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The Vikings are back! Winged helmets and longboat hit the Shetlands (but this time it's for a knees-up)

2012-02-02T07:10:00.000+07:00

Back in time: Almost 1,000 costumed 'guizers' in winged helmets and sheepskins descended on the island for this impressive recreation of the past

Islanders in Scotland thought they had been transported back to the Middle Ages when hundreds of Vikings brandishing axes and shields torched their homeland.
But the marauding invaders had not returned from the grave to reclaim their ancient stomping ground.
The 'army' were taking part in Europe's biggest fire festival Up Helly Aa, which commemorates the Norse heritage of Lerwick, Shetland.

Roaring flames: Vikings torch a galley during Europe's biggest fire festival on the in Lerwick on the Shetland Isles

Almost 1,000 costumed 'guizers' - dressed in winged helmets and sheepskins, descended on the island yesterday.
Their arrival was heralded by the Jarl Squad - who landed on the Shetland Isles in an impressive replica of a Viking longboat.

Breathtaking sight: The invading 'army' torched a galley as they rampaged through Up Helly Aa until the early hours

As evening fell, the hordes marched through the town's streets, dragging the traditional galley, which they proceeded to send up in flames.
They then visited halls across the town as the carousing continued until 8am this morning.
Today is a public holiday on the island to allow the party-goers to recover from their exertions.

Fierce foe: The Norse ruled Shetland and neighbouring Orkney for around 500 years before they became part of Scotland in 1468

The historic festival takes place on the last Tuesday of January every year and always attracts thousands of seasoned revellers.
It was started in the 1870s by a group of men who wanted to inject new ideas into Shetland's festive celebrations.
The Jarl Squad normally participates in the festival alongside 45 other squads. The number of guizers ranges from 16 up to a maximum of 25, with guests also invited into the squad, taking its size to between 50 and 70 participants.
The squad design and make their own suits - consisting of helmet, breastplate, shield, axe, dagger and belt.

Arresting armour: The Jarl Squad, led by Guizer Jarl David Nicolson (right), arrived in Lerwick on ta replica Viking longboat

Each year the suit is different, and preparations begin approximately two years in advance. The manufacturing of the suit starts in February and it is completed by late autumn, in time for the following January.
The Jarl Squad are led by the elected Guizer Jarl. He chooses his own design for his kirtle and cloak in colours that mark him out from the rest of his squad.
The first Jarl’s outfit was described as follows: 'He wore a silver helmet, with raven’s wings rising high on either side, a corselet with sleeves of silver mail was worn over a jerkin, fastened round the neck and hung loosely from the shoulders.

Heavy night: The warriors enjoy a public holiday today to recover from their exertions

'On the legs were thigh length black stockings and on the feet were rawhide sandals fastened with tan leather thongs which criss-crossed over the instep and all the way up the thighs.
'He carried a round silver shield on which was engraved a raven, a large silver-headed battle axe and dagger hung from his belt.'
In the 1930s, improvements were made to the outfit. The helmet - decorated with a raven set in white metal - was chromium plated, while shield, axe and dagger were electroplated.

Citizens of Shetland: Crowds in modern-day dress arrive to welcome their costumed heroes

source: dailymail

Leaving everyone in their wake: Waterskiers set new world record as 145 people are pulled behind a single boat

2012-02-02T07:01:00.000+07:00

By GRAHAM SMITH

Armada: Dozens of water-skiers have set a new world record after 145 people were pulled behind a single boat in Macquarie Harbour in Strahan, Tasmania

Dozens of water-skiers have set a new world record after 145 people were pulled behind a single boat.
Some 154 skiers from around the world gathered in Macquarie Harbour in Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania for the record attempt.
The skiers needed to stay upright for a full nautical mile in order to qualify for the record books.

Going the distance: The skiers needed to stay upright for a full nautical mile in order to qualify for the record books

But even though nine unlucky participants were unable to last the distance, the 145 who did manage to remain on their skis easily beat the previous record of 114.
That world record was set by the same team in the same place two years ago.
Organisers modified the 114ft-long World Heritage Cruises catamaran Eagle in order for it to drag the small army of water enthusiasts behind it.
The 3,000 horsepower craft was fitted with different propellers and a 308ft-long aluminium boom to prevent the skiers' ropes from tangling.
The youngest entrant, Alexandria Seaton, was just 12 years old.
Perfect weather conditions last Friday helped the record breakers achieve their objective.
The record is expected to be confirmed by Guinness World Records officials, who witnessed the event, in the coming weeks.

On their way: Nine of the 154 participants were unable to last the distance, but the 145 who did manage to remain on their skis easily beat the previous record of 114

Team work: A number of small boats hovered behind the record attempt to pick up those skiers who fell over

Upping the ante: The previous world record of 114 skiers was set by the same team in the same place two years ago

source: dailymail

Cannibal who ate head of former lover proposes to Satan-worshipping vampire girlfriend behind bars of psychiatric unit

2012-02-02T06:52:00.000+07:00

-Isakin Jonsson ate mother-of-five's - and boasted about it on the internet
-Michelle Gustafsson killed man and drank his blood
-Authorities not revealing if wedding will be allowed

By ALLAN HALL

Sickening: Isakin Jonsson, 33, (right) has asked human vampire Michelle Gustafsson, 23, (left) to join him in unholy matrimony in a move that has shocked Sweden

Sweden's most evil couple - a cannibal and a Satan-worshipping vampire - have applied to get married behind the bars of their secure psychiatric hospital.
Isakin Jonsson, 33, has asked human vampire Michelle Gustafsson, 23, to join him in unholy matrimony in a move that has shocked the country.
He killed mother-of-five Helle Christensen - his girlfriend at the time - by cutting her head off, eating parts of her body and then boasting about it on the Internet.

Shocking: Isakin Jonsson (left) pictured with former lover Helle Christensen (right) whose head he cut off

She stabbed a single father to death and then drank his blood - posing in a picture online, before her arrest, with blood dripping from her lips, holding a power saw and a knife.
A caption underneath read: 'I want to cut the throats of people on the subway.'
Jonsson asked on November 13, via internet messaging service MSN, if the fellow killer wanted to be his girlfriend. They decided to get engaged on December 9.

Killer: Michelle Gustafsson (right) with stabbed single father Daniel Stenman (left)

The couple are fellow inmates at the high-security Karsuddens psychiatric facility near Katrineholm, where they are expected to remain for the rest of their lives.
Both opted for indefinite psychiatric treatment to save them from automatic life sentences. But experts believe they are both so sick they will die in captivity.
And as the usually liberal Sweden is horrified by their crimes, no politician in the future would risk an imploding career by ordering their release.

Yet the diabolical duo live in hope. Gustafsson posted on the Internet this week: 'We want to live together at some point, have dogs and pursue our hobbies: piercing and tattoos.'
Her cannibal fiancee added: 'I love Michelle. Have never met anyone like her. I want to live a non-criminal life.'
The secure mental facility where they are incarcerated is the equivalent of Broadmoor in the UK. Some criminals have been within its walls for three decades.
Justice authorities have not said whether their request to be wed will be granted.

source: dailymail

Clinging on for dear life: The heart-stopping moment young boy let go of father's hand and plunged 25ft from ski lift and into arms of rescuers below

2012-02-02T06:42:00.000+07:00

By LOUISE BOYLE

Tight grip: A boy dangles from his father's hand on a ski lift around 25ft in the air at Hidden Valley Ski & Snowboard Area in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin

A boy was dramatically rescued by strangers after sliding out of a chair lift on a ski slope and left dangling 25 feet in the air.
He was spotted gripping on to his father's hand below the chair at 2.45pm on Sunday and a crowd quickly gathered to try to catch him.
The ski lift at the Hidden Valley Ski & Snowboard Area was suspended during the rescue in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin.

Open arms: Fellow skiers rushed to the boy's rescue after he slid out of the chair lift at the family-run slope in Wisconsin

Matt Roeser, 42, from Green Bay, was inside the chalet nearby at the family-run slope. He told MailOnline today: 'The boy was lucky, rescuers got to him immediately. They figured the best way to save him was for him to let go of his father's hand and they catch him.
'He fell into the arms of those below and was not injured. The boy was pretty shaken but more embarrassed. He took a little while to recover but got back on the chair lift and skied the rest of the day.'

Free fall: The child drops from the ski lift as a crowd raise their arms to protect his landing

The incident happened on the same day that a young woman died after falling for a chair lift while skiing in Park City, Utah.
The 19-year-old college student has not been identified as police were trying to contact her family.
The teenager's death comes just ten days after Olympic freestyle skiier Sarah Burke died on the same mountain due to a fall sustained while performing a trick.

Safe landing: Matt Roeser, 42, who was at the chalet nearby managed to capture the dramatic rescue on camera

A source from the resort said that the 19-year-old may have been suffering a medical episode when she fell 30 feet down from the lift at 11.49am.
Steve Pastorino, the press representative for Canyons resort, said that the woman was not staying at the resort but was simply skiing on the High Meadow trail as a visitor. He says ski patrol workers arrived within one minute of the fall to give first aid. She was pronounced dead shortly after on scene and transported by helicopter to a local hospital.

Expert: Olympic champion Sarah Burke died earlier this month on the mountain in Park City, Utah after a 'freak accident'

Olympic skiier Burke, who was 29 at the time of her death and one of the top half-pipe athletes in the world, died at the Salt Lake City hospital where she was taken following the accident. She had sustained ‘irreversible damage to her brain due to lack of oxygen and blood after cardiac arrest’, according to a statement released by her publicist. She fell on the Eagle Superpipe in Park City after performing a trick known as a Flat Spin 540. Peter Judge, the CEO of Canada's freestyle team, said the injury was due to a 'freak accident' after a trick that was well within her capabilities.

source: dailymail

'This is not football, this is a war and people are dying': More than 70 dead and 1,000 injured after pitch invasion in Egypt

2012-02-02T06:34:00.000+07:00

By LEON WATSON

The Egyptian army was being airlifted in by helicopter to rescue stranded players who became trapped in the changing rooms

At least 73 football fans have been killed and 1,000 others left injured after riots broke out at a match in Egypt.
Seconds after the referee blew his whistle, supporters swarmed onto the pitch throwing stones, fireworks and bottles at rival fans, players and security officers in the city of Port Said, officials said.
It was the worst incident of soccer violence in Egypt and the deadliest worldwide since 1996.

Egyptian fans clash with riot police after a shock result in the country's premier league

The game was between Al Ahli, one of Egypt's most successful clubs, and Al-Masry, a team based in Port Said.
Live television footage showed Masry fans running onto the field after the referee blew the whistle and chasing Ahli players, even though their team secured a shock 3-1 win.
The Ahly players rushed for their changing room as fights broke out among the hundreds of fans swarming on to the field.

Police struggled to keep order as chaos erupted in the stadium

Some men went to the rescue of a manager from the losing team as he was being beaten while police officers stood by, apparently overwhelmed.
Ahli player Mohamed Abo Treika described the violence on the Ahli television channel as a 'war'.
He said: 'This is not football. This is a war and people are dying in front of us. There is no movement and no security and no ambulances.

Children were seen among the crowds at the stadium of Port Said as violence broke out

'I call for the premier league to be cancelled. This is horrible situation and today can never be forgotten.'
Former Tottenham midfielder Hossam Ghaly was caught up in the horrific scenes.
Ghaly, who made 34 appearances for Spurs between 2006 and 2009, is captain of Ahly and was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 75th minute.

Television pictures showed fans swarming over the pitch after a match in the Egyptian city of Port Said

He is believed to have been in the dressing room when the violence erupted.
State television quoted Hesham Sheiha, deputy health minister, as saying that most of the injuries were caused by concussion and deep cuts. He added that the riot was the 'biggest disaster in Egypt's soccer history'.
Egypt's state prosecutor ordered an immediate investigation into the violence, and the Egypt Football Association ordered an indefinite suspension of the annual championship. The parliament said it would convene an emergency session.

Reaction: Egypt's state prosecutor ordered an immediate investigation into the violence, and the Egypt Football Association ordered an indefinite suspension of the annual championship

Ahli players run for their lives as rival fans stream onto the pitch and head towards them

Most of the victims are believed to have died from suffocation or head injuries, with some cornered in the stadium as parts of it were set on fire.
Last night the Egyptian army was being airlifted in by helicopter to rescue stranded players who became trapped in the changing rooms.

Under fire: Riot police guard Al Ahli soccer players as they flee Port Said Stadium

Al-Ahly players escape from the field as fans of Al-Masry team rush onto the pitch

Egyptian fans are notoriously violent, particularly supporters of Al-Ahly who are known as the Ultras.
The Ultras were heading into Port Said in the aftermath of the massacre, according to their website, leading to fears of violent reprisals.
The two teams have a long history of bad blood, and clashes have erupted in recent years between their fans.
Another match in Cairo was halted by the referee after receiving news of the violence in Port Said, prompting fans to set parts of the stadium on fire, television footage showed.

Fans of Masry team run after players of the Ahly team during the riots

source: dailymail

'I'm a figure of hate': Single mother of 14 slams critics who brand her a scrounger

2012-02-02T06:21:00.000+07:00

By DEBORAH ARTHURS

Mum of Britain's biggest family Joanne Watson, 40, left, stands at the head of her 14 children at their family home in St Martin, Guernsey: From left to right, Indianna, three; Tallulah, four; Armani (known as Arnie), five; Nerilly-Jade, seven; Lilly-Arna eight; Charlie, nine; Febrianne, 10; Brittany, 11; Caitlin, 12; Georgia, 15; Mariah, 16; Shanice, 19; Bradley, 21; and Natasha 22

Squeezed into a four-bedroom council house in Guernsey lives a woman branded the UK's most prolific single mother.
Joanne Watson, 40, has 14 children, ranging in age from three to 22 and survives largely on state benefits after the breakdown of her marriage in 2010.
Once celebrated in endless articles in the press for her clan of immaculately turned-out blonde children, who were then supported entirely by the salary of her hardworking husband John, Joanne Watson and her family have now become figures of ridicule - and even hate.

