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Twilight's Kristen Stewart goes from vampire to (very chilly) vamp for stunning Parisian photoshoot

2012-02-05T20:10:00.000+07:00

By MAIL ON SUNDAY REPORTER

Kirsten Stewart poses in freezing Paris for renowned photographer Mario Testino. Normally used to the tomboy look she managed to pull off the look elegant look

As the star of the Twilight films, Kristen Stewart is no stranger to the chilly realm of the undead.
But last week it was the freezing parks of Paris that made her blood run cold, as the 21-year-old bared her shoulders in a strapless haute couture ballgown.
Her switch from vampire to vamp was all in the name of fashion, with her poses for photographer Mario Testino set to adorn a future edition of glossy style bible Vanity Fair.

On and off-screen lovers: Kristen with Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson

Ms Stewart’s elegant look, in voluminous blue dress and precariously perched black fascinator, is a far cry from her more usual grungy style.
She is known to favour a comfortable tomboy chic – often appearing in Converse trainers and free of make-up – but has nonetheless caught the eye of top designers, and was pictured in Paris earlier in the week with Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld.

The Twilight star later covered up from the freezing cold with a black jacket

Meanwhile, her stint in the Twilight films that made her such a star is coming to an end after four years.
In the most recent installment, Breaking Dawn: Part One, her character Bella Swan became a vampire, to cheat death in childbirth.
The second part of that story, and the final episode of the whole saga, will be released later in the year. After that, Ms Stewart, who is dating her
Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson, will be seen in a big-screen version of Jack Kerouac’s classic Beat Generation book On The Road and Snow White And The Huntsman, a reworking of the familiar fairy tale.

source: dailymail

She's no shrinking violet! Blue-haired Katy Perry cuts an eye-catching figure in purple bolero at pre Super Bowl events

2012-02-05T19:50:00.000+07:00

By ELEANOR GOWER

Purple passion: Katy Perry stands out in a colourful ensemble including a fluffy purple cape which clashed with her blue hair at the Sixth Annual Celebrity Beach Bowl party in Indianapolis

With her reputation for eye-catching stage outfits, it was no surprise that Katy Perry cut a striking figure as she stepped out at an pre-Super Bowl party tonight.
With her hair still dyed a bold shade of blue, she sported a colourful purple fluffy bolero over a matching patterned mini-dress.
Bold black eye make-up and pink lipstick and blue sandals completed the look.
The star was stepping out at an after party for DIRECTV's Sixth Annual Celebrity Beach Bowl in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Football fan: a colourful Katy Perry took the stage to present the Offensive Rookie of the Year trophy at the inaugural National Football League Honors at the Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, Indiana

The Beach Bowl had earlier featured the likes of Snoop Dogg, Jordin Sparks and David Arquette competing in a game of flag football.
The singer smiled and looked remarkably relaxed at the event, despite her recent marriage woes.

Award giving: Katy smiled broadly as she presented the gong to Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers

She has only made a handful of public appearances since her split with Russell Brand at the end of December.
However, Katy made up for it tonight by attending two events - earlier she presented an award at the National Football League Honors at the Super Bowl XLVI.
She took to the stage to present the gong for Offensive Rookie of the Year to Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers.

source: dailymail

Just what the doctor ordered: A bikini-clad LeAnn Rimes recovers from 'facial surgery' at a Malibu beach house

2012-02-05T19:41:00.000+07:00

By ALANAH ERIKSEN

Lather me up: A friend puts sunblock on Leann Rimes' back at a Malibu beach house as she recovers from 'facial surgery'

When you're feeling down and out, there's nothing like feeling the sand beneath your toes to make you feel better.
That's exactly what LeAnn Rimes thought as she headed to Malibu after undergoing surgery on her face. The singer revealed on Twitter she had had an operation, but didn't go into detail, just saying the procedure was minor. She was spotted on the balcony of a beach house in a string bikini, enjoying the scorching rays.
The stylish two piece - one of the many in her collection - featured a pink, purple and white paisley design and she paired the number with a blue and white trucker hat.
A loyal friend was seen lathering sunblock on the 29-year-old's back.
She later covered up in a white kaftan as she enjoyed a cold beverage.

Reaching the hard bits: The singer had tweeted that she was in 'so much pain it's not funny'

The How Do I Live singer told her 241,000 Twitter followers earlier: 'K, coming clean....I had minor surgery this week and I've been in SO much pain it's not even funny. Nothing major just annoying! Pain pain go away!!!!!! When it's mouth pain and jaw pain it makes your whole head pound! YUCK'
She later revealed she had had 'facial surgery' and joked to a friend 'Lol that makes it sound like I got work done. You are gonna start some rumors'.
LeAnn added: 'The pain is subsiding finally for a moment. My head has been vibrating all day. Maybe the sand under my feet is helping.'

One of the many in her collection: LeAnn's bikini featured a cute pink, white and purple paisley pattern

Just chilling out: Leann eventually covered up in a white kaftan as she enjoyed a cold beverage

LeAnn kept her fans updated throughout the day with her thoughts, saying: 'Beach is insanely beautiful! It's HOT in February'
She added: 'Sunset & sunrise experiences are a blessing. So spiritual and soothing.'
Her actor husband Eddie Cibrian was thought to be inside the house relaxing.
She also tweeted a photo of her and two friends wearing hats, captioning it: 'Trucker chicks'.

Me and my mates: LeAnn tweeted this photo of her and two girlfriends on the beach, captioning it 'Trucker chicks'

source: dailymail

Taking the plunge: Kim Kardashian shows off her famous curves in a VERY low cut top as she heads for a workout session

2012-02-05T19:33:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Fitted: Kim Kardashian shows off her famous curvy figure in a clinging low cut top and tight workout pants as she headed to the gym in Beverly Hills earlier today

She is known for her famous curves, and Kim Kardashian left little to the imagination as she stepped out in Beverly Hills today.
The 31-year-old reality star showed off her enviable figure in an ultra low cut top and tightly fitted gym trousers as she headed for a workout.
With her hair pulled up into a ponytail and minimal make-up, Kim sporting matching trainers to her lime green top.

Curvy: Kim looked stunning despite the casual ensemble as she made her way into the upmarket gym

She later transformed into her usual glamorous self, stepping out in a pair of black shorts, blazer and peach coloured top.
However, the star looked in sombre mood, as reports surfaced that she is considering moving house to a gated community after having to deal with a trespasser at home last week. According to TMZ, a stranger appeared at her Beverly Hills mansion last weekend with several suitcases and requested to stay in her home.

Sombre: The reality show star looked focussed today, after reports surfaced that she is keen to relocate to a gated community after dealing with a trespasser at her home

The website claims it was told by a source that police officers were called to the house and the man in question told them he had a job interview lined up with the reality star. The man was reportedly given a trespassing warning by the police, who then allegedly drove him back to the airport so that he could book a flight home.
The reality TV star is said to be checking out properties in upscale Los Angeles suburbs including Bel Air, and also at the popular Mulholland Estates.

source: dailymail

Lighting up the night: Stunning time-lapse images of fireflies that blaze beautiful patterns in the dark

2012-02-05T18:47:00.000+07:00

By BETH STEBNER

Secrets of the night: Fireflies in a forest somewhere in the southern part of Okayama Prefecture were captured by time-lapse photography

On hot, hazy summer nights, fireflies take centre stage as they fly through the night air, punctuating the darkness with flecks of yellow light.
But Japanese photographer Tsuneaki Hiramatsu captured their beauty in a whole new light, using time-lapse photography.
The result - lush images that show patterns of light that looks more like celestial figures than arthropods.

Firefly interstate: Looking like they're jumping around in beams of light, fireflies take flight in a whole new way

The images were taken throughout Japan; the effect was achieved by using different exposures and apertures on his Nikon camera.
The unique phenomena of lightning bugs being able to light up come from bioluminescence, which is created when a pigment and chemical react.

Mythical forest: Artist Tsuneaki Hiramatsu spent nearly four years photographing these tiny creatures

It is most often seen in sea creatures. According to io9.com, up to 90 per cent of marine life use bioluminescence. The astounding feat is often seen in deep sea trenches and other parts of the ocean where sunlight does not reach.
Fireflies use two chemicals – luciferase and luciferin. The former glows when combined with the latter, which is an enzyme that triggers light emission.

Golden orbs: The artist captured a dazzling string of lights in Okayama Prefecture in a pattern that looks more like a constellation than fireflies

A midsummer night's dream: Fireflies thrive in humid environments and can often be found in wooded areas near ponds and streams

According to firefly.org, even firefly larvae glow in the dark, and have been known to respond to such external stimulants like mild vibrations.
These photographs by Mr Hiramatsu were captured in the wilds of the Okayama Prefecture – none of the artist’s photographs were captured with camera flashes or artificial light.
He snapped them between 2008 and 2011.

Jumbled: Fireflies gather en masse over a meandering stream as dusk falls

Blinded by science: The unique phenomena of lightning bugs being able to light up comes from bioluminescence, which is created when a pigment and chemical react

Many fireflies in the United States live in woodlands and forests, especially near ponds and streams. They use their light as a way to attract mates and also as a means of communication.
Though many think they are flies, the creatures are part of the beetle family.
Females often wait on tree leaves and grass to spot a male she likes. The males, meanwhile, will do their best to put on the most impressive light show they can muster. They live and thrive in humid conditions, and can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

source: dailymail

She poisoned 21 people including her own mother, children and husbands. So why has no-one heard of Britain's FIRST serial killer, Mary Ann Cotton?

2012-02-05T18:38:00.000+07:00

By DAVID WILSON, PROFESSOR OF CRIMINOLOGY AT BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY

I pull up outside a house in the Durham mining village of West Auckland to find an anonymous-looking place: a slim, three-storey family home distinguished from its neighbours only by its pretty, blue-grey paint.
There are no clues as to its gruesome past. Even its original house number has been changed, perhaps from fear that the evil that was perpetrated here could pass down through successive generations of residents.
This is the home in which Britain’s first serial killer, Mary Ann Cotton, claimed her final victim. It is the house in which she was arrested and then taken away to be incarcerated, before eventually being executed at Durham Jail in March 1873.

Britain's first serial killer, Mary Ann Cotton

Few have heard of the so-called ‘Black Widow’ killer who posed as a wife, widow, mother, friend and nurse to murder perhaps as many as 21 victims, living off her husbands before eventually claiming their estates. Two decades before Jack the Ripper would terrorise the streets of Whitechapel in London, Mary Ann Cotton had already become a killing machine, perhaps murdering as many as eight of her own children, seven stepchildren, her mother, three husbands, a lover – and an inconvenient friend.

The property, centre left, where Mary Ann cotton was living when she was arrested in 1873

Even crime aficionados, those familiar with such names as Shipman, Nilsen, Sutcliffe and West, know little or nothing of her. She has been largely erased from history and remains today only a half-remembered local curiosity even in her native North East.
There is certainly no walking tour retracing her murderous progress through County Durham, nor sad monuments erected to honour the memories of her victims. A woman who should have been a criminal icon has been reduced to little more than a chilling bedtime story and a Northern nursery rhyme: ‘Sing, sing, oh, what can I sing? Mary Ann Cotton is tied up with string. Where, where? Up in the air, sellin’ black puddens a penny a pair.’

The property as it is today, painted blue, has changed very little from what it looked like in 1873

A single book marked the centenary of her execution. As one of Britain’s leading criminologists and a former prison governor, I would like to know why. I have worked on police investigations and with many serial killers. Yet even to me, the life and terrible work of Mary Ann Cotton were largely a mystery.
And so throughout the spring and summer last year, I spent time in the North East researching a new book on this woman who travelled from one pit village to another leaving only gravestones behind her and who, in doing so, gained real, if loathsome, historical importance.

Top criminologist Professor David Wilson

Here is not just the first British serial killer – someone who has killed more than three people in a period greater than 30 days – but the first to exploit and abuse the anonymity of a new industrial age.
My search began in the Home Office archives at Kew, South-West London, in the autumn of 2010. I found the usual records that measure the criminal careers of Victorian prisoners: her age, an occasional glimpse of what life had been like before prison, details of Mary Ann’s court appearances, and some letters from the governor of Durham Jail before her execution.

Mary Ann Cotton was hanged in 1873 at Durham Jail after she was accused of killing 21 people

Mary Ann’s father was killed in early 1842, when she was aged nine, apparently plummeting down a shaft while repairing a pulley wheel at the Murton Colliery. Mary Ann would have been instructed to find work and marry, which she did on July 18, 1852, becoming the wife of colliery worker William Mowbray.
First seeking their fortunes in Cornwall – another region where miners could find work – the Mowbrays returned to the North East in 1860, and this, so far as we know, is where the killing began. Her motives will always remain a matter of conjecture, but a strong pattern emerged: Mary Ann would find a man with an income, live with him until it became inconvenient, and then murder him. Numerous children – no one knows how many – were dispatched with the same callousness.

William Calcraft who had to ensure Cotton was dead after the execution was horribly botched

Her choice of poison was arsenic, favoured by murderers down the centuries for largely pragmatic reasons. First, it dissolves in a hot liquid, a cup of tea, for example, so is easy to administer. Second, it was readily available. Although by this stage, the authorities had started regulating the sale of arsenic, a high concentration could still be obtained in a substance known as ‘soft soap’, a household disinfectant.
There was a third reason, too: as Mary Ann well knew, the symptoms of arsenic poisoning were vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration. A busy and unsuspecting doctor was always more likely to diagnose this cluster of symptoms as gastroenteritis – especially in patients who were poor and undernourished – than to suspect murder.
According to death and burial certificates, all her victims had died of gastric ailments.

I’ve pieced together the trail of deaths associated with Mary Ann, and it starts with her first family. She bore William Mowbray, her first husband, at least four children, three of whom died young.
William died in January 1865, leaving Mary Ann to enjoy the £35 payout from British and Prudential Insurance, equivalent then to six months’ salary.
The total of murdered Mowbray children might have been greater still as, according to Mary Ann’s own testimony, she had earlier given birth to four children while the family was in the West Country. She used the insurance payout to move to Seaham Harbour, a port village in County Durham, so that she could be close to a lover called Joseph Nattrass.

A newspaper cutting on Victorian poisoner Mary Ann Cotton

A prison officer told me that no one ever escapes from Durham Prison.
Not even Mary Ann, who remains – despite the odd bit of local lore in the villages of County Durham – long dead and buried in the prison’s grounds.
Murder Grew With Her: On The Trail Of Mary Ann Cotton, Britain’s First Serial Killer, by Professor David Wilson, will be published later this year.

source: dailymail

Snow-go Britain! UK hit by up to six inches leaving hundreds stuck on M40 (and Heathrow cancels flights BEFORE flakes even fell)

2012-02-05T18:20:00.000+07:00

By CHRISTOPHER LEAKE, RUSSELL MYERS and TED THORNHILL

Making tracks: A picturesque scene near the village of Shipbourne in Kent this morning

Dumps of over six inches of snow yesterday and throughout the night brought travel chaos to parts of Britain, with 100 vehicles stranded on the M40, huge tailbacks on the M25, hundreds of flights cancelled and severe disruption to train and Tube services.
With most of the UK on amber alert, the Met Office's second highest severe weather warning, a string of sporting fixtures were also hit by the big chill.
Flurries fell over Scotland, northern England and the Midlands yesterday before moving down to London and East Anglia.

