Tornado Death Toll Rises.

After the devastating series of tornadoes that struck Southern America, the death toll has risen to more than 340. While the UK has been caught up in Royal Wedding fever, six American states have been hit by the weather anomalies, with president Barack Obama describing it as the worst devastation he has ever witnessed.


He has been visiting communities destroyed by the tornadoes and has promised to help rebuild the destroyed villages and towns. 'We're going to make sure you're not forgotten,' the president had said earlier this week.

Barack Obama visited the worst-hit state, Alabama, where the city of Tuscaloosa was devastated by the storms. He said: "I have never seen devastation like this. It is heartbreaking. "This is something I don't think anyone has seen before."

More than 200 tornadoes were roared across six southern states on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was said to have been the second deadliest tornado outbreak in US history, the state of Alabama, tolling at least 238 deaths, and at least 102 more citizens have been reported as killed in Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, Virginia and Louisiana collectively. 

Most of the deaths occurred on Wednesday following the tornado and approximately one million homes and businesses are still without power. Recovering loses could cost billions of dollars and even with federal disaster aid it could complicate efforts by affected states to bounce back from the recession.

"Its like a bomb has dropped" one survivor said.

"Whole neighbourhoods of housing, just completely gone. Churches, gone. Businesses, gone,” said another.

The Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi Division of The Salvation Army has mobilised 10 feeding units to the affected areas. They are at the areas that have been hit providing food, drinks and spiritual support to storm victims in Tuscaloosa, Guntersville and Lauderdale County in Alabama, and Montpelier and Oxford in Mississippi.. 

A state of emergency remains in place in these states at the time being.

Thoughts go our to those affected.

-ZB

Wills & Kate are finally hitched.

With an estimated 2billion viewers tuned in today to witness the marriage of the nations beloved Wills and Kate. Catherine Middleton became Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge upon her marriage to Prince of Wales- William, at the much-anticipated ceremony in Westminster Abbey this morning.

Crowds outside the Abbey went into a frenzy from 9am this morning as celebrity guests, including Victoria Beckham – who wore one of her own dresses – her husband David (who wore his OBE medal on the wrong lapel), Rowan Atkinson and Elton John arrived to celebrate the couples marriage.

Faces of politics also were among the guests as David Cameron arrived at Westminster Abbey wearing tails.Cameron told the BBC about how he had camped out on the streets to celebrate Prince Charles and Diana Spencer's wedding in 1981. Alongside David was his wife, Samantha Cameron, who caused a stir among the critical public for her hat-less head. Boris Johnson was there also, and confirmed he would bestow a tandem Boris Bike on the couple as a wedding gift.

Prince William and his best man Prince Harry, left Clarence House to a raucous reception from the public. The groom was resplendent in the full dress of the Irish Guards with RAF wings on his sash, while his brother wore his black uniform covered in gold embellishment. 

Never fully dressed without a smile- brothers waved to the public from their jaguar graciously. Princes William and Harry arrived at the abbey. Kate's mother wearing a powder blue outfit and brother followed shortly after as did the Queen, wearing a yellow Angela Kelly-designed single crepe woolprimrose dress with the Duke of Edinburgh in tow. 

A few streets away crowds anxiously awaited Kate Middleton's appearance. Kate's car pulled away from the Goring Hotel at precisely 10:51 as it was confirmed that she was, as suspected, wearing Sarah Burton, artistic director of Alexander McQueen, an ivory, v-necked dress with lace long sleeves. 

The dress incorporated tradition and modernity. An ivory and white satin gazar, a loosely woven silk, with the skirt echoing an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats and a train measuring 2.7 meters, the dress was all that was promised. The ivory satin bodice, which is narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips, draws on the Victorian tradition of corsetry and is said to be a hallmark of McQueen’s designs.

Burton has also designed for Michelle Obama, the U.S. first lady, supermodel Naomi Campbell, pop star Lady Gaga and actresses Cate Blanchett and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Kate's hair was made almost effortless despite the rumoured hours of sleepless nights for her hairdressers. A veil swept over her iconic locks and was secured by a Cartier Ltd. “halo” tiara made in 1936, lent to the bride by William’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. 