Quality time: Joanne relaxes with her 14 children in the garden outside their family home

The family's bubble was burst four years ago when an accident meant John, 46, had to give up work as a lorry driver.
The financial pressure of caring for his 14 children meant John made a decision he will forever regret. As his health improved and with bills mounting, John claimed benefits while simultaneously taking some earnings.
He was caught, and the man who for two decades had been seen as the model father was sent to prison. The couple, who Joanne says had been arguing for years, separated and divorced.

Supplies, supplies: Joanne at home with her weekly shopping

'I feel pretty sore about what went on,' John says now. 'I've been married 20 years and been a good father. I've worked hard. Nobody can say I haven't, because I have.'
'I did get done for benefit fraud,' John admits.' But I paid my punishment, I went to prison and I paid all the money back.
Joanne leaps to her ex-husband's defence. 'He wasn't doing it to go on holidays and buy mobile phones,' Jo says. 'He was doing it to support us.'
The publicity the case attracted has made life - one that was already played out in the public eye - yet more difficult for the Watson children. Georgia, 15, says her regular appearance in the papers makes life at her school in St Martins very difficult.

Two weeks later, she split up from Craig, who subsequently told his story to the papers. Headlines appeared: "How I escaped the baby machine", talking of how Jo bombarded Craig with texts begging for a fifteenth baby. Joanne was devastated, but now says that nothing people say about her can match the hurt of losing the baby she named Billy.
Fighting back tears, Jo looks through a box of scans and tiny foot and handprints from the little boy. 'Holding his little body, seeing his tiny feet and hands. That hurts,' she says. 'People criticising me, slagging me off, that's not hurt.'
Joanne's 16-year-old daughter Mariah recently had her first child - making Joanne four times a grandmother. The media glare this brought upon the family (and their decision to take part in Channel 4 documentary 15 Kids and Counting, which aired last night) means the Watsons are unlikely to be out of the headlines any time soon.
But Joanne, who once enjoyed the fame and notoriety her large family brought her, now insists she regrets their infamy.
'I don't want anyone coming to our house looking for a dirty story,' says Joanne. I wish they would just leave us alone.'

Squeezed on the sofa : Joanne Watson with the 11 children who still live at the family home

source: dailymail

No kerbs, pavements or nanny-state signs: Britain's longest clutter-free street is unveiled to actually make things SAFER

2012-02-02T06:08:00.000+07:00

By RAY MASSEY

Before and after: Exhibition Road in January 2010 (left) and November 2011 (right), after the refurbishment. Now the half-mile road, decorated by a criss-cross pattern, is a continuous shared space for cars and people

Britain’s longest ‘clutter-free’ street was opened today with the aim of making cars and people co-exist harmoniously – without the need for hectoring signs and protective steel barriers.
Indeed, the newly revamped Exhibition Road in the heart of London’s museum quarter in Kensington, visited by millions of people from around Britain and the world, doesn’t even have kerbs or pavements.
The idea underlining the project is that when nannying rules and orders - in the form of countless signs, traffic signals and barriers - are removed, motorists take more personal responsibility for their own actions and drive more attentively, making more eye contact with pedestrians.

Ground level: Pedestrians use the zig-zag of walkways on Exhibition Road, Kensington, with more than one million bricks made of Chinese granite used in the project

It may sound counter-intuitive. But experts swear that the idea pioneered in Holland really does work better for everyone and improves safety.
And supporters say it is a blueprint for the 21st century high street in towns and cities across the country.
The entire half-mile long (820 metres) of road and pavement is now one continuous and wide expanse of flat ‘shared space’ surface decorated with a criss-cross chequered pattern created from a jigsaw of a million bricks of Chinese granite.

The new-look Exhibition Road project which began as an idea more than a decade ago, cost nearly £30million to complete, and has taken three years’ work.
It features a kerb-free single surface with no barriers or ‘street clutter’ – all of which have been removed.
Instead, a stunning chequered granite design runs from South Kensington Station to Hyde Park along the full width of the road from building to building in a newly created ‘shared space’.

By night: the new-look refurbishment was thought up 10 years ago and cost some £30million to complete

Pedestrian areas are distinguished from those to be used by vehicles by black iron drainage channel covers and raised and ribbed ‘corduroy-effect’ tactile strips.
These also help warn blind and partially sighted people underfoot that they are moving into or out of vehicle-free areas. The markings run along each side of Exhibition Road, about four yards out from buildings helping to delineate the areas for pedestrians, and those for vehicles.
Cars are slowed by a 20mph speed limit and planners expect traffic to reduce by nearly a third.
Tall, sleek street lighting masts have been designed to complement the grand buildings of Exhibition Road.
The continuously flat surface also improves access, particularly for those using wheelchairs, push chairs and motorised buggies.
Sir Jeremy Dixon of leading architectural practice Dixon Jones which led the project said: ’It’s not a complete free for all.

Relaxing: A couple sit on one of the benches in the refurbished street. The project which began as an idea more than a decade ago, cost nearly £30million to complete, and has taken three years' work

‘But when the rules by which traffic normally operates are removed -signs, barriers and kerb markings - drivers become more observant.
'They make more eye-contact with pedestrians which produces greater watchfulness. They use the road more like pedestrians. They take more responsibility for their actions.’
In a similar vein, studies have shown that when traffic lights are removed from crossings, traffic flows more freely and efficiently because drivers take more care, he said.
Even before the road was officially opened today by London Mayor Boris Johnson, Sir Jeremy noted people’s behaviour had changed:
‘You see people promenading down the street, sometimes ten abreast. It’s marvellous.’
A spokesman for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council said: ‘We have introduced a 20 mph speed limit on the road, and we expect the scheme to reduce traffic by approximately 30 per cent to the south of Prince Consort Road.

By day: The new design is intended to make drivers more observant

‘The removal of street clutter, such as conventional traffic signals, barriers, signs and road markings, will encourage motorists to slow down when they enter the road and engage with their surroundings.’
He added: ‘Traffic is restricted to the east side of Exhibition Road, away from the busiest pedestrian flow between South Kensington Station and the Science Museum.
'We have improved the pedestrian crossings by making them wider, to accommodate larger numbers of pedestrians.’

The speed limit will be 20 mph and traffic is expected to decline 30 per cent

‘This new scheme is more like the behaviour in a supermarket car park. Drivers know there are people around pushing shopping trolleys and so drive more cautiously. They are looking out. They don’t feel that pedestrians are invading their space. They don’t therefore get annoyed.’
Planners have also planted more trees to improve the ambiance and help delineate the pedestrian and traffic zones. Traffic will flow in both directions.

source: dailymail

'She doesn't do emails... she does phone sex': Nicola Roberts jokes over MC Harvey's claims of a romance with Cheryl Cole

2012-02-01T21:17:00.000+07:00

By ALANAH ERIKSEN

Sticking up for her: Nicola Roberts has defended band mate Cheryl Cole over MC Harvey's claims the pair had a secret relationship

Nicola Roberts has voiciferously defended Cheryl Cole over MC Harvey's claims he has emails proving they had a secret relationship - by jokingly claiming the former X Factor judge would rather have phone sex.
Cheryl's Girls Aloud bandmate weighed in on the So Solid rapper after her friend became embroiled in an unseemly Twitter row with So Solid Crew rapper Harvey.
The rapper and former husband of Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon claimed they shared a romance in 2010 when she split from ex-husband Ashley Cole.

When she denied the connection, he said he had emails to prove it.
Speaking out about the drama, Nicola tweeted last night: 'Emails..?? I think someone's been having you on mate..'
She then added: '#shedoesntdoemailsshedoesphonesex.'
Cheryl re-tweeted the two comments and added: 'spat my tea out* Lmfao..'
Yesterday, she wrote on her Twitter page she was baffled by news of their apparent romance in a magazine interview this week.

Funny: Cheryl re-tweeted the comments, adding that she 'spat her tea out' when reading them

She said: 'Was this "relationship" happening in your head @harveyofficial?! Are you smoking something?
'@harveyofficial I think I've met you once maybe twice at public events and With your wife!! #s**tjustgetsweirder.'
A few minutes later, Harvey tweeted back: 'Do you actually want me to tweet some of the messages you emailed me @cherylcole pipe down and stop playing the saint in front of your fans.

Outspoken: Harvey, real name Michael Harvey Jnr, made the claims in a magazine interview this week

'This is not a twitter beef. I still have massive respect for @cherylcole but you shouldn't of tweeted that knowing we both have personal messages to eachother #silenceinthecourt.'
He continued: 'Its funny how the hype has calmed down since I mentioned the emails. Where I come from we don't snitch I'd rather die than sell my soul #simples.'
To make things awkward, Cheryl has been friends with Harvey's ex-wife Alesha Dixon and the mother of his child, Javine Hylton.

Baffled: Earlier, Cheryl became embroiled in a row with Harvey on Twitter

'Disappointed': Harvey claims to have private emails between himself and the singer

'She's a good girl. We've got a great respect for each other.'
While Harvey refused to be drawn into too much detail on their apparent fling, he said they had been friends for years before they grew closer after Cheryl's split from husband Ashley.
He recalled: 'We started confiding in each other. A lot of it was like: "We can't trust anyone out there, so we're just gonna trust each other."
Although Harvey declined to say where they went on dates, he admitted he was honest with his opinion about Cheryl's her vocal ability.

'So far off': Harvey claimed their romance happened when Cheryl had been linked to Derek Hough

source: dailymail

Play Harry upfront! One Direction's management push Mr Styles as leader of the pack as band bid's to break the US

2012-02-01T21:06:00.000+07:00

By ALANAH ERIKSEN

Standing out: One Direction's US management are trying to make Harry Styles the lead singer, saying American band's who have a frontman make it bigger

They were put together as equals on the 2010 series of X Factor.
But One Direction's U.S. management are trying to make Harry Styles into the lead singer, with sources saying boybands in America that have a recognised frontman tend to make it bigger than those that don't.
The teenager, who turn 18 today, has been given leading roles during their current tour stateside.

All together: Harry joins his band mates for a photo shoot in Los Angeles yesterday, from left, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson

Ready for the big push stateside: One Direction with Nickelodeon's iCarly star Miranda Cosgrove

The ex-boyfriend of The Xtra Factor host Caroline Flack was yesterday continuing the publicity rounds with his band mates- Louis Tomlinson, 20, Zayn Malik, 19, Niall Horan, 18, and Liam Payne, 18.
The group were seen in a number of funny poses during the photoshoot at a studio in Los Angeles.
Harry led the band when they filmed a guest spot on Nickelodeon show iCarly, with Carly, played by Miranda Cosgrove, 18, developing a crush on him.

Funny foursome: Some of the boys lark about on set

But the group group want to stick together.
A friend told the newspaper: 'They are determined to carry on the way they have been – without a lead singer. Harry certainly hasn’t asked for all this attention.'
Harry has already caught the eye of the offspring of Hollywood royalty, Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of action man Arnold.
After tweeting last week that she thought he was cute after watching one of the band's videos, she managed to blag her way onto the iCarly set.
But Harry is wary of her tough-taking, former governor father.

Busy boys: Niall and Harry chat to a woman on set, after shooting a iCarly episode the day before

source: dailymail

Is this the most awkward family photo ever? Pregnant couple sets new standard with bizarre shot

2012-02-01T20:42:00.000+07:00

By HUGO GYE

A new record: This extraordinary picture could be the most awkward family photo in history

Over the past few years, the website Awkward Family Photos has been serving up the world's most embarrassing snaps to an eager audience.
So perhaps the public has become immune to the diet of matching sweaters, cringeworthy set-ups and over-the-top celebration which characterise most of the photos. But this extraordinary example may well set a new standard - it could be the most awkward family photo ever.

The picture, which has been shared on Facebook 38,000 times, features a young couple showing off the development of their unborn child.
Nothing wrong with that - except that, for some reason, the pair are topless, with the woman wearing revealing lingerie.

Stiff competition: This horror show is another contender for the title of worst ever

And their new baby is included in the photo by the simple expedient of drawing a picture of it - complete with umbilical cord - on the mother's belly.
Family-photo aficionados will already be used to seeing children unwillingly roped in to their parents' photographic masterpieces.
But this couple has taken that to a new level, by including their child in the photo at a time when, confined in the womb, it really is helpless to refuse.

source: dailymail

'I'm a Bigorexic': Champion female bodybuilder is hooked on working out... and won't stop until she weighs 20 STONE

2012-02-01T15:59:00.000+07:00

By MAYSA RAWI

Rene Campbell weighs 13.5 stone but is so addicted to bodybuilding she won't stop until she weighs 20 stone

A mother-of-two who was once a petite size 8 has become so addicted to bodybuilding - she won't stop until she hits 20 stone.
Rene Campbell, a British national champion who currently weighs 13.5 stone, works out for two hours a day, five times a week.
The 35-year-old self-confessed 'Bigorexic' also consumes 4,200 calories a day in the form of chicken, rice and vegetables and even carries a pair of scales with her so she can weigh her food in restaurants.

The 35-year-old consumes 4,200 calories a day in the form of chicken, rice and vegetables and even carries a pair of scales with her so she can weigh her food in restaurants

The divorced mother, who has size 18 shoulders, has been training for four years.
Rene told The Sun: 'I won't stop until I'm bigger.
'I look at the 20-stone guys in the gym and think I want to be that big. I love the muscular aesthetic - looking like a Greek God. It's a form of art.'

