Welcome

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Split: Brian McFadden and Delta Goodrem have announced their separation


They got together in 2007 and the couple became engaged later that year but after four years together Delta Goodrem and Brian McFadden have called time on their relationship.

The former Westlife member and Australian singer issued a joint statement and said the decision to break up was mutual and amicable.

McFadden, who moved to Australia to be with Delta, took to Twitter to thank his former fiancée for their time together.

Brian posted: ‘I love Delta and always will. She is one of God's living angels. I thank her for giving me the best years of my life. Please give us time x’


Moving tribute: The former Westlife singer took to Twitter to pay tribute to Delta


‘Delta Goodrem and Brian McFadden regretfully announce that they are no longer engaged, and after much consideration, have mutually decided to end their relationship,’ their joint statement read.

‘This decision has been made with a lot of soul searching from both parties with the realisation that they have grown apart.

'They leave the partnership with respect for one and other, wishing each other success and happiness for the future.’


Feeling the strain: Last week Delta was seen looking uncharacteristically dishevelled and Brian jetted into Perth ahead of Australia's Got Talent auditions


Brian, 30, and Delta, 26, met in 2004 when he asked her to duet with him on the song Almost Here.

At the time McFadden was still married to reality TV star Kerry Katona, the mother of his two children, although they had separated and the song was about their break up.

The pair have spent increasing amounts of time apart since selling the house they shared together in Sydney last year.


Musical meeting: Brian met Delta when they teamed up to duet on the song Almost Here in 2004


While Brian has been spending most of his time in Australia, Delta has been based in L.A. writing and recording her fourth album.

The former Westlife star has carved out a successful TV career Down Under with his latest role being a judge on Australia’s Got Talent.

While the couple have been leading increasingly separate lives Brian published a gushing message to Delta on his Twitter page.

He said: 'Happy valentine to the most beautiful thing to ever arrive on this planet. My angel, my soul mate, my best friend, my life. @delta_goodrem x'

The Aussie singer failed to reply on Twitter to the public message and has as yet not commented on the split via the social networking site.


Not so amicable: While Brian has gushed about Delta following their split his feelings forwards ex-wife Kerry Katona following their divorce have not been amicable


source: dailymail

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Split: Brian McFadden and Delta Goodrem have announced their separation


They got together in 2007 and the couple became engaged later that year but after four years together Delta Goodrem and Brian McFadden have called time on their relationship.

The former Westlife member and Australian singer issued a joint statement and said the decision to break up was mutual and amicable.

McFadden, who moved to Australia to be with Delta, took to Twitter to thank his former fiancée for their time together.

Brian posted: ‘I love Delta and always will. She is one of God's living angels. I thank her for giving me the best years of my life. Please give us time x’


Moving tribute: The former Westlife singer took to Twitter to pay tribute to Delta


‘Delta Goodrem and Brian McFadden regretfully announce that they are no longer engaged, and after much consideration, have mutually decided to end their relationship,’ their joint statement read.

‘This decision has been made with a lot of soul searching from both parties with the realisation that they have grown apart.

'They leave the partnership with respect for one and other, wishing each other success and happiness for the future.’


Feeling the strain: Last week Delta was seen looking uncharacteristically dishevelled and Brian jetted into Perth ahead of Australia's Got Talent auditions


Brian, 30, and Delta, 26, met in 2004 when he asked her to duet with him on the song Almost Here.

At the time McFadden was still married to reality TV star Kerry Katona, the mother of his two children, although they had separated and the song was about their break up.

The pair have spent increasing amounts of time apart since selling the house they shared together in Sydney last year.


Musical meeting: Brian met Delta when they teamed up to duet on the song Almost Here in 2004


While Brian has been spending most of his time in Australia, Delta has been based in L.A. writing and recording her fourth album.

The former Westlife star has carved out a successful TV career Down Under with his latest role being a judge on Australia’s Got Talent.

While the couple have been leading increasingly separate lives Brian published a gushing message to Delta on his Twitter page.

