway clambered to its feet to become the service millions of commuters take for granted today. The earliest black-and-white image, taken in October 1904, shows officials inside a car during the opening of the number six line at City Hall. With top hats, suit tails and well-groomed facial hair, the men cram into a cart, becoming the first to witness a system that would transform the city.

This first line extended from City Hall to the Bronx, with a later extension adding tracks to Atlantic Avenue and the in Brooklyn.
The photographs show how the system expanded thereafter, with the creation of new lines and swanky carriage interiors used by an eclectic mix of passengers.

War-time travel: A subway entrance in 1918. One poster reads 'American Liberty Is Ours; Let Us Defend It! Buy Liberty Bonds' in English, Hebrew, German and Magyar

After 1913, the rapid transit system began to rapidly snake through the boroughs, thanks to contracts signed between the Interborough Rapid Transit Subway and the City. The vast majority of the present-day subway system was either built or improved under these contracts, which added fresh tracks and connections to new lines.
All stations of the Eighth Avenue Line, from 207th Street in Washington Heights to Hudson Terminal - now the World Trade Center - opened one minute after midnight on September 10, 1932.

All aboard! The Broadway Local train stops at a station as two NYPD officers and a uniformed train conductor stand with commuters on the platform

Travelling in style: An interior of a subway car shows how passengers travelled in 1935, including upholstered seats and advertising posters for dog food and medicine

The system had another boost when the City, fearing private companies were benefiting from taxpayers, created the Independent City-Owned Subway. It acquired the BMT and IRT in 1940, and adopted the name the IND.
In 1953, the New York City Transit Authority took over the system, and lines continued to develop - although scores were also demolished - throughout the second half of the century. In the 1960s, more than $1 trillion was spent to create three tunnels along the Second Avenue and 63rd Street Lines.
In some of the photographs, stored in the New York Daily News archive, commuters will notice how the service appears to have changed very little.
One photo, dated 1989, shows John F. Kennedy Jr. as he attempts to squeeze into a packed carriage - - an everyday experience for millions of today's passengers - on his first day as Manhattan's assistant district attorney.

Light at the end of the tunnel: In 1965, railway staff shine torches for passengers making their way along a tunnel ledge after trains had stopped during a power failure

On its feet: In 1931, construction workers are pictured in a compression chamber under the East River (left). In a more familiar scene, John F. Kennedy Jr. squeezes into a packed carriage on his first day of work as assistant district attorney for Manhattan in 1989 (right)

Destroyed: A picture from 1915 shows the aftermath of when a New York Subway station caved-in, along with a demolished trolley

Yet others depict a patchy service that would outrage today's travellers, such as one image, which shows a line of passengers clinging to the inside of a tunnel. Following a power outage in the city, the men and women, decked in their 1960s fashions, are led to an exit by torch-brandishing officials.
And while graffiti sullies one car in a picture from 1973, plush upholstered seats and spotless floors in a 1935 image are nowhere to be seen in today's carriages.
The most recent image, taken in 1981, is the most akin to scenes on today's transit system. A line of men and women sit squashed along a carriage bench - close enough that they are touching yet not muttering a word.
In today's carriages, however, their cassette walkmans have been replaced by white headphones, iPads and Kindles.
Today, more than five million people use the subway on any given weekday, with around three million travelling on a Saturday or Sunday. The system has 468 stations – the largest number of public transit subway stations of any system in the world.

Soul train: Four subway riders are pictured listening to their walkmans in March 1981 in a scene not dissimilar from ones witnessed today

Under the bridge: In a picture taken in 1973, graffiti covers the platform and subway at the 145th Street station

source: dailymail

Life's a walk in the park! Jessica Alba enjoys a perfect sunny day with husband Cash Warren and their darling daughters

2012-01-30T07:07:00.000+07:00

By MIKE LARKIN

Family fun: Jessica Alba had fun playing with her baby daughter Haven as she sat on a park bench with hunky husband Cash Warren in Beverly Hills today

Life may be a bit of a whirl for the popular actress, who gave birth to her ambrosial second child last August. But the 30-year-old was all smiles as she larked around on a bench with Haven and her hunky movie producer husband.
And she looked radiant in a stylish combo of green cardigan, black top, scarf and jeans. The canny actress also wisely decided to wear flat shoes for her visit to the public recreational area.

Besotted: Cash seemed to enjoy playing with his ambrosial daughter as he enjoyed the sunshine

Life may be a bit of a whirl for the popular actress, who gave birth to her ambrosial second child last August.
But the 30-year-old was all smiles as she larked around on a bench with Haven and her hunky movie producer husband.
And she looked radiant in a stylish combo of green cardigan, black top, scarf and jeans.
The canny actress also wisely decided to wear flat shoes for her visit to the public recreational area.

Kodak moment: Jessica and her youngest daughter made for a lovely vignette

They all walk hand in hand: Or at least they would have if excited Honor had resisted the temptation to run to the swings

Jessica has just revealed how her young ones are progressing as they get older.
The Dark Angel star said: 'Honor is talking up a storm and telling us everything and having tons of opinions.
'And then the baby is just sort of drooling and just being cute.
But though she is loving family life she did say it is too early to say whether she will have more children yet.
She said: 'I don't know. I mean, I'm 30, so I don't know. I feel young! I can't make these decisions yet.'
Perhaps she is cautious as she does not want to push her luck after quickly getting her miraculous movie star body back on the last two occasions.

Its child's play: Honor seemed to love getting to grips with the swing as she enjoyed the sunshine

No distance left to run: Honor looked slightly disappointed when it came time for the family fun time in the park to end

source: dailymail

The Alpine village of the Far East: Chinese build bizarre replica of Austrian town (only problem is, no-one wants to live there)

2012-01-30T06:49:00.000+07:00

By SIMON PARRY IN HALLSTATT, CHINA

The real thing: The genuine Austrian Christuskirche which has been ripped off by the Chinese

We are on a dirt track snaking its way uphill through rice paddies and groves of yellow bamboo. Behind us, spread out across a vast, smoggy plain, are the homes of tens of millions of dirt-poor migrant workers who struggle to earn a living in some of the most polluted cities on the planet: Huizhou, Dongguang, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, the clustered sweatshops of southern China. Yet there in front of us, as we turn a final corner through the dust, is an Alpine vision.
A neo-Gothic church rises like a mirage. It is surrounded by the spotless wooden roofs of well-tended chalets, scores of them, a picture-postcard village set beside an artificial lake. Welcome to Hallstatt, the UNESCO-listed Austrian resort. Welcome to Hallstatt, China.

A workman helps recreate the mountain of idyll of Hallstatt, complete with a lake, concert hall and luxury homes

Never afraid to ‘borrow’ or imitate, Chinese planners have now designed what might be called the ultimate counterfeit: a settlement copied wholesale for the benefit of wealthy industrialists and located just an hour or so by chauffeur-driven limousine from their grim factories in the smoky distance. News of the plans for a fake version of the idyllic lakeside village generated a mixture of astonishment, amusement and even a little outrage last summer when it was revealed that ‘spies’ from a Chinese developer had been secretly preparing detailed blueprints on furtive European trips, posing as tourists.

Six months later, as the villas near completion and the developers still smart at the controversy, we decided to play the Chinese at their own game by posing as buyers, the first Westerners to set foot inside this new settlement.
‘You won’t find anything like this anywhere else,’ the young salesman tells us brightly as we stood looking out across the man-made lake at the resort. It looks a good deal muddier than the sparkling original.
‘This is the only genuinely Austrian town in the whole of China.’

Faking it: China's hallstatt with its replica Austrian church near the smog-shrouded town of Boluo

This sudden reversal of fortune might generate a few wry smiles among lovers of the original. But the state of the Chinese property market is no laughing matter; in fact it has caused waves of alarm as the world’s second biggest economy heads for a crisis of confidence.
China is growing at its slowest pace for more than two years and property prices, which have grown fivefold in the past decade, are projected to shrink by as much as one fifth in the next year to 18 months. The price of new homes in China fell for the third consecutive month last December, official statistics show, with annual growth in real-estate investment slowing to its weakest pace for a year.

