TOP 10 MOST SEARCHED CELEBRITIES OF 2012

Kate Middleton, Tulisa, Prince Harry. We clearly love a bit of nudity.

It's been a year of nudity and sex tapes in the world of celebrity.

The most searched celebs this year all had one thing in common: nudity. Copyright [Wenn]

And it seems as a nation we love a bit of a scandal when it comes to our A-listers.

Kate Middleton (naked), Tulisa (sex tape) and Prince Harry (also naked) all feature in the top 10 most searched celebrities on Yahoo! this year.

Kate took the number one position on the chart. Copyright [Wenn]

Prince William's wife K-Middy took the top spot from Cheryl Cole (who fell to third place) after she proved for another year that the nation are besotted by her hair, clothes and life.

But she was at the centre of an even bigger internet storm than usual in 2012 when topless photos of her sunbathing were controversially published online in September. Our interest in Kate isn't showing any signs of waning.

The real surprise new entry to the list, though, is X Factor judge Tulisa, who came from nowhere in 2011's round-up to take second place .

Cheryl landed at number three on the chart. Copyright [Wenn]

Ex-N-Dubz star Tulisa not only enjoyed the fame from being the winning judge on last year's show with girlband Little Mix and bringing out her own solo material but she *cough* raised her profile *cough* when a sex tape of herself and a former boyfriend was released on the web.

It's been quite the year for Tulisa. [Copyright Rex]

The fact she admitted it — and made her own video tape to tell the world it was her — only fuelled more searches.

Prince Harry is another famous face who was searched this year for X-rated reasons, when naked photos of him in Vegas were published online back in August.

Prince Harry may have been searched for all the wrong reasons. Copyright: [rex]

He didn't feature in the list at all last year, but was the only other Royal to make the Top 10 this year - ousting Kate's sister Pippa Middleton by taking seventh spot.

Rihanna isn't exactly shy of stripping down for the camera. Copyright [Rihanna]

And Bajan star Rihanna — who also likes to get naked and publish the evidence all over Twitter — also moved up a place in the list, whilst Kim Kardashian and THAT bottom moved significantly up the chart.

There has been no escaping Kim Kardashian this year. Copyright [Twitter]

Boyband One Direction were a new entry after they cracked America this year, becoming the first UK group EVER to see their album go to number 1.

One Direction have become the biggest band on the planet. Copyright [Ben Riggott]

And Holly Willoughby snuck into the Top 10 after Miss Willoughbooby added to This Morning and Celebrity Juice by hosting BBC One show The Voice in the spring — in a range of tight-fitting dresses.

Holly Willoughby snuck into the top 20. Copyright [very.co.uk]

Robin Gibb and Whitney Houston both featured in the list after they died this year.

SEE THE TOP 20 MOST SEARCHED CELEBRITIES HERE

Culled from: http://uk.omg.yahoo.com/gossip/the-juice/top-10-most-searched-celebrities-2012-kate-middleton-133431223.html

HILARIOUS CARTOONS OF FOOTBALL MANAGERS (SEXY MANAGERS CALENDAR 2013) IN SUGGESTIVE POSES MAKING A BIG HIT WITH PUNTERS

Arsene Wenger

A calendar featuring cartoons of football managers in suggestive poses is already proving to be big hit with punters.

The 'Sexy Managers Calendar 2013' was put together by James Husbands and due to high demand extra stock has already had to be ordered in time for the Christmas rush.  The calendar features disturbing, yet hilarious images of the biggest names in the managerial world.

In the calendar Sir Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish recreate the famous pottery scene from Ghost; Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho share a 'Brokeback Mountain' moment; while you are sure to have nightmares about Arsene Wenger as a French maid.

The likes of Harry Redknapp, Rafa Benetiz and Fabio Capello are also featured.

The calendar can be purchased here for just £10 — and this time we think the seller's claim that this is 'the perfect gift for any football fan' might just be on the money

You can see all the images below, but remember, what's seen cannot be unseen.

Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola

Roberto Mancini

Fabio Capello

Rafa Benitez

Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson

Harry Redknapp

Sven-Goran eriksson

Andre Villas-Boas

Martin Jol

Ian Holloway

Roy Hodgson
Culled from: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/hilarious-sexy-managers-calendar-already-selling-fast-104542158.html

DISGRACED FORMER IMF CHIEF DOMINIQUE STRAUS REACHES PRELIMINARY SETTLEMENT WITH MANHATTAN HOTEL MAID NAFISSATOU DIALLO WHO ACCUSED HIM OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

Disgraced former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, pictured in France in October 2012, has reached a preliminary settlement with a Manhattan maid who accused him of sexual assault

Disgraced former IMF chief and would-be French president Dominique Strauss-Kahn will settle out of court with a Manhattan maid who accused him of sexual assault, ending a sordid 18-month legal saga, reports say.

According to the New York Times, quoting unidentified sources "with knowledge of the matter," the 63-year-old French politician and the hotel maid, Nafissatou Diallo, have "quietly reached an agreement to settle" her lawsuit.  There was no word of any payments by Strauss-Kahn and "no settlement had yet been signed," the newspaper said.  NBC television also reported the possible deal, confirming that it had yet to be completed.

Judge Douglas McKeon, who is presiding over the civil case, told AFP "there may be a court session as early as next week," but declined to comment on the reports of a settlement.  Diallo's lawyers did not immediately respond to an interview request, while a spokeswoman for Strauss-Kahn's legal team declined to comment. 

Strauss-Kahn, who had been widely touted as a likely challenger to then president Nicolas Sarkozy, suffered a stunning fall from grace following his arrest at a New York hotel last year on sex assault charges. He then faced a string of separate sex-related investigations in France.  Diallo had sued Strauss-Kahn in New York civil court after prosecutors threw out assault charges filed against the globe-trotting politician, saying the maid's sex assault case would not stand up before a jury.

Although Strauss-Kahn has since been mired in legal troubles and brought low by the repeated tarnishing of his once stellar reputation, that initial downfall at a posh Manhattan hotel in May 2011 came as a shocking surprise.  At the time, Strauss-Kahn was jetting between world capitals as head of the International Monetary Fund and was expected to announce what would have been a formidable candidacy for the French presidency.

Nafissatou Diallo, the hotel maid that accused former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexually assaulting her, after meeting with prosecutors in New York on August 22, 2011

Diallo, a maid at the Sofitel hotel, shattered that trajectory when she alleged the powerful politician had leapt on her in his room, naked, and forced her to perform oral sex on him.  Strauss-Kahn was arrested as he was about to take a flight back to Europe. He later conceded that there had been a sexual encounter in the hotel room with the cleaner, but insisted that it had been consensual.  The subsequent court proceedings and a brief spell in New York's tough Rikers Island detention center publicly humiliated Strauss-Kahn.  Then it was the turn of the Manhattan District Attorney's office to face embarrassment as they admitted that their case was falling part, with Diallo having been caught lying over several points. Charges were dropped and Strauss-Kahn left hurriedly for France, where his new bout of legal problems was about to begin.

His lawyers have repeatedly said they would not agree to a deal to pay off Diallo, branding her a gold-digger. Diallo's lawyers have equally often insisted that they only want their day in court to confront Strauss-Kahn.  Already having left US territory, Strauss-Kahn tried to get off the hook by claiming diplomatic immunity in the civil case. However a judge rejected that move in May.

Culled from: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/strauss-kahn-settles-sex-assault-maid-report-233935074.html

NEPAL'S FORMER CROWN PRINCE PARAS SHAH ARRESTED IN THAI RESORT ISLAND OF PHUKET FOR DRUG POSSESSION

 In this photo taken on December 2, 2010, Nepalese former crown prince Paras Shah attends an elephant polo match in Chitwan District, some 200 kms from Kathmandu

Nepal's former crown prince Paras Shah has been granted bail after being arrested and charged with cannabis possession on the Thai resort island of Phuket, police said.

