Cool Forward Mail

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

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

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER

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

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

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

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

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

Centre of attention: Djokovic maintained his remarkable record against Nadal

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

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

You beauty! The Serbian celebrates victory with management and family

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By JADE WATKINS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By HOLLY THOMAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By EMILY SHERIDAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By HOLLY THOMAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By MARISSA CHARLES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By MIKE LARKIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By SIMON PARRY IN HALLSTATT, CHINA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By ALEX GORE

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

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

By DAVID ROSE

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By DAVID BAKER

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By KERRY MCQUEENEY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By MARCUS BARNES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers! The models salute the photographer with their drinks

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By ALEX GORE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source :dailymail

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

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

By DAMIEN GAYLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By HOLLY THOMAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By MEGHAN KENEALLY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By JO MACFARLANE

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By EMILY HILL

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

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

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

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

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

FIRST WITH THE NEWS: MEET THE PAPER HOUND

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

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

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

THE DOG AND BONE ACT

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

THE PET WITH A PASSION FOR LIFE ON THE EDGE

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By MIKE LARKIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By EMILY SHERIDAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By ANN PRIDE

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

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

Still on: Heidi continues to wear her gold wedding band

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

Model mum: Heidi carried her daughter Lou into Karate class

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By SARAH BULL, NADIA MENDOZA and HOLLY THOMAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By ANN PRIDE

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

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

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

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

Careful: Candice bends over and nearly suffers a wardrobe malfunction

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By LAURA SCHREFFLER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By EMILY SHERIDAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By HOLLY THOMAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By LAURA SCHREFFLER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: dailymail

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

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

By JILL PAUL

Rustic: Giethoorn is known as the Venice of the Netherlands

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

Canal tours are popular with the many tourists

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

The bridges are made entirely from wood

Farmhouses date from the 18th century

There are 4 miles of canals

Giethoorn was founded by a group of fugitives around AD 1230

Transport: The villagers get around by boat

source: dailymail

Daze of the week: A glittering gallery of Northern Lights from the past seven days (thanks to biggest solar storms in six years)

2012-01-29T07:22:00.000+07:00

By NICK ENOCH

The Northern Lights were captured on camera this week in Southern Iceland

Over the past week, fantastic displays of the Northern Lights have occurred in Norway, Iceland... and even the UK.
The spectacular shows in the night sky were due to the biggest solar storm in more than six years, which bombarded Earth with radiation.
Here, we present some of the best images taken of the lights, known as the aurora borealis,

The aurora borealis as seen near the city of Trondheim, Norway on Tuesday

The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, are seen near the city of Tromsoe, northern Norway, last Tuesday

This amazing image of the lights was taken near Alnwick, Northumberland. They are rarely seen in the UK - and normally appear above Icleland

A breathtaking free light show on the Pennine moorland at the County Durham-North Yorkshire border early last week

source: dailymail

Topless Ukrainian feminists arrested in the snow in Davos as they try and storm political summit

2012-01-29T07:12:00.000+07:00

By DAVID BAKER

Feminism: Nudist group FEMEN clash with Swiss police during a protest at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos

Three topless Ukrainian protesters were detained today as they bid to break into an invitation-only gathering of CEOs and political leaders to call attention to the needs of the world's poor.
With temperatures around freezing in the snow-filled town, they took off their tops and tried to climb a fence before being detained.
After a complicated journey to reach the heavily guarded Swiss resort town of Davos, the Ukrainians arrived at the entrance to the complex where the World Economic Forum takes place every year.

'Crisis! Made in Davos,' read one message painted across a protester's torso, while others held banners that said 'Poor, because of you' and 'Gangsters party in Davos.'
Davos police spokesman Thomas Hobi said the three women were taken to the police station and told that they weren't allowed to demonstrate.
He said they would be released later today.
The activists are from the group Femen, which has become popular in Ukraine for staging small, half-naked protests to highlight a range of issues including oppression of political opposition.

Summit: Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne speaks during at the World Economic Forum

They have also conducted protests in other countries.
'We came here to Switzerland to Davos to explain the position of all poor people of the world, to explain that we are poor because of these rich people who now sit in the building,' said protester Inna Schewcenko.
They were joined by demonstrators from the Occupy movement, which started with opposition to practices on Wall Street, who marched separately to the edge of the gathering.

Supachai Panitchpakdi, the head of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, pointed to protests at the forum and around the world to highlight the growing disparity between frustrated unemployed young people, who have no voice, and the financiers who continue to reap huge salaries.
He said 'Today we do everything to please the financial markets and you can see the financial market going and going, but they don't serve the real economy. They serve themselves.'

source :dailymail

Why men are almost always the first to say 'I love you' (and what they REALLY mean)

2012-01-29T07:02:00.000+07:00

By MAIL ON SUNDAY REPORTER

Turnaround: Researchers have discovered that it is the man, not the woman, who is most likely to be the first to say 'I love you' in a blossoming romance

They are the three little words that mark a watershed moment in any relationship – and no, men, we don’t mean: ‘Honey, you’ve pulled.’
Now, in a surprising challenge to age-old stereotypes, researchers have discovered that it is the man, not the woman, who is most likely to be the first to say ‘I love you’ in a blossoming romance.
American scientists conducting this vital work have found that young men are three times more likely to take this plunge than their girlfriends.

But lest the findings be taken as evidence of a new breed of sensitive males, the researchers say there may be a more cynical explanation – that the men are simply trying to smooth-talk their partners into bed.
Or, in their detached, academic terminology: ‘Any strategy serving as the means to a sexual end would be beneficial to men, including declarations of love.’
They came to their conclusion after interviewing 171 heterosexual students under 25.

A sizeable majority – 87 per cent – said they believed women fell in love first, while three-quarters said they expected women to say ‘I love you’ first.
But when asked about their own experiences, men said it took them a few weeks to realise they had fallen in love, compared with a few months for women.
It is probably no coincidence that this coincides with the average timescale when each partner wanted to have sex – within weeks for men and months for women.
Some 64 per cent of men admitted they had said ‘I love you’ first, compared with just 18 per cent of women.

source: dailymail

'It's not a questin of whether Amazon is too big in the market... Amazon IS the market': Claims of bullying small businesses and the truth about the w

2012-01-29T06:55:00.000+07:00

By HELEN LOVELESS and MARTIN DELGADO

A worker preparing an order at a Milton Keynes depot

Online shopping giant Amazon has been accused of artificially inflating prices by banning firms that trade on its website from selling goods more cheaply elsewhere on the internet. Thousands of shops and small businesses, ranging from record stores to perfume suppliers, sell their products on Amazon, which has seen its worldwide sales surge by 44 per cent.
Under draconian new restrictions introduced by the American corporation, traders who sell products more cheaply on other sites face expulsion from the Amazon catalogue unless they agree to raise their prices.