The half-finished 'Alpine' homes but there are no people to fill them

The property ‘bubble’ is a source of grave anxiety for economists and a potential disaster for China’s newly monied classes, who for years have snapped up luxury homes, often leaving them empty to preserve their treasured ‘brand new’ status, apparently secure in the knowledge their value could only rise.

Families in nearby villages are bemusted by the Austrian scene on their doorstep

source: dailymail

The REALLY big breakfast: 6,000 calorie fry-up is slammed by health campaigners... but a hit with diners

2012-01-30T06:39:00.000+07:00

By ALEX GORE

Egged on: If Lee Williams finishes the feast within an hour without help from Ava Wheeler, six, he eats for free

A monster breakfast which weighs the same as a small child and could potentially kill diners is attracting criticism from angry health campaigners
The Kidz Breakfast at Jesters Diner in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, includes 12 rashers of bacon, 12 sausages and six eggs and weighs on average 9lb - 1lb 5oz more than the average newborn baby.
Health experts are demanding its removal from the menu and are warning someone with a heart condition could die if they eat it, with each helping amounting to at least 6,000 calories, up to three days' food intake for an average person.

Monster meal: Diner boss Martin Smith and employee Ruth Pettinghill show off £15 stomach-bursting fry-up

Greasy spoon owner Martin Smith said the gigantic breakfast, which comes on a 2.5 sq ft plate, is 'just a bit of fun', with the menu inviting diners to tuck in and 'leave a stone heavier'.
Customers are also offered the £15 mammouth meal for free if they can devour the fry-up in less than an hour without help but no one has managed the stomach bursting feat.
Ellie Hambling, from HeartCare Cardiac Support Group, said: 'It would absolutely ruin your heart. It’s a no-goer I’m afraid.'
Prof David Haslam, from the National Obesity Forum, warned it 'is possible' someone could die after eating the meal in a single sitting, but added it was 'very unlikely'. He said eating the breakfast was 'dangerous' and 'profoundly wrong' and could lead to diabetes, heart disease and a stroke.

Gut-busting: The Kidz Breakfast weighs in at an incredible 9lb - 1lb 5oz more than the average newborn baby

Prof Haslam added the diner should take responsibility by 'taking it off the market'.
The breakfast has not yet been assessed by Guinness World Records, but according to records would take the title of the largest commercially available English breakfast.
The current holder, as of 1 December 2009, could be bought at Mario’s Cafe Bar in Westhoughton, Bolton, weighing an average of 6lb 7oz.

source: dailymail

Forget global warming - it's Cycle 25 we need to worry about (and if NASA scientists are right the Thames will be freezing over again)

2012-01-30T06:30:00.000+07:00

- Met Office releases new figures which show no warming in 15 years

By DAVID ROSE

A painting, dated 1684, by Abraham Hondius depicts one of many frost fairs on the River Thames during the mini ice age

The supposed ‘consensus’ on man-made global warming is facing an inconvenient challenge after the release of new temperature data showing the planet has not warmed for the past 15 years.
The figures suggest that we could even be heading for a mini ice age to rival the 70-year temperature drop that saw frost fairs held on the Thames in the 17th Century.
Based on readings from more than 30,000 measuring stations, the data was issued last week without fanfare by the Met Office and the University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit. It confirms that the rising trend in world temperatures ended in 1997.

Meanwhile, leading climate scientists yesterday told The Mail on Sunday that, after emitting unusually high levels of energy throughout the 20th Century, the sun is now heading towards a ‘grand minimum’ in its output, threatening cold summers, bitter winters and a shortening of the season available for growing food. Solar output goes through 11-year cycles, with high numbers of sunspots seen at their peak.

We are now at what should be the peak of what scientists call ‘Cycle 24’ – which is why last week’s solar storm resulted in sightings of the aurora borealis further south than usual. But sunspot numbers are running at less than half those seen during cycle peaks in the 20th Century.
Analysis by experts at NASA and the University of Arizona – derived from magnetic-field measurements 120,000 miles beneath the sun’s surface – suggest that Cycle 25, whose peak is due in 2022, will be a great deal weaker still.

According to a paper issued last week by the Met Office, there is a 92 per cent chance that both Cycle 25 and those taking place in the following decades will be as weak as, or weaker than, the ‘Dalton minimum’ of 1790 to 1830. In this period, named after the meteorologist John Dalton, average temperatures in parts of Europe fell by 2C.
However, it is also possible that the new solar energy slump could be as deep as the ‘Maunder minimum’ (after astronomer Edward Maunder), between 1645 and 1715 in the coldest part of the ‘Little Ice Age’ when, as well as the Thames frost fairs, the canals of Holland froze solid.

source: dailymail

The mother who sent her child to school with a Smartie sandwich

2012-01-30T06:22:00.000+07:00

By DAVID BAKER

Do Smarties really have the answer: Schools in Lincolnshire have been trialling free school meals for all after a child was spotted eating a Smarties filled sandwich for lunch
Teachers were appalled when a mother sent her child to school with a sandwich filled with just Smarties. The chocolate-filled butty has prompted calls for an overhaul in pupils' diets at the Lincolnshire school - including a trial of free school meals.
Health workers at NHS Lincolnshire went in to assess what pupils were bringing in for lunch - and found a wealth of youngsters were gorging on crisps, sweets and chocolate.

Obesity: Health bosses in Lincolnshire have had to step in at school's because of pupils' eating habits

Lincolnshire already has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the country, with one in three children categorised as obese.
But not only have the free school meals seen children eating more healthy lunchtime options such as pasta, baked potatoes and lean meat, it is also said to have improved behaviour.
Lynne McNiven, assistant director of public health, told the Sunday Express 'When we heard about the Smarties sandwich, it was horrifying.
'We went into the schools to have a look and found the children eating what I would class as picnics, the sort of lunch you might have once in a while as a treat, not everyday. 'Switching to a proper dining experience worried some of the schools, but they have found it is a good experience showing the pupils how to eat properly.'

source: dailymail

Winter bites back: Britain braced for first cold snap of year as ice and snow transform countryside in scenes of breathtaking beauty

2012-01-30T06:15:00.000+07:00

By KERRY MCQUEENEY

Ruffling feathers: These duck brave the icy weather to take a dip in Derwentwater, near Keswick in the Lake District in a beautiful winter scene

It's nice weather for ducks, as the saying goes. However, these birds must have been quackers to brave the icy waters of Derwentwater, near Keswick, in the Lake District.
These ducks were captured skirting across the water against a mountainous landscape, in the beautiful Cumbrian region - made all the more stunning by the arrival of arctic winter conditions.
As the Government warned residents to brace themselves for the cold snap to come, parts of the UK countryside have been glazed in a stunning blanket of snow, frost and mist - creating a breathtaking spectacle in the process.

Misty mountains: Low-lying trees and farm buildings in Cumbria's Eden Valley are blanketed by an early evening fog, creating a breathtaking spectacle

Standing in the heavens: As fog descends into the Ullswater valley, in the Lake District, the scene is reminiscent of a frozen glacier, surrounded by snow-capped fells and mountains

The mist descends: Fog blankets the Ullswater valley in the Lake District

The Department of Health issued a 'Level 2' cold-weather alert running for the next two to three days, which is triggered when low temperatures give rise to significant health risks.
It warned that low temperatures can especially be dangerous for the young and the elderly or those with chronic disease.
Meanwhile, the Met Office put much of Britain on a 'yellow alert' for people to 'be aware' of the adverse weather conditions.

Whiteout: A fresh blanket of snow covers the land surrounding this farm in Northumberland creating a brilliant, bright white wintry landscape

Winter wonderland: Huge icicles hang from underneath a bridge in County Durham as forestry workers look on in admiration

Making tracks: A black grouse walks along the snow-covered ground, leaving a trail behind him (left) while rowers train in misty conditions on the River Thames at Henley in Oxfordshire (right)

Easy does it: Cross country motorcyclists ride carefully in a line as they make their way up a track in Nenthead, Cumbria

Mist-ical: Foggy conditions give the Thames a magical feel as rowers take to the water in Henley in Oxfordshire to train

Hardy: Ramblers walk in the snow near Pately Bridge, Yorkshire (left), and cyclists pedal their mountain bikes in the Pennines (right), on the Northumberland and Durham border as forecasters warn of plummeting temperatures to come

Braving the elements: The Four Shires Bloodhounds take to the snowy hills of Derbyshire, near Hartington, led by Kennel Huntsman, Heidi Critchlow

The snow is triggered by a warm Atlantic weather system from the west clashing with cold air in the east.
While many prefer to stay in a warm house during the cold spell, for others the plunging temperatures have brought out their adventurous side.
Rowers in Henley-on-Thames, in Oxfordshire, took to the water to train as mist descended over the town, and cross country motorcyclist became not-so-easy riders as they carefully followed a steep hillside trail in formation, in Nenthead, Cumbria.