Wearing the famous red tunic of the Irish Guards, William stared straight ahead as Kate Middleton started her long walk down the red carpeted aisle of Westminster Abbey. Turning to watch the bride approach, William's brother and best man Prince Harry reassured him that all was going smoothly on the big day, telling him "Right, she is here now".

Kate, her father, her sister, 4 bridesmaids and 2 page boys made their way down the long Abbey isle. As she arrived next to William on the aisle, the prince could be seen remarking to Kate: "You look beautiful", and joking to his father-in-law: "Just a small family affair!"

The young couple - representing a new generation of the British monarchy - caught each other's eyes several times during the service, smiling lovingly.

Both Kate & Wills delivered flawless vows as their married life got off to the perfect start.

Her ring - a plain, slim gold band made by royal warrant holder Wartski from a nugget of Welsh gold, as is tradition with royal brides - had to be coaxed and wiggled on to her finger to a rapture of silence and gasps around my living room.

Later, during the reading by Kate's brother James, William winked at his bride as the royal couple took their seats and grinned broadly at each other as the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, reminded them of their commitment to "making this new relationship".

Both William and Kate appeared more solemn as they sat listening intently to the rest of the address. Rousing choruses of Jerusalem and the National Anthem inside the abbey are echoed by crowds enjoying a brief period of sunshine in the streets outside.

The couple left the abbey and rode in their chariot in the sunshine past cheering crowds to Buckingham Palace. As mounted guards accompanied the couple's open-topped carriage, one rider lost control and fell from his saddle, while the horse bolted up Whitehall and past Downing Street.

Still crowds cheered for the newly-weds and the couple met the crows graciously. Hurried seas of people then gathered at the gates of Buckingham palace chanting, "We want William, we want Kate" along The Mall, towards the Palace.

The couple stepped for the first time on to the balcony and waved at the crowds in what is a royal tradition. The page boys and bridesmaids were close behind, before the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and Camilla, along with Kate Middleton's family.

Prince William eagerly asked his new bride "shall we?" before leaning in, and sealing with a kiss, his royal marriage, to the delight of the crowds.

A Spitfire, a Hurricane and a Lancaster then assumed a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight formation, before the couple kissed for a second time - breaking cheers from the sea of people that watched admiringly.

The couple walked hand-in-hand back off the balcony into the palace visibly more relaxed and happy as they prepared to greet their guests as newly weds and begin their married life together.

Congrats Will & Kate!

-ZB

26 Miles of Newly-Weds, Rhinos and Superman.

They donned rhino suits, pantomime dame costumes, tutus and other costumes fastened together with little more than gaffer tape and determination. They ran in the British-sun to beat personal bests, to prove, for the no longer young, that they still could, to support various charities and causes and for the sheer joy of being part of the rolling street party that is the London Marathon. Behind the task that united thousands of athletes today was a myriad of personal challenges and stories that have made each gruelling step of the 26.2-mile course a richer and indeed fascinating experience.

Among them was Blinded Pc David Rathband who completed the Virgin London Marathon alongside tens of thousands of charity runners, celebrities and record-breakers. The Northumbria police traffic officer blinded by gunman Raoul Moat, said he used the memory of the attack to finish the race. "People will use whatever things they need to get them through pain barriers," he said after passing the finish line.

Runners strived to achieve ambitions and break records. Among the records up for grabs were fastest superhero, marching band, man juggling a football, cartoon character and runner dressed as a mouse. In total, 156 runners were attempting to smash 50 world records on the tough slog from Blackheath to Buckingham Palace. David Stone, 41, from Exmouth, Devon, ran as Superman in 2:42.46, while Jon Morgan, 43, from Sheffield, dressed as Fred Flintstone to become the fastest cartoon character in a time of 2:46.59.

Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell was one of the first celebrities over the finish line. He was running for brain injury charity Headway after suffering brain damage when he was hit by a truck in a cycling endurance race in America last July. The 38-year-old clocked in at three hours and three minutes, and said he had not been able to train hard enough to achieve an even quicker time.

Singer Will Young was running to raise money for Catch22, which helps young people develop their confidence; from getting back into school or into training to choosing to stay out of crime and finding a safe place to live.

Model, Agyness Deyn and BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth finished the course, despite Rawrothcollapsing two miles from the finishing line. 

Among those in unusual attire were a "royal couple" who ran in full wedding outfits and Will and Kate masks. But the real wedding for this 26 mile feat were couple Andrew Ford, 33, and Katrina Scaife, 32, who took a break after 20 miles to get married. The pair, from Brighton, tied the knot at a Docklands hotel before jogging away to the finishing line hitched, luckily without a bunch of tin cans tied to their rears. Beat that Wills & Kate!

With the race over, the streets of London have become hushed from the chaos and no doubt tutu-clad runners are sat with their feet up anda well deserved cuppa! Well done Marathon runners 2011.

-ZB 

Glasto Acts Announced.

Brace yourselves Glastonbury People, as it has been revealed; what is set to be one of the hottest, most decadent and dazzling offerings of the long running Glastonbury Festival! 


Glastonbury 2011's full line-up was unveiled by organisers yesterday afternoon (April 14) and fans have been casting their verdicts on the long list of stars.


U2, Coldplay and Beyonce have all pre-confrimed to top one of the festival's three days. U2 will headline Friday, while Coldplay and Beyonce will do the honours on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.


Excluding those naughty sorts who’ve already self-confirmed, a few picks from the just-announced and absolutely vast Glasto line-up are Wu Tang Clan, Metronomy, Friendly Fires, The Kills, Wild Beasts, The Walkmen and QOTSA. But this is but the tip of the Glastonbury iceberg, so head to the website for the full rundown:www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/

Also confirmed are the likes of Jessie J, Katy B, Biffy Clyro, Pendulum, Mumford & Sons and Warpaint for the bash, along with hundreds of other acts. Reaction to the line-up has been mixed, but most festival goers seem more than happy with the bill. And I for one am incredibly excited!

Veteran singer Paul Simon was revealed as a surprise star at this year’s Glastonbury Festival too after the full line-up was announced yesterday. And the Sound of Silence legend won’t be the only pensioner appearing...American Pie star Don McLean is on the bill as well.

The organisers have also bagged Morrissey, Elbow and blues legend BB King to join the golden oldies.

Glastonbury festival organiser Emily Eavis has described this year's Glastonbury festival line-up as the “big finale” for the event. Eavis said the bill, which was announced yesterday, was intended to represent acts this year and next – when the festival will take a year break.

"Subconsciously, you think about the fact there isn't going to be a festival next year, so you try to get as much in as possible that will represent both years,” she told BBC 6 Music.

“It's like a big finale. By the time we come back, there'll be a lot of music around. This is like the big sing-off."

The ultimate finale of this year's Glastonbury festival could be a husband and wife affair after it was reported that headliner Beyonce could bring partner Jay-Z up on stage for a collaboration.
The pair have recorded together in the past and a duet would see Jay-Z return to the Glastonbury stage following his controversial appearance in 2008.

The Mirror also reports that Coldplay man Chris Martin and his actress-turned-glee-singer wife Gwyneth Paltrow could also join the fun on stage too.

Throw in Kayne West and some 200 African dancers for good measure and it seems like the Sunday night (26 June) could go off with a bang.

Sounds pretty amazing! We’ve seen the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Stevie Wonder, Oasis, Elvis Costello and David Bowie pull the late night crowds with such success it’s almost resulted in melt-down. But could this be the best yet for Glastonbury?

-ZB

Mamma Mia! Theres a new Swedish band!

Road Runner Records has proudly announced they are adding Royal to their Roster. Royal Republic, a band from Malmö, Sweden are loud, funky and on the march with their debut album “We Are The Royal”, leaving scorched earth and whole palaces reduced to rubble in their wake!


