Tottenham midfielder Modric to fly to Spain to complete Real Madrid move

Luka Modric is poised to fly to Spain on Thursday to finalize a deal worth 30 million pounds to move from Tottenham to Real Madrid.

The Croatian will jet into the Spanish capital after appearing for Croatia in its friendly against Switzerland on Wednesday night.

Sources have told Goal.com that Real has agreed a fee worth 30 million pounds with Spurs for Modric to finally bring an end to the long-running transfer saga.
Modric is expected to have a medical with the Spanish champions in the next 48 hours before putting pen to paper on a deal.

The 26-year-old has been in limbo since demanding a transfer to Real earlier in the summer.

He failed to report on time for pre-season training and refused to go on the north Londoners’ preseason tour to the United States.

This came 12 months after he asked for a move from White Hart Lane to Chelsea, which Spurs chairman Daniel Levy refused to sanction despite a £40m bid from the European champions days before the end of the August 2011 window.

John Travolta ist eine Hommage an "Welcome Back, Kotter" Co-Star Ron Palillo

John Travolta hat seine Trauer über den Verlust seiner ehemaligen Welcome Back, Kotter Co-Star Ron Palillo ausgedrückt, indem er ihn ein großes Talent und "ein wunderbarer Mensch."

Der Schauspieler starb an einer Herzattacke auf seinem Palm Beach Gardens in Florida am Dienstag Morgen, 63 Jahre alt.

Sein plötzlicher Tod veranlasste viele Fans der Hit-Sitcom, in der Palillo gespielt nerdy Gymnasiast Arnold Horshack, um ihre Liebe für die Online-Serie erinnern, und jetzt Travolta, der den kleinen Bildschirm mit dem Stern für fünf Jahre geteilt hat Tribut zu seiner verstorbenen Kumpel.

Ein Statement aus dem Saturday Night Fever Stern lautet: "Ron war ein wunderbarer Mensch und Talent. Und geholfen Katapult Welcome Back, Kotter mit großem Erfolg. Wir werden ihn vermissen."

Palillo ist der zweite Stern des beliebten Programms zum Sterben in diesem Jahr - Robert Hegyes, der tough guy Juan Epstein spielte, verstarb im Januar.

John Travolta Pays Tribute To 'Welcome Back, Kotter' Co-Star Ron Palillo

John Travolta has expressed his grief over the loss of his former Welcome Back, Kotter co-star Ron Palillo, calling him a great talent and "a wonderful person."

The actor passed away of an apparent heart attack at his Palm Beach Gardens home in Florida on Tuesday morning, aged 63.

His sudden death prompted many fans of the hit sitcom, in which Palillo played nerdy high school student Arnold Horshack, to recall their love for the series online, and now Travolta, who shared the small screen with the star for five years, has paid tribute to his late pal.

A statement from the Saturday Night Fever star reads, "Ron was a wonderful person and talent. And helped catapult Welcome Back, Kotter to great success. We will miss him."

Palillo is the second star of the popular program to die this year  - Robert Hegyes, who played tough guy Juan Epstein, passed away in January.

Jimmy Kimmel Engaged To Writer Molly McNearney

Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is engaged.

The TV personality and comedian proposed to his girlfriend of two years, Molly McNearney, during a recent vacation to South Africa's Kruger National Forest wildlife park and the 34 year old, who is a co-head writer on his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, said yes.

The funnyman, who previously dated comedienne Sarah Silverman for five years, has been married once before - he wed his ex-wife Gina in 1988.
She is the mother of Kimmel's two kids.

Alicia Silverstone Urges Russian President To Help Imprisoned Vegan Punk Rocker

Actress Alicia Silverstone has written a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin urging him to personally intervene to help a member of jailed rockers Pussy Riot.

Three stars of the all-girl band are facing a potential prison sentence on hooliganism charges for performing a protest song against Putin in a church in Moscow earlier this year.
One of the rockers, Maria Alekhina, collapsed during a court appearance this month, and it emerged she's suffering from malnutrition as her strict vegan diet is poorly catered for behind bars.

Now, Clueless star and animal rights campaigner Silverstone has waded into the  argument, demanding Putin steps in to ensure all custody units in Russia provide plant-based foods for inmates.

In a letter to Putin, sent via People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Silverstone writes, "Regardless of the trial and its outcome, I'm sure you can agree that everyone has the right to show compassion and refrain from harming animals by being vegan."

PETA Associate Director Mimi Bekhechi says, "We hope Putin will give serious consideration to Alicia's request. PETA and Alicia stand ready to help Russian authorities plan nutritious, inexpensive vegan meals for all inmates."

Adriana Lima bares her baby bump in the 2013 Pirelli calendar

Brazilian model and Victoria's Secret Angel, Adriana Lima, is the first visibly pregnant model to ever appear in the risqué Pirelli calendar.

