Cheryl Cole sparkles in mirrored swimsuit

A passer-by gives Cheryl Cole an admiring glance on the beach in the south of France

Cheryl dons a white hat to stroll along the shoreline

Mr and Mrs Ashley Cole chat on the beach

Cheryl and Ashley joined a group of friends for their break

A mocked-up image of the Hummer Cheryl has bought for Ashley - complete with their initials spelled out in diamonds on the head rests

Just 18 months ago, her marriage was in crisis and her figure looked skeletal as the stress took its toll.

Now Cheryl Cole is back in good shape and appears happier than ever with husband Ashley Cole.

The singer ditched her bikini to show off her toned stomach and feminine curves in a striking cutaway swimsuit by designer Melissa Odabash yesterday.

And at £375, her sexy look certainly didn't come cheap.

Mail Online reported.

 

Miley Cyrus: who's that boy she was kissing?

Miley Cyrus: who's that boy she was kissing?

Miley Cyrus was caught kissing a boy today!

Nope, not Nick Jonas or Justin Gaston. She puckered up to Liam Hemsworth. But it's no real-life romance…

It was all business. The 16-year-old Hannah Montana star was spied locking lips with the Australian actor while filming a scene for their new movie The Last Song, a drama from The Notebook author Nicholas Sparks about a rebellious teen girl who is sent to live with her estranged father.

Yeah, Hemsworth plays Ms. Miley's love interest. The two kissed while Hemsworth lifted a wet Cyrus out of the water and into his arms. Shooting began today in Savannah, Georgia.

"I got a hot boy," Cyrus said of Hemsworth when I talked to her last month.

She added, "Not bad to look at for the summer."

When asked at the time if they had any kissing scenes, she smiled, "I don't know. Maybe."

Guess we know the answer to that now.

 

Kimberley Walsh steals Cheryl Cole's beach look

Girls Aloud Kimberley Walsh in zebra-print bikini in the Caribbean

Cheryl Cole's 2008 beach look

Cheryl Cole Costa del Sol June 2008

Coleen Rooney is pictured on Sandy Lane beach while on holiday oin Barbados

Katie Price have been wearing zebra-print bikinis in the Caribbean and Ibiza respectively this week

Pop star Kimberley Walsh clearly needs some time apart from her Girls Aloud bandmate Cheryl Cole.

On holiday in the Caribbean, the 27-year-old appears to be morphing into the Geordie.

Kimberley worked on her tan by the pool in a zebra-print bikini, straw cowboy hat and sunglasses - startlingly similar to the outfit Cole wore in Spain last year.

Cheryl wore practically the same attire as she enjoyed a romantic holiday on Spain's Costa del Sol with husband Ashley.

The bandmates regularly wear the same outfits while they're on stage, but perhaps wearing them during their free time is taking co-ordination a bit too far.

Zebra-print is a popular style this season, with both Coleen Rooney and Katie Price being seen in the design this summer.

Kimberley and Cheryl have spent so much time together this year it appears their fashion tastes are merging into one.

As well as touring the UK and Ireland together with Girls Aloud, Cheryl and Kimberley also spent 10 days hiking Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief in March.

While slender Cheryl may have been fashion forward by wearing the style a year ago, the bikini flatters Kimberley's womanly curves.

Despite her stunning figure, Kimberley admitted she feels self-conscious about her body.

She said: 'I prefer clothes that go in at the waist as it shows I’ve actually got a shape. I don’t love my legs so I won’t make them the feature of my outfit.

'I don’t feel comfortable wearing cleavage baring clothes, either. If you’ve got a silhouette, that can be sexier than having your actual boobs or legs out. I find it hard to get trousers to fit because I’ve got a bigger bum and smaller waist.'

Kimberley is currently taking a well-earned rest on a Caribbean island after the group's Out of Control tour ended on June 6.

After her holiday, Kimberley is set to focus on her new solo career as an actress during the Girls Aloud hiatus.

