Ma anche le star internazionali non se la passano meglio. Basta vedere Gary Barlow dei Take That: il cantante si è goduto qualche giorno di vacanza a Portofino, mettendo in bella mostra la sua numerosa famiglia e... qualche chilo di troppo.

Nonostante le sue scorribande in barca e i giochi in acqua con il figlioletto, Gary non è riuscito a smaltire la sua "ciambella": forse per solidarietà alla moglie che il prossimo gennaio gli darà il terzo figlio?

E che dire di Simon Le Bon? "Non siamo diventati grassi, abbiamo ancora i capelli e riusciamo a entrare nei vestiti", diceva un anno fa il leader dei Duran Duran. Sarà stato l’inverno a farlo lievitare? Appesantito e poco in forma, Simon ha passato le ferie al mare, anche se forse un po’ di movimento non gli avrebbe fatto male.

Chi invece di movimento ne fa tanto è Massimiliano Rosolino: il nuotatore azzurro, dopo la delusione di Pechino, è tornato in Italia non solo con il broncio, ma anche con una pancetta poco atletica. Speriamo che il sole di Palau, in Sardegna, dove sta trascorrendo l'ultimo scorcio di agosto, gli faccia ritrovare la forma perduta.

Incurante del girovita invece Giuseppe Lago, 27 anni, che si è rifugiato alla Maddalena con il suo nuovo amore, la rampolla della famiglia Caltagirone, prima di partire per l’Isola dei Famosi. Se l’abbronzatura e i pettorali sono da fare invidia, non si può dire la stessa cosa dei suoi addominali. Sarà colpa dell’amore?

La delusione amorosa invece ha distrutto il cuore ma non ha tolto l’appetito a Max Parodi, almeno a giudicare dalle foto che lo ritraggono al mare in compagnia dell’ex naufraga Victoria Petroff: anche fra le onde impossibile non notare la sua "ciambella"!

Non se la passa meglio, almeno per quanto riguarda il girovita, il Mago Forest: eccolo a Panarea, steso a prendere il sole con la compagna. Solo una toccata e fuga in acqua, poi torna a sdraiarsi, alla faccia della poco estetica pancetta. Ci penseranno l’inverno e gli impegni che lo aspettano a fargli smaltire i chili di troppo.

Tra le vip con pancetta anche due donne, l’onorevole Daniela Santanchè che, nonostante il monokini bianco, non riesce a nascondere lo stomaco un po’ sporgente, e Valeria Marini.
Ma la Valeriona nazionale proprio non ci bada e alla faccia dei maligni non solo questa estate ha sfoggiato bikini luccicanti, ma si è data a tuffi e nuotate, sfoderando un sorriso smagliante a prova di malelingue.

 [gallery]

Ok so i'm a newbie around here !!

Wonder if i will learn how to use this place and keep a diary , you know feeling , thoughts exceterrra exceterra!!

  We will see i guess !

I'm always thinking about you,
I wonder if you can tell,
These things I'm feeling inside me,
I keep them all to myself.
Scared to show my true emotions,
don't want to love alone,
'Cause I fall so deep,
you never know how far I go,
And I know why, my heart beats desperately,
I fall so deep.
Some people think love is foolish,
while others think its a game,
I think that love is a fire,
I'm burning up in your flame
I'm so lost in my emotions,
wanting you ever more.
'Cause I fall so deep,
you never know how far I go,
And I know why, my heart beats desperately,
I fall so deep,
I fall so deep,
I fall so deep.
And I've come so close to the part,
where I reveal my heart to you,
But I lose my nerve,
can't find the words to tell you that it's true.
I fall so deep, 'cause I fall so deep,
You never know how far I go,
And I know why, heart beats desperately,
I fall so deep, I fall so deep,
I fall so deep, I fall so deep.

                       i fall so deep/elements of life

Opening Joke: The pop quiz that says, This wheels on fire and look at the hamster go!

Games Played:

Indecipherable Lyrics (guess the lyrics of the song played) If you think that Nancy Sinatra sang, "These boots were made in Woking", this ones for you.

