Certainly interesting watching the news reports. I am not a fan of NOW but I feel sorry for the regular staff of the paper. I don't believe for a minute Rekekah Brookes didn't know what was going on, I mean, c'mon, she must have wondered why vast sums of money were being paid. She should have gone. I hope Murdoch doesn't get his BskyB deal.

She will go Sue. And she'll not be the last. This is going to be far reaching, and apparently other newspapers aren't lily white either:-(

Yeah, her days must be numbered. Remember Robbie Collin's film reviewer whom hardly every had a good word to say regarding Colin's performances over the years, with TKS being the exception. Anyway, Robbie works for NOW, some of his tweets since the closure have been quite amusing. https://twitter.com/#!/robbiereviews

or rather rather, Robbie worked for NOW ;-)

They're Here! http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ROYAL_TOUR_CALIFORNIA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-07-08-19-28-44 I hope they give her a meal.

She is incredibly thin-similar to Diana shortly after her marriage to Charles. Let's hope she hasn't lost weight for same reason:-(

Oh look! Colin attended the FAFTA LA bash last night: Have gone through a number of pics from a Yahoo slideshow and most of the women celebs were very conservative in their choice of dresses in terms of skin and cleavage. Getty's gallery: http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=118785228&EditorialProduct=Royalty

Oh thanks , Boss. Wonderful pictures. Lots of nice surpises...Stephane Fry, I just saw GuGu in "Larry Crowne" (pardon the expression;-) Rita wilson's gown...vintage? She looks vintage in it. Love the pic of the Duke and Duchess working the crowd. What is that red & orange thing over Delaney's shoulder? A socker scarf? Jennifer Lopez always a stand-out But the prettiest one of the bunch is the Duchess of Cambridge.

I thought Blake Lively and Maria Bello looked stunning. Most great really, except J-Lo. Not that appropriate with that cutout dress. It wasn't the Grammy's.

Kate must have been wearing v. high heels-she looks around the same height as William, and he's around 6'4".

BTW, Nicole Kidman's posture is awful in these pics:-(

I want to say I read they were platform Jimmy Choo's that made her that much taller.

Did you see the headshot of Stephen Fry? He looks awful! J-Lo brought her mother. ;-) But I agree, the cutout dress wasn't very appropriate. One-shouldered with midriff covered would've been better. At the Grammys that would be considered 'conservative'. Rita's dress looks matronly, but I'd choose that over va-va-vooomy, as she wore to Obama's dinner at the Ambassador's home. Nicole Kidman's posture is probably so bad because she always has to bend down to people. ;-) With her high heels, she's taller than William (and hence Kate). Dress does nothing for her. Judd Apatow's wife Leslie Mann looks fab, as does Zooey Deschanel, Maria Bello, Other horrible ones were Kristin Chenoweth and Cat Deeley, who has shown she can wear anything and make it look gorgeous on So You Think You Can Dance twice a week, EXCEPT the dress she wore last night. Chenoweth is so petite and that dress made her look chunky! But for the What Was She Thinking Award, it would have to go to Dana Delaney:

Janet, I thought the same, but didn't want to be critical. Happens with those v. tall girls. They have to stoop over to talk to we shorties. She is too beautiful to get round-shouldered so early. I doubt if J Lo has anything "appropriate". LOL I still think she's a knock-out .

Anyone recognize this dress? I have no idea who Katie Sole is but she removed the 'dickey' I agree with all of the comments so far. J-Lo ugh.

LOL! She didn't remove the dickey (unless she bought the dress from one of the charity auctions the Style Icon donated her GCC dreck to. BTW, do you think the Hanks are on a first-name basis with the Royal Family? They're like at every dinner. Wonder if they could be classified as stalkers. ;-)

Looked her up. Katie Sole is a producer of reality TV (Housewives of NYC, Supernanny and It's Me or the Dog).

(Pariah) do you think the Hanks are on a first-name basis with the Royal Family? They're like at every dinner I had the same thought! What's the count? Three or four times since mid-May? LOL no wonder I never heard of her. I have never watched any of those shows and probably would not know the producer's name even if I did (watch).

