The cat that got the dream: Nicole Scherzinger says goodbye to the Dolls

By LIZ JONES

'I don't really like the Wag tag because I think it's demeaning. I mean, I'm an independent woman, says Nicole


Having slogged hard to get to the top, former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger is a lot more relaxed on the diet and fitness front these days. But that certainly doesn’t mean her solo ambitions are taking a back seat to F1 beau Lewis Hamilton’s career, as Liz Jones discovers

I have a Pussycat Doll (well, a former Pussycat Doll) in my hotel room. She keeps ordering food, and glasses of white wine, which is something celebrities, especially female celebrities, rarely do. I keep thinking of all the men I could send a text message to who would be driven insane with jealousy that Nicole Scherzinger is perched on the end of my bed.

She is all in black – skin-tight jeans, curvy jacket – and she’s complaining about the cold: London is in the grip of a deep freeze. ‘I live in California!’ she cries. ‘Please can I shut the window?’


Nicole with F1 boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, left, and performing on The X Factor


If there is one woman in the world who can outdo Cheryl Cole in the incredibly, outrageously groomed glamour-puss stakes, it’s 32-year-old Nicole.

When she stood in for Cheryl as a judge on The X Factor, her lashes were longer, her black hair reached that impossibly round posterior, the clothes seemed airbrushed on to her naturally honeyed skin, and her affinity with the contestants bordered on the motherly. She was hilarious, rather than always being on the verge of crocodile tears.

To one clearly hopeless hopeful she said, deadpan, ‘You need to work on your vocals.’ She spotted the potential of eventual runner-up Rebecca Ferguson after about one perfect note. ‘She reminds me a little bit of Billie Holiday, maybe Aretha Franklin meets Etta James,’ she says today. ‘It’s just that really, really, you know, dirty-sounding voice.’


Nicole speaks in that slightly hushed, soft whisper beloved of so many American stars, but the gentle tones belie the fact that she possesses what is clearly an inner core of titanium. I’ve been reading her Tweets, and it seems 17-hour days are routine.

The morning after we meet she says she has to be up at five. When I ask what she is going to do with the one evening she has free in London, she replies, ‘I am going to watch a film in my room and order room service!’

But when I ask how on earth she finds the time to maintain a body like hers – she’s a UK size 8 – she says she has in fact become more relaxed about her body, and is 11lb heavier than in her Pussycat heyday. She used to do that Los Angeles thing of never eating after 7pm, but with me she is tucking into the olives as if there’s no tomorrow, and it’s almost 7.30! ‘I’m a perfectionist, but I have been trying to be a little easier on myself,’ she says.


‘I love my pasta, my chocolate; I cook when I can. I love making down-home Southern cooking, and just chilling and having cakes and pies and baking stuff, you know. I’m a pretty simple girl. I’m eating now with you because I haven’t had time all day. Not a second.’

Cakes? Pies? So does she work out all the time? I read that instead of feeling like a singer, she feels like an Olympic athlete. She shakes her head. ‘I’m taking a break now. For a couple of years, at the end of the Dolls, fitness was my life. I’m a lot more relaxed now. The choreography from the dancing keeps me in shape.

If I ever feel like I need to be stronger in my mind and body then I jog. I’m a runner, I like that. But I love to sleep. I used to not like to sleep but now I love it.’

On the day we meet, she gets the news that her single ‘Poison’ is number one on the UK iTunes chart. Sales were boosted by her live performance on The X Factor. Although she had huge success with the Dolls, you feel Nicole has still to prove herself as a solo artist.

Nicole’s new single ‘Don’t Hold Your Breath’ will be released on 13 March


Nicole Scherzinger ,HD 1080p , Poison ,live Daybreak



source: dailymail

50+ Health Benifits of Eating Bananas

• Bananas are highly rich in Vitamins & Minerals, which help keep us fit and healthy.

• Sugars such as sucrose, fructose and glucose found in bananas give an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
  

• During a long period of exercises our body loses lots of vitamins and minerals, and a banana is best to replace these nutrients as well as it gives us the energy we need.

• Two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout, therefore, popular with the world's leading athletes.

• Bananas are also great for an energy boost if eaten about an hour before going gym or before any other physical activities.

• Since bananas have the ability to provide instant energy, sportsmen eat bananas during breaks of games.

• Bananas may be one of the best fruits to eat when attempting to lose weight as
  one banana having a weight of 100gram contains roughly 90 to 100 calories.

• At the same time, bananas are useful for weight gain too. Banana when consumed with milk helps in increasing the weight speedily.

• Use bananas to soften & hydrate your skin.

