Gerrard cool under siege before Switzerland match

Steven Gerrard admits being captain of England right now feels like a man under siege as he prepares to lead his team into a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland here on Tuesday desperately trying to keep the focus on 

The match is potentially the pivotal fixture in Group G after England beat Bulgaria 4-0 in their opening game and could be the start of a post-World Cup revival for Fabio Capello's side that helps heal the still-smarting wounds of South Africa.

But instead of talking about qualification in the build-up to the crucial fixture both Gerrard and Capello have found themselves distracted by the private life of star striker Wayne Rooney.
The Manchester United man has been the subject of a tabloid newspaper expose that claims he cheated on wife Coleen by sleeping with a prostitute.
There has been no official response from the Rooney camp so far but the story refuses to go away and comes hot on the heels of John Terry's alleged affair with the girlfriend of former Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge - who subsequently refused to play again for England - and front page headlines about the sex life of left-back Ashley Cole, who has now been divorced from pop star wife Cheryl.
Add in court cases, super injunctions, gagging orders and WAGs (the wives and girlfriends) and it's easy to see why some critics feel the celebrity bubble and media circus surrounding England is the cause of so many of their problems.
Certainly it doesn't make answering questions in pre-match press conferences any easier, so no wonder Gerrard, who also had to deal with the boos of angry supporters following a disappointing World Cup, has a sense of being under siege.
"At times, it can be like that," he admitted.
"When you're wanting to spend time with your family and you're out and about, and you've got cameramen following you in your car and you are getting that kind of attention it can feel sometimes as if you are hard done by.
"But we're playing football at the top level, and you have to realise how important football is for people.
"Then you have to accept it. But it is frustrating sometimes when you are preparing for a big game and it seems as if people are only interested in that story at the time.
"For me, the important thing is we've got an important game tomorrow, a tough game, and it's a game the players and I want to win, and it's important we shift our focus on to that now."
Gerrard, in fact, has been England's most outstanding player in recent months despite the pressure heaped on his shoulders.
He scored the opening goal of their World Cup campaign in South Africa, scored twice to save England on their return to Wembley against Hungary and was outstanding in last week's 4-0 victory over Bulgaria.
And despite all the traumas he bristled when it was suggested he should be desperate to hand the captain's armband back to first choice Rio Ferdinand, who is currently injured.
"I've really loved leading the team out, every minute of it, even the games we've lost," he said.
"I've been proud to lead the team out. I've given everything I've got and, even when Rio's back as captain, I will continue to lead by example and try and do the best I can."

World's Shortest Man Is Just 70cm Tall

A Colombian who is just over 2ft tall has been officially recognised as the world's shortest living man by the Guinness World Records.  




Edward Nino Hernandez, measuring 27in (70cm), is slightly taller than a piece of carry-on luggage and weighs 22lb (10kg).


"He hasn't grown since he was two years old," his mother Noemi Hernandez said.


The previous titleholder was China's He Pingping, who was 1.5in (4cm) taller than the Colombian and died on March 13.


In a recent interview, 24-year-old Nino said about his height: "I feel happy because I'm unique," but added "it bothers me that people are (always) touching me and picking me up".


According to Ms Hernandez, doctors could not explain why her son is so small. "They never gave us a diagnosis," she said.


Nino comes from Bosa, a mostly poor district of southern Bogota, and loves to dance, dreams of owning a car and wants to see the world.


The record holder also said he has an 18-year-old girlfriend called Fanny, who is less than 5ft tall.


But Nino does have his problems - he suffers from cataracts in both of his eyes that blur his vision and require surgery.


His mother said: "He doesn't see well. He isn't able to read".


Nino also had to repeat several years of school before dropping out.


The world's shortest man has earned some cash dancing at department stores and is now acting in a film in which he plays a pint-sized drug thug.


But the Guinness World Records believe Nino's reign is not likely to last long.


Khagendra Thapa Magar from Nepal, the world's shortest teenager, measures about 22in (56cm) and turns 18 on October 14.

Pakistan flood survivors protest slow aid

AP – Angry flood survivors gesture as they block a highway demanding food, shelter and water in Sukkar, Pakistan, …

By ASHRAF KHAN, Associated Press Writer Ashraf Khan, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 37 mins ago

SUKKUR, Pakistan – Angry flood survivors in Pakistan blocked a highway to protest slow delivery of aid and heavy rain lashed makeshift housing Monday as a forecast of more flooding increased the urgency of the massive international relief effort.
Pakistan's worst floods in recorded history began more than two weeks ago in the mountainous northwest and have spread throughout the country. Some 20 million people and 62,000 square miles (160,000 square kilometers) of land — about one-fifth of the country — have been affected.
The scale of the disaster has raised concerns it could destabilize the country, which is pivotal to U.S. hopes of defeating al-Qaida and the Taliban.
Hundreds of victims blocked a major highway with stones and garbage near the hard-hit Sukkur area, complaining they were being treated like animals. Protester Kalu Mangiani said government officials only came to hand out food when media were present.
"They are throwing packets of food to us like we are dogs. They are making people fight for these packets," he said.
The U.N. children's agency warned 3.5 million children were at high risk of deadly waterborne disease such as diarrhea and cholera. It said it did not have enough funds to distribute clean water to victims, or give them medical care.
The Sindh irrigation minister, Jam Saifullah Dharejo, said the dam in Sukkur faced a major test of its strength as floodwaters coursed down the Indus River into Pakistan's highly populated agricultural heartland.
"The coming four to five days are still crucial," he said.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon flew over the flood-hit area Sunday and said he had never seen a disaster on such a scale. He urged the international community to speed up assistance.