Adriana Lima has made history by becoming the first model to appear visibly pregnant in the Pirelli calendar.
Lima announced that she was expecting her second child with husband, basketball player Marko Jarić, in March.
The 2013 edition of the famed calendar was shot in Brazil in May by acclaimed photojournalist (and the man behind the iconic National Geographic cover featuring an Afghan girl with bright green eyes), Steve McCurry. Behind-the-scenes photographs on Italian Vanity Fair 's website show Lima posing with her five-month-old baby bump bared for the camera.
IN PICTURES: The 2012 Pirelli calendar
In the 2004 edition, captured by British photographer Nick Knight, pregnant model Esther de Jong illustrated the month of May. Her bump, which was far less visible than Lima's, was then digitally enhanced so that she appeared to be heavily pregnant.
The calendar is known for its risqué photographs of beautiful, usually nude models and actresses such as Kate Moss and Penelope Cruz, but McCurry has decided to take a different approach, telling liquida.it : "I want to portray women who are sexy without being naked."
McCurry, who has won awards for his work in war zones, aims to show the 11 "protagonists" involved, including Petra Nemcova, Liya Kebebe and Isabeli Fontana, in the support of foundations, NGOs and humanitarian projects, telling Italian Vanity Fair that it will be a "calendar of the soul".
WATCH: Behind the scenes of the 2012 Pirelli calendar
He follows in the footsteps of the likes of Mario Sorrenti, Terry Richardson, Karl Lagerfeld and Bruce Weber, all of whom have shot previous editions. The publication is famous for its limited availability and is only given as a corporate gift to a restricted number of important Pirelli customers and celebrity VIPs each year.

Cristiano Ronaldo 15 Best Free Kicks 2009-2012

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Real ready for tough challenge

Assistant coach Aitor Karanka admits Real Madrid must find their best form immediately as they prepare for a difficult season ahead.

Real ended Barcelona's recent dominance last term by winning the Primera Liga title but the challenge now is to defend their crown.

The UEFA Champions League also promises to be keenly contested as coach Jose Mourinho seeks to win the competition with a third different club, following his successes with Inter Milan in 2010 and Porto in 2004.

His second-in-command Karanka told reporters in Spain: "We have to find our best form because we face a big challenge and it's going to be really tough from day one.

"We're going to need all the players' talent and commitment if we are to succeed."

Kim Kardashian's idea of a Happy Sunday

AT SOME point in near future the world will look at itself in the mirror and say, "You know, I'm not all that interested in staring at Kim Kardashian's bottom."

Until that frightening wake-up call comes, Kim can sleep easy, knowing that Twitter pics of her curves will be eagerly lapped up.

The latest bottom update from the reality star is entitled Happy Sunday.

Kim posted the pic of her curvy rear from Hawaii, where she is enjoying a break with her boyfriend and style guru, Kanye West.

In it she stares lovingly back at the camera as does her bottom. She later posted a fuzzy picture of herself in bed entitled Night Night. In it she is pouting and giving the camera a come hither look. Her bottom is out of frame.

An hour later she posted the message: "Dig deep within your soul to recover the person you once were before you became the person someone else wanted."

She shouldn't let her bottom do her thinking for her.

 Pictures: Twitter / Kim Kardashian

Katy Perry's water slide malfunction

WE'VE all been shamed by a water slide at some point in our lives. Hit the waves the wrong way and the material that's supposed to cover your modesty suddenly does a disappearing act.

For most of us, the worst that happens is some rude sniggering from the sidelines.

But when you're a celebrity with the paps on your tail, the worst that could happen suddenly involves your burning shame plastered all over the gossip sites and gossip mags underneath the headline "Wardrobe malfunction".

That's the unfortunate fate that's befallen Katy Perry after her trip to Raging Waters amusement park in San Dimas, California.

Perry was more exposed than usual after she threw herself down a water slide in a two-piece bikini.

The fabric could handle handle the impact and Perry's bottom was on full display as she emerged from the pool.

She didn't seem to mind, though; laughing as she adjusted her bottoms to the cheers of fellow park visitors.

We unfortunately can't show the pictures of Perry's wet and wild adventure due to copyright issues but our UK sister site, The Sun, has a ton of them. 

We can show you pictures of Perry in a tiny-weeny green bikini, though.

 Katy Perry soaks up the the sun during a recent break in Miami. No wardrobe malfunctions were involved. Pictures: Splash News

Rita Ora: Beyonce është super-femër

Pop ylli botëror, Beyonce, është super-femra e yllit shqiptar Rita Ora, për shkak të asaj se sa ikonike është figura e saj dhe se si ajo po arrin t’ia dalë me karrierën dhe me obligimet si nënë në të njëjtën kohë.

Rita flet për Beyoncen si njeriun që e inspiron atë më së shumti në karrierë, për shkak se gjithçka që ka arritur deri tani ka arritur falë këshillave të këngëtares amerikane.

“Për një minut unë e këndoj këngën e Destinys Child “Say My Name” në lokalin e babait dhe në minutin tjetër unë jam e ulur pranë Beyonces duke e pyetur nëse kënga është e mirë për albumin tim?”.

“Herën e parë kur jam takuar me të isha nervoze. Unë e përqafova dhe i thashë se ajo është inspirimi im. Ajo është super-femra me karrierë dhe familje. Unë shpresoj që një ditë mund të bëj një gjë të njëjtë – me foshnje në njërën dorë dhe me mikrofon në dorën tjetër. Beyonce ishte dhe është inspirim i tillë. Ajo është në skenë për një kohë aq të gjatë dhe mendoni se ajo është më e moshuar, por është vetëm 30 vjeçare”, ka thënë Rita.