(Evelyn) What is that red & orange thing over Delaney's shoulder? A socker scarf? Tigger's tail. ;-)

(Karen) Did you see the headshot of Stephen Fry? He looks awful! I thought so, too. Looks like he gained quite a bit of weight back. And long hair does nothing for him.

Watching highlights of the Phone Hacking select committee. Both Murdoch's are in the hot seat. Murdoch is struggling with the probing questions. Have you watched it Janet? RM was also physically attacked by an intruder. Compelling stuff.

and if they ever make a film of this, Geoff Rush would make a dead ringer for RM.

Sue, I watched it live. Four hours in total I think. I was just thinking that the whole debacle would make a great film, and I'm sure a great deal more has still to come out. One of the whistleblowers has been found dead. No suggestion it was other than drink/drugs problems, but it just adds to the intrigue. Can't believe that idiot disturbed the proceedings. The security was simply awful, and could have had a far worse outcome.

Isn't the guy that was found dead, the one Hugh Grant interviewed?

Re:the guy who died. Apparently he had a drink/drug problem, but the timing of his death is rather, curious. Is it just me or does anyone else think the security lapse with the pie throwing protestor was rather odd. How the hell can it not be noticed someone quirting aftershave onto a plate moving from thier 4th row seat into position to spalt RM. Something isnt right with that picture.

HG interviewee was Paul McMullan. Unbelievable security lapse, esp. given the ongoing threat of terrorist attacks.

Janet, PM's question time is pretty interesting. Tom Watson is a force to be reckoned with, good for him.

I'm sorry I couldn't watch any of it. Periodically checking into my Twitter feed definitely made it sound really interesting. And that was before the pie throwing and left hook by Wendy. The pie guy is apparently some comedian. Sounds like his girlfriend wasn't amused. She broke up with him by Twitter after telling him it wasn't funny (in a terse, but amusing manner).

Dreadful news about the bombing and shooting in Norway. The gunman opened fire at a youth camp, and shot the poor kids as they tried to flee, some shot as they swam away. Absolutely sickening.

The piece of scum has murdered at least 30 14-18 year olds. Brave guy!

Oh My! I knew there was the bombing in Oslo but didn't realise about the shooting until just now. Absolutely horrific for those poor kids and their families. Have they caught the gunman, Janet?

Absolutely horrible! Can you imagine those terrorists planning this and gloating happily at the loss of innocent lives? I abhor them. Down with Islam!

They have captured the lone gunman. The island looks tiny, and there were around 500 youths at the summer camp. I can't begin to think how the poor kids must have felt, knowing they were trapped on the island.

Moon, although it's pretty obvious that Islamic extremists have carried out the atrocities, oui can't blame every Muslim, any more than oui could blame every Catholic for the murders in Northern Ireland and England. Or, of course, Protestants for murders in the Catholic community.

A murderer is a murderer and religion is not an excuse.

Exactly. Sadly, I fear that there is no likelihood of ridding the world of these extremists in our lifetime.

Initial reports said the gunman was tall. blond and Nordic looking, Official statement says he is Norwegian, Probably an Islamic convert:-(

(Moon) Down with Islam! The guy was a Christian fundamentalist. Ironic, ain't it? ;-)

True. I should have waited for all the info. Still, it is no secret the way I feel about Islam and it's distorted followers. Last night I watched Of Gods and Men. The news is still developing in Oslo. There is no place safe on Earth. :-(

(Moon) Islam and it's distorted followers And clearly distorted followers are not limited to Islamists.

Not all followers of Islam are extremists. Many abhor the atrocities carried out in the name of Allah. Right wing extremists have been responsible for atrocities in various parts of the world, Oklahoma City is an horrific example.