Winter arrives: The unseasonably mild winter gave way to cold and snow which turned Carr Shields, Northumberland, pictured, into a picturesque snowy scene

Freezing: Weather forecasters saying the cold weather could last into February as homes in Allendale, Northumberland, stoke up their fires to keep warm

Hills also offer 16/1 that the record cold temperature in England, -26.1c recorded in Shropshire 1982, is beaten. Hills are 50/1 that the Houses of Parliament are closed for weather reasons.
Hills spokesman Rupert Adams said: 'The latest forecast suggests that February could be foul and punters are predicting that our coldest temperature records could tumble.'
On Monday a slow-moving band of rain with hill snow in western parts will continue, before cold, and bright conditions with isolated showers push westwards towards midweek.

Chill: A man walks his dog through the snow at Kilhope, County Durham, as the country braced itself for a spell of cooler weather that has brought snow to some regions

Forecasters said it was becoming increasingly likely that the freezing temperatures would stick around and even last through the whole of February.
George Goodfellow of the Met Office said: ‘It seems like we are edging toward a scenario where lower temperatures last for the next four weeks. It is going to be a contrast to the weather we have had this winter. Widespread frosts and snow could affect large areas.’
He said the wintry weather was a result of ‘a cold air mass moving across from Siberia’.

source: dailymail

Now that's table service! Pixie Geldof and Eliza Doolittle put on a leggy display during a star-studded shoot for Harper's Bazaar

2012-01-29T21:29:00.000+07:00

By MARCUS BARNES

Getting her teeth into the role: The 21-year-old pretends to bite Eliza's arm during the shoot and then touches her backside

Pixie Geldof may not be a typical pin-up but she'll garner the interest of a fair few admirers with her latest photoshoot.
The 21-year-old modeled for US magazine Harper's Bazaar recently and took on an entirely more glamorous look than usual.
Pixie teamed up with her friend Eliza Doolittle to appear in the shoot, staged in the Luna Rossa restaurant in London, standing on a table wearing the shortest of short shorts to show off their fantastic legs.

Glamour girls: Pixie and Eliza were on fine form as they posed for photographer Terry Richarson

Both girls wore sequinned numbers and heels to accentuate their pins while they posed and pouted for world-famous photographer Terry Richardson during the shoot for Dolce & Gabbana. Pixie had her hair curled into a Monroe-esque style, while pop singer Eliza wore her brunette locks down.
The girls were obviously having a whale of a time at the shoot in Notting Hill, posing confidently - at one point Pixie pretended to bite Eliza's arm and even cheekily grabbed her friend's bum.

Glamour girls: Pixie and Eliza were on fine form as they posed for photographer Terry Richarson

Perhaps the confident display was lubricated by the wine consumed during the shoot.
At one point Pixie was pictured swigging from a wine bottle while Domenico Dolce supported her.
And, later on, she saluted the photographer with a glass of red wine with several other participants in the shoot giving a 'cheers' with their own drinks.

Dressed to the nines: Pixie and a few other models from the shoot take a break from shooting

In another shot Bob Geldof's youngest daughter enjoys a Lady And The Tramp-style scenario, sharing a length of spaghetti with Burberry model Cara Delevingne.
And the pasta-theme extended to Pixie's accessories which included a pair of pasta bow earrings. Also present on the set was Take That singer Gary Barlow, wearing a smart black suit.

Cheers! The models salute the photographer with their drinks

A source told the Sunday Mirror: 'Domenico and Stefano have worked with Gary and Take That for years.
'He was thrilled to be asked along. The girls all got along famously and there was lots of dancing on tables. Everybody had a blast.'
Pixie recently spoke about her band, Violet, with whom she is attempting to make it into the music business.

source: dailymail

The secrets of street art: Artist reveals how he made Lego Terracota Army leap out of pavement

2012-01-29T21:21:00.000+07:00

By ALEX GORE

Hard graft: It took a crew of four street artists working over six full days to create their masterpiece

Street painting might be all the rage but the intricate process that goes into making the giant masterpieces is rarely shown.
These revealing pictures show how the amazing artists make the enormous pictures leap out of the pavement.
Dutchman Peter Westerink and his team are behind that and several other of the astonishing 3D creations, holding a Guinness World Record.

Terracotta Lego Army: The 3-D street art has dazzled the crowds at the Sarasota Chalk Festival in Florida

In a few days an ordinary street is transformed into an archaeological dig with a twist - the underground statues are Lego - as part of the Sarasota Chalk Festival 2011.
To make the giant picture, first a grid is laid out on the street using string after the basic design has been finalised on paper.

Work in progress: Festivalgoers catch a rare glimpse of the intricate detail behind 3-D street painting

This grid is used to map out an outline of the painting in chalk, this takes several hours to complete. That chalk outline is then painted over with white paint to leave a more lasting mark inside which the final paint can be applied.
Finally the grid is removed and the long task of filling in the paintwork begins. The colours are filled in using dry pastels pigments, mixed with water and an acrylic binder and applied with brushes.

Nearing completion: The finished painting measures a whopping 100m2 and has to washed off two days later

Founder and co-director of Planet Streetpainting, the company behind the massive artwork, Peter Westerink has been involed in street art since 2003.
'Quite a bit of planning goes into it,' he said. 'Much needs to be done in preparation. Almost always we are being commissioned to create an art work.
'That sort of put us on the map in 3D land, and now over 90% of the projects we do are 3D requests. But we really like to do 2D projects as well. They both have their appeal. 'All projects we do have their own story. But the Lego project was extra special. We got a fabulous response from the crowd there and after completion it went viral.'

source :dailymail

Russian cities introduce baby 'drop boxes' to stop unwanted children being left in bins

2012-01-29T21:14:00.000+07:00

By DAMIEN GAYLE

Unwanted: A nurse at the Sochi perinatal centre demonstrates their baby drop box

Anonymous baby drop boxes have been introduced for the first time in Russia.
The Krasnodar Territory in south Russia bought five of the so-called baby drop boxes in the beginning of November so mothers could drop off unwanted children anonymously.
The first three were installed in Sochi, Novorossiysk and Armavir, and by the end of the month one child had already been left.

Sanitary: The drop boxes have been introduced to stop mothers leaving unwanted children in bins

The move was aimed at providing sanitary conditions for unwanted children, instead of 'having them left in garbage containers', health officials told Ria Novosti.
Elena Redko, the head of the Krasnodar Health Department, told the news service the first child to be left, a baby girl, was healthy and would be passed to childcare officials.
'The girl will be put into a children’s home but I think she will be adopted soon because we have fewer children in the region than families who want to have them,' she said.
The move mirrors steps taken in South Africa, where anonymous 'baby safes' were introduced by a children's charity in Spring last year.

From the outside the Sochi baby box is advertised with a massive banner

Installed at a community centre in Cape Town, the Out of Africa Children's Fund's boxes allow mothers to leave their baby in a locked place without identifying themselves.
Fund chief executive Kim Highfield said at the time she hoped the system would allow struggling mothers to give their children up for adoption safely.
'Sometimes they leave their babies in dangerous areas where they have been attacked by dogs or come to other harm,' she said.
'Our scheme is about providing an alternative, so that new mothers at least have somewhere safe to leave their child.'
The Russian project was slated to involve the Siberian cities of Perm, Tomsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk and the European Russian town of Kirov.

source: dailymail

'It's either the Millennium Falcon or a gateway to hell': Shipwreck hunters find mysterious object at bottom of Baltic Sea

2012-01-29T20:40:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

The sonar picture of the unidentified object resembles the famed Star Wars ship the Millennium Falcon

Shipwreck surveyors found a remarkable object in the depths of the Baltic Sea, but before they start celebrating, they need to figure out what it is.
A Swedish company named Ocean Explorer have discovered an unidentified object using their sonar technology in a secret location in the Baltic Sea.
Because of a lack of funding and bad timing, they have not been able to pull a team together to see for themselves.

