Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House during a pyrotechnic show to celebrate the New Year January 1, 2010.


Video: Celebrate the New Year January 1, 2010., Sydney, click here..


Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House during a pyrotechnic show to celebrate the New Year January 1, 2010



SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 31: The annual New Year's Eve fireworks display illuminates the sky over Sydney Harbour on December 31, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. The 2009 into 2010 theme is 'Awaken The Spirit' with over 1.5 million people expected to gather around the harbour to watch the 12 minute show.



Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House during a pyrotechnic show to celebrate the New Year January 1, 2010.



SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 31: The annual New Year's Eve fireworks display illuminates the sky over Sydney Harbour on December 31, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. The 2009 into 2010 theme is 'Awaken The Spirit' with over 1.5 million people expected to gather around the harbour to watch the 12 minute show.



SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 31: The annual New Year's Eve fireworks display illuminates the sky over Sydney Harbour on December 31, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. The 2009 into 2010 theme is 'Awaken The Spirit' with over 1.5 million people expected to gather around the harbour to watch the 12 minute show.



Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House during a pyrotechnic show to celebrate the New Year January 1, 2010.



SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 31: The annual New Year's Eve fireworks display illuminates the sky over Sydney Harbour on December 31, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. The 2009 into 2010 theme is 'Awaken The Spirit' with over 1.5 million people expected to gather around the harbour to watch the 12 minute show.



SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 31: The annual New Year's Eve fireworks display illuminates the sky over Sydney Harbour on December 31, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. The 2009 into 2010 theme is 'Awaken The Spirit' with over 1.5 million people expected to gather around the harbour to watch the 12 minute show.


Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House during a pyrotechnic show to celebrate the New Year January 1, 2010.


SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 31: People take photos as the annual New Year's Eve fireworks display illuminates the sky over Sydney Harbour on December 31, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. The 2009 into 2010 theme is 'Awaken The Spirit' with over 1.5 million people expected to gather around the harbour to watch the 12 minute show


Fireworks flash over Sydney Harbor during New Year celebrations, Friday, Jan. 1, 2010. The annual fireworks extravaganza over the city's landmark harbor bridge and opera house are the centerpiece of Australia's celebrations, and generate some of the most striking images from a night of revelry across the globe.


photo: Reuters

By Mail Foreign Service

Let's get it started: Fireworks explode at midnight above Sydney harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge to celebrate New Year's Eve in Australia today


Under explosive bursts of crimson, purple and blue, more than one million New Year revellers in Sydney got one of the world's biggest parties started Thursday - bidding farewell to the tough year that was 2009 and welcoming a new decade.

As the family-friendly, pre-midnight fireworks show illuminated Australia's largest city, preparations were under way across the world for pyrotechnics, parties and prayers in the final countdown to herald the end of the period dubbed 'the Noughties'.

The mood of celebrations was tempered in some places by the effects of the financial downturn, which bit hard in 2009, sending economies into recession, causing millions to lose their jobs and home foreclosures to rise dramatically in some countries.


Harmony in the New Year: The ying and yang symbol is displayed on the Sydney Harbour Bridge after the midnight fireworks display
There were also reminders of threats and the fight against terrorism that during the decade led to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and rising militant violence in Pakistan.
The U.S. Embassy in Indonesia warned of a possible terrorist attack on the resort island of Bali on New Year's Eve, citing information from the island's governor - although local security officials said Thursday they were unaware of a threat. The e-mail warning to U.S. citizens said predominantly Muslim Indonesia's counter-terrorism efforts have been partly successful in recent years, but violent extremists continue to pose a deadly threat.
In Sydney, crowds - organizers expected more than 1.5 million people - thronged to harbourside parks and public places for the annual fireworks extravaganza over the landmark harbour bridge and opera house. The twin shows, one at 9 p.m. and a bigger one at midnight, are the centrepiece of Australia's celebrations that generates some of the most striking images from a night of revelry across the globe.


Harmony in the New Year: The ying and yang symbol is displayed on the Sydney Harbour Bridge after the midnight fireworks display


There were also reminders of threats and the fight against terrorism that during the decade led to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and rising militant violence in Pakistan.

The U.S. Embassy in Indonesia warned of a possible terrorist attack on the resort island of Bali on New Year's Eve, citing information from the island's governor - although local security officials said Thursday they were unaware of a threat. The e-mail warning to U.S. citizens said predominantly Muslim Indonesia's counter-terrorism efforts have been partly successful in recent years, but violent extremists continue to pose a deadly threat.

