Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts

Justin Bieber Tattoo Actriss

Friday, May 30, 2014

He has been flying high since he signed his first record deal at only 14 years of age.

But Justin Bieber recently got some rather unconventional work done while actually 40,000 feet above the ground.

The 20-year-old pop star got two religious symbols tattooed while on a private flight from Panama to Canada last month.

All Around The World: It was recently revealed that Justin Bieber, 20, got two religious symbols tattooed on him while on a private flight from Panama to Canada last month
All Around The World: It was recently revealed that Justin Bieber, 20, got two religious symbols tattooed on him while on a private flight from Panama to Canada last month



Art in the air: Famed tattoo artist Bang Bang (pictured left), born Keith McCurdy, discussed the difficult task of tattooing while 40,000 feet above the ground
Art in the air: Famed tattoo artist Bang Bang (pictured left), born Keith McCurdy, discussed the difficult task of tattooing while 40,000 feet above the ground

The new body modifications were etched by famed artist Bang Bang, the man behind Rihanna and Katy Perry's body art, just days after Justin was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence (DUI) and drag racing in Miami.

He told the New York Daily News: 'It was really difficult. The plane was shaking, so it's like trying to do a tattoo while you're driving over rocks ... and so I have to compensate and be so, so accurate.
'I've gotta admit that my adrenaline was through the roof. I didn't anticipate it would be so difficult.'
The tattoo artist added: 'This was the most difficult tattoo I've ever done for sure.'

Flipshopping: Spring Fever

Saturday, May 17, 2014

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Spring is finally here, and for those who’ve dealt with a frigid winter, the warm weather can’t come soon enough. While we wait for the flowers to bloom, we’ve been stockpiling everything we want to shop for this season in our Spring Fever magazine.

Femail Examines the Dangers From Sagging Eyes to Spots

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Cheap, effective and, most importantly, quick, it is no wonder cleansing wipes have become a hit with busy women. They mean no more messing around with cotton wool or cream to take off make-up at the end of the day — you just wipe and go.
In fact, sales of cleansing wipes have doubled in the past year. But while this might be excellent news for beauty brands, it could be bad news for our skin, causing everything from spots to wrinkles.
Experts worry that wipes don’t effectively cleanse skin and, instead, smear dirt and make-up across it.
Worse, everything from the physical act of wiping the skin to the fluid the wipes are impregnated with can cause skin problems . . .
Although sales of cleansing wipes have doubled in the past year, they could be doing more damage to your skin than good
Although sales of cleansing wipes have doubled in the past year, they could be doing more damage to your skin than good


SAGGING EYES

Ever found yourself using a wipe to scrub at stubborn eye shadow or waterproof mascara?
‘Many women use wipes to remove eye make-up,’ says cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting.
‘Because the cleansing lotions can be quite mild, it may take a considerable amount of physical force to get stubborn make-up off, thus risking harming the delicate eye area.’
If you’re dragging the thin skin around your eye backwards and forwards and up and down on a regular basis, you could be prematurely ageing it.
If you must use a wipe: Opt for a product designed for the eye area, as it’s likely the cloth and the cleanser will be formulated to take more delicate skin into consideration.
Leave the pad on the eye for a few seconds before wiping.
In our tests, Marks & Spencer Formula Daily Care Eye Make-up Remover Pads For Sensitive Skin (£4, marksand spencer.com) were most effective at removing make-up without dragging the skin.
Irritation

‘The cleansing fluid that wipes are soaked in contains surfactants — detergent-like chemicals that dissolve make-up and grime,’ says Dr Bunting.
‘If the surfactants are too harsh, they will irritate skin, especially as, without rinsing, some of those surfactants will be left on skin.’
That irritation can leave skin looking red or feeling sore and tight. It’s like lathering your face with soap and then not washing it off.
Moreover, while surfactants can irritate skin from a chemical perspective, if you get over-enthusiastic with a rough or textured wipe can cause irritation and even leave scratches.
If you must use a wipe: Choose one that’s developed specifically for sensitive skin, contains as few potent irritants as possible and has a very soft cloth. Try Aubrey Calming Skin Therapy Wipes (£7.49, aubreyorganicsuk.co.uk), which contain soothing aloe.

DID YOU KNOW?

People are judged more intelligent and attractive if their eyes wrinkle round the corners when they smile

DRYNESS

‘Alongside the surfactants, many of these wipes contain alcohol as this helps them cut through thick and tenacious make-up,’ says Dr Bunting.
‘However, while alcohol might clear stubborn lip-liner, it’s also effective at damaging skin.’
This is not ideal for anyone, but if you’re prone to dry skin, you have to be particularly careful about the wipes you use.

Dr Bunting advises anyone with rosacea or eczema to avoid wipes, as they can exacerbate conditions.
If you must use a wipe: Look for one that doesn’t contain alcohol but instead has moisturisers. Faith In Nature’s 3-in-1 Facial Wipes (£3.25, faithin nature.co.uk) are alcohol-free and contain vitamin E.
Wrinkles

Even if you’re not dragging at your skin, the fact that cleansing wipes often don’t clean skin as effectively means the pricey moisturisers you slather on afterwards could be a waste  of time.
Olay and L’Oreal carried out research that showed not cleansing skin thoroughly means you leave a barrier formed of dead skin and dirt. This results in less of the anti-ageing active ingredients getting to where they need to be in the skin.
In fact, one study showed 30 per cent more anti-ageing ingredients made it into the skin when it was properly cleansed, meaning that even if wipes aren’t giving you more wrinkles, they’re preventing you from treating existing ones.
If you must USE A wipe: Limit their use to rare occasions — no wipe will clear your skin as effectively as a proper cleanse .
If you’re using wipes regularly, you’re not getting the best from the serums and moisturisers you use afterwards.
Even though make-up removal wipes are supposed to clean your skin, they could be giving you spots
Even though make-up removal wipes are supposed to clean your skin, they could be giving you spots