Treacherous: Motorists make their along Winnats Pass, near Castleton, Derbyshire

Transformed: Snow covers a sign on the A217 near Epsom Downs in Surrey, left, while two walkers enjoy a picturesque Alexandra Park in London this morning, right

Winter wonderland: A man drags two sledges through the snow on the hill in Alexandra Park, north London this morning

Moo-ving sight: As snow begins to fall and temperatures plummet, cattle huddle together for shelter, near Buxton, Derbyshire

In a flap over the weather: Seagulls sit on a snowy railing next to the London Eye

The south experienced the worst travel misery with around 100 vehicles stuck on the M40 for several hours between junction four at High Wycombe and junction nine at Bicester. They only got moving again after snow ploughs came to the rescue.

Lifting the gloom: Trapped motorists on the M25 built a snowman between the lanes, left, while youngsters in London had a snowball fight last night, right

Motorists Katie Jones told BBC News: ‘We were stationary for about seven and a half hours. We passed cars abandoned in the side of the road, having crashed off. We passed lorries jack knifed across two, three lanes of the motorway and it's been impassable in large part.’
Bad weather also caused traffic to grind to a standstill on parts of the M25.
Tom Jones, who was stuck for more than seven hours in the gridlock, told the BBC there was a ‘nose-to-tail standstill’ on sections of the motorway in Hertfordshire as he tried to make his way home to Harrow in north-west London.
‘We joined the back of a tailback, never realising we would be spending the night on the motorway,’ he said.

‘Everybody has been in here for a lot longer than they expected.’

Mr Jones saw lorry drivers fall asleep in their cabs, having given up hope of getting out of the queue during the night.
He had to get out of his car at times to wake drivers up whenever the queue started morning.
Although Mr Jones was frustrated by the lack of information he had received from authorities, he conceded the Highways Agency was dealing with ‘some particularly special driving’.
Before the jam he saw many motorists were ‘hurtling’ along at unsafe speeds.

Oopsy daisy: Two women slip on the snow-covered roads on a night out in Camden, London, last night

Sign of the times: Snow gathers on a London underground tube sign in Bethnal Green, east London

Wheely slippy: Snow in Birmingham caused problems for some motorists

A plane waits at Heathrow yesterday. Airport bosses have cancelled a third of today's flights at Heathrow because of severe weather - nine hours before a flake of snow had even fallen

White city: People battle winds on a snowy Westminster Bridge in London, left, while flakes fall in front of Big Ben in Parliament Square at 7.20pm last night

Gridlock: Traffic comes to a standstill on the A50 trunk road through Stoke-On-Trent as vehicles struggle in heavy snow and people abandon their cars

Snow-go: This policeman is going no where in in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, left, after snow covers his squad car and right, the empty M6 motorway near Stoke-On-Trent

source: dailymail

Glow your own flowers: Scientists create secret formula to make plants fluorescent

2012-02-05T12:08:00.000+07:00

By PAMELA OWEN

A woman holds one of the fluorescent flowers which will no doubt be popular with brides hoping to impress

You would be forgiven for thinking that a trick of wizardry has turned these flowers luminescent. But Professor Mark Tester and a group of Australian scientists have created a special formula which can be used on plants and flowers, making them glow in the dark. A simple spritz of Galassia Flowers can be sprayed onto foliage which is then placed next to a luminescent device, instantly making them flourescent.

The formula is sprayed onto flowers and plants which are then placed next a special light to make them glow

The effect is astonishing and can transform even the most dull foliage into something spectacular.
It is bound to be a hit with potential brides who might want to add a splash of glamour to weddings or could even be used to brighten up a party.
The product is non-toxic and can be washed out of clothes with warm water and soap should any accidents occur.
Currently it is only on sale Down Under but demand for the secret formula is expected to rise.
To visit the Galassia Flowers website click here.

The formula is non-toxic and lasts for a few months - long after the flowers survive

A woman wears luminescent flowers which have been created using the spritz as a corsage

source: dailymail

She's all woman! Scarlett Johansson shows off her stunning hourglass figure in a corseted gown at German movie awards

2012-02-05T11:48:00.000+07:00

By SARAH BULL

She's all woman! Scarlett Johansson showed off her hourglass figure in a black corseted gown at the 47th Golden Camera Awards at the Axel Springer Haus in Berlin, Germany, tonight

Hollywood is full of female celebrities doing their best to slim down for red carpet appearances and on-screen roles.
So it comes as a refreshing change to see Scarlett Johansson stand out from the crowd by showing off her stunning hourglass figure at an awards ceremony in Berlin, Germany. The 27-year-old actress teamed the sexy black corseted halterneck gown, which featured a crossed over detail on the back, with a pair of silver drop earrings as she walked the red carpet at the 47th Golden Camera Awards at the Axel Springer Haus.

Glamour girl: The dress featured a sexy open back

Scarlett wore her hair up for the occasion, in a chic waved chignon, and opted for dewy, simple make-up with smoky eyes and plum-coloured lipstick.
But there was no sign of Scarlett's latest accessory - her new boyfriend, as she posed on the red carpet.
It was revealed recently that Scarlett has started dating advertising executive Nate Naylor, and the pair were spotted enjoying an intimate date in New York recently.

Professional poser: Scarlett looked calm and confident as she posed up for photographers, going solo without her new boyfriend Nate Naylor at the event

Prize winner: Scarlett took home the award for Best International Actress

Scarlett will play a country girl who moves to New York in a bid to make a name for herself as a singer. However, after she is dumped by her boyfriend, she takes a singing job at a bar where she is then discovered by a music producer, played by Ruffalo.

Famous faces: Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington were also present at the annual awards ceremony

Other winners at the event included Dionne Warwick, who received the lifetime achievement award, and Dutch jazz singer Caro Emerald, who won the best music international prize. The Golden Camera awards are the most prestigious ceremony n Germany, with an estimated 4 to 6million locals tuning in to watch the awards when they are broadcasted live on television.

source: dailymail

'Mind over matter'! Madonna overcomes hamstring and nose injuries just in time for Super Bowl performance

2012-02-05T11:35:00.000+07:00

By DIANNE KING

Mind over matter: Madonna says she is in fighting form after suffering a hamstring and nose injury ahead of her Super Bowl performance on Sunday

Madonna is just one day away from one of the biggest performances of her career.
But the Material Girl has been suffering from a hamstring injury in what could have jeopardised her big moment.
The singer had a mishap while rehearsing and as well as hurting her leg, she also suffered a knock to her nose.

Ready to perform: The Material Girl told reporters in Indianapolis that she had lots of ultrasounds and physical therapy to get better

But the 53-year-old says she is in fighting form and ready to hit the stage.
'My nose is healed. I'm okay,' she told reporters in Indianapolis where Sunday's NFL game will be held. 'Lots of warmups and tapings and ultrasounds.
'I feel like I'm one of the football players right now with all the physical therapy I had to do. Mind over matter.'
Although Madonna will be singing three of her classic hits as well as her new tune, the singer said that she did not want to give anything else away ahead of time.

Lifelong dream: The 53-year-old will sing three of her classic songs as well as her new track

'I don't want to blow the surprises,' she said. 'I want people to be knocked out of their seats.'
Her new track Give Me All Your Lovin has already gone to number one in 48 countries on iTunes in just over a day.
The music video also has more than 3.5million views on YouTube since being released on Friday.
The clip was broadcast simultaneously on more than 1,600 digital displays across the globe, including the US, France, Spain, Singapore, and in London's Piccadilly Circus.

Groovy: Madonna released her new song Give Me All Your Luvin on Friday featuring M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj
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Madonna was also very clear on who she would prefer to go on a hot date with out of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his New York Giants counterpart Eli Manning as the two teams get ready to come face to face.
'I would have to say Eli, because he lives in New York,' she revealed before adding: 'And I don't want him [Brady] to waste gas.'

source: dailymail

Heidi Klum STILL wears her wedding ring during lunch with daughter Leni as it emerges 'she won't reconcile with Seal'

2012-02-05T11:22:00.000+07:00

By MIKE LARKIN

Mother and daughter time: Heidi enjoyed lunch with her daughter Leni today in Brentwood, California

It was reported yesterday that Heidi Klum has no plans on reconciling with her husband Seal.
But today the supermodel was still sporting her wedding ring.
The 38-year-old was spotted with the gold band still firmly on her wedding finger as she took daughter Leni out to lunch in Los Angeles.

Ring-a-ding-ding: The 38-year-old supermodel was still wearing her wedding ring despite reports that she will may not reconcile with husband Seal

The slim supermodel looked lithe in a pair of light grey skinny jeans, a matching billowing blouse and a knitted cardigan.
She paired the look with some snakeskin boots and a pair of clashing leopard print rimmed sunglasses.
Her seven-year-old daughter Leni appeared to have just finished a ballet class, with the little girl wearing a pink tutu and leotard.
Mother and daughter left the eatery and headed home after their meal.

Firmly on her finger: The gold jewelery sat firmly on her wedding finger

However, the low-key day seemingly didn't go to plan for the supermodel.
It was reported by WENN.com that her bodyguard suffered a heart attack today.
The burly security guard was photographed on a stretcher being taken by medics to the hospital this afternoon.
This isn't the first time Heidi has been seen wearing her ring following the shock news earlier this month that she was splitting with her husband of seven years.
Last weekend the former Victoria's Secret Angel was spotted out and about with the symbolic jewelery after taking her children to Karate class.

Grey mood? The slim supermodel looked lithe in a pair of light grey skinny jeans, a matching billowing blouse and a knitted cardigan

The ring bearing hasn't stopped short of Heidi.
Her husband also hasn't yet taken off his own gold band, adding to speculation that the pair may get back together.
However a source close to the pair said yesterday that their marriage is definitively over.
The insider told Us Weekly: 'They have zero plans to get back together.'

More drama: Meanwhile Heidi's bodyguard was rushed to hospital today after reportedly suffering a heart attack

However it seems that the couple are still comfortable around each other enough to stay in the same home.
Hollywoodlife.com are reporting that the pair are still living under the same roof.
“They are still living in the same house together,' a source told the website. 'There aren’t any divorce papers yet. No one has filed anything.'

No going back: A source has revealed that there is no chance of Seal and Heidi Klum reconciling

source: dailymail

Has Russell Brand found himself a New Girl? Comedian 'sets his sights' on Katy Perry lookalike Zooey Deschanel

2012-02-05T10:43:00.000+07:00

By SARAH BULL

Found a New Girl? Russell Brand is said to have set his sights on actress Zooey Deschanel, sending her 'funny, flirty texts'

He most certainly has a type, if reports are to be believed.
Just months after Russell Brand and Katy Perry announced they were divorcing, the comedian is said to have set his sights on another stunning brunette - who is the spitting image of his estranged wife.
The 36-year-old funnyman is said to be determined to woo New Girl actress Zooey Deschanel, who filed for divorce from her husband Ben Gibbard just three days before Russell and Katy's split announcement.

Happier times: Russell with estranged wife Katy Perry, who looks startlingly similar to Zooey

A source told America's OK! magazine: 'Russell has had his eye on Zooey for a long time. And he's been sending funny, flirty texts to see if they can get together.
'He thinks she's hysterically funny and cute, too. He loves her quirky sense of humor, and thinks they'd be great together both on-and off-screen. There's a real spark there.'
However, while Zooey is said to be 'intrigued' by Russell's interest in her, the insider added: 'But she's heard about his reputation as a womanizer, and isn't sure whether she's ready to rush into another relationship so quickly.'

Screen star: Zooey has achieved huge success through her role in hit US TV show New Girl

Zooey is also apparently 'very aware that she looks strikingly similar to Katy and has been mistaken for Katy by fans'.
Asked in a recent interview with Allure magazine if she minded being compared to Katy, Zooey replied: 'No, she's really pretty!'
American actress Zooey, 32, made a name for herself in movies such as Elf, Yes Man and 500 Days Of Summer.
But she has enjoyed something of a career revival of late thanks to her role in hit US TV show New Girl.

Meanwhile, as Russell is linked to Zooey, Katy is being supported by her ex boyfriend Travie McCoy in the wake of the split.
He is quoted as telling the Daily Mirror: 'There will always be a connection between us. I’ll always be there for her.
'When you’ve been in a relationship like ours, you will always make time for that person.'

source: dailymail

Colosseum closes and drivers abandon cars as snow falls on Rome for the first time in 26 YEARS

2012-02-05T06:59:00.000+07:00

-Italian capital grinds to halt as severe weather halts traffic
-Locals shiver in tiled homes thanks to city's heating restrictions
- -36C temperatures across eastern Europe send death toll to 176
-Military on alert in the UK as temperatures drop and snowfall is predicted
-Over 11,000 villagers in Serbia trapped by snowdrifts and blizzards
-Death toll in Ukraine now 122, with 38 people killed by cold last night

By EMMA REYNOLDS

Roman roads: An aerial view showing the snow-covered Colosseum, which was closed to tourists today

The Colosseum and other ancient tourist sights closed to tourists as Rome saw snow for the first time in 26 years.
Traffic in the Italian capital ground to a halt as buses struggled to climb icy hills and authorities accustomed to a warm climate fought to cope.
Visitors were stopped from entering the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the former home of Rome's ancient emperors, over fears they could slip on ice.

Island in the snow: The rare cold snap leaves the Italian city's Tiber island blanketed with frost

Breathtaking: Historical sights including St Peter's Square in Vatican City looked as if they had been frozen in time

Desolate grace: The capital's iconic Colosseum, left, and Roman Forum, right, have not been snowed upon in nearly three decades

The news came as as the big freeze took hold of Europe, taking the continent's death toll to more than 176.
The last substantial snowfalls in Rome were in 1985 and 1986, though there have been other cases of lighter snow since then, including in 2010.
Snow began falling on Friday morning, leaving a light dusting on trees and cars and forming slush on the roads.
After easing for a few hours, wind-driven snow started falling again heavily in the city before midnight and continued into this morning.

Icing on the cake: The city's pretty Spanish Steps are piled with frosting following heavy overnight snowfall

The authorities ordered cars without tyre chains off the road till at least noon as vehicles were trapped for hours on the ring road after many cars skidded and frustrated drivers abandoned their vehicles having waited hours for accidents to be cleared.
Since the capital rarely sees freezing temperatures, heating in homes is only legally allowed for 10 to 12 hours a day, to cut down on pollution. The cold snap, with temperatures hovering at or just below the freezing point, left Romans shivering in their homes, many of which have tile and marble floors.

Rome, Italy: Tourists walk past the iconic Colosseum during snowfalls today, while a resident in the city shivers under his umbrella

Snow dusted pine and palm trees and changed into slush on the cobblestone streets in the centre. In many neighbourhoods, 6cm (2.5 inches) of snow accumulated.
After hearing the forecasts on Thursday night, Mayor Gianni Alemanno cancelled classes on Friday and Saturday, but said school buildings would stay open so working parents could drop off their children if they had no other place to leave them.

Rome, Italy: Tourists are forced to bring out their brollies as they walk past the Arco di Costantino during snowfalls today. The snowflakes are the first in the city for 26 years

source: dailymail

Tressed to impress: Models strut their stuff on the catwalk... with GREY hair during Madrid Fashion Week

2012-02-05T06:47:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Platinum grey: Models sashay down the catwalk in Madrid, wearing a design from the autumn/winter season from Maria Barros

It could be seen as representing the age of austerity Europe is currently entering. Or it could be a homage to the older generations.
Either way, the models unveiling the latest Maria Barros designs made a dramatic impact when they took to the catwalk at Madrid Fashion Week - all of them sporting sleek grey hairstyles.
The silver-haired foxes were certainly tressed to impress as they sashayed down the runway in Barros's autumn/winter collection in the Spanish city.