In Sydney, crowds - organizers expected more than 1.5 million people - thronged to harbourside parks and public places for the annual fireworks extravaganza over the landmark harbour bridge and opera house. The twin shows, one at 9 p.m. and a bigger one at midnight, are the centrepiece of Australia's celebrations that generates some of the most striking images from a night of revelry across the globe.


New decade: Sydney's fireworks are just the start of New Year's celebrations across the globe



source: dailymail

By Paul Sims

'Crazy': The family climbing Snowdon yesterday


As the snow fell and the temperature around them dipped below freezing they ignored the repeated warnings and began climbing.

Trudging through several inches of snow, the couple struggled on as the blizzard-like conditions hit Snowdonia, North Wales, with a vengeance.

But what made their attempt even more unthinkable was the fact that they chose to take their young daughter with them.

She cannot have been any more than two years old. Yet she sat in a harness on her father's back with only a plastic cover protecting her face from the arctic conditions that surrounded them.

One walker said: 'I couldn't believe they had even contemplate going out in those conditions. It was like a blizzard up there with 30-35mph winds and poor visibility.

'The chances of falling over and crushing the child or falling down a ledge is ten times more likely in these conditions. It was nothing short of crazy.'

The couple left their car at Pen-y-pass, then started to walk up the snow-covered miners' track, which leads towards the 3,560ft summit of Snowdon.


Showing grit: Clearing a road near the M62 in Yorkshire yesterday


Elfyn Jones, chairman of Llanberis mountain rescue team, said: 'I hope they're not heading towards the summit or going high up the mountain, because there are gale force winds and temperatures down to minus 4 or 5.'

Last week police and rescuers launched a special campaign to persuade climbers and walkers to take proper precautions.

The couple returned to their car a little over two hours later, having walked approximately a mile up the mountain.

The climb occurred on a day of tragedy as the weather wreaked havoc across the country and left a total of six people dead.

Three men were killed in a car crash on the M62 in West Yorkshire and two climbers, one from Wiltshire and one from Wales, died in an avalanche on Ben Nevis.

The avalanche was the first of three to hit the Scottish Highlands.

The second in Torridon, Wester Ross, claimed the life of a 53-year-old climber from Derbyshire. He had been found alive but died later from internal injuries in hospital.

Two other walkers were rescued from the third avalanche in Argyll.

As temperatures plummeted to as low as 3f (–16c) walkers had been warned about the dangers caused by the recent snowfalls.

The men killed in the car crash in West Yorkshire were aged 31, 24, and 27.

They are believed to be from the Preston area and were in a Mitsubishi saloon car when it left the westbound carriageway of the snow-hit M62 near Huddersfield and collided with the nearside barrier on Tuesday evening.

In Cumbria, the treacherous weather led to a seven car pile-up on the A66, closing a stretch of the road and leaving up to 50 other cars stranded Dorothy Watson, 59, was among those stranded in her car on the A66 last night.

She said: 'We've been here for a couple of hours now. It's been snowy, but the problem today was the wind. The wind was really strong and it was blowing the snow off the hillsides.'


Sheep are covered in snow in the Hope Valley near Buxton, Derbyshire


Heavy snowfall on the A672 between Halifax, West Yorkshire and Oldham caused cars to be abandoned and roads closed


source: dailymail

By Becky Barrow

Nearly 500,000 adults aged 35 to 44 moved back into their parents' home in the past year, research reveals today.


Devastated by the recession and rising rates of relationship breakdown, many had no option but to return to mother.

The trend has led to them being dubbed the 'boomerang generation'.

In total there are nearly two million men and women living in Britain who have been forced to go back home.

The majority - around one million - are aged between 18 and 24, and have either returned home in the last 12 months, or have delayed plans to move out.

Many will be university graduates who have traditionally moved back in with their parents before setting up their own home.

But it is not just the young who are staying with their parents for longer than they had hoped, the research by Abbey shows.

The bank says there are around 440,000 between the ages of 25 to 34 and a further 471,000 between the ages of 35 to 44 who have been forced to return home.

The research raises fears about the impact of the 'boomerangers' on their parents' finances.

On average, parents have about £11,900 in cash savings, but the money is rapidly disappearing since their children moved back in.

Over the past year, they have typically withdrawn about a fifth of their savings, around £2,100, which they blame on the rising cost of living and 'unexpected' expenses - such as their children returning home.

An Abbey spokesman said: 'The return of grown-up children to the family home can be a shock for parents who have no doubt become used to the quiet life.

'While many parents can live with more noise and a bigger laundry pile, many may be unprepared for the financial impact of their return home.'

