2013年2月1日星期五

He's bringing SexyBack: Justin Timberlake set to return to 2013 BRIT Awards for a UK television exclusive performance

The BRIT Awards are less then three weeks away and yet have already achieved a massive coup with their latest announcement.
Global superstar Justin Timberlake is set to perform at Britain's most prestigious music awards show for the first time since 2004.
The 32-year-old trouser snake's special performance will be a UK television exclusive marking his big comeback and it is hoped Jay-Z - who features on Justin's new single - will also take to the stage during the show.
Suited and booted: Justin Timberlake will perform at the 2013 BRIT Awards for the first time since 2004
Suited and booted: Justin Timberlake will perform at the 2013 BRIT Awards for the first time since 2004
The three time BRIT Award winner announced his return to music at the beginning of this year when he wrote an open letter to his fans letting them know he was gearing up for a big 2013 with the release of The 20/20 Experience. 
Since then the world has witnessed Justin-mania with the album's first single Suit & Tie dominating the charts worldwide and smashing US radio airplay records earning Justin his best first week sales ever.
The musician turned actor is an international music icon and over the years he has had eight BRIT Award nominations.
SexyBack: The talented US singer's special performance will be a UK television exclusive marking his big comeback
SexyBack: The talented US singer's special performance will be a UK television exclusive marking his big comeback
In 2004 he won Best International Album and Best International Male as well as giving the BRITs one of their most memorable performances to date - performing a medley of tracks from his debut album Justified as well as dueting with Kylie Minogue in 2003. 
In 2007 he once again picked up Best International Male.
BRITs Chairman David Joseph said: 'Justin is an exceptional artist with global appeal and unrivalled successes. 
'We are thrilled to add him to a stellar line-up that will celebrate an amazing year of music and make this one of the strongest BRIT live shows to date.'

That performance: Justin set tongues wagging when he cheekily grabbed Kylie's famous derriere at the 2003 BRIT Awards
That performance: Justin set tongues wagging when he cheekily grabbed Kylie's famous derriere at the 2003 BRIT Awards
The addition of Justin cements an incredible line-up for the 2013 show with performances on the night also coming from Robbie Williams, Muse, Ben Howard, One Direction, Mumford & Sons and Emeli Sandé.
Promising more music than ever before, there are still further announcements to come.
The BRIT Awards 2013 with MasterCard announced the full list of nominations on January 10th at the Savoy Hotel, London.
Mumford & Sons, Alt J and singer songwriter Emeli Sandé lead the way with three nominations each.

Helpful Hints to Buy Swords Online



If you are an desirous collector of swords, there is somthing important that you need to know when browsing the Internet. I must warn you though, online shops have wide array of choices of medieval swords for sale, you might be overwhelmed with all the choices that you can choose from. 

However, if you are looking for authentic swords, then you must take precautionary measures in choosing which to buy. This is because not all swords and shields found online are authentic. Some of them are fake and are meant only for display purposes.If you are on the lookout for ornamental wall designs, then will not have any problem looking for one. All you have to do is choose one which suits your taste and it's already mission accomplished. Aside from that, you don't have to spend more than US$50 in buying a wall design.Distinguishing which sword for sale is authentic or not is really not that easy; this is most especially true for people who are just starting to collect such swords. Most people do not have enough knowledge about the difference between an ornamental swords and a sword which you can use to cut things with. In fact, most people think that there are no difference at all.

Being ignorant about such matters can be harmful for you. This is because you cannot use an ornamental sword during fights and sparring. Why? Well, this is because the ornamental swords can be easily broken and cut off. Once these happens, you may be placed in great danger. This very reason why collectors must have knowledge regarding this subject.Sad as it may seem, most medieval swords up for sale in the Internet are all what collectors may regard as 'sword-like' objects. This means that these swords may seem authentic and strong but once you swing this in the air or use this to break a vase, nothing will happen. And to add insult to injury, the handle of the swords may break and the handle may shatter or worse, it will come flying off with so much speed that it can surely hurt anybody near you.