Rene, who has size 18 shoulders, has been training for four years
Rene was no stranger to sports but after years of long distance running and triathlons, she took up bodybuilding as a new challenge - and went on to take part in eight competitions since 2008.
She recently came first place in the UKBFF British Finals.
On her website, Rene wrote: 'I reasoned with myself that if I didn't like it I could walk away. I was tired of the hours of cardio each day and wanted a new challenge.
'I won my first competition and was bitten by the bug and have now come to thoroughly love the bodybuilding lifestyle.'

source: dailymail

Naughty but nice: Paris Hilton spices up her sweet outfit with saucy suspender tights

2012-02-01T15:50:00.000+07:00

By IONA KIRBY

Sex appeal: Paris added some racy stockings to her otherwise sweet outfit

Paris Hilton may have decided that her outfit was a little too sweet before she stepped out in Los Angeles today.
To make sure she was still oozing sex appeal, the heiress added a pair of racy tights designed to look like suspenders.
She teamed the stockings with a black figure skater dress and lacy black jacket for her day out in Beverly Hills.

Dressed to kill: Paris made sure all eyes were on her with the interesting hosiery

And the tights weren’t the only interesting accessory the blonde decided to slip on for her outing, as she also donned a pair of Prada sunglasses which boasted swirls on the arms.
The star picked up a hot pink smoothie to sip as she strolled down the street, perhaps just in case her all-black outfit needed an eye popping colour to top it off.
Pairs expertly stepped out of her white car while keeping herself covered up with a large silver handbag, protecting her modesty from the paparazzi.

A touch of pink: Pairs topped off her all-black outfit with a colourful smoothie

The Simple Life star was shopping alone but the fruits of her trip seemed to be successful, when she was spotted loading a Louis Vuitton carrier bag into her car before driving off.
Paris may be a fashion fanatic, but she is somewhat behind on the suspender tights trend. The trompe l’oeil tights, sold by French lingerie brand Chantal Thomas and most significantly by House of Holland in the UK, were made popular after being spotted on singer Lily Allen in 2009.

Interesting accessories: Paris was also sporting some unusual Prada sunglasses with swirled arms

Like a pro: Paris used her silver handbag to ensure she didn't have any wardrobe malfunctions

They were then adopted by a host of British celebrities including British Royal Princess Eugenie, The Saturdays singer Frankie Sandford and Welsh star Charlotte Church. Rihanna and Selena Gomez took the hosiery trend across the Atlantic in November of last year.
And now it seems Paris may be following in the footsteps of the pair and hoping to give the accessory a new lease of life in the U.S.A.

I want Candy: Paris was seen stocking up on lollipops at a gas station

Decision time: Paris seemed overhwelmed by the choice of sweets

Following the trend: Rihanna and Selena Gomez took the tights across the Atlantic late last year

source: dailymail

'Why not charge?': Eamonn Holmes shocks This Morning viewers as he asks sex addict why she hasn't turned to prostitution

2012-02-01T15:40:00.000+07:00

By DAVID GERGES

Critical: Holmes, right, during the maligned interview with Crystal Warren

Eamonn Holmes stunned ITV viewers after he asked a female sex addict why she hadn't turned to prostitution. The This Morning host was interviewing Crystal Warren who claimed to have slept with more than 1000 men.
The 42-year-old revealed that she was unable to keep a job as a result of her constant need for sex.
During the candid chat, Holmes queried: 'If you need this five or six times a day, have you never thought about making a business of it? Charging for it?'
To which, Warren replied: 'What, becoming a prostitute?'
'Then it becomes a business, then I become maybe like a robot.
'This way I am enjoying it, I do it when I want to do it, I get to choose who I sleep with.'

Stunned: Crystal Warren defended said her need for sex meant she was unable to hold down a permanent job

Holmes' interrogation led to an outrage on Twitter with TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh amongst those to vent her anger.
She said: "Omg !! Can't believe eamon holmes just said to a sex addict on this morning 'y dont you start a business , and charge for it !' illegal !"
Harry Bradshaw added: "The awkward momentEamonn Holmes asks you why don't you just become a prostitute live on TV. #thismorning."
Whilst another person wrote: "Eamonn Holmes is disgusting! #EndOf"

An ITV spokesperson told The Sun: 'Eamonn's question was in the context of a wider balanced and frank interview and we have had no complaints.'
Whilst Doctor Thaddeus Birchard, who specialises in sex addiction, said: 'It was an irresponsible comment.'
He added: 'It shows no understanding of the true nature of sex addiction.
'I meet people all the time whose lives are in disarray because of their sex patterns and people are very distressed by this.'

source: dailymail

Blooming lovely: Miranda Kerr poses amid a sea of flowers on the streets of Sydney

2012-02-01T15:18:00.000+07:00

By MARISSA CHARLES

Flower power: Miranda Kerr was hard at work on Monday posing during a photo shoot in Sydney, Australia

From the moment she landed in Australia a few days ago Miranda Kerr has been hard at work.
On Monday the Victoria's Secret model was back on her home turf, posing on the streets of Sydney.
She was seen on a boat in the landmark harbour, lounging as a photographer snapped photos for what is believed to be an assignment for an Italian magazine.

Thirsty work: Kerr takes a break during the photo shoot

More pictures have since emerged of the 28-year-old Australian clad in a black and white dress, surrounded by flowers.
Wearing a broad-brimmed hat and a wide smile the married mum-of-one posed at a florist's stand on a Sydney street.
Later she was seen taking a break, having a drink while wearing a gypsy-style dress.

Fresh faced: Kerr sported the dewy make-up look

Later that night Kerr hit the red carpet to attend the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards, which has been dubbed the Aussie Oscars.
After the ceremony she wrote on her Twitter page: 'Just finished at the AACTA awards.
'A wonderful night for Australian film and television!'
Kerr arrived in Sydney on Saturday with her husband, actor Orlando Bloom and their one-year-old son Flynn.

source: dailymail

Ditching the tomboy chic? Kristen Stewart glams up for Vanity Fair shoot with Mario Testino and Karl Lagerfeld

2012-02-01T15:11:00.000+07:00

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Going glamorous: Kristen Stewart was seen arriving a photo shoot in Paris with a full face of make-up

She is often seen sporting little make-up and a casual style.
But for a Vanity Fair photoshoot it appears that Kristen Stewart has ditched her tom boy chic in favour of show-stopping glamour.
The Twilight star, 21, was seen sporting a full face of dramatic make-up as she made her way to to meet with legendary photographer Mario Testino for Vanity Fair.

How rude! During the shoot Kristen was seen swearing as she posed with Karl Legerfeld. Only a small view of the star's elaborate outfit can be seen

While she might not have been in her couture gowns for the high-fashion shoot her smokey eyes and coiffured hair were just a taste of the spectacle to come.
Kristen was seen on the set of the shoot sporting an elaborate black gown with lashing of organza around the neckline.
The young actress was seen arm-in-arm with Chanel head honcho Karl Lagerfeld who had shied away from his usual all-black attire stepping out in all white to match his hair.

Scruffy style: Kristen was seen leaving the shoot in her own causal clothes leaving the couture of the high fashion shoot for Vanity Fair behind

During the shoot Kristen was seen swearing with her finger as Karl looked into the camera.
As she left the photo shoot Kristen found herself surrounded by fans.
While the star usually shies away from fuss she was happy to pose for pictures and sign autographs.

In demand: Kristen was seen signing autographs for her waiting fans after her shoot

Snap happy: The actress was also happy to pose for pictures with her fans

But the actress, who is playing the role of Snow White alongside Charlize Theron, had her usual surly face on as she made her way back to the hotel.
Kristen was seen shooting films for the dark take on the classic tale earlier this week.
The actress was seen in a hooded top and skulked between action shots with a cigarette in hand and dark circles under her eyes.

Getting ready? Kristen was seen with clips in her hair ahead of the shoot

source: dailymail

James Corden pays tribute to Peter Sellers as Georgia May Jagger channels Britt Ekland in new magazine shoot

2012-02-01T14:42:00.000+07:00

By SARAH BULL

Tribute piece: James Corden pays tribute to Peter Sellers while Georgia May Jagger channels Britt Ekland in a new shoot for Harper's Bazaar UK magazine

They are both British comedians who have made a name for themselves as hilarious funnymen.
And now James Corden has paid tribute to Peter Sellers by posing by with Georgia May Jagger, who channels the comedian's second wife Britt Ekland, in a new shoot for Harper's Bazaar magazine.
The former Gavin And Stacey star is seen reclining on a chair wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses similar to the ones sported by Sellers, as Jagger cuddles him from behind, looking sexy in a sixties-inspired cream patterned dress.

Monochrome chic: In another black and white shot, Corden and Jagger are seen larking around against a white background

In another black and white shot, taken by photographer Trent McGinn, the pair lark around against a white background.
In the accompanying interview, James, who has achieved huge success of late with his run in West End play One Man, Two Guvnors, said he always admired Sellers for his ability to laugh some of the most attractive women into the bedroom.
He said: 'I worked out pretty early on that if you look like I do then you sure as shit had better make the girls laugh if you wanted to get anywhere.

The real deal: Sellers pictured with his second wife, Swedish actress Britt Ekland

'It was not just that Sellers made women laugh, but his confidence that is very attractive to be around. He oozed effortless charm. He was wildly charismatic.'
Corden looks slim in the shoot for Harper's Bazaar UK, donning a form-fitting suit after losing a staggering five stone in recent months.
The 33-year-old actor is believed to have gone from 21 stone to 16 stone, and is thought to be aiming to shed another 21lbs before hitting New York with his critically-acclaimed production.

The full interview appears in the March issue of Harper's Bazaar UK

However, James has since taken to his Twitter page to tell fans that he isn't as slim as some people may think he is.
He tweeted: 'Lots of people saying they've seen me looking 'slim' in pics!I fear they'll be dissapointed in the flesh!! #stillsixteenstone!'
The full interview and photoshoot appears in the March issue of Harper's Bazaar UK, on sale Thursday 2nd February.

source: dailymail

All woman: Ex-Disney star Selena Gomez flaunts her cleavage on Cosmopolitan cover and gushes about her love for Justin Bieber

2012-02-01T14:32:00.000+07:00

By MARISSA CHARLES

Cover girl: Selena Gomez appears on the front of the March issue of US Cosmopolitan

Anyone who doubted that Selena Gomez has left her child star days behind her need only pick up the new issue of Cosmopolitan.
The former Wizards of Waverly Place actress appears on the front cover of the US March edition.
The fresh-faced teen who got her break on the Disney Channel has been replaced with a cleavage-baring young lady just months away from her 20th birthday.

All grown up: The Wizards of Waverly Place star will celebrate her 20th birthday in July

The actress and singer appears on the front cover in a pink, sleeveless dress with a plunging neckline. In the accompanying interview she gushes about being one half of a celebrity teen couple. Gomez, who is dating 17-year-old pop star Justin Bieber, tells Cosmopolitan: 'I'm just like every 19-year-old girl.

At work: The Disney star took to the stage in Puerto Rico earlier this month

'If you're in love, you're in love to the fullest, and you just want to go to the movies, hang out, and be as normal as possible.
'I'm fortunate that I've found someone who has that philosophy.'
Gomez has just finished filming her final episodes of Wizards of Waverly Place, the Disney series that for five years has enchanted children and teens around the world.

Young love: Selena attended the 2011 American Music Awards with her boyfriend singer Justin Bieber in LA back in November

Cosmopolitan is running with the daring Gomez photo just a month after the February issue that featured Dakota Fanning in a low-cut dress.
The cover caused an uproar online when the 17-year-old former child star appeared, hand on hip, in a slinky, low-cut dress.
The new issue of Cosmopolitan will be on US newsstands from February 7.
To read more of the interview with Selena Gomez go to Cosmopolitan.com.

source: dailymail

Harry Potter grows up: Daniel Radcliffe smoulders in new photo shoot as he admits 'I'm a serial monogamist'

2012-02-01T14:24:00.000+07:00

By HOLLY THOMAS

All grown up: Daniel Radcliffe has certainly shaken off his childhood Harry Potter image in his latest photo shoot for Esquire magazine

He's one of the most recognisable film stars in the world, and following the juggernaut that was the Harry Potter franchise, is now fronting a new, grown-up movie, The Woman In Black.
But despite his astonishing success, Daniel Radcliffe hasn't quite been considered heartthrob material before now.
However if his latest photo shoot with Esquire magazine is anything to go by, it shouldn't be long before he is.

Object of lust: Radcliffe describes how he has been offered sex from female fans

The 22-year-old smoulders as he chats about being offered sex by fans, his battle with alcohol addiction, and why he's a committed one-woman man.
He reveals: 'I’m a serial monogamist. I’m not one of those people that can date loads of people at the same time, it’s all too complicated.'
Daniel certainly doesn't lack for offfers however, as he continues: 'I recently had this woman who wrote to me a couple of times, offering sex. She didn’t say it explicitly, but she said, "This is my hotel room number, I will be sitting in row C, seat 26 and wearing a red scarf."'

Modest: Daniel says that he has 'no idea' how much money he has, but that no actor deserves to earn 'that' much

He is modest about his physical attributes however, saying: 'I’m 5ft 5in, so no one gives me a second glance. And New Yorkers are quite blasé about celebrities, anyway.'
It is apparent that Daniel does not take his career for granted, as he says: 'I’m trying to challenge myself. If there’s not a certain amount of fear – a voice saying, ‘you can’t do that’ – then I don’t really have anything to really push against.'
'Just because I worked for 10 years doesn’t mean that I’m 10 years ahead. I’m probably no better or worse than the average actor coming out of drama school at this point.'

