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UK’s first “amfibus” may soon be ferrying commuters

Tom Moran — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:25:20 +0000

The UK’s first amphibious bus could soon be ferrying passengers despite a minor setback during trials.

Stagecoach was testing the “amfibus” on the River Clyde between Renfrew and Yoker when the vehicle encountered a minor technical glitch during its second crossing and had to be dry-docked.

“The driver noticed an issue with the suspension,” said a Stagecoach spokesman. “An air-bag became disengaged.” He stressed that the air-bag was “not a buoyancy aid”.

The £700,000 Dutch-built amfibus is being tested as a possible replacement for the existing ferry service between Renfrew and Yoker, which is due to be axed at the end of March.

Amfibuses are already used for holiday “splash” tours. But their introduction on the Clyde would mark the first time it had been used as a commuter service in Britain.

Stagecoach chief executive Brian Souter said: “It is a great example of the potential for new transport links using the country’s rivers and estuaries.”

The bus, which can carry 50 passengers, is based on a Volvo bus chassis that incorporates a hull, enabling it to float. It can travel at 8 knots in the water and 60mph by road.

Trials will resume on Tuesday, the spokesman said.

Splash to the Telegraph. Image via Flickr

The Mighty Boosh’s iPhone Debut

Ewan — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:38:52 +0000

Naboo predicts a big hit for the Easter Egg filled delight.

Looking for help in deciding what clothes to wear? Or what to have for tea? Or if you should ask Victor or Joe out for a candle lit dinner? Then let The Mighty Boosh decide for you!

The Mighty Decider, developed for Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding’s little word by Tribal Games, has four mii games to help you make a decision.

While “Ask the Moon”, “Crack Fox”, “Bob Fossil’s Spin The Bottle” and “Naboo’s Wisdom” might seem to be four tiny mini games wrapped in a franchise, the fans of The Boosh will realise that it’s a bti more surreal, with hideen tricks and jokes, samples and fun in there.

Far better value than a smack by a kipper, but I’m not telling you if you’ll find a hidden crimp.

The Mighty Decider is now available in the App Store for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.

Compare the Baby meerkat?

Ewan — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:15:19 +0000

Alkesandr in Edinburgh looking for an old fashion pram.

Filming on the historic Royal Mile isn’t all it’s cracked up to be for the cast and crew of the catchy “Compare the Meerkat” adverts, as the props department found out a strange requrirement.

A pram.

But not any old pram, an old-fashione Victorian pram; and the only one they could find was in a charity shop display and not for sale – but £25 and you can borrow it for a day or two.

Compare the Market were asked what was being planed, and replied that they were in the process of putting together its next advert, but could not confirm what role the Edinburgh pram would take.

Takeover Rumours Pressure Liverpool Owners to Sell

Alex Homer — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:42:32 +0000

Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. came under further pressure to sell their shares in Liverpool on Tuesday as the seventh-richest man in the world denied rumours he bid to pay off the club’s debt of £237million for a 51 per cent stake at Anfield.

Mukesh Ambani, of Ambani Reliance Industries, was reported by The Times to be the second billionaire from the sub-continent to compete for a stake in the Merseyside club, following a similar bid from Subrata Roy, chairman of The Sahara Group.

Liverpool chief executive Christian Purslow denied knowledge of either bid and Reliance spokeswoman Sudeep Purkayastha said: “There is no truth to the report. We deny it completely.”

Sahara spokesman Abhijit Sarkar meanwhile said: “We are presently not in a position to comment.”

Speculation of a takeover at Liverpool is however rife after Liverpool’s bank, The Royal Bank of Scotland, stipulated owners Hicks and Gillett pay off £100million of the club’s debt, and inject tens of millions into the club to stabilise finances.

The stipulation from RBS, coupled with investors’ reluctance to take minority stakes in the club, has led to the battle for ownership at Anfield.

Owners Hicks and Gillett initially took the Anfield helm with a leverage buyout costing £300million three years ago, including £70million for a stadium which has not yet been built.

They then broke their promise to supporters not to load further debt onto the club with a £350million loan from RBS, which they have struggled to service since the credit crunch began.

Hicks and Gillett are rumoured not to want to accept any bid leaving them with less than a 50 per cent controlling share of the club, unless it involved either of them selling out entirely. The duo are also rumoured to be reluctant to lower their asking price – blocking all current deals.

RBS may be forced to help resolve ownership of the club as they push for Liverpool to service their debt to the bank.

