MY KOPIEE@ BLOGGER

MY KOPIEE@ BLOGGER: Tasha Shilla Panggil Mahali Dengan Gelaran Sayang

2013-04-10T01:35:00.001-07:00

MY KOPIEE@ BLOGGER: Tasha Shilla Panggil Mahali Dengan Gelaran Sayang: Tasha Shilla Panggil Mahali Dengan Gelaran Sayang KUALA LUMPUR, 8 APRIL 2013: Peminat bola sepak tempatan pastinya mengenali pem...

Tasha Shilla Panggil Mahali Dengan Gelaran Sayang

2013-04-10T01:34:00.003-07:00

Tasha Shilla Panggil Mahali Dengan Gelaran Sayang

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 APRIL 2013: Peminat bola sepak tempatan pastinya mengenali pemain pasukan Selangor, Mahali Jasuli yang kini semakin menunjukkan taring acapkali beraksi dalam pasukan kebangsaan.Teks: Razif Rosdi
Twitter: @AjiebRosdi

Nama Mahali juga terus disebut tatkala dia muncul dalam program MeleTop di Astro Ria, baru-baru ini dengan menyatakan hasrat bakal memilih Tasha Shilla sebagai isteri seandainya diberikan pilihan wanita di kalangan artis tempatan.

Pemilihan Mahali untuk menyunting pelakon cantik itu sebagai isteri, nampaknya tidak bertepuk sebelah tangan.

Ini kerana Tasha Shilla sudah mula berani mendedahkan hubungannya dengan Mahali dengan sering menghantarkan mesej menerusi laman Twitter dengan menggelarkan Mahali dengan nama Sayang.

Menjawab persoalan ini, Mahali sebolehnya tidak mahu perkara berkaitan dirinya dan Tasha menjadi kecoh.

Bagaimanapun, Mahali yang peramah orangnya itu tidak menolak bahawa dia sedang berkawan dengan pelakon cantik.

"Saya dengan Tasha masih berkawan. Belum sampai ke tahap bercinta atau lebih serius. Terus-terang, saya sudah kenal dia sejak November tahun lalu. Hubungan kami lebih kurang lima bulan.

"Sebelum ini, saya pernah mengatakan kepada media bahawa saya amat meminati Tasha.

"Selepas itu, peminat Tasha telah mencari saya dan menjemput saya menghadiri jamuan hari lahirnya.

"Dari situlah kami mula berkenalan dan berkawan. Kiranya kami berkenalan apabila peminat Shila yang kenalkan kami," katanya kepada murai.com.my.

Menjelaskan mengenai panggilan Sayang yang diberikan Tasha terhadap dirinya, Mahali merasakan panggilan tersebut tidak salah diberikan kepada seorang kawan.

"Sekarang ini, kami jarang berjumpa kerana masing-masing sangat sibuk. Namun, kami sering bertanya khabar dengan menghantar mesej.

"Semasa diwawancara dalam program MeleTop, saya sudah pun berkawan dengan Tasha.

"Rasanya tidak salah kalau Tasha panggil saya dengan panggilan Sayang walaupun hubungan kami hanya sebagai kawan," ujarnya.

Apa sekalipun, Mahali memohon kerjasama dari semua pihak supaya tidak melebih-lebihkan perhubungan mereka.

Permintaan ini dibuat berdasarkan komitmen kerjayanya yang memaksa diri beliau lebih fokus terhadap sukan bola sepak tempatan.

U.S. official: North Korea could test fire missiles at any time

2013-04-10T01:27:00.000-07:00

U.S. official: North Korea could test fire missiles at any time

A North Korea soldier gestures to stop photographers from taking photos from a Chinese tour boat as other soldiers look on along the North Korean bank of the Yalu River near the town of Sinuiji across the Chinese city of Dandong in Liaoning province, China, on Saturday, April 6. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the country's military to increase artillery production, a televised report out of Pyongyang showed on Saturday.

HIDE CAPTION

Kim Jong Un and North Korea's military

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

NEW: U.S. and North Korean officials met in New York last month, a source says
Recent intelligence shows North Korea likely has completed launch preparations
The U.S. believes test could occur without standard warning to aviation, shipping
41% of Americans see North Korea as an "immediate threat," a new poll shows

Are you from South or North Korea? Send us your experiences.

(CNN) -- The Obama administration calculates it's likely North Korea may test fire mobile ballistic missiles at any time, based on the most recent intelligence showing Pyongyang probably has completed launch preparations, a U.S. official said Tuesday.

The administration believes a test launch could happen without North Korea issuing a standard notice to commercial aviation and maritime shipping warning them to stay away from the missile's path, according to the official, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the information.

He cautioned most of the information comes from satellite imagery, so it's impossible to reach a definitive conclusion because the United States has no means to gather information on the ground.

Pyongyang to foreigners: Leave S. Korea

White House has message for North Korea

What will happen if missile launches?

Seoul prepared but thinks attack unlikely

"We hope they issue a notification, but at this point we don't expect it. We are working on the assumption they won't, " the official said.

He said the launch could be "imminent," but also cautioned that the United States "simply doesn't know."

The official, along with a Pentagon official, said that the United States has been able to keep satellites over the suspected launch area for most of the past week.

The United States thinks the missiles remain at a point about halfway down the eastern coast of North Korea and are about 10 miles inland.

Imagery has been impeded by some bad weather, which means there is less than perfect knowledge about what is happening on the ground. But based on what the United States has seen, the belief is that the missiles have received their liquid fuel and are ready for launch.

After any launch, U.S. satellites and radars in the region would be able to calculate the trajectory of missiles within minutes and quickly conclude whether they are on a test path headed for open ocean or potentially headed for land areas such as Japan.

The United States and Japan would then have to decide whether to try to shoot the missiles down, the officials said.

'Clear and direct' threat to U.S. security

Also Tuesday, the top U.S. commander in the Pacific called repeated North Korean violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions forbidding the "building and testing" of long-range ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons "a clear and direct threat to U.S. national security and regional peace and stability."

"A major conflict in Korea could have unpredictable, long term and far reaching impacts due to the central location of the Korean peninsula in Northeast Asia and the vital importance of Northeast Asian trade to the global economy," said Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command.

The admiral spoke at a Senate Armed Services hearing and submitted testimony to the committee.

North Korea pulls workers from complex

Americans vacation in North Korea

North Korea's 'bluff for rewards' history

North Korean defectors beaten, killed

He said he's confident that the United States would be able to help defend U.S. forces and its friends. He acknowledged the importance of China's role in reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The hearing came as North Korea issued its latest dispatch of ominous rhetoric Tuesday, telling foreigners in South Korea they should take steps to protect themselves in the event of a conflict.

"Kim Jong Un's stated emphasis on economic development and promises of economic growth have so far yielded little, and are undermined by North Korean missile launches and nuclear tests that lead to further sanctions and international isolation," Locklear said, referring to North Korea's leader.

"North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, its illicit sales of conventional arms, and its ongoing proliferation activities remain a threat to regional stability and underscore the requirement for effective missile defense," he said.

The admiral was asked whether there's ever been a time of greater tension among North Korea, South Korea and the United States since the end of the Korean War in the 1950s.

"I would agree in my recollection, I don't know a greater time," he said.

The question of China

Asked about China and its longtime close relationship with North Korea, he said the country could play a key role in persuading the North Korean government to engage in "restraint," but "they could do more."

Senators expressed concerns, skepticism and outright criticism of China. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, called the country "a communist dictatorship" that fears individual freedoms.

Locklear regards China as neither a friend nor a foe.

He said that sometimes, China can be "more nuanced" than the United States, and he noted some reporting that the leadership in China has made some statements about the issue.

Over the weekend, Chinese President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying that no nation "should be allowed to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos for selfish gain." While he didn't mention North Korea, the comments were seen as a reference to Pyongyang.

"There no benefit to the Chinese of having this type of activity occurring on their borders, no possible benefit that I can see from this. So they will, I believe, in time, work this problem to their national interest just like we do and the South Koreans do," Locklear said.

The saber rattling is making an impact, poll says

Meanwhile, the storm of warlike words coming from Pyongyang appears to have rattled Americans, with more than four in 10 saying they see the reclusive nation as an immediate threat to the United States, a new CNN/ORC International poll shows.

Japan on alert after N. Korea threats

Huntsman: North Korea lied to China

Who is bankrolling Kim Jong Un?

Bourdain: I'd love to go to North Korea

That's up 13 percentage points in less than a month, CNN Polling Director Keating Holland said.

"If North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wanted to get the attention of the American public, his strategy is starting to work," Holland said.

North Korea's unnerving message advising foreigners to secure shelter or evacuate in case of hostilities came as Japan set up missile defenses in Tokyo and North Korean workers failed to turn up for work in the industrial complex jointly operated by North and South Korea.

Interactive map: North Korea's missile capabilities

In the statement published by state-run media Tuesday, the North's Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee reiterated accusations that Washington and Seoul are seeking to provoke a war with Pyongyang.

"Once a war is ignited on the peninsula, it will be an all-out war," the committee said, adding that North Korea doesn't want foreigners in South Korea to "fall victim" to a conflict.

But staff at the British Embassy in Seoul appeared unimpressed.

"We are not commenting on the specifics of every piece of rhetoric from North Korea," said Colin Gray, head of media affairs at the embassy. "Our travel advice remains unchanged. At this moment, we see no immediate threat to British citizens in South Korea."

And foreign visitors in Seoul didn't appear to be panicking Tuesday.

Seoul's message to tourists: Don't be afraid

"I am concerned, but not enough not to make the trip," said Vicky Polashock, who was visiting from Atlanta.

CNN Poll: Worries about North Korean threat at all-time high

Threat after threat

North Korea has unleashed a torrent of dramatic threats against the United States and South Korea in recent weeks, including that of a possible nuclear strike. But many analysts have cautioned that much of what Kim's regime is saying is bluster, noting that it is believed to still be years away from developing an operational nuclear missile.