SPOTS OR ACNE

If you’re prone to spots or acne, a good cleansing routine should be the foundation of your regime. That means no wipes.
Not only do you run the risk of transferring bacteria around your face, rather than washing it off, but, according to Dr Bunting, if the cleansing fluid in your wipe is poorly formulated, it may clog pores and trigger breakouts.
If you must use a wipe: Try one that contains salicylic acid. This stops pores getting clogged and helps to break down blackheads — it can even have an effect on acne scarring. One of the best is Clearasil Daily Clear Deep Cleansing Pads (£4.29, boots.com).

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Moist environments breed bacteria, and packets of cleansing wipes must stay free of bugs.
‘This means using preservatives, and the high percentages required to keen an open packet of wipes hygienic can irritate the skin and even trigger allergic reactions,’ says Dr Bunting.
Worryingly, the preservative methylisothiazolinone, or MI, which can cause blistering, red rashes and swelling, is common in wipes. It is even found in wipes designed for use on babies and in intimate areas. Experts believe it could be one of the most common causes of dermatitis.
If you must use a wipe: Scrutinise the ingredients and avoid any that contain MI.
It’s also worth steering clear of those that contain fragrance (usually marked as ‘parfum’) as this is a common cause of allergy. Simple’s Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes (£3.25, boots.com) don’t contain MI or fragrance, so many with sensitive skin find they can tolerate them.

Kim Kardashian shares a snap of her two-tone face as she uses make-up contouring trick

Saturday, March 29, 2014

When it comes to make-up, she's not one to subscribe to the 'less is more' approach.
And Kim Kardashian was happy to illustrate that point when she shared a snap of herself midway through a make-over.
The 33-year-old pouted into the camera, her skin covered in powdery stripes designed to contour the face and accentuate the cheekbones.
'How do I look?'  Kim Kardashian, 33, shared a selfie midway through a make-up transformation on Friday
'How do I look?' Kim Kardashian, 33, shared a selfie midway through a make-up transformation on Friday
'Another glam day with @joycebonelli ....how do I look? LOL' the mother-of-one wrote, referencing her make-up artist best friend.

With pale powder streaked across her jawbone and under each eye, Kim was using the technique of contouring, where both light and dark makeup is used to sculpt the appearance of features and face shape.
And it's not the first time Kim has shared a selfie mid-way through such a transformation.
She has not been shy in revealing the secret to her ultra-defined look, having previously posted similar images.

Kim Kardashian Donated

Friday, March 28, 2014

Kim Kardashian has been widely criticised in the past for only donating 10 per cent of profits from her semi-regular eBay clothing auctions to charity.
And now, new figures have come to light detailing just how much that amounts to.
According to Paypal Charitable Giving Fund tax documents obtained by RadarOnline, the star's November auction, benefitting Life Change Community Church in Agoura Hills, California - co-founded by mom Kris Jenner and her long-time friend Pastor Brad Johnson - reaped just $19,975.
Not so charitable after all? Tax documents obtained by RadarOnline have revealed that just $19,975 of the $399,500 Kim Kardashian raised through her eBay clothing auction in November went to Life Change Community Church, with the star pocketing almost $200,000
Not so charitable after all? Tax documents obtained by RadarOnline have revealed that just $19,975 of the $399,500 Kim Kardashian raised through her eBay clothing auction in November went to Life Change Community Church, with the star pocketing almost $200,000


Last December, the 33-year-old hit out at those questioning her charitable donations, breaking down the numbers in justification.
'When the eBay numbers get broken down, the auction management agency that posts for me gets a percentage for all their hard work, then, eBay listing fees, end of auction fees, eBay Store fees, Paypal fees, etc, all add up to about half the sale. Then I give 10% to charity,' she wrote on her website, under the headline: 'Giving comes from the heart.'
According to those calculations, the auction of unwanted designer garments from the star's wardrobe totalled $399,500, with Kim pocketing a tidy $199,750 at the end of the day, while the Church's cut was less than $20,000.
While no-one can deny that's still a hefty sum, it's not like the mom-of-one - who is estimated to be worth around $40 million - needs the cash.

Frasier's ladies at 52! Ten years after the beloved comedy exited our screens... Jane Leeves and Peri Gilpin look sexier than ever

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the last ever episode of Frasier; the beloved Cheers spin-off that followed the travails of Dr Frasier Crane and his Seattle crew.
Two integral parts of this hilarious ensemble were new age Mancunian nurse Daphne Moon and Frasier's sharp-talking, sexy sidekick Roz Doyle.
Many might remember characters Daphne and Roz dressing rather dowdily(but then it was the early '90s) however, it's a different story for the actresses today.

Fab at 52! Jane Leeves - seen here on Thursday in LA - and Peri Gilpin - pictured in LA in November last year - have transformed their frumpy Fraiser wardrobes over the yearsVERY hot in Cleveland! Jane Leeves was spotted out on Friday
Fab at 52! Jane Leeves - seen here on Thursday in LA - and Peri Gilpin - pictured in LA in November last year - have transformed their frumpy Frasier wardrobes over the years
Actresses Jane Leeves and Peri Gilpin - both 52 - have ditched their frumpy Frasier wardrobe, reinventing their looks over the years.