(Janet) Many abhor the atrocities carried out in the name of Allah. Unfortunately, what some critics of Islam/Islamists say is that because the moderate/pacifist members could be considered complicit (or just in the same league) simply for not being more speaking out more vociferously against the extremists and their violence. One of my friends here has that point of view. (She's also a wingnut -to my recent realization- and watches FOX News regularly and believes they tell the whole truth..etc. ;=))

I really should proofread (or proofread better) when I make edits before posting. :-/

Sorry, and when I say one of my friends "here," I mean in NY.

After such a depressing 24 hours, I saw a truly wonderful heart-warming sight this afternoon. A young girl pushing her doll in a buggy(stroller). Nothing unusual in that. She was being pushed in her wheelchair by her Grandad. The buggy kept going off to the side, and he kept putting it back on course;-)) I shed a tear.

Sorry, the winkie should have been :-))

I know what your saying Dorine, and I agree to a extent, However, many probably don't speak out for fear of reprisals. I now this was the case in Northern Ireland during the 'Troubles'. Some people there were forced to take part or face the consequences. A relative of a friend of mine was ordered to deliver explosives. He refused and they threatened to kneecap him. He went ahead, was caught, imprisoned, and branded a terrorist.

Sleep Apnea clinic, yes, I could see him going solo for that. Dorine, would one normally stay more than one night, if the Doctor's felt it medically necessary?

Ops! sorry, wrong topic

(Janet) However, many probably don't speak out for fear of reprisals. Exactly. And I can't blame them to some extent, but I can't be completely unsympathetic to the view that it doesn't help if they don't speak up. Peer pressure can be useful, but the reaction from those criticized can be highly extreme. It's a catch-22.

I'll move sleep apnea discussion over here... My aunt wssn't scared about the sleep apnea, just wanted a decent night's sleep. She got a CPAP machine/mask and sleeps great now, though it took some time to find a mask that fit best for her. I know someone else who snored like no one I've ever heard snore because of his sleep apnea. He got a machine, too, and it helped as I recall. And yes, true, untreated severe sleep apnea can cause an increase in heart issues among other things.

My DH used to snore,very loudly and wake up, and got a CPAP machine. He now sleeps soundly and doesn't snore at all. Worked perfectly for him. There's a new model coming out, which apparently is even easier to use.

A new model machine or mask? My aunt has had the same machine all along (maybe a year?), but is on her 3rd variety of mask. Apparently there are dozens of masks, perhaps some only for certain types of machine. And she sleeps so much better since she got it, all through the night. Doesn't feel constantly exhausted and not needing naps now that didn't do much good anyway (she's 84 btw).