The world body has appealed for an initial $460 million to provide relief, of which about 60 percent has been given.
Britain's deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg accused some nations of failing to offer sufficient support.
"The response from some sections of the international community has been lamentable," Clegg said, without naming the countries he believed had failed to offer appropriate help.
Britain's government has so far provided 16.8 million pounds (US$26 million) in emergency aid in response to the floods, making it one of the largest foreign donors.
The European Union also announced it was considering forming a task force to better coordinate emergency aid in the future after French President Nicolas Sarkozy said the EU's euro 40 million ($51 million) in humanitarian aid was insufficient.
The latest flooding over the weekend hit a poor region on the border between Sindh and Baluchistan provinces.
Sher Khan Bazai, the top government official in Nasirabad district, said 25,000 families had been made homeless by waters 8 feet (2.5 meters) high in some places. About 4,000 small villages had been either cut off or washed out.
"Water is everywhere," he said.
Once the floods recede, billions more dollars will be needed for reconstruction and getting people back to work in the already-poor nation of 170 million people. The International Monetary Fund has warned the floods could dent economic growth and fuel inflation.
While local charities and international agencies have helped hundreds of thousands of people with food, water, shelter and medical treatment, the scale of the disaster has meant many millions have received little or no assistance.

Jetliner crashes on Colombian island; 1 killed

AP – A plane that crashed lays in pieces along the runaway at the airport on San Andres island in Colombia, …

24 mins ago

BOGOTA, Colombia – A Boeing 737 jetliner with 131 passengers aboard crashed as it prepared to land and broke into three pieces at a Colombian island in the Caribbean early Monday. The region's governor said it was a miracle that only one person died.
Colombian Air Force Col. David Barrero said officials were investigating reports the plane had been hit by lightning before crashing at 1:49 a.m. (3:49 a.m. EDT; 0649 GMT) on San Andres Island, a resort area of 78,000 people about 120 miles (190 kilometers) east of the Nicaraguan coast.
San Andres Gov. Pedro Gallardo said 125 passengers and six crew members had been aboard Aires Flight 8520, but the only person killed was Amar Fernandez de Barreto, 68.
"It was a miracle and we have to give thanks to God," that only one person died, said Gov. Pedro Gallardo.
Officials said 119 people were treated or checked at local clinics and five of them were seriously injured.
The state government said in an e-mail that passengers aboard the plane that left Bogota about midnight included eight U.S. citizens and four Brazilians. They were not identified.
Passengers said the pilot had announced an impending landing and all seemed normal as the plane descended through rain.

AP/Periodico El Isleno, Richard Garcia

But suddenly it hit short and then slid onto the runway on its belly as the fuselage fractured. It wound up on one end of the runway, crumpled and in pieces, as passengers scrambled or were helped to safety.
Firefighters quickly doused the beginnings of a fire on a wing, said police Gen. Orlando Paez.
Ninety-nine passengers were taken to the Amor de Patria Hospital on San Andres, said the hospital director, Dr. Robert Sanchez.
"It's incredible. For the dimension (of the accident), there should be more," he said.
Sanchez said an initial examination indicated that Fernandez de Barreto may have died of a heart attack.
Twenty other passengers were treated at another clinic, according to the national civil aviation agency.
Barrero, commander of the Caribbean Air Group, said by telephone from San Andres that "the skill of the pilot kept the plane from colliding with the airport."
He said the cause of the accident was uncertain. "You can't speculate. Lightning? A gust of wind? The investigation will say."
The airline, Aerovias de Integracion Regional SA, said in a Twitter posting that it has 20 planes, including 10 Boeing 737-100 planes.
It said it was "working and investigating with the aeronautical authorities to determine the causes of what happened."
Barrero said part of the 7,800-foot (2,380-meter) runway had been closed because parts of the plane were still scattered across it. But enough was usable that air ambulances would be able to land.
Paez said by telephone that a group of police officers who had been waiting at the airport for the plane to take them back to the Colombian mainland aided in rescuing the victims.

Two hearts combine as one!

Two hearts combine as one.
we hold one key thats bigger than the sun.
Lets hold hands and touch other soul, we one heart ready to be unfold
bring the spoon, I got the milk, you be my cereal, I be your bowl.
baby come sit next to me I will hold you like its cold; and if this heart happen to get cold
our love will live on like never get old.
your pain is my pain your tears fall like rain
one love, one heart, one diamond ring.
wherever you go I will always be with you; one dress
one kiss, I DO.
I can read your mind like a book, we both on the same page
like a fish we hook.
feel the wind, hear the ocean, you my one last lucky token
you keep your heart, I keep mine, baby thats past tense.
let our heart speak for itself doesn't that make sense.
this poem is about to be done; BABY WAIT, OUR HEARTS has officially combine as ONE.