Unidentified treasure: Shipwreck divers are perplexed by the oddly-shaped object that they found at the bottom of the Baltic Sea

Their sonar pictures show that the object is a massive cylinder with a 60 metre diameter and a 400 metre-long tail.
A similar disk-shaped object was also found about 200 metres away.
The sonar picture of the unidentified object resembles the famed Star Wars ship the Millennium Falcon At this point, the story behind the object is anyone's guess.
'We've heard lots of different kinds of explanations, from George Lucas's spaceship -- the Millennium Falcon -- to 'it's some kind of plug to the inner world,' like it should be hell down there or something,' said Peter Lindberg, a diver on the team.
While the Ocean Explorer team is understandably excited about their potentially earth-shattering find, others are slightly more sceptical and are questioning the accuracy of the sonar technology.

Their sonar pictures show that the object is a massive cylinder with a 60 metre diameter and a 400 metre-long tail. A similar disk-shaped object was also found about 200 metres away

In the past, such technology has confused foreign objects with unusual- but natural- rock formations.
For now, Ocean Explorers have to wait to find out until chaotic water conditions calm down in order to allow a manned expedition to happen.
Additionally, they are looking for financial backers to help aid the cost of the discovery process, and are calling for interested investors on their website.
Part of the trouble they face, however, is that they have no way of telling what is inside the supposed cylinder- whether it is filled with gold and riches or simply aged sediment particles.

Tourist trips: Diver Peter Lindberg is hoping to take wealthy tourists down in this submarine to see the object

They're hoping for the former, and history seems to be in their favour.
The Baltic Sea is a treasure trove for shipwreck hunters, as an estimated 100,000 objects are thought to line the cold sea's floor.
The company have created a submarine that they hope will appeal to tourists and wannabe shipwreck hunters who will pay to take a trip down to the bottom of the Baltic Sea to see for themselves.

The Baltic Sea is a treasure trove for shipwreck hunters, as an estimated 100,000 objects are thought to line the cold sea's floor.

source: dailymail

Elementary, my dear viewers! Sherlock fans believe a squash ball is the key to how the detective faked his own death

2012-01-29T20:29:00.000+07:00

By HOLLY THOMAS

The missing link? One Sherlock fan has suggested that the detective faked his own death with the use of a squash ball he is seen playing with earlier in the episode

It's a question that has plagued Sherlock fans since the series finale aired nearly a fortnight ago.
And a new theory has been suggested as to how the detective faked his own death in the incendiary Reichenbach Fall episode.
One viewer believes that the innocuous clue which fans are told was planted earlier in the show is a simple squash ball.

A Digital Spy website user wrote: 'A squash ball under the armpit stops the blood flow in the arm and makes it look like the pulse has stopped or is very slowed down. It’s a magician’s trick.'
Sherlock was seen playing with the ball during a pensive moment prior to his final confrontation with arch-nemesis Moriarty.
Writer Stephen Moffat has stressed all will become clear in series three, due to air towards the end of 2012.

Like magic: A squash ball under the armpit stops the blood flow in the arm, making it look like the pulse has stopped or is very slowed down

Moffat has teased: 'So many people theorising – and they missed it!'
It was in fact Steve Thompson- who like Moffat has worked on the BBC's Doctor Who- wrote Sunday’s episode.
The most popular theory hitherto has been that pathologist Molly Hooper, played by Louise Brearly, helped Sherlock in his mission.

Fooled his friend? Watson rushed to the scene immediately to check whether his Sherlock was still alive

Molly, who has had a crush on Sherlock since she met him, could have helped him by faking death and post-mortem certificates and providing a cadaver to bury, as well as arranging for the paramedics to be immediately on the scene.
Sherlock is seen asking Molly for help in an earlier scene when he tells her: 'I think I'm going to die'.
Forums were alive with this theory, with one poster saying: 'Molly, being a coroner/pathologist/wonder lab girl, is the perfect agent for Sherlock's plan. Aware that he will need to fake his own death, he needs to place his faith in someone who can help him die - officially.'

Had help? A popular theory is that Molly the pathologist is in on the trick, due to an earlier scene when he tells her 'I think I'm going to die'

Another added: 'The "Holmes" which we see landing on the pavement is in fact a dead body dressed up to look like Holmes, which he collected from Molly at the morgue.'
Some suggested the man that actually fell from the building was Sherlock's nemesis Jim Moriarty who had committed suicide moments earlier on the roof by putting a gun in his mouth, and Holmes had wrapped him in his coat and thrown him over the ledge.
The fall was of course witnessed by Dr Watson who was speaking to Sherlock on his phone and saw him standing precariously on the rooftop.

Unconvincing: Some have speculated that Holmes wrapped Moriarty in his coat and threw him over the edge of the building

But as he runs to reach his friend as he falls, Watson is knocked over by a cyclist which disorientates him, which could be sufficient diversion for Sherlock to pretend to be lying dead on the pavement before being safely taken away in the back of a waiting ambulance.
Some have also suggested that Sherlock's brother Mycroft was in on the plan and arranged for the cyclist to knock Watson down, distracting him from what was going on by the hospital.

Forward thinking? Some have theorised that Sherlock had a soft landing on a rubbish truck

source: dailymail

Certainly some frosty competition! Artists turn 20-ton blocks of snow into beautiful larger-than-life creations

2012-01-29T20:22:00.000+07:00

By MEGHAN KENEALLY

The Canadian team from Quebec chose to use the theme Great Expectations in for their creation

The annual International Snow Sculpture Competition came to a close this morning as the tired and cold artists were forced to put down their tools and wait for a verdict on who would be crowned this year’s winner.
Fifteen teams of five sculptors each spent much of the last week carving massive blocks of snow into larger-than-life creations in an effort to gain some recognition for a highly-specialized skill.
Because all power tools and colorants are banned from the competition, the dedicated artists got creative with their selections, with some using carrot scrapers and chicken wire along with traditional saws and ice picks.

Frosty foes: 15 teams participated in this year's annual International Snow Sculpture Competition in Colorado

This year, there were teams from Canada, Spain, China, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Estonia, Switzerland and the United States- Alaska, Colorado, Idaho and Wisconsin.
The most surprising entrants- Mexico, Greece, and Australia- were all from warm countries, giving their representatives less opportunity to practice their skills at home. That has not hurt them in the past, however, as the Mexican team were last year’s victors. The competition is held in Breckenridge, Colorado, and has been for the past 21 years.

Reigning champ: Pablo Elias was on Team Mexico, who won last year's competition and returned to defend their title

Members of Team Canada-Yukon and Team China are shown hard at work on their sculptures

Detailing: All competitors were banned from using power tools or colorants in their work, like in the piece called First Catch seen above

The event’s organizers arrange for snow to be collected by dump trucks and compacted using wooden frames and snow blowing machines.
The snow is packed in by the strong feet of five to ten volunteers who jump on top of the snow to compress it before more snow is then added.
The finished product is a 20-tonne block of snow that is 10 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 12 feet high.
When the event begins, the teams have 65 hours spread over the course of five days to turn their blocks into masterpieces.

Breakneck pace: The teams, including Team Mexico seen above, are only allowed to work on the pieces for 65 hours total during the five days of the competition

Each team is made up of five members and the participating teams are selected by a committee that reviews their prospective plans months in advance of the event

While they all undoubtedly are going for gold, participating is still a feat in itself. Organizers invited 250 teams initially, who then have to submit prospective plans.
The organizers then widdle the group down to the best 15 options that they feel will turn downtown Breckenridge into a spectacle.
The winners will be announced Sunday afternoon and the sculptures will remain standing for at least the next week so that residents can tour around the icy works.

Global stage: Team Baltic, which has members from Latvia and Estonia, took the international nature of the competition to heart when they designed their sculpture, titled 'Discover The Edge'

source: dailymail

Spare change after buying a Bentley? You'll want the £26,000 'added extra' of platinum sunglasses to go with the £225,000 car

2012-01-29T16:35:00.000+07:00

By JO MACFARLANE

Upper glass: A model sports a pair of the super-exclusive Bentley shades at a showroom in Newcastle

They may look like a pair of sunglasses you can pick up on most high streets for just a few pounds. But these shades come with a stunning price tag – a cool £26,000.
While ordinary Britons struggle through a double-dip recession, the sunglasses are the latest indulgent accessory for super-rich owners of the £225,000 Bentley Mulsanne.
Designed by the British car manufacturer to complement its flagship vehicle, the limited-edition shades have already been snapped up by wealthy businessmen in Hong Kong and a member of the Dubai royal family.