• Banana peel or skin soothes and cools the skin after an allergic response and can help
  reduce the outbreak of rashes.

• Bananas are popular all over the world for its anti wrinkle properties. Pulp of banana helps the facial pores to recover the lost moisture.

• The inside of the banana peel can be used to soothe the skin and reduce acne and pimples.
  
• The antioxidants & vitamins in the bananas can help restore collagen in the skin and so are useful to help your skin maintain a younger look.

• Continuously use of banana as an anti aging agent shows remarkable improvement in skin texture and aging lines.

• If you have a crack or dry skin on your elbows, knees or feet. You must apply Mashed banana with a little honey.

• Banana peels can be used to cover up a wart and provide relief from skin irritation.

• The inside of the banana peel has been used to treat psoriasis for many years.
• Banana pulp can provide pain relief from minor burns and other wounds.

• Mixtures of mashed banana with an egg, little milk and some water give more shine and moisture to dry hair.

• With the regular use of bananas with honey can increase the moisture content of your hair, smooth frizz, and soothe your itchy scalp and dandruff immensely.
• Bananas with yogurt are useful for hair loss as well as improve the condition and texture of your hair.
  

• If you are suffering from dry eyes. Eating a banana every day can be very useful for you.

• Three or more servings of banana per day may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

• Taiwanese researchers found that a banana's peel is rich in lutein and an additional nutrient, serotonin, which may help in regenerating damaged retinal cells.

• Fiber present in banana help restore a normal bowel function.
  

• Pectin, a soluble fiber (also known as Hydro-colloid) present in bananas can help normalize movement through the digestive tract & ease constipation.

• A study on animals, researchers found that fresh bananas protected the animals' stomachs from wounds.

• Regularly use of banana stem in cooking is also beneficial in piles.

• Bananas have long been recognized for their antacid effects that protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage.

• Banana contains protease inhibitors that help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that have been pinpointed as a primary cause of ulcers.
  

• Bananas stimulate the cells on the internal stomach lining to produce a thicker mucus that protects against acid.

• The potassium in bananas helps to combat sodium, which is a big no-no for high blood pressure.

• Since bananas are relatively high in iron, helps stimulate the growth of hemoglobin in the body, which can help with anemia.

• Potassium present in banana also help against heart disease.
  

• Bananas have a natural antacid effect, so if you are suffering from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

• According to a study done by 'The New England Journal of Medicine' found that eating bananas as part of a regular diet can reduce the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%
• A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine confirms that eating high fiber foods, such as bananas, helps prevent heart disease.

• Bananas help normalize the heartbeat and regulate the water balance of the body.

• Tryptophan (a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax) present in banana, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

• Lutein found in banana peel or skin is helpful ease depression.

• According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana.
• Bananas supply potassium to the brain, that helps to keep oxygen levels normalized and also promoting strong signals between cells.

• Banana helps increase the mental alertness and boost brain power.

• Potassium and Vitamin B6 found in bananas are good for calm your hangover.

• The potassium found in bananas may also help promote bone health.

• Probiotic bacteria present in banana help in absorbing calcium and increase the digestive ability.

• Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound that nourishes probiotic (friendly bacteria) in the colon.

• Banana minimizes the loss of calcium from the body and thereby reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
• A fully ripe banana produces a substance known as TNF that has anti-cancer properties.

• If you are suffering from nervousness, banana is good for you. Vitamin B found in banana helps calm down your nervousness.

• In Thailand pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
  
• Vitamin B6 present in bananas helps to regulate blood glucose levels that affect the moods and pains of women suffering PMS.

• One banana flower, cooked and combined with a cup of curd can help slow women's menstrual blood flow.

• Bananas are part of the BRAT (Banana, Rice, Applesauce & Toast - diet order for stomach illness), a diet many physicians and nurses recommend for children recovering from gastrointestinal problems, particularly diarrhea.

• Bananas are good for babies, too. Bananas are easy to digest because they have no fat and very few babies are allergic to bananas.

• Bananas are the full source of Vitamins B6, B12, potassium & magnesium. These substances help the smoker's body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
  

• Many people report that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite is very effective in reducing, itching and swelling.

• The peel of banana is good for cure rashes from poison ivy and poison oak, rub the peel of banana over the rash until its gone.

• Potassium present in banana also is good for cramping, allowing the body's muscle to more freely contract and expand.

• A normal intake of potassium suppresses calcium excretion in the urine and minimizes the risk of kidney stones.