He said: 'Happy valentine to the most beautiful thing to ever arrive on this planet. My angel, my soul mate, my best friend, my life. @delta_goodrem x'

The Aussie singer failed to reply on Twitter to the public message and has as yet not commented on the split via the social networking site.


Not so amicable: While Brian has gushed about Delta following their split his feelings forwards ex-wife Kerry Katona following their divorce have not been amicable


source: dailymail

By EMILY PAYNE

Making tracks: Emily settles in to her first dog-sledding experience


Howling reaches fever pitch as the dogs sense lift-off. Nervously, I mount my sled.

Four gallant Alaskan huskies are strapped in up ahead. They are a cross between Siberian husky, pointer and greyhound, and they can reach speeds of 20km per hour.

Currently, they are yelping and leaping frantically, all wild eyes and wagging tails. I quietly hope that they will be more sedate once I let off the brake. As another howl comes from up the front, I realise that this is unlikely.


Paws for thought: Dogsledding Norway's dogs are an enthusiastic mix of husky, pointer and greyhound


I have never skied and the last time I moved rapidly through snow was as a child, sliding on a makeshift toboggan, before toppling off in front of my class. It is safe to say that I am not a natural-born athlete. And as for dogs, I have yet to go doe-eyed when presented with one. So why, I ask myself, am I doing this?

All around me, the landscape is a flat, sparse, white. I am in Rondablikk, on the edge of Norway’s first National Park, Rondane – a pristine expanse in the south-east of this long, winter-bound country. Its high mountain plateau, vast icy lakes and frosted meadows make it perfect for winter adventure. The snow is clean, and thick – a different beast to its inferior, sludgy equivalent in Britain – a gift from nature that is almost embraced. Certainly, the Norwegians find it as natural to ski as to walk. I’m hoping – but not expecting – that by the end of my trip, I will feel the same.


The white stuff: Rondablikk, in south-eastern Norway, offers endless terrain for dog-sledding


Our guides – Live Aasheim, a Norwegian dog-sled race champion, and her Scottish-born colleague Greg McColm – take no nonsense.

“This is not a McDonalds dog sledding trip,” Live says. “You will harness your own dogs and get involved with the whole process from start to finish. They will not hurt you, unless you hurt them.” Again, I wonder why, exactly, I am here.

There’s a hot stench of hound as we’re handed the harnesses. My team of dogs includes Sinatra, a striking white fellow with opal blue eyes. “We call him the son of the devil,” says Live. Greg tells me that I need to show these pooches who is boss. Silently, I think to myself that the dogs already know who the boss is. And it isn’t me. For starters, they don’t seem to know – or won’t acknowledge – the command for stop. Luckily, there is a plastic mat that can be thrown to the snow to slow them – or, as a last resort, a metal brake. Live is unconcerned. “I don’t have time to teach 40 dogs to respond to someone shouting ‘stop’,” she says.


Husky dog sledding in Norway


I usually cower from canines, preferring the indoorsy softness of cats. But for all the barking and howling, I soon realise that I am finding this particular set of dogs strangely endearing. Having to greet your team and coerce them into a harness is not easy. But the dogs have such varying personality: there are lazy ones, who lie on their backs when you so much as gesture towards them; wild, strong beasts who don’t take yes for an answer; loyal creatures eager to behave.

The tension builds as we prepare to leave. Hooting and screaming continues as each dog is attached to a sled. I am near the back of the group. Greg, the stern taskmaster is behind me. And then… we’re off. Immediately, as the sled in front lurches forward, my brain misplaces the instructions about braking and steering.

While the others whizz off stylishly, I keep my foot slightly on the brake, making my exit all stunted jolts. “Wheeeeee” I yell, unable to behave like anything but a small child. A burst into movement, and we push into the forest, winding through the trees. I try to anticipate when to brake and when to lean, so the sled won’t upturn.

The power in every limb of these creatures becomes clear as I lift my feet completely off the brake, and they pound the snow, pulling ever faster.


Crafty canines: Dog-sledding can offer an insight into truly wild terrain


“In Norway we have a lot of trolls,” she explains. “There are good trolls, and nasty trolls, and they come out at night. But the worst sort is the water trolls. They prey on tourists, pulling them through the snow to their underground lairs.”