Smart: The sunglasses were created for Bentley by Austrian specialists Estede, who have also manufactured solid gold shades for Chopard and S.T. Dupont

Bentley insists the aviators should be seen as an item of jewellery or even a piece of art.
They were created for the car-makers by Austrian specialists Estede, who have also manufactured solid gold shades for luxury brands Chopard and S. T. Dupont.
The shades are hand-crafted from platinum with engraved surfaces to reflect the style of a Bentley’s interior quilted leather.
Each pair is made to order and to the exact specifications of the wealthy buyer. An optician even visits the buyer at his or her home to take all appropriate measurements.

‘For one Hong Kong-based customer, we made a set of three and the customer wanted diamonds studded along the arms at an additional cost of £2,500 a pair.
‘Like Bentley, if it’s technologically possible we’ll do it.’
But the glasses do not come close to the world’s most expensive pair. Dolce & Gabbana has created a pair that sells for £250,000 – with the brand’s logo on the arms in diamonds.

source: dailymail

Ozzy, the collie who never wobbles! The MoS tracks down the four-legged superstar whose astonishing balancing tricks took YouTube by storm

2012-01-29T16:23:00.000+07:00

By EMILY HILL

Nick Johnson and his dog Ossy have taken the internet by storm

It's the latest video to become a YouTube sensation. Showing a truly astonishing sense of balance, a dog perches on a thin metal chain before standing up on his hind legs. While other dogs are more content to chase cats or gnaw old bones, this canine is capable of incredible acrobatic feats.
Filmed by an amazed passer-by on his mobile phone, the footage was then uploaded to YouTube where it attracted more than 80,000 hits in just one day.

It has proved so popular since being posted two weeks ago that it was highlighted by ITV chat show host Jonathan Ross last weekend. Ross told viewers that the sight of the balancing dog would help banish their winter blues.
Until now the identity of the dog and his owner have remained a mystery – but The Mail on Sunday has tracked them down. They are carpenter Nick Johnson, 50, from Norwich, and Ozzy, his three-year-old chocolate border collie-kelpie cross.
Nick devotes up to five hours a day to training his pet, who was born on a farm in Anglesey, North Wales.
Ozzy is now recognised wherever he goes, and his repertoire of tricks includes balancing on Nick’s shoulders as he rides a bike, fetching his owner’s mobile phone, and ‘surfing’ on a street sign.

ON THE ROAD TO FAME... OZZY PERFECTS HIS STREET SIGN SURFING

Ozzy has plenty of energy so every day Nick takes him on a long walk around their home city, Norwich. It was during one of these walks that Nick decided to see if his dog could balance on a street sign.
Of his training style, Nick says: ‘Old-style dog-trainers say you should never look at the dog, but if a dog is looking at you he is giving you his full attention.
‘I bring him into my eyes and that helps him balance. I use a lot of sign language with him. I use my eyebrows to encourage him, but the most powerful command is me wagging my little finger.
‘That means “Come on” when he is right on the edge of what he can do.’

FIRST WITH THE NEWS: MEET THE PAPER HOUND

When some dogs hear the postman arrive, they bark loudly and hurtle towards the front door. But Ozzy is too well trained for that. And when a newspaper is popped through the letterbox each morning, he retrieves it up from the mat and brings it back to Nick – in one piece.

THE CHAIN EVENT... TALENTED OZZY'S STAR TURN

After Ozzy had managed his street sign trick, Nick got him to balance on a metal chain attached to two posts. Nick looks into his eyes and uses hand gestures, which has led some people to suggest that he is capable of mind-control methods – and to jokingly liken him to Jedi Master
Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars. ‘Once Ozzy is focused on me he is locked in. It’s funny that I have been compared to a Jedi. That would explain the strange looks I get,’ he says.

THE DOG AND BONE ACT

Always eager to please, Ozzy fetches and carries too. When Nick’s phone rings, Ozzy picks it up with his teeth and returns it to his grateful owner. ‘Ozzy understands what I say,’ says Nick.
‘If I tell him to get my white trainers, he gets them. I can also tell him to get my other trainers – he understands the difference. People say dogs cannot understand language but there’s a dog in America that can understand 3,000 words.’

THE PET WITH A PASSION FOR LIFE ON THE EDGE

As a puppy, Ozzy demonstrated a talent for jumping high to catch balls and Frisbees. Now he combines that athleticism with his extraordinary balancing skills to leap up on to awkward spaces, such as this window ledge. Incredibly, Ozzy performs all his tricks without inducements.
Nick does not reward him with treats or punish him for failure. Ozzy has so much energy he can concentrate for long periods. Nick says: ‘It is never a question of him lacking energy, but it is important to keep up his morale.’

RIDING HIGH... HERE COMES THE PIGGY-BACK POOCH

Simon Cowell has already said he is desperate to find an entertaining dog act when his show Britain’s Got Talent returns to our screens later this year – well look no further. When Nick decides to ride his bike into town, Ozzy is happy to tag along – just not on his lead. Instead, as Nick sits in the saddle, Ozzy hops up on to his owner’s shoulders and hitches a lift.

source: dailymail

He's cock-a-hoop! Will Smith and his family have a great time at basketball game

2012-01-29T16:04:00.000+07:00

By MIKE LARKIN

Playing happy families: Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith looked jovial at the 76ers NBA game last night while Jaden would have rather watched the Lakers

He doesn't get spend as much time in his native Philadelphia as he used to.
And Will Smith seemed delighted to be able to make up for his absence as he watched his beloved 76ers in their NBA match-up with the Charlotte Bobcats last night.
The hunk even made it a family affair by bringing along his foxy wife Jada Pinkett-Smith and their son Jaden.

Loving couple: The Fresh Prince of Bel Air star looked excited to swing by for the match will his wife looked less pleased

And no reason Will was smiling so widely - his team ended up thumping their rivals 89-72. Of course the Fresh Prince of Bel Air star became a part-owner of the popular sporting franchise last year.
So the victory means he has bragging rights over rival rapper Nelly and all-time basketball great Michael Jordan, who both have stakes in the Bobcats

Make it snappy: Will was happy to take a photo of his teen idol son Jaden with this female fan though Jada seemed less enthused

Generous Will was kind enough to take a photo of a giggling female fan who wanted a picture, ironically not with him, but his teen idol son Jaden.
No doubt the 43-year-old Men In Black favourite remembers the days when all the young ladies wanted to grab a snap with him back in his glory days as part of hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.
But the Wild Wild West star is still overwhelmingly popular in his home town, and took great delight in giving his fellow Philadelphians a two-fingered salute during a break in play.

Giving the fans a peace of his mind: Will was happy to give the fans a light-fingered salute as he lapped up the match day atmosphere

source: dailymail

Anything you can do! Jennifer Aniston shows Angelina Jolie how to work a little black dress at the Directors Guild Awards in Hollywood

2012-01-29T15:51:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Peerless: Jennifer's look tonight at the Directors Guild Awards has no equal

Last week Angelina Jolie stole the show at the Producers Guild Awards in Beverly Hills in a stunning floor-length black gown with cut-out lace panels.
She looked so unbelievably sensational that it was hard to imagine who could look better... until now.
Step forward the woman who will forever be pitched against her erstwhile love rival, an unbelievably sexy looking Jennifer Aniston.

Voodoo princess: Jennifer Aniston looked sensational in a beaded black mini-dress and barely there shoes at the Directors Guild Of America Awards held at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland

The 42-year-old stepped out to the Directors Guild Awards, yes directors probably do trump producers, at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in an beautiful beaded black minidress.
The bandeau style perfectly highlighted her dainty shoulders and toned arms, while the high hem displayed her excellently honed pins.
But the sexiest part of her lovely outfit could be found resting on the red carpet in the form of her barely there shoes, just two tiny straps set off with black toe polish - which boyfriend Justin Theroux, 40 , must surely adore.