A more likely scenario, they say, is a localized provocative move.

Amid the fiery words from Pyongyang and annual military training exercises by U.S. and South Korean forces in the region, government officials in Washington and Seoul say they are taking the North Korean threat seriously.

In the days before North Korea's latest round of threats and provocations, U.S. and North Korean officials met in New York, although nothing came of the meeting, said a source familiar with what happened.

The source described the meeting as part of regular back channel exchanges between the countries.

Clifford Hart, the U.S. envoy for six-party talks aimed at North Korean denuclearization, met with North Korea's Deputy UN Ambassador Han Song-ryol in mid-March, according to the source.

Hart repeated the Obama administration's call for North Korea to avoid provocative actions and urged a return to diplomacy. Han promised to carry the messages back to Pyongyang, the source said.

The North was blamed for two attacks on South Korea in 2010, one on a navy vessel and another on the island of Yeonpyeong. Those attacks killed 50 people. Pyongyang still denies responsibility for the sinking of the South Korean warship, the Cheonan, in which 46 sailors died.

Japan deploys missile defense batteries

On Tuesday, Japan said it had deployed missile defense systems around Tokyo amid expectations that the North could carry out a missile test in the coming days.

The Japanese government is making "every possible effort to protect the Japanese people and ensure their safety," said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

South Korean government officials have said they think North Korea could conduct the test launch of a missile as soon as Wednesday, following reports that the North had loaded as many as two medium-range missiles onto mobile launchers on its east coast.

The United States had previously said it was moving missile defense systems to Guam, a Western Pacific territory that is home to U.S. naval and air bases. North Korea has cited those bases when listing possible targets for missile attacks.

How does North Korea make its money?

A symbol of cooperation at risk

The souring situation on the Korean Peninsula was in evidence in the failure of more than 50,000 North Korean workers to show up for work Tuesday morning at the Kaesong Industrial Complex, the manufacturing zone shared by the two Koreas that had operated without such an interruption for eight years.

The North had declared Monday that it would pull out its workers and temporarily suspend activities at the complex, which sits on its side of the heavily fortified border but houses the operations of more than 120 South Korean companies.

On Tuesday, the South Korean Unification Ministry said the North Korean workers hadn't reported for work in the district, which is the last major symbol of cooperation between the two Koreas.

Analysts had expressed skepticism that Pyongyang would follow through on previous threats to shut down the complex, noting that it is an important source of hard currency to Kim's regime.

The move also is likely to put pressure on the city of Kaesong itself, where the North Korean workers and their families live. With an estimated population of between 200,000 and 300,000 people, it is one of the impoverished country's largest cities.

MY KOPIEE@ BLOGGER: PRU13: Penamaan calon 20 April, pengundian 5 Mei

2013-04-10T01:06:00.001-07:00

MY KOPIEE@ BLOGGER: PRU13: Penamaan calon 20 April, pengundian 5 Mei: PRU13: Penamaan calon 20 April, pengundian 5 Mei Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) mengumumkan pengundian bagi pilihan raya umum ...

PRU13: Penamaan calon 20 April, pengundian 5 Mei

2013-04-10T01:03:00.003-07:00

PRU13: Penamaan calon 20 April, pengundian 5 Mei

Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) mengumumkan pengundian bagi pilihan raya umum ke-13 (PRU13) akan diadakan pada 5 Mei manakala penamaan calon ditetapkan pada 20 April.
Ini diumumkan oleh Pengerusi SPR, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yusof dalam satu sidang akhbar hari ini.
Ini bermakna tempoh kempen PRU13 adalah selama 15 hari, yang bermula selepas proses penamaan calon dan berakhir pada tengah malam 4 Mei.
Menurutnya, seramai 13,268,002 layak mengundi dalam pilihan raya umum ke-13 ini.

Aziz berkata, untuk PRU13 ini, SPR menggunakan daftar pemilih induk 2012, daftar tambahan suku tahun pertama 2012, daftar tambahan suku tahun kedua 2012, daftar tambahan suku tahun ketiga 2012 dan daftar tambahan suku tahun keempat 2012.

Manakala tarikh pengundian awal ditetapkan pada 30 April untuk anggota tentera dan pasangan, anggota polis dan pasangan; serta pengundi tidak hadir (pengundi di luar negara).
Pilihan raya umum kali ini membabitkan 222 kerusi Parlimen dan 505 kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN).
SPR mengadakan mesyuarat khas hari ini untuk menentukan tarikh pengundian dan pencalonan bagi PRU13 selepas Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak mengumumkan pembubaran Dewan Rakyat pada 3 April lepas.

Sebelum dibubarkan, komposisi Dewan Rakyat menyaksikan BN menguasai 137 kerusi, selebihnya DAP (29), PAS (23), PKR (23), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) dan Parti Kesejahteraan Insan Tanahair (KITA) masing-masing satu kerusi. Lapan lagi kerusi disandang anggota Parlimen Bebas.

Sementara itu, Bernama melaporkan Abdul Aziz berkata SPR telah menerima pengisytiharan oleh Yang di-Pertuan Agong pada 3 April 2013 berhubung pembubaran Dewan Rakyat.
Semua Dewan Undangan Negeri kecuali Sarawak telah dibubarkan setakat 5 April dan menurut Fasal 4 Perkara 55 Perlembagaan Persekutuan, SPR perlu mengadakan pilihan raya umum dalam tempoh 60 hari daripada tarikh pembubaran.

Sarawak telah mengadakan pilihan raya negeri pada 2011.

Abdul Aziz berkata SPR menetapkan writ pilihan raya dikeluarkan esok dan notis pilihan raya pada Jumaat, 12 April.

Beliau berkata berdasarkan daftar pemilih, terdapat 12,992,661 pemilih biasa dan 275,341 pengundi awal.

Pengundi awal terdiri daripada 161,251 anggota tentera dan pasangan; 111,136 anggota polis dan pasangan; serta 2,954 pengundi tidak hadir (pengundi di luar negara).

Abdul Aziz berkata sebanyak RM400 juta diperuntukkan untuk pengendalian PRU13 melibatkan 234,905 petugas pilihan raya..

Untuk tujuan pengundian keseluruhan, SPR menyediakan 8,789 pusat mengundi dengan 26,219 tempat/saluran mengundi.

Bagi pengundian biasa, 8,245 pusat mengundi dengan 25,337 saluran mengundi akan disediakan, manakala pengundian awal membabitkan 544 pusat mengundi dengan 882 tempat/saluran mengundi.

Empat peraturan baharu akan diperkenal pada pilihan raya kali ini ke arah penambahbaikan proses pengundian iaitu penggunaan dakwat kekal; pengundian awal oleh anggota polis dan tentera menggantikan undi pos; membenarkan orang kurang upaya (OKU) membawa orang dipercayai untuk membantu semasa pengundian, serta pemansuhan proses bantahan dan penarikan balik pencalonan.

Peraturan itu dilaksanakan berikutan pindaan terhadap Peraturan-Peraturan Pilihan Raya (Perjalanan Pilihan Raya) 1981 (Pindaan) 2012 dan Peraturan-Peraturan Pilihan Raya (Pengundian Pos) 2003 (Pindaan) 2012.

Ia diwartakan tahun lepas.

Peraturan dakwat kekal mewajibkan setiap individu yang ingin mengundi untuk dicalit jari telunjuk kiri mereka sebelum diberikan kertas undi. Bagi pengundi yang enggan mematuhi peraturan itu, kertas undi tidak akan dikeluarkan kepada mereka.

Buat pertama kali dalam sejarah pilihan raya umum Malaysia, semua petugas media termasuk wartawan, jurugambar, jurukamera dan juruteknik yang bertugas di luar kawasan berdaftar mereka, juga layak memohon untuk mengundi awal.
Bagi memastikan proses pelaksanaan PRU13 berjalan lancar, SPR meminta semua pihak mematuhi undang-undang dan peraturan serta arahan pihak polis dalam memastikan ketenteraman awam terpelihara sepanjang tempoh pilihan raya berlangsung.

Parti-parti politik, para penyokong parti serta mana-mana individu lain yang terlibat semasa berkempen hendaklah mematuhi undang-undang dan peraturan pilihan raya serta tatasusila berkempen sebagaimana yang ditetapkan SPR, kata Abdul Aziz.

Beliau turut mengingatkan calon dan parti yang bertanding agar tidak terlibat dengan perbuatan rasuah bagi mengelak dikenakan tindakan di bawah Akta Kesalahan Pilihan Raya 1954.

Dalam membolehkan pekerja menunaikan hak mereka sebagai pengundi, majikan diingat memperuntuk tempoh yang munasabah kepada mereka untuk mengundi.

"Mana-mana majikan yang secara langsung atau tidak langsung enggan membenarkan pekerjanya keluar mengundi, boleh apabila disabitkan, didenda sebanyak RM5,000 atau dipenjara selama setahun sebagaimana yang diperuntuk di bawah subseksyen 25 (3) Akta Kesalahan Pilihanraya 1954," katanya.

Para majikan juga, katanya, tidak boleh membuat apa-apa potongan daripada gaji atau saraan pemilih, mengenakan atau menuntut daripadanya apa-apa penalti kerana tidak hadir bekerja dalam tempoh itu.

'OJ is Innocent': New book claims Simpson's son committed gruesome 1994 murders

2012-04-01T17:28:00.002-07:00

'OJ is Innocent': New book claims Simpson's son committed gruesome 1994 murders

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 14:53 GMT, 1 April 2012 | UPDATED: 22:59 GMT, 1 April 2012

New claims: Private investigator William C Dear has a novel theory

A Texas private investigator claims he knows who really killed Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman in 1994. And it wasn't OJ Simpson.

In a new book, 'OJ is Innocent and I Can Prove It,' William C. Dear alleges Simpson went on trial, and was acquitted of murder, in an effort to deflect attention from the true killer: His son Jason.