Particularly, British star Jane - who stepped out Friday showing off a figure that would reduce Niles to putty.

Wearing a short hot pink dress, Jane displayed her impressve bare legs as she walked around Santa Monica in a pair of black heels.

Jane was filming scenes for her successful sitcom Hot In Cleveland, where she plays Joy Scroggs.
Frumpy in Fraiser: Jane Leeves and Peri Gilpin are seen posing with their cast members John Mahoney, Kelsey Grammer,  David Hyde Pierce and Dan Butler

'I've never loved someone so much': Topless Dan Osborne shares another adorable selfie with son Teddy

He is arguably the best looking and hunkiest cast member of The Only Way Is Essex.
But when it comes to cuteness Dan Osborne,22, has well and truly been taken over by his son Teddy.
And clearly quite aware of how adorable his little one is, the reality star took to Twitter on Friday morning to share another snap of the two of them.
Kiss for his son: Dan Osborne shared a picture of himself and his son Teddy on Friday
Kiss for his son: Dan Osborne shared a picture of himself and his son Teddy on Friday

In the image Dan, who is topless, can be seen kissing the top of his son’s head while the little boy gazes at the camera smiling.
Perhaps a little self-conscious about how many pictures he has been sharing recently, he tweeted:


‘Sorry to keep posting pictures but I've never loved someone so much and been so proud in all my life.’

Mother-of-three Danielle Lloyd shares series of bikini snaps... revealing tiny frame during break in Dubai without Jamie or her sons

She has always been in excellent shape but in recent months Danielle Lloyd has clearly upped her game when it’s comes to working out.
And delighted with the way she looks, the 30-year-old has taken to Instagram to share a number of pictures of herself soaking up the sun on holiday in Dubai. 
The mother-of-three looks particularly slim in the pictures while wearing a pale turquoise and pink lace bikini.
Relaxed: Danielle Lloyd is currently enjoying a break in Dubai with her mother
Relaxed: Danielle Lloyd is currently enjoying a break in Dubai with her mother


Flat: Danielle  was keen to show off her new bikini, and her body in the process
Flat: Danielle was keen to show off her new bikini, and her body in the process

She uploaded another pic of herself in her Anna Lous bikini with a visor on, while sunbathing, that she captioned: ‘Chillin ☀️ #protectface @annalous @3wiseclothing #dubai #bliss.'
Not surprisingly the snap of her flat and toned stomach was well received by her fans who left numerous messages about how great she looked.
One Instagram user wrote: ‘OMG @missdlloyd you have the most incredible figure. So beautiful and tiny but you look healthy which is a welcome change :-) xxx’

Package-enhancing Pants That Promise to Make his Manhood Look Three Times Bigger Launch

Dating is tough. In the harsh world of modern dating, men are searching for something to give them that edge.
Anne Summers believes it has created a secret weapon: the ‘Triple Boost’, a new pair of package-enhancing pants.
In the same way some women artificially enhance their assets by wearing push-up bras, it appears men have been pining for a way (besides a pair of socks!) to boost their package.
The Triple Boost pants for men, which features moulded padding and removable air cookies which help enhance his package and give him a shapely silhouette
The Triple Boost pants for men, which features moulded padding and removable air cookies which help enhance his package and give him a shapely silhouette

Following the incredible success of the ‘Triple Boost’ bra, Ann Summers created the ‘Triple Bulge’ for men – the first pair of briefs that promise to boost bulge and enhance his attributes.

A recent survey by the brand revealed nearly half (47 per cent) of the men 1,000 men polled admitted to feeling insecure about their pouch size and nearly as many (40 per cent) said they would consider penis enlargement surgery if it was available, despite the health risks and hefty price tag.
Women looking for the ultimate cleavage bought 790 per cent more bras than predicted officially crowning the Triple Boost Ann Summer’s best-selling bra ever
Ann Summers were inundated with requests from men following the launch of the Triple Boost, claiming they felt left out and that they wanted a chance to boost their bulge the same way women do their cleavage.
Nearly half (47 per cent) of the men 1,000 men polled admitted to feeling insecure about their pouch size

Chloe Green mixes too many trends in bizarre leather dungarees and a plaid crop top as she launches new shoe collection

Chloe Green was certainly dressing to impress as she headed out to the launch party of her latest foray into the style world.
But the Arcadia heiress suffered something of a sartorial fail by becoming a fashion victim as she unveiled her latest Chloe Jade Green collection at the flagship Topshop Oxford Street store on Friday evening.
Ensuring all eyes were on her, the 23-year-old designer mixed one too many trends in a pair of bizarre black leather dungarees, which she teamed with a skimpy monochrome plaid crop top.
Best foot forward: Topshop heiress Chloe Green was dressed to impress as she headed out to the launch party of her new Topshop shoe collection on Friday evening
Best foot forward: Topshop heiress Chloe Green was dressed to impress as she headed out to the launch party of her new Topshop shoe collection on Friday evening

In spite of her fashion blunder, Chloe looked stunning with her voluminous curls tumbling loosely around her shoulders.
And the former Made In Chelsea star's skin was still glowing with the tan from her recent stay on her father’s luxury yacht in St. Barths.

Keeping her make-up fresh and light, Chloe opted for a slick of nude lipgloss and a few coats of mascara.
She also made sure her toe nails were sporting a white colour that perfectly complimented her metallic silver sandal heels - no doubt one of her own designs.