A must read article: Inside the Mind of the Oslo Murderer In his 1,500-page manifesto, Anders Behring Breivik slides alarmingly from a legitimate concern about the rise of Islam in Europe to propose 'terror as a method for waking up the masses.' When bombs exploded on Friday in a compound of government office buildings in the heart of Oslo, I assumed, as did pretty much everyone, that the perpetrators were Islamic terrorists. But over the course of the day�as the bombings were overshadowed by the gunning down of dozens of young people at a Labor Party youth camp on a nearby island, Ut�ya�it emerged that these atrocities were not the work of an international jihadist organization. Instead, the perpetrator was a 32-year-old Oslo native named Anders Behring Breivik. He was motivated by a hostility to multicultural policies that, in his view, are leading his country down the path to Islamization. His response was a murderous rampage that has taken the lives of at least 92 people. It came as stunning news that Norway had been attacked by a blond, blue-eyed, anti-Islamic terrorist. It should not have been: Several of us who have written about the rise of Islam in Europe have warned that the failure of mainstream political leaders to responsibly address the attendant challenges would result in the emergence of extremists like Breivik. But I was stunned to discover on Saturday that Breivik was a reader of my own work, including my book "While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam Is Destroying the West from Within." In comments posted in 2009 on a Norwegian blog, document.no, Breivik expressed admiration for my writings, but criticized me for not being a cultural conservative (although he was pleased that I was not a Marxist, either). Later on Saturday came news of a 1,500-page manifesto, entitled "2083: A European Declaration of Independence," that Breivik had recently written and posted online. The first half, in which he indicts the European cultural elite for permitting Islam to take root in Europe, makes it clear that he is both highly intelligent and very well read in European history and the history of modern ideas. In the second half he describes himself as having revived the Knights Templar. He also outlines in extreme detail how he and his fellow anti-jihadists can acquire weapons, ammunition and body armor and thereupon proceed to use "terror as a method for waking up the masses" to the danger posed by Islam. This makes it clear he is completely insane. In his manifesto, which is written in such good English that one wonders whether he had the assistance of a native speaker, Breivik quotes approvingly and at length from my work, mentioning my name 22 times. It is chilling to think that blog entries that I composed in my home in west Oslo over the past couple of years were being read and copied out by this future mass-murderer in his home in west Oslo. It is also chilling to see the way he moves from a legitimate concern about genuine problems to an unspeakably evil "solution." In bombing those government buildings and hunting down those campers, Breivik was not taking out people randomly. He considered the Labor Party, Norway's dominant party since World War II, responsible for policies that are leading to the Islamization of Europe�and thus guilty of treason. The Oslo bombing was intended to be an execution of the party's current leaders. The massacre at the camp�where young would-be politicians gathered to hear speeches by Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and former Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland�was meant to destroy its next generation of leaders. During the hours when I thought that Oslo had been attacked by jihadists, I wept for the city that has been my home for many years. And I hoped Norwegian leaders would respond to this act of violence by taking a more responsible approach to the problems they face in connection with Islam. When it emerged that these acts of terror were the work of a native Norwegian who thought he was striking a blow against jihadism and its enablers, it was immediately clear to me that his violence will deal a heavy blow to an urgent cause. Norway, like the rest of Europe, is in serious trouble. Millions of European Muslims live in rigidly patriarchal families in rapidly growing enclaves where women are second-class citizens, and where non-Muslims dare not venture. Surveys show that an unsettling percentage of Muslims in Europe reject Western values, despise the countries they live in, support the execution of homosexuals, and want to replace democracy with Shariah law. (According to a poll conducted by the Telegraph, 40% of British Muslims want Shariah implemented in predominantly Muslim parts of the United Kingdom.) Muslim gay-bashing is driving gays out of Amsterdam. Muslim Jew-bashing is driving Jews out of Gothenburg, Sweden. And let's not forget about the shameful trials of politician Geert Wilders in the Netherlands and historian Lars Hedegaard in Denmark, which demonstrate how the fear of Muslim wrath is squelching the freedom of speech of those who dare to criticize Islam. There is reason to be deeply concerned about all these things, and to want to see them addressed forcefully by government leaders who care about the preservation of individual liberty and human rights. But this cause has been seriously damaged by Anders Behring Breivik. In Norway, to speak negatively about any aspect of the Muslim faith has always been a touchy matter, inviting charges of "Islamophobia" and racism. It will, I fear, be a great deal more difficult to broach these issues now that this murderous madman has become the poster boy for the criticism of Islam. Mr. Bawer is a literary critic who lives in Oslo. He is the author, most recently, of "Surrender: Appeasing Islam, Sacrificing Freedom" (Doubleday, 2009). http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903999904576465801154130960.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Horror!: Afghan Militants Hang 8-Year-Old After his father refused to meet demands to provide them with a police vehicle, Afghan militants hanged an 8-year-old boy Sunday. Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the hanging in a statement Sunday. "This action is not permitted in any culture or any religions," he said, demanding that local authorities hunt down the militants and arrest them. The action comes amid much strife between the Taliban and their opposition, following the assassination of Ahmed Wali Karzai, the president's half-brother, last week. The country's formal handover of security to Afghan forces also took place Sunday, with ceremonies in Kabul and Panjshir province, the fifth and sixth areas to be transferred out of foreign control. http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2011/07/24/afghan-militants-hang-8-year-old-boy.html

Nonpolitical (so don't be afraid to watch) and hysterical: http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/393043/july-25-2011/vaginal-puppeteering-vs--d--k-scrub

Don't think it works outside US Karen:-(

Maybe there's a You Tube post of it.