Lady GaGa’s Crete Treat

Lady GaGa is taking her role as godmother to the stars very seriously.

The singer is having an entire wing built for tot Zachary Furnish-John in her new home on the Greek island of Crete.
A source said: “GaGa is going to give Zachary his own nursery which includes a huge bedroom, playroom and bathroom and will overlook the Cretan sea.”
“She’s already flown in special wallpaper and a big boy bed for a toddler because she knows the place won’t be finished for months.”
Proud parents Elton John and David Furnish can’t praise GaGa enough.
David has said: “She’s all about inclusiveness and tolerance.
“She believes you can be whoever you want to be, we don’t have to live in a world of conformity and we can all benefit from individuality.”
Good – then they won’t mind her popping a hamster wheel on Zachary’s head when he goes to visit.

Kanye creates horrible heels

One wear ... Kim Kardashian walks in Kanye West's creation in New York but refuses to wear them again

I REPORTED on Friday about the horror Ugg-style heels Kim Kardashian was wearing after getting them as a present from their co-designer, her boyfriend Kanye West.

Now it seems the rapper has inflicted an identical pair on a supermodel.
A source said: “The shoes have caused the couple some trouble since it was brought to Kim’s attention that Kanye previously had Chanel Iman wear the shoes.
“Kim thinks the whole situation is disrespectful and she won’t be wearing them again.”
Not sure why she’s making grand excuses.
A simple “No. They’re horrendous” is fine.

Blur plea for TOTP

DAMON Albarn has called for the BBC to bring back Top Of The Pops, which was scrapped back in 2006.

Blur, who play Hyde Park tonight to coincide with the end of the Olympics, appeared on the show throughout the Nineties, putting in iconic performances of songs including Country House, Beetlebum and Parklife.
Speaking to Absolute Radio Damon said: “I miss noisy, brash bands on Top Of The Pops.
“I still live in the world where Top Of The Pops is on every Thursday, unashamedly. It would be brilliant to bring it back.”
The frontman, who once admitted to taking ecstasy while on the TV chart show, continued: “I don’t understand why it doesn’t exist any more – I never understood that decision.
“I’d like to hear new, fresh music, but just something that’s a moment, that allows people to do something that has a commercial credibility but is also not so bloody conservative. Do you know what I mean? Fun.”
He’s got a point – it’d be great for the show to return.

Beastie Boys' Monster legal battle

Band sue drinks brand for 'using songs without permission'

THE late, great Adam “MCA” Yauch of the Beastie Boys made a smart move when writing his will.

The rapper, who died in May after battling cancer, has banned the use of their songs in any adverts.
It’s good news as there are loads of examples of artists whose back catalogues have been plundered when they die.
There is a chance surviving Beastie Boys Mike Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (Ad Rock) could fight to sell the music to brands but it seems unlikely they would go against their pal’s wishes.
It’s been confirmed that the hip-hop pioneer and committed buddhist’s estate will go to his widow Dechen Wangdu and their teenage daughter Tenzin Losel.
They have inherited around £4million in a trust.
That’s a lot of Adidas tracksuits.

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Want you back Max 'no sex' pledge to Michelle Keegan

Max George has set himself an almost impossible task – staying away from the opposite sex on tour.

The Wanted man is desperate to win back Corrie star Michelle Keegan and thinks staying celibate is the best way to appease her.
But knowing the antics the boyband get up to it’s not going to be easy. The lads are currently in Australia for live gigs and promotional work before heading to the US for shows in cities including LA and New York.
The Wanted are massive across the Pond these days and get mobbed by young women wherever they go.
Max was dumped by actress Michelle last month when she caught him sending explicit texts to an ex.
A source says: “Max is serious about behaving himself — in real life and on his phone. He’s been telling friends he wants to persuade Michelle to take him back and is dedicated to not having relations with any other women.
“It’s not going to be easy while the band are on tour.
“They are constantly surrounded by women they’re meeting for the first time but Max is committed to the challenge.”
He’d better hope the lads are not invited back to the Playboy mansion.
Max can also seek support from Siva Kaneswaran and Tom Parker, his bandmates with girlfriends.
The Manc singer would be wise to spend more time with those two.
Womanisers Nathan Sykes and Jay McGuiness will be trying to lead him astray

Pretty in Pink for new album shoot

HERE’S Pink in her evening wear to promote new album The Truth About Love, out next month.

Straight-talking Pink has also revealed she knocked back a job as a judge on US X Factor because of her blunt opinions.
She said: “People would just hate me more than they already do. Besides, you can sing karaoke anywhere.”

Real Madrid steamrolls Celtic

PHILADELPHIA -- Like it has so many times before, Real Madrid took the field, put on a show and walked away victorious. The opponent didn’t matter, nor did the venue. The result was the same.

A continent away from their homes, families and domestic leagues, the Scottish and Spanish champions met Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia in the final match of this year's World Football Challenge. Celtic was merely the latest victims of Jose Mourinho’s high-priced wrecking ball of talent, falling 2-0 -- although the score belied the match's one-sidedness.