TOWIE girls head out on group shopping trip for lingerie as they film new episode

They pride themselves on looking their best at all times, but that means shopping until they drop on regular occasions.
The Only Way Is Underwear: The TOWIE girls headed out for a group shopping trip on FridayAnd that is exactly what the TOWIE girls, Gemma Collins, Ferne McCann and sister Sam and Billie Faiers, did on Friday as they headed to Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex to purchase some new underwear.


The quartet were see laden with pink shopping bags from lingerie, swimwear and nightwear outlet Boux Avenue while filming an upcoming episode of the hit ITV2 reality show.

Successful shopping trip: Gemma Collins (left) and Billie Faiers (right) looked particularly impressed with their purchases as they left Boux Avenue
Successful shopping trip: Gemma Collins (left) and Billie Faiers (right) looked particularly impressed with their purchases as they left Boux Avenue



Sam appeared to have colour coordinated her baby pink coat with the Boux Avenue bags and the blonde beauty – who was recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease – also wore a white top and sand-coloured tight-fitting trousers for the outing.
The blonde beauty teamed her look with a pair of leopard print flat shoes, while her pregnant sister Billie opted for a pair of nude heels for the group day out.
Billie hid her baby bump underneath a white top and a cardigan, and she also went for a tight-fitting pair of jeans. 

Make-up free Kara Tointon looks ready to camp as she loads her car with her dog and a sleeping bag

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

It's not the most seasonable weather for camping, but Kara Tointon looked she was embarking on a trip into the great outdoors on Wednesday.
The actress loaded her car with a retro sleeping bag and a full bin liner, with her dog's lead in one hand.
Wearing a thick khaki parka and sunglasses, Kara, 30, looked ready for an adventure.
Ready for the great outdoors! Kara Tointon loads up her car with a sleeping bag, bin liner and her dog
Ready for the great outdoors! Kara Tointon loads up her car with a sleeping bag, bin liner and her dog

And it seems she was whizzing her way to the Warner Bros. studio to go on the Harry Potter tour as she shared a photo of herself inside the Great Hall.

But she’ll be soon embarking on a new television adventure with her fellow Strictly Come Dancing alumni Denise Van Outen and Kimberley Walsh.
Denise confirmed the news earlier this year: ‘I’m teaming up with Kimberley Walsh and Kara Tointon for a dancing and singing show.’ 

England's Cricket Team (and Piers Morgan's ribs) Take a Pasting Down Under

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

One day,' I promised my sons Spencer, Stanley and Bertie, years ago, 'we will go and watch the Ashes in Australia.' After England's rampant 3-0 victory in last summer's contest, the perfect time appeared to have arrived.

'We're going to the 4th and 5th Test matches in Melbourne and Sydney,' I declared in September.

'What if it's already over by then?' asked Stanley, 16.

'It won't be.' I chuckled. 'Not even this Aussie team could lose the first three games at home.'
It's a family affair: Piers with sons Stanley, Bertie and Spencer at the Sydney Opera House
It's a family affair: Piers with sons Stanley, Bertie and Spencer at the Sydney Opera House

Thus emboldened, I splashed out a sum of money approaching the national debt of Estonia to book us all flights from various parts of the world (me direct on Qantas from Los Angeles, my sons and youngest brother Rupert from London via Singapore Airlines) and well-recommended hotels in both cities.

Today we arrived in Melbourne with the Ashes already lost. Stanley's ominous comment had come true, though inexplicably, it was England who had capitulated so catastrophically. It was like arriving at a war zone moments after your country has surrendered.

Oh, and just to add to the misery, it was raining!

But we comforted ourselves with an excellent dinner at Squires Loft steakhouse, run by an old South African friend of England batsman Kevin Pietersen. The culinary fare was considerably tastier than KP's batting so far on this tour. In fact, I've been tweeting my disappointment at the lack of courage shown by our batsmen, prompting former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee to throw down a gauntlet: facing him for an over in the nets this week. Bring it on...

Danger zone: Piers is struck by a bouncer from former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee
Danger zone: Piers is struck by a bouncer from former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee

Monday 23 December

Our hotel in Melbourne is The Olsen, a cool, arty boutique property nestling in the equally cool, arty Chapel Street. It's filled with works by famed Australian artist John Olsen, and the rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with notably comfortable beds. Add two excellent restaurants, a decent spa and gym, and one of the world's most helpful chief concierges in Paul Rumpff, and I feel immediately relaxed.

Tonight, former England captain Michael Vaughan invited us to a barbecue (he cooked, and surprisingly well too) and 'garden cricket' at the luxury home he's been renting. A titanic battle ended under floodlights with his eight-year-old son Archie hitting an immaculate, elegant 71 not out as my much older sons peppered him with bouncers, beamers and yorkers. He's got a wonderful cover drive, pull shot, and ruthless determination to spend all day at the crease. Remember the name.

Tuesday 24 December

Spent the morning shopping in Chapel Street, which is like a long, slim version of London's Carnaby Street. The weather's been all over the place - hot and sunny one minute, cold, cloudy and rainy the next. Apparently, it's often like this. Must be why so many Brits emigrate here - it reminds them of home. Dinner was at Caffe e Cucina, a local Italian restaurant. Cheap, cheerful and excellent value. Have the spaghetti vongole - it's quite delicious.

