Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
Canada's Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir compete in the Ice Dancing Compulsory during the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia February 4, 2009. [Agencies]
China's Wang Chen and Yu Xiaoyang (L) compete in the Ice Dancing Compulsory during the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia February 4, 2009. [Agencies]
China's Qing Pang and Jian Tong compete in the Pairs Short Program during the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia February 4, 2009. [Agencies]
Canada's Jessica Dube and Bryce Davison compete in the Pairs Short Program during the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia February 4, 2009. [Agencies]
China's Hao Zhang and Dan Zhang compete in the Pairs Short Program during the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia February 4, 2009. [Agencies]
Canada's Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir compete in the Ice Dancing Compulsory during the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia February 4, 2009.
2009 Berlin International Film Festival kicks off
2009 Berlin International Film Festival kicks off
The 2009 Berlin International Film Festival, the “Berlinale,”opened on February 5, 2009.
The host welcome guests from all over of world in the 2009 Berlin International Film Festival Opening Ceremony.
Britain's Tilda Swinton, who won the Academy Award for best supporting actress this year, will be the jury president of the 2009 Berlin Film Festival.
Esther Schweins, Gesine Cukrowski and Susanne Lothar showed their beauty on the red carpet of the Berlinale Opening Ceremony
The 2009 Berlin International Film Festival, the “Berlinale,”opened on February 5, 2009. The event celebrates its 59th year in 2009 and boasts an impressive lineup, with some 350 film screenings on deck (most of which are making their debut). The festival is both an international industry event and a great chance for film enthusiasts to enjoy advance screenings.
Some highlights of the 2009 Berlinale
Cold War—The autumn of 2009 will mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. To commemorate the event, the festival will feature “After the Winter comes the Spring,” a film series focused on the end of the Cold War.
Bigger than Life—A retrospective of films shot in the double-wide 70-mm format. The series, called “70 mm — Bigger than Life,” will feature 22 films shot in the format, including American classics West Side Story, Ben Hur, and Cleopatra, as well as Russian epics.
The International—The film festival will open on February 5, 2009 with the world premiere of the British-German co-production The International, directed by Tom Tykwer (Perfume and Run, Lola Run).
Cheapos eager to attend the Berlinale are encouraged to make hotel reservations as soon as possible. We performed an availability search over our lunch break today and found more than 25 of our editor’s pick hotels in Berlin with rooms for under $100 a night (double occupancy–for February 9-11).
But still, availability will be increasingly limited, so if you’re heading to the festival, get a good room while you have some choice.
Art students vie for seats in universities
Art students vie for seats in universities
Students sit for a fine arts exam to enter Shandong University of Art & Design at an exhibition center in Jinan, east China's Shandong province, February 5, 2009. Art institutes or related departments in universities in China have started recruitment exams for special courses ahead of the national college entrance exam in June. [CFP]
A young woman works on her sketch as she sits for a fine arts exam to enter Shandong University of Art & Design at an exhibition center in Jinan, east China's Shandong province, February 5, 2009. Art institutes or related departments in universities in China have started recruitment exams for special courses ahead of the national college entrance exam in June. [CFP]
Students sit for a fine arts exam to enter Shandong University of Art & Design at an exhibition center in Jinan, east China's Shandong province, February 5, 2009. Art institutes or related departments in universities in China have started recruitment exams for special courses ahead of the national college entrance exam in June. [CFP]
Students sit for a fine arts exam to enter Shandong University of Art & Design at an exhibition center in Jinan, east China's Shandong province, February 5, 2009. Art institutes or related departments in universities in China have started recruitment exams for special courses ahead of the national college entrance exam in June. [CFP]
Students sit for a fine arts exam to enter Shandong University of Art & Design at an exhibition center in Jinan, east China's Shandong province, February 5, 2009. Art institutes or related departments in universities in China have started recruitment exams for special courses ahead of the national college entrance exam in June. [CFP]
Students sit for a fine arts exam to enter Shandong University of Art & Design at an exhibition center in Jinan, east China's Shandong province, February 5, 2009. Art institutes or related departments in universities in China have started recruitment exams for special courses ahead of the national college entrance exam in June.
a sexy girl of transgender
According to British media reports, the German 12-year-old boy from the beginning to accept women into the hormone therapy, 16-year-old complete her surgery, as the world's young transgender people.owner of the "he" can not conceal his excitement, can not wait to show a tight swimsuit.
The young transsexual formerly known as Tim, now renamed the gold, now is a pop singer. A few days ago issued a document in his blog on the sex change operation that was completed in November last year.
Kim's father said that from the beginning two-year-old, gold on to insist that they are girls, their parents in favor of allowing the degeneration of the mind.
Gold in 12-year-old when he was a doctor and psychiatric experts supervisor set suitable for denaturing treatment, because he was a strong feeling, I thought I misplaced the body. Doctors think he needs medical treatment, first of all is the use of artificial methods of suppression of his adolescent males, and injecting him to show symptoms of female sexual hormones to stimulate their breast development.
When 14-year-old Kim has been officially registered as a female identity, appearance and the same age as girls like, a fashion dress, a long hair, blue eyes. At the same time, she has a sex change operation because of their fame, to become a pop singer, and distribute individual singles.
Now ownedKim said: "Everything has changed because of this surgery, I can not wait I want to wear your favorite swimsuit, like it has never tried to swim." |
Qiang children keep optimistic after quake
Qiang children keep optimistic after quake
Chen Guoting, a girl of the Qiang ethnic group, dresses folk garments in Qugu township of Maoxian County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 30, 2009. The Qiang people live in the mountainous area with the altitude of 2000-3000 meters. The difficult living conditions forms a strong will to Qiang children who always keep optimistic although they had experienced last May's devastating earthquake. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)
Luo Shihua, a 13-year-old girl of the Qiang ethnic group, takes on a vehicle returing home in Qugu township of Maoxian County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 3, 2009. The Qiang people live in the mountainous area with the altitude of 2000-3000 meters. The difficult living conditions forms a strong will to Qiang children who always keep optimistic although they had experienced last May's devastating earthquake. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)
Children of the Qiang ethnic group eat snowballs as they play poker in Qugu township of Maoxian County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 3, 2009. The Qiang people live in the mountainous area with the altitude of 2000-3000 meters. The difficult living conditions forms a strong will to Qiang children who always keep optimistic although they had experienced last May's devastating earthquake. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)
Children of the Qiang ethnic group watch the adults performing "Tiaojia" dance to bless the new year, in Taiping township of Maoxian County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 1, 2009. The Qiang people live in the mountainous area with the altitude of 2000-3000 meters. The difficult living conditions forms a strong will to Qiang children who always keep optimistic although they had experienced last May's devastating earthquake. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)
Wang Junsheng, a 8-year-old boy of the Qiang ethnic group, wears his sweater in Qugu township of Maoxian County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 3, 2009. The Qiang people live in the mountainous area with the altitude of 2000-3000 meters. The difficult living conditions forms a strong will to Qiang children who always keep optimistic although they had experienced last May's devastating earthquake. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)
The Qiang people live in the mountainous area with the altitude of 2000-3000 meters. The difficult living conditions forms a strong will to Qiang children who always keep optimistic although they had experienced last May's devastating earthquake.
Hungary's PM catches fainting spokeswoman
Hungary's PM catches fainting spokeswoman
Hungary's Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany carries out government spokeswoman Bernadett Budai who fainted during a news conference in Budapest February 1, 2009. [Agencies]
Hungary's Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany carries out government spokeswoman Bernadett Budai who fainted during a news conference in Budapest February 1, 2009. [Agencies]
In a display of gallantry not often seen in the world of politics, Hungary's Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany came to the aid of government spokesperson Bernadett Budai when she fainted during a news conference on Sunday.
Budai, 29, who was reportedly suffering from a bout of the flu, is shown in video footage of the conference attempting to walk off the stage.
She appears disoriented however and proceeds to crash into the Prime Minister, before swaying and fainting in his arms.
Gyurcsany, who nearly fell over himself when Budai collided with him, quickly regained his composure and carried her off the stage.
(Agencies)
Afghan official: 60% Taliban militants foreigners
Afghan official: 60% Taliban militants foreigners
KABUL, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan Defense Minister General Abdul Rahim Wardak has claimed that 60 percent of the Taliban insurgents are consisted of foreigners, a local newspaper reported Thursday.
"Over 60 percent of anti-government militants are foreign nationals," daily Arman-e-Millie quoted the Defense Minister as saying.
However, the defense minister did not specify the nationalities of the militants.
The newspaper also quoted the Defense Minister as saying that these insurgents are mostly active in the restive Helmand province where three districts of Baghran, Washir and Mianashin despite around 8,000 British troops stationed there.
According to Afghan Defense Ministry, around 15,000 Taliban rebels are currently fighting in Afghanistan and the numbers were being swelled by foreign insurgents moving in from Iraq.