"We’ve had good games. We came to the U.S. to do the work that we wanted to do," Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka, speaking at the post-game press conference for Mourninho, said.

The most decorated side in both Spanish and European competition, Real Madrid came to the United States and ran roughshod on this competition, entering Philadelphia with identical 5-1 drubbings of the LA Galaxy and AC Milan sandwiched around a 2-1 victory over Mexican side Santos Laguna in Las Vegas.

"We feel pretty comfortable whenever we come [to America]," said Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso.

On foreign soil, matching up against some of the world's biggest and most recognizable stars, the Old Firm side struggled. Support for the green and white in the home of the Philadelphia Eagles was sporadic and fleeting.

Predictably, the crowd of 34,018 leaned heavily in favor of the world-renowned Madridistas, with the largest ovations directed towards star forward Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite a small but fiercely vocal Celtic contingent, the roars anytime this generation’s David Beckham – footballer, celebrity, icon – touched the ball were deafening, and the reverberations of his American stardom could be felt from here to the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Both teams had visited the area recently, to a mixed bag of results. In 2010, the Glaswegians were sent home hanging their heads, victims of a 1-0 defeat to the MLS’ Philadelphia Union at PPL Park in Chester, Pa. Los Merengues, who ended arch-rival Barcelona’s three year reign atop La Liga in May, made their triumphant return to Lincoln Financial Field a year after defeating the Union 2-1 on these grounds.

Jose Maria Callejon mirrored his heroics of that match, once again opening the scoring for Madrid. Forward Gonzalo Higuain bore down on goal, and as he made his way through the Celtic defense, the ball was fortuitously dispossessed right toward the trailing Callejon. One move was all it took to beat keeper Lukasz Zaluska, and the 25-year-old winger had earned a 1-0 lead for Los Blancos.

After a dominating first half garnered a mere one-goal lead, Mourninho took advantage of his embarrassment of riches and sent out a markedly different squad, but one with no dip in quality or menace. Off came megastars Ronaldo, Kaka, Higuain, Alonso, Ramos and others – but in their stead, Celtic had to deal with Benzema, Ozil, Di Maria and impregnable All-Everything keeper Iker Casillas.

“When we have a stellar roster like we have, it’s so much easier to work,” said Karanka, who played briefly for the Colorado Rapids. “The quality you’ve seen in these players, they are very competitive.”

With Celtic struggling to hold any possession, Karim Benzema doubled down on Madrid’s lead in the 67th minute. Turning defender Kelvin Wilson inside-out, the French international lashed a left-footed shot past Zaluska, clipping the inside of the far post and sliding into the back of the net.

Despite the negative result, Zaluska kept optimistic in the face of the Galacticos Version 2.0 onslaught.

"I faced several shots, and unfortunately we lost," said the Polish keeper. "Losing this game against Real Madrid, we can’t be ashamed – they are a fantastic team."

Once the Castilians get rolling, their momentum is nearly impossible to control. Mere minutes after Benzema’s goal, Celtic’s Dylan McGeough collided in mid-air with Nuri Sahin and was carted off on a stretcher. But not even the nearly 10-minute delay and the stadium’s deafening silence could harness the vaunted Madrid attack. Angel Di Maria turned the final quarter of an hour into a one-man fast break, creating chance after chance in carving up the Celtic back line.

McGeough may have suffered a fractured jaw, and was taken to the hospital upon exiting the match.

"He may need surgery, I’m not sure," said Celtic manager Neil Lennon. "He was in distress, obviously, and in shock as well."

Fresh off a 1-0 victory against Aberdeen to open the Scottish Premier League season, Lennon left first-teamers Victor Wanyama, James Forrest, Scott Brown and Georgios Samaras home to rest and heal. While Celtic received an early in-season test, Real Madrid ironed out their final kinks before kicking off in Valencia on Aug. 19. 

Never satisfied, always hungry for more, the Spanish giant nonetheless understand that after rolling through its American tour, it are peaking at the right time.

"Can things improve? Absolutely," said Alonso. "But we feel quite well, and we know we are just one week ahead of the start of the season."

Selena's kissing another younger man - and it's not Justin Bieber!

Is is OK to call Selena Gomez a cougar when she's only 20? Because she does seem to end up kissing a lot of men (boys?) who are younger than her.

This time, it's not even our favorite Canadian popstar Justin Bieber! It's Nat Wolff, an actor who is neither Canadian nor a popstar. And she's not cheating (because doing it in front of all those cameras would be a bit stupid, right?) as it's all part of her new movie. Phew! Call off the pitchforked cheat-hunt!

They had a pillow fight ... then they kissed? This film is already confusing us.

Rex

The film, appropriately called Parental Guidance Suggested, stars 17 year old Nat, Elizabeth Shue, My Name Is Earl's Jason Lee and chat show host and Jen Aniston's best mate Chelsea Handler. It's literally just started filming in Sherman Oaks, California. What a way to kick off a movie shoot, eh Selena?

She plays Nat's girlfriend who ends up in the back of a limo, "heading towards rock stardom" apparently. Selena's been on a few big stages in her life - we think she'll nail it.

Yeah, we have no idea what's going on here. 'Acting' maybe.