Dear says Simpson was at the crime scene -- but not until after his ex-wife and her friend had been stabbed to death.

After a six-year investigation, Dear says he has found circumstantial evidence that links Jason Simpson, 41, to the murders.

The private eye claims he dug through Jason Simpson's garbage and his abandoned storage locker in search of new evidence, the New York Post reported.

In the search, Dear says he found a hunting knife that forensic experts say is the murder weapon that was never recovered during the police investigation.

He also found photographs of Jason Simpson wearing a knit cap, similar to one that was discovered at the crime scene. Prosecutors were unable to link the hat to OJ Simpson.

Dear calls Jason Simpson 'the overlooked suspect' and produced a documentary film released in 2010 detailing the accusations that he is the real culprit behind the murder.

Dear says two months before the murders, Jason Simpson assaulted his girlfriend. The chef also deals with 'intermittent rage disorder,' according to the New York Post.

Stone-faced: At the moment his father was found not guilty, Jason Simpson, right, showed no emotion even as the people around his cried and celebrated

Open case: After 17 years, the brutal murders of Nicole Brown Simpson (left) and her friend Ron Goldman (right) have not been officially solved

Despite these alleged findings, Jason Simpson's DNA and fingerprints were never compared to those found at the crime scene. He was never interviewed by police, either, the Post reports.

OJ Simpson was the prime suspect for the murders because he helped to cover up his son's crimes and, in effect, allowed himself to take the fall, the book claims.

The Post could not reach Jason Simpson, who is working as a chef in Miami, for a comment.

Went free: Simpson's acquittal at trial was a controversial issue at the time -- with most of the public believing he was guilty

Babies treated in the womb for obesity: Overweight mothers-to-be get diabetes pill to cut the risk of having a fat child NHS trial has been started in attempt to halt obesity epidemic If it is a success, treatment could be widespread in five years But there is unease over problem that could be solved by exercise and diet

2012-04-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

Babies treated in the womb for obesity: Overweight mothers-to-be get diabetes pill to cut the risk of having a fat child

NHS trial has been started in attempt to halt obesity epidemic
If it is a success, treatment could be widespread in five years
But there is unease over problem that could be solved by exercise and diet

By JULIE-ANNE BARNES and FIONA MACRAE

PUBLISHED: 21:33 GMT, 1 April 2012 | UPDATED: 21:33 GMT, 1 April 2012

Babies are being medicated in the womb in an attempt to prevent them from being born obese.

In a world first, dangerously overweight mothers-to-be in four British cities have started taking a diabetes drug during their pregnancy.

The doctors behind the controversial NHS trial say that obesity among pregnant women is reaching epidemic proportions and they need to act now to protect the health of tomorrow's children.

Overweight mothers-to-be are being allowed to take diabetes drugs to treat their unborn children in the womb to prevent them being born obese

However, there is likely to be unease about resorting to medication in pregnancy for a problem that can be treated through changes in diet and exercise.

If the strategy is a success, the treatment could be in widespread use in as little as five years, with tens of thousands of overweight but otherwise healthy mothers-to-be drugged each year.

The Daily Mail recently revealed the rise of the 'sumo baby', with the number of newborns weighing more than 11lb soaring by 50 per cent over the last four years.

More...

More than 15 per cent of pregnant women are obese. This raises their odds of dying in pregnancy, of their baby being stillborn and of a host of pregnancy complications, some of which can be fatal.

Big babies are around twice as likely to grow into overweight adults, suggesting obesity and the lifetime of ill-health it can bring is 'programmed' in the womb. The trial involves 400 pregnant women in Liverpool, Coventry, Sheffield and Edinburgh.

They have started taking metformin, which has been safely used by diabetics for decades and is cleared for the treatment of diabetes in pregnancy. It costs just pence per tablet.

Doctors say if the NHS trial is successful the treatment could be in widespread use in as little as five years

Some of the participants have already had their babies but many more births will be needed before it is clear if the treatment works. Mothers-to-be elsewhere are due to take part.

The study aims to exploit the ability of metformin to lower levels of the hormone insulin in the bloodstream.

Obese women make more insulin than other mothers-to-be and this leads to a greater nutrition supply reaching the baby.

Research shows big babies are around twice as likely to grow into overweight adults

It is hoped that lowering levels of insulin will reduce the supply and so cut the odds of babies being born obese.

Treatment with metformin may redistribute the baby's fat stores, reducing the deposits around the liver and other organs.

Study leader Professor Jane Norman of Edinburgh University said: 'One of the challenges is that many women feel perfectly healthy but there is very good evidence that women who are obese have an increased risk of pregnancy problems and their babies are at risk, and we'd like to reduce that risk.'

Addressing concerns about unborn babies being medicated for a problem that many would say could be treated by diet and exercise, she said: 'I absolutely support the improvement of diet and encouraging exercise.

'But we are increasingly faced with women who start their pregnancy obese. Saying at that stage to eat less and exercise more is not particularly helpful.'

Obesity experts have welcomed the study, which is funded by the Medical Research Council, the NHS's health research arm and the baby charity Tommy's, saying that while the situation is not ideal, it needs to be tackled.

Patrick O'Brien of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists described the study as 'very important'.

He said: 'When you are overweight in pregnancy you are at increased risk of just about every complication you can think of.'

This is Liverpool's worst run of league results for 59 years... still King, Kenny?

2012-04-01T17:25:00.002-07:00

This is Liverpool's worst run of league results for 59 years... still King, Kenny?

By COLIN YOUNG

PUBLISHED: 22:20 GMT, 1 April 2012 | UPDATED: 22:20 GMT, 1 April 2012

Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool reign plunged deeper into crisis on Sunday after his side's collapse at Newcastle ended with him tearing into his players for their lack of discipline.

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina was sent off for butting James Perch and striker Andy Carroll was involved in a foulmouthed spat with Dalglish as Newcastle eased to a 2-0 win.

On the slide: Liverpool are now 11 points behind Newcastle and one place below Everton

That left them 11 points ahead of a Liverpool team suffering their worst run of form since 1953 and heading for their worst finish in the Barclays Premier League.

Dalglish said: 'We started well enough, passed and moved and looked quite threatening.

'But it ended up with a lot of frustration and disappointment and I think that resulted in the actions that Pepe took. He got a deserved red card.

'And then Andy came off and went up the tunnel. He was frustrated with the way the game had gone. Not just for himself but for the team.

Unwelcome return: Carroll endured a torrid afternoon at his former club

'We have not got a problem with people showing desperation or disappointment or frustration. But we need to channel it better. But we will try to remain calm and sort out the problems that we have.'

Reina's dismissal rules him out of the FA Cup semi-final against Everton.

Yellow peril: Carroll was booked for this woeful dive, trying to win a penalty

Although Newcastle defender Perch's reaction was exaggerated, referee Martin Atkinson had no option but to dismiss the Spaniard.

To add to Dalglish's woes, former Newcastle favourite Carroll, who he signed for £35million 15 months ago, mouthed obscenities at his manager and stormed down the tunnel after Dalglish substituted him in the 80th minute on his first return to Tyneside.

Using your head: Reina was sent off for angling his head at James Perch

Papiss Cisse, Carroll's successor in the No 9 shirt, scored twice to condemn Dalglish to his sixth defeat in seven games.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said: 'Cisse was terrific. I felt for Andy. He is a terrific lad and he is having a difficult year but he'll come back.'

Enforced change: Enrique finished the game playing goal after Reina's sending off

Are those your undies? Abbey Crouch creates an optical illusion on the beach in her lingerie-style bikini

2012-04-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

Are those your undies? Abbey Crouch creates an optical illusion on the beach in her lingerie-style bikini

With a figure like that, model Abbey Crouch is always going to attract attention.

But holidaymakers in Dubai could have been forgiven for doing a double-take at the WAG yesterday after it looked like she was wearing her underwear on the beach.

However, the mother-of-one was creating an optical illusion by opting for a lace-print lingerie-style bikini.

Hot to trot: Model Abbey Crouch shows off her stunning figure in a white lace effect halterneck bikini on the beach in Dubai

Accompanied by her one-year-old daughter Sophia, the 25-year-old Scouser soaked up the sun in a £230 Jets by Jessika Allen two-piece.

Mrs Crouch had protected her baby's head from the sun with a colourful headscarf and lashings of suncream as the toddler played in the sand in a white and bikini bikini bottoms.

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As mother-and-daughter enjoyed the beach, Abbey spent a lot of time on the phone and used it to take photos - perhaps she was sending home some candid shots to her footballer husband Peter because he was missing out on all the fun.

With husband Peter, 31, back in England due to his footballing commitments with Stoke City, Abbey has been staying at the luxury five-star Grosvenor House Hotel.

Fun in the sun: The 25-year-old is holidaying with her one-year-old daughter Sophia

The trip marks her second visit to the hotel after she brought her mother Karen over for the opening last November.

No doubt Mrs Crouch will be staying in a luxury suite at the hotel, where rooms range in price from £200 to £400 a night.

This latest trip marks Abbey's fifth holiday since becoming a mother to little Sophia on March 14 last year.

Last September, they enjoyed a family holiday to the Italian island of Capri and a honeymoon in Ibiza.

The family also had a pre-wedding break in Sardinia - where they visit every year - just days before their lavish wedding in Leicestershire.

Look at the camera! Abbey tries to get the todder's attention as she takes photos with her camera phone

Gambar: Kad Pengenalan Asal Singapura Milik Aaron Aziz Jadi Perhatian, Dedah Nama Sebenar

2012-04-01T17:18:00.002-07:00

Gambar: Kad Pengenalan Asal Singapura Milik Aaron Aziz Jadi Perhatian, Dedah Nama Sebenar

Bagaimana hendak tahu selebriti itu sudah terlalu popular? Kad pengenalan akan menjadi bahan perhatian para peminat dan juga bukan peminat.

Kes terbaru, Aaron Aziz yang kad pengenalan Singapurabeliau telah menjadi bahan perhatian di forum hiburan terkenal, Cari dan reaksi yang di’berikan agak berbeza.