Stallone durable at box office with "Expendables" (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Sylvester Stallone outmuscled Julia Roberts at the weekend box office in North America on Sunday to score the biggest opening of his career with his new film "The Expendables."
The action hero's all-star mercenary thriller earned an estimated $35 million across the United States and Canada during its first three days of release, distributor Lionsgate said.
The opening, which was in line with bullish expectations, marks a boost not only for Stallone, who directed and co-wrote the project as well, but also for Lionsgate, whose Lions Gate Entertainment Corp parent is fending off a hostile takeover from investor Carl Icahn.
Julia Roberts, whose career has been almost as cold as Stallone's in recent years, followed at a distant No. 2 with "Eat Pray Love." The big-screen adaptation of a bestselling memoir of a woman's international search for herself, opened with $23.7 million, also in line with expectations.
The female-skewing drama was released by Sony Corp's Columbia Pictures, which topped the box office last weekend with "The Other Guys." The Will Ferrell cop comedy fell to No. 3 with $18 million, taking its 10-day total to $70.5 million.
A third newcomer, the comic-book adaptation "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World," bombed at No. 5 with $10.5 million. It marks the second disappointment this month for General Electric Co-owned distributor Universal Pictures, following "Charlie St. Cloud."
Stallone, 64, was last in theaters with a pair of modest retreads revisiting his glory days, 2008's "Rambo" and 2006's "Rocky Balboa." They opened to $18 million and $12 million, respectively.
His best opening, before accounting for ticket-price inflation was the $33 million start for the children's movie "Spy Kids 3D" in 2003. On an adjusted basis, he did better with a pair of films in 1985: "Rambo: First Blood Part II" and "Rocky IV," with about $45 million each, according to tracking firm Box Office Mojo.
"The Expendables," whose multinational lineup includes English tough guy Jason Statham, Sweden's Dolph Lundgren and Chinese martial-arts veteran Jet Li, revolves around a team of mercenaries who inflict carnage on a fictional South American dictatorship. Bruce Willis and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger have cameos. Roberts' older brother Eric, from whom the actress was once estranged, plays a villain.
The film was made by independent producer Avi Lerner's Nu Image/Millennium for about $85 million. Lionsgate paid $20 million for distribution rights.

Premier League - Maradona wants Villa job

Argentina legend Diego Maradona has informed Aston Villa he would be willing to take over the Villa Park hotseat.

Martin O’Neill resigned as boss last week, with Kevin McDonald leading them to a 3-0 opening-day victory over West Ham in the caretaker role.
Ajax boss Martin Jol and USA coach Bob Bradley have been linked with the West Midlands club - but Maradona believes he could be the man to lead them this season.
"I think Diego would be very open to the idea of coming to England and managing Aston Villa," his official European representative, Walter Soriano, told the Sunday Mercury.
"He is very attracted to English football and the way of life in your country and I know he would be very willing to move there.
"He loves the English countryside and your respect for privacy, so he would be very happy there, especially at a big club like Aston Villa."
Maradona left his post of Argentina coach in acrimonious circumstances last month, having impressed at the World Cup until La Albiceleste were smashed 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals.
Soriano added: "If the owner Randy Lerner wants to make him a serious offer, I am sure he would get a very positive response.
"Diego is currently talking with a number of clubs in Europe – including another one in England – about a management role and is looking at his options carefully."
Maradona has had a chequered football career. Regarded as one of the all-time great players alongside Pele, he suffered from alcohol and drug problems later - culminating in him being thrown out of the 1994 World Cup in the USA.
He struggled in a few coaching posts before emerging from a stomach-stapling operation in 2007 slimmer and healthier than he had been for years.
He then just managed to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa, before surprising many with his team's flamboyant and goal-happy performances at the finals.

Premier League - Drogba hits Chelsea hat-trick

Didier Drogba fired a hat-trick as Chelsea cruised to a 6-0 win against West Bromwich Albion in their Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge.

The promoted visitors could not live with Drogba, who struck once before the break and twice after it before he was withdrawn to save West Brom further embarrassment.
Florent Malouda bagged two goals, while Frank Lampard also got in on the act.
Chelsea's six-goal haul took them top of the Premier League, ending Blackpool's brief stint at the summit.
The scary part for the rest of the division is that the champions did not play anywhere near their best. Their tempo was slower and their passing less slick than for most of last season - yet West Brom were totally outclassed.
It does not get much easier for Roberto Di Matteo's side - their next three away games are against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti brought Petr Cech back to displace Hilario - the Czech a reassuring presence between the sticks. Lampard also shook off an ankle injury picked up against Hungary on Wednesday.
Chelsea had a disappointing pre-season, culminating with defeat in last Sunday's Community Shield at Wembley, but this played out like a particularly one-sided exhibition match.
In front of a subdued Stamford Bridge crowd, Chelsea strolled to a victory that was never in doubt as soon as Malouda opened the scoring in the sixth minute.
Goalkeeper Scott Carson spilt Drogba's free-kick and saved John Obi Mikel's follow-up, but could do nothing as Malouda seized on the second rebound and swept it into the net.
The Frenchman scored 11 times after the turn of the year last season, and has started the current campaign in similarly predatory fashion. It is a mystery why a sizeable constituency of Chelsea fans prefer Joe Cole.
The match ambled along, with West Brom's best effort coming from Graham Dorrans, whose deflected shot brought a decent save from Cech. At the other end, Carson parried a Lampard free-kick and Malouda headed the rebound over.
When the second came, it was as soft as Premier League goals come. Drogba bought a free-kick off Gabriel Tamas 30 yards out and struck his shot at the wall - only the masonry crumbled, allowing the ball through.
Carson should still have saved it, but the ball skipped off the turf and went over his gloves. A dismal collective effort from the promoted side.
Chelsea scored a century of Premier League goals last term, including four hauls of seven or more, and they quietly went about running up the score against dishevelled opponents.
Drogba made it three following more poor defending from set-pieces. John Terry headed a corner goalwards, it was blocked but West Ham failed to clear and the striker slammed in a left-foot shot from close range.
Next came the pick of the goals, as slick interplay from Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole allowed Lampard to sidefoot in from close range.
The England man was them promptly withdrawn to allow Yossi Benayoun's Premier League debut for Chelsea.
On 68 minutes, Drogba completed his hat-trick with a shot from the edge of the box that owed much to a Tamas deflection that completely wrong-footed Carson.
There was still time for Malouda to pour on the agony, latching on to an Anelka through ball, rounding Carson and firing in off the post.