Rex

Justin's been down to the set already - we're sure he wasn't checking up on Selena's hot co-star or anything. Nope.

The couple recently had to ignore rumours they'd split up - going on a date to the weirdly named Living Room Lounge at Hollywood's W hotel. According to onlookers, Selena and Justin watched a jazz band (grown up!) and then left around midnight (very grown up!)

That's definitely not Justin. That bloke's about a foot taller that the Biebs.

Rex

Make the most of him while you can, Selena. Max George from The Wanted tweeted Justin telling him they were going shark diving next time Max was in LA. Justin retweeted it, which basically means yes. Justin: don't get eaten by a great white. We're not sure the Beliebers would ever get over it ...

Want to hear how rude Justin Bieber was about our royal family? Of course you do.

Tamara Ecclestone and her teeny-weeny white bikini lap up single life on Los Angeles trip

BILLIONAIRE’S daughter Tamara Ecclestone looks a million dollars as she shows off her super-fit body by the pool.

The 28-year-old daughter of F1 boss Bernie has flown to Los Angeles to be with sister Petra, 23, while recovering from her bitter split from ex Omar Khyami.

The beauties have been hitting Beverly Hills boutiques for a spot of retail therapy. But Tamara took a break yesterday, stepping out in a teeny-weeny bikini that highlighted her fabulous figure.

After ditching Omar over a sex tape last month, she vowed to spend some time being single. She may have her work cut out.

50 Cent refers to Kanye West's girlfriend Kim Kardashian as 'trash'

RIVALS 50 Cent and Kanye West now have even more to fight about after Fiddy described Kim Kardashian as 'trash'.

The rappers have long been at loggerheads.

And that looks likely to remain the case after the inult was aimed at curvy reality star Kim.

Quizzed about Kanye’s new song Perfect B****, which he said is about Kim, 50 said: “You know how it is? One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

He went on: “I mean, if that man feel like she's perfect, then she’s perfect. He could mean it and you’ll end up singing the words to it because he’s Kanye."

An item ... Kanye West and Kim Kardashian

Getty

The artist – who used to go out with talk show host Chelsea Handler - recently revealed he wants to date X Factor judge Tulisa.

But in the same interview he said he didn’t know if there was such a thing as a perfect woman.

He continued: “I’m not sure. The smartest guys I know have lost being a bad judge of character in that area.”

50's aim ... sexy Tulisa

Skandaloze: Këngëtarja serbe e “kalli” Shkodrën (video)

Shokuese dhe e papranueshme. Gjatë të shtunës nëpër internet ka filluar të qarkullojë një video-xhirim i cili e ka për protagoniste këngëtaren serbe Irina Radic. Ajo shihet duke performuar në një prej koncerteve të saj verore, askund tjetër pos në qytetin që përfaqëson kulturën shqiptare - Shkodrën.

Indira ishte e ftuar që të performojë në Shkodër. Nga pritja e mirë ajo vet ishte befasuar, pasi shqiptarët bashkë me të këndonin këngët e saj. Por, edhe ajo u tregua mjaft “bashkëpunuese” me publikun, duke përshëndetur në gjuhën shqipe, para se të këndojë këngët e saj në gjuhën serbe.

Hyrja për koncertin e njëorësh të Indiras ishte 10 euro, ndërsa befasues është fakti se ambienti ishte i mbushur plot.

Ky xhirim tashmë ka shkaktuar shumë polemika.

Indira Radic është një prej këngëtareve më të njohura serbe të muzikës turbo-folk, ndërsa në Shqipëri ajo performoi së bashku me Jorgo Sekulicin. 

Watch: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley unveils debut lingerie collection

Model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley offers a sneak peek of her debut lingerie range designed in collaboration with Marks & Spencer, 'Rosie for Autograph'.

 http://youtu.be/fAcPaB6Nz1E

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is becoming a master of all trades - not only is she a super successful model and actress; she's now trying her hand at design too. But unlike many other models/actresses-turned-designers, she's decided to start with lingerie, teaming up with British high street favourite Marks & Spencer - for whom she is the face of their Autograph collection - to create her debut range.

'Rosie for Autograph' will hit selected stores on August 30, but has given us a sneak preview of the pieces on offer in a short video in which she is seen shooting the campaign and talking about the designs.

"I love everything about lingerie, I've always had a thing for it. It's completely feminine, it's something for women, it's ours, it's our little secret," she says. "I think that we've struck a really great balance between it being young and modern whilst still being classic and sexy but it's feminine, and I hope people enjoy it in that way."
She may have given us the smallest of glimpses in the latest issue of Elle , but now we know considerably more. There are lots of pastels, delicate nude lace and a floral silk robe, all of which fit into the 'vintage-inspired' look she was going for, plus there's a saucy red teddy and suspenders and stockings too.
"I've wanted to design ever since I can remember and I fell into modelling through wanting to design and then, through my modelling career I modelled a lot of lingerie," the 25-year-old told the September issue of Elle . "My top goal is for it to be accessible and appealing to everybody, I didn't design it for just me."

Victoria Beckham pictured rehearsing with the Spice Girls

The Spice Girls have been pictured rehearsing together for the Olympics Closing Ceremony, confirming persistent rumours that the group would reunite for a one-off show.