Wednesday 25 December

Christmas in a hot country is weird. I tried it in Los Angeles two years ago and hated it. I like my yuletide festivities to be surrounded by snow, lots of decorations and endless carols. Melbourne had none of these, and didn't feel remotely Christmassy. Most locals go to the beach.

We headed for lunch to No 8 by John Lawson at the Crown Casino and Entertainment complex, where at least they supplied crackers with terrible jokes, silly hats, and an even sillier Santa Claus. They also supplied a quite magnificent traditional Christmas meal, all washed down with fine Puligny Montrachet and Chateau Margaux as the dulcet tones of 1,000 Barmy Army fans, and the Australian team, filled the air from two large suites nearby where they, too, were celebrating the big day.

Chef Lawson is an Essex boy done good. He used to work for Gordon Ramsay, and that pedigree shows in the cooking - this is a top-class restaurant.

At the next table was the widow of legendary Australian tycoon Kerry Packer. Over brandy, I asked Ros if it was true that Kerry once told a Texan cattleman in a casino who was boasting of being worth $100 million: 'I'll toss you for it.' She smiled. 'Yes. Most crazy stories about Kerry are true! It would have been his birthday tomorrow.' We raised our glasses to a great, swashbuckling character who changed cricket for ever, and for much the better, in the mid-1970s with his World Series tournament.
Easy to get around: Trams make their way through a sunny Melbourne
Easy to get around: Trams make their way through a sunny Melbourne

Thursday 26 December

Boxing Day at the Melbourne Test match is one of the most famous sporting occasions in the country, and it didn't disappoint. Our day started with breakfast inside the ground to support the Shane Warne Foundation, which has raised more than £5 million for sick children. A host of stars were there, including Sky Sports commentator David 'Bumble' Lloyd, who told the story of how Jeff Thomson - the fastest-ever bowler - once hit him square in the box during a Test match. As he retold the tale in fabulously gruesome detail, you could actually see tears start to well up in his eyes at the memory.

The MCG is the biggest stadium in cricket, and today we became part of history when the crowd was confirmed at a new world record of 91,092. It's hard to overstate how intense the atmosphere was by about 4pm, when a throbbing mass of drunken Aussies howled on their bowlers to dismember our batsmen. It was how I imagine Rome's Colosseum must have looked and felt back in ancient times.
Tonight, we dined at a superb Italian restaurant called Becco with Sir Viv Richards, the most exciting batsman I ever saw, and an utterly charming man. 'Have the seafood pasta,' he advised. I did, and it was superb. Henry Blofield, commentator extraordinaire, walked past, spied our table, and came over to say hello. Or rather to say: 'My dear old things, how simply delightful to see you!' He really does speak like that off-air, too. A national treasure.
Friends reunited: Piers and Brett Lee make up over a couple of bottles of wine
Friends reunited: Piers and Brett Lee make up over a couple of bottles of wine

Friday 27 December

AsI outlined in my Event magazine column earlier this month, a baying mob of 5,000 people amassed around the MCG nets as I faced Brett Lee, who hurtled in like a man possessed. After I'd survived the first two deliveries, the third ball - a ferocious 90mph bouncer - crashed into my back as I ducked, resulting in a loud crack, while the fourth whacked my hip. The fifth hit the stumps, while I managed to dodge the final ball. 'I'm still alive!' I gasped when it was all over. Yes, I was battered and bruised but it also was one of the most thrilling moments of my life.


Sunday 29 December

Been here for a week now, and loved it - even though I'm nursing a broken rib thanks to Brett's 90mph bouncer on Friday. The city is very British in many ways, with the same kind of houses and shopping areas, weather, and sarcastic but warm humour. Everyone we've met has been amazingly friendly and welcoming. Australia is a delightful country.

The Olsen's proven to be a perfect location. It's a well-run but at the same time pleasingly laid-back hotel. To my sons' joy it also backs on to school football pitches which the public can use. Thus, most afternoons a titanic battle of wit, skill and stamina ensues between creaking age (my brother and me) and volatile youth.

The regular verbal 'sledging' jousts almost rival the actual football for quality. Or as my youngest boy Bertie put it tonight: 'Dad, there's been a lot of high-class bantering on the Banter-Bus today.'

Monday 30 December

Flew to Sydney for the second leg of our holiday. It's a very different city to Melbourne, much busier, and more vibrant. And with more consistently good weather.

Our hotel is the QT, part of the same group as the Olsen. It's a designer boutique place, where you're greeted by a striking, beaming redhead in full basque-leather uniform, one of several such women dubbed 'Directors of Chaos'. She epito-mises the sense of sexy, quirky fun about the whole hotel.

Our rooms are great, stocked with enough DIY martini kits and other fancy party-related treats to keep James Bond happy for days.
And the lifts are pure comedy, with the music tailored precisely to how many people are standing in it. If there's only one person then Lonely by Akon plays; two people and it's Just The Two Of Us; eight and you get 50 Cent's In Da Club.
Flying the flag: The Australian cricket team celebrate a 5-0 whitewash over England in Sydney
Flying the flag: The Australian cricket team celebrate a 5-0 whitewash over England in Sydney

But the real star for me is the Gowings bar and restaurant. The food, service and drinks are some of the best I've enjoyed in any hotel anywhere in the world.

Tonight, the boys stayed in to watch movies (they're all free for guests at the QT, a nice touch) while Rupert and I joined my rib-breaking tormentor Brett Lee and his elder brother Shane (who also played for Australia) for dinner at Bathers' Pavilion in Balmoral, reputed to be Sydney's best restaurant. It's in an idyllic setting, nestled on a gorgeous quiet beach.