"Since last year, as the result of the success of the surge in Iraq, there has been a flow of foreign terrorists into Afghanistan," Wardak said, adding that foreign nationals mostly from the Arab countries, Uzbeks, Chechen and Pakistanis were seen siding Taliban insurgents in the past.
Tornado hits southern Spain
Tornado hits southern Spain
A man reacts after looking at parking lot damaged by a tornado in Malaga, southern Spain Feb. 2, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
A boy looks upon a parking lot damaged by a tornado in Malaga, southern Spain Feb. 2, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
People walk past a car damaged by a tornado in Malaga, southern Spain Feb. 2, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
A tornado swept Malaga, southern Spain, recently.
Halle Berry & Gabriel Aubry want more kids
Halle Berry & Gabriel Aubry want more kids
Halle Berry, baby Nahla and Gabriel Aubry
She may be their only child for now, but Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry's daughter, Nahla Ariela, will be getting a brother or sister – if the proud papa gets his way.
"She needs a sibling," Aubry told PEOPLE at Monday's Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., to benefit the Entertainment Industry Foundation. "I think it's important."
"I've never known anybody who's had a single child [and] I've always been around big families," adds Aubry, who comes from a family of eight children. "I believe in big families."
And what does Berry, 42, think of his plans to expand the family?
"She's okay with it," he says. "Absolutely."
As for baby Nahla, who turns 1 in March, Aubry says the toddler is walking and talking, and even practicing a second language.
"I don't want to say [what her first words were] but it was probably 'dada,' " he says. "She doesn't say 'dad.' She says 'papa,' which is the French version of it."
But to not hurt anyone's feelings, says Aubry, "Let's just say she said, 'mama.' "
People enjoy early spring in Stone Forest
People enjoy early spring in Stone Forest
Performers of Yi ethnic group sing and dance near the Stone Forest in southwest China's Yunnan Province on Feb. 4, 2009. As the spring approached, the pleasant weather attracted many tourists to enjoy a pleasant tour here these days.(Xinhua/Lin Yiguang)
Visitors dressed in traditional costumes of Yi ethnic group pose for photos in front of the Stone Forest in southwest China's Yunnan Province on Feb. 4, 2009.(Xinhua/Lin Yiguang)
Performers of Yi ethnic group sing and dance near the Stone Forest in southwest China's Yunnan Province on Feb. 4, 2009. (Xinhua/Lin Yiguang)
Performers of Yi ethnic group sing and dance near the Stone Forest in southwest China's Yunnan Province on Feb. 4, 2009. As the spring approached, the pleasant weather attracted many tourists to enjoy a pleasant tour here these days.
US former first lady is sworn in
US former first lady is sworn in
Former US President Bill Clinton (L) covers his face as his wife, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (R), mentions him in remarks after her ceremonial swearing-in at the State Department in Washington, February 2, 2009. Also pictured are Clinton's daughter Chelsea Clinton (2nd L) and mother Dorothy Rodham (2nd R).[Agencies]
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) is joined by her husband former US President Bill Clinton (2nd L) and daughter Chelsea Clinton as she is ceremonially sworn in by US Vice President Joe Biden (R) at the State Department in Washington, February 2, 2009.[Agencies]
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) takes the stage, beside her husband former US President Bill Clinton, before being ceremonially sworn in at the State Department in Washington, February 2, 2009.[Agencies]
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton waves as she takes the stage to be ceremonially sworn in at the State Department in Washington, February 2, 2009.[Agencies]
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) is joined by her husband former US President Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea Clinton as she is ceremonially sworn in at the State Department in Washington, February 2, 2009.[Agencies]
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) is joined by her husband former US President Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea Clinton as she is ceremonially sworn in at the State Department in Washington, February 2, 2009.[Agencies]
Dining, bathing in ice hotel in Japan
Dining, bathing in ice hotel in Japan
A woman bathes at an outdoor bathroom of an ice hotel during a photo opportunity in the Alpha Resort-Tomamu's ice village in Shimukappu town, Japan's northern island of Hokkaido February 3, 2009. The hotel, where dining room, bed room and bath room are made out of ice, charges 80,000 yen (US$696) for two per night and provides dinner served on an ice plate. It opens until Feb. 15, 2009. [Agencies]
Women bathe at an outdoor bathroom of an ice hotel during a photo opportunity in the Alpha Resort-Tomamu's ice village in Shimukappu town, Japan's northern island of Hokkaido February 3, 2009. The hotel, where dining room, bed room and bath room are made out of ice, charges 80,000 yen (US$696) for two per night and provides dinner served on an ice plate. It opens until Feb. 15, 2009. [Agencies]
Women are pictured taking a self portrait on the bed of a ice hotel during a photo opportunity in the Alpha Resort-Tomamu's ice village in Shimukappu town, Japan's northern island of Hokkaido February 3, 2009. The hotel, where dining room, bed room and bath room are made out of ice, charges 80,000 yen (US$696) for two per night and provides dinner served on an ice plate. It opens until Feb. 15, 2009. [Agencies]
Dinner, served on an ice plate, is pictured at the ice hotel during a photo opportunity in the Alpha Resort-Tomamu's ice village in Shimukappu town, Japan's northern island of Hokkaido February 3, 2009. The hotel, where dining room, bed room and bath room are made out of ice, charges 80,000 yen (US$696) for two per night and provides dinner served on an ice plate. It opens until Feb. 15, 2009. [Agencies]
Women eat dinner served on an ice plate at the ice hotel during a photo opportunity in the Alpha Resort-Tomamu's ice village in Shimukappu town, Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, February 3, 2009. The hotel, where dining room, bed room and bath room are made out of ice, charge 80,000 yen per one pair for one night and provides dinner served on an ice plate and it opens till Feb.15. [Agencies]
The Alpha Resort-Tomamu's ice village in Shimukappu town, Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, where dining room, bed room and bath room are made out of ice, charges 80,000 yen (US$696) for two per night and provides dinner served on an ice plate. It opens until Feb. 15, 2009.
Lily Allen shows no fear sledging in snow
Lily Allen shows no fear sledging in snow
Lily Allen takes advantage of the heavy London snowfall and goes sledging on Primrose Hill
Lily finds a road sign to sledge down the hill on
Lily rolls a big ball of snow to create her snowman's head
Lily's makeshift sledge soon gives way and the singer crashed onto the snow
Lily Allen hurls a giant snowball at a photographer outside the GMTV studios
With her single at No.1 and snow deluging London, Lily Allen was feeling particularly playful this morning.
The singer, who hit the top of the charts with The Fear last night, joined the many thousands making the most of the weather.
Unlike many of those enjoying a day off school and work, however, she had already put in a shift, appearing on GMTV and This Morning.
But then the 22-year-old was off to a park near her north London home, where she enjoyed sliding down the hill on a makeshift sledge.
After finding a temporary roadsign near some roadworks, Lily turned the sign into a sledge and screamed in delight as she whizzed along the snow with a male friend.
She was joined by hundreds of locals, mostly families, who had also come armed with tea trays and plastic bags to try their hand at sledging.
Wearing her controversial Prada Finnish fox fur hat, Lily was wrapped up warm in a chunky black coat, denim hotpants, black tights and Ugg boots.
As well as sledging and indulging in snowball fights, the Smile singer also built a snowman.
Earlier today, Lily kickstarted her snowy fun by throwing snowballs at photographers outside the ITV Studios on London's South Bank.
After previously claiming she was more mature than her friends the same age, the 22-year-old singer reverted to her youth as she enjoyed snow games.
She said recently: 'My mates are in a totally different place. I’ve grown up so much and they are still all into going out and dancing and taking drugs. I hang out with much older people.
'I’m meeting more interesting people who tax my brain.'
But clearly today Lily was more interested in some good old-fashioned fun rather than having her brain 'taxed'.
Appearing on GMTV this morning, Lily complained she had to go on TV without her hair being styled after the programme's hairdresser couldn't get to the studios because of the adverse weather conditions.
Along with the rest of the GMTV presenters, Lily had to do her own hair and make-up before going on air.
She told host Ben Shepherd: 'No one turned up because of the snow so I've had to do it myself and I've got this greasy fringe - it's disgusting.'
Lily was clearly in good spirits after her song The Fear hit number one and her second album It's Not You, It's Me was received well by critics.
She enthused: 'It feels brilliant, I'm very happy - I'm just over the moon.
'I didn't really know whether I was capable of doing it all over again. It's a good bit of affirmation for me.'