She pauses for effect. But I am unfazed. After coming through my first attempts at dog-sledding and skiing unscathed, I fancy my chances against any troll.


Travel Facts

Exodus (0845 527 4364; www.exodus.co.uk) offers eight-day winter sports breaks in Rondablikk from £1,499 per person, including flights, transfers, most meals – and activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog-sledding. Departures available in March and December.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) (0871 521 2772, www.flysas.co.uk) flies daily from Heathrow to Oslo for £225 return.

Dogsledding Norway (0047-41-853-733; www.dogsledding-norway.com) does half-day trips for 700 Norwegian Kroner (£78).

source: dailymail

By EMILY PAYNE

Making tracks: Emily settles in to her first dog-sledding experience


Howling reaches fever pitch as the dogs sense lift-off. Nervously, I mount my sled.

Four gallant Alaskan huskies are strapped in up ahead. They are a cross between Siberian husky, pointer and greyhound, and they can reach speeds of 20km per hour.

Currently, they are yelping and leaping frantically, all wild eyes and wagging tails. I quietly hope that they will be more sedate once I let off the brake. As another howl comes from up the front, I realise that this is unlikely.


Paws for thought: Dogsledding Norway's dogs are an enthusiastic mix of husky, pointer and greyhound


I have never skied and the last time I moved rapidly through snow was as a child, sliding on a makeshift toboggan, before toppling off in front of my class. It is safe to say that I am not a natural-born athlete. And as for dogs, I have yet to go doe-eyed when presented with one. So why, I ask myself, am I doing this?

All around me, the landscape is a flat, sparse, white. I am in Rondablikk, on the edge of Norway’s first National Park, Rondane – a pristine expanse in the south-east of this long, winter-bound country. Its high mountain plateau, vast icy lakes and frosted meadows make it perfect for winter adventure. The snow is clean, and thick – a different beast to its inferior, sludgy equivalent in Britain – a gift from nature that is almost embraced. Certainly, the Norwegians find it as natural to ski as to walk. I’m hoping – but not expecting – that by the end of my trip, I will feel the same.


The white stuff: Rondablikk, in south-eastern Norway, offers endless terrain for dog-sledding


Our guides – Live Aasheim, a Norwegian dog-sled race champion, and her Scottish-born colleague Greg McColm – take no nonsense.

“This is not a McDonalds dog sledding trip,” Live says. “You will harness your own dogs and get involved with the whole process from start to finish. They will not hurt you, unless you hurt them.” Again, I wonder why, exactly, I am here.

There’s a hot stench of hound as we’re handed the harnesses. My team of dogs includes Sinatra, a striking white fellow with opal blue eyes. “We call him the son of the devil,” says Live. Greg tells me that I need to show these pooches who is boss. Silently, I think to myself that the dogs already know who the boss is. And it isn’t me. For starters, they don’t seem to know – or won’t acknowledge – the command for stop. Luckily, there is a plastic mat that can be thrown to the snow to slow them – or, as a last resort, a metal brake. Live is unconcerned. “I don’t have time to teach 40 dogs to respond to someone shouting ‘stop’,” she says.


Husky dog sledding in Norway


I usually cower from canines, preferring the indoorsy softness of cats. But for all the barking and howling, I soon realise that I am finding this particular set of dogs strangely endearing. Having to greet your team and coerce them into a harness is not easy. But the dogs have such varying personality: there are lazy ones, who lie on their backs when you so much as gesture towards them; wild, strong beasts who don’t take yes for an answer; loyal creatures eager to behave.

The tension builds as we prepare to leave. Hooting and screaming continues as each dog is attached to a sled. I am near the back of the group. Greg, the stern taskmaster is behind me. And then… we’re off. Immediately, as the sled in front lurches forward, my brain misplaces the instructions about braking and steering.

While the others whizz off stylishly, I keep my foot slightly on the brake, making my exit all stunted jolts. “Wheeeeee” I yell, unable to behave like anything but a small child. A burst into movement, and we push into the forest, winding through the trees. I try to anticipate when to brake and when to lean, so the sled won’t upturn.