Silver foxes: The models show off their sleek, grey tresses at the Madrid Mercedes Benz Fashion week

Impact: Maria Barros unveiled her autumn/winter 2012-2013 collection with stunning designs and silver hair

Old and new: The grey look could be a homage to older generations... or a nod to austerity

The grey wigs and clean make-up appear to represent a new creative stage of Barros as she revealed her 2012/2013 collection.
Using materials such as wool and silk in neutral colours, shades of white, black or grey gave way to greens and burgundy - with some featuring a splash of gold.
Barros said: 'Through this collection i tell a story, my story, my world.'
She is not the first designer to use grey-haired models. In 2010 Calvin Klein unveiled his collection with silver-haired models - praised and criticised in equal measure for attempting to break the 'last taboo' of women's fashion.

The grey wigs and clean make-up appear to represent a new creative stage in Barros's designs

Taking her bow: Designer Maria Barros takes to the stage following the unveiling of her latest collection

Dramatic: Bold black was teamed with gold (left) as this red, floor-length gown, made a startling impact

The designer used materials such as wool and silk in neutral colours and made bold statements in burgundy

source: dailymail

The human hourglass: The Romanian model who has just a 20-INCH waist

2012-02-05T06:35:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Ioana weighs just six stone despite she says eating fatty foods such as crisps, pizza and kebabs

A model with a waist of just 20 inches has insisted she eats three square meals a day, including fatty foods such as crisps, pizza and kebas.
Ioana Spangenberg, 30, measures in at 5ft 6 inches tall, weighing six stone.
The model told The Sun: 'No one seems to believe it, but every day i eat three big meals and I snack on chocolate and crisps all the time.
'I just have a small stomach. It's a bit like a gastric band, if I eat too much I feel sick'.

Hourglass: Ioana Spangenberg's waist is an incredible 20-inches and she weighs just six stone

Mrs Spangenberg was born a a very normal weight of seven pounds, and only saw her body transform into what it is now when she was a teenager.
When she was 13 she would get friends to put their hands completely around her 15in waist. She says she has tried to fatten up, eating sweets like Mars bars to do so, but to no avail. 'In Romania it is better to be overweight, because that means you are from a wealthy family.'

It was only in 2006 when she met her German husband Jan, that she says she finally became comfortable in her own skin.
He encouraged her to become a model after photographs he posted of her online received a fantastic reaction.
'I would still like to gain weight so I don't look so shocking. And now that I live in Germany I can't get enough pizza or kebabs.'

source: dailymail

Couple who won £10million on Lottery are still claiming £500 in benefit every month... SIX YEARS after hitting jackpot - and it's totally legal!

2012-02-05T06:28:00.000+07:00

By SUZANNAH HILLS

Here's to us: Michael and Jean O'Shea celebrating winning £10.2million on Euro Millions, at Nottingham Race Course, in October 2005

A couple who won a £10.2 million lottery jackpot are still claiming £500-a-month disability benefits more than six years later, it has emerged.
Mick and Jean O'Shea won the huge EuroMillions sum in 2005 but Mr O'Shea still receives the disability allowance because it is not means-tested in England.
The former builder, 73, told The Sun newspaper: 'We've nothing to hide. I worked for 40 years and I'm entitled to it.
'I've been getting it since about 1996. I declared the win to the authorities at the time, but it doesn't matter as it's not means-tested.'

Home sweet home: Mr and Mrs O'Shea bought their council house in Sneinton, Nottingham, for £5,000 in 1977. Houses in the area now sell for an average of £190,000

Mr O'Shea said he has osteoarthritis in his legs as well as rheumatoid arthritis in his hands and has recently had a hip operation.
Mrs O'Shea, 72, added: 'It's for his eyesight and arthritis. We're entitled to it.'
Mr O'Shea also receives a new car every three years under the Government's Motability scheme for disabled drivers, the newspaper reported.

The couple live in Sneinton, Nottingham, in a council house they purchased for £5,000 in 1977. Houses in the area now sell for an average of £190,000.
A neighbour told the newspaper that Mr and Mrs O'Shea go on holiday several times a year - to locations such as Australia, Canada and Alaska.
The pair also had a house built in Co Kerry, Ireland, after their win, which is now worth £600,000.

Taxpayer's Alliance campaign director, Emma Boon, dismissed Mr O'Shea's argument that he has a right to claim disability allowance after years of paying tax himself.
She said: 'It's irrelevant if he has paid tax all his life and that is a ridiculous argument to make.
'The disability allowance and mobility scheme is there for people who genuinely need it and have no other way of getting help.
'It is not some sort of tax rebate for the rich - and it is not there for newly-made millionaires to take advantage of.
'He is taking away money and services from others who genuinely need it and can't afford to pay for it themselves.

source: dailymail

Snow-go Britain! UK blanketed by snow with four inches settling in London in hours... but Heathrow cancels flights BEFORE flakes fall

2012-02-05T06:20:00.000+07:00

-200 flights will not take off today to 'minimise disruption to passengers'
-18,000 travellers could be affected by possible freezing fog at the airport
-Britain on amber alert - the Met Office's second highest severe weather warning

By CHRISTOPHER LEAKE and RUSSELL MYERS

Snowy rural Britain: Heavy snowfall brings Ashbourne in Derbyshire to a standstill but at least one resident remembered to take his Landrover to the pub

Airport bosses came under fire last night after cancelling a third of today’s flights at Heathrow because of severe weather – nine hours before a flake of snow had even fallen.
Amid forecasts of six inches of snow and possible freezing fog, Spanish-owned operator BAA announced yesterday morning that 30 per cent of today’s flights from the world’s busiest airport – about 200 – would not take off to ‘minimise disruption to passengers’.

A plane waits at Heathrow yesterday. Airport bosses have cancelled a third of today's flights at Heathrow because of severe weather - nine hours before a flake of snow had even fallen

It means that the flights of up to 18,000 travellers could be cancelled or rescheduled as airlines scramble to adjust their flight plans. The decision was in stark contrast to airports across most of Europe where, despite arctic conditions, flights were due to take off as normal. Munich saw temperatures plunge to minus 27C on Friday night but the airport expected no disruptions today.

White city: People battle a snow covered Westminster Bridge in London, left, while flakes fall in front of Big Ben in Parliament Square at 7.20pm last night

The BAA move evoked memories of Christmas 2010, when Heathrow shut for five days, ruining the holidays of tens of thousands of people because there were insufficient snow clearance vehicles to keep runways open.

Gridlock: Traffic comes to a standstill on the A50 trunk road through Stoke-On-Trent as vehicles struggle in heavy snow and people abandon their cars

Snow-go: This policeman is going no where in in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, left, after snow covers his squad car and right, the empty M6 motorway near Stoke-On-Trent

The decision was met with derision by passengers at the airport, where by 7pm yesterday a light covering of snow was on the ground although runways remained clear.
Retired teacher Miriam Walters, 62, and husband Derek, 58, flew in on the 4.10pm flight from Moscow after visiting their daughter Penny.
Mrs Walters said: ‘The runways at Moscow were covered with snow and still we managed to leave and arrive at our destination with no bother at all. It’s only when you go to other countries that you realise how pathetic we are at coping with a little bit of extreme weather.’

Aimie Greggs, 29, a sales rep from Enfield, London, arrived from Hamburg on the 5.20pm flight. She said: ‘The UK seems useless at dealing with all sorts of weather, whether it’s too cold or too hot.’
BAA yesterday contacted London Mayor Boris Johnson’s chief of staff Edward Lister to explain why it had ordered the flight reductions, citing the threat of freezing fog as the main reason.
But in its official announcement, BAA said it expected reduced visibility during today and ‘possible freezing fog from 1800 (6pm)’.

Tigers play in heavy snowfall at their enclosure in Budapest Zoo in Hungary. A spell of freezing weather in Europe has caused more than 220 deaths, mostly in the east

If fog did hang over Heathrow later today, it could lead to more flights being grounded and force air traffic controllers to increase the time between each take-off and landing slot for safety reasons.
Heathrow’s chief operating officer, Normand Boivin, said: ‘This decision ensures the greatest number of passengers can fly with the minimum of disruption. It also means those passengers whose flights are cancelled will know in advance, and can make alternative arrangements or rebook in relative comfort.’
Because passenger volumes are below average in early February, airlines were confident that in many cases they would be able to offer alternative seats to passengers. This will enable airlines to fill empty seats on flights leaving at different times of the day.

Flashback: A snowplough clears the taxi ways at Heathrow Airport in December 2010 following the heavy snowfall. The airport was shut for five days due to the bad weather

Heathrow passengers waiting outside Terminal 3 after the disruption caused by the snow in 2010 when the airport was closed for five days

Last night, Gatwick had still to decide on any flight cancellations. Stansted and London Luton had no cancellations planned for today. Neither did Southampton.
At Manchester, officials said although there had been snow flurries, the comparatively milder weather there meant it was confident flights would not be disrupted.
In Scotland, Prestwick and Edinburgh expected to run a normal service today despite predictions of freezing temperatures overnight.

Solid ice: The summer resort of Sandbanks turned into Siberia today as Poole harbour froze over and boats became trapped in ice

source: dailymail

Snow way! The amazing video of the moment female snowboarder caught in terrifying avalanche deploys AIR BAG and floats to safety

2012-02-04T20:43:00.000+07:00

By JILL REILLY

Pro snowboarder Meesh Hytner shows off the Float airbag that saved her life last weekend in Montezuma, Colorado

When a female pro snowboarder was riding down a Colorado mountain, she triggered a terrifying avalanche that sent her tumbling to the floor.
But Meesh Hytner, believes her life was saved when she was able to deploy an airbag, so she could remain on the surface of the giant slab as it broke out above her.
It meant she could stay upright with her back and feet downhill for the entirety of the slide.

Unaware of danger: Meesh Hytner was snowboarding down a Colorado mountain, when she triggered a substantial avalanche that sent her tumbling to the floor

Just in time: As the snow swept over her, she managed to deploy an airbag, which she believes saved her life

The airbag allowed her to stay upright with her back and feet downhill for the entirety of the slide

After being rescued she said 'I felt like I was riding a mattress down the stairs'

She told Backcountry Access: 'I felt like I was riding a mattress down the stairs.'
She had been riding near the Snake River drainage on January 25 in Montezuma, Colorado when it happened.
Afterward the terrifying experience she was picked up by a snowmobile.

She had been riding near the Snake River drainage on January 25 in Montezuma, Colorado when it happened

source: dailymail

How green zealots are destroying the planet: The provocative claim from a writer vilified for denying global warming

2012-02-04T20:25:00.000+07:00

By JAMES DELINGPOLE

Zealots: Everyone from the Prince of Wales to former Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne hammers home the 'threat' of global warming

Just imagine a world where you never had to worry about global warming, where the ice caps, the ‘drowning’ Maldives and the polar bears were all doing just fine.
Imagine a world where CO2 was our friend, fossil fuels were a miracle we should cherish, and economic growth made the planet cleaner, healthier, happier and with more open spaces.
Actually, there’s no need to imagine: it already exists. So why do so many people still believe otherwise?

Melting away: The 'climategate' scandal proved the shaky scientific basis for man-made global warming

How come, against so much evidence, everyone from the BBC to your kids’ teachers to the Coalition government (though that may change somewhat now Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has resigned), to the President of the Royal Society to the Prince of Wales continues to pump out the message that man-made ‘climate change’ is a major threat?
Why, when the records show that there has been no global warming since 1997, are we still squandering billions of pounds trying to avert it?

New Ice Age? Solar flares (pictured) are at their lowest level since the seventeenth century

These are some of the questions I set out to answer in my new book — which I can guarantee will not make me popular with environmentalists.
Almost every day, on Twitter or by email, I get violent messages of hate directed not just at me, but even my children. Separately, I’ve been criticised by websites such as the Campaign Against Climate Change (Honorary President: the environmental activist and writer George Monbiot). I’ve had a green activist set up a false website in my name to misdirect my internet traffic. I’ve been vilified everywhere from the Guardian to a BBC Horizon documentary as a wicked ‘denier’ who knows nothing about science.

Emotionalising the issue: Appeals for the welfare of polar bears, for example, help drum up support for 'green' agendas

Not that I’m complaining. Margaret Thatcher once famously said: ‘I always cheer up immensely if an attack is particularly wounding because I think, well, if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left.’
That’s just how I feel about my critics’ ad hominem assaults. They’re born not of strength but out of sheer desperation.

Blighted: It is possible that wind farms cause more environmental damage than they prevent

Progress: Population growth on the Indian subcontinent necessitated the introduction of genetically-modified strains of crops

source: dailymail

Big freeze Britain: Forecasters warn 15cm of snow on the way as icy weather settles in across country

2012-02-04T19:49:00.000+07:00

-Temperatures as low as Himalayas overnight, plunging to nearly -11C in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
-Heavy snow expected in Cumbria, Lincolnshire, East Anglia, North Yorkshire and the Peak District
-Drivers warned to prepare for cold weather and check 'gritter Twitter' updates
-Highways Agency clocks up a million miles gritting roads
-Breakdowns attended by AA double and British Gas puts fleet of 4X4s on standby as call-outs soar
-Salt stocks across Britain stand at 2.4m tons - a million more than last year
-Sporting events called off including Portsmouth v Hull City Championship football match

By DAMIEN GAYLE, COLIN FERNANDEZ and EMMA REYNOLDS

Frosty morning: Angela Lurssen braves the chilly water in Hyde Park's Serpentine early today, as the country awaits inches of snow

The icy weather that has caused chaos across Britain is set to continue with forecasters expecting widespread snow of up to 15cm deep.
Temperatures plunged as low as the Himalayas overnight, reaching -10.6C in Chesham, Buckinghamshire and -10.3C in Benson, Oxfordshire.
The Met Office issued a severe weather warning and the AA attended double the usual number of breakdowns yesterday as the exceptionally mild winter suddenly turned into the reverse.

Goosebumps: More bold bathers steel themselves against the freezing waters of the Serpentine

Taking the plunge: A man in a swimming cap dive bombs the Serpentine while a woman in a wide-brimmed hat lowers herself in slowly

The freezing conditions have seen daytime temperatures plummet four or five degrees lower than average for February - traditionally the coldest month of the year.
British Gas have a fleet of 4X4s ready to help households where heating problems could put their health at risk after emergency call-outs doubled.
Widespread snow is expected this afternoon and evening in areas including Cumbria, Lincolnshire, East Anglia, North Yorkshire and the Peak District and temperatures will remain low, with -9C expected in the snowy Midlands.

Solid ice: The summer resort of Sandbanks turned into Siberia today as Poole harbour froze over and boats became trapped in ice

Misty morning: Confused seabirds walked on the frozen water as the channel ferry chopped its way through the icy sea

No day for fishing: Poole harbour was filled with jagged chunks of ice after a sub-zero night hit most of Britain

Submerged: A man of a hardy constitution stretches out beneath the water's surface

Water and woollies: Steph Cox grits her teeth and dons a furry hat for a Serpentine swim, while a boy wrapped up in socks and jacket rests his scooter in the shallows

'Wales and the South West along with parts of western Scotland will mostly see rain. There will be rain for Northern Ireland as well but I think elsewhere we are looking at risk of snow.
'It should clear away south eastwards by tonight. It will probably clear all but the far South East and East Anglia by dawn tomorrow.'
Numerous sporting events were hit by the bad weather with Portsmouth's home match against Hull City the first Championship football fixture to be cancelled because of a frozen pitch.