NBA: Wizards fighting against Grizzlies
NBA: Wizards fighting against Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies' O.J. Mayo (2nd, R) goes up to shoot past Antawn Jaminson of Washington Wizards during their NBA game held in Washington, the United States, February 2, 2009. The game is still going on. (Xinhua/Zhang Yan)
Memphis Grizzlies' Mike Conley (L) falls when he tries to break through during the NBA game against Washington Wizards held in Washington, the United States, February 2, 2009. The game is still going on. (Xinhua/Zhang Yan)
Memphis Grizzlies' Darrell Arthur (L) and Caron Butler of Washington Wizards fight for a rebound during their NBA game held in Washington, the United States, February 2, 2009. The game is still going on. (Xinhua/Zhang Yan)
Memphis Grizzlies' Rudy Gay (2nd, R) goes up to shoot past Caron Butler of Washington Wizards during their NBA game held in Washington, the United States, February 2, 2009. The game is still going on. (Xinhua/Zhang Yan)
Memphis Grizzlies' Marc Gasol (L) breaks through past JaVale McGee of Washington Wizards during their NBA game held in Washington, the United States, February 2, 2009. The game is still going on. (Xinhua/Zhang Yan)
Memphis Grizzlies' O.J. Mayo (2nd, R) goes up to shoot past Antawn Jaminson of Washington Wizards during their NBA game held in Washington, the United States, February 2, 2009. The game is still going on.
Artists perform during
Artists perform during "Egypt 
Artists from China's Central Ensemble of National Minorities Songs and Dances perform at the Egyptian National Theatre in Cairo, capital of Egypt, Feb. 2, 2009. The performance is part of the "Egypt Chinese Art Week". (Xinhua/Zhang Ning)
Artists from China's Central Ensemble of National Minorities Songs and Dances perform at the Egyptian National Theatre in Cairo, capital of Egypt, Feb. 2, 2009. The performance is part of the "Egypt Chinese Art Week". (Xinhua/Zhang Ning)
Artists from China's Central Ensemble of National Minorities Songs and Dances perform at the Egyptian National Theatre in Cairo, capital of Egypt, Feb. 2, 2009. The performance is part of the "Egypt Chinese Art Week". (Xinhua/Zhang Ning)
Artists from China's Central Ensemble of National Minorities Songs and Dances perform at the Egyptian National Theatre in Cairo, capital of Egypt, Feb. 2, 2009. The performance is part of the "Egypt Chinese Art Week". (Xinhua/Zhang Ning)
Artists from China's Central Ensemble of National Minorities Songs and Dances performed at the Egyptian National Theatre in Cairo, capital of Egypt, Feb. 2, 2009.
The performance is part of the "Egypt Chinese Art Week".
Spears slurps TWO iced lattes at once
Spears slurps TWO iced lattes at once
Britney Spears slurps on two coffees after visiting her local Starbucks in Hollywood
Britney Spears showed off her toned body in Hollywood yesterday
Britney performing at the MTV Video Music Awards in
Britney looks in fine shape as she rehearses for her Circus tour
Britney, pictured with Sean Preston and Jayden
Months of intensive dance rehearsals and a new diet regime have finally paid off for pop star Britney Spears.
But the singer clearly hasn't given up all her bad habits as she was seen slurping on two iced coffees at the same time.
Britney, who struggled to regain her form following the birth of her two children and well-documented health problems, paraded her new body in a pair of denim hotpants yesterday as she visited her local Starbucks in Hollywood.
It was a rare public appearance for the 26-year-old, who has spent recent weeks holed up in an LA dance studio preparing for her highly anticipated comeback tour.
Her toned and taut physique is the result of careful calorie counting and vigorous work-outs which she admits have been a struggle.
But clearly even Britney realises, it can't all be famine and no feast.
She told the January issue of Glamour magazine: 'I have had to work hard at getting [my body] back to where it used to be.
Britney is gearing up to kick of her 44-date Circus tour, which begins in New Orleans on March 3 and ends in London on June 14.
She took to her blog this week to dispel reports the tour was in jeopardy because she couldn't travel with her two boys.
'Both Sean Preston and Jayden James will, in fact, be joining Britney throughout the duration of her tour,' read a message on BritneySpears.com.
The singer's former husband Kevin Federline currently has sole custody of her two sons.
However, Britney has visiting rights and is said to be spending more time with the children.
Her ex, former backing dancer Kevin Federline, 30, has primary custody of the boys, ages 3 and 2, but Spears has almost 50-50 access to them in visitation rights.
'Britney is so excited to kick off her tour,' her blog says.
'She has been enjoying every moment of rehearsals and is looking forward to performing in front of a live audience again.'
Britney, 27, revealed on Twitter - a social messaging site - that she spent the weekend lounging by the pool checking out sketches of costumes.
# AC Milan official determined to keep Beckham
AC Milan official determined to keep Beckham
AC Milan's David Beckham celebrates after scoring against Bologna during their Italian Serie A soccer match at the Dall'Ara stadium in Bologna, January 25, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
English soccer player David Beckham (L) shakes hands with AC Milan's vice president Adriano Galliani during his presentation in San Siro stadium in Milan December 20, 2008. The Los Angeles Galaxy player joins AC Milan on loan in January 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
BEIJING, Feb. 4 -- David Beckham will have AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti and vice president Adriano Galliani supporting him if he wants to get out of his Los Angeles Galaxy contract to stay in Italy.
Beckham was halfway through a three-month loan with Milan that will end on March 8.
He has told the Italian media he's enjoyed his return to Europe more than he expected, and while he respected the five-year contract with Los Angeles signed in 2007, he said playing for Milan was "something special."
The Galaxy has reiterated that it wants Beckham back when the loan ends.
But Ancelotti, who has been surprisingly impressed by Beckham, would like the England midfielder to remain at San Siro.
"Nobody can tell what will happen after March 9," Ancelotti told Sky TV Italia. "He wants to stay here, he has not hidden that fact, but it is a problem between him and LA Galaxy. As a club, we cannot get into this matter.
"Beckham has given a new push to the team in terms of quality and enthusiasm. He has given the team something extra and certainly if he stayed it would make it easier to win the Scudetto."
Such has been Beckham's impact that he was included in Milan's 25-man roster for UEFA Cup games against Werder Bremen on Feb. 18 and 26.
"I am realistic about his future," Ancelotti said. "I knew that he will be with us until March 9, that is for certain, so we will have to make the most of him during his time here.
"He has given the team all his quality, by his work rate, his talent, his assists and the goals he has scored. He has made an unexpected contribution."
Galliani said the financial benefits of Beckham's presence have also boosted the club.
"I think he does (want to stay), but I can only speak of what the club wants to do and Milan will do everything possible to have Beckham after March," Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"It is evident that our will is there to keep him until the end of the season or even on a permanent transfer. There is hope, but contracts have to be honored. If the Galaxy want to start negotiations we will be happy to try, but they are right, the agreements are clear _ on March 9 Beckham must return to America."
In January, he played in a lucrative friendly with Hannover, and was expected to play some part in a friendly against Rangers in Glasgow today.
"(Beckham's marketing appeal) exists and we understand it following the many requests we have received to play friendly games, but it is not only his presence which attracts other clubs," Galliani said. "We have a group of stars."
ten beauty of the world from ancient to now
Audrey Hepburn
More old wine in the more alcohol, so beautiful. British "New Woman" magazine 5000 readers recently conducted a survey to elect a hundred old and beautiful, the result of "My Fair Lady" Audrey Hepburn and contemporaries格蕾斯凯利beat one of the many modern movie star actress, sub-accounts for the top beauty two. Other top ten beauties also include model Cindy Crawford (No. 3), as well as the late Diana, Princess of Wales (No. 8) and so on.
The election of a hundred beautiful, "classical" is a landslide victory, in addition to Audrey Hepburn , the sexy actress Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe set out in paragraphs 4 and No. 5. In addition, Angelina Jolie, paragraph 6, Jones 7, Scarlett Johnson, No. 10. According to the magazine's female editors Johnston pointed out that the most beautiful women I see have an unforgettable charm, but also know how to Mei's own classical manifested naturally, if we look at today's woman, it depends on skin-care products increase self-confidence and to please men. Audrey Hepburn beauty fascinated all creatures, men and women, even Beckham's wife Victoria, also, as her idol, but the dumping of the beauty of humanity, how is everyone can learn to enter the beauty VIC only list the first 49 spaces.
格蕾斯·凯利
辛迪·克劳馥
索菲亚·罗兰
玛丽莲·梦露
安吉莉娜·朱莉
泽塔·琼斯
戴安娜王妃
哈里·贝莉
Kate Hudson no lesbian
Kate Hudson is not a lesbian.
The 'Bride Wars' actor has laughed off reports she was seen canoodling with a woman in Miami, insisting she is only interested in men.
She said: "A girlfriend called me and said, 'Are you making out with girls now?' I was like, 'What are you taking about?' No, no, no. Strictly boys for me!"
In November, it was rumoured Kate had been getting up close and personal with an attractive woman at a party.
A source said: "She didn't care who saw them. They were being very open in public. It was quite shocking. They looked like they were having a great time!"
Kate - who has dated actors Owen Wilson and Dax Shepard and cyclist Lance Armstrong since divorcing Black Crowes rocker Chris Robinson in 2006 - recently admitted she has been interested in boys from an early age, much to the concern of her mother Goldie Hawn.