Kimberley was a child actress before finding fame in Girls Aloud in 2002 and has often spoken of her wish to return to the profession. Mail Online reported.

 

Kate Moss' cigarettes supply

Kate Moss reportedly demands her personal assistant keeps every room in her house stocked with cigarettes because she and her friends smoke so much.

Kate Moss insists on keeping 100 cigarettes nearby at all times.

The supermodel - who is dating The Kills rocker Jamie Hince - loves smoking so much she reportedly makes her personal assistant leave a packet of her favourite Marlboro Lights on every table in her home before she goes to bed.

A source told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "Kate has five coffee tables spread between her living room, kitchen, office and bedroom so that's a lot of cigarettes.

"She also has a special tennis ball with holes for cigarettes to stick out from so visitors can relax with a smoke."

The party-loving star also keeps her fridge stocked with at least two bottles of champagne and two bottles of vodka to ensure her guests have a good time.

However, friends are worried 35-year-old Kate's hard partying lifestyle is beginning to take its toll.

The source added: "The cigarettes are starting to show on Kate's face. She is apparently chain smoking more than ever now and gets through up to two packs a day."

Kate's most recent wild night at her London home was a cocktail making and drinking evening with 'Not Fair' singer Lily Allen.

A source said: "Kate and Lily each made up various cocktails and had a competition to see how many they could drink."

Kate was crowned the winner at around 4am and is awaiting a mystery prize from the 23-year-old singer.

Britney Spears stuns customers in pink hotpants

Britney Spears stopped by at a McDonald's in north-west London on the way to Manchester

Britney jumped out of her chauffeur-driven jeep to refuel at McDonald's in Neasden, north west London

Britney was heavily protected by her minders as she entered the McDonald's in suburban London

Britney looked radiant in a pair of pink hotpants and a white polo neck as she left her London hotel on Wednesday

Britney Spears stunned customers in a suburban London McDonald's yesterday when she waltzed in to buy her lunch.

Surrounded by her hefty bodyguards watching her every move, Britney swiftly entered the Neasden, north west London branch of the fast food restaurant.

After picking up her late lunch, Britney jumped back into her waiting people carrier and continued her journey to Manchester ahead of her concert last night.

Her current stay in Britain must be doing Britney the world of good given her radiant appearance yesterday.

The singer looked tanned, toned and happy as she left her London hotel in a pair of pink hotpants.

Despite her glowing complexion, it appeared the 27-year-old was dressing for all weathers given her clashing outfit of skimpy hotpants and a cosy polo neck.

Beaming to photographers as she left the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, it appears Britney's few days relaxation in the capital with her sons had given her a boost.

Following her performance at the MEN Arena, Britney was driven the 200 miles back to London last night.

After completing the London leg of her Circus tour at the O2 Arena on Sunday, Britney spent a few days with her sons enjoying the sights.

The singer played doting mother as she enjoyed a trip to London Zoo on Tuesday with Sean Preston, three, and Jayden James, two.

And on Monday, she brought the boys to Hamley's toy store in Regent Street and indulged her children with some new toys.

While in London, she is staying at the opulent Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which backs on to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.

Her sons are staying elsewhere with her ex-husband Kevin Federline, who is also in London.

He agreed to come along on the tour so that the children were not separated from their mother for too long.

Britney was even said to be paying him $4,000 a week to travel with her so she could be near them.

This week, lawyers for Spears and Federline reportedly filed documents with the U.S. family law Commissioner Scott Gordon, stating they have reached a new temporary custody arrangement.

U.S. gossip website TMZ reported that the family had agreed new custody arrangements for the tour.

Britney will have custody of her sons more than the 50 per cent of the time for the rest of June, July and August. Mail Online report.

The tour is a family affair for Britney - who is also accompanied by her sister Jamie-Lynn and father Jamie, who is managing her affairs.

After her Manchester gig, she will head to Dublin on Friday for two more before going to France in July to continue her high-energy tour of Europe, before more dates in North America in August.