Extreme swimming: Committed Miss Lurssen jumps in the fridge-like water for some lengths when few would dare

Cosy cuppa: The swimmer warms up before her test of endurance, her hot drink steaming beneath the winter sun

Snowy slopes: A lorry gritting the road on the A4059 near Hirwaun, in the Brecon Beacons, Powys, Wales

Elemental: While the gritters work below, a group of daring mountaineers climb ice above in the Brecon Beacons, Powys, Wales

'Motorists are being advised to check the latest weather and gritting updates on council websites and "gritter Twitter" feeds, as well as refresh themselves on winter driving guidance and what to stock in their car,' he said.
'Information about school closures and bin collections is also being updated regularly online.
'Thousands of new grit bins have been placed in estates and side streets, residents have been given their own bags of salt along with salt spreaders in some neighbourhoods, and arrangements have been made with parish councils, community groups, snow wardens and farmers to grit hard-to-reach areas.

Don't slip! A fell walker admires a frozen waterfall at Fisher Gill in the Lake District yesterday

Deep and crisp and relaxing: Wild Ponies enjoy the snow in the Quantock Hills in Somerset

Frozen London: Seven snow-white birds swim past ice-encrusted reeds at the Serpentine in Hyde Park yesterday

The AA said there had been more than 4,300 breakdowns nationally this morning - a whopping 1,300 per hour. It is expecting 16,000 calls by the end of the day, which is almost double the 8,500 it receives on a normal Saturday.
A spokesman said: 'This is similar to what we had yesterday, and we are expecting the same tomorrow. The million-dollar question is how severe the snow will be.
'Ice can be more of a hazard, by snow and rain can turn into ice, meaning the ground takes longer to thaw.'
The AA advised drivers to pack cold weather provisions including food and warm clothes, and take out a fully charged mobile phone.

Frosty: A car windscreen freezes in the UK yesterday as temperatures plunged as low as -11.1C yesterday

A spokesman for British Gas said the company had received more than 200,000 calls in the last five days, compared with 120,000 to 140,000 during a normal winter week, and was expecting a further 50,000 this weekend, compared with the 20,000 normally expected in the winter.
He said: 'With the roads becoming treacherous across the country, British Gas's fleet of nearly 100 4x4s will help British Gas to meet its customer commitment, to make same-day visits to Homecare customers who have no heating or hot water and report the problem before 1pm.'

Ice, ice baby: Frozen in full flow, this dramatic waterfall at Fisher Gill in the Lake District appears still to be frothing and bubbling, as fell walker Martin Campbell looks on in wonder

And it's freezing cold down south, too: The fountain next to Westminster Bridge demonstrates how low the temperatures have dropped in central London

Quick, where's Nelly's thermals? An elephant fountain display outside a garden centre in Marks Tey, Essex is covered in ice after the freezing cold night

BELGIUM: The Grand Palace and Grote Market square in Brussels are covered in snow and, right, the weather causes a traffic jam in Namur, Belgium

AMSTERDAM: A canal is frozen over and, right, a man pulls his child on a sledge in Dam Square

Not great weather for ducks... Ducks swim in the icy waters of St. James's Park in central London

'It's worth as well if you are visiting friends and family then tell them when to expect you,' he added.
But when warmer weather returns, there is likely to be a new set of problems, with the AA warning road users about a likely increase in potholes when conditions thaw out.
Paul Watters, head of roads policy at the AA, said: 'After several days of sub-zero temperatures, we’re expecting a rash of potholes when the current freeze ends. The cold penetrates deep into the road surface, which can collapse when it thaws out, creating a pothole.
'Road users, particularly those on two wheels, will need to be on the lookout, especially on secondary roads. Damage to wheels and tyres is quite common, so if you notice any unusual steering or other driving characteristics, get the vehicle checked at a garage or tyre specialist.'
The icy weather has even hit Rome, with snow falling in the Italian capital for the first time in 26 years.

Clucking freezing: But these chickens will keeping warm in their very own woolly jumpers at Green Meadow Animal Sanctuary, Pattingham, Wolverhampton

And when in Rome... make sure you wrap up warm

Anyone fancy an open top bus tour through Rome? That Italian capital was hit by its first snowfall in 26 years stopping visitors from entering the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, the former home of Rome's ancient emperors

Fashion comes first, whatever the weather. These pictures were taken in Rome, where despite the city's first substantial snowfall since 1986, the two ladies pictured eschewed sensible shoes for their usual high heels. Elsewhere in the city they were taking things more seriously. Tourist sites such as the Colosseum and the Forum were closed on health and safety grounds.

source: dailymail

Judge rules Gabriel Aubry will NOT lose Nahla while he is investigated as his messy custody battle with Halle Berry continues

2012-02-04T15:31:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Safe for now: A judge has ruled that Gabriel Aubry will not lose custody of Nahla while he is investigated for child endangerment, here he is seen playing with his daughter in the park today

Their ongoing custody battle is far from over.
But a judge has ruled that Gabriel Aubry will not be losing custody of his three-year-old daughter with Halle Berry, according to TMZ.
The website reports that Nahla will remain in joint care of her famous parents while her model father is being investigated for child endangerment..

Tender moment: Nahla was seen playing with her father's long hair as they enjoyed the afternoon together

However the website also alleges that the battle is far from over and there could still be developments or changes in the custody agreement.
The decision has not entirely come as a surprise, after a judge concurred with the opinion of social workers earlier this week that the Canadian should be allowed to continue unsupervised visits with Nahla, according to RadarOnline.
It comes after Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services investigated claims the model had assaulted the girl's nanny.

Daddy duties: Earlier in the day Gabriel was seen taking Nahla to school

She claims she went to pick Nahla up at school, and she was not there because Gabriel, 36, had kept her home sick for two days, and that he pushed her when she confronted him about it.
A source said: 'Social workers recommended that absolutely no changes be made in the current custody agreement, which the judge gives tremendous weight and consideration to. 'Halle and Gabriel essentially have joint custody of Nahla.

It's not over yet: It is believed that the custody battle could still experience dramatic changes

Hobbling along: Halle was helped by a nanny as she picked Nahla up from school

Quite the artist: The are also heart shapes spotted over the leg cast

An array of hearts and colour adorned the cast which provided a colourful addition to Halle's casual outfit. The star sported a white top, scarf, jeans and sunglasses.
She hobbled along using a pair of white crutches, while a nanny carried little Nahla.
Halle broke her foot while filming movie Cloud Atlas in Spain last September, but the break in her left foot recently reoccurred, leaving her in the plaster cast and crutches. The trio looked happy and relaxed despite the ongoing custody battle with her ex-boyfriend and Nahla's father, Gabriel Aubry.

Putting her foot down: Halle and her ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry are currently in a bitter custody battle over their three-year-old daughter

source: dailymail

No one is looking at your hair! Reese Witherspoon flaunts her cleavage in a plunging little black dress

2012-02-04T15:19:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Dangerous curves: Reese Witherspoon flaunts quite a bit of cleavage in a little black dress as she promotes her new movie This Means War

She recently revealed that she cut her new fringe to hide the scar she obtained from a road accident in September.
And in a new set of portraits to promote her new movie This Mean War, it appeared that Reese Witherspoon was eager to show the style off.
However, it is the 35-year-old actress's sexy curves that appear to be more eye-catching.

The bubbly blonde looks stunning in a little black dress, which hugs her figure in all the right places.
With it's low-cut neckline, the star flaunts quite a bit of her cleavage.
With barely any make-up on her complexion, the actress's skin looks flawless.
The mother-of-two's beautiful blue eyes sparkle in the frames and the newly married star wears the wedding band given to her by husband Jim Toth when they exchanged vows last year.

Sexy: The bubbly blonde looks stunning in a little black dress, which hugs her figure in all the right places

Earlier this week, Reese admitted she decided to cut her hair after she was left with a scar following a road accident in September.
The Oscar winner ended up with a cut on her forehead and a black eye after she was knocked down by a pensioner's vehicle while jogging.
She recalled the accident in Santa Monica during an interview on the Graham Norton Show in the U.K.

Look at my hair: Reese appeared eager to show off her new hairstyle, complete with fringe, in the snaps

Sunny disposition: Bubbly blonde Reese is beaming in the photographs

Assuring Norton she had totally recovered following the 'particularly un-showbizzy' incident, she said: 'I was jogging and I got hit by a car, it’s not funny at all.
'They said I am very hard headed because I landed right on my head and I have a scar, hence my new hairdo.
'I don’t remember much about it but miraculously and thank God I am fine.'

Green with envy: Reese looked gorgeous in a sparkly green dress for the premiere of her new movie in London on Monday night

Reese has been in London to promote This Means War, walking the red carpet at the premiere on Monday night at the Odeon in Kensington.
The romantic comedy also stars Tom Hardy and Chris Pine, who were both on hand at the London premiere.
They play two CIA agents who wage war on each other when they realise they are both dating the same girl (Witherspoon).
The film opens on February 14 worldwide.

The team: The actress posed on the red-carpet with her co-stars Tom Hardy, far left and Chris Pine, right, and director of the film McG, far right

source: dailymail

Miley Cyrus leaves very little to the imagination in a pair of VERY tiny daisy dukes and a racy black corset

2012-02-04T15:09:00.000+07:00

By ELEANOR GOWER and JADE WATKINS

Daring: Miley Cyrus stepped out in a pair of very short denim shorts and a corset top as she ran errands in Los Angeles today

Today she posted an innocent picture of herself at the tender age of four-years-old on her Twitter account.
But as she stepped out with boyfriend Liam Hemsworth this afternoon, Miley Cyrus couldn't have looked more different from that little girl.
The now 19-year-old singer and actress left little to the imagine in a flesh-baring pair of daisy dukes and a racy black corset.

Look at me! While her outfit was most certainly eye-popping, she failed to catch the attention of her beau Liam Hemsworth, who strode ahead of her

The outfit flaunted the former Hannah Montana's stars curves as she ran errands in Los Angeles. The singer's sexy basque featured eyelet hooks all the way up the front and black lace detailing.
The bubbly brunette paired her daring look with some motorcycle boots and a black leather handbag. Miley opted not to wear the plaid shirt she carried in her hand, instead sunning her shoulders under the warm California sun.

Sexy: The outfit flaunted the former Hannah Montana's stars curves

While her outfit was most certainly eye-popping, she failed to catch the attention of her beau who strode ahead of her.
Miley's provocative outing comes after the singer today posted a picture of herself and her family where she couldn't have been much more than four-years-old.
Sitting on a hay bale, the Cyrus clan look happy and relaxed as they pose for the snap, which includes four of the Cyrus siblings along with Miley's parents Billy Ray and Tish.

Covered-up: Later Miley put on her shirt as she strolled alongside her handsome beau

Southern belle: Miley looked like a real Tennessee girl in her outfit

source: dailymail

One Direction arrive back in Britain and head straight for a good old fashioned pasty after a week in health conscious Hollywood

2012-02-04T15:01:00.000+07:00

By ALANAH ERIKSEN and J J ANISIOBI

Hungry lads: One Direction head straight to Tesco after arriving back from USA

They had been mobbed by teenage girls throughout their U.S. tour and became instant heartthrobs.
So it's not surprising that One Direction's debut album has been brought forward a week in America.
But after spending this week promoting their music in the US the X Factor finalists arrived back in England today and had clearly been missing British food.

Feeling full: The teen heartthrobs missed some good old fashioned English food

The lads stepped off their plane and made sure that their first stop was at a supermarket so they could get some good old fashioned English grub which wasn't available across the pond.
The five-piece boy band must have been famished after the long-haul flight and made a quick pit-stop at Tesco supermarket where they picked up some essentials.
Curly haired Harry Styles showed that he doesn't care much for watching his figure as he tucked in to a small pie and with a mouthful of pastry he smiled contently.

Pie eater: Harry Styles munches on a small pie earlier today after having just landed back in England

Harry savoured the moment as the boys were escorted by a couple of minders as they walked back to their car now fully satisfied with a belly full of deli snacks.
Zayn Malik, who had bought some chicken bits to eat, seemed to have returned from America with a new habit and was spotted with a cigarette in his mouth as he crossed the road.
For once, the Gotta Be You singers were not surrounded or chased by any female fans, perhaps because most of their fan base would have been in school.

Every little helps: One Direction emerged from the supermarket with a bag full of goodies to eat

Bad habits: Zayn Malik of One Direction appeared to be sporting a menthol cigarette in his mouth

The boys were swarmed by fans during their visit to Los Angeles where they filmed an episode of popular series iCarly with the show's star, Miranda Cosgrove.
The crowds of screaming girls were so big, the band was ushered through LAX yesterday, out of view from their followers.
Liam tweeted: 'Sorry to anyone who was at the airport security wouldn't let us out that way so frustrating!!'

Say cheese: One Direction (four members pictured this week) have had their debut album pushed forward a week in the U.S.

Big things ahead: The band pictured with Nickelodeon star Miranda Cosgrove, from left Niall Noran, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles and Liam Payne

source: dailymail

'It's a miracle I'm still alive': Cher Lloyd reveals she has been 'driven to hell and back' by internet bullies

2012-02-04T14:50:00.000+07:00

By J J ANISIOBI

Fighter: Cher Lloyd admits that internet bullies pushed her to the edge

With over 49.7 million views on YouTube and a number one single under her belt, the last couple of years have been good for Cher Lloyd.
However, behind the success lies a shattered teen who was attacked by internet bullies after rising to stardom as an X Factor finalist.
The 18-year-old recalls how she was target and driven to hell and back by anonymous people on the web but is now ready to help others who suffer at the hands of faceless bullies.

Swagger Jagger: Cher felt angry when someone threatened to kill her mother on the internet

She told the Sun newspaper how she hounded on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube and was terrified when someone threatened to to kill her mother.
Cher said to the newspaper: 'It was her birthday and she was destroyed. She was a total wreck.'
The Swagger Jagger singer thinks that her tormentors are sick in the head and need help but she actually feels sorry for them.

Access denied: The X Factor finalist had to close down her Facebook account because of the bullying

When Lloyd first appeared on X Factor she received a lot of support from the public but the tide soon turned against her it wasn't long before Cher was on the receiving end of cyber bullying.
She said to the newspaper: 'They were saying, 'You're not pretty,' 'You're really ugly''. The budding pop-star deleted her Facebook account and began putting on a front to protect herself.
Unfortunately the facade failed and she came across as an arrogant performer which she now deeply regrets.

Pop idols: Cher stands with Cheryl Cole and Rebecca Ferguson during the X Factor in 2010

Having been bullied in the playground as a child because of her gypsy roots, Cher finds the internet jibes much harder to deal with.
She said: 'You can't ring someone up and ask them to remove this person from Twitter because they're verbally abusing me.'
Even though she is able to speak out about her troubled past now, she still feels scared about what the public say about her.
Cher said to the newspaper: 'It's a constant worry for me. I'm frightened all the time. 'I just want to learn to enjoy myself now and not take anything for granted.'

source: dailymail

She's no wallflower! Tulisa continues her LA fashion parade in a skintight patterned minidress

2012-02-04T14:39:00.000+07:00

By SARAH BULL

She's no wallflower! Tulisa Contostavlos continued her LA fashion parade yesterday as she strutted her stuff in a skintight patterned minidress

She's been working hard on her debut solo album in Los Angeles.
But while most of Tulisa Contostavlos' time is being taken up in the studios, the X Factor judge is still finding time to ensure she looks picture perfect at all time.
The 23-year-old singer continued her Stateside fashion parade in a skintight patterned minidress as she headed to the recording studio yesterday afternoon.