Sean's Team: - Blur "Song 2"
Phill's Team: - Vortex "Open The Gate"

Intros Round (A guest and a captin must create the intro of songs without using words)

Sean's Team: -
The Stranglers "Peaches"
Rolling Stones "Honky Tonk Women"
Oasis "Do you know what I mean"

Phill's Team: -
Adam and the ants "Prince Charming"
Village People "YMCA"
George Michael "Faith"

Connected (what connects the two artists)

Sean's Team: -
Spandeau Ballet & Pulp - Both Jarvis Cocker and Tony Hadley appeared in teenage girls magazines"

Phill's Team: -
Iggy Pop & Pink Floyd - Both have won awards from the Brick Association of America)

Identity Parade (spot the artist in question in a line up)

Sean's Team: - Eve Graham (The New Seekers)
Phill's Team: - Den Hegarty (Darts)

Next Lines (teams have to say the next line of the song)

Final Scores:

Phill: 15
Sean: 16

Best Line: Its not the first badly dubbed dutch film I've seen with a bone in a hand

I’d always hated my bingo wings.  I’d look at pictures of Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker and wish that I had toned upper arms like them.  I was sure my wobbly underarms were the reason I hadn't ever launched my own perfume.

I desperately wanted cosmetic surgery but there was no way I could afford it. I got more and more depressed as the years went by without any sign of a perfume range.

Over the years I had come up with ways to hide my arms.  Sometimes I would fold the wobbly bit up over itself and wrap it around with tape.  This worked pretty well as long as I was wearing a long sleeved top.  In 2006 my sister asked me to be bridesmaid at her wedding - and the dresses were sleeveless! I was desperate not to spoil her wedding by having fat arms but didn't know what to do.

Then a friend showed me a tattoo she’d given herself while she was in prison for possession of heroin.  The tattoo wasn't very neat but when she told me it had cost nothing I was convinced and decided to take the problem of my fat arms into my own hands.

I knew I’d need a painkiller so I bought a lot of Feminax and a bottle of white rum.  Then I put my favourite track, Let It Shine by Take That, on permanent repeat, put an old towel on the floor to catch any drips and cut into my under arm with a pair of secateurs. 

It was very painful, even with the rum and the sound of Gary Barlow and I passed out after only a few cuts.  I woke up in hospital.  The postman had seen me passed out on the living room floor through the letter box and dialled 999.

My arm was bandaged up at first.  I was desperate to see how the 'operation' had turned out.  As soon as they let me go to the toilets without supervision I unwound the gauze and was amazed, and impressed, with the results.  Whilst there would be a lot of scarring and the overall shape of the arm was uneven, most of the wobbly flesh had gone. To test it I jiggled my arm about.  Nothing wobbled!!

 Also the wound had been stitched up - and the doctors had done a far better than I could have done and it hadn't cost me a penny.  I was over the moon!

The wedding is two weeks away now.  While I’d like to have had the other arm done by now I’ve not got to grips with using the secateurs left handed yet.  My sister has agreed to let me stand on her right at the wedding so my fat arm will be hidden in the photos.  During the reception I plan to stand against a wall.

Since I cut my underarm fat off my life has been exactly the same, but my arm is much thinner and I very happy.  I've not got my own perfume yet but who knows - I've only had one arm done.  Who knows what will happen once both my arms are thin!

So I thought have a gander at the nominees and give you my musings on them. I reckon by this time next year we won’t care about the Brits anymore so let’s see this as ‘helping to preserve the memory of a once great ceremony’ eh?

British Male Solo Artist
Jamie T
Mark Ronson
Mika
Newton Faulkner
Richard Hawley

Who I Want To Win – Jamie T – Although I may lose friends back in Sheffield for going against our homegrown Richard Hawley; Jamie’s album ‘Panic Prevention’ was one of the very few highlights in a genre that has arguably produced very little to shout about in the past year. ‘Sheila’, ‘If You Got The Money’ and ‘Calm Down Dearest’ were 3 top songs of an all round top album. Definitely one to add to the collection if you haven’t got it already...
Who I Think Will Win – Mark Ronson – deservedly as well might I add. His ‘Version’ album has been the soundtrack to hairdressing salons all around the country ever since they heard Winehouse warble to the words to ‘Valarie’. There are some very good cover versions on there... and that one with Robbie Williams.

British Female Solo Artist
Bat For Lashes
Kate Nash
KT Tunstall
Leona Lewis
PJ Harvey

Who I Want To Win – Kate Nash – if you’ve read this blog before you must be aware of my love of pop music by now which explains my artist of choice here. Granted, her dulcet cock-er-ney tones are now starting to grate on everyone around the country but I just can’t get ‘Pumpkin Soup’ out of my tiny, tiny head.
Who I Think Will Win – Kate Nash – Bat for Lashes and PJ Harvey are too ‘clever’ for a Brit award, Leona Lewis has a stunning voice but doesn’t write enough of her own material and KT had her fun last year. Nuff said.