Photo: Flynet

So the rumours are true, Victoria Beckham will be taking to the Olympics Closing Ceremony stage to perform with the Spice Girls on Sunday night.

Sneaky photographs taken during the group's rehearsal yesterday have been leaked and they clearly show a black-clad VB standing atop a studded black cab alongside her four fellow Spice Girls, clutching a microphone as she prepares to sing (or maybe we should say mime) and bash out some classic Spice moves.

We're still unsure as to what the girl group will wear as they weren't rehearsing in costume - earlier this week a series of tweets by Beckham suggested she and the girls would wear Giles , however Mel B's stylist has since denied this. So, we may just be seeing the entire reformed band wearing Victoria Beckham's designs after all. Who knows? Frankly, we'd rather it be a surprise on the night.

The Spice Girls photographed rehearsing yesterday. Photo: Flynet
Last night Naomi Campbell gave us glimpse of what to expect from the fashion-themed section of the extravaganza when she brought together Kate Moss, Karen Elson, Jourdan Dunn, Georgia May Jagger and Lily Donaldson at an Olympics Celebration Dinner in aid of Fashion for Relief. All of the aforementioned models are said to be gearing up to appear in some sort of catwalk-style show in which they'll wear specially-designed pieces by the likes of Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Christopher Kane and Victoria Beckham.
All these clues give us a glimpse of how big a part fashion will play in the Closing Ceremony, as well as reminding us of the huge amount of design talent that belongs to Britain - a point Stella McCartney has so readily proved by providing Team GB with by far the best kit of all the competing countries.
Now we just have to wonder what the Duchess of Cambridge will follow her custom-made Christopher Kane outfit she wore to the Opening Ceremony with. Our bets are on McQueen.

Gold or silver jewellery? Now we can wear both

'Yes, Houston, the vexed question of whether you can wear silver or gold jewellery simultaneously has finally and categorically been answered in the affirmative.'

Camille Miceli, the "ridiculously chic Parisian who designs jewellery for Dior" Photo: GETTY

In case Seb Coe and Co are hyperventilating over the legacy issue, I have one excellent option I can lay on the table right now. Yes, Houston, the vexed question of whether you can wear silver or gold jewellery simultaneously has finally and categorically been answered in the affirmative. If that's not something to bequeath to future generations, I don't know what is.

For years, women have tussled with this dilemma. You receive your first piece of serious jewellery in your teen years, around confirmation/bat mitzvah/13th summer solstice time. Invariably, it's gold because, with apologies to Becky Adlington, gold does have a slight edge over other metals. After that, it gets complicated. Jewellery, being a marker of so many important milestones, can soon spiral out of control. First comes the rites of passage Tiffany & Co heart necklace (or copy thereof), followed in short order by the Links of London charm bracelet, both silver. Then there are the Glasto years, during which you pile on bracelets and necklaces made from rubber, twine, old Coke tin pulls, your boyfriend's - sorry, ex-boyfriend's - hair.

Left to right: Jessica Alba in yellow and white gold earrings, and Bottega Veneta autumn/winter 2012 PHOTO: REX/VLADIMIR POTOP
By now, your personal cache of "heirlooms" looks a right mess. Though you, being a teenager, think it looks quirky and amazingly individual. You add a nose stud, just to horrify your mother, and are appalled to discover that while you were rebelliously instructing your best mate to jab a needle through your nostril during a cider high on a tor in the middle of a mudslide, your mum nipped into Selfridges to get a ring stud of her own.
Next up is the engagement or first serious job ring. You become an instant expert in carats, depth of clarity and platinum. You spend far too much time on the S J Phillips website. You remove all the flotsam and jetsam on your fingers, wrists, toes, ankles, nostrils, etc, and start afresh with just the one, tasteful mega‑diamond. It's strictly gold and diamonds from now on. You are a purist.
But then come the baby eternity rings, the promotion rewards, the divorce consolations, the Presents to Oneself because no one else will buy you what you like, the "precious" (case in point) gifts from grannies and godchildren. You love them to bits, but would it be too much for them to realise that only gold works with your colouring? Before you know it, you're out-blinging the Olympic cauldron, but not with any kind of medal-worthy style.
Shop: Gold
So let's take a deep breath and start again. Because while all kinds of jewellery mixes can work beautifully, they have to be the right kind of all kinds. Two of the most inspiring jewellery wearers - Coco Chanel and Camille Miceli, the ridiculously chic Parisian who designs jewellery for Dior - share a knack for apparently insouciantly chucking it all on together, but don't be fooled. There's rigorous method to their spontaneity. Both pay attention to scale and, while they boldly combine fakes and the real thing, they never try to marry piddly, delicate pieces with stonking stones. While Miceli mixes materials, including wood bangles with pearl chokers (Chanel generally stuck with gold), she only wears colours that suit her olive skin.
"It's particularly chic to wear silver, gold and bronze together," says Monica Vinader, who is no slouch in the jewellery wearing department. As for which metals suit: "Rose gold looks best on pale skin. I love gold worn with dark hair and, as I get older, I think gold is the most flattering metal on me. Silver looks best with a tan."