Robert Pattinson hit by taxicab

Robert Pattinson on the set of Remember Me

Amid a mob of frenzied fans, Rob Pattinson collided with a taxi on the streets of downtown Manhattan Thursday.

The Twilight actor, in New York City filming Remember Me, apparently attempted to run across the street near the famed Strand bookstore to escape a hoard of fans when he was clipped on his hip by a moving cab, whose driver slammed on his breaks upon impact.

Pattinson, 23, did not appear to be injured and walked away from the incident.

Production sources on the Remember Me set say Pattinson regularly attracts mobs of fans when they are filming. "It's been nonstop busy all day with people trying to get a glimpse of him, and the crowd goes nuts when they do see him," an eyewitness told PEOPLE Tuesday.

As a result, the actor has hired his own security in addition to the bodyguards provided by Summit Entertainment, according to the source, who adds that the heartthrob maintains a positive attitude about his fans.

"I think he appreciates it. He's not one to make a big deal about it. He's a chill guy and quiet so far," the source says. "I think he finds it a little weird that people are standing outside all day to get a glimpse of him, but grateful."

Neither Summit Entertainment nor a rep for Pattinson was immediately available for comment.

(Agencies)

Julianne & Chace: Footloose Dance partners?

Julianne & Chace

Los Angeles – Have Julianne Hough supporters been a little too enthusiastic in claiming she's the Footloose top choice? I'm now being told that while the filmmakers certainly consider her among their favorites, they're hoping she'll be able to improve on her acting skills before the cameras start rolling.

Fingers crossed for ya, Julianne!

Chace Crawford is pretty darn close to having one hot country gal by his side.

Sources say that Dancing With the Stars hoofer and rising country music singer Julianne Hough is finally in negotiations to star opposite People magazine's Hottest Bachelor in the upcoming remake of Footloose...

A source says talks have gotten down to the nitty-gritty issue of timing. If schedules can be worked out, the movie will mark Hough's first major film project. She actually had an uncredited role as a "Hogwarts schoolgirl" in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone back in 2001.

Paramount has announced a June 2010 release date for the remake, which will be a musical similar to the hit Broadway adaptation of the movie.

Hough's casting wouldn't come as too much of a surprise to anyone who's following the making of the new Footloose. Director Kenny Ortega gushed about her earlier this month at the MTV Movie Awards.

"I love her," he said. "I adore her. I'm a big fan of hers. Not only how beautiful but how deep her talent goes."

Paris Hilton takes reality TV show in Dubai

2009-06-18 06:48:02 GMT2009-06-18 14:48:02 (Beijing Time)  China Daily

U.S. socialite Paris Hilton attends a news conference in Dubai June 17, 2009. Hilton is taking her reality TV show and a hunt for a new best friend to Dubai, and will have to tone down some of the progam's racier aspects. [Agencies]

U.S. socialite Paris Hilton (L) stands with Nayla al-Khaja, chief executive officer of UAE-based D-Seven Motion Pictures production company, during a news conference in Dubai June 17, 2009. Hilton is taking her reality TV show and a hunt for a new best friend to Dubai, and will have to tone down some of the progam's racier aspects. [Agencies]

U.S. socialite Paris Hilton attends a news conference in Dubai June 17, 2009. Hilton is taking her reality TV show and a hunt for a new best friend to Dubai, and will have to tone down some of the progam's racier aspects. [Agencies]

U.S. socialite Paris Hilton (R) attends a news conference in Dubai June 17, 2009. Hilton is taking her reality TV show and a hunt for a new best friend to Dubai, and will have to tone down some of the progam's racier aspects. [Agencies]

U.S. socialite Paris Hilton attends a news conference in Dubai June 17, 2009. Hilton is taking her reality TV show and a hunt for a new best friend to Dubai, and will have to tone down some of the progam's racier aspects. [Agencies]

U.S. socialite Paris Hilton attends a news conference in Dubai June 17, 2009. Hilton is taking her reality TV show and a hunt for a new best friend to Dubai, and will have to tone down some of the progam's racier aspects.