We had oysters, steaks and two magnums of Penfolds and talked cricket for four hours. My idea of a perfect night!


Tuesday 31 December

The QT is a five-minute walk from Darling Harbour, a buzzy area of restaurants, shops and tourist attractions. We had a couple of good seafood meals at the Blue Fish Cafe during the week, and a very palatable takeaway Indian curry from Zaaffran.

Tonight, thanks to the ingenuity of QT promotions chief Stephen Howard, we got on to the 35th-floor roof of the Shangri-La hotel on Sydney Harbour, overlooking the iconic Sydney Bridge and Opera House for the New Year's Eve fireworks. It was a stunning vantage point for what is an absolutely stunning display. Though I was amused to see that at precisely midnight, almost every single guest on the roof pulled out their phone and began taking 'selfies'. We're truly heading to an age where every second of one's life must be instantly recorded and imparted on to friends via Facebook, or complete strangers via Twitter, as a matter of urgency.
Quirky fun: Guests at the QT hotel in Sydney are greeted by a redhead in full basque-leather uniform - one of several such women dubbed 'Directors of Chaos'
Quirky fun: Guests at the QT hotel in Sydney are greeted by a redhead in full basque-leather uniform - one of several such women dubbed 'Directors of Chaos'


Wednesday 1 January

Did a few touristy things. The aquarium at Darling Harbour houses some impressively massive sharks, and the amazing view from the top of the Sydney Tower Eye, the city's tallest building, is definitely worth seeing.

There's also a military submarine in Darling Harbour, which is an incredible experience, if only to see at first hand the ridiculously cramped conditions in which 70 grown men have to exist on these things. I found it claustrophobic after just a few minutes down there. I can't imagine what six months must feel like.

Later I took the boys to a Big Bash game, part of the 20/20 tournament that's hugely popular in Australia. We sat with West Indies batting legend Chris Gayle, who was hilarious, and chatted to Aussie star David Warner in the next box to us ('Who's this, One Direction?' he laughed as I introduced the boys). The only sour note came when former Australian captain Ian Chappell walked past and I held a hand out with the words: 'Hi, Mr Chappell, I'm Piers Morgan. . .' to which he replied: 'Nah, mate, you're a d***head.' As Spencer said: 'It's good when people live down to every expectation.'

Thursday 2 January

Lunch at Doyles on Watson's Bay, Sir Ian Botham's favourite place in Sydney. Had absurdly fresh-tasting crab and their signature fish and chips while taking in the wonderful view. It's worth the half-hour taxi ride, but get the water cab back to town - just because it's great fun.
Iconic: Piers got to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks from the Shangri-La hotel on Sydney Harbour
Iconic: Piers got to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks from the Shangri-La hotel on Sydney Harbour

Saturday 4 January

We've spent the first two days at the Sydney Test, and England's cricket has continued its disastrous path on this tour. But the weather's been wonderful, the people genuinely lovely, and we've enjoyed every minute of the holiday. My highlight today was seeing 84-year-old former Aussie Prime Minister Bob Hawke sink a pint of beer in one go, howled on by 100 drunken men dressed as legendary commentator Richie Benaud. If ever a moment made me fall in love with Australia, it was this.

Sunday 5 January

Got up at 4am to watch Arsenal, the fourth time we've had to rise in the middle of the night to watch our team since we've been out here. But we won, and are top of the Premier League, so at least there's some small solace on the sporting front.

Monday 6 January

Flew back to Los Angeles on Qantas. The First Class service is outstanding, making the 13-hour flight a breeze. On landing, the chief steward approached me. 'Mr Morgan, I'm afraid I have some bad news. . .' My heart raced. 'What is it?' 'England were bowled out for 166 in 31 overs! It was a 5-0 whitewash!' So an indescribable horror on the field, and yet a very easily describable joy off it. I loved Australia. And so did my boys. Oddly, we never once went to the beach. We'll do it next time.

You Don’t have to be a Bond Villain to be a Billionaire, but it Helps . . .CHRISTOPHER STEVENS on Last Night's TV

Wise heads say that money is important only when you haven’t got any — there are other kinds of wealth that matter so much more.

The wise heads are talking twaddle, as a simple experiment proves: accost the first person you see today who looks moderately solvent, and ask them to lend you 50 quid till Thursday. The money, since they appear to possess an elegant sufficiency of the stuff, shouldn’t be a problem.

But there will be problems,  intractable ones. You’d have more luck finding someone in the street willing to donate you a kidney than lend you ‘half a ton’. And if anybody does say yes, run: you’ve been sized up by a payday shark who will arrange the loan at 4,500 per cent and come calling for ten grand  or your kneecaps at the end of the month.
If I was a rich man: How to Be A Billionaire's Naveen Jain, the Indian entrepreneur
If I was a rich man: How to Be A Billionaire's Naveen Jain, the Indian entrepreneur

Even the ultra-rich can never feel relaxed about money. In fact, as How To Be A Billionaire (Channel 4) revealed, they are obsessed with spending it in ways that emphasise its importance. Money matters, and therefore vast sums must matter vastly.

Indian multi-billionaire Naveen Jain, for instance, rises at 4.30am every day to tackle his emails. His money is so important, it won’t even let him sleep. Jain is investing his fortune in a space programme that will establish a commercial route to the moon within ten years.