Standing out from the crowd: Tulisa teamed the dress with a pair of statement black wedges and a matching handbag

Tulisa teamed the dress with a pair of statement black peep-toe wedges and a black handbag, leaving her brown hair loose around her shoulders.
The pretty brunette's daring outfit came just hours after she caused a stir in a plunging nautical-print Lipsy jumpsuit which clung to her feminine curves in all the right places.
Having landed in Tinseltown on Tuesday, Tulisa has wasted no time in soaking up the rays in various summery outfits, including a pair of denim shorts on Wednesday.
It's no surprise to see a smile on Tulisa's face considering she has just signed a three-book deal.

Living the dream: The day before, Tulisa wore a plunging nautical jumpsuit as she left a hair salon in Beverly Hills

I like short shorts: Tulisa Contostavlos looked pleased as she went shopping in Los Angeles on Wednesday

source: dailymail

Harry Potter and the Half Cut Prince! Daniel Radcliffe admits he often turned up to set 'still drunk' from the night before

2012-02-04T14:31:00.000+07:00

By SARAH BULL

Admission: Daniel Radcliffe has revealed that he was 'still drunk' on many occasions while shooting scenes for Harry Potter

He made a name for himself as the innocent boy wizard in the Harry Potter film franchise. But now Daniel Radcliffe has revealed that he often turned up to work 'still drunk', and can even pinpoint scenes in the movies where he was 'gone'.
The 22-year-old actor, who has spoken previously about his issues with alcohol, insisted that he never drank at work, but was on occasion under the influence on set.

Screen star: Daniel said he can pinpoint scenes in the films where he was under the influence, saying he was 'dead behind the eyes'

He said: 'I went into work still drunk. I can point to many scenes where I'm just gone. Dead behind the eyes. I have a very addictive personality. It was a problem.'
Radcliffe added to heat magazine: 'People with problems like that are very adept at hiding it. It was bad. I drank a lot and it was … nightly.'
In a previous interview with ShortList magazine, Radcliffe, who gave up alcohol in August 2010, said that his addition to alcohol was so bad at one point that he used to black out every time he had a drink.

Doing the rounds: Radcliffe popped to the Wendy Williams Show to promote his new movie The Woman in Black today

He said: 'Seriously, in the last three years of drinking I blacked out nearly every time. Blacking out was my thing.'
The actor added: 'The drinking was unhealthy and damaging to my body and my social life. That’s beyond question.
'I was living in constant fear of who I’d meet, what I might have said to them, what I might have done with them, so I’d stay in my apartment for days and drink alone.'

In action: Radcliffe in gothic horror movie The Woman In Black

source: dailymail

'We'd LOVE to have a fifth baby!' David Beckham says he and Victoria plan to continue adding to their ever-growing brood

2012-02-04T14:24:00.000+07:00

By LIZ THOMAS and SARAH BULL

Plans: David Beckham has revealed he and wife Victoria are hoping to have another baby

The latest addition to the family is just seven months old but David Beckham is already dreaming of the next.
The footballer, who is relishing every moment of having a daughter after three sons, said he and his wife Victoria would love to have more children.
The couple are parents to Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, nine, Cruz, six, and baby Harper. But it seems that the Beckhams would love another – making the perfect five-a-side team.

Ever-growing brood: David made the admission on the Jonathan Ross show. He and wife Victoria are parents to three sons and seven-month-old daughter Harper

In an interview to be broadcast on Jonathan Ross’s ITV1 chat show tonight, Beckham declared: 'Harper is seven months now. I can’t even look at her without welling up.
'After having three boys, you just assume that you’re going to have another boy, but when we got told she was a little girl, it was amazing.
'We might have one more or two more, you never know. We’re not thinking about it yet, but if it happens, great. We’re enjoying the kids as it is. It’s always a thought.

'I'm still an East End boy!' David told Jonathan that he has made sure his sons are proud of their London roots

He explained: 'I just want them to protect her when she’s at that age. At that age when she needs protecting. Cruz does taekwondo, Brooklyn does boxing and Romeo does karate, so they’ll all be ready.
'But Cruz is the one who’s going to really look after Harper, he’s the tough one.'
As well as marital arts, the boys are understandably keen on football, the game which made their father famous.

Ever-growing brood: David and Victoria with sons Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, nine, Cruz, six

'I mean, we’re busy people and we’re enjoying the four kids that we’ve got already and we’re lucky, we’re lucky to have four healthy children.'
Beckham said that despite their hectic lifestyles at home in Los Angeles, both he and Victoria try to do 'normal things' with the children.
He added: 'You know, we take them to school, we pick them up. We take them to taekwondo or wherever they go, so we always do the activities with them.'

Daddy knows best! David, seen here playing football with son Cruz, revealed that his knowledge of the game can sometimes cause problems with the referee as he watches his sons in action on the pitch

However, David's knowledge of the beautiful game can cause problems when he watches his boys in action.
He recalled: 'I was watching the kids play the other day, it was the game just before they were playing. It was the younger kids of Romeo’s club, and they’re playing in the game and there was a penalty given. And the kids are seven-years-old and he sent the kid off.

source: dailymail

Gamer lies dead in internet cafe for 9 HOURS before anyone notices

2012-02-04T14:08:00.000+07:00

By ROB COOPER

Gamer: Chen Rong-yu, 23, is thought to have died after playing League of Legends for 23 hours in an internet cafe in Taiwan

A young gamer lay dead in an internet cafe in Taiwan for nine hours before anyone noticed. Chen Rong-yu, 23, is thought to have suffered a heart attack after playing League of Legends for 23 hours.
He was apparently still sat on the chair with his hands stretched out in front of the keyboard as if he was still playing in the cafe in New Taipei City.
A waitress only realised he was dead after rigor mortis had set in.
None of the other 30 gamers around him had realised anything was wrong.
He went to the internet cafe on Wednesday and had been playing games solidly.

Internet cafe death: The 23-year-old was playing in a cafe in New Taipei, Taiwan, which had around 30 other people inside

As the gamer took regular nap breaks they were not that alarmed to see him slumped in the chair. Initial tests revealed he died after suffering a heart attack brought on by low temperatures, fatigue and lack of movement.
His family told the authorities he had been treated for a heart condition in September.

source: dailymail

The Mecca of the city: In a London street, the faithful find a way to pray as their mosque overflows

2012-02-04T14:00:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Filling the street: Beneath a towering office block the shoeless worshippers bow down. The Brune Street mosque, in Spitalfields, East London, is the nearest mosque for Friday prayers for many City workers

In the shadow of the glass and steel skyscrapers of London’s Square Mile, hundreds of Muslims kneel in the street for Friday prayers.
Yesterday’s hour-long service a stone's throw from the heart of the financial district proved so popular that worshippers filled the streets around the tiny community mosque.
City workers in pinstripe suits mixed with Muslims from the local Bangladeshi community, cramming into the streets beside a Bentley and other parked cars.

In prayer: City workers in pinstripe suits join local residents outside the mosque cramming into the streets beside a Bentley and other parked cars

The Brune Street mosque, in Spitalfields, East London, is the nearest mosque for Friday prayers for many City workers and others from Brick Lane and Whitechapel.
It is a one-room community mosque with a maximum capacity of 100, so when some 300 turn up for Friday midday prayers locals have become accustomed to seeing worshippers kneeling in the surrounding streets, all facing Mecca.
One worshipper said: ‘It’s grown and grown in recent years. It started off as just one room in the mosque, but now people come from all over the City and there just isn’t the room for them in the building.

‘You get the whole community, everyone from City boys to people from the local area. It’s great being outside on a day like today, but it’s not so much fun when it rains.
‘Some people are surprised when they come into the area on a Friday – seeing that many people praying outside together is not an everyday sight in the UK.
‘You wouldn’t know unless you were looking for it, but it’s right in the middle of the City.’

source: dailymail

Competitive-eater smashes record and eats 337 chicken wings in 30 minutes at the Wing Bowl

2012-02-04T13:41:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi of Japan won Wingbowl 20, the annual chicken wing eating contest in Philadelphia on Friday morning

Who needs a Super Bowl ring?
Competitive-eating champ Takeru Kobayashi conquered Philadelphia's annual gustatory gorge-fest by eating 337 chicken wings in a half-hour before a crowd of nearly 20,000 at Wing Bowl XX.
The Japanese phenom demolished the record of 255 set last year by Jonathan 'Super' Squibb.

The 5'8 competitive eating phenom consumed a record 337 chicken wings in the 30 minute contest period

The Friday morning extravaganza drew thousands to the Wells Fargo Center before sunrise to watch competitors stuff themselves with chicken wings.
Kobayashi claimed a $20,000 cash prize for his victory.
Squibb had been trying to win his fourth consecutive Wing Bowl crown, but the Berlin, N.J., man finished a distant second with 271 wings.

He out ate defending champion Jonathan Squibb, right, who finished second this year

Kobayashi claimed a $20,000 cash prize for his victory, won in front of a crowd of 20,000 spectators

It was the six-time Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest champ's first time competing at Wing Bowl, though he consumed a cheesesteak in 24 seconds as part of an eating exhibition last year.
He also managed to scoff 7.5lb of turkey in 10 minutes in Turtle Bay, New York, the day before Thanksgiving last year. Dan Rollman, of Recordsetter.com, said at the time, 'Never in my life have witnessed food disappear like that. The man is true culinary Houdini.'

Better than a Super Bowl right? Kobayashi shows the Wingbowl 20 prize ring he won along with his crown and cash

Kobayashi, who is 33, is 5ft 8ins and weighs 128lbs.
Friday's feat meant the pint sized superstar consumed somewhere north of 20,000 calories. Just last month he ate 14 Twinkies in one minutes on a radio show as part of the Save the Twinkie campaign after Hostess declared bankruptcy.
He no longer competes in Nathan's Annual Hot Dog contest because of a contract dispute.

source: dailymail

Bacon butties, roast dinners and a cuppa: 50 things we love best about Britain show we're a nation of food lovers

2012-02-04T13:22:00.000+07:00

By KATIE SILVER

Nation of food lovers: The bacon butty and roast dinner came in first and second place

The tasty bacon butty is what we love most about Britain, a survey revealed today.
A humble bacon sandwich topped the poll of the 50 things we most adore about the nation, with a traditional roast dinner taking second place.
Nothing washes down a meal better than a lovely cup of tea - which came in at number three in the survey of 60,000 Brits.

Bond and Big Ben: These two national icons feature in the survey on the top 50 things we love about Britain

Our proud national history came fourth followed by the BBC in fifth, Big Ben in sixth and Buckingham Palace in seventh.
The love for our rolling hills will never dwindle as the beautiful English countryside made eighth spot.
Food continued its domination in the remainder of the top ten, with fish and chips and the Yorkshire Pudding coming in at ninth and tenth respectively.
Incredibly, the poll revealed that cheese is a greater national treasure than our monarch, with cheddar coming in at 13th on the list while the Queen trailed behind in 15th.

The old and the new: British icons such as Shakespeare and the Royal Family also made the list

For an example of style, class and British engineering, the Aston Martin roared into 17th. It is clear that Brits love bagging a bargain, which comes in at 30th on the list. James Bond triumphed over Harry Potter as the nation’s best-loved fictional character. And proving the quirkiness us Brits are known for is alive and well, that most alternative of British ‘sports’ - cheese rolling - made the last spot.

While perhaps when it comes to love, the debate is over, as Marmite finished narrowly outside the top 50.
‘When it comes to our great loves food is clearly on top and whether it’s a butty, bun or sanger the trusty bacon sandwich is a worthy winner of the top spot,’ said T-Mobile spokesman Spencer McHugh, after the company commissioned the research for a new TV ad. He added: ‘Whether we’re eating it between bread or rolling it down a hill it’s obvious that we are a nation of food lovers.'

source: dailymail

Don't jump! Oh, he can't... Incredible chalk drawings that appear to change London's skyline

2012-02-04T12:32:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Inches from death... or really? Pavement artist stands on the edge of his drawing of a New York scene - in London

At first glance he appears to be inches from disaster.
But this man apparently wobbling, arms outstretched, on the verge of a 300ft drop is actually perfectly safe. He is an artist who has drawn this three-dimensional street scene on the flat roof of a building.
The astonishing optical illusion means he appears to be about to fall from a London rooftop, surrounded by a panorama which includes the City.
But sharp-eyed observers will spot that the street scene below him includes a New York yellow taxi and a U.S. police SWAT team.

Don't jump! Man on a Ledge was created to celebrate the UK release of the film by the same name

Pavement artist Joe Hill was commissioned to draw the scene to celebrate the release of Hollywood film Man On A Ledge.
In the film, a New York police psychologist has to attempt to talk down a former policeman who has threatened to jump to his death from a Manhattan hotel rooftop.

Stepping off the edge: Pavement artist Joe Hill created the image. In the Man on a Ledge film a New York police psychologist has to attempt to talk down a former policeman who has threatened to leap to his death

Going over the edge: In this astonishing optical illusion, Joe Hill appears to be jumping off a building in this New York scene - set in London

Man on a Ledge: Sam Worthington stars in the Hollywood film which is coming out in the UK

source: dailymail

Olympic sell-out! 91% of London 2012 souvenirs made abroad with two thirds coming from China

2012-02-04T12:22:00.000+07:00

By LOUISE ECCLES

These 'Wenlock' stuffed toys are among the items on sale to mark the London 2012 Games

In patriotic red, white and blue, these souvenirs are meant to showcase the best of British workmanship to mark the London Olympic Games.
Unfortunately, a mere 9 per cent of the collection is actually made here.
Almost all of the Union Jack-emblazoned tea cups, tea towels, crystalware and fluffy toys on sale to commemorate the Games were produced by workers on the other side of the world.

Where merchandise is produced

Even famous names such as Wedgwood and Royal Doulton have used overseas factories to produce their mementoes of the Games.
Olympics organisers expect to rake in £1billion in revenue and £86million profit from 2012 souvenirs.
But despite their claim that the Games would benefit British business, thousands of jobs and millions of pounds worth of lucrative contracts have gone abroad.

Read the small print: The origin of the souvenir is revealed

An investigation by the Mail found that just 9 per cent of the 194 products available on the London 2012 website were made in Britain. The rest, according to the small print, come from a variety of foreign countries.
China made 62 per cent of the merchandise, Turkey 9 per cent and the Philippines 4 per cent.
Countries such as India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Pakistan, Poland, Slovakia and Germany made the rest, including T-shirts, bags, hats, toys and games.
Firms synonymous with Britain such as Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, Johnson Brothers and Dartington Crystal, were all asked to 'fly the flag' and create a range of Olympic-themed tableware.

source: dailymail

'I never stuffed my manhood…. But Victoria loves me in long johns': Golden balls David Beckham reveals his underwear secrets

2012-02-04T07:00:00.000+07:00

By LUCY BUCKLAND

Showing off: Beckham enjoyed a three year contract with the Italian designer brand

His huge underwear posters have been the subject of much discussion, and most of it isn't about the pants.
But David Beckham has finally set the record straight and revealed he has never resorted to stuffing his underwear to make his manhood appear bulkier.
The 36-year-old soccer has posed in his pants for several adverts for Armani and H&M, but insists he has never added anything to his package.

Cheap briefs: Beckham released his own collection at H&M

Referring to comedian James Corden - who parodied him in a shoot, and later admitted to stuffing socks in the underwear - David said: 'I've never, ever done a James and padded out my pants, or shoved socks down there though.
'I've never had to for any of the photoshoots I've done because, hopefully, I don't need to. Well, let's just say I've been told I don't need any help in that department. I think I'm pretty OK!'
Despite his famous advertising campaigns, David insists his wife - fashion designer Victoria - prefers him in long johns.