Before my discovery of Royal Republic, my conventional (and perhaps overly-stereotypical) thoughts of Sweden may have included blonde girls, the ABBA four-some, neoclassical shred metal and those yummy biscuits you sometimes find in Sainsbury’s. Now that my boyfriend has forcibly introduced me to We Are The Royal, I can confidently add Rock to that list.

The band consists of guitarist/lead singer Adam Grahn, guitarist Hannes Irengård, bass guitarist Jonas Almén and drummer Per Andreasson. 


We Are The Royal begins its journey with one-and-a-half-minute quickie “The Royal”.‘1, 2, 3’, Grahn impishly burbles, and the album is underway. The band begin as they mean to go on – with audacity, impudence and a certain happy-go-lucky vibe that’s infectiously hard to shake.

Powering through thirteen tracks, the album grasps echoes of the much-loved Indie scene and entwines them with elements of modern rock. The sound itself is difficult to pigeon-hole. But in a vague sentence? I suppose, Royal Republic sound like Franz Ferdinand, on steroids.


Founded at the end of 2007, Royal Republic’s sound is not only refreshing; it’s refreshingly different, as evidenced by the rapturous reactions to their September 2009 debut single, “All Because Of You”. Big, twangy guitars stabbing their way along a rumbling, tumbling bassline, all punctuated by knockout punch drumming and adorned by frontman Adam Grahn’s distinctive, vocals for an unmistakable dose of uniquely Royal Republic. 


Their second single ‘Tommy-Gun’ made its delightful way to #1 in MTV’s RockChart too. One listen to the black humor of album favourites like “Tommy Gun”, "Full Steam Space Machine" or (my ultimate favourite) “Underwear” and it’s obvious that Royal Republic don’t take themselves all too seriously.

Their début album made its first impression on the world when it was released to Sweden in February 2010, receiving almost universal praise and critical acclaim for a 34 minute mélange of potential, talent and in-your-face awesomeness.  Now its the UKs turn to take a listen to the Royals.


The highlight of the album; We Are The Royal, however, is without a doubt ‘Tommy-Gun’. Probably the catchiest song I’ve heard of the past six months (unlucky Rebecca Black), once you’ve been subjected to the geniality, cheekiness and good humour of the track, you’ll find yourself all day replaying the melody in your head and humming it out loud, regardless of whether you want to or not. It’s no surprise why the track dominated the MTV RockChart back in 2010.

Also check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiIwwClCWNk

And: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lbZpFBGq1k

If you’re looking for some light-hearted escapism, We Are The Royal is definitely your port of call. In our musical climate of sheer sobriety. Majestic melodies, regal rhythms and a sincerely sovereign sound, these promising lads from Sweden truly are the royal.


-ZB

Pucker up for a lipstick worth Trusting.

Charity’s on everybody’s lips at the moment – literally! Celebrity make-up artist Karen Alder has teamed up with The Prince’s Trust to create TRUST Lipstick, launching this week for just £8 from qvc.com. 

The lipstick is naturally called ‘Trust’ and was created by Alder so she could somehow give back to the trust that helped build her career – oh, and did I mention the lippy comes in a shade of true red – the perfect combination of sexy and sophisticated. 

“I love the power of the colour red – no other shade has such an impact” says Alder, “I call it a not-so-secret weapon.”

According to beauticians and fashionistas, a tube of red lipstick is as essential to a girl's make-up bag as the classic Little Black Dress is to her wardrobe. And with all proceeds going to a very worthy cause, this is one stick of gloss that us girls surely cannot do without.

In her time Alder has painted the faces of Kylie Minogue, Debbie Harry and even Anna Friel, but continues to thank the help of the Prince’s Trust for her success.

“I am so thankful for their support and look forward to finally giving something back” she says.

The ad-shoot for Alders trusty lippy included actress Kara Tointon, who couldn't resist smearing on some scarlet and puckering up as she joined forces with The Prince's Trust to launch a lipstick to raise money for the charity. 

Kara was among a host of celebrities who have lent themselves - and their lips - to the charity for the lipstick.