The spokesman added that many parents wrongly assume the huge expense of having children only lasts for the first two decades of their lives.

Many grown-up children would love to escape their parents' home to buy their own, but simply cannot afford to do so.

The average price of a home in England and Wales is £161,554, and the cost is rising - up 0.9 per cent last month, according to figures published yesterday by the Land Registry.


Rising house prices are partly to blame for the amount of middle-aged people moving home


Despite the property crash during the recession, homes in many parts of the country are still cripplingly expensive.

The number of properties bought for more than £1million has shot up by 35 per cent over the past year to 512 in September alone.

Matt Hutchinson, director of the flat and house-share website Spareroom.co.uk, said the over-35s are his fastest growing group of customers - particularly as lenders are providing far fewer mortgages.

'This trend is likely to continue until house prices become more affordable or mortgage lenders relax their lending criteria,' he added.

'These days, landlords are just as likely to have a house full of over 30-something flat sharers as they are a group of university students. The UK is moving towards a nation of renters.'

Debt experts also warn the number of Britons expected to be plunged into insolvency will hit an all-time record of 150,000 next year, a 15 per cent rise on this year.

The majority will be men aged between 26 to 45, and many will be left with no option but to move back to their parents' home, according to the research from the accountants RSM Tenon.

Mark Sands, head of bankruptcy at the firm, said it is not necessarily losing their job which tips them over the edge, but losing overtime pay or their bonus.

He said: 'If you've got £50,000 of debt on your credit card and you've lost one of your shifts then you are going to hit the end of the line.'

The number of insolvency casualties will pick up next year, as there is usually a time lag between the start of a recession and people losing the battle with their finances.

The Government recently published a 16-page guide called the Parent Motivators, which is aimed at helping parents cope with twenty-somethings living at home.

The guide, which critics say is another example of the nanny state interfering in adults' lives, includes tips about how to get rid of children who parents would prefer to have moved out.

It claims being 'too supportive' is a mistake, adding: 'Sometimes, it really is necessary to show tough love. If you are making life too comfortable at home, why would they get a job?

'If you are providing free board and lodgings, a well-stocked fridge, washing and ironing done, plus an allowance, there's not much drive there. So cut back to help increase their motivation.'





source: dailymail

By Roger Dobson

The gas that makes drinks fizzy could help people lose weight


Carbon dioxide - the gas that makes drinks fizzy - may help people lose weight.

Injections of carbon dioxide are being used to tackle fat levels in obese people at risk of future health problems.

Researchers believe the jabs will trick the body into a response that results in fatty tissue shrinking, and resulting in a reduced waist circumferences

A large waist circumference is linked to an increased risk of a number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Carbon dioxide is a natural gas, produced by the cells in our bodies. Non-toxic, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and expelled via our breath and kidneys.

In the treatment, known as carboxytherapy - a fine needle is used to inject carbon dioxide just under the skin.

The procedure takes just a few minutes and is believed to work because the gas diffuses into the surrounding tissues, causing blood vessels to dilate.

Wider vessels mean a stronger blood supply, which brings a rush of oxygen and nutrients to the treated area.

The carbon dioxide kills fat cells, while the extra oxygen eliminates fluid build-up between cells.

In a small study at the University of Siena in Italy, 48 women with fatty tissue on the thighs, knees, and abdomen were in injected with the gas.

Results were promising. On average, their thighs reduced by 2cm, and they lost 1cm from each knee and 3 cm from their stomach.

The latest clinical trial at Northwestern University in America will be the first to specifically target overweight patients.

Women with a waist circumference over 35in, and men with one over 40ins, will be injected with the gas. The aim is to reduce waist circumference and also waist-to-hip ratio.

After losing the weight, patients will be encouraged to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Professor Nick Finer of University College London, former chairman of the UK Association for the Study of Obesity, said that while the therapy may reduce waist size, it was not a permanent fix and unlikely to lower health risks.

'These injections are tackling the fat under the skin, but it is stored fat in the abdomen that raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease and so on.

'Having said that, if this can give patients the psychological boost they need to adopt a healthier lifestyle, then it can only be a good thing.'


source: dailymail

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt ensure their children Shiloh and Zahara are wrapped up against the freezing weather in New York


As sub-zero temperatures start to creep back in, everyone will be wrapping up like Angelina Jolie and her brood did while filming in New York.

The actress kept herself toasty warm in a brown puffer jacket as she and partner Brad Pitt took daughters Shiloh, 3, and Zahara, 4, home from the set of Angelina's movie Salt in New York last night - when temperatures reached a low of -5C.