Winfrey's new network sued by ex-employee

A woman who worked on Oprah Winfrey's new TV network Own is suing the company, alleging she was "subjected to a hostile work environment" due to her disability. 

Catherine Dunn, who suffers from central nervous system disease multiple sclerosis, started as an assistant at the cable channel in 2008.

She claims she was badly treated because of her condition, and was forced to take leave because her symptoms were worsened by the stress of working in a "hostile" environment.
Dunn alleges in a suit filed on Friday at Los Angeles Superior Court that while she was on stress-related leave, she was replaced by "a non-disabled and younger employee", according to TMZ.com.
Dunn is suing the network for wrongful termination and is seeking unspecified damages.
Winfrey's new network will debut in early 2011.

Idol producer denies Lopez 'diva' reports

The executive producer of American Idol has denied reports Jennifer Lopez is out of the running for a judging job on the hit US talent show because of her diva demands - insisting the star is "a wonderful woman". 

Following the announcement that Ellen DeGeneres has stepped down from the panel after just a year on the series, and the planned departure of Simon Cowell, Idol bosses are eager to sign up two big names to boost the show's appeal.

Lopez and Steven Tyler were in the running as the favourites to take a seat at the judging panel, but reports suggested Lopez had been pulled from the possible replacements due to her escalating demands.
But executive producer Nigel Lythgoe hints the Jenny From The Block hitmaker still has a chance of landing the role and admits he has never witnessed her demanding ways.
He tells Extra, "These people don't know Jennifer Lopez. She's a wonderful woman. I've never seen her be a diva in her life!"
And Lythgoe is adamant former judge Paula Abdul is definitely not returning, insisting he wants attention to focus on the new talent and not the judging panel.
He adds, "Paula is under contract to another company so I don't think that she enters the frame on this occasion.
"As far as I'm concerned, I would like the attention to go on the kids, because it's about the talent that comes on this show and sings."

Katy Perry cheats on Russell Brand

Welcome to RasMedo! Music's weekly round-up of the latest and best new music - five songs you'll be hearing a lot more of over the coming days. Check out our suggestions in tracks, downloads, leaks and links below and let us know if you think they're going to fly or die.

Katy Perry 'Teenage Dream'

Judging by the saucy video to the title song from her new album, it looks like Katy Perry is trying to get her revenge in early on fiancé Russell Brand. The famously randy comic has promised to remain faithful to the US star. Let's just hope he doesn't get fact and fiction confused after he's seen her romping (in a car, motel room, underwater) with a moody hunk in the follow-up to ‘California Gurls'. (Watch it here)

Eminem 'Love The Way You Lie'

The second single from Eminem's new album, ‘Recovery', may already be a worldwide smash but that's not where the story ends. Because the video was issued this week and has become an online sensation. It clocked up an astounding 6.6 million hits in one day and broke all previous YouTube records. With an all-star cast including Rihanna and Megan Fox plus a burning house, you can see why. (Watch it here)

Sophie Ellis-Bextor ‘Not Giving Up'

Confusion surrounds Sophie Ellis-Bextor's future. New album ‘Straight To The Heart' has been delayed more times than she and that bloke out of The Feeling have had hot dinners, amid rumours the record will never see the light of day. Now there is this, the hands-in-the-air upcoming single, ‘Not Giving Up', featuring trance DJ Armin van Buuren, which sounds like the party is far from over. (Hear it here)

Scissor Sisters ‘Any Which Way'

For a band named after a sex act, the title of the latest single from third studio album ‘Night Work' doesn't leave too much to the imagination. Some doubt whether the New York act have ever really matched the hype and anticipation that followed their breakthrough. Well, clearly no expense has been spared on the video to ‘Any Which Way', which is a technicolour feast for the eyes. (Watch it here)

Mirrors ‘Ways To An End'

Like fellow hotly-tipped newcomers Hurts, Mirrors present a monochrome, smartly tailoured outlook that will serve them well. Equally, they have a way with pop music to suggest the ‘80s renaissance won't be ending any time soon. Often compared to the likes of Kraftwerk, New Order and Depeche Mode, it is OMD that the Brighton four-piece most resemble. Upcoming support dates with their electro forefathers will surely only see their star rise further, as will ‘Ways To An End'. (Hear it here)

Online dating scams on the rise




Criminals are preying on singles looking for love in a new scam that has claimed thousands of victims. We uncover the tricks behind lonely hearts scams - and how to avoid them.

New figures released this week show that 15,000 people have been scammed by fraudsters since the turn of the year - and the figure has been swelled by the emergence of a disturbing new fraud that leaves its victims both out of pocket and heartbroken.