Big hit: Armani's profits doubled following David's campaign which is seen being unveiled here at Selfridges in London in June 2009

He added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: 'Victoria loves me in long johns. I like wearing the normal, short briefs but she reckons she likes me better wearing the long johns!
'She makes me wear them around the house. But that's OK because they're comfortable and keep you warm.'

Tasteful: Despite being a fashion expert David revealed Victoria prefers her man in long johns

This week the footballer revealed he used to walk around his house in Los Angeles naked, but has stopped since the birth of his daughter Harper six months ago.
The former England captain - who also has three sons, Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, nine, and six-year-old Cruz, with former Spice Girl Victoria - said: 'My naked days are over. I definitely walk around the house in my underwear.
'But not naked. With the boys it's not a problem because they're naked all the time but with a little girl now, it is different.'

No more nakedness: David said he no longer walks around the home without clothes after his daughter Harper was born

Dedicated daddy: David, seen here leaving Claridges on New Year's Eve with his daughter Harper said it was time to cover up at home

source: dailymail

'There'll be some angry men out there!' Sex addict who claims she had slept with 1,000 men… used to be a MAN herself

2012-02-04T06:49:00.000+07:00

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Urges: Crystal Warren told millions on TV she often leaves the house in the middle of the day to find men at pubs

A woman who revealed she has slept with 1,000 men has made another startling confession - she used to be a man herself.
Crystal Warren admits that there could be 'a lot of angry men out there' after they learn her secret.
The 42-year-old appeared on This Morning earlier this week to discuss her sex addiction - prompting Eamonn Holmes to ask why she hadn't turned to prostitution.
But she chose not to reveal her true identity until now, though insists she wasn't 'trying to hide anything'.

Crystal Warren has revealed she used to be a man

Miss Warren was born Christopher Snowden and changed gender in 2005, she has admitted. She told The Sun: 'I'm scared there will be a lot of angry men out there reading this but I have to tell the truth.
'A lot of people will think I've lied to those I've had sex with. But I don't feel I have because I'm a woman and my past is all behind me.
'I don't want any man I've ever been with to doubt his sexuality now because of this. They didn't know they were sleeping with somebody like me.'

She says that even when she was young she felt as though she was a female trapped in a boy's body - a condition known as gender dysphoria.
Miss Warren said her parents realised from a young age - and her dad even bought her a skirt for her fourth birthday.
And she has revealed that as a teenager she would stay at home to try on his mother's clothes, when her parents were out of the house.
She said: One day when I was 14 I was at the swimming pool with my mum and feeling very depressed and she just told me, "Don't worry, I know what's going on. You're not gay — you're just not in the right body".'
Eventually, in 2002 Miss Warren began having hormone and laser treatment to remove body hair and develop a 38B bust.
She underwent counselling before finally having full gender reassignment surgery seven years ago.

Crystal Warren appeared on This Morning to talk about her sex addiction - but did not reveal that she had been born a man

She was issued with a Gender Recognition Certificate after the operation, which allowed her to legally change her birth certificate to reflect her new name and sex.
Even before the operation the former shop worker from Brighton, East Sussex, would sleep with men, but says she has bedded most her lovers since she took her decision to become a woman.

She says she admitted to some of them that she was born male. Miss Warren, who grew up in Bridgwater, in Somerset, told The Sun: 'I first had sex when I was 17 or 18. I didn't feel it was right because I was in a man's body. But I was at the age when you want to experiment sexually and it was the only way I could. 'All the men I had sex with knew I was born male, though, until after my surgery.' Most of the men she met were in gay bars and clubs because that was where she felt 'most comfortable'.

She admits sleeping with a different man every night was 'brilliant', but says it wasn't as simple as her being gay.
After moving to Brighton Miss Warren began the process of gender reassignment.'
She added: 'I'm now just like any other girl who wants to enjoy my life after many years without the right body. Now I've got the body I want to use it all the time.'
'I slept with a hell of a lot of men before my operation but once I had the body I'd always wanted my sex drive went crazy.'
She admits that three months after the surgery she had sex with ten different men at a swingers' party. But she says she doesn't feel bad about not revealing her past because her secret was little different to the men she slept with who 'may have been married or had a girlfriend or been to prison'.

Revelations: But Crystal Warren says her past as a man is firmly behind her

She told the Sun : 'I no longer refer to myself as a post-op transsexual because I needed to put that label behind me to move on. I haven't come as far as I have to be reminded all the time.
'Having this secret has held me back in the past but now it's out I feel I can take on the world. I think about sex all day.'

Warren knows people call her 'easy', but she insists her desire for sex is something she cannot control

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

Do Ya Think I'm Sexy? Rihanna shows off new Rod Stewart-inspired BLEACHED hairstyle with a pair of thigh-high boots

2012-02-04T06:36:00.000+07:00

By ALANAH ERIKSEN

Do blondes have more fun? Rihanna debuted her new hairstyle, which she bleached for the an ELLE covershoot, at the Roxbury night club in Hollywood

We've seen her with had curly,straight, short, long, bright red, brown, black and multi-coloured hair.
But chameleon Rihanna's new do is still a shocking change.
Clearly keen to go to extremes to get into character, the 23-year-old popstar bleached her frizzy brown hair blonde for a photoshoot with ELLE magazine, her first cover shoot of the year.

Blonde ambition: The do looked as though it had been inspired by rocker Rod Stewart

The popstar took her new barnet - which looked as though it had been inspired by rocker Rod Stewart's trademark blonde mullet - to the Roxbury club in Hollywood last night.
She paired the shaggy do - which features a thick fringe and layers - with a shocking striped orange jumper, Daisy Dukes and thigh-high black boots.

Daring! The popstar wore a pair of thigh-high black boots and Daisy Dukes as she partied with her friends

Me and my girls: The star held hands with a girlfriend during the night out

Holding hands with one of her friends, she added a pair of black Ray Ban sunglasses to the ensemble, despite stepping out at night.
Earlier, she at the Staples Centre last night where she watched the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 112-91.
She sat in the front row with TopShop boss Philip Green's daughter Chloe and later re-tweeted a picture taken with fans where she is seen hugging the two men.

Her debut: Rihanna took her new hairstyle to the Staples Centre where she sat in the front row with Chloe Green, watching the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers

What a change: The popstar has most recently been sporting a frizzy brunette hairstyle and will have fans wondering whether she will keep the lighter do

source: dailymail

What happened to the bikinis you designed? Kelly Brook pours her curves into swimwear bought from a beach vendor in Brazil

2012-02-04T06:27:00.000+07:00

By KIRSTY MCCORMACK

Brazilian beauty: Kelly Brook was spotted wearing a local bikini while on the beach in Bahia

She may design a swimwear range for New look but Kelly Brook chose not to wear one of her own bikinis on holiday recently.
The 32-year-old opted for a local style of attire while holidaying in Brazil last week.
The model was spotted showing off her enviable figure in a multi-coloured two-piece which she bought from a local beach vendor.

Showing off: The 32-year-old modelled her enviable figure as she took a dip in the sea

Brook looked totally at ease as she took a dip in the ocean, flicking her blonde wavy hair around as she did so.
The tiny swimwear which featured a red, purple, yellow and green trim highlighted her curves perfectly and certainly represented what the local women probably wear when they hit the beach.
Brook completed her look with a pair of dark sunglasses, and even wore a few friendship bracelets on her ankle.

Having a blast: The model looked in good spirits as she frolicked in the sea

The former Big Breakfast host was on a girly holiday in Trancoso - a town situated in Porto Seguro in the state of Bahia - with her cousin Sally Griffiths, and it seems she spent most of her time wearing a bikini.
Last Thursday she even shared her look with her 166,517 followers on Twitter by posting a photo of herself holding a coconut.
With the caption reading: 'Breakfast time.... Grab the Coconuts!!' it was probably safe to say that nobody would have been looking at the piece of fruit.
Kelly was taking a break before embarking of filming for new sci-fi fantasy movie Heavy Metal, and perhaps ignoring the ridicule she received last week from Amanda Holden.

Treating her fans: Brook posted this photo of herself on Twitter having a coconut for breakfast

The Britain's Got Talent judge praised new panellist Alesha Dixon for having 'a brain' - insinuating Kelly didn't, which is why she was scrapped from series three after just two episodes.
But it was straight back to work - and beauty - when she arrived in the UK.
Brook decided to head back to the 'dark side' and dyed her hair brunette once again, and it was all in preparation for a photo shoot with Rankin.
In a photo posted on her page, Brook can be seen posing a pair of Reebok trainers with her new dark hair as she lays on a gym bench

Memorable moments: Brook is no stranger to showing off her curves in a bikini such as in Barbados in 2010 (L) and in the Bahamas in 2004

source: dailymail

Sexy spice! Victoria Beckham shows off her stunning post-baby body once more as she strips off for i-D magazine

2012-02-04T06:19:00.000+07:00

By SARAH BULL

Hot mama! Victoria Beckham shows off her stunning post-baby body in a sexy white one-piece in a new photoshoot for i-D magazine

She's a mother of four children, the youngest of whom is just six months old.
But Victoria Beckham looks in the best shape of her life, as she proved when she stripped off once more for a magazine photoshoot.
The 37-year-old star is seen showing off her trim and toned figure in a series of provocative outfits in the shots, taken by renowned photographer Josh Olins.

Sultry spice: In another shot, Victoria displays her toned and trim figure in a black PVC number, while looking off into the distance

In one picture, Victoria wears a white corseted all-in-one, while in another she wears a black PVC style lingerie number.
And despite the stunning pictures, in the accompanying interview with the publication, Victoria admits she hasn't always been so comfortable with the way she looks.
She said: 'When I started it was all about the corset dress. That's what people associated me with, and possibly if I'm honest a sign of my own insecurities as well.

Changing fashions: Victoria said she used to be synonymous with the corset dress, but now can more usually be found wearing something more loose, like this pink and black dress of her own design (right)

'But the older I get and the more comfortable I am in my own skin, the more I realise that to look great and feel great I haven't always got to wear something tight.'
Victoria teams her strong look with a defined brow and smoky eye make-up on the cover of the magazine, with a huge diamond ring taking centre stage in the otherwise jewellery-free shot taken by photographer Josh Olins.
Victoria, also known as Posh Spice to her millions of fans around the world, has made a name for herself as an incredibly successful fashion designer since leaving the Spice Girls.

The shoot appears in the new issue of i-D magazine

However, she said that when it comes to designs for her range, she works with what feels right rather than trying to fit into any already established trends.
She added: 'I've stood on many a red carpet and been photographed from every angle, so I know how important it is for a dress to be flattering.
'I don't follow fashion and I don't follow trends, I just follow my instincts and think, what do I want to wear?'
And it seems that following her instincts has been the best course of action for Victoria, whose most recent range Victoria, Victoria Beckham has sold out at Harvey Nichols after an incredibly successful collection launch this week.

source: dailymail

'What about McDonald's in the Pentagon?: Extraordinary top secret call between FBI and Scotland Yard 'tapped' by Anonymous

2012-02-04T06:07:00.000+07:00

-Hacking group made extraordinary recording of January conference call
-Included discussion about prosecution of hackers linked to Anonymous
-They published top secret email 'sent by FBI agent' giving call passcode
-Also take over Boston police dept and Greek Ministry of Justice website
-Shows growing influence of group making fools of law enforcement

By MARK DUELL

Trademark mask: Anonymous published a top secret email 'sent by an FBI agent', which gave details and a password for accessing a sensitive call (file picture)

A confidential call between the FBI and Scotland Yard was recorded by hacking group Anonymous - the very people they were trying to catch, it was revealed today.
The group released a 15-minute tape of what appears to be a conference call last month about tracking and prosecuting the group’s members.
The top-secret conversation begins with a bizarre exchange between the U.S. and British agents, where they talk about cheese and eating 'McDonald's at the Pentagon'.

Investigation: Those on the call talk about legal strategies in the cases of Ryan Cleary, left, and Jake Davis, right - two British suspects linked to Anonymous

It is not known whether cheese and McDonald's are codenames or if the transcript simply reveals what is really at the top of the list of priorities of our law enforcement officers.
There is also one point when 'Bruce', the U.S. agent, says to the British agent 'Stuart': 'I'm not sure if we're the only two on right now or not'.
Anonymous also published a top secret email apparently sent by an FBI agent, which gave details and a password for accessing the call.

Boast: The group gloated on Twitter as they released a recording of what appears to be a conference call last month about prosecuting their members

The cyber raid is the most audacious and sinister yet to be carried out by the shadowy hacking group and shows how powerful Anonymous has become.
And in a display of their growing reach, Anonymous also claimed credit for hacking the websites of the police forces in Boston, Massachusetts, and Salt Lake City, Utah.
This came hours after they attacked the Greek Ministry of Justice site. ‘The FBI might be curious how we're able to continuously read their internal comms for some time now,’ the group tweeted.

Embarrassment: The Federal Bureau of Investigation's headquarters are seen in Washington D.C. on Friday

The recording, which has since been verified by the FBI, appears to have been edited to bleep out the names of some suspects being discussed.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said the information ‘was intended for law enforcement officers only and was illegally obtained.’

Intercepted call: A view of New Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police

‘A criminal investigation is under way to identify and hold accountable those responsible,’ the law-enforcement bureau added.
'We are aware of the video, which relates to an FBI conference call involving a PCeU (Police Central e-crime Unit) representative,' London's Metropolitan Police said on Friday.

source: dailymail

A Dopey move? Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs fan gets ENTIRE CAST of Disney film tattooed on her back

2012-02-03T20:51:00.000+07:00

Annfaye Kao, 27, from Taichung, Taiwan, had the intricate art work inked across her whole back in a marathon three month tattoo session that she said was 'very painful'

A Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs fan has paid the ultimate tribute to her favourite film - by having the entire cast of characters etched on her skin.
Annfaye Kao, 27, from Taichung, Taiwan, had the intricate art work inked across her whole back in a marathon three month tattoo session.
The colourful patchwork of cartoons was inspired by a dream she once had about the fairy tale.

Annfaye says Snow White is her favourite ever movie character of all time

Sporting blue-hair and scarlet lips, Snow White forms the centerpiece while prince charming and evil Queen Grimhilde hover above.
Professional tattoo artist Ping meticulously drew and then coloured in the incredible work depicting scenes from the infamous Disney animated movie.
The seven dwarves can also be seen happily - except Grumpy - enjoying the rolling green countryside.

Sporting blue-hair and scarlet lips, Snow White forms the centerpiece while prince charming and evil Queen Grimhilde hover above

And the impressive ink work has even notched Annfaye an award at an international tattoo convention in Singapore.
She said: 'It took three months to finish it as it was so detailed. It hurt really badly to get a full one on my whole back.
'At times I was in such pain that I wanted to hurry it up, but luckily I didn’t give up and got it finished.

The colourful patchwork of cartoons was inspired by a dream Annfaye once had about the fairy tale

The incredible ink was designed by Annfaye, from after being inspired by a dream about Snow White.
Annfaye - who says Snow White is her favourite ever movie character of all time - said: 'The motive for the tattoo started in a dream.
'It reminded me of my childhood and my love for Snow White as she is so beautiful.
'As a child I used to imagine I was Snow White in a fairytale so it seemed like a good thing to have tattooed on my back.

source: dailymail

I’m 007 and I won’t keel over! Real-life Bond performs daring boat stunt off the Isle of Wight

2012-02-03T20:43:00.000+07:00

By KATIE SILVER

Eat your heart out Bond: Performing a stunt known as 'The Keel Walk', British skipper Alex Thomson adjusts his tie aboard his Hugo Boss racing yacht

A daring seaman proves he has a licence to keel.
Looking every part the classic James Bond, a British skipper dressed suavely in black tie mounts the keel of a speeding sail boat in waters near the Isle of Wight.
The mystery man in this case is one Alex Thomson, 37 who performed the ‘dangerous and stupid’ feat aboard his Hugo Boss yacht in the Solent - a straight that separates the isle from mainland England.