British Group
Arctic Monkeys
Editors
Girls Aloud
Kaiser Chiefs
Take That

Who I Want To Win – Arctic Monkeys – it was just twenty minutes ago I was explaining to my co-worker that I’ve recently re-fallen in love with ‘Favorite Worst Nightmare’ again and I’m struggling to select anything else on my computer to listen to at the moment. A simply staggeringly good album by a band whose music progressed sublimely from their debut. I was amongst the cynics who thought they might be in danger of making a poor carbon copy of ‘Whatever People Say I Am...’ but alas, they proved why they’re the most exciting band this country has produced in the last 10 years.
Who I Think Will Win – Take That – my personal second choice out of the above list. Gary Barlow is a songwriting genius. Fact.  I think the reason that ‘Beautiful World’ did so well is because it sounds like an album that Take That would have made if they’d never split up in the first place and released another 7 albums in-between now and then. This is obviously thanks to Barlow’s constant songwriting when he was personally out of the limelight; he’s kept his music fresh and not just done a re-hash of ‘Back For Good’. Whilst other ex-members are on ‘strike’ (what’s that about?) Gary’s doing the business.

British Album
Arctic Monkeys - 'Favorite Worst Nightmare'
Leona Lewis - 'Spirit'
Mark Ronson - 'Version'
Mika - 'Life In Cartoon Motion'
Take That - 'Beautiful World'

Who I Want To Win – Arctic Monkeys – for the reasons above coupled with superb lyrics, fantastic arrangements and an eclectic mix of song subjects. If for some inexplicable reason you don’t own this album; go and buy it now. And if you’re too tight to buy the full thing then download ‘505’ and enjoy... then buy the full album.
Who I Think Will Win – Arctic Monkeys – due to the fact they’ll give the other awards to Take That and Muse respectively, they’ll give the Monkeys this one so they don’t walk away empty handed (although do you remember that year when Craig David was pretty much nominated for every award (even Best Female Artist) and went home with nothing?!)

British Breakthrough Act
Bat For Lashes
Kate Nash
Klaxons
Leona Lewis
Mika

Who I Want To Win –Klaxons – Although mediocre live and although I disagree with them winning both best album and best song in the NME awards for last year; you can’t deny they’ve made a brilliant album in ‘Myths of the Near Future’. The production quality on that record is a masterclass and my personal favorite track ‘Atlantis To Interzone’ simply cannot fail in getting indie kids to dance at their local pool houses or where ever the youngster congregate these days.
Who I Think Will Win - Mika – I’m not going to make any obvious derogatory comments about Mika here. It is neither big nor clever.

British Live Act
Arctic Monkeys
Kaiser Chiefs
Klaxons
Muse
Take That

Who I Want To Win – Muse – what could I possibly say about Muse’s live act that I haven’t said before? I’ve chucked around every superlative my Microsoft Paperclip Thesaurus can muster up and I still don’t think I’ve done them justice! You will not see a better band live. Simple as.
Who I Think Will Win – Muse – they have to win it. I don’t what I’ll do if they don’t.

British Single
The Hoosiers - 'Worried About Ray'
James Blunt - '1973'
Kaiser Chiefs - 'Ruby'
Kate Nash - 'Foundations'
Leona Lewis - 'Bleeding Love'
Mark Ronson - 'Valerie' (featuring Amy Winehouse)
Mika - 'Grace Kelly'
Mutya Buena - 'Real Girl'
Sugababes - 'About You Now'
Take That - 'Shine'

Who I Want To Win – Either Sugababes or Leona Lewis – both fine examples of what good quality pop music should be. Lewis’ extraordinary voice and the Babes’ impossible-not-to-tap-your-toes too beat are both deserved of this award.
Who I Think Will Win – Mark Ronson – I’ve lost count the amount of drunken scousers I’ve heard belt this out whilst doing karaoke. It therefore is the people’s choice and will win the award the masses believe it deserves.