Menurut maklumat dalam gambar yang di’dakwa kad pengenalan Aaron Aziz, nama sebenar beliau adalah Mat Haron Mustapha Bin Mat Aziz Mustafa dan ini sedikit sebanyak mencetuskan debat.

Ada antara mereka mempersoal tindakan Aaron Aziz menyembunyikan nama sebenar & tidak kurang juga yang menyokong tindakan pelakon hangat ini. Persoalan sebenar, adakah gambar kad pengenalan Aaron Aziz ini tulen atau fabrikasi?

Bandingkan kad pengenalan Singapura yang di’dakwa milik Aaron Aziz dengan kad pengenalan popular milik Batman Bin Suparman yang telah menjadi satu perhatian dunia tidak berapa lama dahulu. Hmm.

There are no posts related to Gambar: Kad Pengenalan Asal Singapura Milik Aaron Aziz Jadi Perhatian, Dedah Nama Sebenar.

Suami Sudah Sahkan Nikahi Kekasih, Status Aktress Popular Kini Menjadi Tanda Tanya

2012-03-31T22:53:00.000-07:00

Suami Sudah Sahkan Nikahi Kekasih, Status Aktress Popular Kini Menjadi Tanda Tanya

Kisah rumahtangga pasangan ini sudah lebih setahun menjadi satu topik perbualan peminat juga para media dalam industri hiburan.

Beberapa gossip liar yang timbul sebelum ini termasuklah kisah pasangan ini yang sudah tidak tinggal sebumbung selepas suami kehilangan kerja di’nafikan oleh aktress popularini.

Perkhabaran baru yang di’terima ini bukan sesuatu mengejutkan kerana sebelum ini sang suami juga ada di’gossipkan bercinta dengan rakan sekerja ketika itu.

Si suami ini di’khabarkan sudah pun bernikah dengan kekasih dari tempat kerja yang sama sebelum ini dan lelaki ini kini banyak menghabiskan masa bersama isteri baru — soalan dari kami, apa status aktress si isteri pertama?

Kasihan pula kami dengarkan nasib aktress ini yang sebenarnya masih sayang akan hubungan yang mereka bina selama ini, namun nampaknya kasih & cinta mereka kini hanya menunggu masa untuk tamat tempoh.

Kalau benar sang suami sudah tidak mahu hidup bersama aktress popular ini, ada baiknya di’lepaskan dari tergantung tiada bertali. Hmm.

Siapakah Diana Nasir Di Hati Fizo Omar?

2012-03-29T01:21:00.003-07:00

Siapakah Diana Nasir Di Hati Fizo Omar?

Lama tak mendengar cerita tentang salah seorang jejaka kacak di dunia hiburan Malaysia iaitu Fizo Omar. Selalu kalau ada cerita mengenai Fizo pun time puasa dan raya. Sebabnya tak lain tak bukan kerana Fizo kan ada jual serunding Fizo Omar yang sungguh lazat. Jarang sungguh kita mendengar gosip percintaan Fizo Omar ini. Namun sebentar tadi Abang Nara ada menerima satu email yang mengepilkan 2 gambar Fizo Omar bersama Diana Nasir.

Untuk makluman, Diana Nasir adalah kakak kepada Anzalna Nasir, salah seorang peserta Dewi Remaja yang semakin popular sekarang ini. Abang Nara tengok Fizo dan Diana ini memang sama cantik sama padan. Namun tak tahulah pulak apa hubungan mereka berdua. Mungkin sekadar kawan.

Namun Abang Nara dapat rasakan aura percintaan apabila membaca tweet-tweet Diana Nasir. Antara contohnya seperti di bawah:-

Mungkin tanda “love” di atas adalah sekadar suka-suka. Maklumlah dunia twitter kan banyak dengan perkara yang agak mengarut. Namun bagi Abang Nara tak salah pun kalau Fizo betul-betul bercinta dengan Diana Nasir. Sampai bila nak membujang kan? Tak gitu?

(TAHNIAH)Liyana Jasmay Selamat Bertunang, Bakal Nikah Pada 24 Januari 2013

2012-03-29T01:17:00.002-07:00

(TAHNIAH)Liyana Jasmay Selamat Bertunang, Bakal Nikah Pada 24 Januari 2013

Seorang demi seorang artis wanita Malaysia bakal menamatkan zaman gadis mereka. Selepas Lisa dan Scha, kini Liyana Jasmay sudah pun bergelar tunangan orang sebentar tadi. Majlis pertunangan antara Liyana Jasmay, 24 tahun dan Fathuddin Mazlan, 28 tahun telah pun berlangsung di rumah Liyana Jasmay di Kemensah Height, Kuala Lumpur.

Liyana Jasmay tampil anggun dalam baju rekaan Rizman Ruzaini yang dianggarkan bernilai RM10,000. Pihak lelaki menghantar 5 hantaran berupa set wangian Gucci Guilty, set telekung, sebentuk cincin, sirih junjung dan cupcake. Hantaran tersebut turut diiringi dengan hiasan tepak sirih sebagai tanda mengikut adat. Sementara itu pihak wanita membalas 7 hantaran berupa senaskah Al-Quran, set butang baju melayu, sebijik kek, sehelai kain samping, biskut, pewangi berjenama Dunhill dan cupcake. Pasangan sama cantik sama padan ini telah bersetuju untuk bernikah pada 24 Januari 2013.

Jutaan tahniah Abang Nara ucapkan kepada Liyana Jasmay dan pasangan. Nantikan gambar-gambar sekitar majlis pertunangan mereka berdua sebentar lagi.

New video shows Zimmerman with NO blood or bruises on night he shot Trayvon Martin despite claiming he suffered 'broken nose' New video shows no signs of trauma on George Zimmerman's face, despite claims that his nose was broken Parents call surveillance footage 'the icing on the cake' Zimmerman's father claims Trayvon told his son 'you're gonna die now' during a scuffle Mother of witness in the case says she doesn't believe Zimmerman acted in self-defence

2012-03-29T01:14:00.000-07:00

New video shows Zimmerman with NO blood or bruises on night he shot Trayvon Martin despite claiming he suffered 'broken nose'

New video shows no signs of trauma on George Zimmerman's face, despite claims that his nose was broken
Parents call surveillance footage 'the icing on the cake'
Zimmerman's father claims Trayvon told his son 'you're gonna die now' during a scuffle
Mother of witness in the case says she doesn't believe Zimmerman acted in self-defence

Amid a fierce campaign that erupted nationwide following the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, a new video is casting doubt on the shooter’s story about what happened.

In a video shot just after shooting, George Zimmerman is seen emerging from a police vehicle with his hands cuffed behind his back as he’s frisked and led into questioning by officers.

Despite his lawyer’s account that Zimmerman was knocked down and suffered a broken nose in a scuffle with Martin, the video, provided to ABC News shows no injuries consistent with his description.

Scroll down for video

Footage: In this video provided to ABC News, George Zimmerman is seen being led out of a police car shortly after the shooting death of Trayvon Martin

Not a scratch: George Zimmerman is seen emerging from a police vehicle with his hands cuffed behind his back as he's frisked and led away by officers

Doubt? Despite his lawyer's account that Zimmerman was knocked down and suffered a broken nose in a scuffle with Martin, the video shows no injuries consistent with his description

Trayvon's parents Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin told CNN’s Piers Morgan that the video proves what they have known all along.

Ms Fulton told Morgan: 'We just looked at the video and we were just surprised because according to the police report, he sustained injuries, but when we looked at the video, it was obvious that there were no visible injuries. [there was no] blood on his shirt'.

She later added: 'I believe that this video is the icing on the cake'.

The family's lawyer, Benjamin Crumb, told Morgan that the footage proves that the Sanford Police Department 'conspired to cover this up'.

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Zimmerman, who has not spoken publically since the shooting, told police that he spotted Martin as he was patrolling his neighbourhood and called 911 to report a suspicious person.

'This guy looks like he is up to no good. He is on drugs or something,' Zimmerman told the dispatcher from his sport utility vehicle.

He added that the teen had his hand in his waistband and was walking around looking at homes.
'These a*******. They always get away,' Zimmerman said on a 911 call.

But Trayvon, 17, was not armed. He was returning from a convenience store with an iced tea for himself and a bag of skittles for his little brother.

Dispute: A national outcry has many demanding the arrest of George Zimmerman, right, in the killing of Trayvon Martin (left)

Protests: The killing of Trayvon Martin has sparked numerous demonstrations across the country, like this one in front of the White House on Tuesday

A neighbour said there had been several break-ins in the community in the past year, including one in which burglars took a TV and laptops.

A dispatcher told Zimmerman to stay in his sport utility vehicle and that an officer would be there momentarily, but Zimmerman - for unknown reasons - got out.

Zimmerman told police he lost sight of the teenager and was walking back to his sport utility vehicle when he was suddenly attacked.

He and Martin fought, according to witnesses. Zimmerman said Martin punched him in the nose and slammed his head against the ground.

Zimmerman’s father Robert Zimmerman echoed those remarks on Wednesday night, telling WOFL-TV his son was being beaten by Trayvon, and the teen threatened him during the scuffle.

New picture: This image taken from a Twitter account that reportedly belonged to Trayvon, shows an older image of the teen - just as new reporting is casting a different light on his behaviour

He told the network: 'Trayvon Martin said something to the effect of "you're going to die now or you're going to die tonight," something to that effect'.

He added: ‘[Martin] continued to beat George and at some point, George pulled his pistol and did what he did’.

Zimmerman told cops he acted in self-defence, and that he had yelled for help before firing the gun.

Police said Zimmerman was bleeding from his nose and the back of his head.

But the surveillance video shows no injuries consistent with that type of trauma.

Zimmerman appears calm as his pockets are checked and he’s led to a questioning room by three officers.

