Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Happy Independence Day! New York and Washington lead the nation in Fourth of July fireworks celebrations
0 comments Posted by admin at 5:46 AMBy FIONA ROBERTS
The nation's most extravagant display of July 4 fireworks was a triumphant celebration that turned solemn briefly to commemorate the 10-year mark since the September 11 attacks.
Tens of thousands of people from all over the world streamed to Manhattan's West Side to see the pyrotechnics show over the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey, featuring more than 40,000 shells exploding in choreographed, multicolored progression.
The show, sponsored by Macy's, paid tribute to the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty's début in New York Harbour. Fireworks blasted off from six barges along the river to heights of 1,000 feet.
As 'Amazing Grace' was sung, bursts of golden fireworks lit up the sky to pay tribute to victims of 9/11. Big cheers broke out in the crowd during the finale.
Today President Barack Obama hosted a barbecue at the White House, while thousands of revellers camped out by the Washington Monument to catch a glimpse of the annual fireworks display.
'It's beautiful,' said Rosa Riveras, a 57-year-old health educator from northern Manhattan, as bursts of light filled the sky.
'It's amazing. I'm loving it.'
Star-studded event: Beyonce rehearses before the annual Macy's fireworks show in New York tonight, in which 40,000 fireworks exploded from the Hudson
NBC ran an exclusive broadcast from a pier along the river, with Nick Lachey of the show The Sing-Off hosting.
Viewers got pre-recorded performances by Beyonce, filmed in front of the Statue of Liberty, and country music star Brad Paisley.
Then the fireworks lit up the sky, tightly choreographed to a half-hour soundtrack from Katy Perry, LeAnne Rimes, Jennifer Hudson and other artists.
Beth Cochran of Scottsdale, Ariz., was with two childhhood friends from Fishkill, N.Y. The group of three periodically broke into renditions of 'God Bless America' and other patriotic songs.'
Gaze: People watch as fireworks are shot over the National Mall in Washington, DC from along the shore of the Potomac River
Getting ready: A military colour guard prepares for the playing of the National Anthem during the Boston Pops Fourth of July concert rehearsal last night 
The president and first lady Michelle Obama greeted more than 1,200 guests from a White House balcony Monday evening. After brief remarks, the first couple stood in the driveway and shook hands with visitors.
'You represent the latest in a long line of heroes who have served our country with honor, who have made incredible sacrifices to protect the freedoms that we all enjoy,' Obama said.
'You've done everything we could've asked of you,' he said, also recognizing the 'families that serve alongside of you with strength and devotion.'
This is the third year the first family has celebrated July Fourth with service members and their families.
Go Bulls: President Obama greets a man who identified himself as a fellow Chicagoan at the White House's Independence Day barbeque
Heave! President Obama holds up a baby as he greets members of his staff and military servicemen and women
Our nation tis of thee: Young woman roar with delight as they await fireworks near the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington DC
Distant celebration: U.S. soldiers eat a Fourth of July-themed lunch in honour of Independence Day at Camp Clark in Mandozai district, Khost province, Afghanistan
Celebration: U.S. soldiers cut an Independence Day cake in the Mandozai district, left, and right, outgoing U.S. commander General David Petraeus gives a speech to 235 soldiers re-enlisting in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. It's his last Fourth of July in uniform
Obama told his guests Monday that the occasion was 'a chance to get out of the uniform, relax a little bit and have some fun.' Red, white and blue lanterns decorated trees on the South Lawn and miniature American flags adorned more than 50 tables spread across the yard.
Children wearing face paint in the patriotic colours played with balloon animals. Providing the music for the celebration: rock band Train, singer-songwriter Amos Lee and the U.S. Marine Band.
The concert was presented by the USO in its 70th year of providing support for Americans in the military.
The scorching heat has put a dampener on July the Fourth celebrations in the South and West, after firework displays were cancelled in many towns in New Mexico, Texas and Georgia amid fears they could spark wildfires.