Picture perfect: The 42-year-old was flawless even in her close up shots

Matching pair: Jennifer matched her obsidian-loving boyfriend Justin Theroux right down to her toenails

He, as usual, was clad from head-to-toe in black, and interestingly, was wearing a tie exactly like the one Jennifer's former husband Brad Pitt was sporting last week.
The 40-year-old is naturally an edgy looking and alternative leaning artist, he is - in short - what blue-eyed, blonde haired boy next door has always yearned to be.
And it's hard to believe that this hasn't in some way ruffled the father-of-six's feathers.

Black tie wars: Brad and Angelina looked incredible last week but Jennifer and Justin have scrubbed up even better

Who wore their black dress better? Angelina looks incredible but Jennifer glows in her luxurious number

It's been noted that it wasn't until Jennifer found what seems like long-lasting love with Wanderlust star and writer Therouz, that Brad made his now infamous comment to Parade magazine which seemed to suggest his life with the former Friends star was boring.
Now, in a fabulous paradox, he is talking about marrying long-term partner Angelina Jolie - who has been transformed from sex kitten to earth mother - and Jennifer is rubbishing marriage reports, raising her hem then jumping on Justin's motorbike.
Funny how life can change.

Happy: Aniston's contented love life seems to be agreeing with her

Team Angelina: Brad's best friend George Clooney was in attendance with Shailene Woodley, who plays his daughter in The Descendents

And it's curious as to whether or not Jennifer and Brad actually talk to ensure that they don't bump into each other as such events, as he and Angelina have been all over awards season.
With a first directorial effort, Land of Milk and Honey, under her super-slim belt, you'd think tonight would be a prime date in the diary for Ms Jolie.
Their great friend George Clooney, who must be extending his mantlepiece to accommodate all the awards for his performance in The Descendents, was there.

Leading ladies: Stars of The Rum Diary and The Artist Amber Heard and Berenice Bejo looked stunning in their opulent gowns

Vintage vamps: Helen Mirren and Shailene Woodley drew inspiration from eras gone by for their stunning frocks

Aniston may have led the pack tonight, but exquisite dresses were the order of the day, with Berenice Bejo of The Artist almost matching Aniston for eye-catching elegance.
She donned a wonderful flapper style dress in black with accents of pure gold, which nodded to her timeless turn in the movie of the moment.
The Rum Diary's Amber Heard kept it simple, but effective, in a navy column dress with minimalist frills and ties.

Super star: Michelle Williams, star of My Week of Marilyn, looked lovely in an asymmetric gown

source: dailymail

You glow, girl! Paris Hilton dances the night away in a sparkling black and silver dress with a pair of glow sticks in Las Vegas

2012-01-29T15:25:00.000+07:00

Paris parties: Paris Hilton attended the grand opening of 1oak Las Vegas last night

Now that she's dating an internationally renowned DJ, Paris Hilton seems to have recovered her enthusiasm for clubbing (if she ever lost it).
The 30-year-old heiress let her hair down, so to speak, as she danced the night away at newly opened Las Vegas hotspot 1oak last night.
The blonde bombshell was sufficiently Sin City friendly, given that she was wearing the city's standard uniform of flashy jewellery, tight-fitting clothing and fishnet stockings.

The socialite wore a tight-fitting black dress with silver and gold sequins which looked fabulous on her slender figure.
Surprisingly, the frock was of a modest length, though her dresses are frequently on the mini side. She wore black fishnets underneath the dress as well as black patent leather stilettos. A heavy silver statement necklace and massive cocktail ring completed her look. Paris attended the event with younger sister, Nicky.

Night and day: Paris went dark for the event, while sister Nicky looked sunny in yellow

The 28-year-old opted to wear an outfit that was the antithesis of her big sister's, pairing a sunny yellow shift dress with simple golden open-toed heels.
Inside the nightclub, it was a party as usual for Paris, who played with glows sticks and danced like the night away.
She's been looking more than happy these days now that she's been dating Dutch DJ Afrojack.
He is also producing her upcoming second album which will feature collaborations with many of her famous friends.

You glow, girl: The socialite took a turn dancing with glow sticks

Wearing sunglasses at night: The heiress decided to rock her sunglasses in the nightclub

She told the New York Post: 'There are a lot of very cool collaborations on my album.
'It should be out in the next few months. We just finished doing my single with LMFAO, then I'm recording with Snoop Dogg.'
Her only previous album, Paris, was released in 2006 and reached number 29 in the UK, but managed to climb to number six in the US.

Made a new friend? Hilton chats to a male partygoer at the opening

source: dailymail

Viva Refaeli! Israeli model Bar shows off her fabulous legs in slashed-to-the-thigh dress on Italian TV show

2012-01-29T15:05:00.000+07:00

By EMILY SHERIDAN

Legging it: Israeli model Bar Refaeli shows off her stunning figure in her frilly dress as she films an appearance on Italian TV show Chiambretti Sunday Night

As one of the most popular swimwear and lingerie models in the world, Bar Refaeli is renowed for her stunning curves.
But even when relatively 'covered up' for an Italian TV show appearance, the Israeli model still showed off plenty of flesh.
Filming a pre-recorded appearance for Italian TV show Chiambretti Sunday Night on Saturday, the 26-year-old showed off her long legs in a frilly slashed-to-the-thigh dress.

Showing plenty of leg: Even when sitting down, her long legs were on show

The 5ft 9in star went for a relaxed glamour look in the dress, which she teamed with natural make-up, flowing hair and tan gladiator sandals.
During the show, she was entertained by the host Piero Chiambretti and some female dancers.
At her hotel in Milan, it appeared the model struggled to sleep on Friday night due to her noisy neighbours.

Entertaining: Refaeli laughed as she was treated to a dance by a sexy female star

She tweeted: 'How easy did the Euro make life ha?! Can some1 make the same with the freaking plugs?? "Europlugs"- same in every country. #EasierLife!
'Dear neighbour, drilling at 8am, may wake up your neighbours. just a thought... grrrr.' Last week, Refaeli announced she would be following in the footsteps of other models by launching her own lingerie collection.

Branching out: The Israeli model is planning to launch her own lingerie range next month

She was unveiled Under.me in the UK next month, just ahead of Valentine's Day.
She told Women's Wear Daily: 'The philosophy is that underwear should complement your body, not steal the show.
'It was appealing to me to do a line of underwear from the fabric I like with the basic, comfy design I always look for, as well as underwear that can actually be delivered to your door.'

Bion giorno: Refaeli poses for a photo with the show's host Piero Chiambretti

Diminutive: With her high heels and 5ft 9in height, the model towered over Chiambretti

source: dailymail

Heidi Klum is sombre in an all-black outfit as she takes her children to karate class in wake of split from Seal

2012-01-29T14:48:00.000+07:00

By ANN PRIDE

Getting on with her life: Heidi Klum took her children to karate classes on this afternoon in Los Angeles

One week after announcing her split from husband Seal, Heidi Klum is keeping up appearances and she continues to wear her wedding band.
The supermodel looked sombre in the Brentwood neighbourhood of Los Angeles, shuttling sons Henry, Johan Riley, and daughter Lou to karate classes.
The 38-year-old blonde also took her eldest daughter Leni to ballet class and was seen wearing black leggings, high heeled boots and a black coat.

Still on: Heidi continues to wear her gold wedding band

As she carried little Lou, Heidi's gold wedding ring was clearly visible on her left hand. The mother-of-four kept her head low, avoiding questions about the shock breakdown of her relationship with her musician husband Seal.
The Kiss from a Rose Singer is also continuing to wear his wedding ring - purposefully flaunting it to photographers as he waved prior to a recent interview with Mario Lopez for US show Extra at The Grove.

Model mum: Heidi carried her daughter Lou into Karate class

Tonight, he stepped out in France wearing an all-white suit at the NRJ Awards.
Earlier this week, the British singer insinuated to Piers Morgan that there is a possibility of a reconciliation between him and his wife as he admitted his love for the German supermodel 'has not waned one iota'.
He said: 'I love her with all my heart. How can you not somebody who you have just spent eight years with?'