Daniel Radcliffe seen in the very first film in the smash-hit series: Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone (2001) with owl Hedwig

'I have no idea how much money I’ve got. Do I deserve it? F*** no! No actor does. But at the same time, you wouldn’t turn it down, would you?'
Nevertheless, he rebuffs naysayers criticising his latest effort Women In Black, protesting: 'There’s all these articles about the film saying, ‘still dealing with ghosts, I see...’ And you just think, ‘Christ you’re f**king lazy!’ Saying the ghosts in Potter are like the ghosts in The Woman in Black is like saying by doing [upcoming high-school drama] The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Emma’s still just playing a teenage girl.'
The young actor has revealed in the past that he battled a secret alcohol addiction while filming Harry Potter.

Read the full interview with Dan in the March issue of Esquire, out on Thursday

Naked again! Daniel is to revisit his Equus experience by baring all for John Krokidas-directed play Kill Your Darlings

As during his Equus turn, Daniel will be required to go naked on stage for the role, and John is reportedly insistent the film retains authentic historical accuracy - including in Radcliffe's most intimate areas.
'I've just been having a discussion with the guy who's directing my new project. It might have a bit of nudity, and he said: "Just to let you know, if you're getting naked, no landscaping of any kind. This is the 40s and you're playing a Jew",' he told heat.
Daniel's full interview with Esquire appears in the March issue, on sale Thursday.

source: dailymail

A day in the life of Kim Kardashian: Scantily-clad reality star invites fans behind the scenes of smouldering photoshoot

2012-02-01T13:26:00.000+07:00

By IONA KIRBY

Inviting: Kim showed fans what it was like to be behind the scenes at her photo shoot

Kim Kardashian gave her admirers a glimpse into her average day when she took them behind the scenes of her latest photo shoot.
The reality star slipped into a series of form-fitting outfits to pose for the cover of Esquire magazine’s Latin America issue.
The 31-year-old filmed a special segment that showed viewers what it was like to be backstage at the shoot, which took place on location at a Los Angeles hotel.

Sheer delight: Kim posed in a series of revealing outfits for the photo shoot

Kim could be seen wearing a number of revealing ensembles, including a leopard-print body with a black belt, and a sheer black slip over some matching lingerie.
Most of the behind the scenes clip shows Kim simply posing for the camera, while in others she can be seen having her make-up touched up or taking direction from photographer John Russo.
Some of the outfits took a sexy spin on work attire, with one shot seeing the star lounging on a sofa in a figure-hugging pencil skirt, and another showing her posing on a chair in a blazer and a pair of tiny shorts.

Touching up: Kim had a team of people making sure she was looking her best

Professional: Kim took direction from photographer John Russo

The businesswoman worked the camera like a pro, showing off her best angles and flaunting her famous curves in the array of saucy items.
One shot saw her pushing up her ample cleavage as she pouted for them camera in just a skirt and unbuttoned jacket.
And when she wasn’t concentrating on having her photo taken, the reality star blew kisses to the rolling camera and wished the magazine a happy birthday.

Seductive: Ever the professional, Kim knew how to flaunt her best angles

Mixing business with pleasure: Some of the outfits gave workwear a sexy spin

Happy birthday!: Kim poses for the cover of Esquire's Latin America issue

The series of seductive shots were taken for the February 2012 issue of the publication. And model behaviour was not the only thing Kim showed off today as the TV personality also gave her new hairdo its debut as spent a day out with a friend Beverly Hills. She posted photos to her Twitter account yesterday along with the message: ‘I dyed my hair lighter yesterday! I'm loving it! New hair color=new beginnings for me You like?’
Kim sent the messages while shooting a lingerie campaign for the Kardashian Collection, the brand she created alongside sisters Kourtney and Khloe.
Kim was seen displaying her lighter locks while enjoying a bite to eat with her friend before indulging in a spot of retail therapy.

Lighter locks: Kim showed off her new hair colour when she stepped out today

But the star may have worn out her pockets as she was then seen ignoring a homeless person asking her to spare some change, instead marching straight to her car to return home following her shopping trip.
And after all the glamour of her recent photo shoots, Kim appeared to be enjoying some downtime in casual attire.
She was wearing a simple outfit of a white tank top, black leather jacket, jeans, and black boots.
Esquire's February 2012 Latin America issue is out now. For more information, visit their website.

Not feeling very charitable?: Kim ignored a homeless man as she headed to her car

No time to stop: Kim and her friend marched straight past the man asking if they could spare some change

source: dailymail

Can you spot another fashion slip up? Pixie Lott misses again in sheer polka dot maxi skirt

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

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Not her best look: Usually stylish star Pixie Lott turned up for her Radio 1 Live Lounge slot today wearing a sheer polka dot maxi skirt

She can usually be counted upon to step out looking enviably stylish.
But the last few days haven't exactly been Pixie Lott's best fashion-wise.
The 21-year-old arrived at the Radio 1 Live Lounge today wearing an odd full-length sheer polka dot skirt. The star's modesty was protected by a black mini skirt underneath. She teamed her unusual choice with a high-necked black top and leather jacket with a leopard print lining. Pixie accessorised with two pale gold crucifixes and a delicate chain bracelet.

Unflattering: The outfit did not make the most of Pixie's lovely figure

The Mama Do singer tweeted before her slot: 'Getting ready for my Live Lounge for @bbcr1 and @fearnecotton. Tune in v soon cats!! Aggaga! Xx'
Pixie sang a cover of Lloyd's hit single 'Dedication To My Ex (Miss That)', which features Lil Wayne and Andre 3000, for her Live Lounge slot.
She explained to presenter Fearne Cotton: 'I chose it because I was listening to all the recent stuff at the moment, and I like songs with a bit of soul in it.'

Double miss: Pixie's ensemble for her Daybreak appearance yesterday was also rather unfortunate

'I though we could take it and interpret it in our own way just rough it up a bit.''
Pixie also divulged that she intends to release more singles from her latest offering, Young Foolish Happy and hopes to promote the LP in Japan when it is released in February.
Her most recent single Kiss The Stars is Pixie's third top ten hit from the record, which charted at number 18 in November last year.

Sheer mistake: Pixie's blouse featured a leopard print collar and cuffs

While Pixie doesn't usually need to worry as far as her vocals are concerned, it can't be denied that this hasn't been her week when it comes to wardrobe choices.
She turned up to film ITV Daybreak yesterday wearing another unfortunate ensemble which did little to flatter her many attributes.
Pixie wore a sleeveless leopard print dress with a sheer grey blouse sporting a leopard print collar and cuffs for her appearance.

source: dailymail

How I lost 500 pounds: Morbidly obese mother reveals her stunning transformation

2012-02-01T12:41:00.000+07:00

By DAISY DUMAS

From that, to this: Melissa's old self is unrecognisable to the woman she is today. Happy and slender, she says she lives for her two-year-old daughter - but was prompted to lose weight by her mum's cancer

Her story is one of epic proportions - and a life-saving determination to change her body forever.
Melissa Morris, mother-of-one, has reason to be proud: She has gone from being one of the world's heaviest people, weighing a shocking 673 pounds, to a healthy weight of around just 170 pounds.
Dropping an astonishing 500 pounds, the Texan has undergone a transformation that is hard to comprehend, affording her new-found freedom and independence that she may never have lived to have seen.

The woman formerly known as: Melissa Morris shows up her old skirt - made of a vast 12 feet of fabric - and tells GMA just how much her life has changed

Melissa's tale is now the subject of new TLC show, My 600-lb Life, in which she joins three other morbidly obese individuals on the journey of drastic weight loss.
Speaking with ABC News' Good Morning America, the now-slender Melissa, who says she 'literally lives for' her two-year-old daughter, recalls the moment that prompted her to end the extreme lifestyle to which she had become so addicted.

673 pounds and counting: Melissa features in the new TLC series, My 600 pound life. The show sees her aiming to lose a third of her bodyweight - but she achieves far more

Recovering from a cancer operation, her mother, still in bandages, asked her: 'Can I get up and make you something to eat?'
It was all she needed to hear, she explains: 'My mom could die and she's worried about whether she can get up and get me something to eat'. She says that she knew that she had had enough and went in search of a doctor who would take on the challenge of performing gastric bypass surgery on her huge body.

Wedding bells: Melissa was already overweight when she married Chris Morris but her weight ballooned in her married years

TLC shows the process of Melissa's surgery and the shift from focusing on food and little else to finally being able to start a family.
Looking happy and healthy - if a little shell-shocked by the experience - Melissa showed the GMA audience the skirt she wore to the hospital on the day she had surgery. Arms outstretched, the garment is made of a vast, 12-foot-length of fabric.

Special reward: Melissa says her daughter, two, is 'literally' what she 'lives for'

Uncomfortable truth: Melissa says that she could cope with being 337 pounds but when she hit 645 pounds, she knew she had to make a change

Not so happy couple? Melissa and three other individuals aim to lose an astonishing ONE TON between them on the four-part series which has been filmed over seven years

'No-one can understand it's like to go from where I was to where I am today.'
Embodying that dependence - and independence - the story is about a lot more than weight loss: Facing the horrendous truth and taking the hard journey from forced medical intervention to developing a sense of pride.

Bypass for your life: All four of the show's subjects have life changing gastric bypass surgery in 2004 - the four-part series charts their struggle to lead normal lives

Checked baggage: One woman describes her husband's fear of her new-found independence. 'He's afraid I'm gonna leave him,' she sobs on a preview clip

'He's afraid I'm gonna leave him,' she sobs.
The clip shows a horrendous post-surgery wound - and many a tear as the changelings come to terms with what they had done to themselves.
Melissa said: 'I could tell you this whole journey was easy, but that would be a lie. But it wouldn't be a lie to tell you it was worth it.

source: dailymail

The real face of Kim Kardashian: Reality TV star caught without make-up after tweeting glossy lingerie portrait

2012-02-01T12:14:00.000+07:00

Unmasked: Kim Kardashian left the gym in her white Ferrari without an make-up yesterday

She's a high-maintenance girl who is almost always camera ready.
But Kim Kardashian was caught without make-up as she arrived at her local gym gym in her white Ferrari yesterday.
The 31-year-old, who was dressed in tight black leggings and a vest, later hid her eyes behind oversized sunglasses as she dashed into the fitness centre.
She certainly isn't always so shy - just hours later she posted glossy self-portraits of her lighter locks - and buxom figure - on her Twitter page.
She posted pictures from the set of her new campaign for the Kardashian Kollection lingerie line, and she made sure she was the perfect advert for the range as she posed in a coral coloured bra.

This is how I roll: The reality TV star was driving her luxury sports car

Kim amped up the sex appeal by posting a photo of herself wearing just the underwear, with the caption: ‘Photo shoot fresh! All about corals for spring swimwear.’
She then sent an almost identical but slightly less revealing snap of herself in an untied fluffy white bathrobe, with her hair partially covering her cleavage.

Body of work: The star poured her figure into tight leggings and a black vest

Shortly after the photo shoot, she posted yet another photo to the social networking site.
Her assets were again clear for all to see, but the star simply asked her fans what they thought about her new hue.
She wrote: ‘I dyed my hair lighter yesterday! I'm loving it! New hair color=new beginnings for me You like?’
But it hasn’t all been fun and photo shoots for Kim after the star recently had to deal with a trespasser on her property, it has been reported.

A great advert: Kim was on a lingerie shoot for her Kardashian Kollection fashion range

source: dailymail

Demon behind the sofa: Scary face goes viral as Twitter and Facebook users spread the fear

2012-02-01T12:06:00.000+07:00

Can you see it? The scary face is well hidden, but once you see it a shiver will pass down your spine

It could just be a trick of the light. But the terrifying face in this picture could be something more sinister.
At first glance, there is nothing untoward and the image has divided the internet between the people who can see it, and those who cannot.
Once it is pointed out, however, it is difficult to take your eyes away from the face that suddenly becomes clear.

The origins of the picture are unclear, but it's possible that it was actually created by someone hiding behind the cushion while being photographed.
Or it could be something that somebody has been created using Photoshop.
However it was made, it is hard to look away or get the image out of your head.

Here is another 'scary face' picture that recently did the rounds of the social networks

If you're still struggling to spot it look to the left of the picture, underneath the cushion on the plain brown sofa.
Twitter user Ryan Evans wrote: 'It genuinely made me Jump when I saw it, be warned!'
Another, @casioroee, wrote 'Embarassingly, it really make me jump.'
One person who saw the image on website imgur said: 'I was leaning WAY too close to the screen when I saw that ... thanks for the heart attack imgur.'

source: dailymail

Woman, 36, who campaigned for home births dies having baby girl at her own house

2012-02-01T11:55:00.000+07:00

-Caroline Lovell, 36, rushed to hospital after giving birth
-Death shocks midwives across Melbourne
-Coroner to conduct a full investigation

By RICHARD SHEARS

Tragic: Caroline Lovell died delivering her own baby daughter at home

A passionate advocate of home births has died after her own home labour.
Campaigner Caroline Lovell, 36, went into cardiac arrest while giving birth to her second daughter, Zahra, at her home. She was taken to hospital but died the next day. Her daughter survived. The tragedy, in Melbourne on January 23, will re-ignite debate about the safety of home births. NHS statistics show that between 2000 and 2008, home births in the UK soared by 54 per cent.

Mrs Lovell had made arrangements for a private midwife to assist with the delivery, but unknown complications during the birth caused her heart to stop.
By the time paramedics arrived at her home, she was critically ill.
The photographer, who leaves behind her husband Nick, her first daughter Lulu, three, and newborn Zahra, had lobbied the Australian government for more state support for women who wanted home births.

In 2009 she told a health inquiry that midwives who assisted with home births needed proper funding and legal protection, in line with other countries. Her written submission warned that ‘lives will be in threat without proper midwifery assistance’ from the state.
She wrote: ‘On a personal note, I am quite shocked and ashamed that homebirth will no longer be a woman’s free choice in low-risk pregnancies.
‘As a homebirthing mother I will have no choice but to have an unassisted birth at home as this is the place I want to birth my children.’