When looking for an authentic sword, the first thing that you should look in the seller's description are the words: battle ready or functional. But as we all know, not all sellers are honest. Most of them put such descriptions even if the sword they are selling is not really authentic.To further help you with distinguishing the difference, here are the three most important things that you should know about authentic swords. One is that the materials used in making real swords are HIGH CARBON STEEL and NOT STAINLESS STEEL. And Real swords undergo proper heat treatment to make sure that the swords are not too brittle nor too soft. In addition, Real swords have 'full tang'. By full tang, we mean that the metal insert that is slided into the handle is forged as an integral part of the sword and not a separate part that is only welded afterwards alongside your ornamental sword.


Fat chance! Gamine sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner supersize each other and upload pictures to Twitter

They're only young, so it's almost charming when they mock the morbidly obese.
Because Kylie Jenner, 15, and Kendall Jenner, 17, probably don't know that their svelte figures are down not only to youth but to the wealth that allows you to put healthy, delicious food on your table.
After all, it's cheaper to head to Taco Bell than it is to dine at Nobu.
Hilarity ensues: Kylie and Kendall Jenner posted fat pictures of themselves on Twitter
Hilarity ensues: Kylie and Kendall Jenner posted fat pictures of themselves on Twitter
Hilarity ensues: Kendall and Kylie Jenner posted fat pictures of themselves on Twitter
But they don't know; to these girls, it's just a lark - cooked up on an application like Fat Booth, no doubt - and who can expect teens to understand the socio-economic conditions behind the obesity epidemic?
Especially when they have Range Rovers to drive, and Hermes bags to flaunt.
Maybe the pair will be able to bag a segment on their mother's new show to share such japes.
What Kendall actually looks like: The elder Jenner Tweeted her favourite outfit of the day
What Kendall actually looks like: The elder Jenner Tweeted her favourite outfit of the day
Kris Jenner's daytime talk show Kris will air later this year after inking a deal with Twentieth Television.
The showbiz matriarch - who has masterminded the reality TV careers of her entire family, most notably daughter Kim Kardashian, 32, – will present a one-hour show featuring celebrity guests and fashion, beauty and lifestyle discussions
Kris, 57, said: 'This is something I have wanted to do all my life so it’s definitely a dream come true! I can’t wait for this new adventure to begin.'
Reality star turned presenter: Kris Jenner has landed her own television talk show
Reality star turned presenter: Kris Jenner has landed her own television talk show
Twentieth Television believe Kris' experience as a manager to her celebrity daughters Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian and Kylie and Kendall Jenner, will help her be a great TV host. 
Stephen Brown, Twentieth’s EVP of Development & Programming said: 'The latest adventures, successes and disappointments surrounding the extensive Kardashian and Jenner family fill entertainment magazines and create daily online headlines.
'[In the middle] of this fascinating empire is Kris Jenner – a dedicated mom and a successful business woman.

'Whether offering real advice to her family or sharing personal moments with viewers, Kris is honest, compelling, entertaining, and unscripted – all excellent qualities for a daytime talk show host'
Coming to daytime TV! Kris Jenner was pictured in Canoga Park on Sunday
Coming to daytime TV! Kris Jenner was pictured with Kylie in Canoga Park on Sunday

A Variety Of Swords To Collect



Collecting swords can be an exciting way for collectors to discover the history of the world. Collectors need to be prepared before starting a collection of swords, because of the storage space needed and the safety precautions that need to be taken.

Collectors of swords quickly find that well made swords and authentic antique swords are quite valuable, but they do require care and maintenance to keep them attractive and valuable. Collectors have found that there are a number of different types of swords that exist, which have been used as weapons of the past by the noblest of men.

One type of sword is the William Wallace sword, which is also known as the brave heart sword, and is one of the most popular pieces of memorabilia from the medieval era. This sword was have said to be the possession of the greatest hero from Scotland who ever fought against tyrant rulers. Medieval swords from the medieval era are true reminders of the great knights and warriors that used them on the battle field of this time. One of the largest Scottish made swords that was used during the medieval era was the Claymore sword, and it was believed to have been used during regular family warfare during border line battles with the English.

Fantasy swords have a very different look about them with a type of intricate handle and unique blade shapes, but these swords are primarily used for display purpose only. A great addition to any collection would be masonic swords that had metal blade which were sculpted in brass or bronze. The handle was finished and the hilt and pommel contained Masonic symbols that were carved on them. Original Roman swords are similar to the design of ancient Greek swords in that they were double edged short swords that were longer than daggers, but much shorter than the standard swords. These swords had straight blades and a tapered points in which to stab their enemies. Ultimately, these swords were mostly used for hand to hand combat.