The girls seemed to be taking style tips from both their mother and father - Shiloh accessorising her black puffer jacket with a hat like Brad, and Zahara going for a pair of pink fluffy ear muffs.


Angelina, wearing a long black wig carries adopted daughter Zahara, while Brad ensures Shiloh gets a smooth ride home


Angelina seemed to be going for warmth rather than style in the brown coat, which she wore throughout the day of filming re-shoots for her new political thriller.

The 34-year-old actress also wore a scarf in an attempt to combat the icy cold wind as she shot scenes on Manhattan's Hudson River.


Angelina bundled up while filming scenes on the Hudson River in the Big Apple


source: dailymail

By Neil Sears, Kate Loveys and Christian Gysin

Holiday tragedy: Maisie Copland, four, with her mother Julie Harrison. Police tried to save the little girl but she died in their arms


An embittered father 'executed' his small daughter, shot his estranged girlfriend and then killed himself in a Christmas holiday bloodbath.

Four-year-old Maisie Copland was taken to the home of Andrew Copland by his former lover Julie Harrison, 40, for an access visit yesterday morning.

Minutes after mother and daughter arrived, neighbours heard the screams and shouts of a furious argument, and called police.

Officers forced the door to discover a scene of horror.

They found the man already dead but the child and a woman were still alive. Both had serious head injuries.

The girl was given emergency first aid but died at the scene. The woman was taken to St George's Hospital in London where she remains in a critical condition.

Neighbours said that they were stunned at hearing of the double death.


Forensics officers emerge from the £250,000 house in Aldershot, Hampshire, where the shootings took place


Graham Selway, 40, who works in a tool shop across the road, said he believed the couple living at the house had split this Christmas.

He said: 'I saw the woman who has been living at the address pull up in her red Renault Megane Scenic this morning and go into the house.

'I didn't see an altercation on the street and the next thing I knew shortly after 10am the police had arrived.

'A man who I think is called Andy lives at the house and I believe he is in the building trade because he often came into our shop for tools.

'I would say he is in his 40s and has lived at the address for about 15 years or so. He is about 5ft 8in and medium build and has a beard and wears glasses - he looks like your average guy.'


A car, believed to be owned by the father, is lifted away from the house where the murderous attack took place


Maisie was lying on the floor with massive head injuries, on the brink of death.

Three policemen did their best to resuscitate her, but she died in their arms.

Nearby was the body of 56-year-old Copland, a 'volatile' man with a history of domestic violence. He had shot himself in the head following his murderous attack.

The only member of the family to survive the triple shooting in Aldershot, Hampshire, was Miss Harrison, who suffered serious head injuries.

She was taken by air ambulance to St George's Hospital in South London. Last night her condition was critical but stable.

A family friend of Miss Harrison said that painter and decorator Copland and Miss Harrison had been together for around six years, but the relationship was stormy and they split some weeks ago.

Since then Copland had mounted a campaign of harassment against his former partner.


A police officer stands guard outside the house. Neighbours had called 999 shortly after 10am because they were worried about a domestic dispute


A neighbour of Miss Harrison's father Reginald, 74, who lives in Camberley, Surrey, said: 'Andy was Maisie's father. But they'd split before Christmas. Julie finally got rid of him.

'He was forever coming to her dad's house and banging on the door and shouting for her.

'Her dad said she had moved to a new house in Aldershot to escape him, but he'd tracked her down and followed her there. He wouldn't allow her any peace.

'I don't know what she was doing in his house. I guess he still had the right to see his daughter.'

He went on: 'The police came and drove Reginald away so he could be at his daughter's hospital bedside. His granddaughter Maisie was a gorgeous, bright little girl. Just lovely.

'She was forever asking to play in our back garden so she could collect eggs from our chickens. She was full of life.

'It's horrible. I don't know how Reg will cope.'


Police tape cordons off the road leading up to the house where the killings occurred. A gun has been recovered from the building


Detective Inspector Darren Rawlings of Hampshire Police said his colleagues had come upon a 'very traumatic scene' after a neighbour dialled 999 shortly after 10am yesterday.

The three officers got to the house within four minutes of the call, he said, but it was too late.

Detective Inspector Rawlings said the couple had separated around a month ago.
He added: 'This is a tragic death of a four-year-old child. This is a poignant time for many, for young children, and I think it makes it all the more tragic.

'We need to find out why this has happened, and exactly what happened in the premises this morning.

'At this stage the evidence would suggest it was a domestic incident.