A buyout may make some funds available for the Liverpool manager – if not to strengthen the team, then to hold on to current squad members.

Brits Win Big At Film Awards

Simon Tingle — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:37 +0000

Brit flick Fish Tank won the Best Film Award at last night’s Evening Standard British Film Awards.

The gritty new film by director Andrea Arnold focuses on a teenager living on an Essex council estate.

The award was made all the more impressive considering the circumstances behind the decision to cast the lead actor, Katie Jarvis.

Jarvis, who plays Mia, was cast in the lead role after she was spotted having a row with her boyfriend at a train station.

The plot of the film centres around the young Essex girl, Mia, whose life is dramatically changed with the arrival of her mother’s new boyfriend.

Director, Arnold, previously won a Bafta for her debut film Red Road and looks to have continued her impressive portfolio with the release of Think Tank.

Other British winners on the night included Annie-Marie Duff, who won best actress for Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy and Andy Serkis, who won best actor for his depiction of Ian Dury in Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll.

The special award for contribution to film went to veteran director and cinematographer Nicolas Roeg, whose previous work includes Don’t Look Now, The Man Who Fell To Earth and Walkabout.

Plate Smashes Antiques Roadshow Record

Mark Glenning — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:54:30 +0000

A plate taken to BBC’s Antiques Roadshow to be valued turned out to be worth a fortune.

Its owner, Wendy Jones, kept it for years on a sideboard at home without suspecting it was worth a fortune and only decided to take it along to the popular BBC show as her husband was taking some books.

They were staggered when it turned out to be the most valuable plate in the shows history, estimated at a whopping £100,000.

The oval plate was commissioned for King Frederick II between 1750 and 1755 and is decorated with the crest of the Hohenzollern family, and there are other examples in museums across the world.

Mrs Jones said: “The plate actually belongs to my son because he was left it by his grandmother.

“We are not sure where the plate came from but my son’s paternal grandmother did marry into a German family.

“When I heard how much it might be worth I was shocked.”

Image courtesy of Zen

Revealing Hospital Gowns Given The Bum’s Rush

Mark Glenning — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:26:37 +0000

Ill fitting hospital gowns that expose patient’s rear ends are set to become a thing of the past.

A lot of us have been there – you attend hospital, maybe for an x-ray, and it necessitates you changing into a gown. You put it on, notice that it’s rather drafty around the back, and a quick check reveals that an ample amount of bum-flesh is on display for all.

After years of complaints, North Bristol NHS Trust are introducing gowns which tie up at the sides, sparing patient’s blushes.

Carol de Halle, the Trust’s acting director of Nursing, said ”Anyone who has been in hospital and worn one of them knows just how embarrassing and undignified they can be.

”These new gowns are much better, and we are very much looking forward to rolling them out across our organisation.”

Here at Dust Towers we hope that other hospitals take them on, if not to spare our blushes but to save other patients from having to see our bottoms.

Image here

Random Posts

Show Your Other Half How Much You Don’t Care This Valentines Day

The DailyDust reporter — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:49:02 +0000

Feeling brave? Iffyton, the UK’s largest tshirt printer, have just released a special edition free valentine’s t-shirt..

Designed just last night, Iffyton have recreated that loving feeling with their one-off Valentine free edition tshirt.

“Roses are Red, Wine makes me wee…”

Grab one for your loved one if you are brave enough!

Visit Iffyton before 9am tomorrow to grab your free tshirt (you need to pay the P&P)

Live: Lacuna Coil + Dirty Little Rabbits

Dave Musson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:52:32 +0000

Our live coverage in 2010 finally gets up and running.

Lacuna Coil + Dirty Little Rabbits @ Academy, Birmingham – 01-02-10

Italian symphonic metallers Lacuna Coil kicked off our live coverage for 2010 with their first UK headline tour in years. Before that though, kicking the night off was a littleknown band called Dirty Little Rabbits – featuring Slipknot’s Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan on drums. The result was interesting to say the least, not necessarily enjoyable, but very interesting.

After that it was down to the Italian sixpiece to wrap things up. Their dual vocal talents of Andrea Ferro and Christina Scabbiawrapping the crowd around their collective little finger. Their live show had power, passion and precision and was thoroughly enjoyable, even despite the surprisingly small amount of people who came along to watch. Lacuna Coil live are really able to showcase what they’ve learned in their long career and are a fine live act. Song like ‘I’m Not Afraid’, ‘Senzafine’ and ‘I Won’t Tell You’ go down a storm.