The company is being accused of bullying small firms and inflating prices

Amazon has ordered them to ‘maintain parity between the terms on which you offer or sell each item through Amazon’ and the amount they charge for the same product on other sites.
Last night consumer protection lawyers called for an investigation.
Jill Paterson, a partner at law firm Leigh Day, said: ‘This is potentially anti-competitive behaviour. It has the potential to distort the market, which means consumers are losing out. It is possible the Office of Fair Trading have not been alerted yet but I think they should look into it.’
Business organisations and independent traders accused the company of ‘bullying’ smaller firms.

Orders stacked up at an Amazon warehouse in Swansea

Conservative MEP Malcolm Harbour, chairman of the European Parliament’s Consumer Protection Committee, said: ‘It is time for the European Commission to investigate whether firms such as Amazon are exploiting their market power in a way that is detrimental to consumers.’
In the UK, Amazon has achieved an extraordinary domination of the online shopping industry. The company refused to give figures, but analysts estimate it has a 20 per cent share of the market, accounting for £1 in every £5 spent by online purchasers.

The distribution centre in Swansea is packed with goods ready to be distributed

Amazon said in a statement: ‘We work very hard to expand choice for online shoppers. As well as increasing the selection of items that we sell directly, there are over two million sellers who regularly add to the catalogue of products that they sell on Amazon Marketplaces around the world.
‘We simply ask Marketplace sellers not to charge customers higher prices at Amazon than the prices they charge customers elsewhere.’

source: dailymail

It's not my fault I'm a sex addict: Woman reveals she has slept with more than 1,000 men

2012-01-29T06:35:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Self-confessed sex addict Crystal Warren has slept with over 1,000 men

A 42-year-old woman has notched up more than 1,000 lovers, and had already chalked up 40 by the time she was just 17.
Crystal Warren, a retail manager from Brighton puts her sex addiction down to witnessing the painful breakdown of her parents marriage when she was five-years-old.
'People don’t usually associate sex addiction with women,' Crystal told the Daily Mirror. 'We’re normally the ones accused of making excuses before the lights go off but with me it’s different. I think about sex all day.'

Addiction: Warren knows people call her 'easy', and assume she's a slut but they are unaware it's something she cannot control

At the weekend she says she often leaves the house in the middle of the day to find men at pubs or coffee shops to pick up and take home.
On a bad day she has admitted to having sex with seven different men in 24 hours, sometimes a few at a time.
With such a high number in just one day she confessed it was difficult to fit it all in, and would sleep with a man in the morning, one at lunch and then as many as possible in the evening.

Crystal Warren is unable to have children but always makes sure she practices safe sex to avoid STIs

Miss Warren lost her virginity when she was 15 and believes she became a sex addict almost instantaneously.
The feeling of being wanted by her first lover drove her on for more and more sexual experiences and shortly after her first time she was having sex with new man every other month. By the time she was 17 she had slept with 40 people.

She has even joined a specialist online dating website which helps her find men who can keep up with her high sex drive.
It was only when she hit 40, and her best friend turned her back on her did she finally confront her addiction.
'I know I’m a sex addict, but I can’t face getting professional help. Sex is the only thing that makes me feel good about myself. I guess when the men start saying no, I’ll stop having sex. I know some people must think I’m a terrible person, but believe me I’m not proud of myself.'

source: dailymail

Winter wonderland: The stunning images of snow-capped British landscapes as Siberian chill sweeps south

2012-01-29T06:26:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Chill: Weather sweeping down from Siberia delivered a dusting of snow turning some parts of Britain into picturesque snowscapes

For those enjoying the unseasonably warm weather, the blast of freezing Arctic cold sweeping across Britain is in unwelcome reminder of what winter's normally like.
But anyone with an eye for a stunning photograph is sure to welcome the dusting of snow which helps create a picturesque winter scene.
This was the view earlier today across Carr Shields in Northumberland, as a icy weather front swept south across the country from Siberia.

Winter arrives: The unseasonably mild winter gives way to the more usual freezing weather, turning parts of northern Britain into a picturesque snowy scene

Forecasters expect temperatures are set to drop as low as -2C 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.
Meanwhile, the Met Office put much of Britain on a 'yellow alert' for people to 'be aware' of the adverse weather conditions.

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

It said: 'Icy stretches are expected to form on untreated surfaces, especially in places affected by showers.
'The showers will fall as snow above about 250 metres, but there may be temporary slush deposits to lower levels. The public should be aware of possible travel disruption.'
Forecasters say snow is likely to fall on Monday across northern England, Wales and parts of the south-west. There will also be snow showers in East Anglia and the south-east on Tuesday.

Snow fun: Youngster Amy Eager, 5, has fun on a sledge in Bowes, County Durham, as heavy snow arrives in Britain this weekend.

Cold snap: A cyclist braves the cold on the Pennine hill tops near Skipton, in the Yorkshire Dales

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

Treacherous: Driving conditions became difficult as sleet and rain froze on roads across the north of Britain, with motorists and pedestrians warned to take care when venturing out

source: dailymail

Trying to start a trend? Justin Bieber continues over-the-top fashion streak as he jets to France

2012-01-28T22:06:00.000+07:00

By LEAH SIMPSON

Standing out: Justin Bieber must have received plenty of attention in this colourful ensemble on Friday afternoon

Anyone would have noticed Bieber a mile off as wore mis-matched multi-coloured socks with his grey jogging bottoms tucked in.
He completed the look with oversized beats by Dre Dre headphones with a black and yellow Pittsburgh Steelers NFL hat underneath.
Justin showed a similar look pas earlier this week as walked through the same building with an almost identical adventurous look.
The pint-sized star carried a huge designer hold-all on one shoulder as he worked his way through departures with an equally as wacky dressed friend this afternoon.
Too trendy? The singer wore mis-matched socks with his grey tracksuit bottoms tuck

Too trendy? The singer wore mis-matched socks with his grey tracksuit bottoms tucked in

But it turns out Justin wasn’t even trying to sneak under the radar as he jetted off to Europe, announcing his travel plans on Twitter.
‘Anyone wanna fly to France?’ the teen – who is dating popstar Selena Gomez – teased followers. Despite his fans most likely being stuck at school, it was a brave move for the young idol, who could have been at risk of a Beatlemania-style stampede before his aircraft even took off.