"Public Enemies" red carpet screening

Cast member Marion Cotillard(R) and director/co-writer/producer Michael Mann arrive for a screening of "Public Enemies" in Chicago, June 18, 2009.

Cast member Marion Cotillard of "Public Enemies" arrives for a screening in Chicago June 18, 2009.

Cast member Christian Bale and his wife Sibi Bear arrive for a screening of "Public Enemies" in Chicago, June 18, 2009.

Cast member Johnny Depp arrives for a screening of "Public Enemies" in Chicago June 18, 2009.

Cast member Marion Cotillard(R) and director/co-writer/producer Michael Mann arrive for a screening of "Public Enemies" in Chicago, June 18, 2009.

Fans cheer for Confederations Cup

A supporter of Italy cheer before the Group B match between Brazil and Italy at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Pretoria, South Africa, June 21, 2009.(Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Supporters of Brazil cheer before the Group B match between Brazil and Italy at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Pretoria, South Africa, June 21, 2009. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)

A supporter of Italy cheers before the Group B match between Brazil and Italy at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Pretoria, South Africa, June 21, 2009. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)

A supporter of Brazil holds a mock trophy before the Group B match between Brazil and Italy at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Pretoria, South Africa, June 21, 2009.(Xinhua/Yang Lei)

A supporter of Italy holds a placard showing a combination of a picture of Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro (L) and of herself before the Group B match between Brazil and Italy at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Pretoria, South Africa, June 21, 2009. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

UK Royal Ascot: He on horse, she in hat

A racegoer shows off her hat during the third day of Royal Ascot race meeting June 18, 2009.The Royal Enclosure has a strict dress code -- male attendees must wear full morning dress including a top hat, whilst ladies must wear hats. (Reuters)

A racegoer shows off her hat made of marshmallows during the third day of Royal Ascot race meeting June 18, 2009. (Reuters)

A racegoer shows off her hat during the third day of Royal Ascot race meeting June 18, 2009.(Reuters)

A racegoer shows off her hat made by Louis Mariette during the third day of the Royal Ascot race meeting June 18, 2009.(Reuters)

A racegoers arrives for the first day of racing at the Royal Ascot meeting June 16, 2009. (Reuters)

The Royal Enclosure has a strict dress code -- male attendees must wear full morning dress including a top hat, whilst ladies must wear hats.

Confederations Cup: U.S. team fumes over red card

Referee Pablo Tozo, center, asks USA's Ricardo Clark, right, to leave the field after giving him a red card as USA's Landon Donovan, left, tries to argue, during their Confederations Cup Group B soccer match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Monday, June 15, 2009.(AP)

PRETORIA, South Africa – Following the USA's 3-1 loss to Italy in their opening game at the Confederations Cup, the American players pointed to Ricardo Clark's red card as the pivotal moment. And more than a few of them voiced their opinion about the decision handed out by Chilean ref Pablo Pozo.

"Anybody watching the game will know it wasn’t a red card," said U.S. striker Landon Donovan after the game. "The referee, after the game when he watches it, will know it isn’t a red card. Eleven guys from each team were prepared to play the game but the guy in the middle wasn't. That was unfortunate because we wanted to put on a good show."

Clark was shown his marching orders for a foul on Gennaro Gattuso in the 28th minute, when the game was lively and still even at 0-0.

"I think it was a bad call," Clark said. "It was definitely a foul, possibly a yellow, but definitely not a red. It affects the whole game. It obviously put us at a disadvantage."

Even Gattuso admitted Clark's action probably didn't deserve an ejection. His teammate Giuseppe Rossi, who subbed on in the second half before scoring two goals for the Italians, was more certain in his opinion, though he was on the sidelines at the time.

"Truthfully, I don't think it was a red card," the Italian-American said. "It was more of a yellow card. But that’s how soccer is."