International Male Solo Artist
Bruce Springsteen
Kanye West
Rufus Wainwright
Timbaland
Michael Buble

Who I Want To Win – Timbaland – I’m even surprising myself by bypassing Springsteen on this one, Bruce’s ‘Magic’ album has been his best received album for years by both fans and critics alike, but Timbaland is currently the Midas of the Hip Hop world. Everything that guy touches is brilliant at the moment, he even made me tolerate 50 Cent (albeit it for one song, but still I assure you it was no easy task). Furtado, Timberlake and Fiddy all owe Timberland a good deal for what he’s done with their careers; therefore he deserves at least a Brit in return.
Who I Think Will Win – Kanye West – I’m a big fan of Kanye. His music is cleverer than your average Hip Hop artist, he’s produced 3 strong albums and from the footage I’ve seen of him live, he can certainly hold a crowds attention. A worthy Brit winner in my eyes.

International Female Solo Artist
Alicia Keys
Bjork
Feist
Kylie Minogue
Rihanna

Who I Want To Win – Kylie – I haven’t personally heard ‘X’ although I hear from a very viable source (my sister) that it’s a cracking album and given everything that Kylies has been through in the past couple of years, it’s quite an extraordinary achievement. Also, anything that reminds Danni who the real star of the family is I quite like the idea of.
Who I Think Will Win – Rihanna – There is no way that song can go unnoticed at this year’s Brit’s. No way at all.

International Group
Arcade Fire
Eagles
Foo Fighters
Kings Of Leon
The White Stripes

Who I Want To Win – Arcade Fire – this is a hard choice for me as I’m a big fan of the Foos and the Kings but after seeing Arcade Fire live twice in 2007 and being absolutely blown away both times then I have to go with these. The words ‘Religious Experience’ get thrown about when describing one of Arcade Fire’s concerts and although agreeable, I’d prefer to use the term ‘Life Affirming’. I believe that even the world’s most passionate music lovers can sometimes feel a bit melancholy when the music industry goes a bit stale, if this ever happens to you then go watch an Arcade Fire concert. You’ll fall back in love faster than it takes Britney Spears to lose custody of her kids.
Who I Think Will Win – Foo Fighters – Simply because everyone loves them. And in all fairness; how could you not?! Another fantastic live act fronted by an ever charismatic Dave Grohl who has appeal right across the board;  you want to be him, your sister wants to sleep with him, your dad wants to buy him a pint and your mum wants to cook him Sunday dinner... and then sleep with him probably.

International Album
Arcade Fire - 'Neon Bible'
Eagles - 'Long Road Out Of Eden'
Foo Fighters - 'Echoes, Silence, Patience, Grace'
Kings Of Leon 'Because Of The Times'
Kylie Minogue - 'X'

Who I Want To Win – Kings Of Leon – Although ‘Neon Bible’ is incredible, The Kings’ 3rd outing for me cements them as one of the most developed bands of our generation. Their music has progressed outstandingly from deep southern rock, to indie, to downright dark rock and roll. ‘On Call’ has to be one of the best songs of 2008; I challenge you all to listen to it after a cheeky drink and try not to sing along.
Who I Think Will Win – Kings Of Leon – I reckon they’ll cheekily sneak this one from under the noses of the Foos. Sod the eagles, we don’t have Wal-Mart over here (none of this ‘but what about ASDA...’ stuff from you lot either, I’m making a point)

Outstanding Contribution Award
Paul McCartney  

Who I Want To Win – Paul McCartney
Who I Think Will Win – Heather Mills – BOOM BOOM!

Who I’m listening to this week: Arctic Monkeys, The Dandilions and Levy

What I’m reading this week: I welcome back Jonathan Deamer to the Sentric office; and how could I not with interesting posts like this one regarding the Capital of Culture opening ceremony in Liverpool.

Stay tuned

sP

It's a short pun week so why not? Let's do a couple more Take That puns. I should really start putting pun in commas.

Drowned in Sound details its anticipated albums for 2008 and has an artist mixtape by the sorely underrated Maccabees.

The AV Club's Hater questions the relative worth of writers. 

PopMatters has an interview with Sea & Cake's Sam Prekop who is, incidentally, also a very good solo artist.

Visit Time for some pretty good analytical coverage of the Iowa Caucus. Visit CNN for the numbers.

Slate writers debate the finest movies of 2007.

Amy Adams is profiled in Newsweek.

Sasha Frere-Jones returns to work.

Salon gives twelve movies to watch out for in 2008.

Nora Ephron lays out her New Year's resolutions.

E&L fave Jenna Fischer talks to New York Magazine about Walk Hard.

Everyone in the world has to sign up to PopSugar and play this totally ridiculous and addictive game. NOW!

Michael Cera and Ellen Page singing together. Love them!

Thank you very much to PopCandy for this superb online comic from Dash Shaw.

Gary Coleman news. That's all.