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The survey from national reporting centre Action Fraud identifies the five most commonly reported scams - and among such depressingly familiar crimes such as online shopping fraud and bogus money transfer requests, watchdogs have recorded a surge in ‘lonely hearts’ scams.
The crime, which targets romance and dating websites, is currently the third most reported fraud in the UK. And it not only leaves its victims thousands of pounds poorer - it also puts people through intense emotional distress and at possible risk of blackmail.       
How the scam works
The scam sees criminals sign up to legitimate dating websites and newspaper singles columns to seek out potential victims. The criminals create fictitious, carefully worded profiles with enticing headings and, more often than not, fake photographs. Once a dialogue has been struck with a potential victim, the scam begins.
The criminals may spend several weeks gaining the trust and affection of their intended victim before making their move. After a connection has been made, possibly after several weeks or even months, the fraudster will suggest switching to a more “secure” or “private” method of communication - typically a hard-to-monitor webmail account - and then launch their demands for money.
A variety of lies and excuses are made to part victims from their cash. Often perpetrators play on emotions, saying they would like to meet you but are stranded and don't have money to travel or cover visa costs. They may also say that they or a family member require urgent treatment for an illness or require money to pay for a passport or phone bills.
In other instances, the tricksters may turn respondents into unwitting “fraud mules”, asking for access to bank accounts, credit cards, passports, e-mail accounts, or national identification numbers to get victims to commit financial fraud on their behalf under the flimsiest of pretexts.
Either way, the end result is the same - the victim is conned out of thousands of pounds. One victim of a romance scam uncovered by the Daily Telegraph earlier this year was duped to the tune of £60,000. In another recent case uncovered by the UK’s Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), a UK woman was kidnapped after travelling to West Africa to meet someone with whom they had established an online friendship.
And in some cases, the scam goes on still further. Often the perpetrators will claim they really are in love with their victim - and people who stay are sucked into fresh fraud. In other instances, criminals will use personal information or webcam photos to blackmail their victims.
Danger signs to watch out for
The personal nature of this fraud makes it much harder to spot than other similar crimes but, fortunately, there are signs you can spot - many of which have been collated by US support group Romancescams.org. When contact is first made, they typically want to move the conversation onto an instant messaging service and will immediately ask for a picture.
The scammer will most likely be working from outside the UK to avoid detection - which means that communication will be conducted at odd, anti-social hours. They will also rapidly declare their love for their victim in carefully written missives that are actually tried and tested templates where only the names are changed. Romance scammers also avoid answering personal questions and ask their victims many questions.
Finally, the conversation will quickly turn to financial matters. Scammers use convincing excuses for their focus on all things financial - they may claim to be in hardship or, conversely, successful businesspeople looking to see if they’ve found a financial match. Either way, they’ll use these questions to assess their victim’s financial worth.
How to stay safe   
Consumer watchdog the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) offers the following advice for people who suspect they could be at risk. The first rule is to be cautious: stick to tried and trusted dating websites and if you receive any requests for money, be suspicious, even if you have known the person for a number of weeks.
If the scammer requests your help, ask why - are you really their only hope? Even though you’ve only known them a matter of weeks? And if you meet somebody unknown to you, always meet in a public place and take a friend with you for support if you are unsure.
Of course, it may be too late if you’ve divulged confidential information - even unknowingly. If you think you have, check your credit report for signs of suspicious financial activity - you can check your file for free with an Experian trial.
Check your bank and credit card statements regularly; if you notice any suspicious withdrawals or purchases, notify your bank or card issuer immediately. And even if no fraud has occurred, it still pays to inform your bank - they may change your details to ensure the safety of your finances. What’s more, if your bank suspects you were negligent with your account details, you may be liable for the losses you suffer - a double-whammy on top of the emotional pain suffered.

Blind

If I were blind…
How could I see
To grab your hand
And ask you to follow me
Into a garden so dead with life
Once you entered, on came the light
I still could not see
For the light had blinded me
On through the garden we walked
Blinded by a love so naturally
You walked me to the flowers
You held me against the trees
You helped me touch the waters
On my lips your kisses felt like the breeze
You showed me every thing true love was meant to be

As the grasses grew much deeper
You walked in front and guided me
I lost your hand for a moment
That is when I began to see
The fear of losing what I have come to love
Is all it took to regain my sight and to overcome

In the beginning I thought I was leading…blind as can be
Your love actually grabbed me by my hand and showed me how to see
So in the end I was not blind
Just in search of a love I thought I would never find
So now that I have found
...I hope you never leave
For if you did I would lose my sight of a love that was meant to be

Our love has grown and does more each and every day
It has showed me that even the blackest darkness can still fade away
So…just as the flowers, the trees, the waters and sure as the breeze
We have a love to last for always…for only us to see!

These five style bloggers are no strangers to picking out the perfect outfit; they’ve all documented their inspiring ensembles on their respective blogs and won a loyal following of fans in the process. Now they’re helping us tackle one of life’s great dilemmas: what to wear on a first date!
Name: …love Maegan
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Website: http://www.lovemaegan.com

What she’s wearing:
Dress: Ali Ro (Gilt.com - see invite on her blog)
Shoes: Calvin Klein (Bloomingdales)
Earrings: Vintage (stolen from her mom)
Bag: Deux Lux (Urban Outfitters)

Why it’s her perfect first date outfit:
“There’s one thing I know about first dates and that is that they are awkward and uncomfortable so I think it’s best to wear something that is the exact opposite of that. You don’t want to be yanking a strapless top up or adjusting a belt or making sure a skirt is in place.
You want to be able to focus your attention on your date and not yourself. Speaking of your date, most boys/men aren’t necessarily into fashion. They like it clean and simple and pretty and sexy. I think this is the perfect first date outfit because while the dress is sexy it doesn’t scream “I’m open for business!” - if ya know what I mean. If you’re going to show some leg, keep the cleavage at bay - and vice versa. You don’t want to give away the farm all on the first date. You want him to want more… if you like him that is.”