Jozy Altidore, who set up the penalty that led to the U.S.'s goal, believed the timing of the red card was disappointing. And the Villarreal striker even insinuated Pozo's decision was influenced by Gattuso's theatrics after the fact.

"It was a bit harsh, so early in the game," he said. "Yeah, it was a tough tackle. It was late, but he had no intention of hurting anyone. It was good acting and there you go. That's how the cookie crumbles."

Ultimately, the U.S. team fell victim to the man-up Italians, tiring as the second half wore on. Clark's absence in the middle opened up spaces that the Italian midfield exploited, leading to both of Italy's first two goals.

Italy beaten by Brazil 3-0 in Confederations Cup

Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro (L) fights for the ball with Brazilian midfielder Kaka during their FIFA Confederations Cup football match at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Brazil sliced Italy apart with three goals in a devastating eight-minute spell to send the world champions crashing out of the Confederations Cup.(AFP)

Brazil's Fabiano stops the ball during a Group B match at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Pretoria, South Africa, June 21, 2009. Brazil won the match 3-0. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Brazil's Maicon (R) vies with Italy's Mauro Camoranesi during a Group B match at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Pretoria, South Africa, June 21, 2009. Brazil won the match 3-0. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)

PRETORIA, June 21 (Xinhua) -- South American champions Brazil denied Italy's chance to march into the semi-final of the FIFA Confederations Cup on Sunday by thumping the World Cup winners 3-0 in their final group match.

In the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, Brazil repeated their habit of beating Italy just as before when Selecao Brasileira (Brazilian Selection) won their two FIFA World Cup final fuels in 1970 and 1994.

Compared with the Azzurri whose defense seemed porous from the outset, Brazil produced a stunning display of their prowess by enjoying better possession of the ball in the first half.

Their blitz of less than 10 minutes was spurred by Luis Fabiano in the 37th minute. The Sevilla striker intercepted a low shot from Maicon on the left and slided the ball into the bottom corner.

Fabiano's second chance came six minutes later.

He slot the ball home at the far post after an excellent build-up from Robinho and Kaka.

The third goal was a mistake by Italian defender Andrea Dossena who put the ball past his own goalkeeper when trying to cut out a cross.

The three scores put Brazil in a firm control of the match before the interval, and enabled Italy to walk on a tightrope to go back home.

Althouth the Azzurri recovered a little in the second half, their efforts to score were all foiled by the saves of Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar in time.

Before the fuel with Brazil, Italy had three points, the same as Egypt who had a match against the United States on Sunday in Rustenburg.

The Azzurri's hope to sail into the next stage became slimmer after their 1-0 defeat by African champions Egypt in the South African economic hub of Johannesburg on Thursday.

It was also a new record in African football history as Italy had never lost to an African team, despite more than a dozen of attempts from the football cradle continent.

Brazil will face the challenge of hosts South Africa in Johannesburg on Thursday in the semi-final of the intercontinental tournament.

Vegetable harvest at White House

First lady Michelle Obama harvests vegetables with fifth graders from Bancroft Elementary School in the First Lady's Garden that they planted in the garden on the South Lawn of The White House in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2009.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

First lady Michelle Obama eats with fifth graders from Bancroft Elementary School in the First Lady's Garden after they harvested some of the vegetables that they planted in a garden on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2009.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

First lady Michelle Obama harvests vegetables with fifth graders from Bancroft Elementary School in the First Lady's Garden that they planted in the garden on the South Lawn of The White House in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2009.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

First lady Michelle Obama eats a pea with fifth graders from Bancroft Elementary School in the First Lady's Garden after they harvested some of the vegetables that they planted in a garden on the South Lawn of The White House in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

U.S. first lady Michelle Obama welcomes students from Bancroft Elementary School to harvest vegetables from her garden at the White House in Washington June 16, 2009. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst (UNITED STATES POLITICS EDUCATION SOCIETY)

First lady Michelle Obama harvests vegetables with fifth graders from Bancroft Elementary School in the First Lady's Garden that they planted in the garden on the South Lawn of The White House in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2009.