Secret to being a model? It's hard work! Alessandra Ambrosio gets put through her paces in Pilates class

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Working up a sweat: Victoria's Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio attended a Pilates class in Venice, California, yesterday


Alessandra Ambrosio proved yesterday that a body worthy of a Victoria's Secret catwalk show doesn't come easily.

The Brazilian supermodel was spotted working up a sweat on a specialised 'reformer' machine during a Pilates session in Venice, California, yesterday.

Dressed in a green vest, leggings and leg warms, the 29-year-old brunette was put through her paces in a group session.

The 5ft 10in mother of one says she approaches her catwalk career very seriously.
'I guess it's like a real job,' she recently told W magazine. 'When I started, it was a hobby, something fun to do.

'Before, models had that rock star life and it was all about going to the parties and having that glamorous life, and I think these days, models are more like businesswomen and the whole industry takes it really serious.'

As well as Pilates, Alessandra uses a combination of workout techniques to keep in shape for her frequent lingerie and swimwear shoots.


Bend and stretch: The Brazilian model showed just how she keeps her lean body in shape


She said: 'I have a personal trainer who created the Brazilian Butt Lift class that mixes capoeira and samba. It's fun but you're still doing squats and getting exercise.

'I did cardio after I had my daughter to get in shape again, but I usually don't do cardio other than walking on the beach. I'm not a fan of going into the gym and running on a treadmill. I would rather go for a hike.'

'In the beginning of my career I really felt the pressure to be thin - but one thing I always said was that if I had to stop eating to work then I would have to switch careers. Compromising my health to be a model was never an option for me.'

Now Alessandra, who is said to have a 34-25-34 figure, does allow herself to indulge in the occasional treat.

'I love Cheetos, those hot, spicy kind,' she says. 'And chocolate. Every time I'm in the airport I'm buying Cheetos and eating them on the airplane.'

Alessandra, who is engaged to California businessman Jamie Mazur, gave birth to daughter Anja in August 2008.

When asked if she plans to have more children, she replied: 'I don’t know. I don’t really plan that. [Anja] came unplanned, and I think that’s the way it is with me.
'I like it as a surprise.'


Catwalk queen: The mother-of-one is among Victoria's Secret's leading lingerie models


Alessandra Ambrosio @SPFW - backstage



source: dailymail

'Doesn't he look better?': Catherine Zeta Jones's pride as husband Michael Douglas beats cancer

By BAZ BAMIGBOYE

Looking good: Catherine Zeta Jones poses with her husband Michael Douglas on the red carpet at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles today after the actor revealed last week he had beaten cancer


A beaming Catherine Zeta Jones couldn't hide her pride as she followed her brave husband Michael Douglas down the red carpet.

'Doesn't he look better?' Catherine asked the MailOnline as they arrived at the Beverly Hilton for the Golden Globes last night, days after he announced his throat cancer appeared to have been beaten.

Douglas himself was in a happy mood, joking, 'There's gotta be an easier way to get a standing ovation,' as he took to the stage to present the award for Best Film.

His acting peers in the audience showed genuine affection as they applauded the 66-year-old.


Everything to smile about: The happy couple walk the red carpet


Earlier, Douglas had told MailOnline: 'I'm doing fine and I'm okay. I'm putting some weight back on and I have to watch what I eat'.

His recovery has been helped every inch of the way by the devotion of his wife, who looked stunning in a strapless, green, ruffled silk gown created by Monique Lhuillier.

Douglas was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor award for his role in the Wall Street sequel, although he missed out to Christian Bale in The Fighter.


Back to his old self: Douglas looked the picture of health as he took to the stage last night as he emerges from his battle with cancer, compared to a picture of him taken last October


Last week Douglas, who was diagnosed with cancer five months ago, revealed he was confident he had beaten the illness.

Speaking in his first interview since finishing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, the veteran actor, 66, said his tumour has now vanished.

'The odds are, with the tumour gone and what I know about this particular type of cancer, that I've got it beat,' Douglas told Matt Lauer in an interview on NBC's Today show, which airs in the U.S. on Tuesday.

Doctors have warned the Wall Street star that he shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss concerns that the cancer could return.

But while he still has to undergo monthly checks, Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta Jones are said to be ‘absolutely delighted’ at the news.


Celebrity friends: The couple pose with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie inside the venue


Head-turner: Zeta-Jones looked stunning in a strapless, green, ruffled silk gown created by Monique Lhuillier


The Oscar-winning actor, who was given just a 50-/50 chance of surviving the stage four cancer when it was first diagnosed, is already looking forward to making the most of the rest of his life.

‘It's put a timeline on my life,' he said.