Mrs Lovell had spoken of her excitement at her impending arrival.
On October 19, she posted a message on the Facebook site for her massage business that read: ‘Maternity leave officially started this morning… had a beautiful last night at work and will keep you all posted on my burgeoning growth as a mother to be – second time round.’
The Midwives in Private Practice group said it was the first time they had heard of a mother’s death following a home birth. A spokesman said: ‘It’s very, very rare.’

source: dailymail

'Misleadingly exaggerated': Airbrushed Rachel Weisz L'Oreal advert is banned

2012-02-01T11:40:00.000+07:00

By SEAN POULTER

Oscar winning actress, Rachel Weisz, has taken a stand on the theme of natural beauty, even suggesting a ban on the use of Botox by fellow stars. However, questions were asked when she appeared with perfectly smooth skin in a campaign for L’Oreal’s age-defying beauty products.
In fact the image of the 41-year-old, who married Daniel Craig last year, had been digitally enhanced or airbrushed to even out her complexion.

Unrealistic: Hollywood actress Rachel Weisz, 41, looks 20 years younger in this banned L'Oreal campaign

Today, the Advertising Standards Authority(ASA) has announced a ban on the magazine advertisement for L’Oreal’s Revitalift Repair 10.
It ruled the image ‘misleadingly exaggerated’ the performance of the product.
The decision has been welcomed by Lib-Dem MP Jo Swinson, who is campaigning against the use of airbrushing and unrealistic images of beauty in advertising.

The actress stands alongside her James Bond husband, Daniel Craig

The British actress is not the first renowned beauty to have her image digitally enhanced to give a false impression of the benefits of using popular beauty products.
An advertisement for an Olay anti-aging product featuring Twiggy was banned in 2009. Last year L’Oreal advertisements featuring Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington were banned on the grounds they were misleading

‘The banning of this advert, along with the previous ASA rulings banning heavily retouched ads featuring Twiggy, Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington, should act as a wake-up call.
‘Thankfully the advertising regulator has again acknowledged the fraudulent nature of excessive retouching.’
She said there was sound medical evidence that faked images cause harm.

Also banned: This Twiggy Olay advert (left) and Julia Roberts L'Oreal advert (right) were both judged to have over-done the airbrushing

‘Rachel Weisz had been professionally styled and made-up and then lit and shot by a professional photographer in a studio setting.
‘The photo was shot using a lot of light in order to make the picture more flattering and to reduce the appearance of imperfections in the ensuing image by giving the image a soft focus and lower resolution.’
The company admitted the image had been subsequently retouched.
The ASA said: ‘We considered that the image had been altered in a way that substantially changed her complexion to make it appear smoother and more even.
‘We therefore concluded that the image in the ad misleadingly exaggerated the performance of the product.’

source: dailymail

The owl and the (peckish) pussycat: Children scream in horror as lion eats blundering bird

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000+07:00

By ANDREW LEVY

Ash, the barn owl from Colchester zoo who was eaten by a lion during a display

IT is a scene played out in thousands of gardens every day...albeit on a rather smaller scale. But when a cat caught and devoured a bird at a zoo, it caused pandemonium among visitors. In this case it was a lion that ate a barn owl which had become ‘spooked’ during a falconry display and flown out of the arena.
The unfortunate bird, a female called Ash, had been left dazed and disoriented after clattering into a window. She landed unsteadily in a couple of other spots before swooping down to a ledge in the lion enclosure.

One of the lions at the zoo that is believed to have pounced on the owl after it was knocked out of the air by a lioness

The bird then appears to have lost her footing and was clubbed out of the air by a lioness before a male pounced and made short work of her as screaming zoo visitors looked on.
Staff at Colchester Zoo in Essex quickly moved in but were unable to prevent Ash’s untimely death.
Gavin Duthie, who witnessed the gruesome scene with his two-year-old son Daniel, said: ‘He was in tears, along with most of the people who were there. Women and children were screaming but it was all over in seconds.

Colchester Zoo where an owl was killed in front of children during a demonstration

‘It’s in the lion’s nature. I have taught Daniel that lions are not fluffy animals. He was very upset but we will be back in the zoo again.’
The drama took place on Saturday afternoon as dozens of visitors gathered around the falconry arena.
Describing the bird’s final moments, the zoo’s marketing director Alex Downing said yesterday: ‘Although she landed on the side of the enclosure, she very sadly lost her footing and fell in, whereupon she was killed by one of the lions.’
She added: ‘Everyone is obviously extremely upset about such a combination of events.
‘But there is nothing that anyone could have done at the time to avoid such an awful outcome.

source: dailymail

Spoiler alert! Gossip Girl's identity revealed after five years of secrecy during 100th episode

2012-02-01T06:48:00.000+07:00

By JADE WATKINS

Close call: Sparks attempted to ruin the wedding between Blair Waldorf and Prince Louis on last night's show

Her identity has been shrouded in mystery for the past five years.
But now the identity of the girl who infamously signs off 'xoxo' has finally being revealed.
In last night's 100th landmark episode of Gossip Girl, villainous rich girl Georgina Sparks was spectacularly unveiled as the girl behind the gossip.

Revealed: Georgina Sparks, played by Michelle Tratchenberg, was revealed as 'Gossip Girl' on last night's landmark 100th episode

During the highly anticipated show, Sparks' secret identity was revealed when she was seen tapping away at her computer and signing off on her popular blog 'Xoxo, Gossip Girl'.
For five years, the voice of Gossip Girl has always been actress Kristen Bell.
The news may come as little surprise to dedicated fans of the show.
Sparks, who is played by actress Michelle Tratchenberg, has continued to successfully wreak havoc in the Upper East Side season after season.

In love: Other drama in the episode included Blake Lively's character Serena Van der Woodsen's renewing her love for Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley)

And it was no different last night, as she attempted to ruin Blair Waldorf's (Leighton Meester) royal wedding to Prince Louis.
Sparks cunningly taped Blair's ex-boyfriend Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) professing his love to his former girlfriend ahead of the nuptials, and then played the audio to the entire wedding party.
Despite going through with their vows, a furious Price Louis later proceeded to tell Blair that their marriage will be a 'loveless one.'

Still in love: Sparks cunningly taped Blair's ex-boyfriend Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) professing his love to his former girlfriend ahead of the nuptials

Other drama in the episode included Blake Lively's character Serena Van der Woodsen's renewing her love for Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley).
There were hints of Sparks big revelation back in November last year.
Michelle's character was reported to be creating a stir in the fifth season of the show.

Stunning: Blair's wedding dress was certainly not a disappointment

'It's always amazing coming back to Gossip Girl. We're a family. Even if Georgina always tries to break it up,' Michelle told TVLine.com at the time.
'I can't say how many episodes [I'm doing],' she added. 'But there will definitely be a healthy dose of Ms. Sparks, and to be a part of the 100th episode, a big milestone, is very special.'
According to the show's producer Josh Safran, Georgina's storyline is 'unlike anything that she has done before on the show.
'Of course, she still is Georgina and all that implies, it's just taking that in a new direction,' he told the website.

Celebration: The cast of the show were seen celebrating the 100th episode milestone last week

source: dailymail

World's strongest boy does push ups while balancing on glass bottles

2012-02-01T06:37:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Getting low: Giuliano props himself up on the empty glass bottles before beginning to show his trick

A new video of the world's strongest boy doing push ups while being held up on the tops of glass bottles shows that he continues to challenge himself.
The clip, released on YouTube Friday, shows seven-year-old Giuliano Stroe balance his hands and feet using green glass bottles.
Once he steadies himself on the small bottle tops, he proceeds to do 12 push ups.
This is not little Giuliano's first brush with fame.
The exceptional pre-schooler performed the fastest ever 10m hand walk with a weight ball between his legs in 2009 and was put into the Guinness Book of World Records for the feat.
Father Iulian Stroe, 36, previously said: 'He has been going to the gym with me ever since he was born. I always took him with me when I went training.'

Keeping balanced: He then proceeds to do 12 push ups in that position

Mr Stroe now trains both Giuliano and his younger brother Claudiu in their family home in Romania.
He added there is no danger of the youngster harming himself, saying: 'I have been training hard all my life myself.
'He is never allowed to practice on his own, he is only a child and if he gets tired we go and play.'
Giuliano, the oldest of four children, says his stardom has not gone to his head and he still enjoys normal kid stuff like painting, watching cartoons and playing in the park when he is not weightlifting.

Getting on and off the bottles without tipping them over is one of the trickier parts

But it seems he has picked up a taste for fame during his incredible exploits, revealing he enjoys it when he is applauded after performing.
In the four days since the latest video was posted, it has been viewed 146,622 times.
And, in terms of applause, he is getting a mixed bag of virtual appreciation, with 245 'likes' and 169 'dislikes'.

source: dailymail

Britain to shiver in temperatures 'colder than the South Pole' as health chiefs say more than 1,500 people a week could die in the big freeze

2012-02-01T06:28:00.000+07:00

By CHRIS PARSONS

Braving sub-zero temperatures, Tom Nelson, 27, leads fellow mountain biker John Weeks, 25, along an icy path at the end of Rushup Edge, above Edale in the Peak District, Derbyshire

Britain is bracing itself for yet more cold weather as Arctic winds knock temperatures lower than those currently being experienced in the South Pole.
Temperatures are expected to plunge to as low as -10C in sheltered parts to the west of the country, four degrees lower than at McMurdo, the U.S. research centre in Antarctica, where the mercury is at -6C at night and -3C in the day.
Health chiefs have also started warning that as a result of the freezing conditions, more than 1,500 people a week could be killed by the weather.

Deer prepare for a cold night at the Chestnut Centre Conservation and Wildlife park in the Peak District, near Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire

The Department of Health's Chief Medical Officer said that around 1,560 people, many elderly, would die due to cold weather each week between now and March in normal winter weather. That figure will rise 'substantially', however, due to extreme cold like that we are currently experiencing.
During last year's big freeze, the death rate in England and Wales shot up by 21 per cent from 9,220 a week to 11,193.

Getting there: A Post Office van makes its way along the roads of Exmoor, Somerset, despite the heavy snowfall that the area has experienced

Dame Sally Davies said: 'Mortality rises by 19 per cent in winter months in England, amounting to 27,000 excess deaths or 1,560 more people per week compared with the rest of the year. And very severe weather can substantially add to this death toll.
'The majority of UK deaths are among older people, especially women, and those with underlying health problems - but they are not people who would have died anyhow at that time.'

A dark brown Exmoor pony stands out in contrast to the white snow as it forages for food with another horse

To help deal with the extreme cold, the Army has been put on standby. Around four inches of snow and ice could cover part of the country after a high pressure system hanging over Scandinavia which is pushing raw winds towards the UK.
Cold Weather Watch has now upgraded its severe weather warning to a level three, after stating that there was a 100 per cent probability of 'severe' conditions across most of England this week. With severe weather warnings already in place and chaos on the roads, the military have been put on standby should there be a level four 'major cold weather incident'.

Three-year-old Violet Hibberd (left) made the most of the snow and a sled-pulling parent as she went sledging in North Devon earlier today while a car travels through a magical scene, amid snow-laden trees in Simonsbath, Somerset

A couple walk their dog up Dunkery Hill on Exmoor as blue skies break through the snow clouds above them

A van gets stuck in the snow after slipping on an icy road up Dunkery Hill in Exeter

A cyclist makes his way home through the snow in Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales

The beacon at the top of Dunkery Hill makes for a chilly scene as temperatures fall lower than at the South Pole this week

A car struggles up a treacherous mountain road that connects Abergwynfi and Treorchy in Wales

Heavy snow and a severe cold snap have killed at least 36 people across eastern Europe. Poland, Serbia, Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic have all been hit by temperatures as low as -26C - causing schools to close, roads to be blocked and power cut.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors as local authorities open up hundreds of emergency shelters in a bid to halt the rapidly escalating death toll.
Ukraine's Emergency Situations Ministry said 18 people died of hypothermia and nearly 500 people sought medical help for frostbites and hypothermia in just three days last week. Twelve of the dead were homeless people whose bodies were discovered on the streets. Temperatures in parts of Ukraine plunged to minus -16C during the day and -23C during the night.

The rolling white hills of Somerset disappear in the distance following a heavy covering of snow

A woman appears to struggle through the snow as she reaches a drift that has formed along a footpath on Exmoor

Authorities opened 1,500 shelters to provide food and heat and shut down schools and nurseries. At least 10 people froze to death in Poland as the cold reached -26C today. Malgorzata Wozniak, a spokeswoman for Poland's Interior Ministry, said elderly people and the homeless were among the dead.
Police are now checking unheated empty buildings to corral the homeless into shelters. Until now, Poland had been having a mild winter with little snow and temperatures just below freezing.

Finding the right direction to Wheddon and Exford might not be too difficult, but following the snow-covered path might be a challenge

source: dailymail

At home with the Amazon Indians: Most intimate pictures ever of one of the world's last uncontacted tribes

2012-02-01T06:14:00.000+07:00

By WIL LONGBOTTOM

New world: A family from the Mashco-Piro Indian tribe in remote south-eastern Peru has been photographed up close for the first time

These incredible images are the closest ever recorded of a previously uncontacted Indian tribe in the remote forests of Peru.
Taken in Manú National Park, south-eastern Peru, these detailed images show the daily life of a family from the Mashco-Piro tribe.
The Mashco-Piro are known to inhabit the park, but sightings of them have increased in recent months.