The power in every limb of these creatures becomes clear as I lift my feet completely off the brake, and they pound the snow, pulling ever faster.


Crafty canines: Dog-sledding can offer an insight into truly wild terrain


“In Norway we have a lot of trolls,” she explains. “There are good trolls, and nasty trolls, and they come out at night. But the worst sort is the water trolls. They prey on tourists, pulling them through the snow to their underground lairs.”

She pauses for effect. But I am unfazed. After coming through my first attempts at dog-sledding and skiing unscathed, I fancy my chances against any troll.


Travel Facts

Exodus (0845 527 4364; www.exodus.co.uk) offers eight-day winter sports breaks in Rondablikk from £1,499 per person, including flights, transfers, most meals – and activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog-sledding. Departures available in March and December.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) (0871 521 2772, www.flysas.co.uk) flies daily from Heathrow to Oslo for £225 return.

Dogsledding Norway (0047-41-853-733; www.dogsledding-norway.com) does half-day trips for 700 Norwegian Kroner (£78).

source: dailymail

Two giant pandas, female Xiannu, left, and male Bili are seen at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo Friday, April 1, 2011 as the pair from China made their debut appearance. The pair, which the Tokyo metropolitan government is renting for $950,000 a year, was first supposed to debut for the public in late March following health checks and other procedures, but the event was canceled due to the March 11th quake and tsunami that led to the immediate closure of the zoo. JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT.




A woman wearing a head accessory depicting a giant panda waits for Ueno Zoological Park to open to see the first public appearance of female giant panda Xiannu, named Shin Shin in Japan, and male panda Bili, named Ri Ri in Japan, in Tokyo April 1, 2011. Xiannu and Bili, both five years old, who arrived from China's Sichuan province in February, were shown to the public at Ueno on Friday, marking the first viewing of pandas in Japan in three years. The appearance of the two giant pandas coincides with the reopening of the zoo from a temporary closure, following the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan, Kyodo news reports.



Thousands people queue up to see a pair of giant pandas under cherry blossoms outside of Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.




A woman waits for Ueno Zoological Park to open to see the first public appearance of female giant panda Xiannu, named Shin Shin in Japan, and male panda, Bili, named Ri Ri in Japan, in Tokyo April 1, 2011. Xiannu and Bili, both five years old, who arrived from China's Sichuan province in February, were shown to the public at Ueno on Friday, marking the first viewing of pandas in Japan in three years. The appearance of the two giant pandas coincides with the reopening of the zoo from a temporary closure, following the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan, Kyodo news reports.




Female giant panda Shin Shin eats bamboo at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.




People queue up to see a pair of giant pandas at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.



A girl buys a panda doll at a souvenir shop near Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.



Female giant panda Xiannu, named Shin Shin in Japan, eats bamboo at Ueno Zoological Park in Tokyo April 1, 2011, on the first day of its public appearance together with male panda, Bili, named Ri Ri in Japan. Xiannu and Bili, both five years old and who arrived from China's Sichuan province in February, were shown to the public at Ueno on Friday, marking the first viewing of pandas in Japan in three years. The appearance of the two giant pandas coincided with the reopening of the zoo from a temporary closure, following the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan, Kyodo news reports.



A girl holds a panda plush toy as she joins a crowd of people waiting for the opening of Ueno Zoological Park in Tokyo April 1, 2011.



A boy looks at a giant female panda Shin Shin eating bamboo at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.



A giant female panda Shin Shin eats bamboo at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.


source: daylife
photo: Gettyimages

Two giant pandas, female Xiannu, left, and male Bili are seen at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo Friday, April 1, 2011 as the pair from China made their debut appearance. The pair, which the Tokyo metropolitan government is renting for $950,000 a year, was first supposed to debut for the public in late March following health checks and other procedures, but the event was canceled due to the March 11th quake and tsunami that led to the immediate closure of the zoo. JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT.