'The person in the house has discharged a firearm. We are not seeking anyone else at the moment.'

He would not say what type of gun had been used, whether Copland had a firearms licence, or whether he had a criminal record.

However it was claimed last night that he had a record for arson and making threats against his first wife.

Det Insp Rawlings said the officers responding to the 999 call were unaware shots had been fired, so were unarmed.

Neighbours said they understood the estranged couple had rowed about custody arrangements for Maisie.

A family friend claimed: 'Andy Copland was a very violent and temperamental man.
'I believe he had been jailed for arson and threatening his previous wife.
'I know his daughter from that relationship and she is a lovely woman, a serving police officer, but he was always a nasty piece of work, a loose cannon.

'I remember as a child going round to Copland's house and him exploding with rage at his wife. He was a very volatile man. It is a terrible, terrible tragedy.'

Local tool shop worker Scott Large said Copland popped in regularly for building supplies.

Mr Large said: 'He seemed a friendly, genuine guy who I used to say hello to and he used to be like that with everybody.

'One of the neighbours came up to this morning and said there had been some form of altercation and not to go near, and the next thing I knew police and ambulances and the whole lot turned up.

'I really can't believe it. This is a dozy, quiet sort of place.'

Copland married Christine Curl in 1973. They had a daughter together, Keely, who is now a 33-year-old policewoman in the Surrey force.

The couple divorced in the 1980s, and Mrs Copland remarried.
Miss Harrison had also been married, but was separated.

Sally Denny, 35, whose four year old son Noah was in the same reception class as

Maisie described her as a 'happy, cheeky girl' and said mum Julie would be devastated.

She said: "Maisie was so full of life - a happy, funny and cheeky girl who knew how to bring a smile to people's faces.

"She loved to sing songs by Katy Perry in the car on the way home from school and enjoyed playing kiss chase with Noah. In that way she was a bit of a minx.

"My last memory of her was seeing her perform in the school nativity.

"She was dressed as a star but she will always be an angel.

"I have known Julie two and a half years. She is a lovely reliable friend and a great fulltime mum. She is a quiet and gentle person.

"I am praying she pulls through but know she will be devastated to hear Maisie has died.

"It will be the end of the world for her."


source: dailymail

By David Gardner

Beach holiday: Uchitel has been sighted regularly this week in Palm Beach


His Swedish wife, Elin Nordegren, is said to be pushing ahead with plans for a divorce following a series of shocking revelations that her philandering husband had affairs with as many as 11 women.

Now the latest claim by well-respected American TV show Entertainment Tonight suggests Woods is still seeing Miss Uchitel, 34, who was the first mistress to be named in the cheating scandal.


Sources told the show that Woods and Miss Uchitel were holding hands and mingling with about 300 revellers at a party at a private mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday night.


Tiger Woods has been spotted partying with one of his alleged mistresses in Florida.
And the disgraced golfer may have even moved in with New York club promoter Rachel Uchitel, according to reports in the U.S. last night.

Woods, 33, had not been seen in public since the infamous car crash outside his mansion a month ago.

Woods owns a yacht called Privacy, which is docked in Palm Beach, and Miss Uchitel has also been photographed several times during the past week at the upscale resort town.

Entertainment Tonight claims the same insider is adamant the couple are living together at a secret location.

If true, the move, coming so soon after his alleged emotional separation from his wife, will be seen as another damning blow to the golf star's chances of rehabilitating his battered image.

The programme's website is also claiming the couple were seen together at the trendy Everglades Club in Palm Beach on Saturday.

Asked yesterday whether she was with Woods over the weekend, Miss Uchitel responded: 'No comment.' There have been claims that the brunette has received a £2million 'hush money' pay-off from Woods to remain tight-lipped about their alleged affair.

In Touch magazine in the U.S. reported last week that Woods was still having secret trysts with Miss Uchitel after his infidelities were revealed.

'They have been sleeping together the entire time since the scandal broke. They hooked up in a condo she's been staying at in Palm Beach,' a source told the publication.

'She's madly in love with him and she believes that he loves her as well.'
Miss Uchitel's apartment is said to be about 500 yards from where Woods's yacht is docked. In an email to Miss Uchitel, Woods allegedly wrote: 'I finally found someone I connect with, someone I have never found like this.'

Woods reportedly tried to contact Miss Uchitel after he crashed his car outside his home in Windermere, Florida, following a row with his wife over his cheating.
He was taken to hospital after hitting a water hydrant and a tree.


source: dailymail

The clip is the continuation of the 'Birthday Party' scene where Frankie smashes a bottle of human blood and accidentally attracts the vampires with the smell.