Lacuna Coil setlist: Survive/Underdog/Closer/I’m not Afraid/Fragments/Tight Rope/Senzafine/I Won’t Tell You/Heaven’s a Lie/Fragile/Wide Awake/To the Edge/The Maze/Swamped/Enjoy the Silence//Not Enough/Spellbound/Our Truth

Photography: Dave Musson Photography

The Daily Dust’s Weekly Soap Preview: Feb 8 – 12

Nigel Slater — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:52:53 +0000

Hey Daily Dust readers! Love Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale? Eager to know what is going to happen this week in the soaps?

Well you are at just right the right place, as The Daily Dust gives you the perfect lowdown to the goings-on this week in the three much loved British soaps! Enjoy!!

EastEnders

As another week goes on, DCI Marsden has still absolutely no idea who killed Archie back on Christmas Day (seems a very long time ago now!). Two weeks ago she was questioning Ian, then last week it was Janine, now it is Ronnie Mitchell’s (pictured above) turn to face the the firing line.

The glamorous barmaid starts to lose control when she finally takes the plunge to open her Christmas gift from Archie. This for some reason sends her over the edge. Guilty conscience maybe?

It is not long afterwards until she is fighting with DCI Marsden outside the Vic and gets arrested for assault.

She then fears that Marsden will soon accuse for Archie’s murder and in response decides to run away from the country after a chat with brother Phil (not knowing Janine can overhear their chat). However she takes Roxy’s passport – so she wont be getting too far away from the action after all!

In typical Janine fashion, she decides to grass up Ronnie by visiting Marsden and telling of her plans. Who said Janine can’t be helpful!

There is also problems for Bradley as he reveals to dad Max and his brother Jack that he attacked Archie just before his death. But Uncle Jack urges Bradley to tell the police about it and says in no uncertain terms: “Either Bradley tells the truth….or I do.” Decisions decisions!

Elsewhere, tonight sees a return for Sonia Fowler, played by actress Natalie Cassidy, who arrives for Bianca’s hen-do and hopes to make it one to remember.

And on Friday, Minty tells his girlfriend Manda that he still has feelings for blonde bombshell Sam Mitchell.

Coronation Street

Poor Gail! Why does she have to pick the most craziest men to marry? Well Joe McIntyre’s (pictured above) life comes crashing to an end this week after he makes one desperate attempt too many. Plundered in massive debt, the kitchen fitter decides to take his wife and his new boat for a paddle into the Weatherfield lakes.

Before getting into the boat, Joe tells Gail about his plans that will hopefully save his bacon…..he wants to fake his own death, go into hiding and then let Gail claim a massive insurance payout - crazy or what! Gail can’t believe Joe’s plans and it leads to them having a mighty row.

Joe then decides to set sail on his boat alone but disaster strikes when the engine explodes and he is sent into the icy water and eventually drowns to death.

Not knowing he is dead and thinking he has just done a runner, Gail calls son David to help her and cover up Joe’s ‘disappearance’.

Elsewhere, just before Joe’s death, his daughter Tina gets a Valentines present to remember when boyfriend Jason pops her the question. This comes after he is sent the divorce papers to end his first marriage with Sarah Louise Platt.

And the drinking for Peter Barlow just doesn’t stop. It leads to another heated row with his girlfriend and new bar owner Leanne. He also argues with his son’s grandad George. Subsequently, the Barlow’s try and think of ways to stop him drinking for good – best of luck with that one!

Emmerdale

Still failing to come to terms that her lover was actually her step-brother and the ‘disappearance’ of her father Mark, Maisie (pictured above) has yet another disastrious week in the village.

This week she completely loses it and continues to drink vast amounts of alcohol like there was no tomorrow! Later in the week, Maisie hits rock bottom after succumbing to a one-night stand with a stranger. Even though that doesn’t sound bad, it becomes much worse for her the next morningwhen she finds a ten pound note left next to her - presumably for her ’services’. Then she returns to the Woolpack on Thursday and lashes out at Marlon and Bob.

Then (yes it gets worse) she smashes her head against a mirror leading to her mother Natasha – who killed her father - recommending her to join a rehab clinic.

Elsewhere, the villagers get deeply concerned when Carl’s kids Thomas and Anya get rushed to hospital with rashes – sparking fears of toxic fumes in the air. Where could that be coming from? is the question on everyone’s mind.