This week: He wore a similar style in the same place

This is one of a few appearances Justin has made without his 19-year-old beau.
The loved up duo been separated while she embarks on a South American tour and he fulfills engagements such as performing at Michael Jackson’s handprint ceremony.
He joined the late performer’s children Prince Michael, 14, Paris, 13, and Blanket, 9, at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood this week.
The group posed with his family and famous friends as well as the Cirque du Soleil company as they prepared to kick off the Immortal World Tour which begins tonight in L.A.

Trendy twosome: Bieber and his minder friend certainly seemed eager to impress the fashion crowd in France

Lonely boy: Justin went solo as his girlfriend Selena Gomez, 19, performs in her South American music tour

Everyone's welcome! Justin cheekily invited his fans to France with him, telling them of his travel plans on Twitter

source: dailymail

Jennifer Love Hewitt puts on a raunchy display in music trailer for The Client List

2012-01-28T21:52:00.000+07:00

By MARCUS BARNES

All forms of payment accepted: Jennifer Love Hewitt in the raunchy promo for her new TV series The Client List

She often flaunts her curvy figure via a seemingly never ending array of bandage dresses.
But Jennifer Love Hewitt proudly shows off a lot more of her body in a new music video filmed to promote her new TV series, The Client List.
The 32-year-old actress performs the Shirley Bassey classic song putting her own particularly raunchy spin on it.

Going for gold: The actress appeared to revel in her role in the video in which she sings Big Spender

Surrounded by shirtless hunks Jennifer prances around, writhing her body against the dancers in a skimpy shirt and bra, but little else.
The trailer starts off with Jennifer walking down a corridor dressed in a tight shirt shirt and pencil skirt with her hair tied back.
Within seconds she's unbuttoning the shirt to reveal her pink bra and buxom cleavage underneath.

Scantily-clad: She writhes around in the video wearing just a shirt over her lingerie

The set then seperates and Jennifer begins to sing as the dancers join her.
They throw up credit cards and wads of money - of course, in reference to the theme of the show which is based on the story of a mother-of-three who turns to prostitution to make ends meet.
She is then surrounded by the topless men, who all open their towels to apparently flash her.
A slow, sultry breakdown sees a montage of different segments from the video where Jennifer gets up close and personal with several of the dancers and writhes around on her own.

Stuck in the middle with you: The actress is surrounded by hunky dancers who appear to expose themselves to her

Centre of attention: Jennifer gets up close and personal with several dancers during the trailer

The song, taken from the musical Sweet Charity, then continues with Jennifer continuing to dance energetically and closes with her back in the shop where she works, giving the camera a cheeky wink.
The Client List is based on the TV movie of the same name – Jennifer will star opposite Colin Egglesfield, Cybill Shepherd, and Naturi Naughton in the new adaptation which will be broadcast on U.S. channel Lifetime in March.
According to Lifetime, the series won't be a continuation of the movie (which was based on a real life prostitution scandal that happened in Odessa, Texas), but rather a reimagining.

New show: The Client List is based on the story of a mother-of-three who turns to prostitution to makes ends meet

'I can't look!': The actress gets 'flashed' by her male dance troupe

Hewitt will reprise her role, Cybill Shepherd will play her mother, and Loretta Devine of Grey's Anatomy will play the owner of the massage-parlor-cum-brothel.
Singing is nothing new to the actress, in fact she's been singing almost as long as she's been acting and has released several albums (she scored a hit with her 2002 song BareNaked).
Earlier this week the Ghost Whisperer star posted a sneak peek of a particularly racy shot of herself, featuring her posing in a very low cut basque along with fishnet stockings and suspenders.

Meanwhile, back at the spar: Jennifer as she looks at the spar/brothel

source: dailymail

Supermodel in the making! Feline Paris Jackson shows off striking aqua eyes (but is still a child at heart with Goofy sweater)

2012-01-28T21:31:00.000+07:00

By AMELIA PROUD and NADIA MENDOZA

Film star in the making: Paris Jackson looked radiant as she attended The Immortal World Tour - Cirque Du Soleil's critically acclaimed tribute to her father Michael

It's not an easy feat to avert attention from global superstar Rihanna.
But Paris Jackson stole the singer's thunder last night with her incredibly striking aquamarine eyes. The 13-year-old, who never got to see father Michael perform in concert, witnessed the next best thing last night at the Staples Centre in LA as she watched the premiere of The Immortal World Tour.
The masterpiece is talented contortionists Cirque Du Soleil's critically-acclaimed tribute to the icon. Neither Paris - nor brothers Prince, 14, and nine-year-old Blanket - ever saw Michael on stage as his death in June 2009 came before he was scheduled to embark on a mammoth 50-date tour.

Proud moment: Blanket looks unimpressed but Paris and Prince, in his Jacksons shirt, smile for the cameras

The trio already had a taster of last night's performance after seeing the company tease fans with a snippet at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Thursday at a ceremony to remember their father.
He never got the chance to commit prints of his hands and feet to the cement outside the legendary venue for posterity, so his progeny did it for him.

Paying homage: Rihanna wore an over-the-top leather suit that Michael would surely have loved

Looking sharp: But the megastar would be hard-pressed to moonwalk in those Louboutin heels

And teen pop sensation Justin Bieber also took to the stage to perform Rockin' Robin, giving a touching introduction before he burst into song.
The 17-year-old said: 'I don’t usually get nervous, but I’m kind of really nervous right now. Basically because Michael meant so much to me and I know he meant a lot to you guys as well.
'He was more than an entertainer. He was an inspiration the way he was kind, gentle and charitable.