Cinematographer Roger Deakins talks to Entertainment Weekly.

MC Hammer to be internet entrepreneur?

Beck's Odelay is going deluxe.

Happy New Year, everyone! As a special 2008 treat follow the jump to read a dazed yet heart-felt review of the almighty live experience that is Take That...

I've been to quite a few gigs over the years. Not wanting to sound like a 15-year-old who spends too much time reading NME and going to any gig that might have some tenuous connection to 'New Rave', a so-called genre of music I so bitterly and vehemently loathe, I'd like to think I've seen some fairly interesting and seminal bands. Particular highlights have been Orbital's final show at Brixton Academy in 2004, Mogwai destroying the Albert Hall in 2006, Eugene Hutz from Gogol Bordello standing on a bass drum in the mosh pit being supported by yours truly and my good friend Luis and more recently an absolutely life-altering show at Camden's Roundhouse with Sonic Youth performing their masterpiece 'Daydream Nation' in it's entirety. This isn't the section where I try and show off my tastes and experiences in music, it's only to show what direction I'm coming from when approaching the rather deliciously tricky subject of Take That. The direction could only really be described (quite accurately by a friend) as the opposite direction from vicious eclecticism.

Take That are awesome and I'm not in the least bit ashamed to admit that. I'll put my hand up and proudly say that I am a recent convert to the chapel of Barlow, Owen, Orange and Donald. Their comeback was one that barely registered on my musical radar (what a horrible phrase) but it was only when I saw their live DVD of the Ultimate Tour that it became apparent that these guys are very good at what they do. No, I mean really good. Every part of the production was incredible and so overwhelmingly professional it was a joy to behold. Over the course of the DVD I gradually warmed to them, this bunch of middle-aged guys busting out all these old dance moves and singing songs that I remember from years of Top of the Pops as a kid. Feeling a little sheepish and strangely exhilarated at having just watched a Take That show I couldn't help thinking about what it would be like to actually be there... I mean, the experience and atmosphere must be absolutely incredible. This was a band that had suicide hotlines set up immediately after they broke up back in 1996. Try as you might it's simply not possible in the slightest to ignore the impact Take That made on the music business. The general consensus seems to be that the Mancunian boys really were the best and perhaps will never be bettered. Forget Westlife with their string of same cover song after same cover song and Boyzone with their vile syrup-laced balladry featuring the infernal man, Keating.

After ten years the reunion couldn't have come at a better time. With pop music suffering a chronic identity crisis it was time to get some much-needed fun injected back into it's wracked and wretched form. All fireworks and celebration then, a blaze of smiles and now-older girls almost unbelieving at this, a most improbable and incredible revelation. They had returned!

Woohoo! *smiley face*

Months of waiting after purchasing tickets for the Beautiful World Tour (at 9am on the day of release, thanks Beth!) and my overall love and deep respect for this band grows. It's abundantly clear that Take That have brought the shine back to pop music and made it downright likeable again. This continues until eventually November 30th rolls around, hot crikey it was worth the wait. So as a nice break from all this wonderfully entertaining hyperbole here's a little collection of snaps from the evening...

The gang's all here, pointing to a plastic flag that cost £2. Nice.

The gates to entrance H. Judging from the way the stressed-looking guy in charge kept pacing up and down, I believe he thought the 'H' was for Hades or something. Never have I seen a man so terrified about an impending flood of people, he's clearly a man to have never worked the festival circuit...

A useful shot of Beth showing how close we kinda were to the stage (somehow).

Not even capacity and yet it's still a boatload of people. A load of screaming people.

A stern Gary Barlow serenades a captive (screaming) audience with 'Reach Out'.

Not sure what this one was, might have been Howard singing 'Beautiful World'

The antics continue on the secondary stage. Afore-mentioned antics include a fabulous disco ball, a rotating light rig and a face-meltingly brilliant rendition of 'Could It Be Magic'.

Part-way through an impossibly filthy version of Sam Unsted's personal favourite 'Give Good Feeling'.

Lots of people putting hands up in the air during the giddy heights of 'Never Forget'.

The exquisite closing song 'Pray' brings the house down and any doubts I had over the £50 ticket cost along with it.

Beth Immediate Post-Show Reaction Shot. I think she enjoyed it somehow.

Anyway.