Zak and Lisa get concerned when they inspect the costs to their damaged home after Shadrach’s bath blunder last week, knowing they have no home insurance to cover them.

And on Friday, Val is worried that pollard is working too much and risking his own health in the process.

Join us next week for more soap gossip next week right here at The Daily Dust!

The Welsh are invading the Eurovision Song Contest

Ewan — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:24:34 +0000

Jon Lilygreen to represent Cyprus on the biggest TV show in the world.

Forget your Idols or X-Factors, the biggest platform out there is the Eurovision Song Contest, with 112 million TV viewers around the world (and we’re confident that even last night’s heart-stopping Superbowl won’t get close to that record).

So congratulations to Jon Lilygreen and The Islanders, who last night won the right to represent the island of Cyprus at the contest, to be held this year in Oslo, Norway. His band’s song, Life Looks better in Spring, won both the Cypriot viewers and judges.

It’s a bit of a mongrel band as well, with Jon from Newborn, in Wales, and “The Islanders” coming from Norway, Scotland and of course Cyprus.

Cyprus have not managed to get out of the Eurovision Semi-Finals since 2005, but you know what? We at The Dust think Jon has a good chance of making it to the Grand Final. What do you think?

If nothing else, Toyota is a success for comedians

Ewan — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:10:44 +0000

Sniff Petrol return with a Prius-full of jokes for February.

You have to hand it to the automotive humour site Sniff Petrol. They update once a month, and a week ago they must have been wondering what was going to be their best joke for the second month.

And then along came a Toyota (probably accelerating quite quickly)…

Definitely worth a cup of coffee to go through their latest stories, even the subtle Ralf Schumacher cartoon at the end. Congrats!

www.sniffpetrol.com

Sunday Football: Drogba brace guns down Arsenal

Nigel Slater — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:47:37 +0000

Two goals from striker Didier Drogba put Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League in a vital victory over Arsenal.

The Ivory Coast frontman scored twice in the first half in a 2 – 0 win for the Blues.

Arsenal have now lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League following their 3 – 1 loss to Manchester United last Sunday.

Drogba opened the scoring in the eight minute when John Terry flicked on Florent Malouda’s corner for the striker to tap the ball home from close range at the far post.

The assist will no doubt have increased Chelsea skipper John Terry’s confidence after a very difficult week with him losing the England captaincy for his alleged off-the-field antics.

Things got even better for Carlo Ancelloti’s men when Drogba fired in his second after 23 minutes.

Lampard intercepted the ball in Chelsea territory, placed the ball to Drogba who eased past defender Gael Clichy using his pace and then buried the ball past Manuel Almunia into the back of the net.

To Arsenal’s credit they responded very well and continued to play their neat and tidy passing style and created several good chances but were unable to get past a very determined and solid Chelsea defence.

In the end it boiled down to who had taken their chances and Drogba’s strikes separated the sides. It appears Arsenal have it all to do now if they are going to win the league.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Birmingham City came back from a goal down to earn a dramatic 2 – 1 win over Midland rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Andrews.

Kevin Doyle had put Wolves ahead just before half time with a close range finish, which at one stage looked as if it would be the winning goal.

But substitute Kevin Phillips changed the game when he fired Birmigham level when he pounced on Craig Gardener’s header from a deep cross on the 80th minute.

Then just five minutes later, Phillips turned the game on its head when he chested and volleyed the ball home from Stephen Carr’s cross into the box.

The win keeps Birmingham in a very healthy eighth position in the table with 37 points. Wolves stay second from bottom.

In Scotland, Celtic came back from 2 – 1 down to beat first division Dunfermiline 4 – 2 in the Scottish Cup.

Transfer deadline day signing Robbie Keane netted his first goal the club when he neatly converted a penalty to seal the match for Tony Mowbray’s men.

Thank the Universe for Owl City

Ewan — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:07:14 +0000

Jedward denied debut number one sing with Under Pressure massacre as Alicia Keys tops the album charts

Think what you like about Owl City’s third week at number one with Fireflies, it may have done the music history books a favour by stopping irish twins John and Edward a shot at the number one spot on the Singles Charts.

Their version of Vanilla Ice’s Under Pressure, itself a cover of the superb Queen original stalled at number two.

Those of you looking for a more respectful version of Freddie, Brian, John and Roger might want to look further down the charts, as the cast of Glee (still at #4 with Don’t Stop Believing) push Someone to Love back into the Top 40.