Shah, who as crown prince was unpopular for his playboy lifestyle, was detained along with a Thai woman on October 23 after the management of his condominium complained about his unruly behaviour. Police found roughly three grams (0.1 ounces) of marijuana.  "We didn't know who he was when he was first arrested because he had a normal passport, nothing identifying him as a VIP," Police Colonel Jirasak Siemsak told AFP from Phuket.

Shah, who is free on bail, denies the charge. If convicted he faces a light sentence because marijuana possession for personal use is not considered a serious offence in Thailand. "If he confesses he may get a suspended sentence," Jirasak said, adding that police were awaiting the results of a drug test but expected to pass the case on to prosecutors soon.

Shah became heir to the throne in 2001 after his cousin, former crown prince Dipendra, killed nine members of his family including the king and queen in a drink-and-drugs-fuelled rampage before apparently turning his gun on himself.

Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008.

Culled from: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/nepal-ex-prince-held-thai-drugs-charge-police-044711714.html

I WAS THERE...WHEN BARACK OBAMA WON THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

"Republican candidate Mitt Romney said the first thing he would do was repeal Obamacare. I was so incensed I thought, ‘I’m going to do my utmost to stop him being elected’."

Julie Sheppard, 60, spent a month in the United States campaigning for Barack Obama. The retired former communications chief from Lyme Regis, Dorset, tells us about her experience.

Going to the States to campaign for Obama was a personal and political journey. I’ve been going there for 40 years and on one trip, I had to have an emergency operation to have my appendix removed. I remember lying alone on a hospital trolley and just wanted someone to say I’d be okay. Instead what I actually got was a hospital administrator saying to me ‘How’re you going to pay for this?’ That stayed with me.  When Obama was elected and he put the Obamacare health reform onto the statute book it ensured 30 million extra Americans had health insurance, and those with pre-existing conditions couldn’t be denied insurance. But Republican candidate Mitt Romney said the first thing he would do was repeal this. I was so incensed I thought, ‘I’m going to do my utmost to stop him being elected’.

So I contacted the Obama campaign and went to Washington, close to Virginia, one of the key battleground states and a natural Republican territory which might have swung back. Obama managed to mobilise 770,000 unpaid volunteers who were deployed in the key states. People were transported there in vans, put up in accommodation and fed – some for months.  I would phone voters or canvas on the ground, and organise the other volunteers. I would tell those planning to vote for Obama what they needed to take to polling stations, and whether they needed a lift. If they were Romney supporters I would quickly but politely get off the phone. A lot of those I canvassed lived in real poverty, and the last thing on their minds was voting, so I had to get those likely to vote for Obama to do so.

It was tight coming up to the election, and many were undecided. With Obama there was often disillusionment with what he’d achieved. If I got an undecided voter I would tell them four years is not long when you’ve taken over such a mess, in a recession, and Republicans blocked many Obama initiatives. I also pointed out Obama’s achievements, such as saving the Detroit car industry. I also asked if they thought Romney had anything in common with normal people.  I got various reactions – some hostile – but I think I made a difference. I thought being British would be a disadvantage and people would say “what’s it got to do with you?”  But it was the opposite. Democrat supporters were delighted I’d gone there – they would hug me, and take me to dinner to thank me.

On election day we knew who was planning to vote when and I’d ring them to check they had. We would tell them how close it was and persuade them to get out. We also knew who had voted and who hadn’t. It was personalised. I don’t know if that would be possible in this country.   We got reports about voting machine malfunctions – where votes for Obama would be going to Romney. That sent ripples of anxiety round the office. The day was a roller-coaster of emotion and I felt sick to my stomach because of my personal investment to the cause.  I finally realised we’d won when in a bar with other Democrats. At 10.45pm it wasn’t clear but within 15 minutes Ohio and Colorado came in and Obama suddenly went past the magic 270 electoral college votes and I knew we’d got it – and I burst into tears. Everyone was elated. We waited to see Obama’s acceptance speech and I staggered out the bar at 2.30am, worse for wear but very relieved.

I was delighted Obama won overall, but most pleased he won Virginia. I felt it was a job well done. The Obama campaign played a blinder. I just wish he hadn’t given us that scare in the first presidential debate where he looked like he didn’t want to be president.   Going to the States was the best thing I’ve ever done. I met some amazing people and felt part of something wonderful. I just hope the Republicans will let him govern for the next four years.