Preparing for the big night: Rihanna was casual in grey in Beverly Hills earlier in the day

Melanie Fiona also performed, while Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones and Chris Tucker all made speeches.
And the children were not the only family members on hand, with Katherine, Tito and Jackie Jackson all showing up to the event to remember their son and brother.
The trio, who have appeared in the spotlight more since the death of their father, happily posed for pictures with the Cirque du Soleil team and the celebrity guests.

source: dailymail

Hot-diggidy-dog! LeAnn Rimes' raunchy display steals courtside camera time from Khloe and Rob Kardashian at Dallas game

2012-01-28T21:22:00.000+07:00

By AMELIA PROUD

She eats? LeAnn lasciviously tucked into a hot dog as she sat with friends in the crowd

She's a Dallas girl, so there's every reason in the world for LeAnn Rimes to be at a Mavericks game... she's cheered them on many times before, and there's been no problem.
But that was before Lamar Odom, 32 , signed for the team and courtside became a prime opportunity for the Kardashian family to make public appearances.
They've always been fans of the sporting photo opportunity; it's appears so more altruistic and soulful than shopping or getting your nails done.

Finger-licking good: LeAnn seemed to be enjoying the junk food on offer

And tonight, Khloe, 27 , and Rob, 24 , were along to provide a lovely vignette by sitting in the crowd with her step-children Destiny, 14 , and nine-year-old Lamar Jnr. The four of them together makes for a lovely image, and while there's no suggestion that this was a cynical development as Lamar Snr. tries to keep his children out of the show, it can't be denied that the Kardashians like to share all aspects of their lives with the camera.
And they're past masters at it, practically nobody can upstage the Kardashians.

Hang on, who's that? Khloe, Rob and Lamar's children Destiny and Lamar Jnr. at the Mavericks game in Dallas tonight

In fact, very few people could even have a decent stab at it, apart from... LeAnn Rimes. The 29-year-old country singer with a love life that people remember before any of her songs (besides from Can't Fight the Moonlight, of course) is fabulous at getting attention. And tonight was no exception as the skinny wife of Eddie Cibrian made a finger-licking show of eating junk food in front of the cameras.

Support team: Lamar's family make sure they have his back

If that wasn't enough, she ladled on some good old Texan girl whooping and hollering for the match against Utah Jazz, which was won by the Mavericks.
She also tweeted a picture of Lamar, and gave a shout out to Khloe which wasn't reciprocated.
But she should know, never try to upstage a Kardashian! Next time they'll call in the big guns, even LeAnn can't pull attention away from Kim and Kris Jenner.

source: dailymail

The world's most amazing car showroom: 600 Volkswagens stacked into 200ft tall silos ready for delivery

2012-01-28T20:53:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

High tech: The futuristic garages in use, with new vehicles being moved around the complex

These futuristic garages are the ultimate car showroom - with millions of pounds worth of new vehicles sitting in the stunning glass towers.
Each day about 600 cars are picked up from the two 200ft tall silos by their new owners - making it the world's largest vehicle delivery centre.
Incredibly, the cars are built at the manufacturer's main plant, in Wolfsburg, Germany, and transported by conveyor belt to the adjacent towers' basement.

World's largest vehicle delivery centre: Each day about 600 cars are picked up by their new owners

From there they are lifted into position at a speed of two metres a second via a robotic arm that rotates and run along a central beam.
Each tower contains 400 brand new Volkswagens.

Choice: Shiny new cars line up waiting for new owners to collect them

Ultimate showroom: The two buildings at the Volkswagen theme park, the Autostadt, are 200ft tall

An underground tunnel connects the two buildings, and the cars roll along an internal track to arrive to be fitted with license plates.
New owners can watch as their car is picked up from a bay and delivered to them at the Autostadt CustomerCenter, with the speedometer at zero.

When the cars reach their new owners, the speedometer still reads zero

The 20 storey buildings, which were the inspiration for a huge garage in the latest Mission Impossible film - Ghost Protocol - are housed at the Volkswagen theme park, the Autostadt, which translates as 'car city.'
Last year 175,893 new cars were handed over to their new owners.
The theme park also features a three Michelin star restaurant, the world's largest glass doors and the world's longest printed line - four miles.
A spokesman said: ‘Taking possession of a new car is a special event and each customer is made to feel like a king.

The stunning glass towers house millions of pounds worth of new vehicles

‘Each handover includes professional advice from a personal consultant.
‘It is no surprise the CustomerCenter is one of the main attractions for people visiting the Autostadt.
‘This automotive theme park attracts people who have a passion for cars as well as those who enjoy culture and unique kinds (of) events.
‘Instead of focusing on vehicle production, the presentations highlight the many different aspects of human mobility.’

source: dailymail

Is this the best looking family in the world? Miranda Kerr and her boys Orlando Bloom and baby Flynn return to Australia

2012-01-28T20:40:00.000+07:00

By LEAH SIMPSON

All-smiles: Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr arrived in Sydney on Saturday with their son Flynn

He may only be one year old but Flynn Bloom is more than happy with his jet-setting lifestyle. The toddler was all smiles as he emerged off an aeroplane in Australia today and so were his famous parents.
Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr couldn’t help grin as they landed in Sydney today, the city where Kerr’s family reside.
Despite The Hobbit actor, Bloom, being seen in West Hollywood and the Victoria’s Secret model out and about in Tokyo just one day before, the couple showed no signs of fatigue as they stepped out Down Under.

The juggling game: The Victoria's Secret model looked great as she balanced a bag on one arm and a baby on the other

He looked shockingly unfashionable as he donned a pair of bright purple jogging bottoms while she oozed glamour in skin-tight leather trousers.
While her 35-year-old husband continued his streak of fashion let-downs the following day, Miranda, 28, looked perfectly poised as she managed to take care of baby and treat the arrivals area as a fashion runway.

Not taking those fashion tips? Bloom was in need of style pointers from his partner

So protective: The Hobbit actor led his family through Sydney airport and grabbed onto his wife's arm

The clothes horse dressed in wet-look black jeans, with flat pumps and a plain khaki green top.
She appeared perfectly groomed as she showed off a shiny set of locks and minimal makeup.
Carrying a light grey bag on one shoulder and supporting her son with the other, mother and baby beamed as they traipsed out of the airport building.