Over in the album charts, the slow burn of The Element of Freedom, by Alicia Keys, has won through. After eight weeks it’s finally top of the charts, while Journey have returned to the album charts with their Greatest Hits album, no doubt supported by the fans of, you guessed it, Glee.

UK Singles Chart, Sunday 7 Feb 2010
1. Fireflies, Owl City
2. Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby), John and Edward ft Vanilla Ice
3. If We Ever Meet Again, Timbaland ft Katy Perry
4. Don’t Stop Believing, Cast of Glee
5. Empire State of Mind pt 2, Alicia Keys

UK Album Chart, Sunday 7 Feb 2010
1. The Element of Freedom, Alicia Keys
2. Forever Vienna, Andre Rieu
3. Sunny Side Up, Paolo Nutini
4. Lungs, Florence and the Machine
5. The Sea, Corine Bailey Rae

Richie confirms EastEnders comeback

Nigel Slater — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:44:41 +0000

Actor Shane Richie is to return to the cast of ‘EastEnders’ later in the year, it has been revealed.

Richie, will reprise his role as popular character Alfie Moon in the BBC soap and will begin filming in the autumn.

Viewers will see him back on the screens at the end of the year.

His last appearance on the soap came on Christmas Day 2005 when he left the Square with new wife Kat Slater (played by Jessie Wallace) to start a new life together.

Speaking about his return, Richie said: “It’s an honour and privilege to be asked back to the iconic series of Eastenders which is at the top of its game.

“I’m looking forward to finding out what Alfie (his character) has been up to over the last few years but more importantly – what the future has in store for him.”

Controller of BBC drama, John Yorke said: “Alfie is one of EastEnders’ most loved and iconic characters, so he’s bound to get a very warm welcome from viewers when he returns to Walford.

“We’ve had so many new and interesting characters settle into Albert Square since Alfie departed that it’s going to make for fantastic viewing when one of the show’s most familiar faces rides back into the East End.”

It is not yet known whether Jessie Wallace, who plays Richie’s screen wife Kat, will also be making a return to the programme.

No fear – the resealable can is here!

Nigel Slater — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:25:07 +0000

How frustrating is it when you open a drinks can and then accidentally leave it for around half an hour, only for the drink to go flat when you return to it?

Well them days could soon be over, as a new resealable can is about to arrive in the UK.

This latest technology will allow you to reseal the can after it has first been opened and keep it fizzy up to 24 hours. Great news! The product is said to have been hugely popular in America.

Drinkers simply twist the plastic tab (pictured above) 180 degrees to break the seal and then turn it back to close it. The new device could signal the end to the traditional ‘ring-pull’ cans.

Drinks in these new 485ml cans will go on sale starting from April and will be available to buy at supermarkets, petrol stations and other shops at a price of just £1.19.

American sportswear brand ‘No Fear’ will use the can design for their new energy drink to be released in April.

Spokesman Neal Haworth told the Sunday Mirror: “The resealable technology allows people to drink the amount they want, when they want it.

“You don’t have to finish the can in one go as it can be resealed to stay fizzy. It’s such a logical step for canned energy drinks.”

Euro 2012 qualification groups revealed!

Nigel Slater — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:08:36 +0000

England have been drawn in the same group as Wales for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Fabio Capello’s side after the World Cup will turn their priorities into qualifying for the European Championships, which are being jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine in just over two years time.

Both England and Wales have been drawn in Group G with Switzerland, Bulgaria and Montenegro.

Meanwhile, Scotland have been given a tough draw – they face Spain, Czech Republic, Lithuania and Liechtenstein in Group I.

Northern Ireland also face a toush ask qualifying for the finals – they await Group C matches against current world champions Italy, Serbia, Slovenia, Estonia and Faroe Islands.

Republic of Ireland meet Russia, Slovakia, Macedonia, Armenia and Andorra in Group B.

Each winner of the group will qualify for the finals. There is also a direct entry for the best ‘runner-up’ team who have the best record out of all the nine teams finishing in second.

The eight remaining runners-up will have to play in crucial play-off matches towards the back end of 2011. Hosts Poland and Ukraine do not have to qualify.

The proper tournament itself is due to start on June 8 2012, with the final taking place on July 1. It will be the final European Championships to content just 16 teams, with the next tournament in 2016 including 24 nations.

