Victoria's Secret model Doutzen Kroes has second child -- a baby girl

Doutzen Kroes has given birth to a baby girl and she couldn't wait to share the news with her fans. 

The Victoria's Secret Angel and husband Sunnery James posed for a happy family snap along with three-year-old son, Phyllon, and newborn daughter on Wednesday morning. 

The 29-year-old wrote: 'A miracle saw the light of day this morning. Welcome Myllena Mae. Mommy, Daddy and big brother Phyllon are super proud!'

The Dutch model and the DJ are already parents to a 3-year-old boy, Phyllon Joy. But Kroes had wanted to add a girl to their brood.

"I wanted a girl so badly -- I had it confirmed by two doctors!" she says in the upcoming September issue of Glamour (via People), for which she bared her burgeoning belly in a photo spread.

Kroes, 29, announced her pregnancy in February with a nude Instagram photo and took to Twitter on Wednesday to elaborate on her latest addition.

"A miracle saw the light of day this morning. Welcome Myllena Mae. Mommy, Daddy and brother Phyllon are super proud!" she wrote, sharing a family photo of her husband and son cradling the newborn.










Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2710888/Doutzen-Kroes-proudly-shares-snap-baby-giving-birth.html#ixzz396Dg7TUf

The Bachelorette': Brian Osborne's reactions to final rose

Brian Osborne anxiously watched two close friends learn their fate as Bachelorette Andi Dorfman handed out her final rose at the live finale in Los Angeles Monday.

The Trinity High School assistant basketball coach, who lives in Harrisburg, signed up to be a contestant on "The Bachelorette" to find love, but was eliminated in the June 30 episode. Instead, he found lasting friendships with the 24 other men who were vying for Andi's heart throughout season 10, including finalists Nick and Josh.



Nick or Josh?

Osborne said he formed close friendships with both finalists, so he would have been happy to see either one win the final rose. Josh was one of Osborne's closest friends while they were filming the show. But since the show has ended, Osborne said he has formed a closer friendship with Nick.

"When it comes down to it, I wasn't rooting for one person," Osborne explained during an interview Thursday. "I was rooting for Andi to be happy."

Andi gave her final rose to Josh, the stereotypical athlete that she usually dates, and left Nick, the guy who was out of her comfort zone, heartbroken.

"It was tough. She was making a decision based on her head and her heart and . . . I think she picked the right guy," Osborne said.

Nick's Fantasy Suite Date Comment

Nick, however, wasn't sure that Josh was the right choice. At the finale, Nick finally got the opportunity to ask Andi some lingering questions he had about their breakup. One of those questions had to do with the fantasy suite date. Nick said he couldn't understand why Andi made love to him if she never actually loved him.

This comment, made on national television, shocked everyone. Andi called the comment "below the belt" during the finale episode.

But Osborne defended Nick, even though he agreed there may have been a better time and place for that discussion.

So if you’re a woman, it’s best not to enter the Bacheloruniverse. Talk of sex is frowned upon, but inevitable. Though the show itself doesn’t encourage slut-shaming—Juan Pablo did that all on his own—clearly the audience wants to use the show as a platform for slut-shaming, as happened with Nick this season. After 12 years, tacit agreements about avoiding sex talk are breaking down. Will anyone try to “pull a Nick” next season and bring up sex or even use sex talk as a strategy? Will the producers embrace this brave new world of candidness? If so, talking heads like Bob Beckel will be waiting in the weeds, ready to cry “slut.”

"I thought it was a bold move," Osborne said Thursday. "But, you know what? He just experienced heartbreak and he still had questions that needed to be answered. In a normal relationship, you're going to ask some questions like that."


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Nick told Osborne after the show that he finally got the closure he needed.

Andi and Josh

While Nick isn't exactly thrilled about Andi's engagement to Josh, Osborne said he's very happy for the couple.