Glad to be home: Mum on the run, Miranda, can't help but grin as she gets into a car for her onward journey

Orlando was a little more reserved about expressing any joyful feelings as he focused on getting his travelling companions to their vehicle quickly and safely.
The dark-haired heartthrob took his wife by the hand and led the way as they weaved their past onlookers to get to a waiting car.
The threesome enjoyed their first Australian Christmas in 2011 as they were last seen flying into the city’s Kingsford Smith airport in December.

No fatigue: This week the pair showed differing styles as Kerr worked the trouser trend well with a leather pair in Tokyo but Bloom got it wrong in a casual purple pants in West Hollywood

source: dailymail

Flashes of brilliance: Fireworks and lightning combine to light up Perth's skies in spectacular style on Australia Day

2012-01-28T12:18:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

What a view: Crowds at the Esplanade in Perth, Australia were treated to an amazing display during Australia Day celebrations

Crowds who braved extreme weather conditions in Perth, Australia were treated to a doubly dazzling display in the skies above the city.
An estimated 250,000 people turned out to watch the 28th annual Australia Day fireworks display in the western Australian city, despite fears weather conditions could disrupt the event.
The sky was lit up not only by fireworks but with spectacular flashes of lightning which occured in tandem with the organised displays.

Skylights: Nature and manmade explosives combine to create a spectacular sight over the city

High temperatures during the day and the threat of a huge thunderstorm in the evening had threatened to keep spectators away.
But, though numbers were down on last year's event, crowds flocked to the Esplanade, the South Perth foreshore and Kings Park to see this year's fireworks.
For those who did brave the conditions, the reward was spectacular.
One reveller said the display was 'absolutely fantastic, worth getting wet for'.

The sky at night: 250,000 people braved extreme weather to watch the Australian Day show

source: dailymail

Worthy of their wings: Victoria's Secret angels Adriana Lima, Gracie Carvalho and Behati Prinsloo sizzle in St Barts photo shoot

2012-01-28T12:07:00.000+07:00

By AMELIA PROUD and IONA KIRBY

Tropical delight: The supermodel also into this Hawaiian floral swimsuit

The Victoria's Secret Angels are known for being some of the best looking women in the world.
And three of them showed just how hard working they are when they flaunted their fantastic figures for a photo shoot on the beach in St Barts.
Adriana Lima and Gracie Cavalho took their turn in front of the camera first, splashing in the waves as they modelled tiny two pieces for the brand.

Don't get wet! Adriana uses her muscular arms to strike another mid-air pose

30-year-old Lima donned a series of skimpy bikinis including a floral number as she lay seductively in the surf and smouldered for the camera.
Meanwhile Carvalho, 21, was sporting a fluorescent pink string bikini as she showed of her trim frame while wading through the water.
The models, who are both Brazilian, showed that they were worthy of their Victoria's Secret Angel wings as they expertly worked the camera to show off their bodies in all their glory.

Not an inch to pinch: The Brazilian showed just how toned her body really is

They were joined by a third Angel, Namibian born Behati Prinsloo.
The 22-year-old stayed on dry land for her portion of the photo shoot, posing under a palm tree. She wore a tiny peach coloured string bikini with silver detailing, and held a straw hat in one hand as she struck various stances for the camera.

Toned and tanned: Gracie Cavalho showed off an equally enviable frame at the photo shoot

Sexy and sweet: Carvalho showed her versatility in the Victoria's Secret range of beachwear

Say cheese!: Carvalho flashes her gorgeous smile as the St Barts waves crash over her

Lima signed on as a face of the lingerie brand in 2000, while Carvalho and Prinsloo are a more recent addition to the beautiful representatives of the label.
And the trio appeared to have worked hard to achieve their enviable figures for the location shoot. Lima, who has a two-year-old daughter Valentina, looked reassuringly healthy and toned.

Dare to bare: Behati's string bikini left little to the imagination

No wet hair for her: Behati Prinsloo stayed on dry land and posed under a palm tree

Seductive: The South African modelled a pink bikinis and carried a straw hat

Cheeky: Behati Prinsloo showed off her incredible frame as she lay on the sand

New addition: Behati has joined the team of Victoria's Secret Angels fairly recently

The Victoria's Secret Angel, who is married to Serbian basketball player Marko Jarić, 33 , caused controversy last November when she admitted to living off just liquids in the run up to the iconic lingerie brand's yearly show.
The Brazilian-born beauty admitted to months of everyday workouts, a carefully restricted diet and a liquids-only nine-day pre-show regimen.
But the 30-year-old brunette dismissed regime - which raised eyebrows far and wide for condoning extreme dieting - as nothing more than a 'misunderstanding.'

Angelic: Adriana Lima looked incredible as she posed for a Victoria's Secret campaign in St Barts today

Hands up if your sexy? Adriana stretches out as she pouts for the camera

Speaking with E! Canada, the Brazilian model urged impressionable teenage girls to ignore her stringent preparations.
'Those teenagers out there, don't go starving yourself or only drinking liquids... Don't do that please.'
Instead, she made a show of flashing her Starbucks coffee and cake: 'I have my Starbucks coffee right there,' and said that her intense diet comments were simply 'a misunderstanding.'

Cheeky: Adriana gave her best cheeky grin as she crouched down into the water for the shoot

She's got the moves: The mother-of-one clearly knows how to work her body for the lens

The mother and catwalk queen had told the Telegraph that her pre-show planning involved months of training, upping to twice-daily workouts in the weeks before the lingerie showcase.
She said she has a protein-heavy liquids-only diet for nine days in the run-up to the finale and drinks a gallon of water each day.
In the final stretch, for 12 hours before the show, she will stay away from liquids altogether, explaining to the newspaper: 'No liquids at all so you dry out, sometimes you can lose up to eight pounds just from that.'

Good influence: Adriana insists she eats a sensible and balanced diet

But it appears her comments were a confusion.Nor is her workout routine as hard as portrayed, she said, and it is something she does not adhere to throughout the year.
'It's not that I do crazy diets throughout the year. I just do it for this particular thing. After this show, I become normal again!' she told the Canadian network. I know it's very intense but...I just have an athlete's mind and I appreciate doing this thing.'
If anything, the model has held back on her usual routine, she said: 'This year, even though my diet was intense, I took it a little bit easier on
the working out so I won't be as muscular.
Ms Lima joined a bevvy of beautiful models including Miranda Kerr, Alessandra Ambrosio and Karlie Kloss for the annual show.