The show itself was incredible, unbelievable, spectacular and just about any other glowing adjective you can think of. I danced a bit here and there, fine, no problem. In hindsight however I felt that maybe I could have got in the zone a bit more. You know how sometimes you're at a gig and things just start to make sense through the beer-haze and before you know it you're jumping around with little or no self-control? That didn't really happen this time. I was too distracted by everything. There's so much going on in any given moment that after a while makes for quite a numbing and sobering experience. I don't mean this is in a derogatory sense, it's simply an experience the likes of which I've never seen before.

The set list was primarily derived from their current album, Beautiful World, and I'll admit I do prefer the new songs. Tracks like Shine and Reach Out lend themselves well to glorious over-the-top performances and also help cement the band's revitalised career, they seem to have progressed over their ten-year absence with a considerable amount of care and maturity. All in all a Take That show is a highly recommended experience, I loved almost every second of it even though for most of it I had no idea what was going on.

Rated: 6 out of 7

So I'm not really a regular stadium concert-goer. My general place to witness music is often within mid-sized venues around the capital, also mostly watching proportionally left-of-centre acts rather than chart-topping uber-stars. I tell you of this not to boast my indie authenticity (which I don't have) or my taste in music (which is fairly strong I'm sometimes/rarely/never told). I tell you this because I want you to understand how alien this experience was to me. I don't see concerts like this. Possibly though, it's likely that very few people of this world ever see concerts like this.

Spectacular doesn't really begin to describe the goings-on of tonight. The two support acts vary in quality, the first being a chirpy dimwit on a saxamaphone screeching sensually and then singing a truly misguided song about the environment. Sophie Ellis Bextor though is pretty good, strutting around the stage on her stilt-like legs and exuding charm in her banter. But really, no one's here for them.

The That come out to 'Reach Out' but its the build-up that makes it. They keep us in suspense with a bizarre visual interpretation of the songs from 'Beautiful World' and then, just as the screaming reaches ear-drum piercing levels, they arise from behind their podiums and belt out the song. The noise is deafening. I've seen some loud bands in my time but the screams, oh the screams.

From there on in, they just set out attempting to top themselves the whole way through. The stand out moments are the most showy and lavish, notably a slowed version of 'Could It Be Magic' during which four of the group's very limber dancers are raised above the second stage (oh yes, they have a second stage) and shower confetti over the performing Barlow.

Gary is a star of a number of tracks, particularly on his dextrous, sensual dance with Howard during 'Everything Changes' and, well, all the rest of his dancing. Always the heavier of the group, his dancing is a mix of timing and honesty. He knows he can't always keep up and rather than over-exert, GB just takes a couple of steps out and creates an accessible dance for the folks at home to try while the other three show off.

I have to say that almost every song was a winner but the three best moments were as follows:

1. Everyone with their hands in the air during 'Never Forget'. A true moment of That unity.

2. The fact they performed 'Give Good Feeling' at all is amazing but that they turned it into a casio-funk groove-a-thon replete with hoodies and just before a live mash-up of Relight My Fire with Gnarls' 'Crazy'; too good. Good feeling given.

3. Mark's grandiose version of 'Shine', recreating the stairways to heaven video and with a jolly breakdown. Musically the best moment of the whole night.

So all right, many will doubt the That. The indie kids yet to learn the lessons of humility and those still unwilling to put down their shield against The Pop, they'll hate it. But those of you not immuned to tunes, showmanship and entertainment, look no further. Slap a clean fifty down and get in there before GB hits the solo circuit again.

Hope you're all having a fabulous weekend - here's your 2 day work break links.

Want to see our Take That pics from their AMAZING concert on Friday night? Take a look here...

Sadly, as you probably know, Motorbike daredevil Evel Knievel died at the age of 69 this week.

Post bikini-on-the-beach photos, Jennifer Love Hewitt has decided to stop sitting '...by in silence ... about the way women's bodies are constantly scrutinized. To set the record straight, I'm not upset for me, but for all of the girls out there that are struggling with their body image." Good for her - click to read the rest of her statement.

Are these the 100 best films of 2007? 

"You don't have to buy it..." How can Vivienne Westwood defend her 'the more you consume, the less you think' stance, when she's contributing to consumerism herself? Find out in this Observer interview...

The sacked Spice Girl is still bitter. Or just capitalising on the fact they're back...

15 people have been injured by the latest Tate Modern art installation. I'm happy to say Sam and I were not! Victory!

Prince Harry's ex / girlfriend / friend Chelsy Davy has been served by nearly naked waiters. Where do I find them?

The striking writers are still rejecting offers... I want more The Office. When will this pain end? Just pay them already!