Kate, who is currently single for the first time in years, said: "When I was a teenager, like, when I turned 16, I loved boys. That was just my thing. My mom was like, 'Oh boy, she loves boys!'
"I always loved boys. I still love boys. First of all, I always had a boyfriend. This is the first time I've been single since I was 16!"
Winslet,Hathaway and other celebs arrive at nominees luncheon for 81st Oscars
Actress Amy Adams, nominated for best supporting actress for her role in "Doubt", arrives at the nominees luncheon for the 81st annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California February 2, 2009. [Agencies]
Actress Amy Adams, nominated for best supporting actress for her role in "Doubt", arrives at the nominees luncheon for the 81st annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California February 2, 2009. [Agencies]
Phelps apologizes for smoking dope, letting down fans
NEW YORK: Record-breaking Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps issued an apology on Sunday after a British newspaper published a photograph purportedly showing him smoking marijuana.
 In this January 27, 2009, file photo, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps holds a news conference during the 3rd Global Competitiveness Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. [Agencies]
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"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps, the winner of eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, said in a statement in response to the News of the World photograph.
Phelps, who has never failed a doping test, promised there would not be a repeat.
"I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in the manner people have come to expect from me," he said.
"For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."
US officials said the news was disappointing but stressed that smoking marijuana outside of a competition did not break any doping rules.
Travis Tygart, chief executive of the US anti-doping agency, said: "Obviously it's very disappointing and a terrible decision by Michael. To a certain extent, he let down the world.
Phelps won eight events in Beijing to take his career gold medal tally to 14, making him the most successful athlete in the history of the Modern Olympics.
Many Chinese sports fans were surprised at the news.
In a poll of 13,000 people conducted by Sina.com, nearly two-thirds said Phelps had behaved inappropriately.
"Phelps set a very bad example for young people," police officer Kang Jianghua, 30, said yesterday.
But not everyone thought the incident was serious.
More than 30 percent of the voters said they thought it is common for athletes to take drugs.
"I don't think it's a big deal," public servant Yan Jun said. "I think he's under a lot of pressure. We should be more tolerant."
Anti-terrorist drill in Harbin
Sun makes NBA debut for Lakers
LOS ANGELES - Chinese Olympian Sun Yue made his first National Basketball Association appearance for the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, scoring four points in the Lakers' 105-92 victory over Milwaukee.
 Los Angeles Lakers guard Sun Yue (9), of China, goes up for a lay-up during the fourth quarter of a basketball game against Milwaukee Bucks at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008. Sun made his NBA debut for the Lakers and got four points during the 5-minute time on court. [sina.com]
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 Los Angeles Lakers guard Sun Yue (9), of China, celebrates after scoring his first NBA points on a jumper against Milwaukee Bucks center Francisco Elson (9) during the fourth quarter of the basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008. [Agencies]
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NBA Most Valuable Player Kobe Bryant and all the other Lakers starters scored in double figures to deliver the victory.
Bryant led the way with 20 points and Derek Fisher chipped in 19 for the Lakers, who led from wire to wire for the second straight game.
Sun received a warm cheer from the Staples Center crowd when he took the court with 5:14 to play in the final period.
Sun, whose rookie NBA season has been hampered by glandular fever as well as a foot injury, had been activated by the Lakers for the first time only because Luke Walton was ill.
He learned only at the end of the pre-game shoot-around that he would be in uniform for the game.
Sun played 5:14 minutes and scored four points on 2-of-3 shooting with four fouls and two turnovers.
Sun admitted to some nerves as he took the court.
"Maybe the first 10 seconds," he said. "But when I got the first foul I calmed down.
"For me, that's my first game for a long time ... In last three minutes I think I found a rhythm."
Sun, a six-foot-eight inch (2.06 metre) guard, was originally selected by the Lakers in the second round of the 2007 NBA draft, but was not given a contract or an invitation to training camp last year.
The 23-year-old inked a two-year contract with the Lakers in August after averaging 6.8 points and 2.5 assists a game for the Chinese national team in the Beijing Olympics.
James paces Cavaliers to victory over Pistons
DETROIT - LeBron James scored 33 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied in the fourth quarter for a 90-80 victory over Central Division rivals the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.
 Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James reacts after being whistled for a foul against the Detroit Pistons in the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, in Auburn Hills, Mich. James led the Cavaliers with 33 points in a 90-80 win. [Agencies]
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The win, the sixth in seven games for Cleveland, extended the Cavaliers' divisional lead over the Pistons to 12 games.
Cleveland (37-9), which had lost four in a row in Detroit, trailed 66-58 after three quarters before outscoring the Pistons 15-2 in the first seven minutes of the fourth without James on the floor.
"Regardless of who's out on the court, to get outscored at that point (is disappointing)," Pistons coach Michael Curry told reporters.
"I just thought through the first three quarters we had done the job, done exactly what we wanted to do. And then we get into the fourth and for whatever reason, we just made too many mistakes."
Mo Williams posted 12 of his 22 points in the big quarter and Daniel Gibson had all seven of his in the first 1:30 of the period.
"Gib (Gibson) came out in the fourth and hit three straight baskets and then Mo came and hit three straight baskets and those guys basically took control of the game for us," James told reporters.
"It's uplifting," James said of the work of his team mates.
James and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who finished with 13 points, sealed the win with back-to-back three-pointers with three minutes to play after Detroit pulled with one.
"We knew if we stayed patient we'd be able to break the game open if our defense was there," Cavaliers coach Mike Brown told reporters.
Allen Iverson led Detroit (25-21) with 22 and Richard Hamilton had 16.
"I thought we put the ball in his hands to make plays," Curry said of Iverson, who had just one assist against five turnovers.
"Beginning of the fourth they defended him well, I think he made a couple of turnovers."
The loss was the fourth consecutive at home for the Pistons, the first time that has happened in eight years.
Phelps acknowledges photo using pot pipe
Olympic great Michael Phelps acknowledged "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after a photo in a British newspaper Sunday showed him inhaling from a marijuana pipe.
 In this Aug. 17, 2008, file photo, United States' Michael Phelps displays his eighth gold medal after the men's 4x100-meter medley relay final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Phelps acknowledged 'regrettable' behavior and 'bad judgment' after a photo in a British newspaper Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, showed him inhaling from a marijuana pipe.[Agencies]
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In a statement to The Associated Press, the American swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games did not dispute the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.
"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps said in the statement released by one of his agents. "I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."
News of the World said the picture was taken during a November house party while Phelps was visiting the University of South Carolina. During that trip, he attended one of the school's football games and received a big ovation when introduced to the crowd.
While the newspaper did not specifically allege that Phelps was smoking pot, it did say the pipe is generally used for that purpose and anonymously quoted a partygoer who said the Olympic champion was "out of control from the moment he got there."
The party occurred nearly three months after the Olympics while Phelps was taking a long break from training, and his actions should have no impact on the eight golds he won at Beijing. He has never tested positive for banned substances. The case is unlikely to fall under any doping rules.
Phelps' main sanctions most likely will be financial -- perhaps doled out by embarrassed sponsors who might be reconsidering their dealings with the swimmer.
Phelps was in Tampa, Fla., during Super Bowl week to make promotional appearances on behalf of a sponsor. But he left the city before Sunday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals, abandoning his original plan to be at Raymond James Stadium.
The US Olympic Committee said it was "disappointed in the behavior recently exhibited by Michael Phelps," who was selected the group's sportsman of the year. He also was honored as AP male athlete of the year, and his feat in Beijing, breaking Mark Spitz's 36-year-old record for most gold medals in an Olympics, was chosen as the top story of 2008.
"Michael is a role model, and he is well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a positive example for others, particularly young people," the USOC said in a statement. "In this instance, regrettably, he failed to fulfill those responsibilities."
USA Swimming said its Olympic champions are "looked up to by people of all ages, especially young athletes who have their own aspirations and dreams."
"That said," the governing body added, "we realize that none among us is perfect. We hope that Michael can learn from this incident and move forward in a positive way."
Phelps was part of a group of elite athletes who agreed to take part in a pilot testing program designed to increase the accuracy of doping tests. His spot in the program could be at risk, said Travis Tygart, head of the US Anti-Doping Agency.
"For one of the Olympics' biggest heroes it's disappointing, and we'll evaluate whether he remains in that program," Tygart said. "But some good education comes from this because he's going to suffer some penalties."
Marijuana is viewed differently from performance-enhancing drugs, according to David Howman, executive director of the World Anti-Doping Agency. An athlete is subject to WADA sanctions only for a positive test that occurs during competition periods.
"We don't have any jurisdiction," Howman said. "It's not banned out of competition. It's only if you test positive in competition."
Phelps returned to the pool a couple of weeks ago to begin preparations for this summer's world championships in Rome. He plans to take part in his first post-Olympics meet in early March, a Grand Prix event in Austin, Texas.