Kiss-Kiss-singer Holly Vallance, chart star Katy B, presenter Jenni Falconor and model Tolula Adeyemi were also happy to get lippied-up for the star-studded photoshoot to promote it. 

Top row from left to right: Holly Vallance, Katy B, Bottom row from left to right: Tolula Adeyemi and Jenni Falconor.

Even the boys got in on the act – designer for our legs Henry Holland and celebrity hairdresser James Brown are among the famous faces. 

From left to right: Henry Holland & James Brown.

All profits go to Prince's Trust, the charity set up to help young people get a better start in life. There are more than one million young people in the UK not in education, employment or training. The Prince's Trust focuses its efforts on those people who need help the most. 

They give practical and financial support, developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation. They work with 14 to 30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. So far they have helped more than 600,000 young people since 1976 and support 100 more each working day. More than three in four young people Princes Trust helped last year moved into work, education or training.

Were being urged to forget the LBD, it's all about the LRL - little red lipstick. Trust is a classic must-have for any make-up bag.

So-I suggest getting your hands on one fast, as they’re sure to be the month’s hottest beauty buy!

-ZB

Farces for Fools.

It's April Fools' Day 2011 and there is no shortage of geek-themed jokes lurking around every corner today. There's been a sad announcement for European fans of Spotify, Hulu is taking a giant technological leap backwards, Gmail has a new feature inspired by Microsoft Kinect, and Google is using Comic Sans to make us all overwhelmed with happiness.

April Fools Day can be a bit of a pain if you're searching for some serious gadget news and are a little on the gullible side, but it's only around for half a day, and, let's be honest, there's some cracking and elaborate gags out there this year.

That's why I've scoured the 'net in order to find the very best April Fools' gags just for you. And may have found some that have tricked you already.

Check out just some of the top April Fools' Day Fake News and LOLs for 2011. And remember, if you find something online that seems to good to be true today, it probably is!


Spotify ditches Europe to reach out to the Land of the Free.

TechCrunch's Paul Carr broke news this morning that music subscription service Spotify would finally launch in the U.S. as early as next week. The bad news however was that Spotify would have to shut down its entire European operation to afford costly music licensing fees in the U.S. The piece quotes Spotify investor and former Facebook funny-man President Sean Parker saying "Europe isn't cool. You know what's cool? America."

Angry Nerds

Tired of Angry Birds? Try out Atlassians Angry Nerds from software development company Atlassian. Try your hand at crashing these geeky versions of Rovio's popular game characters into software bugs hidden underneath 1's and 0's. You can find the full screen version of Angry Nerds here. Brilliant. 

Edible Metro newspaper

Free UK newspaper the Metro has published details of its trials with creating an edible edition. It claims to have devised a printing and setting process using ingredients such as corn starch, vegetable oil, gum arabic, water and citric acid cooked into a paste and thin sheets.It says that, "the paste is poured on to the sheets under silk meshes arranged in the form of headlines, pictures and articles." Normally, London's tube system can be scattered throughout with copies of the Metro every morning, but an edible version would allow readers to simply dispose of the newspaper by munching on it. Now that's food for thought.

London 2012 tickets to be scented so you can 'smell the excitement.'

Olympic organisers were planning to allow the public to 'smell the excitement' of the Games by scenting the 6.6million tickets with scents bespoke to each of the 26 sports. Cycling tickets would smell of bicycle tyre rubber, beach volleyball tickets were fragrances with suntan lotion and football tickets would contain the scent of freshly mown grass, in a 'wonderful innovation that will really add to the excitement of London 2012.'

Groupon tickets to the Royal Wedding

And this deal that was simply too good to be true from hit mob website Groupon. The London section is advertising pairs of tickets to the Royal Wedding at £8 reduced from £1,200. For the mini-outlay, highlights include invitations to the after party, a guided tour of Westminster Abbey from Prince Phillip and a glass of house wine each. Funnily enough, the deal has apparently sold out with 1,235 bought.

Happy April Fools day readers! 

-ZB