2013年1月31日星期四

Simon's booster seat secret: Cowell uses cushion to get extra high at Britain's Got Talent auditions

Simon Cowell has been caught using a cushion to make him appear taller while sitting down filming Britain's Got Talent.
The music mogul, 53, was seen with a 'booster seat' on his chair, making him appear as tall as the rest of the judging panel.
Simon, who is thought to be around 5ft 7 shares the panel with David Walliams who is 6ft 2, as well as Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden.
An audience member at the Glasgow auditions spotted the implement and told The Sun: 'We went down the front to get a photo during one of the breaks and noticed the booster seat'.
'It's Simon down to a T. He's a small man with a big opinion and a big personality.'
A spokesperson for Simon told MailOnline: 'He is using a cushion for comfort.'
Simon is often seen using a Cuban heel to boost his height and he covers the shoes with long baggy jeans.
Booster seat: An eagle eyed audience member spotted the cushion seen in Simon's chair
Booster seat: An eagle eyed audience member spotted the cushion seen in Simon's chair

And in a recent Twitter snap taken by an audience member showing Simon kissing David's back, the comedian is seen towering above the X Factor boss.
The Syco boss has been mocked about his height by former judge Piers Morgan in the past.

Piers said: 'If you look carefully, Simon grows between shows.'

Sitting pretty: The 53-year-old music mogul appears to be as tall as 6ft2 comedian David Walliams
Sitting pretty: The 53-year-old music mogul appears to be as tall as 6ft2 comedian David Walliams
Towering above him: In this Twitter snap Simon is dwarfed by David Wallliams and is seen kissing the comedian's back
Towering above him: In this Twitter snap Simon is dwarfed by David Wallliams and is seen kissing the comedian's back

'When we’re on ­Britain’s Got Talent, he’s smaller than me, then suddenly his three pillows arrive and he’s taller than me.'
While Cowell might have issues in the height department, he certainly isn't in short of money as he was named the biggest earner in a new rich list for reality television.

He topped the chart with an estimated £225million, making ten times more than second placed Susan Boyle.

Looking for an Samurai Sword?



Because swords are rather rare commodities, many people prefer to shop for them online. From the pictures on the webstores we cannot wholly ascertain the genuineness of any so called authentic samurai sword and this is why we need prior information describing what a battle ready sword really is. Samurai aka Katana swords are revered for their sword blade quality which boasts a hard cutting edge and the ability to resist shock. As earlier pointed, these qualities are achievable with carbon steel. 

An samurai sword warrants its genuineness in its blade manufacture process. True samurai swords are forged i.e. the billet is repeatedly heated, hammered and folded, and in the process impurities are eliminated thus giving the blade an extraordinary cutting ability. Afterwards, the carbon sword is subjected to tempering which is a claying and differential hardening process that entails rapid heating and quenching procedures. Through these processes the sword develops both low and high carbon steel sectors and these are what make it a real battle ready sword. The lower carbon section gives the blade some flexibility which enables it to better absorb shock while the high carbon sector goes to ensure a strong and tough cutting edge. A samurai carbon sword that has been subjected to tempering bears characteristic wavy lines patterns also known as hamon. 

An authentic samurai sword is also very attractive to the eye and you should therefore look for various aspects of aesthetics such as high grade polishing, and ornamentations on the pommel (kashira), guard (tsuba) and handle wrapping (tsuka-iko). Before making your purchase ensure that you are dealing with a knowledgeable seller who is quality control conscious and who can provide warranties for the swords on sale.