A woman wearing a head accessory depicting a giant panda waits for Ueno Zoological Park to open to see the first public appearance of female giant panda Xiannu, named Shin Shin in Japan, and male panda Bili, named Ri Ri in Japan, in Tokyo April 1, 2011. Xiannu and Bili, both five years old, who arrived from China's Sichuan province in February, were shown to the public at Ueno on Friday, marking the first viewing of pandas in Japan in three years. The appearance of the two giant pandas coincides with the reopening of the zoo from a temporary closure, following the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan, Kyodo news reports.



Thousands people queue up to see a pair of giant pandas under cherry blossoms outside of Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.




A woman waits for Ueno Zoological Park to open to see the first public appearance of female giant panda Xiannu, named Shin Shin in Japan, and male panda, Bili, named Ri Ri in Japan, in Tokyo April 1, 2011. Xiannu and Bili, both five years old, who arrived from China's Sichuan province in February, were shown to the public at Ueno on Friday, marking the first viewing of pandas in Japan in three years. The appearance of the two giant pandas coincides with the reopening of the zoo from a temporary closure, following the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan, Kyodo news reports.




Female giant panda Shin Shin eats bamboo at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.




People queue up to see a pair of giant pandas at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.



A girl buys a panda doll at a souvenir shop near Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.



Female giant panda Xiannu, named Shin Shin in Japan, eats bamboo at Ueno Zoological Park in Tokyo April 1, 2011, on the first day of its public appearance together with male panda, Bili, named Ri Ri in Japan. Xiannu and Bili, both five years old and who arrived from China's Sichuan province in February, were shown to the public at Ueno on Friday, marking the first viewing of pandas in Japan in three years. The appearance of the two giant pandas coincided with the reopening of the zoo from a temporary closure, following the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan, Kyodo news reports.



A girl holds a panda plush toy as she joins a crowd of people waiting for the opening of Ueno Zoological Park in Tokyo April 1, 2011.



A boy looks at a giant female panda Shin Shin eating bamboo at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.



A giant female panda Shin Shin eats bamboo at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo on April 1, 2011. A pair of pandas, leased from China, arrived at Ueno Zoo on February 21, and are now displayed to the public after the zoo closed following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.


source: daylife
photo: Gettyimages

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Just us two: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie went for a romantic weekend to the Amangiri Resort in Utah last week for some 'downtime' without their six children


As parents of six children it must be hard to get some alone time with youngsters running around the house all day.

But love birds Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie made it their mission, albeit a short one, to spend some quality time together at the luxurious Amangiri resort in Utah.

The A-List couple went to the Lake Powell getaway last weekend for a 27-hour escape last weekend.

'Brad said he was enjoying a little mommy and daddy time', a source told Us Weekly.
The 47-year-old actor jetted in from New Orleans where he's currently filming Cogan's Trade.

He met his 35-year-old partner there where they checked in at 2pm surrounded by the desert and mountains.


'Mommy and daddy time': The couple enjoyed a night in one of the resort's luxury suites which has amazing views of the desert


A-List getaway: The Lake Powell resort offers exclusive suites at $3,300 a night


The duo enjoyed a night in one of the resort's luxury suites which has amazing views looking out into the western plains.

They then reportedly flew their private plane over Lake Powell the following morning.
Suites at the resort feature a full-service spa, yoga and floatation pavilions, a fitness center and beauty salon.

Brad and Angelina would have dropped anywhere from $3,300 for the exclusive suite.


Everything at their finger-tips: Suites at the resort feature a full-service spa, floatation pavilions and a beauty salon


A source revealed that the couple of five years, 'Liked the downtime'.

Jolie brought their children to New Orleans to visit their father on set.

Maddox, nine, Pax, seven, Zahara, six, Shiloh, four, and two-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne jetted into the Big Easy for the low-key visit.


Family time: Maddox, nine, Pax, seven, Zahara, six, Shiloh, four, and two-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne jetted into the Big Easy last week to visit Brad while he's filming there


Brad and Angelina have previously stated that they schedule their filming concurrently so that at least one of them are always with the children.

'Brad and Angie have a truly loving, caring, romantic relationship', a friend told Us Weekly recently.

'They try to make it possible to be together as much as possible, no matter how tight their schedules are. That's what makes them so successful in love.


source: dailymail