‘I'm 66 now. You know, I'm fortunate I've got a mother who's 88. She'll kill me. She may be 87. My father's 94. So, you know, I feel good about those genes.

‘But it's definitely a third act,’ he added. ‘And so you're a little more conscious of your time in how you choose to spend it.’


Glitzy: Speaking at the event, held at The Beverly Hilton hotel, Douglas revealed he is putting weight back on


After the ceremony, Douglas and Zeta Jones took in the party buzz at the Relativity Media and The Weinstein Company's bash presented by Marie Claire held at The Beverly Hilton.

'We meant to go directly from the show. For an early night but there was a party atmosphere in the air so we thought we'd check it out', Catherine admitted.

Michael welcomed well-wishers for about an hour then the couple left .'We need our bed and he needs his rest', said Catherine as she escorted her husband to a side exit.



Enjoying the party buzz: Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones chat to Eva Longoria at Harvey Weinstein's party before taking off for an early night


Michael Douglas and wife Katherine Zeta Jones so happy at Golden Globe Awards 2011


source: dailymail

Bye bye Botox? These celebrities claim to have given up their frozen faces - but have they really?

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Botox free? Nicole last week, left, and in 2009, right: 'I've tried a lot of things, but apart from working out and a good diet, most things don’t help,' the miraculously line-free Miss Kidman told a German magazine interviewer last week. 'I even tried Botox, but I didn't like how my face looked afterwards. Now I don't use it any more — and I can move my forehead again.' Really?


After years of claiming her perfect, wrinkle-free features were totally natural, Nicole Kidman finally admitted last week that she has tried Botox in the past.

However, the 43-year-old actress swears she no longer uses it because she didn’t like the results.

And she wasn’t the only one who thought this. In 2008, one cosmetic surgery expert told a medical conference that the Oscar-winner was so ‘over-Botoxed’ she was giving the industry a bad name.

Nicole is the latest in a long line of stars who swear blind that they’ve said bye bye to Botox, but can we really believe them?

Look at the pictures and decide for yourself...


Can you tell how old she is? Jennifer in 2009, left, and 2010, right: In 2009, the fresh-faced rom-com star claimed: 'I tried Botox once and it was not good. It makes women look older. Harder. The warmth in their faces goes away . . . You see women and you know they're not young, but you can't tell how old they are.' So who would have thought she's 41?


Wrinkle free: Cindy in 2008, left, and 2010, right: The still super-looking model, 44, told Ladies' Home Journal last July: 'I've tried Botox, but it scares me. Plastic surgery is scary, but as long as you don't use these things to change your face, I think it's OK.' But did she find wrinkles even scarier than the injections?


Given up? Dannii in 2008, left, and 2010, right: The 39-year-old X Factor judge claims to have stopped having Botox. 'I see the comments. "Plastic", "All Botox",' she said. 'I see what people see, but I have to say that while I have been open about doing it before, I'm not doing it now.' We're raising our eyebrows, Dannii — can you?


Mum's the word: Amanda in 2009, left, and this year, right: The 39-year-old actress, who is six months pregnant, claims she lets nature take its course. 'I haven’t had Botox for eight or nine months. It puts me off when I see people in LA. Everyone looks the same and it's quite grotesque.' But will she stick to her vow post-pregnancy?


See any lines? Kylie in 2009, left, and 2010, right: There has been speculation for years about the upward trajectory of Kylie's brows and her increasingly waxen skin. But in May 2010, the singer (now 42) said: 'I did use Botox, but I don't any more. I won't go near it. I have lines. You can see the lines on my face.' Um, no we can't...


Used to love Botox: Lulu in March 2010, left, and November 2010, right: In March 2008, the singer (who is now 62) said: 'I used to have Botox and I thought it was fantastic at first. But it quickly fades. Too much of it makes your face immovable and it doesn't actually help you to look young. So I stopped.' Or did she?


Nicole Kidman Admits She Had Botox


source: dailymail

She had a good cry': Michael Douglas reveals how his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones reacted to news his tumour had gone

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Plenty to celebrate: Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones enjoyed dinner in New York last night following the news his tumour has gone


Catherine Zeta-Jones broke down in tears after learning that husband Michael Douglas had beaten throat cancer.

The Welsh actress, who has two children with the Hollywood veteran actor, was apparently overwhelmed at hearing the happy news.


Douglas, 66, has this week revealed he has won the battle against the deadly disease.

'She had a good cry when she heard,' the actor told America's People magazine. 'I can't tell you I was jumping up and clicking my heels.

'For me, it will probably be two or three months before it will really sink in and feel good.'

But as it sinks in, Zeta-Jones added: 'We are so grateful for the wonderful care Michael has received and of course for this happy news.