Isolated: Exactly a year ago this picture of another uncontacted tribe was taken from a helicopter on the border of Brazil and Peru

Illegal logging in the park and low flying helicopters from nearby oil and gas projects has been blamed for driving the Indians from their forest homes.
The Mashco-Piro are one of around just 100 known uncontacted tribes who choose not to have contact with the outside world. They live a traditional life in the Peruvian forests and have little or no outside contact with the world.
Families within the tribes fashion tools from wood and other materials, including the teeth of animals.
In these pictures, the adults and children are wearing decorative loops around their wrists, knees and ankles - some of which can be used to carry tools.
The adult female is also wearing a form of skirt which is believed to be made from pulped tree bark fibres.
The danger of attempting to establish contact with tribes who choose to remain isolated has recently been confirmed after the death of an indigenous Matsigenka man.

Content: Attempts to get in contact with the tribes have generally proved fatal for the Indians, who have no immunity to common diseases outside their forest homes

Nicolás 'Shaco' Flores was shot in the heart by an arrow near the national park as he was leaving food and gifts for a small group of Mashco-Piro Indians - something he had been doing for the last 20 years.
Glenn Shephard, an anthropologist and friend of the victim, told Anthropology News: 'Shaco's death is a tragedy: he was kind, courageous and a knowledgeable man.
'He believed he was helping the Mashco-Piro. And yet in this tragic incident, the Mashco-Piro have once again expressed their adamant desire to be left alone.'
Clan members have also been blamed for a bow-and-arrow attack which left a forest ranger wounded in October.
One of the images was taken by a bird watcher in August. The other two were taken by Spanish archaeologist Diego Cortijo on November 16, six days before Flores was killed.
Mr Cortijo, a member of the Spanish Geographical Society, was visiting Mr Flores on an expedition in search of petroglyphs and said clan members appeared across the river, calling for him by name.

Flores was able to communicate with the Mashco-Piro because he spoke two related dialects and had provided the clan with machetes and cooking pots.
The Mashco-Piro tribe is believed to number in the hundreds and lives in the park bordering Diamante, a community of around 200 people.
The clan that appeared along the river is believed to number around 60, including some 25 adults, according to Carlos Soria - a professor at Lima's Catholic University.
Mr Cortijo said: 'It seemed like they wanted to draw a bit of attention, which is a bit strange because I know that on other occasions they had attacked people.
'It seemed they didn't want us to go near them, but I also know that the only thing that they wanted was machetes and cooking pots.'

Killed: Nicolas 'Shaco' Flores, a Matsiquenka Indian, was shot in the heart by an arrow by one of the Mascho-Piro tribe members, possibly in a dispute over obtaining machetes and cooking pots

Survival's Director Stephen Corry said: 'One year later these photos provide yet more overwhelming evidence of the existence of uncontacted tribes.
'It is no longer acceptable for governments, companies or anthropologists to deny this.
'First contact is always dangerous and frequently fatal – both for the tribe and those attempting to contact them. The Indians' wish to be left alone should be respected.'
For more information on the work carried out by Survival International, visit http://www.uncontactedtribes.org or http://www.survivalinternational.org

source: dailymail

Keeping up with our Kardashian sisters: Kim's siblings Kendall and Kylie Jenner pose for the cover of Teen Vogue

2012-01-31T20:41:00.000+07:00

By MARISSA CHARLES

Sisters are doing it for themselves: Kendall and Kylie Jenner appear on the cover of Teen Vogue for the March 2012 issue

Kim Kardashian's younger sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner are following in her footsteps by posing for a glossy magazine cover.
The teen members of the reality TV family appear on the front of the March issue of Teen Vogue.
With their long brown hair, Kendall, 16, and Kylie, 14, are doe-eyed little versions of their sisters Kim, Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian.

Dressed down: Kendall and Kylie didn't look like cover girls as they shopped at grocery store Ralphs in Calabasas, Los Angeles, yesterday

The teens are Kris Jenner's youngest children, whom she had with former Olympian Bruce Jenner. In the past Kendall has raised eyebrows by posing in skimpy bikinis but the model dressed demurely for the Teen Vogue photo shoot.
On the cover she appears in a lime green, sleeveless dress. Meanwhile her sister wears a hot pink, tunic dress with short sleeves.

A lazy day: Kendall walks toward her car, dressed down in a pink zip-up jumper

Inside the girls talk to Teen Vogue about their lives as members of the most famous reality TV family in the US.
Kendall seems to love coming from such a big family. In total they have eight siblings - four each from their parents' previous marriages.
The teen model says: 'I love having so many people you can turn to. You always have someone there for you.'
Kylie says that she enjoys shopping.

The next generation: Kendall and Kylie with their mother Kris Jenner

She tells the chic magazine: 'I feel like a shopaholic. When I come home with a new bag of stuff, oh my God, it feels so good.'
Teen Vogue spoke to the girls' older sisters who gave them glowing reports.
Kim, 31, says: 'They are so down-to-earth. It's just who they are, and they will never change.'
Khloé, 27, says. 'Kendall and Kylie are like my babies.'
To read more about Kendall and Kylie Jenner go to TeenVogue.com

source: dailymail

Looking bonza in bronze! Miranda Kerr helps launch new Aussie Oscars in a very leggy dress

2012-01-31T20:33:00.000+07:00

By EMILY SHERIDAN

Bonza in bronze: Model Miranda Kerr wears a bronze Collette Dinnigan dress as she arrives at the AACTA Awards at the Sydney Opera House

She's the biggest model to come out of Australia since Elle Macpherson in the Eighties. So it was no surprise to see Miranda Kerr was one of the star guests at the inaugural Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards today.
The Victoria's Secret pin-up, 28, guaranteed plenty of publicity for the new awards as she arrived at the Sydney Opera House in a sexy bronze dress slit-to-the-thigh.

Clingy: The satin material showcased Kerr's lingerie model figure

The mother-of-one, 28, was her usual stunning self in the striking gown from Australian designer Collette Dinnigan, which she teamed with a pair of strappy heels.
Kerr was one of several big Australian names to present an award at the new ceremony, which replaces the former AFI Film Awards.
Clearly excited about her role, she tweeted photos from inside the architectural wonder of the Opera House.

Warm welcome: The Australian media were clambering for Kerr's attention

She wrote: 'At the AACTA Awards in Australia. The show is about to begin...
'Just finished at the AACTA awards. A wonderful night for Australian film and television!'
Kerr was at the ceremony as her role as the face of Australian department store David Jones, who were one of the sponsors.

Meeting the fans: Kerr delighted some fellow Aussie as she signed autographs and posed for photos

source: dailymail

We're gonna need a bigger carriage! My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding returns with a dress so big... there's no room for the 'groom'

2012-01-31T20:20:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Horse and carriage: This man has barely any space to sit in the carriage as he's swamped by his prom princess' monstrous dress in the new series of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding

Following a success that saw seven million viewers tune in per episode, My Big Fat Gyspy Wedding Is Back.
The popular Channel 4 show will return to the small screen next month and this time the ceremonies are even more outrageous and the lavish, pantomime style dresses have got even bigger. And of course the show wouldn't be complete without a bride who can barely fit in the trademark mode of transport - a carriage. Although despite the bridal look, this pink-clad princess isn't even a bride. But a school-leaver on her way to prom.

It's all about ME! The pink-clad princess can barely sit down, and her date looks more than a little annoyed

Almost mimicking Katie Price's fairytale wedding, the prom princess's pink dress nearly suffocates her squashed date as they stuff themselves into the carriage.
The fourth series begins with 21-year-old Dolores who gets married in a dress that is embroidered with an image of a cat.
'Everyone has flowers or stars on their dress, I wanted something different,' said the blonde of the unusual dress.

It's back! My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding returns with 21-year-old Dolores who wears a cat-print dress

'Most outrageous': The fourth series of the Channel 4 show promises to be better than ever

Such a perfect day: Bride Dolores takes up most of the space as the happy couple pose for pictures

Wearing an over-sized tiara, bright pink lipstick and sporting an orange tan, the young bride walks down the aisle in the most lavish ceremony yet.
The bright green, blue and orange dress was coupled with a pineapple one which Dolores' sister Chantelle wore at a party the night before the wedding.

Scream if you wanna wear green: Seems these bridesmaids had no choice, at the wedding of Charlene at Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, Ireland

Frock horror: An insider said the dresses have to be seen to be believed

Another request sees five bridesmaids dressed in bright green tiered dresses with matching headpieces and bouquets.
Despite living in the ultra-wealthy traveller town of Rathkeale, Co Limerick, Dolores still calls on dressmaker Thelma Madine who has featured on the show since the first series.
Madine agrees that the cat-decorated gown is the 'most outrageous' she has ever made even thinks Dolores may have a new nickname in the form of Catwoman.

A tight fit: viewers can expect to see more brides squashed in horse-drawn carriages as they prepare for their wedding ceremony

'Most outrageous': The fourth series of the Channel 4 show promises to be better than ever

'The size and scale of some of these celebrations is incredible – it seems like some brides are trying even harder to out-do each other,' said a Channel 4 insider. 'It will be even more spectacular.'
The latest series of the show is also set to focus more on gypsy life in terms of crime, education and family and will also see the return of Celebrity Big Brother winner Paddy Doherty.
My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding will air on February 14.

Fairytale day: The gypsy brides do everything possible to make their day special

source: dailymail

Tragedy for Made In Chelsea star Cheska Hull after her banker father commits suicide

2012-01-31T20:06:00.000+07:00

By EMILY SHERIDAN

Tragic news: Robin Hull, the father of Made In Chelsea star Francesca 'Cheska' Hull, has committed suicide

Made In Chelsea star Francesca 'Cheska' Hull is in mourning after her father committed suicide.
Banker Robin Hull, who was in his 50s, was found dead at his home in Hong Kong after an overdose of pills.
News of his death in November has only come to light now, but Cheska, 25, has remained silent about the tragedy on her active Twitter page.

Co-stars: Cheska Hull with the Made In Chelsea cast (L-R) Amber Atherton, Millie Mackintosh, Rosie Fortescue, Binky Felstead, Caggie Dunlop and Gabriella Ellis

Shortly before his death, Mr Hull proudly posted photos of Cheska and her two brothers Will and Henry on his Facebook page.
He captioned one: 'My daughter Francesca 'Cheska' Hull star of the hit UK TV show Made In Chelsea', adding he was looking forward to seeing her 'soon'.
Cheska told The Sun: 'It's obviously a really distressing time for my family.
'I am devastated to have lost my father but I am trying to get on with my life.'

Support: Cheska and her mother Karen Woodley, who runs the Amelia's Attic boutique in Devon

Although based in the Chelsea area now, Bangkok-born Cheska grew up in Salcombe, Devon, where her mother Karen Woodley still lives and runs a fashion boutique called Amelia's Attic.
Her father worked around the world for his banking job, including New York.
In an interview last year, Cheska recalled spending the holidays in New York with her father.

source: dailymail

A dark day for the salad counter – Israeli scientists breed black tomato

2012-01-31T19:58:00.000+07:00

By KATIE SILVER

Black Galaxy: the new crossbreed - which includes blueberry pigment - may be more nutritious than a regular tomato

Israeli horticulturists have developed a gothic crossbreed of tomato that is red on the inside, black on the out.
To create the ‘Black Galaxy’ tomato, the breeders crossbred tomatoes with wild varieties. The dark colour comes from a pigment similar to one found in blueberries.
The pigment is photosensitive so the longer the tomato is left on the vine in the sun, the darker it gets.

The tomato's skin darkens from time spent in the sun

The company which produced the new variety, Technological Seeds, specialise in producing hybrid vegetables.
‘Beside the colour, these tomatoes have all the anti-oxidant advantages,’ one of the company’s farmers said.
In fact, developers’ say it may even be more nutritious as the unique pigment is very highly concentrated in antioxidants and Vitamin C, known to boost the immune system. The strange fruit is a crossbreed of wild and cultured tomatoes.
It will be aimed at luxury hotel market due to its unique colour.

The tomato will show alongside seedless lemons, a new species of strawberries, red lemons and rainbow carrots

There are hopes it will be available in local markets within a year.
The strange tomato will debut next week at the Arava Agricultural R&D Exhibition.
The expo will also show seedless lemons, a new species of strawberries, red lemons and rainbow carrots – which are yellow, purple and pink in colour.

source: dailymail

The height of stupidity? Mother defends rock climbing with TODDLER strapped to her back

2012-01-31T19:52:00.000+07:00

By TED THORNHILL

Elf and safety: Menna Pritchard has defended her decision to rock climb with two-year-old daughter Ffion strapped to her back

A single mum with a love of adrenaline sports has defended her decision to go rock climbing - with her toddler daughter strapped to her back without a helmet on.
Menna Pritchard, 26 - who stated brazenly that ‘life is about taking risks’ - scales sheer rock faces while carrying two-year-old Ffion.
The full-time student - studying for a degree in outdoor education - said yesterday: ‘Some people would say I’m taking more risks than are necessary, but I am very conscious of safety and I would never do anything with Ffion that I thought would put her in danger.’

Picturesque: Three Cliffs Bay is stunning, but is it the sort of place to go rock climbing with your toddler strapped to your back?

Menna split with Ffion’s dad when she was three months pregnant and moved to Wales to live with her parents.
She studies at Trinity St David in Carmarthen and works part time as an outdoor instructor while juggling her job and education with her love of adventure sports.
She said: ‘Rock climbing, kayaking and canoeing are all fairly new to me in the last two years but I feel I am in my element.

Adventures: Pritchard says that she hopes the trips will inspire her daughter

‘The idea is that’s it’s fun and exciting for Ffion too and hopefully I am inspiring her and giving her access to the outdoors.
‘Ever since Ffion was born I have been either trying to do mountain climbing with her or forest walking or doing beach trips.
‘It just felt so good, not only for my physical wellbeing but also for my state of mind.’