This venture, he believes, will make him trillions of dollars. Jain didn’t spell out why a moon link would be so lucrative, but he did own a large collection of space rocks, so perhaps he plans to start quarrying.

He did have a pre-packaged answer to the title question: if you want to make a billion, solve a $10 billion problem and take a ten per cent fee. But the documentary wasn’t really interested in analysing the mechanics of making a mint — it just enjoyed looking at these people and relishing how odd they were.

Jain worked hard at appearing humble and sane, but in unguarded moments he looked like a Bond  villain planning his latest nuclear arsenal inside a volcano.

QUALITY TIME OF THE WEEK

Graham Linehan opened his new sitcom Meet The Walshes (BBC2) with a truly funny moment. As twenty-something Ciara was trying to enjoy a candlelit soak, her mother was banging on the door: ‘What do you want the light off for when you’re in the bath? You’ll drown!’
When he explained how his financial muscle made him an unstoppable force on the meteorite market, a manic giggle was gurgling in the back of his throat.

At least he enjoyed his cash.  Russian media mogul Dmitry Itskov looked utterly miserable. He spent his life traipsing from one anonymous hotel room to the next, with no friends, no family, and only an illusion of electronic immortality to keep him company.

Dmitry was spending his billions on brain transplant research, with the goal of ‘uploading his consciousness’. He didn’t seem to be getting much for his money — shoddy robotic heads, bad video graphics and flakey hangers-on who didn’t sound very convincing when they told him: ‘I don’t think you’re crazy, I think you’ve got a vision.’

Russians are meant to be depressive, of course, but Dmitry was working too hard at it.
As he checked into another  low-budget hotel, you couldn’t help feeling he’d have been  happier as a travelling shoe salesman — at least he’d have sensible targets to meet.

Holiday Hit Squad with Joe Crowley, Angela Rippon and Helen Skelton
Holiday Hit Squad with Joe Crowley, Angela Rippon and Helen Skelton

He should check into the L’Ambiance hotel in Bodrum, Turkey: it might cure him of his fondness for cheap accommodation. Joe Crowley of Holiday Hit Squad (BBC One) paid a visit, and found a resort that could make a Russian gulag look inviting.

The pool was so polluted that you couldn’t see the bottom. Puddles of vomit were encrusted on the patio. Open sewers ran under rusting manhole covers.

And the kitchen was worse. Every hygiene crime you’ve ever pictured in your worst nightmare of a foreign holiday was committed here — leftovers reheated day after day, vats of food lying open on shelves, unsealed tins growing mould in the cupboard. When the brochure said meals were all-inclusive, it didn’t say that what they included was every bacteria known to science.

Holiday Hit Squad is overlong, an hour of flaccid griping that ought, at most, to be 30 minutes of pungent consumer journalism.

But at least it showed us why Naveen Jain is right to head for the moon. Anywhere’s better than Bodrum.

What happened when a blonde woman in a sexy pink top walks through a Cairo university campus? Viral video captures crowds of baying men swarming around female

Cairo University students reportedly tried to rip the clothes off a blonde woman as she walked across the campus, sparking outrage across the nation.

The unnamed woman, who was wearing a long-sleeved pink top and fitted black jeans, was recently filmed being abused by a large group of male students as she made her way through the university, one of Egypt’s largest.

The men, some of whom were reportedly law students, went wild, wolf-whistling and jeering as she hurried to get away from them.
Caught on camera: Male students were filmed jeering and wolf-whistling as a blonde woman walked across Cairo University campus - with a campaigner claiming they went on to try and undress her
Caught on camera: Male students were filmed jeering and wolf-whistling as a blonde woman walked across Cairo University campus - with a campaigner claiming they went on to try and undress her

Reaction: University dean Gaber Nassar said the student's outfit, which he described as 'a bit unconventional', led to the harassment - but he added that he wasn't justifying the incident
Reaction: University dean Gaber Nassar said the student's outfit, which he described as 'a bit unconventional', led to the harassment - but he added that he wasn't justifying the incident
Intimidating: The blonde woman was surrounded by men
Intimidating: The blonde woman was surrounded by men
Fathi Farid, a member of the ‘I saw harassment’ anti-sexual harassment group, said male students had verbally attacked the woman and attempted to undress her, according to AFP.
University dean Gaber Nassar said the student's outfit, which he described as ‘a bit unconventional,’ led to the harassment, quickly adding that he was not justifying the incident.

‘This girl entered the university wearing an abaya (loose cloak) and then took it off in the faculty, and appeared with those clothes, that caused, in reality… the incident,’ Nassar said on private Egyptian channel ONTV. He said university guards turn away students who show up at campus dressed inappropriately.

‘The student's mistake does not justify what the (other) students did,’ he added.

Most of Cairo University's female students wear jeans and tops and avoid revealing clothes, and many wear the traditional Islamic headscarves, as do the majority of Egypt's women.

Nassar later wrote on Twitter that he was misunderstood and that he was not blaming the student for the incident.

‘I assure that this is not true and I apologise for the misunderstanding and I repeat that those who (harassed the girl) will be severely punished,’ he wrote.

Mr Farid added: ‘The worst is that people always find justification for the harassment and blame it on the victim.’