Culled from: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/i-was-there---when-barack-obama-won-the-us-presidential-election-170345793.html

DR. DRE RANKS AS FORBES' HIGHEST-PAID MUSICIAN, AT $100 MILLION

• View Photo
  Dr. Dre performs at the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California 
• View Photo
  Dr. Dre performs at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California

You may be singing "Call Me Maybe" or dancing "Gangnam Style" to this year's music, but it was veteran hip-hop artist Dr. Dre who topped Forbes' list of the 25 highest-paid musicians in 2012, released on Thursday.

California native Dre, 47, became one of the leading names in hip-hop and rap in the early 1990s and has worked with artists including Eminem and Snoop Dogg.  Along with his extensive back catalogue, Dre's lucrative headphones business, Beats by Dre, helped him gross $100 million (62.3 million pounds) in pre-tax earnings according to Forbes.

The list's top 10 was dominated by veteran musicians, with Pink Floyd's bassist and singer Roger Waters coming in at No. 2 with earnings of $88 million from his lucrative The Wall Live tour, and British singer Elton John at No. 3 with $80 million.  Last year's highest-paid musicians U2 landed at No. 4 this year with combined earnings of $78 million from their three-year 360 tour. 1990s British boy band Take That, who reformed in 2005, rounded out the top five with $69 million, earned from an eight-date tour at London's Wembley Stadium, which became the highest-grossing single stadium tour to date.

Forbes compiles its annual highest-paid musicians list by estimating artists' earnings from music sales, live shows, endorsements and merchandising. Earlier this year, Dutch DJ Tiesto was named the highest-paid DJ in the fast-growing electronic dance music industry.  The only two artists under 30 to break the top 10 were country-pop darling Taylor Swift, 22, who tied with ex-Beatle Paul McCartney at No. 8 with earnings of $57 million, and Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, 18, who tied with country star Toby Keith at No. 10 with earnings of $55 million.

Pop star and "X Factor" judge Britney Spears entered the list at No. 7 with earnings of $58 million, cementing her comeback after a turbulent few years. Her earnings encompass her multi-million dollar "X Factor" deal, music sales and endorsements.   Spears led eight female artists in the top 25 list, including R&B star Rihanna at No. 12 with $53 million, coming ahead of Lady Gaga at No. 13 with $52 million. Grammy-winning British singer Adele notched No. 22 on the list, tied with Kanye West, with earnings of $35 million following a record year for her album "21."

Music's power couple, singer Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z, came in at No. 18 and No. 20, respectively, with earnings of $40 million and $38 million.

Culled from: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/dr-dre-ranks-forbes-highest-paid-musician-100-231515205.html 

RUSSIAN BUSINESSMAN ALEXANDER PEREPILICHNY DIES IN MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES OUTSIDE HIS BRITISH MANSION

A Russian businessman helping Swiss prosecutors uncover a powerful fraud syndicate has died in mysterious circumstances outside his mansion in Britain, in a chilling twist to a Russian mafia scandal that has strained Moscow's ties with the West.

Alexander Perepilichny, 44, sought refuge in Britain three years ago and had been helping a Swiss investigation into a Russian money-laundering scheme by providing evidence against corrupt officials, his colleagues and media reports said.

He has also provided evidence against those linked to the 2009 death of anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, a case that caused an international outcry and prompted the United States to push for a bill cracking down on Russian corruption.  Perepilichny, a Russian citizen, collapsed and died abruptly outside his home on an upmarket estate in the English county of Surrey on November 10, police said on Wednesday, the first time the case has come to light.

Perepilichny is the fourth person linked to the Magnitsky case to have died in strange circumstances.  "It is being treated as unexplained," a police spokeswoman said. "A post-mortem examination was carried out which was inconclusive. So further tests are now being carried out."  British media reports said Perepilichny appeared to be in good health when he collapsed in the evening outside St George's Hill, one of Britain's most exclusive estates, where he was renting a house for 12,500 pounds ($20,000) a month.