Video: Daybreakers - Birthday Party, click here...


"Daybreakers" unleashes the monster in new clip. When a mysterious plague has swept over the earth in year 2019, majority of world's population have turned into vampires. These blood-sucking creatures are hunting the humans which are now endangered species.

Humans are forced into hiding as they are hunted and farmed for vampire consumption to the brink of extinction. It's all up to Edward Dalton, a vampire researcher who refuses to feed on human blood, to perfect a blood substitute that might sustain vampires and spare the few remaining humans.

But time and hope are running out - until Ed meets Audrey, a human survivor who leads him to a startling medical breakthrough. Armed with knowledge that both humans and vampires will kill for, Ed must battle his own kind in a deadly struggle that will decide the fate of the human race.

Starring Ethan Hawke as Edward, Isabel Lucas as Alison and Willem Dafoe as Elvis, "Daybreakers" will be released in theaters across U.S. on January 8.


source: aceshowbiz

By Neil Moxley

Doubling up: Tevez scores his eighth in seven games to make it 3-0


Roberto Mancini will face more difficult challenges than those posed at Molineux on Monday night. But a score that accurately reflects City's superiority over eager opponents makes it hard to deny that the Italian is having an effect.

Goals from Carlos Tevez, making it eight in his last seven games, either side of a delicious left-footed Javier Garrido free-kick demonstrated the gulf the club's Middle-Eastern owners had hoped.

And while the Boxing Day triumph over Stoke City was of the more regulation variety, this was a triumph that bore all the trademarks of a side that is genuinely looking upwards.

It was the second clean sheet in three days and only their third since the end of August. And, as clean sheets do, it provided the platform for success.

It helps when a manager has a player like Tevez to call upon and a player like Craig Bellamy to feed off him. The Argentinian is at the height of his powers, while Bellamy is not far short.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy was genuinely pleased with his side's effort. But they lost 3-0 at home, and that was not unfair on either team.

What was impressive, apart from the fact that Shay Given did not have cause to berate defenders who have been masquerading as anything but that far too often this season, was the fact that Mancini was prepared to change his tactics.

He started with a five-man midfield but when Wolves were not being tested enough, he pushed Bellamy in behind Tevez. Hey presto, the home defence collapsed, albeit in unfortunate circumstances on the half-hour.


In form: Tevez notches his first of the night


Bellamy's step-over earned him valuable yards on Jody Craddock. He pulled the ball back and Tevez's first-time shot deflected off Christophe Berra and past Marcus Hahneman.

Bellamy had blazed wildly over from five yards before that goal, while he miscalculated the angles when played in three minutes after the interval. But you can't keep him out of anything at the moment. Like a child waiting for Christmas Day, he was into everything.

Inevitably, he was involved in the second goal, too, as he joined in play from an offside position when Jody Craddock's header inadvertently rendered him 'active'.

As a direct result of Bellamy's involvement, Gareth Barry was bundled over by Michael Mancienne and Garrido, making a rare appearance, flighted a free-kick up and over the wall. Hahnemann stood rooted to the spot, not even trying to dive as the ball curled inside the post, and the game was as good as over.


distance: Garrido curls his free kick around the Wolves wall


McCarthy was upset at the manner in which his team conceded that goal, due to the bizarre nature of the law that now governs offsides. But when he reviews the action dispassionately, he will see a host of missed City chances - Bellamy was the worst culprit on two occasions - that showed his grievances were merely glossing over the inevitable.

Wolves' best effort came when Kevin Doyle's turn of pace surprised Kolo Toure and Given needed to make his one true stop of the evening. It must have come as a welcome surprise for the Irishman.But then, as the hosts tired, City played keep ball for 90 seconds, some feat at this level.

There was even time for Mancini to throw Robinho into the fray. The Brazilian, perhaps realising that his inactivity led to him being substituted against Stoke, was involved in the third goal.


No wonder he's smiling: Mancini oversaw his second win as as many games


His pass infield from the right flank appeared to have another light-blue shirted colleague in mind. No matter. Such is Tevez's confidence at the moment that he took the ball with his right foot, switched it to his left and dispatched it inside Hahnemann's left-hand post. It was the strike of a man at the very top of his game.

Prior to that, there had been a delightful one-touch move that spanned almost the entire length of the Molineux pitch. Tevez wasted the chance of a hat-trick, lifting the ball over Hahnemann and wide of the goal.It was but a trifling blot on a landscape that now seems altogether brighter.