Left to right: Charm necklace from £65, Monica Vinader; monicavinader.com. Earrings £225, Zara Simon; astleyclarke.com. Necklace £170, Lulu Frost at Liberty; 020 7734 1234.
Elizabeth Taylor's record-breaking jewellery auction
Bec Clarke, the elegant founder of Astley Clarke, advises thinking about unity of design. "Don't mix boho with edgy angles - it's too confusing a message. Wear maxi chains with a little pendant. Pearls look great layered and knotted in different lengths [à la Coco Chanel] and even better with a modern maxi chain added to the mix."
Clarke also recommends going precious every day. "Fine jewellery shouldn't be left to gather dust in a jewellery box. I always start my outfit with my jewellery, not the other way round. One statement piece supported by finer, miniature jewellery details is a good rule. If you're going for grown-up boho, layer coloured gemstone friendship bracelets alongside colourful stacking rings."
Remember, too, the power of refusal.Despite her job, Miceli regularly goes jewellery-less, which makes a strong statement in itself and also guarantees that when she does wear jewels, they get noticed.

Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and more auction shoes for charity

The likes of Kate Moss and Sienna Miller have donated shoes to be auctioned off in aid of the Small Steps Project.

Photo: REX

Wish you could spend a day in Kate Moss' shoes? Well now you can, and for a good cause too.

Fashionable stars have united to donate footwear to the Small Steps Project, a charity which provides shoes, clothing and food to children who live and work on some of the world's largest rubbish dumps due to poverty.
Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Keira Knightley, Margherita Missoni and Paul Smith are just some of the big names to have donated much-loved pairs of shoes to be auctioned off in October. Last year, the auction raised £20,000 and they aim to raise even more this year.

"These shoes were given with love. I loved dancing the night away in them and hope they can bring as much joy to someone else. It's a privilege to be able to donate to such a worthwhile charity," said new mother Sienna Miller, who donated a pair of size 37 black Stefanel heels.

Sienna's Stefanel shoes. Photo: Lucas Orme
Margherita Missoni has donated a fan-detail pair of shoes by Missoni (of course). "I donated these Missoni shoes to the London celebrity shoe auction because I believe it's essential to grasp every occasion to be useful to others. My awareness is particularly directed towards problems related to infants and children and I hope that this small act may help even a single child to live better," she says.

Paul Smith with the shoes he's donated for the auction.
Other shoes on offer include a red and Perspex Issa pair donated by actress Keira Knightley, a pair of Giorgio Armani heels worn by Gemma Arterton to an Armani Couture show, and two pairs of men's loafers designed and worn by Paul Smith. All of the shoes have been signed by their famous former owners.
The event will take place a Jalouse club in central London on October 11, tickets can be purchased at 

Daily aspirin dose 'cuts cancer risk'

A daily dose of aspirin for over-60s can cut their risk of cancer by up to 40 per cent and may offer protection after just a few years, researchers claim. 

A study of more than 100,000 healthy people found that those who took a dose of aspirin every day were two fifths less likely to develop and die from stomach, oesophageal or colorectal cancer in the following decade.

They also had a 12 per cent lower risk of dying from other cancers, adding up to an overall 16 per cent lower risk of death from cancer of any type.

Although earlier research had found similar results, the new paper adds to the evidence in favour of taking the drug as a protective measure.

Doctors have previously called for low doses of aspirin to be taken from middle age, especially for people with a family history of cancer or heart disease, which it is also thought to protect against.

The authors of the latest study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, said: "Even a relatively modest benefit with respect to overall cancer mortality could still meaningfully influence the balances of risks and benefits of prophylactic (protective) aspirin use."

The researchers, from the American Cancer Society, studied data on more than 100,000 healthy men and women, most of whom were over 60, and questioned them about their use of aspirin at regular intervals over the next decade.
They found that those who used aspirin every day were less likely to die from cancer in the following eleven years, with the biggest effect on cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
Unlike previous research, the study found there was no difference between patients who had been taking the drug daily for less than five years, and those whose use was longer-term.
Referencing a separate study, the scientists said there was "some suggestion" the protective effect of aspirin could begin within three years of daily use.
In an editorial accompanying the article Dr John Baron of North Carolina University said the health benefit of aspirin estimated by the study could be "conservative", adding: "The drug clearly reduces the incidence and mortality from luminal gastrointestinal cancers, and it may similarly affect other cancers."
But Dr Eric Jacobs, who led the study, emphasised people should not take aspirin every day before discussing the potential side effects, such as stomach bleeds, with their doctors.
He said: "Although recent evidence about aspirin use and cancer is encouraging, it is still premature to recommend people start taking aspirin specifically to prevent cancer.
"Even low-dose aspirin can substantially increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding. Decisions about aspirin use should be made by balancing the risks against the benefits in the context of each individual's medical history."

 

Thousands wait more than four hours to be seen in A&E

The number of patients left to wait up to 12 hours for an emergency hospital bed rose by almost a third in the first six months of the year, according to official figures.

Almost 67,000 patients admitted to A&E departments could not be seen for between four and 12 hours amid concerns thousands had to wait in corridors or on trolleys.

Under Department of Health targets, hospitals should admit or discharge 95 per cent of A&E patients within four hours.