Dubbed as Britain's Beverly Hills and surrounded by neatly trimmed golf courses, the sprawling leafy estate is home to many prominent magnates and celebrities, its list of one-time tenants boasting stars such as Elton John and Ringo Starr.

Far beyond Russia's borders, Magnitsky's death has become a symbol of corruption in Russia and the abuse of those who challenge the authorities there.  This month the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to "name and shame" Russian rights violators as part of a broader trade bill, brushing off warnings from Moscow that the move would damage relations.

William Browder, a former employer of Magnitsky and a prominent London-based investor, said Perepilichny had come forward in 2010 with evidence involving the Magnitsky case that subsequently helped Swiss prosecutors open their investigation.  "Alexander Perepilichny approached us in 2010 as a whistleblower with evidence about the complicity of a number of Russian government officials in the theft of $230 million which Sergei Magnitsky had uncovered," said Browder, founder of Hermitage Capital Management.

"He provided us with copies of many of the original bank documents. In January 2011, Hermitage filed an application to the Swiss authorities seeking an investigation. It was announced in March that the Swiss prosecutor's office opened an investigation and froze the assets in a number of accounts."  Browder, whose grandfather was the general secretary of the American Communist Party, was one of the biggest Western investors in Russia but was barred from Russia in late 2005 and most of his staff left the country as Hermitage found itself coming under increasing official pressure.

Magnitsky was jailed in 2008 on suspicion of tax evasion and fraud, charges that colleagues say were fabricated by police investigators he had accused of stealing $230 million from the state through fraudulent tax refunds. The Kremlin's own human rights council has said Magnitsky was probably beaten to death.

MAFIA STATE

Leaked secret diplomatic cables from the U.S. embassy in Moscow once described Russia as a "virtual mafia state", and London has long been the chosen destination for Russians seeking refuge from trouble at home.  But concerns have been growing in recent years that Britain might be turning into a playground for Russian mobsters as gangland violence seems to be spilling over Russian borders.

In April, a former Russian banker was shot near London's Canary Wharf financial district, sending a chill through the immigrant community. In 2006, former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko died after drinking tea poisoned with polonium-210.  Asked about Perepilichny's case, Swiss prosecutors said it started its criminal investigation in March 2011 following a complaint made by London law firm Brown Rudnick filed on behalf of Hermitage Capital Management.

"Concerning the death of Mr Perepilichny and its consequences on the criminal proceedings, we'd like to stress that our strength resides in our ability to minimize the influence of such a regretful event on our investigation," the Swiss Office of the Attorney General said in a statement.  "A good cooperation with other judicial authorities is also essential to carry on our investigation efficiently."

Perepilichny was also a witness against Russia's notorious Klyuyev Group, a murky network of officials and underworld figures implicated in tax fraud who used European bank accounts to buy luxury property in Dubai and Montenegro, Britain's Independent newspaper reported.

"Perepilichny was the guy who brought all the evidence they needed to open the investigation," a source told The Independent. "He brought with him records of shell companies, Credit Suisse accounts, property transactions. The whole lot."

Culled from:http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/28/us-britain-russia-death-idUSBRE8AR0OO20121128

ACTRESS LINDSAY LOHAN ARRESTED OUTSIDE NEW YORK NIGHT CLUB ON ASSAULT CHARGE

NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actress Lindsay Lohan was arrested outside a New York nightclub on an assault charge early Thursday, police said, while in California, she was charged with reckless driving and lying to police over a car crash in June.  Lohan, 26, was arrested shortly after 4:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. British time) on a third-degree misdemeanour assault charge after punching another woman in the face at a club in Manhattan's Chelsea neighbourhood, New York police said.

The charges in California were more serious, and could result in the "Mean Girls" actress having her probation revoked and being sent back to jail.  Lohan's publicist and attorney did not return calls for comment on Thursday.  Lohan, who has been to rehab, jail and court numerous times since a 2007 arrest for drunk driving and cocaine possession, is currently on informal probation, following her January 2011 conviction for stealing a gold necklace from a California jewellery store.