Instead, they joined millions who tuned in to the New York show, entitled 'Gift of Freedom', in which more than 40,000 fireworks were ignited on floating barges on the city's West Side.
Stars including Beyonce and Brad Paisley performed, in a display which paid tribute to the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.
Small town, big party: A couple kiss during the Independence Day fireworks display in Independence, Iowa
Performers also commemorated the tenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with an emotional rendition of Amazing Grace.
Bill Schermerhorn, the show's creative director, said: 'Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has proudly stood in New York Harbor at the gateway to the American dream.
'This year's show will reflect both the united pride of our nation and the variety of our dreams, with light-hearted celebratory songs and emotional patriotic standards. It's a birthday celebration for all of us.'
World-famous contest: A huge crowd gathers to watch in Coney Island as the extreme eaters battle it out for the the hot dog eating crown
Extreme eating: Sonya 'The Black Widow' Thomas, right, triumphs against Juliet Lee after eating 40 hot dogs at the annual contest in Coney Island
Champions: Joey 'The Jaws' Chestnut and Sonya 'The Black Widow' Thomas celebrate after winning the men's and women's competitions at Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, New York
Getting into the holiday spirit: Spectators gather with patriotic t-shirts and flags before the start of the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island, New York
Anticipation: Excited fans gather to see if Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut can claim the hot dog eating title for the fifth consecutive year
Meanwhile in Coney Island, the biggest eaters from around the world will gather for the annual Nathan's July Fourth hot dog eating contest. For the first time, the firm will sponsor separate competitions for men and women, who will split the $20,000 prize money.
Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut of San Jose, California, will be hoping to claim the title for the fifth consecutive year. Last year he wolfed down 54 hot dogs and buns in the ten-minute contest.
Celebrations also started early in Afghanistan, where the outgoing U.S. commander, General David Petraeus, marked his last Fourth of July in uniform by speaking to his troops during a re-enlistment ceremony in the south of the country.
4th of july .. in new york ! independence day fireworks !
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks 2011 in NYC
Teen Beat NYC
4th of July Fireworks New York City
source: dailymail
Monday, July 4, 2011
What's for dessert? 105lb 'Black Widow' wins first ever women's July 4th hot dog eating contest
0 comments Posted by admin at 10:05 PMBy JOHN STEVENS
Winner: Sonya 'The Black Widow' Thomas ate 40 hot dogs in ten minutes in the fire Women's Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, New York
The 42-year-old Burger King manager from Alexandria, Virginia, became the first women to raise female competition's pink belt trophy and the $10,000 prize money.
Sonya 'The Black Widow' Thomas tasted victory today, eating 40 hot dogs to win the first-ever women's July Fourth hot dog competition on New York's Coney Island.
The champion eater easily swept eight other competitors today to win the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Second-place finisher Juliet Lee consumed 29 and a half hot dogs in the 10-minute race.
But Ms Thomas was one hot dog short of beating her record-setting 41 wieners and buns, which she managed in 2009.
Eat off: Nine women competed in the first women's only contest. Juliet Lee, centre, came in second place after eating 29 and a half hot dogs
The marathon eater, who is 5'5" and weighs 105 pounds, said that she was not full after making her way through the mound of food.
'I'm so excited, I'm so happy,' she said. 'But I could eat something else later.'
Second place Miss Lee, 45, from Maryland works as a beautician. She previously managed to chomp through 28 hot dogs in the contest.
Fellow contender LaRelle Marie Mele, 47, a personal trainer from Pennsylvania, said: 'To me, this excitement is similar to when women were given the right to vote.'
Victorious: Burger King manager Ms Thomas came fourth in last year's mixed competition
Ladies who lunch: The women go head to head in the eating compeition
In the male competition, Hot dog eating champion Joey Chestnut won his fifth title in a row after eating 62 hot dogs, but he was 6 short of his own record.
'It feels pretty good,' Mr Chestnut said. 'I came out here to win and did what I had to do.
'I did not start as fast as I wanted and had a bit of trouble with the water, but I can't complain as I came out on top.'