Hope may have been my only act left in the house X Factor sweepstakes, but I'm glad they were voted out last night. 

Ewan McGregor as Iago in Othello? On the London stage? Sign me up.

Apparently It's A Wonderful Life has been surpassed in the US as the most popular holiday movie? So what is it now?

Director of Slums Of Beverly Hills  and upcoming The Savages, Tamara Jenkins, talks to The AV Club...

A movie I'm really looking forward to next year - Juno - is the subject of a great Paste article here.

Michel Gondry directs Bjork's new video for 'Declare Independence' - check out this behind the scenes video. 

Take That Live Video of the Weekend: Apache 2006

 Bonus Take That live 2007 video - Never Forget - Beautiful World Tour

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne are apparently hosting The Brit Awards 2008... is this a good thing?

The AV Club salutes a DVD reissue for a sadly undersung classic.

Celebrating Festivus this year? You'll need your very own undecorated aluminium pole...

Sasha Frere-Jones has discovered The Cribs.

Here's Paste's top 50 films of this year. Gosh, they're quick!

On the road with the Deedle Deedle Dees

Still in a listy mood - here's AfterElton's top 25 gay TV characters. There's even some love for Hollyoaks...

I'm pretty sure you will have read this, but here's the latest on Morrissey vs NME... part deux.

This link is dedicated to my Dad - the owner of the best moustache ever! Cinema's most memorable moustaches...

PopCandy has a great exclusive - an extract from the new Serenity/ Firefly book edited by Jane Espenson. This essay is written by none other than Nathan Fillion himself! Bravo Whitney - another winner!

Take That Live Video Of The Day: Give Good Feeling

The classic GGF is under the cut... Genius!

Nice. Or weird. Or both!

Robbie Williams has gone for the full beardy look on a holiday in Amsterdam with ladyfriend actress Ayda Field... I don't think it's that bad at all...

PJ Harvey chats away merrily with PopMatters.

Pitchfork pays tribute to a reissue of a superlative 80s indie record.

Christina Aguilera's the latest celeb to do the naked pregnant magazine cover thang...

Apparently Zac Efron is going to look like Matthew Perry when he's all grown up!

Stephen Moss confesses his reading sins.

Paste gives its favourite 100 records of the year.

So JR Rotem is apparently the father of Britney Spears' third-child-to-be... hmmm.

Jackie - The Album and The Beautiful South are battling it out for mug supremacy over on PopJustice. Come on Jackie!

Take That Live Video Of The Day: Apache 1993

It's TAKE THAT week!!! Yay!!! Yes, we're off to see them on Friday. SO EXCITED!

This pun however is not TT related at all. Here's some kiss-off songs to cities from The AV Club.

Continuing our occasional series of pictures documenting High School Musical stars' family members for very little reason (Except Daddy Hudgens - that guy rocks!) Here's Zac Efron and his little brother Dylan... 

Slate posts an ode to the cheekiness of modern children's literature.

Do you agree with this list of the top 12 indie music videos of the year?

My Bloody Valentine is back and digital! Also, check out the accompanying video on the post.

PopMatters isn't too enamoured with the U2 reissues.

Hadley Freeman eulogises the death of Sesame Street's innocence.

Esquire's fiction archive grows stronger. This new story, from Chris Adrian, is high quality.

Chuck and Firefly's genius demi-god Adam Baldwin is interviewed by TVGuide here...

Take That Live Video Of The Day: Whatever You Do To Me (Gangster Style)

Ahhh, Buffy reunion! Some nice-ish things are coming out of the Hollywood writers strike -like this new photo of a reunited Seth Green and Alyson Hannigan, aka cute werewolf/witch couple Oz and Willow from Buffy The Vampire Slayer...

What would make Jake Shears put down his pen and stop writing with the Scissor Sisters? Well, if Take That called and asked him to join of course! His bandmate Babydaddy added "I don’t need to hear a word Gary says – I just love him. I know I’m not in the majority here, but I think he’s the sexiest creature ever.” Who says you're not in the majority? Sam adores him...

Zac Efron has been named one of EW's top 25 entertainers of the year, and reveals he's thinking of writing Titanic 2... hmm.

There are early rumours that Casey Calvert from the band Hawthorne Heights has passed away. Click here for the band's statement.

PopJustice put the new Shayne Ward album, and its cover art, through its paces...

Shock Horror. Ex-All Saint Nicole Appleton's a normal human being. And ages like everyone else.