"The way Josh came out and sat with Andi and the way they carried themselves through the 30 minutes they were on stage, you could tell they were madly in love with each other," Osborne said.

After the show, Osborne said he hugged both Josh and Andi and congratulated them.

"You got a great guy in Josh, and I told you when I left that you deserved the best, and that's what you got. I'm very proud of you," Osborne told Andi.

Brian for Bachelor?

Harrison is still holding off on announcing who will be the next Bachelor. Osborne may still be in the running, however, he said he hasn't spoken to producers about the show in a while.

Chris Soules, the farmer from Iowa who made it to the final three, is also in the running.

"I know for a fact that Chris was asked to interview and sit down with producers," Osborne confirmed. "I think Chris is one of the best guys I've ever met in my entire life. I think it would be pretty hard to find love in Iowa, so I think he deserves it a lot more than I do."

Sources:

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/bachelorette-runner-nick-viall-finally-closure/story?id=24788396

West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison remanded in custody after being charged with assaulting ex-girlfriend and her mum

• Ravel Morrison was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in court today
• He was denied bail and will remain in custody until August 7
• West Ham midfielder is accused of attacking a woman outside a bar
• He allegedly assaulted the same woman and a second one hours later
• The women are 19 and 39 and reported to be his ex-girlfriend and her mum
• The incidents took place in the early hours of last Sunday morning

 

West Ham United player Ravel Morrison has been remanded in custody accused of punching and slapping his ex-girlfriend and assaulting her mother.

Morrison, 21, of Urmston, appeared at Manchester and Salford magistrates’ court on Thursday charged with two counts of common assault, and is accused of attacking his 19-year-old ex-girlfriend Reah Mansoor outside a nightclub in Manchester in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Morrison, who spoke only to confirm his name, is further charged with assaulting his former partner and her mother, Parveen Mansoor, 39, outside their home in Salford hours later.

Prosecutor Clare Byers asked district judge James Prowse to remand Morrison into custody. Despite objections from Morrison’s solicitor Ros Emsley-Smith, Prowse agreed. Wearing a white T-shirt and jogging bottoms in the dock, Morrison was told his case would be adjourned until 7 August following the hour-long hearing. He did not enter a plea.

A Greater Manchester police spokesperson said: “At about 3.20am on Sunday 27 July 2014, police were called to an address on Alexandra Road, Peel Green, Salford, following reports a 19-year-old woman and a 39-year-old woman had been assaulted.

“Officers attended and established the young woman had also been assaulted outside a bar in Manchester city centre earlier that evening and a 21-year-old man was subsequently arrested at a later date. Ravel Morrison, of Urmston, is charged with two common assaults.”

Morrison was tipped to become a Manchester United regular after promising performances in their youth teams. But he was sold by former boss Sir Alex Ferguson to West Ham for £650,000 in January 2012. He has since been loaned out to Birmingham City and spent the end of last season on loan to QPR.

Sources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2711643/West-Ham-forward-Ravel-Morrison-charged-assaulting-two-women.html

Coping with piles

Haemorrhoids, or piles, are swellings that occur inside and around the anus and the anal canal, causing often painful symptoms. However, with proper treatment and a few self-help tips, you can minimise your chances of developing or exacerbating piles, or at the very least ease the symptoms.

Causes
Piles form as a result of tiny veins within the lining of the anal canal becoming wider and filled with more blood than usual. Though the reason for their formation is often unclear, it is thought increased pressure in and around the back passage is usually a factor. Those who suffer with constipation or are pregnant often develop haemorrhoids, while ageing and an inherited weakness in the wall of the veins in the area could also increase the chances of developing piles.

Symptoms
There are four grades of piles - some will be completely symptomless, while others can cause intense and persistent pain. They are categorised as internal piles, which form above 2 to 3cm inside the anus in the upper section of the anal canal, and external piles, which form below that point.