Pat 'Deep Dish' Bertoletti started well, but was ultimately beaten coming in nine hot dogs short.
Mr Chestnut estimated that he ate about 20,000 calories in one go at the eating contest, but he said his doctor doesn't mind.
Lift it high: Ms Thomas picked up the trophy and the $10,000 prize money
Men's round: Competitors at the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest gorge themselves against the clock for 'The Mustard Yellow International Belt'
Reigning chamption: Joey Chestnut won the men's competition for the fifth year in a row
'In the long run I'm really not consuming that many more calories than most people,' he said.
'I run. I really try to stay healthy. I count my calories rigorously when I'm not doing the contests.'
The San Jose, California, resident said that at 27, he's young enough to get away with his competitive binging for a few more years.
How he did it: Mr Chestnut managed to chomp his way through 62 hot dogs in ten minutes
His doctor checks his blood work and has told him not to worry as long as he gives himself time to recover, doesn't gain weight and doesn't develop diabetes, Mr Chestnut said.
Mr Chestnut is 6'1" and weighs 218 pounds.
A physically active man of his age, weight and height should be eating 3,200 calories a day to maintain his weight, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Unofficial winner: Takeru Kobayashi, who is barred from the official competition, claimed to eat 69 Nathan's hot dogs in ten minutes on a Manhattan roof top
Food lovers: Sonya Thomas and Joey Chestnut congratulate each other on their respective wins
source :dailymail
Prince Albert's bride 'desperate to know' if he cheated on her while they were together
0 comments Posted by admin at 8:24 PMBy PETER ALLEN
Dark clouds: Princess Charlene of Monaco is said to be desperate to find out if Prince Albert has been unfaithful to her and father more children
Princess Charlene of Monaco is 'desperate to know' whether her new husband Prince Albert had a love child during the five years they were in a relationship, it has emerged.
The couple were scheduled to fly off on honeymoon today to South Africa – the place which Charlene, 33, is said to have tried to flee to three times before their £55million wedding at the weekend.
She was said to be hugely distraught at claims that Albert, 53, had fathered up to two more children to add to the two illegitimate ones he already has.
Time for reflection: The newlyweds were scheduled to fly to South Africa on their honeymoon today but there have been fears that Charlene may not return if the accusations about Albert prove to be true
Now, as doctors prepare to carry out DNA tests in relation to at least one other youngster, Charlene’s principal concern is to find out whether the Prince was cheating on her.
'That is the priority,' said a senior Palace source in Monte Carlo.
'Charlene is resigned to the fact that Albert has illegitimate children, but she is desperate to know if one was born during their five year courtship.
In tears: Princess Charlene was overcome by emotion during the wedding ceremony - but were tears of happiness?
'The priority is to reassure her.'
Results of the DNA tests are unlikely to be released during the couple's South Africa honeymoon, and this is because Charlene could refuse to return to Monaco if they point towards Albert having been unfaithful, the source admitted.
The only confirmed detail of the trip to South Africa is a celebratory banquet in Durban, where Charlene trained as an Olympic swimmer.
Upset? Princess Charlene wipes away a tear as she leaves the Sainte Devote's Church where the couple were married
Albert will also use his time in the city to attend a meeting of the International Olympic Committee, of which he is an enthusiastic member.
At the weekend it was alleged that Charlene tried to flee home to South Africa three times before her 'arranged marriage', at one point taking refuge inside her country's embassy in Paris.
Sources said the Monaco palace had hoped the glitzy wedding - attended by a host of celebrities and European royalty - would 'overshadow' new claims about secret children fathered by Albert.
Instead, Charlene was in floods of tears at one point, while her husband looked on impassively.
Making it official: Princess Charlene and Prince Albert sign the register, but the results of DNA tests to discover the truth in the lovechild claims will not be revealed until after their honeymoon
Distraction technique: Sources say the Monaco palace had hoped the lavish wedding celebrations would 'overshadow' the accusations
There has been speculation that the marriage has been arranged to provide a legitimate heir for Albert in return for a multi-millionaire lifestyle
If an 'arrangement' has been reached it may be that Charlene's principal aim will be to produce a legitimate heir for Albert in return for a multi-millionaire lifestyle.