Tribal: Adriana also tried on this halterneck tribal printed two-piece on for size

source: dailymail

'A shattering performance': Bald Cynthia Nixon earns rave reviews and a standing ovation for cancer role on Broadway

2012-01-28T11:45:00.000+07:00

By MIKE LARKIN

Ovation: It was a close shave, but Cynthia Nixon was given rapturous applause at the end of the opening night of Wit in New York last night

It is often said live theatre is the only platform to showcase truly astonishing acting displays.
And reviewers have said Cynthia Nixon's managed to show 'the unquantifiable terror' of her cancer sufferer character at the début of her new Broadway play.
The Sex and the City star was given a standing ovation at the end the opening night of Wit in New York last night.

A nice gesture: Cynthia took great delight in interacting with the enthusiastic crowd

The talented star plays a terminal cancer patient in the moving show, and even went to the lengths of having her trademark red locks shaved off.
Cynthia, 45, lapped up the applause at the end of her demanding performance, taking multiple bows and revelling in gesturing at the audience.
She took her applause in the fetching white robe she wore for much of the performance, which helped give her the appearance of a karate master.
And it was not just the audience that lapped up her appearance, as critics have been raving about the show.

Taking a bow: The Sex and the City favourite loved showing her appreciation in the traditional manner

The Hollywood Reporter said she gave a 'shattering performance,' which mixed 'dry humor and wrenching pathos.'
The show itself was also given a thumbs up, saying it was 'funny, compassionate and ultimately devastating.'
The New York Times' reviewer Ben Brantley admitted he was at first sceptical she was right for the role, but was ultimately won over.
He said: 'Ms. Nixon’s performance cut closer and closer to the bone. And the emotional transparency I associate with this actress becomes more and more pronounced, revealing the unquantifiable terror as well as the skull beneath the skin.'

No more: The old pro hammed it up by pretending she did not want any more applause as she was cheered

She's at it again: Despite her protests it was not long before she was having bow although this time it was solo

He also gave the play itself a thumbs-up overall, saying it is a fine example of the 'artistic impact of stark simplicity'
Cynthia is following in good footsteps in playing terminal cancer patient Vivian Bearing at New York's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Amazingly the detailing the final days of a John Donne poetry scholar is just making its Broadway premiere 13 years after it earned playwright Margaret Edson the Pulitzer Prize for drama.
It makes starring in this production an extra special honour for Cynthia, especially as luvvie favourite Emma Thompson and Ugly Betty star Judith Light have both starred in the leading role previously.
It is another milestone in a career that has seen her win multiple awards for her role as Sex and the City's Miranda Hobbes, feature in films such as Addams Family Values and even appear in television classics such as Murder She Wrote.

Pumped: Cynthia was energised after her exciting performance and gave an entertainingly animated interview

After the show the glamorous star looked pumped up with emotion as she posed in an eye-catching red silk dress.
Cynthia also got the chance to pose alongside the play's writer Margaret Edson and producer Lynne Meadow.
It was a triumphant end to a demanding week for the sexy actress.
The mother-of-three was blasted by LGBT activists after claiming she was gay 'by choice,' before later making a U-turn and claiming she was bisexual.

Old pals act: Three was definitely company for Cynthia as she posed with writer Margaret Edson and producer Lynne Meadow

source: dailymail

Back to what she does best! Sultry Vanessa Hudgens steps out to promote new movie

2012-01-28T11:36:00.000+07:00

By LEAH SIMPSON

Covering up: Vanessa Hudgens stepped out for the Journey 2: The Mysterious Island press conference in Mexico on Friday

We only ever seem to see her frolicking on the beach on in steamy public clinches with her Disney star boyfriend lately but Vanessa Hudgens’ recent appearance proves she isn’t just a lady of leisure.
The actress – who is best known for her role as Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical series – stepped out in Mexico today to promote her new project.
The 23-year-old joined Journey 2: The Mysterious Island filmmaker, Brad Peyton, plus co-stars Luiz Guzman, Josh Hutcherson and wrestler Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as they prepared for a press conference in Mexico City.

The cast: Filmmaker Brad Peyton with stars Luiz Guzman, Josh Hutcherson and wrestler Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

The star plays Kailani in the flick about a teenage boy who partners with his mother's boyfriend on a mission to find his grandfather, thought to be missing on a mythical island.
While she plays a casual action girl in the mythical 3D movie, Hudgens went all-out glamorous for her photocall on Friday.
The brunette tied back her locks and showed off her shoulders in an asymmetric navy blue Grecian-style maxi gown.

Flirty: The actress blew a kiss to the cameras as she bent forward in a Grecian frock

Back to work: Vanessa plays the role of Kailani in the movie which was filmed in Hawaii

With floral detail on one side, the starlet added a touch of Hawaii to her outfit, aptly so as filming took place in eight different locations on the island.
Although she was unusually covering up, the curvaceous bombshell – who often wears belly-baring ensembles - emphasised her shape with a tie feature at the waist of her frock.
Vanessa – who is never shy when it comes to public displays of affection – leaned forward at one point to blow her adoring audience a kiss.

All eyes on her: The clever design of her maxi dress still showed off those famous curves

The flirty screen star can more often than not be seen at the side of her hunky beau while she is at home in L.A and as she travels the world.
Her Switched at Birth star boyfriend, Austin Butler, 20, joined her in Hawaii last week but was nowhere to be seen this time as she hit Central America.
The motion picture, also starring Michael Caine and Kristin Davis, is released in US cinemas February 10.

On the big screen: The action/adventure motion picture is released on February 10 in US cinemas

source: dailymail

Easy, tiger! Shameless star Emmy Rossum proves she's fearless too as she cuddles up to a wild animal

2012-01-28T11:26:00.000+07:00

By IONA KIRBY

Cuddly cat: Emmy Rossum and Alan Cumming got to grips with a tiger on Watch What Happens Live

She may be Shameless, but Emmy Rossum also proved she was fearless when she cosied up to a tiger on TV.
She was appearing on Watch What Happens Live alongside Alan Cumming, and the pair were delighted when they got to grips with a baby tiger.
Emmy, 25, held the cat sweetly while Alan stroked its face before the Scottish star wanted his own turn at holding the fluffy animal.