What a difference a week makes. For Wolves, it is back to the drawing board and hoping that their own miserable holiday period does not have too much of an impact on the rest of their season.


Crunch time: Berra takes a tumble - he was subbed soon after - after an aerial challenge with Bellamy


McCarthy was reasonably upbeat on one hand and grumpy on the other. 'We have had our opportunities in both matches,' he said. 'Were we realistically expected to go to Anfield and win and then defeat Manchester City They put on a substitute who cost more than our club.

'We need to keep our chins up and keep picking up points against those sides we are expected to be competing against.'

Manchester City have a different agenda. Mancini knows it. So far, so good.



source: dailymail

By Vanessa Allen

Fears over airport security could leave millions of passengers facing the indignity of a 'naked' body scan and paying higher fares to fund it.

Hi-tech body scanners can see through clothes to detect hidden weapons or explosives such as those used in the failed Christmas Day plot.

They produce an anatomical image of passengers' bodies, including breasts and genitalia, and have been attacked as too intrusive. Critics have described them as a 'virtual strip search'.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the Government was looking at the use of the full body scanners, but admitted there were cost and privacy issues.

The scanners are on a year's trial at Manchester Airport, where security officers have already been banned from using them on children following warnings that the images could break child pornography laws which outlaw the creation of images of youngsters.

The machines cost £80,000 each, meaning it would cost millions to install them in all
of Britain's airports. Inevitably the cost would be handed on to passengers through higher air fares.

But security experts have said they would speed up safety checks by quickly revealing any concealed weapons or explosives.

Dutch airport authorities said yesterday that they would make the new scanners mandatory after syringe bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was able to board his flight from Amsterdam to Detroit without the explosive sewn into his underwear being detected.

Heightened security ordered by the U.S. in the wake of the failed bomb plot has
caused massive delays on both sides of the Atlantic, as airports struggle to cope with the new measures.

The machines would speed up checks as they eliminate the need for passengers to take off their shoes, belts, coats and scarves and would reduce the number who were then subjected to 'pat-down' searches.

Instead, the fully-clothed passenger steps between two screens and is instructed to stand with fingers touching the sides of the head, to provide a clear image of the body.

The machine performs a simultaneous front and back scan using electromagnetic waves, similar to a low-level X-ray.

According to the manufacturer, Rapiscan, passengers can be scanned safely up to 5,000 times a year. They say a dental X-ray produces 20,000 times more radiation.

The scans show every contour of the body, including intimate areas, and also reveal body piercings, colostomy bags, false limbs and even breast enlargements.

Airport security officers inspect the images in a separate office, away from the scanner, to reduce the potential embarrassment for passengers.

If the scan is clear the whole process should take around 20 seconds, and the image is then deleted. If security officers see anything suspect, the passenger is searched.

Officials have said the images cannot be stored or captured, but the scheme has led to fears that scans of celebrities could be leaked on to the internet.

Civil rights campaigners have expressed fears that the scans are too intrusive and could prove offensive, particularly for Muslim women. Security officers at Manchester have been warned not to scan under-18s over fears that the legislation could lead to them facing criminal charges.

There have been no known terrorism arrests at Manchester since the trial began in October. It is not known if the machines have been used to detect other offences at the airport.

When the trial ends in ten months, the Government will decide if the scanners should be used nationwide.

In the scheme, passengers can opt not to have a full body scan and to go through a traditional metal detector and 'pat-down' search instead.

But critics have questioned how useful an 'optional' search is, and whether it would be feasible if the scanners are installed permanently.

The Home Secretary said the Government would weigh the privacy and cost issues against national security.


source: dailymail

Suited and booty: Jennifer Lopez arrives at the Land Shark stadium in Miami as she attends an American football game with her husband Marc Anthony


Jennifer Lopez revisited the Seventies for her latest dazzling appearance at an American football game.

The 40-year-old singer is becoming something of a fixture at the Miami Dolphins' Land Shark stadium with her husband, Marc Anthony - and nobody is complaining.

For her latest turn, she squeezed into a tight-fitting, all-in-one denim pantsuit with matching peep-toe heels.

Her 41-year-old singer husband was also dressed up in a black suit and shirt open to the hairy chest, black shoes and sunglasses.


Figure-hugging: The pantsuit hugged J.Lo's famous curves in all the right places


The couple are regular visitors to the stadium, where they have a private box, after purchasing a minority stake in the Miami Dolphins team in summer of this year.

Tennis champion Venus Williams was also spotted in the stands at the match.
J.Lo is no stranger to dressing up for football games.