Getting up: Mr Thompson, who was the youngest person to win a round the world race at age 25, alights from his jet-ski to board the keel

Known as the ‘The Keel Walk’ the stunt involves very precise wind, sailing and sea conditions to make sure Alex and his jet-ski-driving assistant aren’t toppled over by the 8.2 tonne yacht.
Mr Thomson, who performed the stunt while sipping a gin and tonic said: ‘We’d wake up one day and the conditions would look just right, so we’d sound the alarm and get the boat prepped, bring in the jet ski guy, the RIB driver, the photographer, the camera guys… I’m in the suit, ready to go…and the wind drops. It was hurry up and wait, hurry up and wait.’

Mr Thompson had a 45 to 60 second window where he could ride the keel

And though Q might warn to always have an escape plan; this trick could have ended in disaster:
‘The wind is unpredictable; a momentary gust or drop will affect the direction and speed of the boat in an instant,’ said Mr Thomspon.
If the keel had hit him - 4 tonnes of lead moving at 10mph – it would be the equivalent of being charged by an elephant.
Mr Thomson performed the same feat in 2009:
‘But everyone always assumes it was “Photoshopped”,’ he said.
‘And I was determined to prove them wrong, so we decided to try again.’

'Always have an escape plan'; The real-life Bond dives from the yacht

Oh what I do for England: If the yacht had fallen on the brave seaman, it would have been the equivalent force of being rammed by an elephant

source: dailymail

Deep-freeze Britain: Waterfalls halt in freeflow, fountains at a standstill and four inches of snow forecast as mercury hits -10C

2012-02-03T20:33:00.000+07:00

By TAMARA COHEN

Ice, ice baby: Frozen in full flow, this dramatic waterfall at Fisher Gill in the Lake District appears still to be frothing and bubbling, as fell walker Martin Campbell looks on in wonder

Snow will sweep the country this weekend as the Arctic freeze tightens its grip.
Forecasters issued a nationwide cold weather alert, with temperatures expected to plunge as low as -10c (14f) from tonight.
Around two inches of snow covered Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk in white, while in the Pennines, fences and phone masts resembled ice sculptures.
The east of the country will again be covered in snow today and the South-East, Midlands and North will be hit tomorrow afternoon.

Frozen cascade: Fell walker Mr Campbell at the bottom of the Fisher Gill waterfall in Cumbria. Freezing weather has been sweeping towards us from eastern Europe where temperatures plummeted to -30c this week

London ice: The fountain next to Westminster Bridge demonstrates how low the temperatures have dropped in London

Snowy scenes: Freya Kirkpatrick, 4, surveys the wintry landscape on top of Rushup Edge near Edale, Derbyshire, yesterday as temperatures plummet

Sub-arctic temperatures: Snow falling and freezing on wire fences and walls in the Pennines yesterday make ice sculptures as the whole landscape turns white

source :dailymail

'You do things for love sometimes': J-Lo shows solidarity with broken-hearted single mother Rachelle Lamb at last round of American Idol auditions

2012-02-03T20:26:00.000+07:00

By AMELIA PROUD

No holding her back now: Rachelle, with a bit of help from daughter Madison, reached the judges - especially J-Lo - with her voice and tale of unhappy married life tonight

Whether it's coincidence or not, this season's auditions on American Idol have been peppered with talented women (often with children) telling tales of husbands who held them back.
It's hard not to see an echo, however deliberate or not, of 42-year-old Jennifer Lopez's split from Marc Anthony, particularly tonight when she sends Rachelle Lamb through to Hollywood from the St Louis auditions.
The 26-year-old told the judges that she is going through a divorce after being held back by her husband before he left her, J-Lo interjected sympathetically: 'You do things for love sometimes,' before looking down at her hands.

Tearful: J-Lo wiped her eyes and said: 'I didn't need to hear that right now,' as Lauren Gray sang Adele's One and Only

Randy gave his fellow judge a knowing look, before Rachelle continued to explain that her husband hated the song she's about to sing.
J-Lo then whooped: 'Well, that's the one we want to hear,' before Rachelle wowed them with the apt Faith Hill's, Find Somebody New.
Later in the show, J-Lo wiped a tear away as Lauren Gray sang Adele's One and Only and said: 'I didn't need to hear that right now.'
At the start of the show, the melodious strains of Coldplay's Fix You transported us back eight years ago to when Carrie Underwood took the trip to the St Louis auditions, it's a poignant remind of what the show can do.

Striking a chord: J-Lo was moved by Rachelle's story and Randy offered her a knowing and sympathetic look

Tears of joy: Ryan Seacrest chats to an overwhelmed Rachelle after she discovers she's going to Hollywood

Star quality: Johnny Keyser was an instant hit with the judges, J-Lo even thought him 'sexy'

The American Idol 2012 auditions episodes wrapped tonight and St Louis proved they still have star quality.
Opening with that reminder of Underwood's success after auditioning in 2004, the night was filled with performers hoping to follow in her footsteps.
Johnny Keyser opened with his tale of divorce and being raised by his father.
The 22-year-old also had an amazing tone and the judges loved him and Jennifer even said 'You know you’re going to be a star?' Let’s hope so. He’s one of the best auditions I’ve seen this season. And on top of that, he’s got a great look and attitude.'
Change is going to come by Sam Cooke was his choice of tune, and it left the judges gobsmacked.

He's through! Already a favourite, Johnny is expected to go far in Hollywood

Glee-ful: Bullied at school, the choir was his salvation... and now he's going to Hollywood

Moved to tears: Tyler was overwrought with emotion after Reis's rendition of Bill Withers' Lean On Me

source: dailymail

I've lost my pussycat! Kirsten Dunst goes on hunt for Tazzy with the help of boyfriend Garrett Hedlund

2012-02-03T20:10:00.000+07:00

By HOLLY THOMAS

EOn the hunt: Kirsten Dunst and her boyfriend Garret Hedlund cycled around Toluca Lake, California yesterday putting up posters for her missing cat

It's always distressing to lose a beloved pet.
And it seems that like any caring owner, Kirsten Dunst is doing everything in her power to recover her missing cat.
The 29-year-old was spotted cycling through Toluca Lake, California with her boyfriend Garrett Hedlund putting up posters offering a reward for the recovery of 'Tazzy'.

Trying everything: Kirsten is offering a reward for her pet, 'Tazzy'

The grey and white puss apparently has no collar.
Kirsten and Country Strong actor Garret were relatively inconspicuous in grey and black as they sped around the area on bikes, both wearing sunglasses to cover their faces.
The pair diligently put posters up on telephone posts and other available surfaces, clearly sparing no energy in their search for Kirsten's furry companion.
This rather conventional pastime makes a stark contrast to Kirsten's other recent travails.
The actress was on hand at the Sundance festival's Variety Studio in Utah last week to promote her latest project, Bachelorette.
The Will Ferrell-produced comedy premiered at Robert Redford's festival tonight.

Offering a reward: Kirsten is clearly desperate to see her cat returned safely

She plays a character named Regan in the ensemble film, an overachiever who must act as a bridesmaid to Becky, a girl she refers to as 'Pig Face' (Rebel Wilson).
Fellow childhood pals Promiscuous Gena (Lizzy Caplan) an Ditzy Katie (Isla Fisher) complete the bridal party.
Adam Scott and James Marsden round out the cast, all of whom took a cast portrait together yesterday.

Going incognito: The couple wore low-key grey and black, with sunglasses to cover their faces

Teamwork: It's touching to see Garrett's willingness to help his girlfriend

The movie captures one very long, very emotional night before Becky's big day.
Kirsten told the Daily Mail while promoting her last film, Melancholia, that she doesn't mind going nude onscreen if it's for artistic purposes, and that any partner she has should be proud of her gumption.
She said: 'There’s a scene in Melancholia where I’m lying naked, bathing in the glow of the Moon, but it looks like a painting as it’s lit so beautifully.'

Raised a smile: It looks as though Garrett is helping to keep Kirsten's spirits up

'You can almost forget that I’m nude. Whether your boyfriend minds seeing you naked depends on what kind of boyfriend you have.'
Country Strong actor Garrett flew to Utah to support his girlfriend.

Staying hydrated: The actress kept a bottle of water in her bike's handy basket

source: dailymail

Flying the flag for Britain! Geri Halliwell goes native Spice with new clothing range (but will anyone actually buy it..?)

2012-02-03T19:50:00.000+07:00

By GEORGINA LITTLEJOHN

Now and then: Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell stands by the iconic image of her in that Union Flag dress as she launched a clothing range today inspired by that outfit

When she burst onto the stage at the Brit Awards in that bottom-grazing Union Flag dress, she more than secured her place in pop fashion history.
And 15 years later, Geri Halliwell has returned to her Spice Girl days by designing a clothing range inspired by that iconic frock.
The former pop star was snapped today at the launch for her new collection for high street store Next in one of her own designs.

Is that really me? Geri smiles fondly at her younger self whose dress became a pop icon after its appearance at the 1997 Brit Awards

And Geri, 39, who has designed lingerie and swimwear for the company, was keen to keep up her patriotic stance from the 1997 Brits.
However, onlookers couldn't help but notice that the hemline on her new design is a lot longer that the hip-hugging dress she wore before.

Patriotic: Geri was joined by a group of models who helped show off her designs

Can we see the GB swim team in this for the Olympics? Geri's Union Flag design also made it onto a bikini and tankini

Not that Geri hasn't got the figure to pull that dress off, but as the mother of one approaches 40, something more elegant and sophisticated was clearly what she had in mind.
She was given a helping hand by some models who were happy to help her show off her Great British designs at the launch in central London.

Iconic: Geri Halliwell in THAT dress performing Who Do You Think You Are at the Brits in 1997

The iconic dress that Geri wore at the Brits, was actually a plain black Gucci dress to start with, but Geri thought it was too boring and got her sister to sew a Union Flag tea towel on the front to jazz it up and make a patriotic gesture in keeping with the evening.
The dress, which has its own Wikipedia page, catapulted her and the Spice Girls into the spotlight and sold at auction for £41,320 the following year.

source: dailymail

That's one way to keep cool! Vanessa Hudgens flaunts her bra after taking a dance class with Ashley Tisdale and posts video showing off their moves

2012-02-03T19:33:00.000+07:00

By AMELIA PROUD

Revealing: Vanessa Hudgens flaunted her red bra and painted her lips crimson to match after a dance class in Hollywood today

It's a sweaty business keeping fit, but Vanessa Hudgens found a way around over-heating today and it involved flaunting her very red, very tiny bra.
The slightest of vests was knotted over the sexy crop top, and while the 24-year-old might have selected it for the high-octane dance class she enjoyed with BFF Ashley Tisdale, 26 , it soon became more of a fashion item when she left the dance studio in Hollywood.
The raven-haired cutie slicked a matching crimson across her lips and was, rather oddly, carrying a floral arrangement that entirely complemented her outfit.

Racy: Vanessa looked cute if a little underdressed as she left the studios

Hudgens and Tisdale worked out at the Millennium Dance Complex on Thursday in North Hollywood today ahead of the premiere of Vanessa's latest film, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. And as a thank-you for choosing the venue the girls were gifted with flowers and champagne.
The two actresses enjoyed a private dance session, busting some moves to Beyonce‘s Run the World (Girls).

Dancing in the street: Hudgens and a more sensibly dressed Tisdale can't stop grooving despite their class being over

A tale of two seasons: Hudgens was dressed for high summer while tisdale seemed to fear the February chill

Friends forever: The two starlets enjoy a steady and enduring friendship

Bit more covered up: As she arrived at the dance class Vanessa was wearing a hooded jumper

'Dance class with @slaughteration and Nessa #whoruntheworld,' Ashley tweeted, before adding, 'Watch this- Nessa and Ash,' with a link to a video of their dance routine.
The night before, Vanessa made an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno to promote Journey 2: The Mysterious Island where she also got to meet Daniel Radcliffe.
Hudgens, who is dating Austin Butler, was sporting a butterfly tattoo on her neck, but she revealed to Jay Leno on The Tonight Show yesterday that her inkings are always fake.

Doing their thing: Vanessa and Ashley were filmed dancing and Ashley posted the video to her blog

After Jay showed a picture of Vanessa at the beach in a bikini, he asked if getting the All You Need Is Love tattoo on her foot was painful.
'It’s fake,' Vanessa revealed. 'I have this mad obsession with drawing on myself. I can’t help it … it’s fun. It’s hard to commit to a tattoo, like, I have a few, so when you write on yourself it’s not as much of a commitment.'
While the girls spent time together during the day they also stepped out at the same event in the evening at Vanessa's Journey 2 LA premiere.
Vanessa looked stunning in her canary yellow gown and was seen leaving her home with her beau.

Golden girl: Later Vanessa was seen in a stunning yellow dress as she left her house with her boyfriend Austin Butler

Lovely in lace: Ashley was seen wearing a one-shoulder dress that showed off her trim figure

source: dailymail

'They won't let me out for a cigarette': One Born Every Minute reality show causes outrage after 17-year-old in labour reveals she was smoking while p

2012-02-03T19:21:00.000+07:00

-Teenage mother in labour banned from smoking at hospital
-Thousands of viewers take to Facebook to slam Jess for endangering baby

By SADIE WHITELOCKS

Jessica, 17, starred in this week's episode of One Born Every Minute

Viewers of One Born Every Minute were left outraged last night after a teenager revealed that she continued smoking during pregnancy.
Focusing on single parents, the reality show followed 17-year-old Jessica as she went into labour at Leeds General Infirmary.
With cameras rolling at her bedside, the mother-to-be told friends that it was only hospital restrictions stopping her from having a cigarette.

Jess' boyfriend Nathaniel and his sister Devinya pay a visit to the hospital

In one clip her boyfriend Nathaniel drinks from a can of Red Bull, as his sister Devinya asks: 'Have you been out for a cig and that?'
To which heavily pregnant Jess replies: 'I’m not allowed.'
After the hour-long episode aired, a debate on Jess' smoking habit erupted on Facebook, attracting more than 1,300 comments.

Jess describes that her situation as a single parent isn't ideal

Commenting on Channel 4's official fan page Catherine 'Patch' Roper said: 'It's not her age that matters though. I don't care if she's 17 or 71. Smoking in pregnancy is a disgusting selfish thing to do.'
While Aimee Eustace said: 'What a shame that young girl couldn't have made an effort to give up smoking, my son wasn't planned.
'I was 29 when I had him and had smoked since I was around 16 but hard as it was, I gave up for him.'

Rachel Stocker added: 'My own mum smoked throughout her pregnancy with me.
'I'd like to think she did a good job bringing me up (as a single mother) but the fact is I have health problems caused by her smoking during pregnancy and passive smoking when I was a baby/toddler.
'These health problems wouldn't necessarily manifest themselves when your child is young. You can't anticipate the effect smoking will have on your baby - and if there's any effect at all it's not exactly going to be a good one.'
Lynette Wright wrote: 'My daughter was born at 28 weeks and it used to make me so angry to see pregnant women outside the maternity unit smoking fag after fag without a second thought for their unborn child, when my daughter was fighting for her life every day.

'If you cant stop smoking when you're pregnant when can you?'