But in the worst-performing trust – Surrey and Sussex Healthcare – more than one in five had to wait more than four hours for a bed, according to the Times.

Experts said the figures showed the financial pressures hospitals are currently facing.

Mike Clancy, president of the College of Emergency Medicine, said: “It’s a high pressure system and small changes in demand make a big change in waiting. We are asking wards to handle more patients faster.”

The data was analysed by the health care journal HSJ, which found Northampton General Hospital, Royal Free Hampstead, North Bristol and Wye Valley were among the institutions with poor records for waiting times.
Meanwhile, the number of patients waiting more than 12 hours for treatment at A&E departments in Scotland has more than doubled since 2008, with targets missed in the cases of 882 people.
Professor Matthew Cooke, national clinical director for urgent and emergency care at the Department of Health, said: “This should not be referred to as waiting time as it is time that includes assessment and treatment.
"Once a decision to admit a patient to a ward from A&E is taken, they should be transferred as quickly as possible so that the best treatment for their condition can be given in the most appropriate setting.
“This is why we gave hospitals greater flexibility in allowing more patients who need to remain in A&E longer for vital tests, observation or treatment. For patients admitted to A&E via an ambulance, the average wait to be seen by a doctor is only 49 minutes.
“Modern A&E departments provide a more comprehensive service, with specialist expertise, than has historically been the case. This would mean some patients get the best treatment for them in the A&E department and so would spend longer there. This does not mean that they are still waiting.”

 

Believing you are fat could lead to weight gain

Healthy teenage girls who mistakenly believe they are fat are twice as likely to become overweight in their twenties, a study has found. 

Norwegian researchers found that six in ten teenage girls who felt too fat despite being of normal size went on to become overweight in their twenties, compared with three in ten who had no weight issues.

Among healthy-sized boys, six in ten of those who had felt fat in their teens became overweight in their twenties but so did half of those who had been happy with their body size, according to the study in the Journal of Obesity.

The stress of being unhappy with one's body, skipping meals such as breakfast and trying strict diets which prove too difficult to stick to could all lead to an increased risk of obesity, researchers said.

The team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology used a survey of 1,200 normal weight adolescents aged 13 to 19, in which they were asked about their perception of their weight.

They compared the responses with a follow-up questionnaire eleven years later, examining how many had a Body Mass Index – a measure of weight relative to height – of 25kg per square metre (classed as "overweight") or 30kg per square metre and above ("obese").

The researchers also carried out a similar analysis of participants' waistlines, with a waist of 80cm for women and 94cm for men qualifying as overweight, and measurements of 88cm and 102cm respectively classified as obese.
Researchers noticed that the young men and women who in their teens had described themselves as "chubby" or "very fat" were more likely to have become overweight or obese.
Some 59 per cent of girls and 63 per cent of boys who had incorrectly perceived themselves as fat went on to become overweight as adults (according to their BMI), compared with 31 per cent of girls and 48 per cent of boys who had been happy with their weight.
When classed by waist measurement as opposed to BMI, 78 per cent of girls and 55 per cent of boys who had felt too heavy later became overweight, compared with 55 per cent of girls and 29 per cent of boys who had been unconcerned about their size as teenagers.
Previous studies have suggested that being anxious or stressed about one's body shape can cause weight gain, particularly around the waist, researchers said.
Teenagers who perceive themselves as overweight could resort to unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping breakfast, or adopting diets they cannot stick to, both of which are thought to raise the risk of becoming overweight.
The scientists wrote: "Girls in particular tend to consider themselves as overweight, even though they are not, which may lead to psychosocial stress and unhealthy weight control practices such as skipping meals.
"This study demonstrates that the adolescents, classified as normal weight though perceiving themselves as overweight, have a larger weight gain into young adulthood than those who do not experience self-perceived overweight."

 

 

Modric trained only... No Team

Tottenham is completely frozen Modrica relationship with Luke, as he expected to be sold to Real Madrid.

Daily Mail says Modrica being trained in isolation from the rest of the Tottenham team, while Villas Boas is preparing for a season without Croatian midfielder.

The decision to leave the stërvivë Modrica independently is the most obvious proof that he is closer than ever leaving English club.

Irina Shayk goes braless in floaty one-shouldered number

Making her marquee ... Irina Shayk dons tent-like jumpsuit

IRINA Shayk visibly loosens up while wandering around posh shops — wearing a baggy one-shouldered jump suit and no bra.

The Russian model donned the floaty number while sauntering around swanky Porto Cervo in Sardinia, Italy — teaming her outfit with hoop earrings.

As usual, Irina sent temperatures soaring — even though her choice of attire will have fashion critics scratching their heads.

Her locks were severely combed back into a ponytail and appeared to be laced with a greasy product, possibly borrowed from her oily-haired boyfriend Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite her questionable clobber, Irina was all smiles as she wandered around in the sunshine.

Happy days ... Irina Shayk

XPOSUREPHOTOS.COM

She wisely wore flip-flips and did well to avoid an embarrassing tumble as her baggy jumpsuit lapped at her feet.

Without doubt, Irina is a much bigger draw when she’s got less on...

Bot a view ... Irina Shayk