This isn't the first embarrassing episode for Phelps after an Olympic triumph. In 2004, a few months removed from winning six gold and two bronze medals in Athens, the swimmer was arrested on a drunken driving charge at age 19. He pleaded guilty and apologized for the mistake.
In his book "No Limits: The Will to Succeed," Phelps recounted how his first phone call was to his agent, and not his mother or coach Bob Bowman, because he knew they would yell at him.
Later, he called Bowman, who was supportive but told him, "Michael, just because you want to blow off some steam doesn't mean you can be an idiot."
Debbie Phelps, his mother, cried at the news.
"That hurt worse, maybe, than anything," Phelps wrote. "I had never seen my mother that upset."
Bowman did not immediately respond to phone and e-mail messages Sunday.
Olympic teammate Dara Torres said Phelps has become such a prominent figure that everything he does is news.
However, she said: "This in no way, shape or form diminishes anything he's done."
"It's sort of a double-edged sword," Torres said Sunday. "When you're recognizable, you're looked up to as a role model. He is recognizable and everything you do gets looked at and picked apart. I guess that's the price of winning 14 Olympic medals."
Jason Lezak, whose remarkable anchor leg of the 400-meter freestyle relay helped Phelps stay on course to break Spitz's record, said he was "saddened" to hear of the report.
"While I don't condone his conduct, I am a teammate and fan," Lezak said in a text message. "Unlike many fair-weather people, I am sticking by him. If my wife and I can help him in any way, we will. I believe he will grow from this and be better person, role model and teammate."
Last year, News of the World posted video on its website showing Max Mosley, the president of motor racing's governing body, engaging in sex acts with five prostitutes. Mosley admitted to being a part of the scenario but sued for breach of privacy and was awarded $120,000. Another news break involved Prince Harry in 2002, smoking marijuana and drinking before the legal age of 18.
During the 1998 Nagano Olympics, Canadian snowboarder Ross Rebagliati was stripped of his gold medal in the giant slalom after testing positive for marijuana. The victory was reinstated because the sport's governing body did not have a rule banning the substance. Later that year, Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. drew a three-month suspension after testing positive for pot.
"It's one of those substances that every year there's debate over it," said Howman, the WADA official.
He said US officials and swimming's world organization, could punish Phelps -- perhaps under code of conduct rules -- if there is "sufficient evidence to indicate possession, supply or distribution."
"We have to be strong on these things," Howman said. "We certainly are relying on those who are responsible to look into this."
The USOC noted that Phelps acknowledged his mistake and apologized.
"We are confident that, going forward, Michael will consistently set the type of example we all expect from a great Olympic champion," the group said.
Spain's Nadal wins the Australian Open
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The Mallorcan muscleman added the Melbourne Park trophy to his French and Wimbledon titles with an epic 7-5 3-6 7-6 3-6 6-2 victory under floodlights, a victory which pierced Federer's heart and left the Swiss in tears.
Nadal put his arm around his great rival before delivering an epitaph fitting such a momentous match.
"Sorry for today, I really know how you feel right now is really tough," the world number one told the man whose top ranking he seized. "But remember, you are a great champion and you're one of the best (in) history."
So too must be Nadal who has, at the age of 22, won slams on all three surfaces -- grass, clay and hardcourts -- a feat Federer, who has lost in three French finals to the Spaniard, has failed to do.
"I love this game," Federer said, disconsolate under a baseball cap bearing his initials. "It means the world to me, so it hurts when you lose.
"Many Chances"
"I had many chances. I missed them and they cost me dearly. It was a tough match. I don't think I served particularly well, unfortunately. I think that was the key to the match in the end."
Sunday's final was the one everybody had wanted to see. A fully-fit Federer against Nadal on a surface which favoured neither man.
It lived up to the hype.
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It was the first five-set final here in 21 years and so close was the contest that Federer actually won more points in the match -- 174 to Nadal's 173. It was the Spaniard, though, who clinched the key ones.
The quality of tennis played on Sunday can never have been seen before at Melbourne Park. Nor at Kooyong before it, nor the other cities to have staged the championships over the last 104 years.
 A model presents a creation from designer Melisa Lozano during the International Flamenco Fashion Show in Seville January 30, 2009. The show will run until February 1. [Agencies] |
US nuclear envoy to be named ambassador to Iraq: report
WASHINGTON -- US envoy to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue Christopher Hill is expected to be named US ambassador to Iraq, ABC News reported on Monday.
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"The Obama administration has tapped Ambassador Chris Hill, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, to be Ambassador to Iraq," said the report, which has not been confirmed by both the White House and the State Department.
As Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Hill has worked for almost four years as the chief of the US delegate to the so-called six-party talks, a multilateral mechanism on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.
If the mission were nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate, Hill, the experienced diplomat, would replace Ryan Crocker in Baghdad to promote the US-Iraq relationship based on the security pact signed between Baghdad and the Bush administration.
Under the pact, all the US troops stationed in Iraq will withdraw from the country by December 31, 2011. During his presidential campaign last autumn, Obama promised to withdraw all US troops from Iraq within 16 months when he becomes the president.
2008 China Lingerie Model Contest
Obama picks Republican senator for commerce job
WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama will name a third prominent Republican to his cabinet on Tuesday, nominating Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire as commerce secretary, a White House official said on Monday.
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"The president plans to nominate Sen. Gregg as his nominee for Commerce secretary tomorrow," said a White House official who spoke condition of anonymity.
Gregg could also help Obama soften resistance among Republicans opposed to the terms of an $800 billion-plus economic stimulus package the new president is trying to push through Congress.
Gregg has said he would not take the cabinet job if it would give the Democrats a legislative advantage in the Senate.
"I have made it clear to the Senate leadership on both sides of the aisle and to the governor that I would not leave the Senate if I felt my departure would cause a change in the makeup of the Senate," The New York Times quoted Gregg as saying.
"The Senate leadership, both Democratic and Republican, and the governor understand this concern, and I appreciate their consideration of this position."
Democrats control 58 seats in the Senate and are leading in one other undecided race, just short of the 60 seats needed to clear Republican procedural hurdles.
Democrats could pass legislation much more easily if they were to reach that benchmark because they also enjoy a wide margin in the House of Representatives.
Danny Boyle wins top director award for
Danny Boyle wins top director award for "Slumdog"
Indian actress Freida Pinto (C) and British actor Dev Patel (R), cast members of the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire,' pose with director of the movie Danny Boyle at the 20th annual Producers Guild Awards at The Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, January 24, 2009.
Actress Natalie Portman arrives at the 20th Annual Producers Guild Awards, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)
Producer Daniel Zelman and wife actress Debra Messing, right, arrive at the 20th Annual Producers Guild Awards, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Danny Boyle, whose rags-to-riches romance "Slumdog Millionaire" has won over U.S. audiences, was named best director by the Directors Guild of America on Saturday, cementing the movie's position as the Oscar front-runner.
The win put a positive end to a week of controversy for the film that tells of a young Indian boy raised in the slums of Mumbai who goes on to compete for a fortune on a TV talk show and, in the process, also tries to win the girl of his dreams.
"Slumdog" has met with praise in the United States, but in India it has sparked some protests over its depiction of people who live in Indian slums.
This week, the film's makers also came under fire in a British newspaper report claiming they had not properly cared for or paid the children who play the slum dwellers, but Boyle and producer Christian Colson said that report was inaccurate.
On Saturday, controversy seemed far from British director Boyle's mind when he accepted the Directors Guild honor. He talked of achieving dreams and challenged the other film and television makers in the room to press on with work in which they believe.
"If I can get here, you can," he said as he accepted the trophy. "Dream kind and dream hard."
The DGA honor is an indicator of which movie is the front-runner for the best picture Oscar, the world's top film award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In all but six of the award's 61 years, the DGA winner has also won the best director Academy Award, and generally over the history of the Oscars, the winner of best director sees his film go on to claim best movie.
"Slumdog" already has won the best drama Golden Globe Award. It has been honored by the Producers Guild of America as the year's best movie and has seen its actors earn the best ensemble cast from the Screen Actors Guild.
Other DGA film nominees were David Fincher with "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Gus Van Sant with "Milk," Christopher Nolan for "The Dark Knight" and Ron Howard with "Frost/Nixon."
The DGA's film documentary directing award went to Ari Folman for war remembrance "Waltz with Bashir."
Elsewhere, the DGA also gave out honors for TV directing. Top winners in that arena were Paul Feig for best comedy director with "The Office" and Dan Attias for best drama director with an episode of "The Wire."
Louvre-Set
Louvre-Set "Face" to premiere at Cannes
BEIJING, Feb. 2 -- Director Tsai Ming-Liang's new feature "Face," also known as "Visages," will premiere at this year's Cannes film festival, which is scheduled to take place from May 13 to 24, reported sina.com.
The Taiwan-France production has finished shooting at the Louvre palace and is now in Taiwan to film the final scenes in two weeks when French actress Fanny Ardant arrives on the island, the report said.