Albert already has a six-year-old son named Alexandre through Togolese former air hostess Nicole Coste, and a 19-year-old daughter, Jazmin, with Tamara Rotolo, an American estate agent.
Despite confirmation of the DNA tests, Charlene's father, photocopier salesman Mike Wittstock said: 'I am so disappointed that people believe this nonsense'.
Describing the joy he felt at his only daughter marrying a multi-millionaire Prince, he added: 'It feels as if we've just won the World Cup.'
source :dailymail
Prince of Tides: William rules the waves as he beats Duchess of Cambridge in dragon boat race
0 comments Posted by admin at 4:04 PMBy REBECCA ENGLISH
Competitive streak: Kate and William hug before taking part in a dragon boat race on opposing teams
Prince William shows off his piloting skills by landing Canadian Forces Sea King helicopter on water in front of crowds
Kate wears an ivory pencil dress by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen - who also designed her wedding gown
Wet, grey and miserable…it wasn't quite the right day for a trip to the seaside.
But that failed to stop the Duke and Duchess plough on with the latest leg of their tour of Canada - turning their hand from everything from Dragon Boat Racing to a soaking game of beach volleyball.
Prince William prepares to take part in the dragon race as the couple gets ready to show their competitive streak
The couple were on Prince Edward Island, the setting for one of Kate's favourite childhood books, Anne of Green Gables Set in the 1870s, the novel recounts the life and times of a feisty red-headed schoolgirl, Anne Shirley, who is adopted by brother and sister farmers in the mistaken belief they are taking in a young boy.
Reminiscent of scenes in 2007 when she trained to take part in a cross-channel race, left, Kate took to the water against William's team
Competitive: Kate tries her best to catch up with William whose boat leads by several metres 
The Duke of Cambridge rows fiercely with his team mates as he glides along Dalvay Lake 
William got rather wet in the friendly dragon boat race but that did not stop his competitive spirit showing through, goading the opposition as he rows to victory
It's all smiles in the end, though, as he gives his wife a hug back on the jetty after he won by several metres
Royal seal of approval: Prince William gives the thumbs up to his victorious crew while Kate looks forward from the steering position at the back of her team's boat
Heather Moyse, the Olympic bobsled gold medallist, shared a joke with William as she presented him with a bottle of champagne for winning the race.
The sportswoman said she heard the royal on the radio joking about persuading his uncle the Earl of Wessex to rename the island Prince William Island.
She said: 'I told him PWI is harder to say than PEI, but if he could arrange it with his uncle we would not mind.'
She added: 'Both he and Kate are very competitive, so I think it was good. As a female athlete, I would be really annoyed if someone let me win.'
The royal couple were later welcomed by First Nations people with a traditional Mi'kmaq smudging ceremony.
They took part in a 'smudging ceremony', a ritual which involves a Mi'kmag elder lighting sage leaves and wafting the smoke with an eagle wing toward her and William
William, damp in patches from his rowing pursuits, makes Kate laugh heartily at something he said as a chef prepares a lobster for the couple
Methilda Knockwood-Snache, 60, a Mi'kmaq elder who had lit some Sage leaves in a bowl wafted the smoke with an eagle wing towards the Duke and Duchess standing in front of her.
Kate went first in the ceremony cupping her hands and wafting the pungent smoke up to her face before chatting to the 60-year-old.
William followed and did the same and also exchanged a few words with the elder before the royals gave Ms Knockwood-Snache and others with her, traditional gifts of tea - from exclusive store Fortnum and Mason - and red velvet packages containing tobacco.
After the ceremony the elder said the ritual cleanses the recipient's 'bad thoughts', senses and body.
She added: 'I told William it would help him in his job as he's going to be faced with a lot of work and some times will be hard.
'I said that's why I'm smudging you to offer you guidance and he said 'I really need it'.