---

Name: Emily Schuman Location: Los Angeles, CA
Website: http://cupcakesandcashmere.com

What she’s wearing:
Blazer: Vintage (flea market)
Tank: J.Crew
Pearl necklace: Forever 21
Handmade shark tooth necklace: From her Etsy shop
Jeans: 7 For All Mankind
Shoes: Seychelles
Clutch: Vintage (flea market).
Why it’s her perfect first date outfit:
“I think my look is put together and casual but the layered necklaces and metallic heels add a flirty touch.”

---

Name: Jessica Schroeder Location: Brooklyn, NY
Website: http://whatiwore.tumblr.com

What she’s wearing:
Jacket: Vintage and from a thrift store
Tank: Target
Skirt: Target
Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Simply Vera by Vera Wang (Kohl’s)
Why it’s her perfect first date outfit:
“On a first date I want to feel confident, cute, girly and tall. But most importantly I want to feel like myself, which is why this outfit is a perfect first date look. To avoid being too sexy, I like to pick between showing more arms/collarbone and some legs. I like the playfulness of this skirt and how it lets the jacket really shine. The colors, beading and cut of the jacket all send a message to my date that I’m easy going and ready to have fun. This outfit also works for the office (with flats) and moves easily into cocktail hour.”

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Name: Rebecca Roe, The Clothes Horse Location: Fort Lewis, WA
Website: http://theclothes.blogspot.com
What she’s wearing:
Jacket: H&M
Dress: H&M
Shoes: From a shop she can’t remember in Japan
Necklace: Handmade by Rebecca
Why it’s her perfect first date outfit:
“This outfit is perfect for a first date because no matter the activity or location these are clothes I feel wonderfully comfortable in; nothing is brand new and I’m wearing my two favorite colors. The movement of this dress never fails to make me feel like dancing and first dates should always involve some sort of dancing…even if it is the secretive ‘happy dance’ at the end of the night.”

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Name: Keiko Lynn Location: Brooklyn, NY
Websites: http://keikolynn.blogspot.com and http://www.postlapsaria.com
What she’s wearing:
Dirndl: Vintage
Blouse: Thrifted (and reconstructed by Keiko)
Belt: Thrifted
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
Why it’s her perfect first date outfit:
“My ideal first date involves a hanging out in a park, complete with swing sets and possibly even a kite. The gingham in the dress makes me think of a classic picnic blanket, and the overall look is typical of my everyday outfits. I’d like the guy to get to know the real me, not an idealized version of myself. If I’m comfortable in what I’m wearing (and my surrounding environment), I’m more relaxed, and less prone to awkward small talk.”

Romantic Afternoon
"Take your loved one to a place away from the hustle and bustle of town life. Take a blanket and place it under the trees lie and cuddle the entire afternoon and then watch the moon rise from behind a mountain, and remember how special the person you are with is!"

Date Night: Plan Your Dream Home

When you first fall in love, a good portion of the "get to know you" phase is spent together talking about your future and your goals and dreams. When you're in the love "bubble," everything seems possible and the opportunities appear endless. As you develop into a longer-term relationship, however, sometimes the wishful thinking loses it's spark. Recapture that feeling of "anything is possible" with a fun date night activity that taps into each of your creative abilities and imaginations. This date night can be done in one night as a fun "what-if" scenario, or you can give it real consideration and turn it into a couples' hobby-type project.

What you'll need:
Graph paper and pencils for drawing out your home
A few "Dream Home" style magazines for inspiration
A computer with internet access to make use of the tools listed below
Poster board, scissors, and a glue stick.

The Activity: Dream Home Collage
Cement the image of your dream home as a real possibility by creating a collage board. All dreams have their start with a little inspiration. By using your magazines and the websites listed below you should find the perfect inspiration to begin crafting your dream dwelling. To create the actual collage, settle on a final floor plan and attach it to the middle of your posterboard. Give your collage board a title and write it across the top. Then attach any pictures that are part of your dream home inspiration. For instance, a picture of a home with the front garden you want or a picture of a piece of furniture that you have to have. When you're done, put it up somewhere you can both see it and make changes as desired.

Hello ~ Halo. . .