The groups in full:

Group A: Germany, Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan

Group B: Russia, Slovakia, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra

Group C: Italy, Serbia, NORTHERN IRELAND, Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands

Group D: France, Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg

Group E: Holland, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino

Group F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta

Group G: ENGLAND, Switzerland, Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro

Group H: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland

Group I: Spain, Czech Republic, SCOTLAND, Lithuania, Liechtenstein

Saturday Football: Man City suffer shock defeat at Hull

Nigel Slater — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:41:23 +0000

Manchester City’s hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top four were dainted earlier today after losing to struggling Hull City.

Goals from Jozy Altidore and George Boateng condemned Roberto Mancini’s side to a surprise defeat against a team who had gone eleven games without a win.

Emanual Adebayor pulled a goal back for the Manchester City but they failed to get an equalizing goal.

Manchester United moved to top spot after thrashing bottom of the table Portsmouth to make it an even more forgettable week for Pompey manager Avram Grant, after being exposed leaving a ’seedy brothel’.

Three own goals and one each for Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov ensured a 5 – 0 scoreline for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

Liverpool completed the double over arch-rivals Everton in a 1 – 0 win despite being down to ten men when defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos was sent off just before half time for a two footed challenge.

However, Dirk Kuyt’s close ranger header from a Steven Gerrard corner lifted the Anfield club into the top four.

Other top four contenders Tottenham and Aston Villa shared a point in a goalless draw at White Hart Lane.

Brian Laws got his first win as Burnley boss beating West Ham 2 – 1 at Turf Moor and Sunderland are now eleven games without a win after they came back from a goal down to earn a point at home to Wigan.

Stoke beat Blackburn 3 – 0 to make it a bad day for Sam Allardyce’s men and Bolton and Fulham battled out a 0 – 0 draw at the Reebok Stadium.

In the Coca Cola Championship, West Brom stayed second by beating Plymouth 1 – 0 away from home and Nottingham Forest returned to winning ways beating Sheffield Wednesday 2 – 1 at the City Ground to keep immense pressure on the top two.

Wins for Swansea and Leicester placed them in the play-off positions and Reading boosted their chances of survival with a vital 2 – 1 win away at Doncaster.

A Lee Williamson injury time leveller rescued a point for Sheffield United against Derby.

Meanwhile in Coca Cola League One, all of the top three sides failed to win. Leaders Norwich lost 2 – 1 at Millwall, Leeds had to settle for a 2 – 2 draw at Hartlepool and Charlton grabbed a point away at play-off hopefuls Swindon.

In Coca Cola League Two, top of the table Rochdale kept up their promotion push thanks to a 2 – 0 win at home to Crewe.

Second placed Bournemouth were held at home to Cheltenham and Bury stayed third with a 1 – 0 away at Bradford.

FA Cup giant-killers Notts County continued their fine form beating Grimsby 1 – 0 to move up to fourth while Rotherham’s promotion hopes took a hitting losing 2 – 0 to bottom placed Darlington – just their fouth wn of the campaign.

It was cup action mainly in Scotland. Rangers were forced to settle for a replay after a goalless draw at St Mirren and Hibs thrashed Montrose 5 – 1.

A late equalizer for Aberdeen rescued them from a potential shock defeat against Raith Rovers in a 1 – 1 draw and Ross County gave their supporters a day to remember thrashing Stirling 9 – 0.

Jedward’s official new video!!!!

Nigel Slater — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:53:05 +0000

Like them or hate them, you can’t argue that the Irish twins have been the talk of the UK in the last few months!

Following on from their X Factor success (where they reached the final six), John and Edward aka ‘Jedward’ could enter the top of the charts this Sunday with their debut hit ‘Under Pressure’. The pair sang this (or should I say rap) during ‘Queen’ week in one of the live shows of the series towards the end of 2009.

The track features American rapper Vanilla Ice whose ‘Ice Ice Baby’ track was one of the most popular dance tunes in the 1990’s.

If you can’t stand the pair then you will probably wouldn’t have clicked on the article in the first place but if you are – check out their new video below.

The record has already gone to Number One in Ireland (hardly surprising given their nationality) – will the same happen here in the UK or will Owl City’s ‘Fireflies’ beat the twins and stay in top position?

Enjoy!!!

Saturday Football – Live

Nigel Slater — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:26:04 +0000

Hey Daily Dust Readers! Join us live from 2.45pm for our new live Saturday service – updating you on all the latest scores and goals flying in all over the UK.

Saturday Football Live

BREAKING NEWS: Terry loses England captaincy

Nigel Slater — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:19:09 +0000

John Terry has been dropped as England’s captain after a crucial meeting with boss Fabio Capello at Wembley earlier today.