The movie tells the story of Taiwan film director Hsiao-Kang and his travel to the Louvre to shoot a film that explores the myth of Salomｅ. French model Laetitia Casta plays the role of Salome, with Taiwan actor Kangsheng Li plays Hsiao-Kang.
Fifteen years on, is Hurley looking less girlie?
Fifteen years on, is Hurley looking less girlie?
Is age finally catching up with Miss Hurley?
Liz Hurley shows off her assets in 1994
She first caught the public eye in 1994 in a dress held together by safety pins.
Fifteen years later, Elizabeth Hurley still knows how to attract attention.
At 43, the face of Estee Lauder might not be quite as fresh as it once was, but her figure remains the envy of millions.
Miss Hurley, pictured in London on Saturday night, was recently voted 'woman with the best cleavage in the world'.
But it seems her days as a bright young thing are numbered, at least if this latest picture of the 43-year-old is anything to go by.
The model and sometime actress was photographed at the weekend with her usually flawless complexion instead looking haggard and wrinkled.
Where the porcelain skin pulled over her razor-sharp cheekbones would usually be tight as a drum, this time it appeared more saggy with wrinkles clearly visible around the corners of her mouth, nose and eyes.
Whether the unflattering picture was merely due to the harsh glare of an unforgiving camera flashbulb we may never know. Or perhaps the chilly London night air had momentarily taken away her ageless glow.
What is for sure is that Miss Hurley did not look as fresh-faced as she did at her public debut on Hugh Grant's arm for the 1994 London premiere of his film Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Since then of course Miss Hurley has certainly experienced life. She broke up with Grant, who was famously caught in a compromising position with the prostitute Divine Brown behind the wheel of a car in Hollywood. She then mothered a son, Damian, with the Hollywood tycoon Steve Bing.
Miss Hurley went on to marry Indian textile tycoon Arun Nayar, although she still holidayed with good friend Grant on the Caribbean island of Mustique this winter.
Endless jetsetting and sunshine breaks cannot have helped her complexion either.
Although this very real image of Miss Hurley's imperfections is not helped by the fact that many pictures we have seen of her in recent years have been altered with airbrushing to make her complexion bright and flawless and lips a lot fuller.
Miss Hurley is modelling less as she concentrated more on her beachwear range. She also trumpets the benefits of organic food and is about to launch a range of her own grown at her Cotswold country pile.
Miss Hurley, who recently admitted to replying on 'nice photographers and a bit of retouching', has entered her 13th year as the face of Estee Lauder - a contract which has earned her around £20million.
Chinese Lunar New Year celebrated in London
Chinese Lunar New Year celebrated in London
Two actors from China's Guangdong Province perform traditional Chinese lion dance during a Chinese Lunar New Year celebration at Trafalgar Square, London, on Feb. 1, 2009. More than 1,000 actors from China performed nearly 50 programs including songs, dances, martial arts, acrobatics and magic here on Sunday.(Xinhua/Rob Welham)
Visitors watch a Chinese Lunar New Year celebration at Trafalgar Square, London, on Feb. 1, 2009. (Xinhua/Rob Welham)
An actress from China's Yunnan Province performs traditional Chinese dance during a Chinese Lunar New Year celebration at Trafalgar Square, London, on Feb. 1, 2009. (Xinhua/Rob Welham)
Overseas Chinese show T-shirts with bull's heads on during a Chinese Lunar New Year celebration at Trafalgar Square, London, on Feb. 1, 2009.(Xinhua/Rob Welham)
More than 1,000 actors from China performed nearly 50 programs including songs, dances, martial arts, acrobatics and magic here on Sunday
Jessica Biel throws surprise party for Justin
Jessica Biel throws surprise party for Justin
Happy birthday, Justin Timberlake!
Happy birthday, Justin Timberlake!
The SexyBack singer celebrated turning 28 on Saturday with a surprise party that girlfriend Jessica Biel threw for him on Super Bowl Sunday.
The bash was held in the exclusive penthouse suite of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
So, what did the festivities include?
The party kicked off in the afternoon just before the championship game with a menu that included buffalo wings, pizza, mini sliders and homemade cupcakes.
"Justin was completely blown away when he walked in," a source said. "He thought they were just checking into the hotel and heading to another Super Bowl party. He stopped dead in his tracks when he opened the door and then gave Jessica a kiss."
The 100 guests, including "Bleeding Love" songstress Leona Lewis, watched the Pittsburgh Steelers triumph over the Arizona Cardinals on two big-screen plasmas. Everyone put in $10 for a Super Bowl pool.
"Jessica was in a simple black cotton dress and flats, and worked the room like the perfect hostess," the source said."She took breaks to sit with Justin, hold hands and relax."
Wonder if JT is planning on doing something similar for Biel's upcoming B-day. She turns 27 on March 3.
World leaders conclude crisis discussions at Davos forum
World leaders conclude crisis discussions at Davos forum
Participants are seen during the traditional farewell buffet lunch at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2009 in Davos, Switzerland, Feb. 1, 2009. The World Economic Forum (WEF) wrapped up its annual meeting here Sunday, with pledges of cooperation from world leaders and elites in tackling the global financial crisis. (Xinhua/Christof Sonderegger)
Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of World Economic Forum, gestures during the session "Believing in the Dignity of All" at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2009 in Davos, Switzerland, Feb. 1, 2009. The World Economic Forum (WEF) wrapped up its annual meeting here Sunday, with pledges of cooperation from world leaders and elites in tackling the global financial crisis. (Xinhua/Remy Steinegger)
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao speaks at the World Economic Forum annual meeting, in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 28, 2009.(Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Participants enjoy the traditional farewell buffet lunch at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2009 in Davos, Switzerland, Feb. 1, 2009. (Xinhua/Christof Sonderegger)
DAVOS, Switzerland, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- World political and business leaders concluded a five-day forum here Sunday on tackling the financial crisis and other global challenges, going home with world's expectations for decisions and actions.
One of the most important consensuses reached at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, is the need for international cooperation in dealing with the current crisis, which has affected both developed and developing economies.
"This is not an economic crisis in one country, it is a global crisis. We need global cooperation and action to cope with it," said British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, one of the 43 heads of state or government present at the meeting.
Klaus Schwab, the WEF's founder and executive chairman, went further to stress that the whole society, not only the governments, must be engaged in dealing with the current crisis.
The call for cooperation was echoed by other major leaders, including Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In tackling the crisis, confidence is the source of strength, practical cooperation is the effective way and accepting responsibilities is the prerequisite, Wen said in his speech to the forum.
The Chinese premier expressed confidence that China's economy would continue to grow fast and steadily despite the impact of the global crisis.
"It's very encouraging, and the important thing is Premier Wen is using the statistics from China to illustrate his point," said Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization.
U.S. President Barack Obama was absent from the annual gathering of world elites in the Swiss ski resort. But a senior advisor conveyed his willingness for cooperation.
"Our economy is global, our crisis is global and our solutions must be global," said Valerie Jarrett, Obama's assistant for intergovernmental relations.
The United States cannot be alone in the effort to rebuild confidence in economy and the financial markets, Jarrett said.
She stressed that the Obama administration would be partners with the rest of the world "to establish a workable international framework that can help stabilize the global economy."
But cooperation and coordination may not be easy, given the differences of systems and interests, as well as the degree of impact by the crisis, participants said.
Participants at the meeting also called for an overhaul of the global financial system and the establishment of new economic orders with stronger international regulations.
Brown said he would push for "international standards of transparency and disclosure" for financial institutions.
"And we need to reform and strengthen international institutions giving them power and resources to invest at global level," he said.
Meanwhile, Merkel said a UN Economic Council based on a new charter of global economic principles should be created to monitor the global economy.
But it remains unclear how their ideas would be viewed by other major economies, notably the United States under Obama.
Leaders at the Davos forum also highlighted the importance of fighting protectionism, which tends to rise at times of economic crisis.
They called for the conclusion of the long-stalled Doha Round of global trade opening talks as part of the stimulus package for the world economy.
"Trade is part of the solution of the global crisis," said Swiss Economics Minister Doris Leuthard, who hosted a ministerial meeting of major members of the World Trade Organization on the sidelines of the Davos forum.
"In fact, free trade could serve as the largest economic stimulus package to revive the global economy and fight poverty," she said.
In addition to the economic crisis, participants also discussed other global risks such as climate change, energy, food and water security.
All those risks need global solutions, participants said.
The meeting also reviewed situations in the Gaza Strip and Afghanistan, as well as Iran's nuclear issue.
World leaders at the five-day meeting now are expected to digest the information and suggestions they have received and come up with proper decisions on reviving world economy when they are back home.
The next G20 summit scheduled for April is considered an occasion for major leaders to make important decisions and action plans on the financial crisis.
World leaders also prepare to meet at a UN conference on climate change in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the end of this year to set a global framework for tackling the global issue.