However, many on the Facebook page also defended the teen's right to smoke.
One user, Lisa Hardy, said: 'I had my lil boy at 20 and smoked while pregnant. My lil man's weight was amazing and he's a healthy two-year-old. Stop judging others.'
The end of the programme shows Jess giving birth to a baby girl Rikeya, weighing 6lbs 12oz.
Her baby wasn't planned and she describes that, although she is in a relationship with boyfriend Nathaniel, the situation isn't ideal.
'I did want to be in a stable relationship to have a baby, but it hasn’t worked. you don’t need a relationship to be happy
'It would be a lot harder being a single parent than it would being in a couple obviously.
'But come on 13 year olds girls and 12 year old girls can do it then surely I can do it.'
Her mother Tracey, who fell pregnant at 18, also expresses disappointment at the turn of events.
'Jess didn’t tell me she was pregnant it was a friend I felt pretty disappointed actually
'I was 18 when I had my eldest so I were disappointed in Jess. I expected a little bit more.'

source: dailymail

A bald decision! Willow Smith shows off her shaved head on the internet

2012-02-03T19:04:00.000+07:00

By MIKE LARKIN

Hair-raising new look: Whip My Hair singer Willow Smith took to the internet to show off her new shaved head

Aspiring pop star Willow Smith will certainly not be whipping her hair any time soon.
For the 11-year-old singer made the bold decision to shave her head and post a picture of the results on the internet.
Goodness knows what her superstar father Will Smith will make of his daughters outrageous new look.

What is the pointe? Willow also loved showing off her ballet ability by posting this picture of her in a dance studio

But without her long locks she certainly looks more like her papa than her mother Jada Pinkett Smith.
The youngster also decided to show off her love of ballet by posting further pictures on WhoSay, which styles itself as a social network service for VIPs and celebrities.
She posed for a picture where she sat on a chair in a dance studio, while in another she shows off her golden ballet shoes.

She just can't help herself: The child star offered her fans further fascinating insights into her talent by posting a picture of her gold shoes

WIllow, who is yet to have a top-ten hit in the US, with her last single 21st Century Girl scraping in at 99 in the Billboard charts, describes herself as an actor and musician in her profile.
Her first cut Whip My Hair did significantly better, reaching the number 11 spot and she will be a guest spot from Nicki Minaj can help her upcoming track perform well.
The True Jackson, VP star is also getting ready to appear in a movie adaptation of comic book series Amulet with her brother Jaden.

Family affair: Being the children of Will and Jada may have helped Willow and Jaden land the leads in an adaption of comic series Amulet

source: dailymail

Hardly looking like a tomboy! 90210's surfer girl Gillian Zinser takes a break from filming to sun her bikini body on the beach

2012-02-03T18:04:00.000+07:00

By KIRSTY MCCORMACK

Beach chic: Gillian Zinser takes time out from filming 90210 to sunbathe on a beach in Malibu, California yesterday

She may be hard at work filming the latest series of 90210 but Gillian Zinser still finds time to sunbathe.
The 26-year-old actress was spotted soaking up the sun on a beach in Malibu, California yesterday in a role similar to that of her surfer character Ivy Sullivan.
Wearing a skimpy two-piece floral bikini, Zinser showed off her enviable figure while adjusting her white towel.

Sunning herself: Zinser had some snacks, a bottle of lotion and a pair of sheepskin slippers nearby

The U.S. star looked the epitome of beach chic with her blonde hair hanging in a loose wave and sporting a pair of shiny sunglasses.
When she had finally laid out her towel perfectly, Zinser laid on her front and began working on her tan.

Making the most of the good weather: Zinser wore a skimpy two-piece bandeau bikini for her beach trip

However, it wasn't long before the actress decided that it was time to treat the front of her slender body to some sun and she turned over.
To stop herself from getting bored, Zinser checked messages on her mobile phone and perhaps contemplated going for a dip.
It was a far cry from the scenes that she was filming earlier this week as she stepped back into the shoes of Sullivan.

Equal tanning: The 26-year-old decided to lay on her back while checking messages on her mobile phone

The cast were spotted filming at the Hollywood Forever cemetery in what looked like a funeral scene.
Looking less like a tomboy, Zinser wore a short black lacy dress with large red sunglasses as she walked around on set.
She was joined by Jessica Lowndes, AnnaLynne McCord and Shenae Grimes - proving that all three 90210 girls aren't leaving Beverly Hills anytime soon.

Hard at work: Earlier this week Zinser was spotted filming scenes at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery with her 90210 co-stars

source: dailymail

Sunny side up: Vanessa Hudgens flaunts her assets in cheerful yellow at premiere of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

2012-02-03T17:48:00.000+07:00

By IONA KIRBY

A ray of sunshine: Vanessa Hudgens stood out in a yellow Grecian gown at the Journey 2: The Mysterious Island premiere

She knows how to make the most of her curvaceous figure.
So it was no surprise that Vanessa Hudgens chose to show off her shape on the red carpet as she promoted her latest movie.
The star draped her body in a sunshine yellow Grecian gown, which flaunted her ample cleavage. She walked the red carpet in the sunny frock, which boasted a flowing train and a cut out back and sides, at the premiere for Journey 2: The Mysterious Island in Hollywood.

Putting it out there: The star showed off her ample cleavage in the sunshine-coloured gown

The High School Musical star certainly had a lot to smile about as she was joined at the star-studded event by her beau Austin Butler, dressed in a charcoal suit with matching skinny tie.
And the other famous female guests seemed to be following suit when it came to their outfits, also opting for cheerful colours.

Dynamic duo: Vanessa and her boyfriend Austin Butler once again proved what a good-looking couple they are

Arm candy: Austin Butler showed his support for his girlfriend on the star-studded red carpet

Sex and the City actress Kristin Davis, who also stars in the film, chose a purple strapless dress that perfectly complimented her co-star’s jewel toned number.
Meanwhile The Vow star Rachel McAdams was also feeling the spring spirit, donning a sheer blue top and flowing floral maxi skirt with a sexy side split as she showed her support for the movie.
All three of the girls chose to wear their hair in curls for the event at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

Sex appeal: The dress also boated a cut out back and sides to flash some flesh as Vanessa worked the red carpet

Beaming: Vanessa looked as cheerful as her dress as she posed for the photographers in the flowing number

The fantasy movie also stars Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Josh Hutcherson, who both wore classic suits for the event, with The Rock in black and Josh in grey.
Josh was accompanied by his mother on the red carpet, who slipped into a slinky bright orange minidress.
Another of the film’s actors, Luiz Guzman, stuck to the movie’s tropical theme with a casual outfit of a Hawaiian shirt, brown suede jacket and jeans.

Complimentary: Vanessa's co-star Kristin David also ore a jewel-toned dress to the premiere of their fantasy film

All-star cast: (L-R) Kristin Davis, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, and Luis Guzman

Fun with florals: Rachel McAdams looked ready for spring in her flowery maxi skirt, which boasted a sexy side-split

Co-stars: Kristin Davis and Dwayne Johnson enjoyed catching up on the red carpet for their upcoming 3-D movie

Suited and booted: Dwayne Johnson and Josh Hutcherson both picked classic suits, with Dwayne in black and Josh in grey

The 3-D film is a sequel to Journey to the Center of the Earth, and is released worldwide on February 10.
It had been a busy day for Vanessa, as prior to attending her premiere she was seen enjoying some exercise with her High School Musical co-star Ashley Tisdale.
The pair enjoyed a high-octane dance class together that saw them working up a sweat to Beyonce’s Run The World (Girls).

source: dailymail

Wardrobe malfunction? Lana Del Rey shows off her bra straps and needs assistance with her dress as she leaves TV appearance

2012-02-03T17:27:00.000+07:00

By IONA KIRBY

Not so chic: Lana Del Rey had her bra straps on show as she left the David Letterman Show in New York

From the front Lana Del Rey looked sophisticated in a simple and understated way.
But the back view of the singer proved less aesthetically pleasing.
The 25-year-old singer had her bra straps clearly on display through the cut out panel of her white dress.

Help!: The singer was seen gesturing to an assistant as she greeted fans outside the show

It appeared Lana also had another problem with her frock as an assistant was seen come to her aid.
Although it was unclear what the problem was the man was seen tending to the top of her outfit before reaching down to the small of her back.
Lana, whose debut album was released earlier this week praised her fans for supporting her after the album was slammed by critics.

On hand to help: The man was seen fiddling with the singer's dress to solve her wardrobe malfunction but he left her bra straps on show

And she decided to practice what she preaches when she was spotted leaving The Late Show with David Letterman today.
The 25-year-old songstress put on quite the performance for her admirers as she paraded up and down the pavement, posing for photographers.

Working the crowd: Lana Del Rey put on quite the performance for fans and photographers in New York

The Born To Die singer looked angelic in a simple long-sleeved white dress and some blush pink Mary Jane shoes as she strutted around Times Square in New York.
Lana, whose real name is Elizabeth Grant, worked the cameras like a pro, smiling and waving before stopping to chat and sign autographs for her doting fans.
She had her auburn coiffed and curled into soft waves, with minimal make-up completing her elegant look.

Angelic: Lana glowed in a simple white dress and pink Mary Jane shoes

The Video Games singer also showed off a delicate tattoo on her left hand.
The ink is a curled script of the word ‘paradise’.
Lana had a huge grin on her face after the warm reception outside the Letterman studio, but the singer appeared to start feeling the cold after a while.
She folded her arms to her chest and was seen bracing herself against the bitter whether in an attempt to warm herself up.

New ink: Lana displayed a tattoo of the word 'paradise' on her left hand

source: dailymail

A Potty proposal! Woman gets down on bended knee for Daniel Radcliffe at The Woman In Black's US premiere

2012-02-03T17:14:00.000+07:00

By MIKE LARKIN

On bended knee: An enthusiastic female fan took the opportunity to propose to Daniel Radcliffe at the US premiere of The Woman in Black in Los Angeles tonight

Getting married to hunky Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is a dream for his legion of teen fans.
But one plucky lady decided to take matters into her own hands and actually get down on bended knee at the US premiere of horror movie The Woman In Black in Los Angeles.
The shocked 22-year-old actor certainly seemed gracious as he listened to the enthusiastic fan, who nabbed Extra host Mario Lopez' microphone for when she popped the question.

And the former Saved By The Bell star was spotted giggling with glee as diplomatic Daniel did his best to placate the young lady.
What Daniel's girlfriend Rosie Coker will make about the proposal is anyone's guess although she is probably used to girls throwing themselves at her man.

Macho man: Daniel looked every inch the hard man in his leather biker jacket

But she was not the only person who was keen to meet the cool star, who looked butch in a macho leather biker jacket, jeans and trainers.
And the Liberal Democrat looked more than a little pleased with himself as he posed while surrounded by a bevy of beauties clad in black.

Pleased with yourself Potter? The Liberal Democrat looked smug as he posed alongside a bevy of beauties before the screening

Cooey: The fans tried their best to grab the attention of the Harry Potter hunk as he waited around before the showing

They had definitely dressed appropriately for the occasion, which even had a special black carpet for the star's arrival.
Daniel should be getting used to young ladies going bananas when they see him by now.
As well as they hysteria surrounding the Harry Potter franchise, only last week a young lady became a blubbering mess when she came face to face with her idol at the UK premiere of the film.
Daniel was not the only former Harry Potter star at the screening, his friend Tom Felton turned up to support him.

About to lift the entry rope? It seemed as if he was going to let some fans in as he hung around on the appropriately black carpet

Comparing notes: No doubt former teen idol Mario will have been swapping stories with the strapping actor

Friendly support: Daniel's old co-star Tom Felton also arrived at the screening

The Woman In Black follows a young lawyer Arthur Kipps, who travels to a remote house on an island somewhere in Britain to put the last affairs of a deceased client in order.
He is disturbed by the sight of a ghost at the client's funeral, who children can see but refuse to speak of.

Spooky: Daniel stars as Arthur Kipps, who travels to a remote house on an island somewhere in Britain to put the last affairs of a deceased client in order in the film

As the ghost becomes increasingly malevolent, the town is thrown into a frenzy of terror, with the 'house on the marsh', becoming the focal point of the haunting.
Despite the spooky nature of the film, Radcliffe insisted it wasn't scary.
He explained: 'We had a very nice, relaxed time on all of our locations. It was a very good time and nothing scary happened.'

source: dailymail

A riot of colour: Shortlist for Sony World Photography awards provides a real challenge for the eye

2012-02-03T13:03:00.000+07:00

By CHRIS PARSONS

Stunning: A folk painter blends in to her background in one eye-catching picture taken in Kolkata, India, while right, a small frog peers out from inside a plant in another beautiful image

From a smartly-dressed man on the London underground, to dragonflies and a surfer riding a wave at sunset, these are the stunning images all vying for top spot in the world's top photography competition.
The shortlisted images in this year's Sony World Photography Awards have been unveiled, and as usual include a spectacular array of colours and subjects from around the globe.
The collection of pictures on this year's list features everything from historic moments and spectacular landscapes to everyday portraits and detailed close-ups.

A sea of arms makes up this well-composed image taken as people celebrate during the Indian Festival in Mumbai

Emotional: A man sat laughing on the London Underground in this black and white picture shows a human aspect to the competition

Seascape: This dramatic wide picture of the fairground on New York's Coney Island brings the people and rides to life

Split second: Samuel Chan's depiction of Dragon boat racing during a chinese festival was another strong contender

Perfect panorama: Matthew Post's entry in the competition shows a stunning sunset at Lake Tekapo in Southern Canterbury, New Zealand

The sky at night: Dozens of lanterns illuminate the night air in Thailand in another 'low light' entrant

The 2012 competition saw 112,000 entries sent in from 171 different countries.
Different categories in the competition reflect the huge breadth of locations, styles, and subjects used in the shortlisted photographs.
In one mesmerising image, a folk painter seems to almost blend in to her artwork on display while working at a handicraft fair in Kolkata, India.
Another eye-catching picture shows a small child playing in a swing chair in Northern Xinjiang, China

Tranquil: Krzysztof Browko's picture of the Baltic Sea taken last August shows that not every image has to be action-packed

Painting a picture: Johnny Joo's entry showcases an array of colours which is almost hypnotic

Human study: Two men dressed western costumes in Tabernas, Almeria, Spain are the subjects of this thought-provoking image

Making the cut: A young man sits in a barbershop chair in Australia in this striking picture

Shot of a lifetime: A young girl appears suspended in mid-air in another picture in the split second category

Life's rich tapestry: Dragonflies are seen mating and laying eggs on a lotus plant on top of a calm water surface

Derek Woo's impressive image shows the sky above Hong Kong lit up in spectacular fashion

Astrid Merget, the creative director of the awards, said: Looking at the vast collection of shortlisted work across the categories, is truly gratifying this year.
'Within the Professional awards, the bodies of work are beautifully presented and distinctive, whilst in the Open categories, the single snapshots are diverse and demonstrate excellent skill within the amateur market.
'The new Youth competition also delighted us, as we were thrilled to find some exceptional budding talent.’

Family life: A boy watches over his younger brother while clutching a soft toy in Northern Xinjiang, China

A bug's life: This picture taken in Indonesia provides a close-up look into the natural world

Low light: Sparks fly in this picture taken in Russia, named 'Symphony of Fire'

Paul Irving's simple shot depicts a man sat alone in a chair, as light beams into the darkened room

Riding a wave: A surfer launches into the air in front of a beautiful sunset in this stunning photo

On top of the world: This picture taken from above Costazza Peak in Passo Rolle, Italy captures a stunning view

Feeling blue: Star Capella over the deserted salt marsh in Karyn Zharyk hollow, Western Kazakhstan

source: dailymail