Speaking out: Trayvon's parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, talked about their son's death at a public forum sponsored by Democrats on Capitol Hill on Tuesday

In an appearance on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation on Wednesday night, the mother of a witness in the case said that she doesn't believe the account of Zimmerman's lawyer.

When asked by host Al Sharpton if she believed Zimmerman acted in self-defence, Cheryl Brown answered: 'Not at all'.

The fact that he has not been arrested nor charged in the case has fuelled a widespread outcry marked by protests, accusations of racism and demands that Zimmerman be taken in.

Watch video here

(4 GAMBAR)Fasha Sandha Sambut Hari Jadi Bersama Jejai, Dilayan Bak Puteri

2012-03-29T01:10:00.002-07:00

(4 GAMBAR)Fasha Sandha Sambut Hari Jadi Bersama Jejai, Dilayan Bak Puteri

Romantik juga bakal suami Fasha Sandha, Jejai ini. Bersempena dengan hari jadi Fasha, Jejai telah mengadakan satu majlis kejutan untuk tuan puterinya. Daripada gambar-gambar yang dilihat, Abang Nara dapat bayangkan layanan yang diterima oleh Fasha bak seorang puteri.

Siap ada selempang macam ratu cantik lagi. Dan kek hari jadinya pula adalah berbentuk mahkota. Mungkin Jejai ingin menyatakan bahawa Fasha adalahh ratu hatinya. Kira jiwa sentimental jugaklah Jejai ini. Memang respek habis. Lagi 3 keping gambar dengan membaca entri ini sepenuhnya.

David Beckham gives Victoria some me time as he takes Cruz and baby Harper to the mall (but still needs the help of a nanny!)

2012-03-29T01:07:00.000-07:00

David Beckham gives Victoria some me time as he takes Cruz and baby Harper to the mall (but still needs the help of a nanny!)

It must be tough juggling a successful career with four children, so Victoria Beckham is lucky she has an understanding husband.

David gave his designer wife a break on Monday afternoon when he took their two younger children shopping at a Beverly Hills mall.

The 36-year-old footballer was accompanied by a female nanny as he perused the shops with six-year-old Cruz and eight-month-old Harper.

Time with daddy: David Beckham took Cruz and Harper shopping at a Beverly Hills mall on Monday

Pushing the youngster's stylish buggy, David looked relaxed as he spent some quality time with two of his children.

Wearing a grey sweater with blue jeans and a dark green beany hat, the LA Galaxy star was dressed down for his day out.

David didn't waste any time in spending some money and clutched a few Footlocker shopping bags as the group stopped for a rest.

One big happy family: Victoria, pictured her with her brood earlier this month, juggles her career with bringing up her four children

All alone: The former Spice Girl was spotted enjoying some me time in the U.S. last week

Young Cruz looked excited to be out shopping and appeared to be wearing a stripey football shirt with some black shorts.

The family nanny had also treated herself to something and was spotted peeking in at Harper every now and then.

Former Spice Girl Victoria was no doubt taking a well-earned break from her parental duties following her contribution to International Food Day at the children's school last week.

I need it too! David also enjoyed some down time alone at the weekend as he watched a basketball game in Los Angeles

The 37-year-old posted a series of photos on Twitter of all the British goods she had baked for the special day.

The brunette also helped out at the school serving the treats to all the visitors and also tweeted a photo of herself doing so.

'Proud to be British': Victoria tweeted this photo of all the goods she had baked for the school event

The airbrush effect: Kim Kardashian shows off unbelievable hourglass shape in bikini shoot... while Kourtney's baby bump disappears

2012-03-29T01:04:00.000-07:00

The airbrush effect: Kim Kardashian shows off unbelievable hourglass shape in bikini shoot... while Kourtney's baby bump disappears

Her curves are the fascination of fans across the world so what better way to show off their latest line of swimwear than by using Kim Kardashian to model.

The reality star, 31, showed off her hourglass shape in a bikini from her Kardashian Kollection - the fashion line she shares with sisters Khloe and Kourtney.

But there's something about the shoot and the girls' appearance that just seem impossible - most notably the difference between Kim's middle and her hips.

Incredible Kurves! Kim Kadashian shows off her hourglass shape as she models the family line of swimwear

Kim's waist appears unbelievably tiny and the frilly duke-blue bikini certainly complements her shape which looks incredible.

The reality star is joined by her sisters Kourtney and Khloe in the picture which boasts a brooding theme with dark dramatic clouds seen in the background.

Kourtney,32, is seen sporting a dark strapless bikini while Khloe wears a lace bikini with a sheer navy kaftan over the top.

Nipped in: Kim's looks a lot smaller in the photo for the new Kardashian Kollection, compared with her appearance at her brother's birthday party earlier this month

The girls skin appears luminous and flawless suggesting the trio have undoubtedly had a little help in the photoshop department.

In fact Kourtney, who is currently pregnant with her second child, was seen sporting a baby bump at the time of the shoot in February, but there is no hint of a pregnancy in the snap.

Her abs looked more toned than ever despite photographers capturing her baby bump in snaps on the same day last month.

Oh baby! At the shoot in February Kourtney Kardashian was already sporting a little baby bump, but in the photo she appears to have a totally flat stomach

Where's the baby? The 32-year-old's stomach appears incredible toned in the picture despite the fact she was showing off a bump at the time of the shoot

Kim took to Twitter today to promote the shoot and posted the snap with the caption: 'Kourt, Khloe and I put on our favorite bikinis for our new #KardashianKollection swimwear shoot!

The picture, which seems to have considerable photoshop work on it, comes a day after Kim was seen leaving a skin and hair clinic in LA with red patches on her forehead.

It seems the star may well have indulged in a spot of Botox ahead of a glitzy event last night.

Pampering: Kim was seen leaving a nail salon in Beverly Hills today

Gossip: Aaron Aziz Bakal Jadi Duta Rasmi PEPSI & Ikat Kontrak Setahun Untuk RM11.5 Juta?

2012-03-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

Gossip: Aaron Aziz Bakal Jadi Duta Rasmi PEPSI & Ikat Kontrak Setahun Untuk RM11.5 Juta?

Kalau benar perkhabaran yang ketika ini masih 90% tidak pasti,Aaron Aziz memang seorang yang murah rezeki dan mengesahkan status beliau sebagai hot stuff.

Khabar tidak rasmi melalui forum paling berpengaruh & popular, Cari memberikan gambaran yang Aaron Aziz kini dalam fasa fasa terakhir sebelum menandatangani perjanjian bersama satu jenama.

Bukan calang calang jenama yang mahukan pengaruh Aaron Aziz dalam strategi pemasaran mereka. Jenama minuman ringan popular Pepsi Malaysia menjadi destinasi Aaron Azizselepas ini.

Ini bukan kali pertama Aaron Aziz bergelar duta kepada minuman kerana kini pun pelakon popular ini menjadi duta untuk satu jenama minuman tenaga, Drive M7 yang berasal dari Jepun.

Maafkan kami kalau tersilap, tetapi kali terakhir Pepsi Malaysia memiliki duta dari kalangan selebriti adalah sekitar tahun 2007 dengan memilihFaizal Tahir & Suki melalui One In A Million.

Dan angka yang di’berikan juga agak meragukan dengan nilai kontrak RM11.5 juta yang secara purata memberikan Aaron Aziz hampir RM1 juta setiap bulan untuk mempromosikan jenama Pepsi. Hmm.

Di Matteo in contention for permanent Chelsea job after impressive audition

2012-03-29T00:56:00.002-07:00

Di Matteo in contention for permanent Chelsea job after impressive audition

Roberto Di Matteo has emerged as a contender to take over at Chelsea full-time after guiding the team to within 90 minutes of the Champions League semi-finals.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has recognised Di Matteo’s impact on the team since he replaced Portuguese project Andre Villas-Boas and is considering a full-time promotion at the end of the season.

Various other candidates have been put to Abramovich by leading agents since the dismissal of Villas-Boas, but Di Matteo is now among the front-runners for one of the most precarious positions in world football.

Main man: Roberto Di Matteo (right) is a contender for the Chelsea job

Traditionally Abramovich has recruited football’s next big thing to become his next manager, but Di Matteo has impressed the Russian owner with short-term results.

Chelsea are booked in at Wembley to face Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final next month, are one step away from the Champions League semi-final and have not given up hope of finishing fourth in the league.

Although Di Matteo refuses to talk publicly about succeeding Villas-Boas in the long term, he wants the chance to map out Chelsea’s future alongside his preferred first team coach Eddie Newton.

Bond: Di Matteo and Frank Lampard

Chelsea officials have been impressed with his managerial strategy and his relationship with senior, influential players is strong.

Villas-Boas’ downfall was his failure to communicate with the dressing room when he dropped star names from the side.

Di Matteo has not been afraid to take risks by leaving out big names, notably for the 1-0 win against Benfica, but has the respect of the squad because he reasoned with the sidelined players in advance.

Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien, all on the bench on Tuesday, still played a full and enthusiastic part in the squad’s planning and preparations for the quarter-final first leg.

Di Matteo has changed the training ground environment and is still convinced the team can overhaul Tottenham for fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League.

Abramovich concedes that the squad does not have the strength of European heavyweights Real Madrid or Chelsea’s potential Champions League semi-final opponents Barcelona.

If Di Matteo guides Chelsea into the last four, his tactical acumen against either Milan or Barcelona over two legs could be enough to seal the deal.

That winning feeling: Chelsea celebrate scoring against Benfica in Lisbon

Abramovich has been targeting a manager who can not only unite the first team dressing, but also wants to recruit a coach who has succession-planning in place for Chelsea’s ageing squad.

He will hire a manager capable of identifying top young talent for Chelsea and also someone who can bridge the sizeable gap between the academy and the first team.

Chelsea:Problem solved? Fine-tuned Torres is purring for Di Matteo

2012-03-29T00:55:00.000-07:00

Problem solved? Fine-tuned Torres is purring for Di Matteo

Beyond a courageous team selection that enabled Chelsea to secure an important Champions League victory on Tuesday night, Roberto Di Matteo might have gone some way to solving a problem that has been nagging away at the club since January last year.