The Geneva-based World Economic Forum has held annual meetings since 1971. As a non-governmental organization, it only provides avenue for important discussions on global issues, leaving decisions and actions to world leaders.
Tough Guy event in central England
Tough Guy event in central England
Competitors run through a burning field during the Tough Guy event in Perton, central England, Feb. 1 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Competitors use ropes to cross a water obstacle during the Tough Guy event in Perton, central England, Feb. 1 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
A competitor runs through a burning field during the Tough Guy event in Perton, central England, Feb. 1 2009.
Suzhou people prepare for the Lantern Festival
A craftswoman adjusts an ox-shaped lantern in the Dongwu Lantern and Sculpture Factory in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Feb. 1, 2009. Workers of the factory were busy in making lanterns to greet the Lantern Festival which falls on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese Lunar year or on Feb. 9 in this year. (Xinhua/Zhu Guigen)
Workers make a hexangular lantern in the Dongwu Lantern and Sculpture Factory in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Feb. 1, 2009. (Xinhua/Zhu Guigen)
Craftswomen adjust the fish-shaped lanterns in the Dongwu Lantern and Sculpture Factory in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Feb. 1, 2009.(Xinhua/Zhu Guigen)
Workers of the Dongwu Lantern and Sculpture Factory in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, were busy in making lanterns to greet the Lantern Festival which falls on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese Lunar year or on Feb. 9 in this year.
Snow in Europe closes airports, schools, offices
Snow in Europe closes airports, schools, offices
A man sits on a park bench with two snowmen in St. James's Park, in central London February 2, 2009. (Agencies)
The statue of Nelson Mandela is covered in snow in Parliament Square in London February 2, 2009.(Agencies)
Tourists pose beside a snowman in Parliament Square, in central London February 2, 2009.(Agencies)
Tables stand covered in snow in London's Canary Wharf February 2, 2009. Heavy snow brought much of London's transport to a halt on Monday with airport runways forced to close and all bus and many train services suspended.(Agencies)
People walk dogs through heavy snow in King George V park in Farnborough, southern England, February 2 2009. Heavy snow brought much of London's transport to a halt on Monday with airport runways forced to close and all bus and many train services suspended.(Agencies)
LONDON - Heavy snow disrupted air and rail travel in Europe on Monday, halting flights at London's main airport entirely and bringing traffic in the British capital almost to a standstill.
Tens of thousands of commuters were advised not to attempt the journey into work in London, experiencing some of its worst snow in almost 20 years. Buses were canceled altogether and hundreds of schools were closed across the country, leaving children to play and build snowmen in parks and gardens.
"I'd rather be sledging than at school," said 7-year-old Georgie Cunliffe, who was playing in a London park.
Conditions familiar to eastern Europe and other northerly countries notoriously pitch Britain into chaos, its infrastructure ill prepared for the cold.
In northern France as well, snow blanketed Paris and surrounding countryside and brought major air, rail and road systems to a halt.
London business leaders said the estimated cost to the British capital alone could be as much as 48 million pounds ($69 million) in lost productivity.
All flights in and out of Heathrow, a major international hub, were canceled.
London's three other commercial airports reported severe delays and flight cancellations. Highway authorities warned of hazardous driving conditions in southern and central England.
Dublin, Cork and Belfast airports were also forced to cancel some flights and Gatwick, Stansted and Luton close to London, and London City Airport were badly hit. A Cyprus Airways jet at Heathrow slipped off a taxiway after arriving from Larnaca but came to a safe halt. No-one was hurt.
WEATHER WARNING
Britain's Met Office said some parts of the country, including London and other parts of south east England, could be covered by up to 15 centimeters of snow by midday on Monday.
It issued a "severe weather" warning for large parts of the country, with weather experts saying south east England was experiencing some of its worst snow since the early 1990s.
The international rail operator Eurostar also reported delays due to snow in Britain, France and Belgium.
Many workers attempted to walk to their offices, trudging through thick snow, but London's Chamber of Commerce business organization said lost productivity could cost the capital dear at a time when the British economy is already in recession.
"We know that a one-day closure of the Tube alone can cost the capital up to 48 million pounds ...so with most of London's transport infrastructure down, the costs could be similarly high," spokeswoman Helen Hill said in a statement.
"Hopefully things will not grind to a halt completely however, as local staff may be able to get into the office and many others can now work remotely and conduct business online."
In France, traffic jams were recorded on roads leading into the capital during the rush hour and the Paris transport authority said many buses had to be canceled.
So far, this winter has been Britain's coldest in more than a decade and forecasters expect the cold weather to continue for several more days with freezing winds blowing in from Russia.
Premier: China, Europe need to strengthen cooperation to deal with financial crisis
Premier: China, Europe need to strengthen cooperation to deal with financial crisis
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown (L) and visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meet the press in London, Britain, Feb. 2, 2009. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown (L) and visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meet the press in London, Britain, Feb. 2, 2009. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
LONDON, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here on Monday that China and European countries should strengthen cooperation to deal with global financial crisis.
Speaking at a joint news conference after talks with his British counterpart Gordon Brown, Wen said that during his week-long "trip of confidence" to five European countries, he met with European leaders for talks on issues of common concern, especially the global financial crisis, and achieved "fruitful" results.
Europe and China agreed that dialog and cooperation had dominated their 30-year ties, and great achievements had been made, said Wen, adding that such relationship had brought benefits to both sides, and set an example of mutual benefits and win-win outcome.
Sino-European relationship enjoys a solid foundation and a bright future, Wen noted.
In the face of global challenges such as the financial crisis, China and Europe should make joint efforts to promote cooperation, and make their own contributions to the world's harmony and sustainable development, said the premier.
"This financial crisis is a global one. No single country can remain immune and address this in isolation. We are sitting in the same boat and we need to work together to overcome difficulties," said Wen.
The premier said that if China could maintain its economic growth, "it will be the biggest contribution to the whole world" in a time of global financial crisis.
China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the international community, to work together to achieve an early recovery for world economy, and to build a fair, just, comprehensive and orderly international financial system, said Wen.
Brown told reporters that Britain and China could work together and avoid a retreat to protectionism during the economic downturn.
"We know from previous downturns that a retreat to narrow, short-term protectionism policies would only serve to deepen the global recession and we must not and will not allow that to happen again," said Brown.
Brown said that Britain and China supported the reform of international institutions and the creation of an early-warning system for the global economy.
The two countries would push these and other proposals at the London Summit of G20 nations in April, he added.
Wen arrived in London on Saturday for a three-day official visit. Britain is the last leg of his week-long European tour, which began on Tuesday and has already taken him to Switzerland, Germany, the European Union headquarters in Brussels and Spain.
During the visit, Wen met with people from political, business and financial circles. He also delivered a speech at the University of Cambridge.
The premier is also paying a return visit for Prime Minister Gordon Brown's China tour early last year, as part of a regular high-level meeting mechanism between the two countries.
I find being sexy embarrassing, reveals Emma Watson
I find being sexy embarrassing, reveals Emma Watson
Her first movie role - post Harry Potter - is in the period drama Napoleon And Betsy
Emma Watson said she has no interest in fame and it was only recently she decided to continue with acting
"I'm not tempted by parties or drugs. I don't actually like being drunk," says Emma
"I'm not tempted by parties or drugs. I don't actually like being drunk," says Emma
On education, Emma says going to university will make her a better actress
'Let's be honest, I have enough money to never have to work again. It's only just recently that I've really come round to the idea of carrying on with acting at all. I knew I was the perfect nine-year-old to play Hermione. But I was concerned that all would come out after that was Hermione. And if that had happened – well, I would know I couldn't act. And then that would be it.'
In a world glutted on the cult of celebrity, Emma Watson is the glorious detoxifying cure. She has no interest in fame or recognition; as a child she never considered being an actress. She was born of Oxbridge parents and now she's considering an Oxbridge place herself, with a bright mind, bright looks and £10 million in the bank . You understand even more why she would relish the academic diversion of reading English and Philosophy at a Cambridge college when she gives her perspective on her coming-of-age birthday celebrations last year.
"It was pretty tough turning 18," she says. "I realised that overnight I'd become fair game. I had a party in town and the pavements were just knee-deep with photographers trying to get a shot of me looking drunk, which wasn't going to happen. I don't have to drink to have a good time. The sickest part was when one photographer lay down on the floor to get a shot up my skirt.
"The night it was legal for them to do it, they did it. I woke up the next day and felt completely violated by it all. That's not something I want in my life. I just kept thinking that if it had happened a day earlier people would have sued their a***s off.
I find this whole thing about being 18 and everyone expecting me to be this object… I find the whole concept of being "sexy' embarrassing and confusing. If I do a photo-shoot people desperately want to change me – dye my hair blonder, pluck my eyebrows, give me a fringe. Then there's the choice of clothes. I know everyone wants a picture of me in a mini-skirt. But that's not me. I feel uncomfortable. I'd never go out in a mini-skirt. It's nothing to do with protecting the Hermione image. I wouldn't do that.