Adorable: Emmy looked on when Alan fed the tiger with a baby bottle

The 47-year-old let the tiger sit on his lap and fed it milk with a baby bottle.
The duo were clearly thrilled to have the opportunity to cuddle and play with the creature, cooing over it as host Andy Cohen looked on.
They posed for photographs as they arrived at the Bravo show’s New York studio before their stint on the show.

Lady in lavender: Emmy wore a printed purple dress for her television appearance, which matched Alan's tie

And the pair looked as if they may have coordinated their outfits for the joint appearance. Emmy wore a patterned purple dress while Alan sported a similar coloured tie along with his navy suit. The two laughed and joked together as they chatted to Andy Cohen on his topical news show.

Taking turns: Emmy cuddled up to the tiger first, before Alan took over

Alan is currently promoting his movie The Lorax.
He narrates the animated adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book, which is due for release in March. Meanwhile the second season of Shameless, which Emmy stars in, began airing earlier this month.

Teamwork: The pair were appearing on Watch What Happens Live, a topical show hosted by Andy Cohen (L)

Coordinated: The pair looked as if they had almost planned their outfits to match for the TV appearance

source: dailymail

'She's a cold-blooded b****': Snoop Dogg launches crude attack on Kim Kardashian

2012-01-28T11:14:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Crude: Snoop Dogg shared his thoughts on Kim Kardashian following the demise of her marriage to Kris Humphries

Snoop Dogg launched an foul-mouthed attack on Kim Kardashian in a new web video.
The 40-year-old rapper, who uses his Nemo pseudonym in the clip, calls the 31-year-old 'cold blooded' and uses a series of misogynist terms to describe her.
In the video, which is running on the Hollywood Reporter, he claims to be giving 'advice' to her ex husband Kris Humphries, telling him he’s just one of many men who have be burnt by the reality TV star.

Attack: The rapper called the reality TV star, seen here yesterday, 'cold-blooded'

He name checks her other exes Reggie Bush and Ray J, the man with whom she made a notorious sex tape.
He claims Kris made the mistake by marrying Kim in the first place.
'You shouldn't have tried to wife the b****,' he says while smoking what appears to be a blunt, which is a cigar hollowed out and filled with marijuana.
'She’s cold-blooded, I’m pretty sure she’ll have a book in a month talking about all the n****s that she got and how she played them,'
He continues: 'So, my advice is you can’t make a ho a housewife. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel.'
He makes several other crude references to the star.
It is unclear why Snoop Dogg decided to record the video and a spokesperson for Kim had no comment.
But Kim may be too busy celebrating to let it get her down - she has just won a recurring role on a TV show.
She will appear in the fourth season of drama-comedy Drop Dead Diva - which stars Brooke D'Orsay as a lawyer who has inhabited the soul of a dead supermodel - and will begin production next month.
She is in line play Nikki, who is a love interest for Ben Feldman's alter-ego Fred, and her character is set to go into business with Stacy, who is played by former Two and a Half Men beauty April Bowlby.

Fired up: The 40-year-old used a series of misogynistic terms to refer to the reality TV star

Kim wrote on her blog: 'I am so excited to announce that I'll be guest starring on 'Drop Dead Diva' this summer. I can't wait to get to work with everyone on set!'

source: dailymail

A proper Charlie! Sheen shuffles around Hollywood in bathrobe and slippers for commercial

2012-01-28T11:04:00.000+07:00

By MIKE LARKIN

Smokin': Charlie Sheen looked as cheerful as ever as he larked around on the set of a commercial in Los Angeles today

After his very public meltdown it would seem logical that the last person a company would want to promote their product is Charlie Sheen.
But the former Two and a Half Men star is obviously keen to embrace opportunities that come his way, even it means shuffling around in a bathrobe and slippers like he's the star of Cocoon rather than Platoon.
It's paying off, too , as the controversial star certainly seems to be continuing the comeback he mounted after he was unceremoniously booted off the show last year.

A proper Charlie: The actor looked like he was wearing his post-party uniform as he enjoyed some fresh air

Charlie, 46 , certainly looked to be in a jovial mood as her larked around with the cast and crew, and didn't seem to mind his middle-aged attire.
He looked like an aged lounge lizard as he strolled around in his bathing robe, slippers and sunglasses.
Thankfully he was indugling in some of his less harmful habits, puffing away on a cigarette and holding a bottle of energy drink.
Exactly which company hired Carlos to advertise their product at the moment, but it is the latest step in his unlikely comeback after his drug-fuelled antics led to him being fired from his comedy vehicle.

Ad-vantage Mr Sheen: Hopefully he will remain clean after getting back on-track

Not so hunky: He looked reasonably healthy but was a far cry from the heartthrob who starred in Platoon

He finally bit the bullet after he called the show's creator Chuck Lorre a 'stupid little man' and said he hated him.
Last year he was the subject of a chastening Comedy Central roast, and also made a grovelling speech at the Emmys in which he said he wished his old cast and crew 'all the best.' His contrite appearance would have been all the sweeter for Lorre, as Sheen had made a mocking congratulatory declaration to Ashton Kutcher when it was announced he was his replacement.

Old job: Charlie Sheen used to be the king of comedy when he starred in Two and a Half Men

He said: 'Enjoy planet Chuck, Ashton. There is no air, laughter, loyalty, or love there.'
The Hot Shots actor is now getting ready to star in a new sitcom of his own.
Anger Management will see him play a former baseball player with fury issues who becomes an unconventional rage counsellor on FX.
However it is still a far cry from his early career, when he was a respected actor and heartthrob after starring in the lauded Platoon and Wall Street.

source: dailymail

Back to her day job! A glum Amy Childs emerges at her salon after reality show was axed

2012-01-28T10:51:00.000+07:00

By ALANAH ERIKSEN

Looking glum: Amy Childs arrived at her salon in Brentwood, Essex, today after it was announced her reality show had been cancelled after one season

She started her career as a beautician, and Amy Childs has gone back to her roots.
The 21-year-old emerged for the first time today, a day after it was announced her reality show had been axed after just one season.
The redhead looked glum as she exited her white Range Rover and walked into Amy Childs' Salon in Brentwood, Essex.
She had her head down as she fumbled with her car keys and cellphone.
The former The Only Way Is Essex star looked the part in her bright purple uniform with black stockings and towering black heels.
She added a diamante choker necklace and a black purse to the ensemble.