All smiles: Pritchard is studying outdoor education

Menna said: ‘I can appreciate if you didn’t realise how safe the environment I was in, it could be worrying, but I was top-roping which means if you fall you don’t fall any further than where you came off.
‘It is the safest form of climbing you can do. I was also in a beach environment surrounded by experienced climbers.
‘Health and safety legislation and the sue and blame culture mean so many people are nervous, so afraid of getting into trouble, and taking small risks.
‘Life is all about risks, whether that’s something as simple as getting in your car every day or climbing up a rock face.’

source: dailymail

Struck a sour Chord? Glee star Overstreet and Emma Roberts call time on their relationship

2012-01-31T16:07:00.000+07:00

By IONA KIRBY

It's over: Emma Roberts and Chord Overstreet have reportedly ended their relationship

As a former child star and a Glee actor, they made for an adorable young couple.
But it has been reported that after nine months of dating, Emma Roberts and Chord Overstreet have decided to split up.
According to JustJared, the pair decided to break up after growing apart.
A source told the website: ‘They’re just on two different paths in life. They just grew apart and decided to part ways.’
20-year-old Emma and 22-year-old Chord had been dating since the Spring of 2011.

Split: The couple are rumoured to have called it quits after nine months of dating

The source said: ‘Chord seemed just fine at the after-parties. He capped off the night at the exclusive Chateau Marmont with his co-stars.’
Chord was in attendance at the awards ceremony with fellow Glee actors Dianna Agron, Jenna Ushkowitz, Harry Shum, Jr. and Darren Criss.
Chord and Emma were seen enjoying after-parties at the Golden Globes together earlier this month, indicating that the split is recent.

Amicable: A source has said that the pair simply 'grew apart'

It is rumoured that they met at the Coachella music festival in April 2011.
However it was not until July that they seemingly confirmed their relationship status when they were spotted leaving a party together.
Chord is currently filming his return to hit musical TV show Glee, while Emma Roberts is set to star alongside Elijah Wood in upcoming movie Celeste and Jesse Forever.

Time apart: Chord was spotted without Emma on his arm at the Screen Actors Guild Awards

source: dailymail

Are you really showing off your new hair? Kim Kardashian wears just her lingerie to display lighter locks

2012-01-31T15:36:00.000+07:00

By IONA KIRBY

Flaunting it: Kim Kardashian posted a series of photos showing herself in lingerie to her Twitter account

Kim Kardashian wanted to show the world her new hairdo after dyeing her locks a lighter shade.
But it most likely wasn’t the big hair they were looking at after the reality star posted a series of photos to her Twitter account.
The 31-year-old was shooting a campaign for the Kardashian Kollection lingerie line, and she made sure she was the perfect advert for the range as she posed for her Twitter snaps in nothing but a coral coloured bra.

A great advert: Kim was on a lingerie shoot for her Kardashian Kollection fashion range

Kim amped up the sex appeal by posting a photo of herself wearing just the underwear, with the caption: ‘Photo shoot fresh! All about corals for spring swimwear.’
She then sent an almost identical but slightly less revealing snap of herself in an untied fluffy white bathrobe, with her hair partially covering her cleavage.
The second shot was accompanied by the words: ‘Last shot of the day! On set of our Kardashian Kollection for Sears shoot!’
But while her Twitter followers would have been focussed on her ample curves, the businesswoman was more interested in her new hair colour.

No one is looking at your hair!: Kim showed off her ample cleavage while asking her fans what they thought of her new locks

Shortly after the photo shoot, she posted yet another photo to the social networking site. Her assets were again clear for all to see, but the star simply asked her fans what they thought about her new hue. She wrote: ‘I dyed my hair lighter yesterday! I'm loving it! New hair color=new beginnings for me You like?’
But it hasn’t all been fun and photo shoots for Kim after the star recently had to deal with a trespasser on her property, it has been reported.

source: dailymail

'My underpants were showing, I didn't mean to': Madonna relives her iconic 1984 Like A Virgin performance... as a sneak peek of her new song is reveal

2012-01-31T15:25:00.000+07:00

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Reliving a moment: Madonna appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and spoke about her 1984 performance of Like A Virgin

She is set to sing her new song Give Me All Your Luvin at the Super Bowl a week on Sunday. But on Tonight’s Jay Leno show Madonna was speaking about one of her most iconic past performances. The singer,53, revealed how her infamous rendition of Like A Virgin at the 1984 Video Music Awards was not all planned – in fact flashing her underwear was an accident.

Sophisticated style: The singer looked chic in a sparkling black shift dress and Christian Louboutin peep toe heels

Madonna, who was looking demure in a sparkling shift dress which just below the knee and a pair of Christian Louboutin heels explained the incident.
She said: ‘Here’s what happened. I was standing at the top of a wedding cake, as one does, and I walked down these steps, which were the tiers of a wedding cake. And I lost my shoe. I lost my white stiletto. And I thought, 'Oh god, how am I gonna get that? It's over there and I'm on TV.'’
‘So I thought well, I'll just pretend I meant to do this and I dove on to the floor and I rolled around and I reached for the shoe. And as I reached for the shoe, the dress went up. And the underpants were showing.... I didn't mean to.

Leggy lady: Madonna showed off er slim shape a she sat in the chair and the pair discussed her infamous Video Music Awards performance

Leno noted: ‘And it became the greatest night in television history.’
Earlier today it emerged that Elton John offered the signer some rather unfriendly advice ahead of her Superbowl performance.
'Make sure you lip-synch good' he said mischievously.
Viewers have been treated to a sneak peak of Madona's new song which will be seen on Thursday night's American Idol show ahead of her performance at the Super bowl.

source: dailymail

You two look Incredibly Close! Sandra Bullock steps out with a mystery man

2012-01-31T15:02:00.000+07:00

By IONA KIRBY

Mystery man: Sandra Bullock was seen stepping out with a gentleman companion

She had a devastating split from husband Jesse James in 2010 after learning of his serial adultery.
But Sandra Bullock showed she may be moving on when she was spotted stepping out with a mystery man.
Bullock and the man in question were seen attending a private party, with her companion proving to be quite the gentleman and opening the actress’s car door for her once they arrived.

Plus one: The pair were seen attending a private party together

The 47-year-old showed off a sheepish smile after clocking the cameras on her, but her attention did not stray from the gentleman for long.
They arrived at the Los Angeles location in the male’s white Porsche, and were spotted chatting to a fellow guest before they made their away inside.
The Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close actress wore a flirty grey leopard print dress for her day out, which she teamed with some black ballet pumps and a pair of aviator sunglasses.

Dressed to impress: The pair made an effort with their outfits for their day out together

Sheepish: Sandra showed off a smile when she clocked the cameras on her

Meanwhile her companion looked dashing in a checked jacket, cream trousers, white polo shirt and a navy baseball cap.
The actress recently denied claims that she was romantically involved with Ryan Reynolds, her co-star in The Proposal, last year.
A representative for the Miss Congeniality actress called the accusations ‘entirely fabricated’.
Bullock said of her 2010 marriage split: 'I was perfectly content to be permanently broken.

Chivalrous: The mystery man was seen opening Sandra's car door for her

source: dailymail

Revealed: Why Jennifer Lopez broke down in tears during this emotional phone call

2012-01-31T14:53:00.000+07:00

By AMELIA PROUD

Emotional: J-Lo admitted on The Today Show that she 'had a moment' while talking to her children on the phone, which explains this scene on the balcony of her Miami hotel on Sunday

The image is a poignant one, a global superstar like Jennifer Lopez wrought small by something as tiny yet powerful as a mobile phone, linking her to absent loved ones.
It's an incongruous shot, because the 42-year-old is frequently pictured at the moment as she works the promotional carousel, and always looks so happy.
There's no denying the fact for those who know her or indeed anyone with eyes, that the showbiz all-rounder has a spring in her step thanks to toy boy Casper Smart, 24.

Wiping her tears away: J-Lo struggled as she spoke to her daughter Emme, three on the telephone

But there some things that even a handsome, attentive man at your beck and call can't make up for - and at the top of that list is missing your children.
The longing became so overwhelming for J-Lo on Sunday that she broken down while talking to her daughter Emme, three , on the phone.
She told Matt Lauer on The Today Show: 'I spoke to my daughter yesterday on the balcony and I shed a tear, I miss her so much.'

Check this out! Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart step out to their hotel balcony in Miami Beach, Florida

Spectacular: The pair emerged to look at a rainbow forming over the ocean

But in each life some rain must fall, yet sometimes a rainbow follows.
This was the literal case for J-Lo, who was later spotted admiring a spectacular an arch of colours that formed over the sea from her Miami hotel balcony.
She was joined by her toyboy Smart who also took in the spectacular views.
The star was in the city for a shoot with famed photographer Mario Testino which saw her strip down to a daring cutaway swimsuit.
The pair were spotted arriving back in New York today after the sunshine break.

The promotional carousel: J-Lo has gone through these three outfits in the past 24 hours in New York

Date night: The couple enjoyed a romantic dinner at Casa Tua that night

While she was spending time with her new love over the weekend, she also reunited with her estranged husband Marc Anthony - on television, at least.
The two stars were seen together on ¡Q'Viva! The Chosen as the series premièred last night on the US Spanish language network Univision.

Back in New York: The star jetted back to the Big Apple on Sunday evening after her sunshine break

Dinner date: The pair left a Miami restaurant hand in hand on Saturday

Inseparable: The singer wore a pretty maxi dress and Princess Leia plaits for lunch with Casper

Despite their breakup, Lopez and Anthony were said to be getting along well behind the scenes while the shot the 12 episode series and during their promotional work.
According to TMZ, the couple is 'happy to do joint appearances for their new show, as well as charity work.'
The pair, whose twins Emme and Max turn four next month, split in July after seven years of marriage.

Reunited: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony are working together on the new reality series ¡Q'Viva! The Chosen

source: dailymail

Feline good! My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding returns with the 'most outrageous' dress yet (and it features a cat)

2012-01-31T14:34:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

It's back! My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding returns with 21-year-old Dolores who wears a cat-print dress

Following a success that saw seven million viewers tune in per episode, My Big Fat Gyspy Wedding Is Back.
The popular Channel 4 show will return to the small screen next month and this time the ceremonies are even more outrageous.
The fourth series begins with 21-year-old Dolores who gets married in a dress that is embroidered with an image of a cat.

'Most outrageous': The fourth series of the Channel 4 show promises to be better than ever

'Everyone has flowers or stars on their dress, I wanted something different,' said the blonde of the unusual dress.
Wearing an over sized tiara, bright pink lipstick and sporting an orange tan, the young bride walks down the aisle in the most lavish ceremony yet.

A tight fit: viewers can expect to see more brides squashed in horse-drawn carriages as they prepare for their wedding ceremony

Images of the young bride also show her wearing a multi-coloured palm tree dress which Madine also made.
The bright green, blue and orange dress was coupled with a pineapple one which Dolores' sister Chantelle wore at a party the night before the wedding.
Another request sees five bridesmaids dressed in bright green tiered dresses with matching head pieces and bouquets.
And of course the show wouldn't be complete without a bride who can barely fit in the trademark mode of transport - a carriage.

The night before: Dolores ordered a palm tree style dress for the evening before her wedding day
Almost mimicking Katie Price's fairytale wedding, the bride's pink dress nearly suffocates the squashed groom as they leave the church.
'The size and scale of some of these celebrations is incredible – it seems like some brides are trying even harder to out-do each other,' said a Channel 4 insider. 'It will be even more spectacular.'

Matching pair: Dolores' sister Chantelle wore a pineapple dress that was similar to her sisters

The latest series of the show is also set to focus more on gypsy life in terms of crime, education and family and will also see the return of Celebrity Big Brother winner Paddy Doherty.
My Big Fat Gyspy Wedding will air on February 14.

source: dailymail

Pins on parade! Rosie Huntington-Whiteley shows off long legs in ultra short mini dress as she dines out with beau Jason Statham... and his mother

2012-01-31T13:11:00.000+07:00

By ELEANOR GOWER

Legs eleven: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley showed off her long slim legs in a mini dress as she dined out with boyfriend Jason Statham and his mother in Malibu earlier today

It was only a casual lunch out with her boyfriend and mother-in-law, but Rosie Huntington-Whiteley still managed to look like she'd stepped off the catwalk in an ultra short mini dress today.
The British model looked stunning in the clinging taupe number which ended mid-thigh as she dined out with her actor boyfriend Jason Statham.
They were joined by his mother Eileen for lunch near their home in the exclusive seaside enclave of Malibu.

Slim and trim: The Victoria's Secret model and actress looked absolutely stunning in a cream-coloured mini-dress which she teamed with a black belt

Oversized sunglasses, biscuit coloured scarf, black low slung studded belt and grey mid heeled boots completed the look.
She looked relaxed in minimalist make-up as she joined the 44-year-old actor, who wore a more casual outfit of grey sweatshirt and baggy trousers.
The model developed a more public profile after appearing as Carly Spencer in last year's smash, hit film Transformers: Dark of the Moon where she made her acting début.

Soaking up the sun: The celebrity couple looked relaxed as they made their way to their car after dining out in the seaside enclave

She told Australia's Cleo magazine about the role: 'At first I was so nervous and I’d be totally lying if I said that I didn’t feel anxious about the whole thing (starring in Transformers: Dark of the Moon).
'I’d never thought that I was ever going to make a film this huge, and when I was cast, I didn’t even realise what I was casting for.'
But she insisted she has a strong work ethic, adding: 'My mother always said to me as a child, 'Life doesn’t hand you opportunity. People don’t hand you great things sitting around on your a**.'

source: dailymail

'People are realizing we're not all Gisele': Rise of the not-so-teeny bikini as demand soars from Brazil’s 'little fatties'

2012-01-31T13:04:00.000+07:00

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Big and beautiful: A model walks the runway at the first ever Miss Brazil Plus Size Beauty Pageant. Demand for flattering, larger-sized bikinis are soaring

The Girl From Ipanema has put on a few pounds, and for many sunbathers on Brazil's beaches the country's iconic itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bikini just doesn't suffice anymore. A growing number of bikini manufacturers have woken up to Brazil's thickening waistline and are reaching out to the ever-expanding ranks of heavy women with new plus-size lines.
That's nothing short of a revolution in this most body-conscious of nations, where overweight ladies long had little choice but to hit the beach in comely ensembles of oversized T-shirts and biker shorts.