"Personally, I don't actually think it's even that sexy. What's sexy about saying, “I'm here with my boobs out and a short skirt… have a look at everything I've got”? My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder."
It's not what the shabby-chic walls of the discreet private rooms in Groucho, London's most notorious members' club, are used to hearing or seeing. This is the adoptive home of the hippest bad girls – Sienna Miller, Kirsten Dunst and Lily Allen. Watson – emphatically a "nice girl' – wears a neat, classic uniform: well-cut jeans, smart boots, pale cashmere V-neck top. She smells shower-fresh, with faint traces of perfume. Her face is pink from a flush of embarrassment – she struggled to find the room – and her skin is entirely free of make-up or tell-tale signs of heavy nights.
This obviously suits her principal employers well. She has grown up – as if it needs saying – on celluloid in JK Rowling's all-consuming Harry Potter phenomenon as Harry's closest, cleverest, bravest female friend, Hermione Granger. Part six of the Warner Bros series, Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince, will be released this July and the final two-part installment, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, is filming now.
I'm not tempted by parties or drugs. I don't actually like being drunk
The films are a financial juggernaut. The first four are among the top 25 highest-grossing movies of all time; the most recent, Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix, was the second-highest grossing of the series, taking just under $1 billion worldwide. Watson's share of the spoils has her sharing 55th place on the Under-Thirties Rich List with Amy Winehouse – and in the pantheon of our brightest Bafta stars.
She's still deciding whether to take up a university place at Oxbridge or an Ivy League college, but she's adamant it won't interfere with her acting career. "Jodie Foster did it, Natalie Portman did it,' she says. "I think it's entirely possible to juggle university with filming.'
When she talks she is completely devoid of the jaded cynicism of most of her age group. She hasn't cultivated an attitude or an accent and, bar one solitary F-word, does not swear. All in all, she is sweet, charming and focused. As she says herself, "I think a good phrase to describe me is "eager to please'. It's something I share with Hermione. We're both terribly earnest people.
"I wasn't one of those girls who always dreamed of being an actress. I went to a normal school and then these film auditioners turned up when I was nine. Then I just fell into this whirlwind. I had lots of times when I thought: “Woah, woah, hang on – I'm not completely sure about this.”
Embroidery Sisters Festival celebrated in SW China
Embroidery Sisters Festival celebrated in SW China
A girl of Miao ethnic group puts on her headwear with the help of an old woman in the Zhanliu Village of Jianhe County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 31, 2009. It was the second day of the traditonal Embroidery Sisters Festival, which falls on the fifth to the seventh day of the first month in Chinese Lunar calendar. Villagers worshiped ancestor, performed Lusheng (the ethnic emblematic reed-pipe blowing instrument) and held gala during the festival.(Xinhua/Qiao Qiming)
Women dressed in the costume of Miao ethnic group walk in line in the Zhanliu Village of Jianhe County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 31, 2009.(Xinhua Photo)
Women of Miao ethnic group toast at a diner in the Zhanliu Village of Jianhe County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 31, 2009.(Xinhua Photo)
Children dressed in the costume of Miao ethnic group perform dance in the Zhanliu Village of Jianhe County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 31, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)
A girl of Miao ethnic group makes embroidery in the Zhanliu Village of Jianhe County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 31, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)
A girl of Miao ethnic group puts on her headwear with the help of an old woman in the Zhanliu Village of Jianhe County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 31, 2009. It was the second day of the traditonal Embroidery Sisters Festival, which falls on the fifth to the seventh day of the first month in Chinese Lunar calendar. Villagers worshiped ancestor, performed Lusheng (the ethnic emblematic reed-pipe blowing instrument) and held gala during the festival.
Australian heatwave claims almost 30 lives
Australian heatwave claims almost 30 lives
A man sunbathes on rocks at a beach in Melbourne January 31, 2009.[Agencies]
People cool off in the water at a beach in Melbourne January 31, 2009. Melbourne recorded its hottest ever three-day heatwave on Friday, after the temperature hit 43.8 degrees Celsius (110.84 Fahrenheit), the third day above 43 Celsius. [Agencies]
A player quenches thirst during a break at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, on January 19. Emergency services have gone to high alert in southeast Australia as the region's worst heatwave in a century sent temperatures soaring and residents scurrying for cover.[Agencies]
Waves crash over rocks in Sydney Harbour near the city's famous bridge and opera house April 29, 2008. [Agencies]
Spectators seek shade at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Australia's second-largest city ground to a halt, crippled by a once-in-a-century heatwave that has claimed almost 30 lives and razed at least 17 homes.
Winners of 2009's WEF Crystal Award announced
Winners of 2009's WEF Crystal Award announced
Hilde Schwab (1st L), chairperson and co-founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, poses with winners of 2009's WEF Crystal Award (2nd L to R) Indian dancer Mallika Sarabhai, Venezuelan musician Jose A. Abreu, Chinese actor Jet Li and Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan during the Annual Meeting 2009 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 31, 2009. The forum's Crystal Award honors artists who have used their art and influence to contribute to the international society.(Xinhua/WEF/Remy Steinegger)
Hilde Schwab (L), chairperson and co-founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, presents the WEF Crystal Award to Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan during the Annual Meeting 2009 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 31, 2009.(Xinhua/WEF/Remy Steinegger)
Hilde Schwab (L), chairperson and co-founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, presents the WEF Crystal Award to Venezuelan musician Jose A. Abreu during the Annual Meeting 2009 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 31, 2009.(Xinhua/WEF/Remy Steinegger)
Hilde Schwab (L), chairperson and co-founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, presents the WEF Crystal Award to Indian dancer Mallika Sarabhai during the Annual Meeting 2009 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 31, 2009.(Xinhua/WEF/Remy Steinegger)
Hilde Schwab (1st L), chairperson and co-founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, poses with winners of 2009's WEF Crystal Award (2nd L to R) Indian dancer Mallika Sarabhai, Venezuelan musician Jose A. Abreu, Chinese actor Jet Li and Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan during the Annual Meeting 2009 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 31, 2009. The forum's Crystal Award honors artists who have used their art and influence to contribute to the international society.
Britain's most overweight cat is to embark on 100-day diet
Britain's most overweight cat is to embark on 100-day diet
Veterinary charity PDSA nurse Jennie Keen is seen holding Tinks, a 13-year-old cat, in this undated handout photograph received in London on November 19, 2008. Eight of Britain's most overweight pets are to embark on a 100-day diet and fitness regime in a bid to be crowned this year's pet fit club champion.
Orangutan rides a jet ski
Orangutan rides a jet ski
Surya a 4-year-old Orangutan rides an inflatable Jet Ski. [Agencies]
Four-year-old rescued orangutan Surya is having a whale of a time playing on an inflatable jet ski at the centre which is its home.
The animal, dressed in a child's wetsuit to keep it warm, enjoys floating across the wide pool, before waving at onlookers.
Surya lives at The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species in Miami, Florida, USA.
He is put in the pool every week to keep him active and challenged and appears to enjoy splashing about with his trainers.
Animal expert Dr Bhagavan Antle said: "Suyra loves playing in the water. But he doesn't like getting his head wet, so he wears a lifejacket so he doesn't go underneath.
"He is quite content when he's bobbing around on the top. And he loves the jet ski because he can look down on all of us."
Dr Antle and his team of handlers introduced Surya and other orangutans to water when they were just babies and played in a large bath.
"The orangutans love playing in the bath. But they don't swim naturally and so if you introduce them to the pool, they'd sink to the bottom," he said.
"So we discovered wearing children's lifejackets helps to give them confidence. Now some of them can even swim without their life jackets.
"But Surya prefers the jet ski and he'll always head for it as soon as we get into the pool."
Jet Li among Davos forum's Crystal Award winners
Jet Li among Davos forum's Crystal Award winners
Davos Forum's Crystal Awards winners (L to R), Indian dancer Mallika Sarabhai, Venezuela's Jose A. Abreu, Chinese actor Jet Li and Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan pose after being honoured during the Forum's Crystal Award ceremony at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos Jan. 31, 2009. The Forum's Crystal Award honours artists who have used their art to improve the state of the world. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Chinese actor Jet Li gives a speech after being honoured during the Forum's Crystal Award ceremony at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos Jan. 31, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Indian dancer Mallika Sarabhai from the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts is pictured after being honoured during the Forum's Crystal Award ceremony at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos Jan. 31, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan gives a speech after being honoured during the Forum's Crystal Award ceremony at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos Jan. 31, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Indian dancer Mallika Sarabhai, Venezuela's Jose A. Abreu, Chinese actor Jet Li and Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan pose after being honoured during the Forum's Crystal Award ceremony at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos Jan. 31, 2009. The Forum's Crystal Award honours artists who have used their art to improve the state of the world.