A Los Angeles judge had lifted her formal probation in March but told her to comply with all laws and stay out of trouble.  Police in the beach city of Santa Monica said Lohan was formally charged on Thursday with reckless driving and lying to police after telling them she was not driving the Porsche that smashed into a truck on a busy highway. No one was seriously injured in the collision.  Lohan was also charged with obstructing an officer in his duty. A court date has not been set, Santa Monica police said in a statement.

In New York, Lohan was accused of punching a 28-year-old unidentified woman multiple times in the face, said New York Police Sergeant John Buthorn. The victim sustained "minor, minor injuries," he said.  The actress was released from police custody later on Thursday morning.  The two incidents come during a rough week for the former child star, once one of the most promising young actresses in Hollywood.  Her most recent performance, as screen legend Elizabeth Taylor in the TV movie "Liz & Dick," was panned by critics. Cable TV channel Lifetime said Monday that a modest 3.5 million Americans watched the film, which premiered last weekend.

Lohan's recent visits to New York have been peppered with run-ins with police and public spats.  Last month, police were called to the Long Island home of Lohan's mother, Dina Lohan, after a loud argument, though no arrests were made. In September, Lohan was arrested in Manhattan after a pedestrian told police her car had struck him in an alley, but charges were not filed.

Culled from: http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/lindsay-lohan-arrested-york-accused-punching-woman-125626094.html

SYDNEY AUSTRALIA'S BONDI BEACH CLOSED BY RED ALGAE BLOOM

A rare phenomenon called red algae bloom has briefly closed Sydney's Bondi Beach to swimmers as the crimson tide came close to shore.  Also closed was the nearby Clovelly Beach while authorities conducted tests on the area in and around the Tasman Sea.  Swimmers were immediately advised to steer clear of the moving algae due to potentially harmful reactions.

Also known as noctiluca scintillans or sea sparkle, the algae has not been proven to have toxic effects for humans - but people have been advised to avoid contact as it is high in ammonia which can cause skin irritation.  "It has got quite a fishy smell to it," local lifeguard Bruce Hopkins told the Australian Associated Press. "It can irritate some people's skin but generally not much more than that."

The closure of the beach will be a disappointment for the locals, British tourists and expats who are basking in Australia's summer temperatures of up to 40C.

Culled from: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/bondi-beach-closed-red-algae-bloom-153955713.html

HALLE BERRY'S EX CLAIMS HE WAS VICTIM IN THANKSGIVING BRAWL

Actress Halle Berry and model Gabriel Aubry posing as they arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California February 22, 2009.  Credit: Reuters/Danny Moloshok

Halle Berry's ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry on Monday won a restraining order against the actress's current lover, as the two men fought in the Los Angeles courts over who started their Thanksgiving Day brawl.  

Releasing photos of himself with a black eye and cuts to his face, Aubry claimed that he was the victim in the November 22 punch-up with Berry's fiancé, French actor Olivier Martinez, in the driveway of her Los Angeles house.  "I suffered numerous injuries as a result of the attack, including a fractured rib, multiple bruises on my face and a number of cuts which required stitches," Aubry said in court papers, alleging that Martinez had threatened the day before to kill him.

"It all happened so fast and so suddenly; I did not see Mr Martinez's actions coming and thus I was not ready for it and was not able to defend myself," Aubry wrote.

Aubry, Martinez, and the Oscar-winning "Monster's Ball" actress have been embroiled for months in a custody fight over Berry's 4-year-old daughter, Nahla. Berry wants to take the daughter she had with Aubry to live with her and Martinez in France, but a Los Angeles judge denied that request earlier in November.  Aubry claimed in his request for a restraining order on Monday that Martinez told him, "You cost us $3 million," while the French actor punched and kicked him on November 22.

Aubry, a Canadian model, was arrested last week for battery after the fist fight, and ordered to stay away from Berry, the child, and Martinez.  Neither man has been yet been formally charged in the case.

Culled from: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/27/entertainment-us-halleberry-aubry-idUSBRE8AQ04E20121127