Naomi Campbell bursts out laughing when asked about Kim and Kanye's Vogue cover

Naomi Campbell has graced countless Vogue covers during her 28-year modelling career.
And the 43-year-old beauty seemed less than impressed by US Vogue's decision to put Kim Kardashian and Kanye West on the cover when she appeared on Australia's The Morning Show on Tuesday.
When TV host Kylie Gillies asked Naomi what she thought about the cover, the supermodel burst into a fit of laughter.
'I'm a fashion model': Naomi Campbell hinted that she was unimpressed by US Vogue's decision to put Kim Kardashian and Kanye West on the cover
'I'm a fashion model': Naomi Campbell hinted that she was unimpressed by US Vogue's decision to put Kim Kardashian and Kanye West on the cover
‘I do not want to comment,’ Naomi said.

‘Because I’m a fashion model and I’ve been working for 28 years and when you get a Vogue cover it’s a build in your career, it’s a stepping stone to achieve that.
‘And you know I’m a fashion model so what more can I say.’
Kylie then asked: ‘So you think Kim and Kanye haven’t earned the right to be on the cover?’
Naomi responded carefully, saying: ‘Those are your words, I’m being politically correct.
‘That’s Anna Wintour’s choice to put them on the cover of her magazine, who’s to question it.’
Naomi also hit out at Nicole Trunfio, her fellow mentor on modelling show The Face Australia.
On KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show on Tuesday morning she described the 28-year-old Aussie beauty as 'disrespectful'.

Tom Brady pinches Gisele Bundchen's bikini-clad bottom during passionate beach embrace

They've been married for five years, but it's clear the passion remains fresh for Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen.
The loving couple shared a beachside embrace on the shore in Costa Rica, clinging together as they stood in the surf.
As waves broke around them, NFL star Brady reached around to pinch his wife's bikini-clad rear.

Mollie King shows off hairstyle inspired by The Saturdays bandmate Frankie Sandford

Mollie King has obviously been taking style tips from Frankie Sandford, as she posted a photo on Instagram sporting the same trademark side-crop hairstyle as her bandmate.
On Tuesday, The Saturdays singer took a selfie showing the transformation of her usually long golden locks, to what appeared to be a short crop with a sweeping sideways fringe.
The 26-year-old was well aware of her likeness to Frankie as she playfully tweeted: ‘Don't be jealous of my new crop @francescasandford.’
Opting for the short crop:  Mollie King abandons her long locks and goes for the short side-swept crop hairstyle
Opting for the short crop: Mollie King abandons her long locks and goes for the short side-swept crop hairstyle
Look-a-like: Frankie Sandford is known for wearing her signature short hairdo, with a sweeping side fringe
Look-a-like: Frankie Sandford is known for wearing her signature short hairdo, with a sweeping side fringe
Although Frankie has had a short hairstyle for years, it is unlikely Mollie went for the crop herself and simple tied her longer locks back out of sight from the camera.
Mollie completed her 'new look' with dramatic black eyeliner and false eyelashes, which perfectly highlighted her piercing blue eyes.
A little light pink lipstick was all she needed to complete the glamorous snap which showed off her stunning features as she smiled cheekily at the camera.
Meanwhile, over the weekend Mollie was pictured on a night out in London looking stunning in dark jeans and a double-breasted waistcoat.

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky reveal names of their twin boys as she tweets snap of tiny feet

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have revealed the names of their newborn twin sons.
The 37-year-old actress announced the babies' names Tristin and Sasha alongside a sweet picture of their tiny feet via her Instagram account on Monday.
'They are already home,' she wrote alongside the snapshot. 'Tristan and Sasha arrived in this world 18 March just after the full moon. Complete happiness!!'
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New babies! Elsa Pataky tweeted an adorable snapshot of her new sons little feet on Monday while announcing their names Tristan and Sasha
New babies! Elsa Pataky tweeted an adorable snapshot of her new sons little feet on Monday while announcing their names Tristan and Sasha
Chris and Elsa welcomed the babies on Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood.


And in a blog post written for Glamour Spain on Tuesday, Elsa recommends new mothers practice 'skin to skin' with their babies from birth, reveals she likes to dress her babies in 100 per cent organic cotton and favours the bugaboo range of pushchairs.
She adds: 'Enjoy every second with your baby because it is the most wonderful thing of the world.'
The couple, who have been married for three years, announced their second pregnancy in late November.
And in January, they happily confirmed the exciting news that they were expecting twins.

Kanye West's missing reflection in Vogue selfie sparks Internet speculation and hilarious memes

Kanye West is a vampire, at least according to social media.
The playful claim came after a leaked photo from the now infamous Vogue shoot shows the singer missing a reflection in a mirror.
The image, posted by a Twitter user on Monday, shows Kanye, 36, snapping a photo with an iPad of his fiancee Kim Kardashian, 33, and their daughter North, while Kim takes a selfie on her iPhone.

View image on Twitter
Katherine Miller         @katherinemiller
Shouldn't…shouldn't Kanye be in the mirror?
The shot is taken in a lavish nursery room in front of mirrored walls.
But here's the catch: Kanye's reflection is clearly missing in the mirror.
Although Kanye may very well be a vampire, the oddity likely is down to a botched photoshop job.
The big reveal! A shirtless Kanye  cradles baby North West as they rest upon Kim in the inside spread of Vogue
The big reveal! A shirtless Kanye  cradles baby North West as they rest upon Kim in the inside spread of Vogue
'Shouldn't...shouldn't Kanye be in the mirror?' tweeted BuzzFeed editor Katherine Miller, alongside the picture.
The snap has led to a flurry of tweets and various memes, including one of Kanye staring at himself in the iPad.
According to mythology, vampires are unable to see their reflections because they have no soul.
The notion was made popular by Bram Stoker in his classic tome Dracula.
 

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