Dressing the part: Heidi's children arrived for class in their karate attire

Getting a hand: A nanny helps the children out of the car

Asked if he would get back together with the 38-year-old beauty, Seal said he can see the world-famous couple working through their issues to maybe reconcile in the future.
He explained: 'You can never say never. I can't speak for my wife and I'm not going to sit here and BS you and say we haven't had problems.

Family time: Heidi was seen leaving a ballet class with her daughters Leni and Lou

The 48-year-old star also spoke about the reasons he has not yet taken off his gold wedding band, insisting it is a mark of his eternal love for his wife.
He said: 'What this means to me and what this stands for - it stands for respect, it stands for loyalty, it stands for incredible memories and it stands for these four little miracles and Heidi making
five that have come into my life over the past eight years.

The white stuff: Seal looked dapper in a white suit as he arrived at the annual NRJ awards in Paris tonight

source: dailymail

Missing Caroline? As One Direction enjoy yet more female attention, Harry Styles looks glum during photo shoot

2012-01-29T14:38:00.000+07:00

By SARAH BULL, NADIA MENDOZA and HOLLY THOMAS

Not interested: While his bandmates appear to be enjoying the female presence in the US, Harry Styles' spirits have seemed low

The rest of his bandmates certainly appear to be making the most of their star status. But while the rest of One Directon lap up the female attention in Los Angeles, one of their number doesn't seem remotely interested.
Harry Styles looked glum while his bandmates chatted to girls during a photo shoot this afternoon. Perhaps the 17-year-old is still sore from his split with 32-year-old Xtra Factor presenter Caroline Flack.

Relishing the attention: Niall Horan looked only too happy to chat to his female fans

Niall Horan meanwhile looked only too happy to chat to his female fans, and stopped to do so at length during the afternoon. Harry mustered a smile for a group shot with the rest of the band, but otherwise his spirits appeared low.
They've only been famous for a year, but One Direction were welcomed with an A-list reception last night as they touched down on US soil.

Who are you chatting to? While the others laughed among themselves, Harry looked engrossed in a private conversation

Thumbs up! There's no doubt this LA girl approved of the new British arrivals

Having a manly heart-to-heart? Perhaps Harry was confiding his upset over his breakup with Caroline Flack to Niall

The British boyband have flown across the Atlantic in a bid to crack the American market, including a support slot on the Big Time Rush tour and a cameo stint on Nickelodeon sitcom iCandy.
An army of fans waited with placards at LAX airport - largely dominated by girls, but with a handful of boys too - hinting this year's X Factor winners Little Mix could be in for a successful future too.
Fleeing the UK couldn't come at a more opportune time for Harry, as he attempts to mend his broken heart following his split with Caroline.

Mustered a grin: Harry smiled briefly for a group shot with the boys when they arrived at the LA studio

Hysteria: Little Mix could be set for a big future in the US if they follow in the footsteps of One Direction

Worse than girls: The boys didn't exactly travel light, with vast amounts of luggage filling up the van

Stepping onto the red carpet, she wore a colourful dress with a pink shirt, and tanned pins on show. She spent five hours in the hairdressers' chair, appearing with shorter, darker locks a few days ago. And she'd clearly had a good time as she let herself loose following her presenting stint. She tweeted the following morning: 'My.head.hurts.'

Confirmed: Harry wrote on his Twitter page that he had split from Caroline

source: dailymail

Sight for sore eyes! Victoria's Secret Model Candice Swanepoel shows off her ample assets in bikini

2012-01-29T14:20:00.000+07:00

By ANN PRIDE

Dangerous curves: Candice Swanepoel showed off her fit figure on Saturday during a photo shoot in the Caribbean territory of St. Barts

Victoria's Secret Model Candice Swanepoel flaunted her fit figure for the latest Victoria's Secret photo shoot and she left little to the imagination.
The curvy blonde showed off her ample assets as they poured out of a blue bikini top today in the Caribbean territory of St. Barts. The top was paired with pink bikini bottoms as the 23-year-old South African beauty reclined in the surf striking a come hither pose. For another shot, she was snapped wearing a daring yellow two piece that featured a series of ties. Candice is in St. Barts shooting a new campaign for the lingerie giant, which will feature her in a series of different swimsuits.

You wear it well: Candice strutted her stuff and her very fit figure

She pulled off the obligatory model poses and appeared to be having fun with the shoot. Then Candice played around in the water and flashed a big screen for one humorous shot. The blonde beauty looked tanned and toned in the swimwear with her long hair blowing in the wind.

Careful: Candice bends over and nearly suffers a wardrobe malfunction

Wardrobe change: The supermodel changed into a yellow bikini that was accentuated by ties

Also starring in the campaign are 'Angels' Adriana Lima, Gracie Carvalho and Behati Prinsloo.
Each took their turn in front of the camera earlier this week, splashing in the waves as they modelled two pieces for the brand.
The models, including Candice, showed that they were worthy of their Victoria's Secret Angel wings as they expertly worked the camera to show off their bodies in all their glory.

source: dailymail

The thigh's the limit for Celine Dion who shows off her svelte legs in a daring slit gown for performance at Jazz festival

2012-01-29T14:05:00.000+07:00

By LAURA SCHREFFLER

Silver stunner: Celine Dion shows off her slim, long legs in a beautiful silver gown, slit to the thigh during last night's performance at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival

She's known for her incredible vocals, but Celine Dion may have attracted just as much attention for her long slim legs last night.
The 43-year-old Canadian singer showed off her perfect pins in a stunning silver gown with a daring split to the thigh as she performed in Trelawny, Jamaica.
Teamed with tumbling brown curls, the clinging gown showed off her trim figure, 14 months after she gave birth to twins.

The singer teamed the dress with spiky peep toe black heels as she performed at the the Caribbean country's Jazz and Blues festival.
The singer looked absolutely fabulous and far younger than her years as she rocked the stage at Greenfield Stadium. She clenched her fist and acknowledged the jazz band playing behind her as she put in her usual powerful performance.

Svelte: Celine showed off her trim figure in the clinging number after giving birth to her twins 14 months ago

She later changed into a disco looking outfit of shiny silver leggings, a light white shirt with silver appliqués with a perfectly fitted white blazer.
Additionally, she wore a floor-length, aqua-coloured gown as well as a glittering gold mini dress that stopped at mid-thigh.
Being a busy mother is clearly suiting her, with the singer looking particularly toned as she performed.
She gave birth to twins Eddy and Nelson 14 months ago.

Band aid: Celine raises her arms in thanks to the jazz band who accompanied her last night

Fist pumping: Celine put in her usual powerful performance on stage

The children's father is Celine's husband and manager, Rene Angelil and they have an older son, René-Charles, 10. Last year, Oprah Winfrey's OWN Network aired a primetime special featuring an intimate look at the musical icon's private life.
Celine: 3 Boys and a New Show took viewers behind-the-scenes as Celine worked on her Las Vegas comeback show, Celine, and juggled being an international superstar with her responsibilities to her family.

Blue belle: Ms. Dion changed into a floor-length, one-shouldered aqua-coloured frock

Short and sweet: The singer changed into this thigh-high mini dress

Dion does reggae: The 43-year-old singer performs with reggae artists at the jazz and blues festival

The programme also revealed the artist tending to her twins, helping her eldest son with his homework and spending quality time with her husband.
Dion returned to Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas in March last year with her new show Celine. The three-year residency promises demanding seventy performances a year and features Dion's greatest hits and a selection of music from classic Hollywood films.

Covering up: The Canadian singer changed into silver leggings, a white suit jacket and glittery white top

Glitter girl: Celine Dion wore disco-ball like silver leggings while performing at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival yesterday

Moves like Jagger? The 43-year-old pretends to jam out on the guitar on stage

source: dailymail

Hello boyos! Alesha Dixon makes a lasting impression in a low-cut dress as Britain's Got Talent comes to Cardiff

2012-01-29T13:45:00.000+07:00

By EMILY SHERIDAN

Glamour: Alesha Dixon shows off her cleavage in a low-cut dress and Stella McCartney heels at the Cardiff auditions for Britain's Got Talent

Alesha Dixon has been wowing in the fashion stakes since making her debut as a judge eight days ago.
And the Britain's Got Talent new girl is certainly continuing as she means to go on given her revealing outfit at the Cardiff auditions.
The former Mis-teeq singer, 33, showed off her figure in a plunging mini dress and bright pink Stella McCartney heels.