German Misses in bikinis pose for TV show

German Misses pose on June 12, 2009 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The misses will be attending a German television show 'Wetten dass...?' (German for "Wanna Bet..?") summer edition. [CFP]

German Misses pose on June 12, 2009 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The misses will be attending a German television show 'Wetten dass...?' (German for "Wanna Bet..?") summer edition. [CFP]

German Misses pose on June 12, 2009 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The misses will be attending a German television show 'Wetten dass...?' (German for "Wanna Bet..?") summer edition.

Elbegdorj sworn in as Mongolia's president

Mongolian President-elect Tsakhia Elbegdorj (L) receives the presidential seal from the outgoing President Nambaryn Enkhbayar during the inauguration ceremony in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, on June 18, 2009. Tsakhia Elbegdorj was sworn in as Mongolia's President here on Thursday after winning the May 24 election with 51.21 percent of the vote. (Xinhua/Hao Lifeng)

Mongolian President-elect Tsakhia Elbegdorj (L) shakes hands with the outgoing President Nambaryn Enkhbayar during the inauguration ceremony in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, on June 18, 2009. (Xinhua/Hao Lifeng)

Mongolian President-elect Tsakhia Elbegdorj (C) attends the inauguration ceremony in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, on June 18, 2009. (Xinhua/Hao Lifeng)

Mongolia's President Tsakhia Elbegdorj (L, top) reviews the army after the inauguration ceremony in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, on June 18, 2009. (Xinhua/Hao Lifeng)

Mongolian President-elect Tsakhia Elbegdorj (front) takes an oath during the inauguration ceremony in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, on June 18, 2009. (Xinhua/Hao Lifeng)

ULAN BATOR, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian President-elect Tsakhia Elbegdorj took the oath of office on Thursday.

In an inaugural speech, Elbegdorj, a two-time former prime minister, called for national unity and vowed to fight corruption to the end.

He also pledged efforts to improve the people’standard of living.

On Mongolia's foreign policy, he said his government will give priority to boosting friendly relations with the two neighboring countries -- China and Russia.

Jiang Shusheng, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), attend the inauguration as special envoy of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Elbegdorj, a member of the second largest party Democratic Party, will serve a four-year term after winning the May 24 election with 51.21 percent of the vote.

Pro-reform marchers fill Tehran streets

2009-06-15 14:00:12 GMT2009-06-15 22:00:12 (Beijing Time)  SINA.com

Protestors set fires in a main street in Tehran, Iran in the early hours of Monday, June 15, 2009. (Photo/AP)

A protestor burns trash in the north of Tehran, Iran in the early hours of Monday, June 15, 2009, in protest of the results of the Iran election.(Photo/AP)

TEHRAN, Iran – Tens of thousands of supporters of pro-reform leader Mir Hossein Mousavi are streaming through the center of Tehran in a boisterous protest against election results that declared President Mamoud Ahmadinejad the winner.

The crowd — many wearing the trademark green color of Mousavi's campaign — was headed toward the capital's huge Freedom Square in the largest display of opposition unity since Friday's elections ended with Mousavi claiming widespread fraud.

There was no sign of violence or challenges from security forces. Anti-riot stood by with their helmets off and shields at their sides. '

The march Monday came hours of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ordering an examination into Mousavi's claims of vote rigging. But it was unclear how the investigation will proceed.

DC trains collide, killing 4 and wounding scores

2009-06-23 00:29:21 GMT2009-06-23 08:29:21 (Beijing Time)  SINA.com

District of Columbia Fire and Emergency workers at the site of a rush-hour collision between two Metro transit trains in northeast Washington, D.C. Monday, June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

District of Columbia Fire and Emergency workers at the site of a rush-hour collision between two Metro transit trains in northeast Washington, D.C. Monday, June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

One Metro transit train smashed into the rear of another at the height of the capital city's Monday evening rush hour, killing at least four people and injuring scores of others as cars of the trailing train jackknifed violently into the air and fell atop the first.