I've found the parody commercial, but not the whole segment that showed the three real ones: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulr1AlRBx2w

and hacking claims for NOW get's much worse. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-14332689

I'm sure it'll come out in the wash that all the Red Tops were at it. Hopefully oui'll get a much more honest press after this. I hope the amnesty idea doesn't go ahead-this is too serious an issue to let the criminals(and that's what they are) get off scot free!

Well any comments on the kindergarten shenanigans in DC? Who the hell can vote for O after he's proven not to be able to stick to his promises? And there's noway in hell I'm voting for a Republican, so I'm hoping some democrat will challenge him. I doubt it will be Hillary, and I can't blame her.

I'm spitting mad to say the least. I agree with u about Obama, but as my friend said I might vote for a Republican because at least I'd know what I was getting. As opposed to a Republican in Dem clothing.

It's known as wanting to be re-elected ;(aka the independent vote) C'mon, where else is the left going to go?

This is cute. Putin singing Blueberry Hill at a children's charity in St Petersburg. Movie stars are in the audience. I spotted Goldie Hawn, Sharon Stone and others. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdcowE5qpxU

Poor Italy. But look who wants his country to adopt a balanced budget amendment http://blogs.forbes.com/afontevecchia/2011/08/05/berlusconi-confirms-italy-moving-toward-balanced-budget-amendment/

I thought of you when I saw that before.

London's burning, or at least it's not looking good in Tottenham :-( http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/6/newsid_4094000/4094928.stm

Perhaps this is the link you were looking to post. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14434318 The one you posted is from the riots in Oct 1985.

LOL, ops! getting late here, but I am glued to the TV, its kicking off, big time,, down Tottenham High Road tonight.

It's pretty bad, sounded like a BBC reporter was being 'forcibly' removed by some protesters, the studio presenter pulled the interview away from him (live on the scene). Sky News have just said they have pulled their camera crews out over safety fears. Shops are being looted, as well as private homes. It sounds horrendous.

The aftermath from last night. Shocking. So far no statement from Cameron pathetique. Met statement was equally pathetique. The results of what has turned into a 'Nanny State'. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14435251

A Downing Street spokesman and the Home Secretary had something to say. Not enough? I'm curious to see the details of the initial incident.

A basic outline. The flare, as I understand it, started Thursday when Police stopped a man, from the black community, in a taxi. The guy was armed and fired at Police, injuring a policeman, or so it was thought. It seems the bullet lodged in his radio and saved him. But, the police reacted and shot the armed man, killing him. Unknown at this stage who fired the first shots. The Tottenham community have been told a police inquiry is taking place and the police refuse to comment any further. As you can imagine there have since been heightened tensions. Yesterday, what began as a 'peaceful' protest out side Tottenham Police Station, took place. It was from there a couple of police cars were then suddenly set upon and the protest escalated resulting in the riots. There have been unsubstantiated reports that just prior to the escalation of the protest a 16 year old girl approached the police and was aggressively hit with a truncheon.

That's more than I've seen in any report. I was curious if he was black, but figured so. But he was the driver or passenger?

According to the BBC and various news reports, Mark Duggan a passenger. More info here. My heart goes out to the innocent victims from this mess. People's businesses and their homes (many lived above their businesses) have been looted and in some cases burnt to the ground. One guy interviewed said he had lost everything. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14423942

Daily Mail have reported Mark Duggans as being a gangster, but I don't put much credence in the DM. My Parent's-in law-are visiting rels in West London for the weekend and weren't aware of the reports early this morning. We have warned them not to venture near to Tottenham.

Finally, Home Office Minister has made a statement. But, where's Boris Johnson when there's a crisis.

Now rioting in Enfield. Doesn't sound good from Twitter reports

Summer madness. Unemployed, disaffected youth. I must say I'm not impressed by the fact that our PM, so-called deputy PM, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Mayor of London, are all off on their hols at the same time. Even small companies ask their employees to stagger their leave. And couldn't they set an example (and help the local tourist industry) by holidaying in Scotland or Nothumberland or Devon? I mean, they're not in power for ever, so it doesn't seem too much of a "sacrifice" to stay in this country for a few years. I can't see people in the tourist industry who work hard to drum up trade for Britain being impressed by photos of David Cameron swanning around Tuscany. If everyone took one holiday in this country it would help the economy!