My fantasies and dreams came true
..as I walked the old stone pathway
two by two
My heart thumped, beating, beating
rapid pulses they kept repeating.
Like two caramel apples, my cheeks were flushed
..to the top of the path I eagerly rushed;
Where the prayer place rested majestic and shaded
on lush island grass you sat
propped against our initials on a wall,
now faded
No longer a hallucination nor figment of my mind
like a fledgling on wings of hope
we fell hopelessly in love again
...blind..
Kisses gentle and strong
we grabbed hold of reality that day
Out came fiery hearts, honeysuckles and orchids
love's vibrant bouquet.
As maile hung her sweet scent delicately on spring's tender air
pikake rang out, glowing silent song in the sun's dazzle,
amongst my hair.
A plane graffiti-ed the clear azure sky saying 'Look at me'
like some street artist leaving a grand tag to be seen..
As fingers laced fingers, in amour's tapestry
we became twined
and we gave in to each other
heart, soul, body and mind.
The sand failed to fall as time stood still
and, Hhh, we loved to the chirruping birds loved up shrill..
not even the whispering breeze nor, roaring shore truly knows
what went that day
as we watched the amber sun sink sated to the east
lighting destinies way..
And we rested our lips on fevered lips
drumming heart against drumming heart
knowing
..we'd loved for a lifetime,
but then came time to part.
You see, in life there is always a dark side
and this was it
We gazed, silent, at the horizon beautifully lit..
Arms wrapped tight, warding off twilight's chill
leaving no room for goodbyes to fill..
Seasons have blossomed, waned and I, my soul
visits there still that special place
where time stood motionless and I learned how to love - true
I realize now, in those final blissful moments,
You'd never lose me and.. I'd never lose you....

Love Came Back

LOVE CAME BACK

I had put the love box on the shelf
Every day I'd polish it
Taking off the night's dust
Then i'd arrange it specially
Right in front of the books and
Other curios
Then one morning I looked
At it
A bit disdainfully
And I put off dusting it
Until the next day
Tomorrow became today
I looked at the box again
Deciding I could wait yet another day
I let it go
Soon many had passed
It had collected sufficient dust
So, I moved it way to the back
It's lustre had worn thinner
And thinner
Until it was just a dull lifeless
Box
As the books on the shelf were
I only glanced up at it
Once in awhile
I could only see the corner of it
Where I had moved it
My finger left that area clean
And because of its
Position
It stayed that way
Just a small little corner
That still had a shininess
I went to the shelf and
Pulled the box a bit forward
More dust was removed but
I still left it sit
Then
One day
Out of the blue
I took it down and dusted it
I placed it back in front
I had a hunch
Just a wee hint
That I might
Be needing it
Again
Then
A love letter was delivered
It was new
Never opened
I opened it
Smelling the sweet perfume
It had been sprayed with
There in front of me
Right on the cream linen
Page
His words
His love
His life
Given back to me
It was
Love came back
And this time
It stayed

love is magical

	love is magical with you oh yes you did cast youRR spell upon me my Beloved Creature of puRRfect feature art is inspirational with you oh yes you have the eye the taste the touch to splendor warm, easy and tender writing is inviting with you oh you have the flow i do know how it does go ebb and flow words rhyme so

im proud to you

I don't think that I tell you enough how much you truly mean to me,
How much I love you.
I am proud of your achievements,
To impress by your strong will.
Although I don't constantly say it,
I am proud to see you,
And I’m proud what you reach,
Develop into who you are becoming.
I love you my love,
And you constantly remain in my sweetest thoughts....
Never doubt how much you mean to me,
And nevertheless,
How much I love you.
I will remain faithfully yours until the end of time in these worlds.
&nbsp i love you my love i'm so thankful.

Stars!!

I lie on the ground Nd stare into space The stars start to move Into the shape of ur face I see you there now Looking down at me With that cute little smile That I like to see You say ‘close ur eyes’ ‘Tell me what you see’ I see only two people Just you nd me Were walking the shoreline With our feet getting wet The horizon turns pink As the sun starts to set We make love through the night On that white sandy shore Then I hold you while thinking I could want nothing more Oh I wish I could be In that one special place As I lie on the ground Nd stare into space

Take Me Back

take me back to the day when the world seemed to disappear
and only the two of us were there;
finally, after a long separation, two souls were reunited

take me back to the place where I was lost in your eyes and held fast in your arms.
there, I was loved and safe and knew I had found my way home

take me back to the feeling of your body against mine,
where I inhaled your breaths and you tasted my essence there, we gave completely what had been held back for so long.

take me back to the place where we were so closely intertwined that we became one;
with that connection there deep inside me, you found what I thought did not exist

take me back to the hours when we made love with an urgency and a passion long denied;
there, we expressed with our bodies what can never be said with words

take me back to days when my dreams seemed to be possible before reality and my imperfection destroyed it all
before my guilt takes me to the realization that you are again lost to me and I'm left with a sadness that won't go away

MISSING YOU

    I WAS ALL ALONE
    SILENTLY THINKIN'ABOUT YOU
    WISHING THAT YOU'RE HERE WITH ME
    IN THIS MOMENT OF SOLITUDE...

    'THOUGH YOU CAN'T HEAR MY HEART'S WISH
     STILL HOPING THAT SUDDENLY INFRONT OF
        ME YOU'LL APPEAR.
     FOR ALL I KNOW IT'S YOU THAT I'M MISSING
     AND CAN FILL UP THIS HEARTFELT EMPTINESS
        THAT I FEEL...

     BUT STILL I'M SO GRATEFUL THAT EVEN THOUGH
        WE'RE NOT TOGETHER
     I KNOW THAT DEEP INSIDE YOUR HEART MY WISH
        IS WHAT YOU'RE WISHING TOO.
     AND FOR THIS I'M PROUD TO TELL YOU THAT...
           I TRULY LOVE YOU

Valleys Of Neptune

Your been there since I was
young, trough the dark and bright
times, wiping the tears and bringing
smiles; Turning my frowns upside down,

Singing, Dancing and laughing
together, Moments that will never
be forgotten even the heart to heart
conversation`s that will never
be shared with another soul.