'It's an incredible way to start the New Year.'


'So grateful': The actress says the news is an 'incredible way to start the New Year'


The couple and their children - Dylan, 10, and Carys, 7 - celebrated Douglas' clean bill of health at their favourite Manhattan restaurant last week, and the actor had his first alcoholic drink in over six months.

'We dined on oysters and toasted with Shirley Temples,' added Douglas.

Zeta-Jones aid: 'He also indulged in a glass of wine, his first since his diagnosis in August.'

The couple were out in New York again last night and left their apartment together this morning.


New lease on life: Michael, pictured here with Catherine today, expects it will take a few months for the good news to 'sink in'


Though drinking and smoking are known to be two of the main causes of throat cancer, Douglas says he also believes stress and diet could have played a role, adding he would now be 'eating much more of an organic diet'.

The Hollywood icon, who lost over 32lbs after undergoing seven weeks of radiation and chemotherapy, has gained back about 12lbs so far.

'I'm eating like a pig,' he told the magazine.


Sharing the good news: Douglas gave an interview with NBC News' Matt Lauer, set to air in full in the U.S. today


Michael Douglas beats cancer Part 1 of 2



Michael Douglas beats cancer Part 2 of 2


source: dailymail

'The tumour is gone,' declares Michael Douglas five months after being diagnosed with throat cancer

I've beat cancer: Michael Douglas spoke to Matt Lauer in his first interview since finishing cancer treatment on NBC's Today show which will air on Tuesday


Five months after revealing he was battling throat cancer and Michael Douglas says he is confident he has beat the illness.

Speaking in his first interview since finishing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, the veteran actor, 66, said his tumour has now vanished.

'The odds are, with the tumour gone and what I know about this particular type of cancer, that I've got it beat,' Douglas tells Matt Lauer in an interview on NBC's Today show, which airs in the U.S. on Tuesday.


Life-changing: The veteran actor said the illness had made him think more carefully about how to use his time


Doctors have warned the Wall Street star that he shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss concerns that the cancer could return.

But while he still has to undergo monthly checks, Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta Jones are said to be ‘absolutely delighted’ at the news.

The Oscar-winning actor, who was given just a 50-/50 chance of surviving the stage four cancer when it was first diagnosed four months ago, is already looking forward to making the most of the rest of his life.

‘It's put a timeline on my life,' he said.

‘I'm 66 now. You know, I'm fortunate I've got a mother who's 88. She'll kill me. She may be 87. My father's 94. So, you know, I feel good about those genes.

‘But it's definitely a third act,’ he added. ‘And so you're a little more conscious of your time in how you choose to spend it.’

Douglas had been on tenterhooks waiting to see the results after completing his cancer treatment before Christmas.

He was pictured looking tired and frail in New York when he was in the middle of chemotherapy and friends and fans feared the worst when he revealed the disease had spread beyond the original tumour.


Fighter: Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones pictured today in New York

He blamed the illness on a lifetime of drinking and smoking. At one point, his father, screen icon Kirk Douglas, flew from his home in Los Angeles to spend time with his son in New York.

But last month, doctors told him his chances of a full recovery had increased to 80 per cent and he was pictured taking his 42-year-old wife and two young children, Dylan, ten, and seven-year-old Carys on trips to Disney World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida.

The family also went on holiday to Hawaii to help with the veteran star’s recuperation.

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter before hearing the results, Douglas said he was determined to battle through the illness despite the uncertain prognosis.

‘It certainly has put a little perspective on mortality, obviously,’ he said.

‘But as I looked through the stats, I didn’t think of this as life and death, I just saw it as an illness to get over. So I didn’t dig into the bottom of my soul to see what I could see.’


Michael Douglas' Cancer Battle



source :dailymail

Krista Ranillo denies she is pregnant

Manny sure got his hands full in this one, but its not against Miguel Cotto or Floyd Mayweather Jr. But its against the rising controversy about him and sexy star Krista Ranillo.

Sexy actress Krista Ranillo denied any romantic involvement with pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao. She said she is still with her boyfriend director Dominic Zapata.

She is aware of the hot issue but she and Manny are still discussing when and how they would speak about it.

She also denied rumors the "Pacman" got her pregnant.

Speculations about Manny and Krista alleged affair surfaced after the two began shooting for their film "Wapakman." The two were reported spotted spending time together in Hong Kong.

Krista's talent manager, Arnold Vegafria, has already dismissed the speculations, saying that the boxer and the sexy star were just "good friends."

click here for more photos of Krista Ranillo.