Hello boyos: Alesha waves to fans as she arrives at the Millennium Centre

Arriving at the Welsh capital's Millennium Centre, the star was given a warm welcome by the thousands braving the freezing temperatures.
She is likely to miss the remaining initial auditions, including a second set in Cardiff on Sunday, and further ones in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
Dixon was joined by fellow newbie David Walliams and Simon Cowell - who has returned to Britain's Got Talent full-time after only appearing on the live finals last year.

Mania: Dixon took time to chat to fans and auditionees outside

With fellow judge Amanda Holden recovering from the traumatic birth of her daughter Hollie this week, former Strictly Come Dancing star Dixon is representing the female side of the panel alone.
Holden, 40, is currently in hospital after becoming critically ill while in labour with newborn daughter Hollie.
In a recent interview, Cowell, 52, admitted he was thrilled to be have 'poached' Dixon from his X Factor rival show Strictly Come Dancing.

Different styles: David Walliams looked smart in a suit, while Simon Cowell was predicable in his jeans and jumper combo

Getting the scoop: TV presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly chat to contestants

He told The Sun: 'The Alesha thing was kind of fun. My decision to poach her was 70-30 on the fact she was on Strictly and the fact I liked her.'
The Britain's Got Talent auditions will continue in Manchester tomorrow, before moving to Blackpool, Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London.
Dixon quit Strictly after three years as a judge so sign a reported £350,000 deal with Cowell.

We wanna be famous: Thousands waited in the cold for their chance to audition

The winner of this year's series will now received a £500,000 prizes compared to last year's £100,000.
They will also have the opportunity to perform in space on one of Sir Richard Branson's commercial space flights.

Leggy: Dixon in Blackpool on Tuesday (left) and in Manchester on January 21st (centre) and 20th (right)

source: dailymail

Shy by name, but not by nature! French singer Shy'm turns up to NRJ awards wearing COMPLETELY transparent corset

2012-01-29T12:59:00.000+07:00

By HOLLY THOMAS

Comfortable in her own skin: There's no doubt that the 26-year-old is completely body confident

She's barely known outside her native France.
But R&B singer Shy'm certainly made an impression at last night's NRJ Awards.
The 26-year-old turned up at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres in Cannes wearing a transparent plastic corset with white tinsel-like material interspersed to create a frosted effect. Her stunning figure was on full display - though to an extreme which might make viewing her performance before the watershed a little questionable.

Unusual choice: The corset appeared to be covered in white tinsel for a 'frosted' effect

Shy'm wore a toga-like white sheet around her waist to form a skirt, creating a Grecian-style effect- and bared a great deal of thigh in the process.
The star wore her hair in a long ponytail, choosing smoked-out eyes and red lipstick to define her delicate facial features.
The singer's corset looked like it might have been custom-moulded to fit her perfectly.
Shy'm - real name Tamara Marthe - tweeted a photo of the stars taking part in the awards beforehand, captioning the snap 'A little taster'.
The awards feature Justin Bieber and Shakira, with Coldplay and LMFAO also taking to the stage.

Perfect fit: The corset looked as though it might have been custom-moulded to suit Shy'm's shape

Other guests included Mika, David Guetta, Patricia Kaas and Miss France 2012 winner Delphine Wespiser.
There's no doubt that Shy'm appreciated her inclusion, as she wrote enthusiastically on Twitter: 'In a few minutes [I'll be on] NRJ live from a yacht'
Gearing herself up for the experience, the singer posted yesterday: 'I've got my soldiers beside me #youshouldknowthis #thegreatestteam'

Modest choice: Shakira's corseted mini-dress was the height of respectability compared to Shy'm's ensemble

Fashion miss: Justin Bieber wore a poorly-judged blue jacket and long black tie

The chanteuse released her debut album Mes Fantaisies, in 2006, when it climbed to number six in the French charts.
To date, four songs from the album have been released as singles, all of which charted in the top 10 in France.
Her 2008 effort Reflets included pop, dance and R&B sounds, while her third album Prendre l'air had a more electropop feel.

Modish cool: Mika and Seal both opted for a monochrome palette, each to striking effect

Androgynous style: French singers Patricia Kaas and Mylène Farmer opted for trousers and shorts respectively

Elegant: French star Nolwenn Leroy chose a floor-length black gown, teamed with deep red lipstick

In 2011, Shy'm was one of nine contestants to take part in the second season of Danse Avec Les Stars.
She and her partner professional dancer Maxime Dereymez won the competition.
And it appeared she was a winner again last night - taking home the Francophone Female Artist Of The Year title.

Laugh a minute: RedFoo of LMFAO arrived in black pleather, wearing a zebra toy attached to his black bum bag

source: dailymail

Russell who? Smiling Katy Perry puts on her best brave face as she makes her first post-split public appearance

2012-01-29T12:21:00.000+07:00

By LAURA SCHREFFLER

The comeback queen: Perry returned to work earlier this month to play a string of shows in Asia

She may be in the midst of a divorce, but Katy Perry is clearly deciding to get on with her life. The 27-year-old singer made her first public appearance since Russell Brand filed for divorce on December 30.
Blue-haired Katy turned up in Las Vegas last night to support her jewellery designer friend Markus Molinari at a charity event. The pop star looked stunning as she posed for pictures with her pal at The Mirage Hotel's new 1oak nightclub in Sin City.

Support system: The 27-year-old singer held hands with best friend Markus Molinari on the red carpet

She wore an snug embellished mini-dress and sexy, sky-high stiletto sandals.
The outfit was fairly mundane compared to her usual ensembles, but her Smurf-blue hair added more than enough colour to balance out the rest of her look.
However, she didn't add any extra accoutrements to her outfit aside from a small, simple pair of earrings.
Even fellow guest Paris Hilton noticed how lovely the singer looked, and commented on it via Twitter.

Happy go lucky: Katy Perry made her first public appearance since splitting from Russell Brand last night in Las Vegas

The heiress wrote: 'Katy Perry looking gorgeous across the room. Love her hair & dress! Stunning!'
Her happy smile was the only accessory necessary at the fundraising event for actress Patricia Arquette's charity website, GiveLove.org.
Katy seemed keen to show the world that she's ready to move on from her 14-month marriage. She even tweeted from the event: 'Happy to be supporting my best friend @MDMOLINARI & his j.molinari jewelry w/all my other besties in #VEGAS for a great cause @GiveLoveOrg'.
Having a close friend on hand was all the support Katy needed and she and Molinari strolled hand in hand down the red carpet.

Put on a happy face: The blue-haired singer was also on hand to support protege Ferras at Sin City's 1oak club

All for giving: The One That Got Away singer posed with Patricia and David Arquette at the charity event

He later told People magazine that Katy was doing 'amazing' and that she was in town because 'that's what friends do.'
During the event, she hung out in the VIP booth and watched her protégé, Ferras, perform while having a few low-key drinks with her friends.
Perry's happy face and bold public appearance is a surprise, given that new reports have surfaced that her estranged husband has already moved on.

source: dailymail

Dreaming of the simple life? Try the village in the Netherlands with no roads (but you'll need a boat)

2012-01-29T07:32:00.000+07:00

By JILL PAUL

Rustic: Giethoorn is known as the Venice of the Netherlands

For anyone dreaming of a simple life, you may want to consider moving to Giethoorn, Netherlands.
This idyllic village has no roads, and the only access is by water over the many beautiful canals or on foot over its wooden arch bridges. The locals use punters to get around and cars have to remain outside the village.
Located in the province of Overijssel, there are 4 miles of canals and farmhouses with thatched roofs dating back to the 18th century.

Canal tours are popular with the many tourists

It's no surprise Giethoorn is a popular tourist attraction and has been given the nickname the Venice of the Netherlands. Cycling and sailing as well as a guided canal tour are some of the many ways to discover its rustic charm.
The village was founded by a group of fugitives from the Mediterranean region around AD 1230. It became well known in 1958 when it was featured in the film Fanfare, made by Dutch filmmaker Bert Haanstra.

The bridges are made entirely from wood

Farmhouses date from the 18th century

There are 4 miles of canals

Giethoorn was founded by a group of fugitives around AD 1230

Transport: The villagers get around by boat

source: dailymail