Earlier this month the New York native paid a visit to the stadium in a long flowing, black and white striped dress and in October she sported a black summer dress matched with black high heels.

Unfortunately for the couple, their beloved team lost out to Houston Texas 27-20.


Miami heat: J-Lo and her husband are said to consider the Sunshine State their second home and have been searching for a new home there


The couple are said to consider Miami their second home and have been house-hunting for a base in the Sunshine State.

Prior to making the trip to Miami, J.Lo and Marc enjoyed a family Christmas break at Disney’s California Adventure park.

Joined by Jennifer’s mother, Guadalupe, and sister, Linda, the couple treated twins Max and Emme to two full days at the popular theme park in Anaheim.

Jennifer dressed sensibly in a dark blue fleece emblazoned with the star-spangled banner, jeans and a pair of Ugg boots while their twins were wheeled around in their buggy.

They were joined by Jennifer's step-children and Marc's sons Cristian and Ryan from his first marriage to former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres.


Christmas holiday: The couple visited Disney's Adventure Park in Anaheim, California with their twins Max and Emme


Lopez returns to the big screen next year in her first acting role in three years, with new movie The Back-Up Plan.

The romantic comedy follows a mid-30s woman who gets pregnant by artificial insemination, before meeting the love of her life - who she neglects to tell about her pregnancy.

As well as the movie, set for an April 2010 release, Jennifer has also been working on her new album Love?, which is set for release in January.

The LP includes lead single Louboutins, which the singer performed at the American Music Awards last month.

Lopez had an embarrassing fall during the performance, and later lampooned the incident on Ellen Degeneres' chat show.


Family trip: Jennifer and Marc were joined by Lopez's mother Guadalupe and her sister Linda for the visit to the theme park


source: dailymail

of the times: The new Home Office adverts will teach Brits how to avoid being a victim of crime


The public is warned not to leave themselves open to thieves and burglars in a new advertising campaign today.

Around one-third of burglaries are carried out when windows and doors have been left open.

The Home Office campaign also highlights the danger of personal theft when mobile phones and other items are on show.

The adverts encourage householders to lock doors and windows and not to leave expensive items or car keys on display.

Advertisements will appear on TV, radio, the internet and on posters.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: 'Simple things like locking your doors and windows when you're out, not leaving valuables on display or just making sure your bag isn't hanging open on the bus will keep the criminals out.'


Valuables: the ads warn people to ensure their property is kept safe, at home and on the streets


source: dailymail

By Alexandra Williams

Nigel Jackson, 43, took one last run at Le Tour, Chamonix, but became seperated from his friends. His body was found on Boxing Day


A British skier who went missing in the French Alps on Christmas Day died after being caught in an avalanche, reports said today.

A body believed to be that of Nigel Jackson, 43, who was staying in the resort of Chamonix, was found on Boxing Day.

Police believe he was skiing between two marked pistes when he was caught in a small avalanche.

A police spokesman said: 'We found the body of a British man at 3pm on Saturday at Le Tour. We think he had been skiing between two pistes and was caught in an avalanche. The weather was very bad on Christmas Day.

Tragic last run: Le Tour is near the ski-town of Chamonix, in the French Alps


'A ski patrol searched for him and then we searched with a helicopter but we couldn't see anything. He was not wearing an avalanche transceiver.'

Mr Jackson, who was originally from Liverpool but had moved to London, is said to have gone skiing on Christmas Day with his girlfriend and two friends despite bad weather.

The party, which was staying at Les Aiglons hotel, decided to ski one last run.

Mr Jackson, a keen skier, separated from his friends and agreed to meet at the bottom at 4pm. When Mr Jackson failed to arrive his worried friends contacted the mountain police.

A search involving a helicopter was launched but rescuers failed to find Mr Jackson.

The search was resumed on Boxing Day and his body was discovered at 3pm, buried under snow.

A distraught friend said: 'We are in shock. It was a freak accident. The avalanche was not even big.'

Mr Jackson’s parents flew to France to meet with police and organise for his body to be returned to the UK.

The avalanche risk in Chamonixhas been classed 'considerable' over the Christmas period. There was heavy snow followed by warm Foehn winds gusting at up to 80mph.

Mr Jackson’s is the second death in a week in the area.

A French skier from Limoges was caught in an avalanche with two other people who managed to remain on the surface of the slide. The skier who was killed was not equipped with an avalanche transceiver and was buried.

Meanwhile, six people have been killed by an avalanche in northern Italy.

The victims were two tourists who had gone missing in the Italian Alps and four rescuers who had been looking for them, according to the ANSA news agency.