The lowest grade swellings generally do not cause pain and cannot be seen or felt. Grade 2 piles often partly protrude from the anus when you go to the toilet, but return inside quickly. Grade 3 and 4 swellings hang from the anus when you defecate, with the highest grade often quite large and hanging down.

Aside from the obviously physical signs, bleeding after passing stools is the most common symptom of piles. Larger piles may result in a muscous discharge, with pain and irritation around the anus, while a feeling that you have not fully emptied when you use the toilet is also a sign. In severe cases, the blood supply to the haemorrhoid can be cut off, leading to intense pain, while a blood clot will display similarly painful symptoms.

Treatment
Both prescription and over-the-counter products can be used to treat piles, the most common of which is an ointment, cream or suppository available in pharmacies, some of which contain an anaesthetic to ease the pain. Corticosteroids may also be prescribed to help reduce inflammation.

Banding, which is performed by a surgeon, is a simple procedure often used to deal with grade 2 or grade 3 piles. The band is placed at the base of the haemorrhoid, cutting off the blood supply and causing the haemorrhoid to drop off within a few days.

Self-help
If you think you may be suffering with piles, or are prone to developing them, it is important to avoid straining when you go to the toilet. Aim to eat plenty of fibre, including fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and drink six to eight glasses of water each day to help keep the stools soft and prevent constipation.

Fibre supplements may also help, but if you regularly suffer, it is wise to avoid painkillers that contain codeine, as this can cause constipation. Lastly, when you feel the urge to go to the toilet, do so as soon as possible. Putting it off often results in bigger, harder faeces, and inevitably, straining.

Two minutes exercise a week 'keeps older people fit'

Health experts have long recommended two and a half hours of moderate exercise to stay fit, but new research claims the over-60s can reduce that to just two minutes, as long as it's the right kind of exercise. Experts at Abertay University in Dundee suggest two minutes of high-intensity exercise each week could transform the health of mature folk.

The study split the 60 to 73-year-old participants, none of whom had any serious health conditions, into two groups, with one group taking part in two High Intensity Training (HIT) sessions a week, and the remainder acting as a control group.

The HIT sessions involved six-second all-our sprints on an exercise bike, with a minimum of one minute recovery time (until the heart rate dropped to below 120 beats per minute) after each burst of exercise. The number of sprints per session was increased during the six-week trial to a maximum of 10 sets of sprints.

At the end of the trial, the HIT group's blood pressure had been lowered, reducing the chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke, and everyday tasks such as getting up from a chair or walking six metres improved by between 15 and 20 per cent.

Lead researcher Dr John Babraj, whose study was published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, said: "This is the difference of, if someone knocks on the door, how quickly you can answer it. Being able to walk 50 metres is taking the shopping from the bus stop into the house.

"These all significantly improved which, for older people, is really important."

Dr Babraj explained: "When it comes to the sprints, you don't have to go at the speed of someone like Usain Bolt. As long as you are putting in your maximal effort, whatever speed that happens to be, it will improve your health."

However, he added: "As with any type of exercise, it is important to consult with your doctor before you begin doing HIT in case there are any underlying health issues."

Foods to avoid if you're over 65

Food poisoning is an unpleasant experience at best for the majority of people, but for the over-65s it can be a serious problem. Older people are not only at a higher risk of food poisoning, they are also often less well equipped to fight back against bacteria.


As we age, our immune system weakens slightly, making it tougher for the body to beat off food poisoning bugs, and complications such as dehydration can exacerbate the problem. It is therefore even more important to avoid falling victim to contaminated food, so here are some of the bites to beware of.

Raw and undercooked meat
Most of us will be extra careful when cooking chicken or turkey, since poultry is renowned for harbouring nasties like salmonella and E.coli, but rare or undercooked meats of all sorts could cause a problem. Barbecues, where the meat may appear well done on the outside but is not cooked through, are a particular danger area.