The news comes after reports this week over the defender’s private life, where it was revealed he allegedly had an affair with Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge’s girlfriend.

It had also been reported Terry got model Vannessa Perroncel pregnant and had paid for her to have an abortion.

In light of these recent allegations, many calls had been made to drop Terry as captain of the national team – especially with such an important World Cup campaign in South Africa just four months away.

Capello arrived back in the UK yesterday after a break in Switzerland recovering from surgery to his leg and today held showdown talks with the Chelsea skipper.

The England boss said in a statement: “After much thought I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry.

“As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour. However, I have to take into account other considerations and what it is best for all of the England squad.

“What is best for all the England team has inspired my choice. John Terry was notified first.

“When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain (Rio Ferdinand) and also named a third choice. There is no reason to change this decision.”

After the meeting, a disappointed Terry released a short statement: “I fully respect Fabio Capello’s decision. I will continue to give everything for England.”

Manchester United skipper Rio Ferdinand has been tipped to replace Terry as England’s leader going into the World Cup.

Facebook six-years-old today and more changes afoot

Tom Moran — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:48:57 +0000

Facebook is six-years-old today and has ballooned to a massive 400 million members worldwide over the course of its tenure.

According to the social networking site’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, in a celebratory post on his blog:

“Facebook began six years ago today as a product that my roommates and I built to help people around us connect easily, share information and understand one another better.

“We hoped Facebook would improve people’s lives in important ways. So it’s rewarding to see that as Facebook has grown, people around the world are using the service to share information about events big and small and to stay connected to everyone they care about.”

The milestone has also brought subtle changes to the site’s front page, which include modifying the top menu to make it easier to find new messages, notifications and requests.

An applications dashboard will enable members to see the latest programmes used by themselves or their friends, while a games dashboard will be on hand for those who enjoy playing.

It has been reported that only one-fifth of Facebook users will see the changes today, with the additional features being rolled out to all users over time.

Hat tip to Murad Ahmed of Tech Central for this information, plus the heads-up about the eagerly anticipated Facebook movie which is currently being filmed.

Image via Flickr

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Avram Grant caught in ‘brothel’ scandal

Nigel Slater — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:28:20 +0000

Portsmouth manager Avram Grant has been seen and photographed leaving a massage parlour – believed to be a secret seedy brothel.

‘The Sun’ has exclusively revealed the pictures to in today’s edition of the newspaper and on it’s website.

It is reported that Grant, 54, ‘admitted’ to visiting the brothel after the paper followed a vehicle (he was sitting in) yesterday.

The Hampshire based ‘massage parlour’ has now been closed because of the recent story and is being expected by police. Grant could be later questioned on the issue – the report states.

A delivery driver who saw the events unfold told ‘The Sun’: “Everyone around here knows it’s a brothel. I was watching when the car pulled up and was stunned to see who got out the back and walked in.

“I recognised Grant straight away so kept watching until he came out. I was amazed. He just drove up, got out and went in. he obviously thought no one would recognise him, but he’s a Premier League manager.”

The report also contains details on how an under-cover reporter went into the parlour and asked for a massage. He then asked a woman if she did ‘extras’, which prompted her to mime a sex act.

Three Labour MPs and Tory Peer Charged Over Expenses

Alex Homer — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:37:55 +0000

Three Labour MPs and one Tory MP will face criminal charges over their expenses claims, the Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer revealed on Friday.

The ‘deeply flawed’ system described by auditor Sir Thomas Legg took another public hit as it was revealed MPs Elliot Morley, Jim Devine, David Chaytor and Conservative peer Lord Hanningfield will be charged under the Theft Act 1968.

Solicitors for Labour peer Lord Clarke, of Hampstead, said he was ‘hugely relieved’ not to be charged. A sixth case remains under investigation however, as Mr. Starmer earlier added.

Giving the Crown Prosecution Service decision Mr. Starmer said: “In four cases we have concluded there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges and that it is in the public interest to charge the individuals concerned.”

Former minister Mr. Morley, MP for Scunthorpe, faces two charges over £30,000 in mortgage interest claims on a property in Winterton, Lincolnshire between 2004 and 2007.

The charges allege he made claims excessive to that which he was entitled when ‘there was no longer a mortgage on that property’.

Livingston MP Jim Devine was meanwhile charged for ‘dishonestly claiming’ money for cleaning services and stationery using false invoices.