The problem has been Fernando Torres and the fact that a striker who cost £50million has been a million miles off the player he was at Liverpool.

He had lost his mojo as well as his place in the Spain squad, the latter of which marked a quite extraordinary decline. Only four years ago he was crowning a wonderful season at Anfield with the brilliant goal that won the European Championship.

Back on form: Fernando Torres (left) has shown signs of his best

From afar, his former colleagues at Liverpool have watched him suffer with a mixture of sadness and disbelief.

Clearly, there was an issue with what was a serious knee injury that took the shine off his performances in his final year at Anfield. It also seriously undermined his chances of making as great an impact at the last World Cup as he had in Austria and Switzerland.

But those same former colleagues would dismiss the idea that the Spain striker continues to struggle with a slight loss of pace. They don’t think the knee has slowed him down in the slightest. And the manner in which he skipped past Jardel in Lisbon this week before presenting Salomon Kalou with the opportunity to score would suggest they might be right.

No, in their view his problem has been mental rather than physical; a chronic loss of confidence they would almost liken to a breakdown. Speaking from bitter experience, they would say footballers can go through spells where they are afraid to cross that white line, afraid to receive a pass and utterly terrified by the prospect of suddenly finding themselves in the opposing box with only the goalkeeper to beat. The evidence would suggest Torres had endured such mental trauma.

It is not necessarily anyone’s fault but the players at Liverpool would point to certain contrasts between the time Torres enjoyed on Merseyside and his experiences at Chelsea.

Wasn't working: Torres was rarely at his best under Andre Villas-Boas

RAMIRES SURPISE AT WIN

Ramires told Portuguese TV on Tuesday how happy he was with Chelsea’s draw against Benfica — oblivious to the fact they won. Ramires thought the game ended 0-0 as he was writhing in agony when Salomon Kalou hit the winner. The stadium hushed as Chelsea celebrated and by the time Ramires returned, the game had restarted.

When he arrived at Anfield, he did so as a stellar Rafa Benitez signing and someone the players were thrilled to have on their team. He was the goalscorer the club had long been looking for; the player who could finally fill the void created by the departures of Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler.

Liverpool’s players were quick to appreciate the contribution Torres could make and they were only too happy to follow Benitez’s instructions and channel much of their effort into providing their supremely gifted striker with ammunition.

‘We worked out that if Fernando could get 30 goals a season we had a chance of doing something,’ said one Liverpool player. ‘It was all about getting the ball to him as much as we could.’

At Chelsea it has been different. Didier Drogba, a powerful presence in the dressing room and the main man until the arrival of Torres 14 months ago, simply saw him as a threat to his place. But in their desire to see their own names on the scoresheet, other players might not have necessarily provided Torres with the kind of support he enjoyed at his previous club. That might be a view Chelsea players want to contest but to other professionals that is how it has looked. Note how much more comfortable Torres appeared alongside Juan Mata and Kalou; two distinctly unselfish forwards.

Helping hand: Torres has worked best under Rafa Benitez and Roberto Di Matteo

According to those who know him, Torres would not be one for confronting colleagues and demanding more from them. He has proved himself a fighter on the field. A player who simply dusts himself down and goes again when fouled; who relishes the physical aspect of a duel with a defender as much as the tactical one. When Torres was still at Liverpool, John Terry expressed his admiration for the Spaniard’s battling qualities.

But when it comes to standing his ground in a dressing room that certainly proved too harsh an environment for Andre Villas-Boas, Torres is more likely to withdraw into his shell. What he needs, say those who have played with him, is support and encouragement, not least from the manager. Benitez is not the warmest of individuals but Torres knew he had his full backing.

The striker has been unlucky at Stamford Bridge, with Carlo Ancelotti already in jeopardy by the time he arrived and Villas-Boas too busy trying to win over the more established Chelsea players.

On the scoresheet: Torres found the net twice against Leicester in the FA Cup

In Di Matteo, though, Torres has found a believer — someone who was offering him support when he was the assistant to Villas-Boas. Every week Di Matteo would make a point of talking to Torres, counselling him, if you like, one to one.

Now Di Matteo is in charge as the interim first-team coach, it seems Torres might be trying to repay him. As well as that superb performance against Benfica there were the two goals against Leicester and another determined display against Manchester City.
According to one Chelsea source, Di Matteo is trying to manage with ‘calm and logic’.

But he has been clever with Torres, deploying him in a slightly different role that sees him drift wider and so removes some of the pressure on him.

The fact that Torres is starting to look like the player he once was is in part a product of astute management. Management that might be the difference between success and failure for Chelsea this season.

Petrol, pasties and the politics of panic: No.10 shambles over drivers hoarding fuel, and the tax on takeaway food

2012-03-29T00:52:00.000-07:00

Petrol, pasties and the politics of panic: No.10 shambles over drivers hoarding fuel, and the tax on takeaway food

Ministers appear to give conflicting advice on how motorists should cope with threatened fuel strike
Cameron tries to seize control of crisis as panic plays out at the pumps
Then PM declares his love of Cornish pasties in an attempt to calm criticism of new 'pasty tax'
Meanwhile, RAF personnel train to operate fuel lorries to counter walk-out
Francis Maude stokes chaos by advising drivers to fill up spare jerry cans
Firefighters say message would 'massively increase' fire and explosion risks
Sales of petrol up 45 per cent yesterday compared to a normal Tuesday
Miliband STILL refuses to condemn Unite, Labour's biggest union paymaster

By JAMES CHAPMAN and RAY MASSEY

PUBLISHED: 14:14 GMT, 27 March 2012 UPDATED: 06:52 GMT, 29 March 2012

Filling up the family car and buying a hot snack are two of the simple realities of everyday life.

But yesterday they conspired to plunge the Government into a day which veered between high farce and panic.

First, ministers appeared to give conflicting advice on how motorists should cope with threatened fuel shortages caused by a looming strike by militant tanker drivers.

Downing Street has been thrown into panic over drivers hoarding fuel and the tax on takeaway food. George Osborne is pictured, left, eating a pasty in 2008. David Cameron, seen snacking in 2010, declared his love of pasties at a press conference yesterday in a clumsy attempt to calm criticism of the new 'pasty tax'

Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude exhorted people to take the extraordinary step of filling up jerry cans to deal with the impending problem.

But only hours later, the Prime Minister insisted there was no urgent need for motorists to queue at the pumps.

Then, in a clumsy attempt to calm criticism of the new ‘pasty tax’ announced in last week’s Budget, David Cameron declared his love of Cornish pasties at a Downing Street press conference.

More...

He said he had only recently eaten a delicious one from the West Cornwall Pasty Company on Leeds station.

Unfortunately it was later revealed that the shop he claimed to have bought the pasty from closed down five years ago.

The Roads Minister Mike Penning went further saying it was a 'mistake' by Mr Maude to suggest drivers fill up their jerry cans.

Bizarre: The Prime Minister, pictured yesterday at Downing Street with Princess Anne, professed to be a fan of Cornish pasties during a day of high farce and panic at Number 10

Mr Penning told BBC's Newsnight: 'He didn't understand the size of the jerry cans.'

He also said no one from Unite had raised concerns with him over the issues of health and safety, and said it was over the issue of 'pay' that tanker drivers would go on strike.

He added: 'What we are trying to do is get the common sense approach, if the strike goes ahead we will have shortages so let's make sure people understand that and go forward.

'There isn't a strike but a strike is likely to happen. It is common sense... that if there is likely to a strike don't queue in the garages, but if you are passing the garage and you are on a quarter or a half a tank top up now because there is no strike.'

Meanwhile Labour leader Ed Miliband and his Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls sought to capitalise on the Government’s discomfort by ostentatiously turning up at a branch of Greggs to tuck in to hot sausage rolls.

However, this was a thinly veiled attempt to deflect attention from their own deep embarrassment over the tanker drivers’ strike, which has been called by the Unite union – Labour’s biggest backer. Critics say Mr Miliband’s refusal to condemn the strike, which would bring chaos to the roads and empty shelves to the supermarkets, is because he is terrified the union’s hard-Left leader Len McCluskey might bankrupt the party by pulling the plug on the funding that it gives it.

Throughout the day there was an air of unease and confusion around Downing Street.

Petrol stations began rationing fuel and the Army was put on standby as ministers were accused of spreading panic. Fire brigade unions warned that Mr Maude’s jerry can advice was positively dangerous – and potentially illegal.

The Prime Minister attempted to strike a more measured tone, insisting there was ‘no need to queue’ to buy fuel but urging people to ‘take sensible precautions’.

On one of the Coalition’s most presentationally difficult days to date, Mr Cameron then found himself answering questions about plans to slap VAT on items of hot takeaway fare that are currently exempt.

As Olympics boss Jacques Rogge, in London for talks on the summer Games, looked on in bemusement, the Prime Minister declared his love of Cornish pasties at a Downing Street press conference.

The Prime Minister was apparently trying to regain the initiative after critics said Chancellor George Osborne’s tax changes demonstrated that the Government was out of touch with ordinary people.

Now garages are rationing petrol: Cameron calls in military to break tanker driver strike

Fuel rationing returned to forecourts last night as the Army was put at the centre of plans to break a national strike by militant tanker drivers.

As ministers were accused of spreading panic, David Cameron sought to seize control by drawing up plans to store petrol at military depots and to fast-track the training of troops to drive tankers.

Motoring groups, however, said the Government had helped create a sense of crisis by suggesting drivers should fill up their tanks – while firemen’s unions warned one minister’s advice to store jerry cans full of fuel at home was both dangerous and potentially illegal.