Defending each other and fighting
each others battles , both in hystrics
watching other girls trying to
make themselves look big but
us visualizing them as mouses
at the end of a firework!

At the celerbration of
our forever lasting
friendship.

What Is A Love?

What is love, but an emotion,
So strong and so pure,
That nurtured and shared with another
All tests it will endure?

What is love, but a force
To bring the mighty low,
With the strength to shame the mountains
And halt time’s ceaseless flow?

What is love, but a triumph,
A glorious goal attained,
The union of two souls, two hearts
A bond the angels have ordained?

What is love, but a champion,
To cast the tyrant from his throne,
And raise the flag of truth and peace,
And fear of death o’erthrow?

What is love, but a beacon,
To guide the wayward heart,
A blazing light upon the shoals
That dash cherished dreams apart?

And what is love, but forever,
Eternal and sincere,
A flame that through wax and wane
Will outlive life’s brief years?

So I’ll tell it on the mountaintops,
In all places high and low,
That love for you is my reason to be,
And will never break or bow.



And finally love is all about waiting and sacrificing,
I want to spend the rest of my life loving you,
and I promise that everyday that we will be together
It would be heaven! this love is all about...

My Love tis you I only see,
beyond the stars you call to me.
With eyes that sing deep into my dreams,
A melody so soft my soul does scream.
My love tis you I wish to touch.
My body craves thee oh so much.
With each whisper, thy lips do part.
It captures the essence of my heart.
My love tis you I want to belong.
So let out night be like a song.
And with our day to start again.
My love I give thee till the end

Paris Hilton 2009

And finally, in August of 2006, Paris Hilton released a debut album that against all odds actually managed to have a hit single, the inexplicably titled “Stars Are Blind.” Almost three years later, Paris Hilton walked the red carpet at the 2009 Grammy Awards having forgotten a pair of pants.

M.I.A. 2009

At the 2009 awards, a nine months pregnant M.I.A. showed up on her due date wearing a blue and teal patterned, multi-tiered mini-dress that both embraced and accentuated her full-bodied shape. Even better, for her onstage performance with T.I., Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne, and Kanye West, the rapper changed into a show-stoppingly sheer polka-dot ensemble that left very little to the imagination.

OK Go 2007

Long before Lady Gaga donned a blood red and be-masked outfit for the 2009 VMAs, pop group OK Go made their Grammy debut in matching red patterned suits—complete with scarlet face masks and coordinating hats. One band member stopped to explain their alien-looking costumes: "We're dressed in the future – the future dressed us."

Gwen Stefani 2006

Gwen Stefani single-handedly made maternity wear rock-chic at the 2006 Grammys in a flowing leopard-print, ombre, one-shoulder gown from her own label, L.A.M.B.

Toni Braxton 2001

Fortunately for Christina, 2001 was the same year Toni Braxton was nominated for Best Female R&B Performance and Best R&B Album, either of which might explain why she decided to wear two long strips of white fabric tethered together by a tenuous-looking elastic band.

Christina Aguilera 2001

Exactly one year after winning "Best New Artist" for the pop-princess stylings of her self-titled debut album, Christina Aguilera got dirrty in a navel-baring dress that was as eye-catching as it was jaw-dropping. Accessorized with a head full of multi-colored braids, Christina later chalked the whole look up as "an experiment."

Jennifer Lopez 2000

In what will likely go down in the annals of red carpet fashion history as the dress that started it all (see: Christina Aguilera and Toni Braxton, 2001), Jennifer Lopez’s tropical-print trappings took the fashion world by storm. Designed by Versace and paired with the briefest of blue briefs, the dress plunged down-to-there and right back up again—not unlike the eyeballs of everyone watching the 2000 Grammy awards.

TLC 1996

Before Destiny’s Child, the music world’s most successful girl group was TLC — an R&B trio made up of Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins. Staying in theme with their nominated album, the ladies went Crazy Sexy Cool for the 1996 Grammy red carpet by wearing coordinating all-white outfits. By way of explanation, their stylist told People magazine, "The Grammys are the most prestigious music event, and white is the richest color." Not so coincidentally, the group had filed for bankruptcy less than one year prior.

Mariah Carey 1991
In 1991, a fresh-faced and curly-haired Mariah Carey picked up her first two Grammy Awards while wearing a diamond-detailed and form-fitting little black dress. It was only the beginning for this ballad-belting songstress who would go on to win 19 more Grammys in her as-yet-unfinished and storied career.

The Grammys' Most Memorable Outfits

The Grammy Awards have long been considered as big a night for fashion as they are for music. With industry veterans and newbies all vying for attention on the red carpet, some celebs go to great lengths (and even shorter shorts) for a little extra love from the photographer’s flash. In anticipation of Sunday’s big event, we’ve put together ten of the Grammy Awards’ most memorable red carpet moments. From Michael Jackson to M.I.A., these stars’ sartorial choices have made a lasting impression on our minds, magazines, and music history.

Michael Jackson 1984
Michael Jackson arrived at the 1984 Grammy Awards ceremony wearing a bedazzled marching band jacket, matching pants, and a now infamous white glove. Though the King of Pop took home what was at the time a record-breaking eight awards—including Record and Album of the Year — it was Jackson’s solitary and sequined glove that stole the show.