Cars of both trains were ripped open and smashed together, and District of Columbia fire spokesman Alan Etter said crews had to cut some people out of what he described as a "mass casualty event." Rescue workers propped steel ladders up to the upper train cars to help survivors escape. Seats from the smashed cars had spilled out onto the track.

D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty said four were dead. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin said rescue workers treated 70 people at the scene and sent some of them to local hospitals, two with life-threatening injuries. A Metro official said the dead included the female operator of the trailing train. Her name was not immediately released.

The crash around 5 p.m. EDT took place on the system's red line, Metro's busiest, which runs below ground for much of its length but is at ground level at the accident site near the Maryland border in northeast Washington.

Metro chief John Catoe said the first train was stopped on the tracks, waiting for another to clear the station ahead, when the trailing train plowed into it from behind. Each train had six cars and was capable of holding as many as 1,200 people.

Officials had no explanation for the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board took charge of the investigation and sent a team to the site of the worst accident in the Metro system's 33-year history.

More than 200 firefighters from D.C., Maryland and Virginia eventually converged on the scene. Sabrina Webber, a 45-year-old Real estate agent who lives in the neighborhood, said the first rescuers to arrive had to use the "jaws of life" to pry open a wire fence along rail line to get to the train.

Webber raced to the scene after hearing a loud boom like a "thunder crash" and then sirens. She said there was no panic among the survivors.

Passenger Jodie Wickett, a nurse, told CNN she was seated on one train, sending text messages on her phone, when she felt the impact. She said she sent a message to someone that it felt like the train had hit a bump.

"From that point on, it happened so fast, I flew out of the seat and hit my head." Wickett said she stayed at the scene and tried to help. She said "people are just in very bad shape."

"The people that were hurt, the ones that could speak, were calling back as we called out to them," she said. "Lots of people were upset and crying, but there were no screams."

One man said he was riding a bicycle across a bridge over the Metro tracks when the sound of the collision got his attention.

"I didn't see any panic," Barry Student said. "The whole situation was so surreal."

Homeland Security Department spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said less than two hours after the crash that federal authorities had no indication of any terrorism connection.

"I don't know the reason for this accident," Metro's Catoe said. "I would still say the system is safe, but we've had an incident."

The only other time in Metrorail's 33-year history that there were passenger fatalities was on Jan. 13, 1982, when three people died as a result of a derailment underneath downtown. That was a day of disaster in the capital — shortly before the subway crash, an Air Florida plane slammed into the 14th Street Bridge immediately after takeoff in a severe snowstorm from Washington National Airport across the Potomac River. The plane crash killed 78 people.

Bears roam in Romanian town

2009-06-16 06:03:49 GMT2009-06-16 14:03:49 (Beijing Time)  China Daily

A brown bear and her cub play on the road on the outskirts of Sinaia, 140 km (87 miles) north of Bucharest, June 15, 2009. [Agencies]

A gendarme distracts the attention of a brown bear and her cub from a tourist vehicle on the road in the outskirts of Sinaia, 140 km north of Bucharest, June 15, 2009. [Agencies]

A brown bear cub plays on the road in the outskirts of Sinaia, 140 km north of Bucharest, June 15, 2009. [Agencies]

A brown bear is measured after being shot with a tranquiliser on the outskirts of Sinaia, 140 km (87 miles) north of Bucharest, June 15, 2009. [Agencies]

Members of the Forestry Institute measure the teeth of a brown bear after it was captured in the outskirts of Sinaia, 140 km north of Bucharest, June 15, 2009. [Agencies]

Local authorities and members of the Forestry Institute started an operation to capture and relocate about 25 bears after many started to roam in the town in search of food. With half of Europe's brown bears - roughly 6,000 - living in the Carpathians mountains, environmentalists and authorities are struggling to keep the wild animals and residents in mountain towns safe from each other.