Remember scary Roseann McBride from the classic TV show Totally Boyband? No? It gave birth to the band Upper Street? Bradley from S Club 7 was in it? So was Danny from NKOTB... Ah, well she's interviewed here.

Everyone loves some bloopers - these ones are from High School Musical. Highlights include Zefron's booty dance.

And in case you haven't been watching reality TV, Beverley left The X Factor tonight and the I'm A Celeb evictee total is now four - actor Marc Bannerman (who wrote to Cerys from outside the jungle... watch this space), PR lady Lynne Franks, Katie Hopkins from The Apprentice and tonight's evictee was chef John Burton-Race. Biggins for new camp chef!

How they did it without him I really couldn't tell you. But he's back. The formerly dreadlocked man-child love pie Howard Donald has beaten off the annoyance of a lung collapsing and is back in action for The That. The BBC has the full story here.

Welcome back champ!!

Heather Mills' new publicist entertainingly has enlisted Mills' hairdresser to address all those rumours / headlines. Genius.

Does anyone care about Shane, Mikey, Keith and the other two getting back together? To tour? Because we don't.

Want to see in New Year's Eve with Take That?!?!? Who wouldn't??? They're playing the O2 and ITV!

Are Gyllenspoon totally loved up? Seems so. But why do Zanessa always look so grumpy together. Sad.

Actor Chris Langham has been released from jail after judges found his sentence 'overly harsh'.

Here's some paintings by Bob Dylan, currently being exhibited in Germany.

Slate profiles to some environmentally friendly heavy metal fiends.

Garrison Keillor in praise of the mobile phoning device.

The New Yorker tributes Mailer yet more with some thoughts on novels as journalism.

Matt Damon is (drum roll.....) The Sexiest Man Alive!

Albeit briefly. Without briefs. Isn't he lovely?

To see more of Howard. Not that it's anything we haven't seen before, take a look under the cut...

Lovely.

 Here's hoping he'll be back for good before we know it!

Get better Howard!!!

Oh good lord.

Take That performed as a three last night after Howard collapsed a lung performing a 'complex dance move that involves a backflip'... gah. This cannot be happening. Poor Howard, apparently he's devastated at having to miss shows.

Come on Howard, get those superhuman recovery healing genes working and get better soon.  Take That as a three is just hard to deal with. Where's the symmetry?

Also... if Howard's not there who's going to do the 'complex dance moves' with Jason? Gary??? Oooh... hang on a sec. Yes. Gary. Brilliant, this is obviously the moment he's been waiting for to show off those moves...

Anyway, lets all have a moments silence and put our hands on the screen to wish Howard's chest better Uri Geller stylee...

Howard Singing.

Isn't Gary Looking Hot?!

Jason The Salsa Dancer.

Doesn't Mark look sweet in his little hat?!

 There are a number of Gary Bs that I know, and they're all awesome.

Gary B number 1 is Gary Bishop. I don't have a picture I'm afraid, but he has written a book and his feet are on the cover. One of the admittedly dustier books of late on my shelf says "OMG - check out that messenger's feet! They're flippin' awesome! He must use Nivea on those bad boys..." (my paraphrase). Anyway, Bish is a guy with beautiful feet because he brings good news. Friend and hero.

Gary B number 2 is Gary Bolton, who I miss terribly cos he's such a genuine lovely guy and during lunchtimes at work me and him would have a great double act going (him with all the genuinely funny gags, mind).

Gary B number 3 I've not actually met, but I also think he's an awesome guy. Yes...it's Gary Barlow of Take That. He's such a talented songwriter, the band would surely be yet another failed boy band without his genius and leadership. He's like the Paul McCartney of The Beatles - Paul was always the real talent behind the band, yet Lennon got most of the credit or kudos.

Case in point - their latest offering: Rule the World, the credits track for new film Stardust (which I saw again tonight it's that good). Apart from being a good song, it's subtley extremely clever too.

In case you haven't seen the film, in order to get the cleverness, you need to know there is a village called Wall and the female lead is called Yvaine.

Verse two starts:

If walls break down, I will comfort you
If angels cry, oh I’ll be there for you

OK, so the cleverness in the first line is fairly obvious. But you'll probably miss the genius in the second line. - Barlow sings the line with a break:

If An --- gels cry...

Yvaine - gels cry...

That is simply genius.

Never has a man made such an impression on me (musically) I just think Gary Barlow is the best thing since Lennon and McCartney.

 Click here for the vid...