Too big for her boots! Suri Cruise wears knee-high leather flats and a furry coat as she goes for a milkshake with Katie Holmes

She caused controversy when she stepped out in a pair of high heels at the age of four.
But these days Suri Cruise's fashion has seemingly toned down a bit.
But on Wednesday, the six-year-old was once again seen dressing older for her age as she stepped out in a pair of flat leather boots and a furry coat.
Too big for her boots: Suri Cruise stepped out in knee-high leather flat boots and a furry coat as she visited the Shake Shack with her mother Katie Holmes in New York on Wednesday
Too big for her boots: Suri Cruise stepped out in knee-high leather flat boots and a furry coat as she visited the Shake Shack with her mother Katie Holmes in New York on Wednesday
Suri was heading out with her mother for a milkshake at Shake Shack in New York when she debuted the new footwear.
Her snazzy boots and pink coat were paired with a more age appropriate grey pinafore dress and white shirt worn underneath.
The youngster had her brunette locks out with a pretty braid at the side, and the hairstyle was pushed back with a cute neon headband.
KatLittle fashionista: Her snazzy boots and pink coat were paired with a more age appropriate grey pinafore dress and white shirt worn underneath
Little fashionista: Her snazzy boots and pink coat were paired with a more age appropriate grey pinafore dress and white shirt worn underneath

Follow the leader: The actress walked ahead of her daughter whilst she held her hand, and in the other she carried a collection of Suri's toys
Follow the leader: The actress walked ahead of her daughter whilst she held her hand, and in the other she carried a collection of Suri's toys
She also had her fingernails painted with green varnish.
Suri and Katie were ferried to the milkshake parlour by a large SUV.
The actress walked ahead of her daughter whilst she held her hand, and in the other she carried a collection of Suri's toys.
The mother-of-one had dressed down for the outing in a pair of black wide-leg trousers and her new favourite jacket, an army-green parka with fur-lined collar.
Chauffeured: Suri and Katie were ferried to the milkshake parlour by a large SUV
Chauffeured: Suri and Katie were ferried to the milkshake parlour by a large SUV

Dressed down: Katie had dressed down for the outing in a pair of black wide-leg trousers and her new favourite jacket, an army-green parka with fur-lined collar
Dressed down: Katie had dressed down for the outing in a pair of black wide-leg trousers and her new favourite jacket, an army-green parka with fur-lined collar
In comparison to Suri's luxurious leather boots, the Broadway star opted for some cosy plain flats.
It was recently revealed that the single mother won’t get the chance to show off her latest clothing collection at Fashion Week in February.
According to Women’s Wear Daily, the actress-turned-designer will be missing out on what would be an amazing promotion next month, although it is not clear why.
The publication reported on Tuesday: ‘Katie Holmes will be sitting out next month’s New York Fashion Week.’
This means that the single mother will have even more time to spend with Suri when she is not developing her style collection.
High heels at four: Suri caused controversy when she stepped out in a pair of high heels at the age of four
High heels at four: Suri caused controversy when she stepped out in a pair of high heels at the age of four

An Interesting Irony of Japanese Swords



Japanese swords, more commonly known to Westerners as 'samurai swords' because of the iconic warriors who, for hundreds of years wielded them in battle, are renowned not just because of samurai; they are renowned for their craftsmanship which employed sophisticated techniques to create arguably the most effective and well-made sword of all time. However, throughout its history - particularly through certain periods - something interesting can be observed in the manufacture of Japanese swords: many were of inferior quality; and most often during the times when they needed to be the best quality. Strange, you may think, but true nonetheless.

Japan has a notoriously feudal history. Going back in time to the days before guns overtook the sword as the primary weapon, when smiths were the key armorers, during the most turbulent times, the swords created during these times were often the worst quality swords. Strange, you may think, that I should say this but it's true: when swords were needed the most in mass amounts, they were usually of inferior quality to the ones created during less turbulent times.
The fact is, many smiths sacrificed quality greatly in order to mass produce swords for war.

One of the worst periods for Japanese swords came after the Meiji period when blades were produced in huge numbers for the Imperial Japanese Army. These swords bore hardly any resemblance to the quality blades which came before - even lacking key technological features like the hardened edge. In fact, the Japanese government refused to allow the registration (when it became compulsory to register swords with the police in Japan) of swords made for the imperial army, and even went so far as to order the destruction of any found still in existence.

Even smiths of some renown are known to have created inferior blades as weapons, so if you are looking for a Japanese sword which isn't just a presentation piece, relying on well-known names isn't always a surefire way to safeguard against purchasing a blade which, although it may look the part, is in fact an inferior weapon. Research about the smith and the times during which the blades were created will go a long way to ensuring you get a blade which is, every inch the perfect weapon and showpiece.