Dressed up for work: Amy looked the part in her bright purple uniform, a diamante choker and towering heels

She wrote about the Channel 5 snub last night: 'Thank you for all your amazing support for #itsallaboutamy xxxx.'
Earlier, she said: 'My last show tonight #itsallaboutamy, had so much fun filming it, lots more tv work coming up soon ;) xxxx'
The show struggled to pull in viewers during the eight-episode broadcast, opening with 506,000 viewers and falling to 300,000.

Arriving in stye: The redhead exits her white Range Rover

A stark contrast to ITV2's average TOWIE audience of 1.55 million.
And Amy won't be returning to TOWIE, when the fourth season starts airing from Sunday, with the returning characters already announced.
A source told The Mirror: 'The fly-on-the-wall format didn’t really work because there wasn’t a lot going on.

Clinging onto her 15 minutes: Amy attended National Television Awards on Wednesday

Cheeky! Amy poses between a pair of legs in a sexy Santa outfit while filming It's All About Amy

The show initially began airing at 10pm, but later shifted to an 11pm slot.
Childs was the first to break free from Bafta-winning TOWIE, with cousin
Harry Derbidge eventually axed for repeatedly appearing in Amy’s spin-off show, and Kirk Norcross quit to take part in Celebrity Big Brother.
Mark Wright also cut the apron strings to feature on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and now presents on Take Me Out spin-off, The Gossip.
Peri Sinclair, Maria Fowler and Mick Norcross have also left the show.

source: dailymail

Happy Birthday, Ellen! Pink and daughter Willow send chat show host their well wishes with special video

2012-01-28T10:38:00.000+07:00

By IONA KIRBY

Big smiles: Pink and daughter Willow recorded a birthday message for Ellen DeGeneres

A host of celebrity friends took the time to wish Ellen DeGeneres a happy birthday on Thursday. And one of the most special messages was in the form of a video, from singer Pink and her adorable daughter Willow Hart.
The 32-year-old, whose real name is Alecia Moore, filmed the segment at her home.

Adorable: Baby Willow beamed from ear to ear when she spotted the camera

And she couldn’t wait to show off her eight month old daughter to Ellen and her audience. Standing in her back yard, Pink said: ‘Hi Ellen. I love you, I love you, I love you. Happy happy happy birthday.’
‘I wish you this year freedom, love, laughter, sleeping in late, getting lots of rest.’ She could then be seen heading to the door of her home and saying: ‘I want to show you a surprise. I have a surprise just because I love you. A very rare and special treat. Someone wants to say hello.’

Close friends: The video also showed Pink and Ellen together when the singer performed on Ellen's show

Taking the stage: Ellen is known for dancing on her hit chat show

Pink gestured to the camera to seemingly invite the audience inside and said: ‘Come on in’ in a whisper as she pushed the door open.
Little Willow was sat inside with her motocross racer father Carey Hart and Pink scooped her up after saying in a baby voice: ‘Say, “Hi Ellen, I was on your show last year.”’
The Raise Your Glass singer tried to get her daughter to look at the camera, and as she did this she joked: ‘I know, Daddy’s cuter.’

Surprise: Baby Willow was just inside when Pink opened the door to her home

Eventually Willow spotted the camera and beamed from ear to ear, at which point Ellen’s audience could be heard oohing and ahing at how adorable the singer’s daughter is.
Pink signed off by waving and said: ‘Happy birthday, happy birthday.’
The video also showed a past moment of the two friends dancing together as Pink performed on Ellen’s show.
And she was just one of the celebrities helping the chat show host honour her 54th birthday.

Family day out: Carey and Pink stepped out with Willow the same day their video was shown on Ellen's show

Jimmy Kimmel co-hosted the special edition of the show, which saw Bridesmaids star Melissa McCarthy dish the dirt on the Golden Globes as she took to the sofa.
Ellen used her Twitter account to give thanks for the well wishes she received.
She wrote: ‘So many people made my birthday so special. Thank you @JimmyKimmel, @EarthWindFire, @MelissaMcOnline and everyone who made me a video!'

Pass the baby: The couple took it in turns to carry Willow for their day out in Santa Monica

source: dailymail

White hot: Jennifer Lopez pours her curves into a saucy swimsuit for Mario Testino photo shoot

2012-01-28T10:28:00.000+07:00

By IONA KIRBY

Room with a view: Picture-perfect Jennifer looks thoughtful as she stares out of the window during the shoot in Miami, Florida

It is a beach look that very few women would be able to pull off.
But 42-year-old Jennifer Lopez showed just how incredible her figure is when she posed for a photo shoot in a white one piece.
The singer and actress was spotted posing for esteemed fashion photographer Mario Testino at a hotel in Miami Beach, Florida.

Voluptuous: J-Lo's famous curves were on display for what will undoubtedly be a sensational set of pictures

And while she was partially hidden behind a wall, the star’s curves were still clear for all to see.
The white swimsuit boasted a cut out back and sides and a plunging neckline.
And when the cameras stopped flashing, Lopez made sure to keep adjusting the skimpy number in order to protect her modesty.

Her Love Don't Cost a Thing: But this photo shoot is probably a very expensive affair, given the snapper behind the lens

Making some adjustments: Lopez made sure the skimpy one piece was protecting her modesty
She also wore a pair of gold high-heeled sandals and had her brunette locks loose and tousled.
Photographer to the stars Mario Testino, who frequently works with high end fashion magazines, was seen getting hands on with the focus of his photo shoot.
He came over to direct Lopez and give her feedback in between shots.

Directing his muse: Mario Testino (far right) gave the star plenty of feedback during the shoot

The star seemed in good spirits despite recently receiving the bad news that her show American Idol is suffering a ratings slump.
This Wednesday evening, the number of viewers tuning in was down 13.5% from last week’s two hour premiere episode.
And while an audience of 19.5million was still an impressive feat for broadcasting company FOX, the ratings had significantly plummeted compared to last year.

On good terms: Lopez and her estranged husband Marc Anthony are co-hosting a Latin talent contest TV show

The show pulled in a whopping 30% less viewers than its equivalent show a year ago, which was also televised on a Wednesday evening.
As well as American Idol, the star is currently working on Latin talent show Q’Viva The Chosen with her estranged husband Marc Anthony, 43.
The upcoming show follows the pair as they travel to 21 countries to find the world’s most talented Latin American performers.

source: dailymail