(Bethan)If everyone took one holiday in this country it would help the economy! I now take short breaks in the UK, as well as my holiday abroad. However, the majority of families can only afford one holiday, so I'm sure most people would opt for abroad and the sun. The weather in Scotland this past week has been dreadful, and the cost of staying in a hotel anywhere in the UK is far more than a holiday on the continent where the sun(usually) always shines. Doesn't DC holiday in Cornwall? (Can't believe I'm supporting this man!).

(Janet)Can't believe I'm supporting this man!). LOL, Janet, what is the world coming too ;-D

Violence started up again in Hackney and I saw a news report tonight there is trouble in Lewisham. This is awful for the people in those communities. The Government and Police need to get a grip. Bring on the tear gas and water cannons, IMO. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14450248

Looking very bad in Peckham, a commercial premises has been set on fire and is terribly close to houses. The lawlessness is getting very frightening. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14450248

Anyone in UK watching the news tonight? Violence is escalating. Buildings on fire in Croydon and Peckham. Trouble now moved to Clapham. When is this going to end. Cameron needs to return from his holiday and make a statement.

Am praying for everyone's safety, Sue. It's so distressing to see opportunistic thugs looting and vandalizing, and making a bad situation worse.

Sue Ive been watching the news and I can see the smoke from Croydon from my upstairs window!!Thank goodness at the moment I'm far enough away! Its mindless vandalism and looting with a total disregard for normal people who live in these areas and who are being distressed and even losing their homes total total madness...

Cameron has finally decided to cut short his holiday in Tuscany and is returning tonight and has an emergency meeting with COBRA tomorrow. Am beginning to wonder, could there be a terrorist element to this. Oh My, Jenny. I hope the trouble doesn't come in your direction. Frightening enough to witness on TV. The fire at the furniture shop in Croydon looks awful and has spread to other buildings. There are several fires now. We have relatives living in West London, Feltham and Hounslow area so keeping our fingers crossed the trouble won't shift in their direction. The Police just can't keep up with the thugs. Time to bring in the army, me thinks.

Riots spread to Birmingham and on Twitter someone claims Newcastle too. Glad I live in the countryside. Though the way this is going, who knows.

Can't believe there's terrorist involvement-just anarchists hijacking a peaceful protest. Not dissimilar to what happened during the student protests earlier this year.

(Jenny) I can see the smoke from Croydon from my upstairs window!! That's scary, Jenny! I hope it will all end soon and not get closer to you. Gina's in the area too:-( This is sensless and mindless mob mentality. I doubt they even think about why they are doing this. Most disturbing to me is the rioters lack of a sense of right and wrong. Am I right in assuming tha most of these areas are economically disadvantaged?

(Peggy)in assuming tha most of these areas are economically disadvantaged? I would say so, but have there ever been riots in affluent areas, why would there be?

Most are, apart from Westfield Shopping Center, West London (Shepherds Bush) was attacked last night, but the Police were quick to act on that one.

close tags

closing tags (I tried your way Karen!)

I think where the riots started you could say they were economically disadvantaged but the areas that have been targeted tonight i wouldn't particulary put that tag upon them. Its just mob mentality maybe spread by social networks?? I'm about 12 miles away from Croydon tucked away in a little village so hopefully safe enough but its still very worrying. My son is working tonight and I will be happy when he is safely indoors with me in approx 15 mins!

And the UK has so many social programs that these people benefit from. Free medical care, free education, a v. generous dole program. Senseless.

Have any of these programs taken a big cut since Cameron came to office?

I agree that our government provides fairly well for those out of work, but in many socially deprived areas, there is an 'underclass', where whole families have never worked, and have no expectation of doing so, I guess this adds a bit of excitement to their otherwise pointless lives Sad, but true:-(