To be safe, ensure that any meat is cooked right through (in poultry the juice should run clear when pierced in the fattest section), and prevent the spread of any potentially harmful bugs by thoroughly washing your hands, knives and surfaces after handling raw meat of any kind. Consumers were also warned recently not to wash raw chicken, as it can spread campylobacter bacteria more easily onto hands, surfaces, clothing and cooking equipment.

Seafood
Once again the danger comes when fish or shellfish is raw. Be extra careful with shellfish such as oysters, mussels, clams, and even lobster and crab, and if you're a dab hand at homemade sushi, it's best to freeze the fish first (for at least four days), as this will kill any bugs before you tuck in. The shop-bought variety is usually frozen before preparation and is therefore usually safe.

Dairy
The majority of Britons will drink pasteurised or UHT milk as a matter of course, but if you are a fan of farmer's markets or local farm shops, check to see if their milk is unpasteurised, as this could be a source of food poisoning.

Likewise, cheese can be a risky business, but it is generally the soft products that are best avoided. Mould-ripened varieties such as brie and camembert, along with soft blues like gorgonzola and roquefort contain less acid and more moisture than their hard counterparts, and unfortunately that makes for an ideal environment for the likes of listeria.

Processed meats
Cured or fermented meats such as Parma ham, chorizo and salami make for a tempting snack or cooking ingredient, but they're also a temptation for parasites that can cause toxoplasmosis. The heat of cooking will usually kill any nasties hidden within, but to be on the safe side, freeze cold meats for four days before eating. Sadly pate may be off the menu as well, since chilled or fresh comes with a risk of listeria.

Runny eggs
Eggs are a healthy way to start the day, but as you get older, it could pay to go hard boiled. Raw or runny eggs can contain salmonella, a potentially serious problem for older folk, so products such as mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce are best avoided.

Bean sprouts
As unlikely as it may seem, bean sprouts can hide a nasty little secret in the form of bacteria, the reason being that the warm, moist conditions required to grow them makes for a cosy home for food poisoning bugs. You can, however, enjoy them as long as they are thoroughly cooked and steaming hot throughout.

Ranking of the 10 biggest banks in 2014

With United States put behind the race, this Top Ten gathers the most powerful and influential banks in the world for this year 2014. Discover which bank is ranked at top of the biggest bank in the world.

Malaysian Bank

The first place comes to Malaysian bank. The institution is renowned thanks to its reliable, repute and customer-friendly loan and banking services. More than that, it greatly gets involved in empowering the finance and economy of Malaysia. It is one of the reasons why the country is not developed and the paradise for investors.

Bayerische Landesbank Germany

Coming in the second position is the dominating banks of Germany. It is making the country’s economy strong and powerful. Bayerische Landesbank’s non-performing assets are 0.17 for this year.
Credit Suisse Bank of Switzerland
Credit Suisse arrives on the third position with 0.15 estimated non-performing assets. It is the most reliable and strongest bank in Switzerland. Many multinational companies from all around the world choose to keep their money saved therein.

Oversea Chinese Bank

With estimated non-performing assets of 0.13, China is famous for its banking solutions that even overseas investors rely on. Oversea Chinese Bank managed to empower the country during the past few decades.

Qatar National Bank

Fulfilling their reputation of being super powers, United Arab Emirates and Dubai are also famous thanks to Qatar National Bank. Bank loans and offers are trustworthy. It owns total non-performing assets of 0.11.

Toronto Dominion Bank

On the next position arrives Toronto Dominion Bank with estimated non-performing assets of 0.9. The bank is hundred percent evolved in strengthening the country’s economy and financial situation.

BOC Holdings Hong Kong Bank

Whether for exchanging currency or opening an international account, BOC Holdings Hong Kong Bank is the reference in this term. It is the most recommending bank in Hong Kong with a total of 0.7 non-performing assets.
OP Pohjola Bank
Renowned as being the most powerful bank in Finland, OP Pohjola Bank continues strengthening the nation’s economy. For several years now, it is ranked as a reputable and reliable bank from several institutions. Its total non-performing assets are 0.6.