Scroll down to see the Prime Minister's reaction to strike threats

Closed: Police had to shut down this garage in Christchurch, Dorset, because the tailback of cars was causing a hazard to traffic as motorists made a desperate bid to top up following news of possible fuel tanker strikes

Filling up: Drivers start to queue for fuel at Morrison's near Liverpool John Lennon Airport following news of a possible strike

Soldiers at the ready: Army personnel are being trained to drive the tankers and are on standby to maintain essential supplies

Despite officials insisting there was no cause for panic, long queues and soaring prices were seen at many forecourts, with some petrol stations imposing limits of as little as £10 on purchases.

In other developments:

Sales of petrol were up 45 per cent compared to normal, and sales of diesel up 20 per cent;
Unions said a strike could deplete petrol stocks within two days;
RAF personnel began training to drive tankers, while officials drew up plans to use ‘rubberised military containers’ to store fuel;
Labour leader Ed Miliband again refused to condemn the strike, led by Unite, which has given Labour £5million since he became leader;
Retailers urged both ministers and motorists to keep a ‘cool head’.

'Self-fulfilling fuel crisis': Chaos reigned on garage forecourts yesterday as motorists made a desperate bid to top up their tanks

Blunder: Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude suggested motorists fill up jerry cans, right, to avoid shortages

Stockpiling: A van driver fills two cans at a Esso petrol station, in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, left, while a motorist carries out the same task at an Asda forecourt in West Bridgford, Nottingham

Downing Street dismissed Labour claims that it was deliberately stoking up anxiety in an attempt to highlight the Opposition’s links with Unite.

On Tuesday, No 10 urged motorists to make ‘contingency plans’ for a strike by drivers who are demanding minimum standards on pay, hours, holiday and redundancy.

Unite represents around 2,000 drivers who deliver fuel to Shell and Esso garages, as well as supermarkets including Sainsbury’s and Tesco, covering 90 per cent of the nation’s forecourts.

Still delivering: Petrol tanker drivers, leaving Stanlow Oil Refinery, in Ellesmere Port Cheshire, ahead of a possible strike that may start in two weeks

Closed: The petrol station at Asda in Trafford Park, Manchester, is closed after it ran out of fuel

Nothing left: The petrol station at ASDA in Trafford Park, Manchester, is closed after it ran out of fuel this afternoon

Notice: A sign urging customers to avoid panic buying and stop at 50 litres at an Esso petrol station in Liverpool today

Wry: Pugh's take on the strike threat

Ministers only expect half of drivers to walk out if the strike goes ahead. Though no date has been set, and the union has to give seven days’ notice, April 8 and 9 have been identified as likely dates for action to begin.

The Government hopes motorists will keep their cars topped up before a strike – rather than driving with the fuel tank half empty – so the country can keep moving in the event of any temporary shortages.

But even as Downing Street was trying to calm panic buying yesterday morning, Mr Maude compounded confusion by advising people to store jerry cans full of fuel at home.

‘There are lives at risk if this action goes ahead as well as massive inconvenience to millions of people up and down the country,’ the Cabinet Office minister said.

‘The greater the extent to which people have petrol fuel in their vehicles, with maybe a little bit in the garage as well, in a jerry can, the longer we will be able to keep things going.’

The Fire Brigades’ Union immediately called on Mr Maude to withdraw the advice, claiming it would ‘massively increase’ fire and explosion risks.

Waiting patiently: Cars queue waiting for fuel ahead of the weekend on Great Howard Street, Liverpool causing traffic congestion on the busy main road

Motorists pictured filling up in Belle Vale, Liverpool today. The strike could hit the Easter weekend

Drivers fill their cars up in Bristol this morning even though the AA said people should not panic buy fuel

Pressure at the pumps: Drivers queue for petrol in Waterlooville, Hampshire yesterday. Government officials warned motorists to prepare for a rolling national strike by militant tanker drivers

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: ‘This is not sensible advice. The general public does not properly understand the fire and explosion risk of storing fuel, even if it was done sensibly.

‘Those without garages may be tempted to store fuel in the home. In the event of a fire in the house or a neighbouring property, it would be disastrous.

'It is already against the law to store more than ten litres of petrol in two five-litre plastic containers in the home.

'As that amounts to little more than a third of a tank in most cars, the advice is of little practical help.'

A motorist fills up his tank at a Liverpool petrol station following news of a possible strike as staff leave signs urging drivers not to panic buy

Cars wait at the Shell garage in Edinburgh with staff trying to control the flow of traffic

More queuing in Liverpool. Cabinet Minister Francis Maude has said people should fill up jerry cans with petrol in case of a shortage

Brian Madderson, of RMI Petrol, which represents independent forecourt operators, said: ‘This Government appears intent on creating a crisis out of a serious concern.

'We believe cool heads must prevail here otherwise we are going to run out of stock rather quickly. By cool heads that means the Government as well.’

Geoff Dunning, of the Road Haulage Association, said there was no real difference ‘between what people call panic-buying and prudent precautions’.

The Prime Minister denied the Government was trying to ‘raise the temperature’ in the dispute, saying the Government was delivering a ‘very calm, very sensible’ message but there was ‘absolutely no justification’ for a strike.

‘I do not want a strike to take place, I hope the talks will be successful. But in government you always have to prepare for any eventuality.

‘The British people would expect that. To the British people themselves I would say look, there is no imminent strike. The unions would have to give seven days’ notice of any strike so there is no need to to queue to buy petrol.

‘If there is an opportunity to top up your tank if a strike is potentially on the way, then it is a sensible thing if you are able to do that.’

... and Ed STILL sits on the fence

Union man: Ed Miliband has refused to denounce the strike threats by Labour's biggest paymaster Unite

Ed Miliband refused to condemn the fuel strike yesterday as his party’s biggest union paymaster threatened to hold the country to ransom.

The Labour leader called for talks and said the industrial action should be ‘avoided at all costs’.

But he repeatedly refused to condemn the threat of strikes or speak out against Unite, the hardline union that has called for the walkout.

The Labour leader said the Government must do the ‘responsible thing’ and come to an agreement with strikers.

He said: ‘We don’t want to see industrial action, it must be avoided at all costs, and the best way to make that happen is for the Government to tell both sides, to instruct them, to say, “You’ve got to negotiate.”

‘That’s what’s in the interests of the people of Britain and that’s what’s got to happen.’

But asked if he could step in and influence Unite, Mr Miliband said: ‘There are a set of issues the employees are concerned about, there’s a set of issues they need to talk to the employers about, and they’ve said they want to get round the table.’

The Tories seized on Mr Miliband’s obfuscation and called on Labour to refuse to take any more money from Unite.

Conservative Party co-chairman Baroness Warsi said: ‘This irresponsible strike would disrupt families’ lives, hurt businesses and damage our economy.

‘Ed Miliband must get off the fence, bring his influence to bear and tell his union paymasters to call off this strike. Until they do, he should not take a penny more from the Unite union barons.’

The dispute has erupted over working conditions, but Unite has also complained that tanker drivers’ pay has been cut. However, fuel tanker drivers are already paid double the salary of ordinary haulage drivers, pocketing about £45,000 a year.

Labour rejected calls for Mr Miliband to condemn the proposed strike, accusing the Government of using the confrontation to distract attention from the Budget and cash-for-access scandal.

A senior source said: ‘What has happened here is that the Government is politicising this fuel dispute by stirring up this confrontation. They are aggravating a dispute when they should be solving it in order to get themselves out of a political hole.’

But a Downing Street source close to Mr Cameron hit back, saying: ‘They are terrified that they are bankrolled by the union that is threatening to bring the country to its knees.’

VIDEO: There is absolutely no justification for a strike - David Cameron

VIDEO: George Osborne's appearance at the Treasury Select Committee started the 'pasty tax' debate

Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Leuniey Bakal Duta Produk Minyak Wangi Keluaran SimplySiti

2012-03-29T00:49:00.002-07:00

Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Leuniey Bakal Duta Produk Minyak Wangi Keluaran SimplySiti

Entah. Tidak mahu di’layan seperti seorang selebriti, namun sekarang Khairul FahmiChe Mat atau Apex semakin kuat status selebriti yang beliau pegang.

Lebih lebih lagi dengan khabar yang mengatakan beliau di’lamar untuk berlakon filem, sekarang ini laporan Harian Metro sahkan yang penjaga golMalaysia ini bergelar modelminyak wangi.

Khairul Fahmi Che Mat baru baru ini telah di’lantik sebagai seorang duta rasmi untuk jenama sukan antarabangsa Puma.

Untuk perjanjian bersama jenama SimplySiti, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat tidak keseorangan apabila gadis yang pernah di’kaitkan dalam hubungan cintaNur Eilunie Natasha Nazri atau Leuniey turut terpilih sebagai salah seorang model.

Khairul Fahmi Che Mat dan Leuniey terpilih sebagai model untuk iklan minyak wangi ‘SimplySiti Eau De Parfum’ yang bakal ditawarkan dengan tiga haruman iaitu Pure, Memoire & Precious yang akan ditayangkan di televisyen seluruh Malaysia sekitar April 2012 ini.

Fouziah Gous Sahkan Berkasih Dengan Datuk Seri?

2012-03-29T00:48:00.002-07:00

Fouziah Gous Sahkan Berkasih Dengan Datuk Seri?

Fouziah Gous - Foto oleh RAYMOND OOI

KUALA LUMPUR: Pelakon jelita Fouziah Gous akhirnya membuka mulut bagi mengesahkan spekulasi mengenai keintimannya dengan seorang ahli korporat berstatus duda yang bergelar Datuk Seri.

Aktres berusia 29 tahun ini berkata hubungan mereka mula intim beberapa bulan lepas walaupun dia sudah mengenali lelaki itu sejak beberapa tahun yang lalu.

"Hati saya mula terbuka untuk rapat dengannya selepas melihat ketulusan dan kesungguhan dia untuk berkawan dengan saya.

"Malah, dia yang kebetulan rakan niaga abang saya ada menyuarakan hasratnya kepada abang untuk melamar saya.

"Masih terlalu awal untuk saya ulas panjang kerana kami sedang mengenali hati budi dengan lebih mendalam pada waktu ini," katanya secara eksklusif kepada mStar Online, di sini, petang Rabu.