Not for wallflowers: Shoppers are shunning the famous 'dental floss' bikinis of Copacabana beach but don't want to 'look like old ladies' in black cover-ups

'It used to be bikinis were only in tiny sizes that only skinny girls could fit into. But not everyone is built like a model,' said Elisangela Inez Soares as she sunbathed on Copacabana beach, her oiled-up curves packed into a black U.S. size 12 bikini.
'Finally, it seems like people are beginning to realize that we're not all Gisele,' said the 38-year-old mother of four, referring to willowy Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

wimsuit designer: Elisangela Inez Soares rinses off at the beach and says that bikinis used to come in tiny sizes but 'not everyone is built like a model'

Clothing designer Clarice Rebelatto said her own swimwear-hunting travails prompted her to found Lehona, an exclusively plus-size beachwear line.
'Honestly, the problem went way beyond just bikinis. In Brazil, it used to be that if you were even a little chunky, finding any kind of clothes in the right size was a real problem,' said Rebelatto, herself a U.S. size 10.

Sun worshippers: Business for plus-size brands, such as Lehona, are cashing in on a lucrative market that high-end bikini-makers are too snobby to attract

'It used to be that people would stare at me,' said Soares, the voluptuous sun-worshiper on Copacabana beach.
'Now when I come to the beach I see women who are much bigger than me - and lots of them are wearing bikinis - so I'm not self conscious any more.
'God makes some people thin but he made me like this,' she said, rubbing down the well-oiled bulge of her stomach and thighs.
'So who am I to think that he was wrong?'

source: dailymail

'She's an incredibly sexy girl': Georgia May Jagger poses for a stunning new shoot as mother Jerry Hall credits her for her 'revival'

2012-01-31T12:49:00.000+07:00

By SARAH BULL

Golden girl: Georgia May Jagger shines in a sexy new shoot for Harper's Bazaar UK's March issue

She's made a name for herself as one of the country's most sought after fashion models thanks to her unique looks and ultra confident persona.
And as new shots of Georgia May Jagger in the upcoming issue of UK Harper's Bazaar magazine are released, the model's mother Jerry Hall has come forward to credit the stunning blonde for her 'revival'.
Jerry, who modelled alongside her daughter in a recent campaign for H&M, told the publication that she considers her daughter 'incredibly sexy'.

Unique: Jerry said her daughter will never have the gap in her teeth fixed because it makes her who she is

She said: 'The last couple of modelling jobs I did were with Georgia, like the H&M campaign we did together last year, so she’s given me a bit of a revival. It was great to work with her; I think she’s incredibly sexy.
'One of the best things about her is that gap in her teeth. She never fixed it. It’s all about that acceptance of the way you are - and she understands that.'
As Georgia is seen modelling this spring/summer's hottest metallic outfits, Jerry also spoke about how her little girl first got involved in the industry.

The full interview appears in the March edition of Harper's Bazaar UK

She said: 'When Georgia was 14, I asked David Bailey to take her picture. It was her first studio shoot. She was still in school, so she didn’t think much of it (and I think she found David quite intimidating).
'But then she got asked to do another shoot, for a magazine, and afterwards she said, "Oh my God, that was so much fun. I loved it. It was like acting".'

Like mother, like daughter: It's not hard to see where Georgia has got her incredible looks from

'She didn’t like Dad picking her up in a fancy car, either. We used to go and visit Mick all over the world on his tours.'
The full Georgia photoshoot and interview with Jerry Hall appeared in the March issue of Harper’s Bazaar, on sale Thursday 2nd February 2012.

source: dailymail

Smiling through the tears: Lydia Bright and Arg put on brave faces as split reports emerge after emotional TOWIE premiere

2012-01-31T12:36:00.000+07:00

By SARAH BULL and HOLLY THOMAS

Smiling through the tears: James 'Arg' Argent and Lydia Bright were seen out in Essex today following the emotional series premiere of The Only Way Is Essex last night

They were both seen struggling to hold back tears after an emotional argument on last night's episode of The Only Way Is Essex.
But as reports that they had split left fans devastated, Lydia Bright and James 'Arg' Argent put on brave faces as they stepped out today following the broadcast of their row.
The pair both smiled through any angst they were feeling as they got on with their daily lives.

Overwhelmed: Lydia confided to Lauren Goodger at the start of the episode that she felt unhappy with Arg

Lydia was seen throwing herself into work at her shop Bella Sorella in Loughton, Essex, before grabbing some lunch at Fratelli's restaurant in the high street.
Dressed in a pair of brown trousers, white shirt and knitted cardigan, Lydia looked as chic as ever as she stepped out, with her huge sunglasses the only sign that she might be concealing red eyes after watching the episode.
After the series premiere aired on ITV2, Lydia took to her Twitter page to reassure fans she was doing well after she was seen breaking down in floods of tears on the show.

Seeking advice: A miserable Arg visited Lydia's mother Debbie to talk about the relationship while Lydia chatted to Lauren

She wrote: 'I'm so sad but relieved that everything is out in the open x thank you everyone for your support.'
Her boyfriend Arg, meanwhile, was seen taking on some physical activity with TOWIE friend Joey Essex and Joey's best friend James Bennewith as the trio roller skated their way around a park in their home county.
Arg went casual in a zipped sweatshirt and jeans for the outing while Joey went for his typical eccentric style in a red onesie.

Rolling around: Arg was seen going roller skating in an Essex park with Joey Essex and James Bennewith this afternoon

Arg had also written on his Twitter page after the episode aired, explaining: 'Even more confused now guys but think positive thoughts and positive things will happen! Could of done with the other half of Marg there! X'
Last night's episode saw Lydia opening up about her troubles with Arg to Lauren Goodger, confessing: 'Me and James have obviously always had our problems and our issues. We always argue about the stupidest things.
'But every time I see him and my hearts crumbles and I love him so much. James never admits something is wrong, he'll always be in denial about it like everything is fine.'

Smiles all round: Former TOWIE star Mark Wright was seen leaving The Ivy after a lunch with his agent today

Successful siblings: While Mark was busy plotting his next career move, sister Jessica was filming for TOWIE in Loughton

Arg meanwhile unburdened himself to Lydia's mother Debbie.
He sobbed: 'I thought we'd move in together, and if that went well we'd get engaged and then be married in a few years.'
'I know how much you love my daughter, and as a mother that's always what you want. But if you love her that much you have to give her space.'

Comfort food: On Friday night Arg was seen tucking into a large portion of fish and chips after his night out

And Debbie replied: 'Lydia's been with you since she was seventeen, she was a child when she met you. I think she needs to find herself, but she can't do that without space.'
Lydia later told her mother: 'I do still love him. I don't want to talk about it. I don't want to hear about James, I feel so guilty, I don't want to hear that I'm making someone I love unhappy.'

source: dailymail

Picture perfect family! Slim Britney Spears and fiance Jason Trawick treat her boys to a trip to the bowling alley

2012-01-31T12:22:00.000+07:00

By JADE WATKINS

Picture perfect family! Britney Spears and her fiance Jason Trawick took her sons Jayden James and Sean Preston bowling over the weekend

He is set to be a step-father after he walks down the aisle with Britney Spears in a wedding reportedly taking place this Valentine's Day.
And Jason Trawick looked well and truly part of the family as he joined his wife-to-be and her two sons Sean Preston, six, and Jayden James, five, for a fun day at the bowling alley over the weekend.
The 30-year-old pop star looked slim and sensational for the outing, which took place at Harley's Camarillo Bowling alley in Camarillo, California.

Stepfather-to-be: Jason played daddy with the her two toddlers, chatting to the boys as he enjoyed an ice-cream and they indulged in some sweets

Sean and Jayden, whose father is Britney's ex-husband Kevin Federline, looked cute in striped polo shirts.
Britney is well and truly back on the straight and narrow, with a stable relationship and her life back on track.
And now it also looks like she is finally regain her life and finances officially.

Looking good: The 30-year-old singer looked slim and sensational for the outing, which took place at Harley's Camarillo Bowling alley in Camarillo, California

Her father Jamie Spears has been conservator of her affairs for almost four years after her life spiralled out of control in 2007.
But as a special gift to mark her upcoming wedding to fiance Trawick, Britney's father is asking a judge to halt the conservatorship.
A judge handed Jamie control of the singer's fortune and almost every other aspect of her life after she had a public meltdown.

Warm embraces: Jason also embraced his future mother-in-law Lynne Spears, who joined the family during the outing

At the height of her problems Britney lost custody of her children for a long spell which prompted an infamous rant outside Federline's LA home, resulting in a shaven-headed Britney rampaging with an umbrella.
But she has put her two failed marriages behind her, regained custody of her sons and moved on in her love life with her former agent Jason.
Now her father is reportedly demanding a judge rescind on the order to mark the pop star's complete turnaround.

Close unit: The three adults all appeared extremely close

A source tells the Sunday Express: 'Jamie wants to go to court in early February so Britney will be a free woman in every sense when she marries.'
And he's hoping the order will be dropped in time for her nuptials, which are reportedly due to take place on Valentine's Day on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
The Toxic hitmaker is back performing and wowing her fans with her healthy body and happy demeanour.

Last year a source told RadarOnline: 'Britney now recognizes that if her father hadn't stepped in and taken the action that he had, well.... Britney is now crediting Jamie for saving her life
'Britney's relationship with her dad is in a very, very good place now. She was extremely emotional backstage before leaving for the VMAs and kept telling her daddy how much she loves him.'

source: dailymail

Celine Dion gives the front row much more of a show than they expected... in a very short dress

2012-01-31T12:10:00.000+07:00

By J J ANISIOBI

Wardrobe malfunction: Celine Dion accidentally flashed the front row while performing in Jamiaca, last night

Choosing such a short dress to wear on stage was always a risk. And veteran balladeer Celine Dion obviously didn't think twice about the eye level of the audience. The Canadian singer gave the front row a lot more than advertised when she performed at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Trelawny, Jamaica last night.
The 43-year-old mother of three accidentally flashed fans as she strutted across the stage in the dangerously short outfit. Celine, who has been in Jamaica for a few days, wore a gold and white Balmain dress that showed off her long legs and toned body.

Working it: Celine looked great in the short dress and her legs looked especially toned

She said: 'Because normally when people are level the length is fine. But people were like this (she looks up)... So it was like I didn't think of the people downstairs and me there.'
Dion looked great in the daring outfit and has been showing her toned and tanned body a lot since being on the island for the festival.
Two nights ago she wore a long black dress with a thigh high split and she has also been performing with local Jamaican artists including singer Diana who performed the duet Treat Her Like A Lady.

Ready to rock: Celine looked great in the dress and later explained why she decided to wear it

Besides getting through her extensive song book the singer also managed to navigate through about five different stage costumes.
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.

Local hospitality: Celine was joined on stage by Jamaican music artist Diana who performed the duet Treat Her Like A Lady

Last year, Oprah Winfrey's OWN Network aired a primetime special featuring an intimate look at the musical icon's private life.
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.

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

source: dailymail

The lady is a vamp! Keira Knightley smoulders in sexy and provocative new shoot

2012-01-31T11:54:00.000+07:00

By ALASDAIR GLENNIE and SARAH BULL

The lady is a vamp: Keira Knightly smoulders in a provocative new shoot for GQ magazine

It is a dramatic departure from her usual image as the quintessential English rose.
Keira Knightley, more commonly seen in the bonnets and bustles of period dramas, poses provocatively in a series of outfits that leave little to the imagination.
The actress wears nothing more than a low-cut jumper, high heels and blood red lipstick in one shot, while in another, she shows off her long legs as she reclines on a chaise longue in a 1950s-style swimming costume.

Leggy lady: Keira shows off her enviable figure in the sexy new shots, which see her wear very little

Another of the images, which will appear in the March issue of GQ magazine, shows the 26-year-old modelling a tasselled black jacket as she runs her fingers through her hair.
Perhaps Miss Knightley was getting into the spirit of her latest role in A Dangerous Method, which she almost turned down after telling director David Cronenberg that some scenes were too risque.
She told an interviewer: 'I said, I love you, I love the script. But I don’t think it’s something I can do, so I might have to turn it down.
'Once he said he didn’t want it to be sexy or voyeuristic, and as soon as I got my head around the S&M mentality, I said, "Okay, let’s do it".'

Posing up: The actress is seen staring sexily into the camera as she shows off her figure in the shots

Miss Knightley also spoke about how different the perceptions are of her in both America and her home country. She explained: 'The Americans are generally a lot more supportive. They generally like the work a lot more than they do here. It is what it is, I suppose. It could just be that I’m not to a lot of people’s tastes. Which is fine.
'Well it’s not, obviously. You want to be to everyone’s taste... But. I think it’s better to do your own thing rather than try to please everyone and just be this mushy thing in the middle..

The full interview appears in the March issue of GQ magazine

Miss Knightley also revealed to GQ that she read the work of Jung and Sigmund Freud while researching her latest role. She said: ‘I vaguely knew it was about sex and blaming your parents. Apart from that I had no idea.
'So I had to do quite a lot of research to understand what they were talking about and understand where [Sabina] was coming from and the nature of the illness that she had.' The film, which has its UK premiere tonight, tells the story of a love affair between Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung and his beautiful patient Sabina Spielrein, played by Miss Knightley.
The full interview appears in the March issue of GQ magazine, out on Thursday 2nd February.

Screen star: Keira stars as Sabina Spielrein in new movie A Dangerous Method, who has an affair with Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung

source: dailymail

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