Kate and William cover their ears from the noise of a Canadian rescue helicopter as they arrived in Summerside later today
The book has sold more than 50 million copies and draws thousands of tourists to the picturesque island, with its charming bays and clapperboard houses, each year.
At a reception to welcome them to PEI, as it is known, Kate chattered excitedly about her childhood passion for the book which she first read when she was eight. 'She [Anne Shirley] was a real heroine. You could lose yourself in it. I loved it,' she said.
The morning saw the couple first take part in more formal festivities, with the Duchess dressing for the occasion in a nautical-style cream and pale blue cable-knit pencil dress by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, who designed her much-lauded wedding dress.
Prince William sits in the seat to the left after having taken part in the exercise known as 'waterbirding'
Ready for action: With camera in hand, Kate waves to her husband as he comes in to land, while Prince William looked relaxed as he made his way to the Sea King 
Prince William can be seen surveying the water below through the window of the Sea King as he takes off and lands several times
Prince William confidently tips the Sea King so that his wife and the watching crowd could see into the cockpit while left, the helicopter is seen moments after take off
Crowds look on as Prince William shows off his flying skills aboard a Canadian Forces Sea King helicopter, landing the amphibious craft on water earlier today
Unusually, she had her long, dark hair tied back in a loose pony tail courtesy of her personal hairdresser, James Pryce, who has joined her for the trip.
Sadly, however, the heavens truly opened just before they were due to arrive for a fun-packed afternoon at the picturesque beachside resort of Dalvay-by-the-Sea.
There was just enough time for a quick change into more casual fare.
For Kate this was figure-hugging blue trousers showing her tiny physique and a navy overcoat topped off with a red scarf casually knotted around her neck and white and cream deck shoes.
First it was a chance for William show off his skills an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot, by co-piloting a Sea King.
Visit: William and Kate arrive at Prince Edward Island watched by a number of fans who had dressed up in period costume for the occasion
Wardrobe malfunction? Kate's skirt is caught by the wind as she greets fans in blustery and wet conditions
Something funny? Kate laughs as Prince William struggles to put a pen back into its holder after signing the guest book at Province House in Charlottetown
Say cheese: A young Canadian fan is delighted by Kate as the pair pose for a photograph
'What they've seen in Quebec, in Montreal the last two days is, for them, just part of the rich fabric of Canada and in no way detracts from how much they respect and admire the country,' said the couple's spokesman, Miguel Head.
'They've very much fallen in love with the country.'
The jeers contrasted with the start of the royal couple's Canadian trip in the largely English-speaking capital, Ottawa, where they were cheered by tens of thousands of people on Friday's Canada Day holiday.
Quebec separatists are angry that Canada still has ties to the monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II is still the country's head of state.
Police were out in force in downtown Quebec City. About 200 protesters, some wearing black and waving flags, demonstrated about two blocks from City Hall, where Prince William, a Royal Air Force helicopter pilot, attended a ceremony to honour and inspect the Royal 22e Regiment, the most famous French-speaking unit in the Canadian military.
Staying dry: The Duchess holds an umbrella as her husband meets Mounted Police officers
A larger crowd of several hundred supporters, chanting 'Will and Kate' were allowed closer to City Hall and greeted the royal motorcade with loud cheers when it arrived.
After a military band played the first six bars of 'God Save the Queen,' Prince William made brief remarks entirely in French.
'You, the Quebecois et Quebecoise, have such vitality and a remarkable pride. We are simply delighted to be here,' he said.
Undeterred by the nearby protesters, Prince William and Kate charmed the Quebeckers with an unexpected walkabout. The royal couple went to the barricade, chatting and shaking hands with enthusiastic supporters in the square around City Hall before leaving by motorcade.
Support for the separatists among Quebeckers has been on the decline in recent years as the 80 per cent French-speaking province has enjoyed plenty of autonomy even without quitting Canada.
Close: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge enjoy a private moment as they continue with their busy schedule
Prince William and Kate In Canada- Day 4
source: dailymail