Diminta mengulas mengenai kelibat mereka yang dilihat pada beberapa acara hiburan kebelakangan ini, Fouziah berkata tiada apa yang perlu disembunyikan jika dia memang berkawan rapat dengan seseorang.

"Sejak dulu lagi saya tiada apa hendak sorok atau berpura-pura jika saya memang berkawan dengan seseorang. Sebelum ini, ramai yang mendakwa mengenai hubungan kami tetapi saya nafikan kerana memang ia belum berlaku ketika itu.

"Hanya baru-baru ini sahaja kami mula keluar dan mengenali antara satu sama lain," katanya.

Fouziah berkata hubungannya dengan lelaki berstatus duda itu adalah berdasarkan keserasian selepas mendapatkan petunjuk daripada Allah.

"Umur saya makin meningkat dan sudah bosan kerana selama ini kurang bergaul dan berkawan dengan lelaki.

"Berilah peluang kepada saya untuk berkawan dan mengenali lelaki. Bagi kami berkawan dulu, jika jodoh tertulis dengan dia saya sudah bersedia untuk berkahwin," katanya yang menyenangi karakter budiman dan kesederhanaan lelaki itu yang merupakan seorang mesra media.

Terbaru, Fouziah bakal memulakan penggambaran blok kedua drama bersiri Trilogi Cintamusim kedua di TV1.

A shadow of her former self: Miley Cyrus looks even slimmer as she goes to yet ANOTHER Pilates class

2012-03-22T00:21:00.002-07:00

A shadow of her former self: Miley Cyrus looks even slimmer as she goes to yet ANOTHER Pilates class

She has been seen working out every day.

And after more and more sessions the pounds just continue to shed off Miley Cyrus's frame.

The 19-year-old cut a very lithe figure as she left yet another Pilates class in Los Angeles today.

Baring a snippet of her midriff in a black top and matching leggings, Miley's stomach looked flatter than ever and her hip bones appeared to be slightly protruding.

Slimmer than ever: Miley Cyrus cut a very lithe figure as she left another Pilates class today, left, a shadow of her self back in February last year at the Grammy Awards, right

The stars legs also looked super thin in the already slimming attire.

Miley left her work out session with her close male friend, who appeared to had not taken part in the class.

The Last Song actress looked gorgeous make-up free and wore her long brunette locks bundled up in a bun.

Earlier this week the Hannah Montana star flashed more of her extremely flat washboard abs as she hung out with some friends in Studio City, Los Angeles.

Not an inch to pinch: Baring a snippet of her midriff in a black top and matching leggings, Miley's stomach looked flatter than ever and her hip bones appeared to be slightly protruding

The teenager had her trim tummy underwraps in a white T-shirt and a grey cardigan.

But as she went to tuck in the attire, she showed off her muscular middle.

Miley was accompanied by two friends during her outing, and looked happy and content to have a relaxing day just hanging out.

Workout pal: Miley left her work out session with her close male friend, who appeared to had not taken part in the class

On his way home? Miley's boyfriend Liam Hemsworth was seen arriving at JFK airport today after promoting his new film The Hunger Games in New York City

While Miley is in Los Angeles, her boyfriend Liam Hemsworth was leaving the Big Apple where he had be promoting his upcoming film The Hunger Games, which opens tomorrow night.

At the Los Angeles premiere of the film last week, Miley gushed about her beau and his impending success as she chatted to E! Online on the red carpet.

When asked what the biggest challenge for Liam was while filming the drama movie, Miley said: ‘I think the hardest part for Liam was being away from me.’

Fitness queen: Miley leaving the gym earlier this month

Couple in love: Miley accompanied her boyfriend Liam Hemsworth on the red-carpet for the premiere of his new film The Hunger Games last week

She added: ‘And his brother and his family and all his friends.’

At the event Miley once again showed off her stomach in a stunning glittery black bustier and matching maxi skirt, both by Pucci.

While the hot Hollywood couple may live a glamorous lifestyle, Miley confessed that their free time is fairly relaxed.

She told interviewers: ‘We have three dogs, so that takes up most of our time. The only time we leave the house is to go to the pet store or take them to the park.’

Miley was also interviewed by Yahoo Movies as she walked the red carpet at the star-studded event.

She was clearly thrilled for her beau’s success when she said: ‘I think it’s just so amazing to have all these fans out here and see how excited they are for him and how excited I am for him.’

She added that she had given him some advice about the fame game as she said: ‘I’m really excited. I think just to always remember who was there for you before any of this mattered, I think that is really important.’

Miley and Liam began dating after meeting on the set of The Last Song back in 2009.

After striking up a relationship, Cyrus described him as her first serious boyfriend. They split for the first time in August 2010.

Just a month later they were back together, but parted ways again a few weeks later before rekindling their romance earlier this year.

'I'm heartbroken... but I won't sit here and be violated': Tulisa confirms sex tape

2012-03-22T00:17:00.000-07:00

'I'm heartbroken... but I won't sit here and be violated': Tulisa confirms sex tape

Tulisa Contostavlos has taken the brave step of addressing the sex tape that was leaked online earlier this week.

Explosively confirming that it is her in the video, the X Factor star speaks of her devastation at the betrayal and places the blame on an ex-boyfriend.

'I've never been the type - regardless of being in the public eye - to sit down and keep my mouth shut about anything, especially when I've done nothing wrong,' she says in a five-minute long video, posted on YouTube.

Scroll down to watch Tulisa speaking about the sex tape

'Devastated': Tulisa Contostavlos has addressed the sex tape that was leaked online last week, confirming that it is her in the video

The 23-year-old singer claims that the other person in the X-rated tape is her ex-boyfriend Justin Edwards, also known as Ultra, who she describes as 'an old school garage MC' and who she alleges is the one behind the video circulating online.

Holding up two pictures of the couple during their relationship, Tulisa says: 'Justin is someone who I was seeing from the age of 17 off and on for many years.

More...

'I practically moved in with him, I loved him deeply, had a lot of respect for him, we talked about kids and marriage. I got my record label to give him a singles deal.'

'I never expected a scenario like this.'

The candid star reveals that the release of the video did not come as a huge surprise to her, after she learned of its existence last year.

'The truth about the tape' The X Factor judge said that she's been 'in bits' for the past few days

'When you share an intimate moment with someone you love, you never expect this': The singer alleges that the other party in the video is ex-boyfriend Justin Edwards

'I can be honest - about six months ago I got calls from a lot of mutual friends telling me that he had this footage of me that was threatening to bring out for whatever reason - to make money or ruin my career,' she says.

'I confronted him and he lied about it, he completely denied it. Now here we are today, and the footage is now circulating online.

'As you can imagine, I'm devastated. I'm heartbroken, I've been in bits for the last few days.

'When you share an intimate moment with someone you love, that you care about and trust, you never imagine that at any point it will be shared with the rest of the UK or people around the world.

'He lied': Tulisa shows pictures of herself and the man she claims has betrayed her

'It's a pretty tough time for me, but I don't feel I should be the one to take the heat for it.

'This is something he took upon himself to put the footage online, and now he's sitting in silence and pretending that it's not him on the tape when it is.

'I'm not going sit here and be violated or taken advantage of.

'It's out now, there is nothing I can do about it, but I felt I needed to tell my side of the story.'

Mr Edwards took to Twitter an hour after the video was posted, and wrote: 'I believe in silence being a sign of Integrity but in this case I guess I'll have to speak up and Lay out the facts and let you guys decide.'

The day the sex tape was leaked, he tweeted: 'I didn't wanna say anything on the subject but I see peoples imagination running away.. it's nothing to do with me. #backtowork'

Speaking up: Tulisa posted her YouTube address online on Wednesday night

'Let you guys decide': Edwards responded an hour later, declaring his intention to 'speak up and lay out the facts'

Tulisa's decision to speak out about the embarrassing video comes just two days after her legal team obtained an injunction preventing anyone using, publishing or communicating or disclosing to any other person... all or any part of the film.

Yesterday a spokesperson for the singer declined to comment on the matter as Miss Contostavlos deliberated over if, and how, to respond.

Her reaction was posted online on Wednesday night and tweeted to her 1.7million Twitter followers with the simple explanation: 'The truth about the tape.'

The 'tape' first appeared on a website available to download for £3.90 on Monday morning and caused a social media frenzy.

The six minute film, taken from a camera phone, shows a blonde performing a sex act.

Ex love: Tulisa told fans that she dated Edwards from the age of 17 off and on, and even helped him get a record deal

A spokesman for the website which uploaded the video wrote on their Twitter page yesterday afternoon: 'So ummm... Tulisa’s lawyers just left our office after serving us a handwritten cease and desist notice.

'So basically we’ve had to take the video down.'

Tulisa's admission that she confronted her ex about the existence of the tape is at odds with her spokespersons' denial last year.

At the time, when it was reported that someone had asked the singer for £50,000 to prevent the video from leaking, her team said: 'This tape is 100 per cent fake and is just someone trying to cash in on her X Factor role.

'She is horrified that someone would go to the extreme lengths of fabricating a video. It is absolutely not her. Tulisa has categorically never allowed anyone to film her having sex.'

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'OJ is Innocent': New book claims Simpson's son committed gruesome 1994 murders

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David Beckham gives Victoria some me time as he takes Cruz and baby Harper to the mall (but still needs the help of a nanny!)

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Petrol, pasties and the politics of panic: No.10 shambles over drivers hoarding fuel, and the tax on takeaway food

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Now garages are rationing petrol: Cameron calls in military to break tanker driver strike

... and Ed STILL sits on the fence

Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Leuniey Bakal Duta Produk Minyak Wangi Keluaran SimplySiti

Fouziah Gous Sahkan Berkasih Dengan Datuk Seri?

A shadow of her former self: Miley Cyrus looks even slimmer as she goes to yet ANOTHER Pilates class

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