Mr Devine MP said he was ‘distraught and astonished’ at the charges he described as ‘new’. He added the charges could be easily explained.

Mr. Chaytor, MP for Bury North, was likewise charged with ‘dishonestly claiming’, though those claims were £1,950 for IT services, and £12,925 and £5,425 regarding rent claims on properties he and his mother allegedly owned.

The three Labour MPs released a joint statement which said: “We totally refute any charges that we have committed an offence and we will defend our position robustly.”

The charged trio added the Parliamentary Commissioner for standards should have resolved their issues and they stressed ‘a complete inconsistency of approach to different individual cases.’

Tory peer Lord Hanningfield, Paul White, stands accused of ‘dishonestly’ claiming for ‘expenses to which he knew he was not entitled’, and was suspended from the parliamentary Conservative party.

The leader of Essex county council denied the charges and said all the claims he had made, including overnight stays in London, were ‘in good faith’.

“I have never claimed more in expenses than I have spent in the course of my duties,” he added. “To avoid any embarrassment or distraction for my party, I am standing down from my frontbench duties in the House of Lords with immediate effect.”

The four accused will appear in court at 2pm on 11th March.

Picture from flickr

Ten Alternatives to Jedward singing for the UK at Eurovision

Ewan — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:25:00 +0000

Who can stop the Terrible Twosome from an appearance at the Telenor Stadium in May’s Song Contest?

With news that the odds of John and Edward representing the United Kingdom at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest dropping from 33-1 to 25-1 we’ve been wondering if this is the single worst option available to the BBC.

Probably.

But if we do want to send an eye-opening singer or group to Eurovision, rather than the expected “unknown singer” recruited through the BBC’s “Your Country Needs You",” then may we make some suggestions?

10. The cast of Glee

You need a powerhouse of marketing to make an impact in Eurovision nowadays; a fresh look but one that’s comforting at the same time; you need obvious enthusiasm and brilliant singing skills. And you need an evil Sue Sylvester in the commentary booth. Could the BBC ask Fox nicely to borrow the cast of hit musicomedy Glee for a week? Maybe even film it as an exchange trip for the actual show?

9. James Fox

There’s good form in strong singers returning to Eurovision and winning at the second time, including Dima Bilan (2006 and 2008). So our Eurovision singer from 2004, James Fox, should be in the mix somewhere. A great voice, experience in the competition and he really wants to do it.

8. Fearne Cotton

Sorry, mistyped there. I meant the “delightful” Fearne Cotton. She’s done everything else on the BBC , might as well try this.

7. Status Quo

What does a Eurovision song need? A strong rhythm, a song that’s easily remembered and is memorable after even one listen, and a bit of rebellion so the viewers at home vote for the song. Why wouldn’t Status Quo fit the bill?

6. Stephen Fry

It does not matter what Fry sings, he could read out a Shakespearean influence sonnet with Gerry Rafferty doing an improvised saxophone solo in the background; all that counts would be Fry twittering “could you, possibly, if it’s not too much trouble, vote for me at Eurovision, kthxbi” as the phone lines open.

5. Kylie

Well we do have Pete Waterman doing the production, there’s a certain closing the circle in this choice. Plus it’s Kylie. At Eurovision. Swoon!

4. William Shatner

Just because.

3. Kirsten Chenworth

Yes she’s just been on Glee, but she’s been on Broadway, Pushing Daisies, The West Wing, and you can listen to her forever without getting bored. And it’s about time America realised there is a TV show that’s bigger than their Superbowl.

2. Stephen Hawking

Would it be overkill to send the closest human being to Davros to the Eurovision stage to do some beat-boxing and sampling from his wheelchair? Okay we’d have to put a party hat on him (which would be worth the ticket price) but Hawking singing “I know the secrets of the universe but don’t have enough time to type it out before I fall in love with you” should guarantee the contest is hosted in the UK next year.

1. Stars on 45 – The Eurovision All Stars

Horribly sneaky this idea, but if the BBC can get as many former Eurovision winners on one group, write a new song for them, and then send em out as an ensemble, the fans would melt in excitement and pretty much guarantee a wide vote in every country. With six performers allowed on stage, you’ve space for Katrina (from the Waves), Cheryl Baker (Bucks Fizz), Cliff Richard (from, err, Cliff Richard and the Shadows), Lulu, and a singer from The Brotherhood of Man and The New Seekers respectively. That’s what you would call Epic Win.

Or are we forgetting someone?

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