Nova Scotia Bank of Canada

Enjoying its reputation with the hugest number of clients in the country and worldwide, Nova Scotia is a financial institution located in Canada. It offers a wide range of profits in return as saving accounts. This bank profits from 0.5 non-performing assets.

Imperial Bank of Commerce

Last but not least is the Imperial Bank of Commerce with 0.3 non-performing assets. This is surely the hugest bank in Canada after Nova Scotia Bank of Canada. Millions and even billions of customers (national and international) are saving their wealth in this bank. Even with a huge number of clients, transactions are safer than any other bank in the country.

Protect yourself from 'crash for cash' scams

A recent report by insurance firm Aviva revealed that the number of 'crash for cash' insurance frauds has risen by an astonishing 51 per cent over the least year, and these staged accident scams now account for more than a third of the 6,000 fraudulent claims received by the company last year.

So what can you do to avoid falling victim to the con artists? Here are some top tips to help keep you safe from the scammers on the road.

What is 'crash for cash'?
The scam takes advantage of the fact that in road accidents where one vehicle is hit from behind, the driver at the back is deemed to be at fault. A typical example might be a car pulling out in front of you and braking sharply, giving you little chance to avoid a collision, or slamming on the brakes at a pedestrian crossing, despite the road being apparently clear.

The con artist (and possibly passengers too) then claims to have suffered an injury, usually whiplash which is difficult to disprove, while the innocent driver behind is left footing the bill for the damage caused.

According to the AA, scammers have been known to disconnect their brake lights, and those most likely to have insurance, such as older drivers, well-maintained cars, and even mums with children, are often targeted by fraudsters, since they are less likely to make a scene.

More recently, 'flash for cash', where a driver flashes his headlights to apparently allow an innocent party to turn into a junction or petrol station, only to speed up and cause an accident, has become a more popular method of insurance fraud.

Protect yourself
Whether you have yet to experience this increasingly common type of fraud, or have already fallen victim, there are a number of ways in which you can protect yourself.

It is essential that you stay alert on the roads at all times, but pay particular attention to the traffic around you and try to anticipate potential hazards ahead. Allow plenty of space for the car in front at all times, and take particular care at junctions and pedestrian crossings, where fraudsters often take advantage. Keep a distance between yourself and anyone driving erratically, i.e. speeding up and slowing down for no apparent reasons, and if you suspect that the brake lights aren't working, stay well back if at all possible.

Other warning signs to look out for are the driver focusing on the back of the vehicle, perhaps looking for an opportunity to cause a collision, or passengers frequently turning around, potentially for the same reason. Be wary too if the car in front looks as though it has previously been hit in the rear.

Never assume that another driver flashing his headlights means it's all clear to go - it is better to be safe than sorry and use your own judgement.

What if you suspect a 'crash for cash' incident?
For anyone that suspects they may have fallen victim to one of the aforementioned scams, it is important not to admit liability at the scene, and avoid challenging or arguing with the other driver about what may or may not have occurred.

Your best plan of action is to call the police and let them know that you have suspicions, before taking note of as much detail as possible. Write down the make, model and registration number of the vehicle, a description of the driver and any passengers, and what is said. Smartphones mean it is easy enough to get photographic proof of the damage to both vehicles, the location, weather conditions, and the number of passengers in the suspected offending vehicle.

If there are independent witnesses, ask if you can take their details, though be aware that some 'crash for cash' gangs plant witnesses to better enable their fraudulent plans.

As soon as you are able, report the incident to your insurer and advise them of your suspicions. Any suspect accidents should also be reported to the Insurance Fraud Bureau's Cheatline on 0800 422 0421 or via their website.

Five cancer symptoms women should never ignore

Generally speaking, women are much more likely than men to go to the doctor if there is some health issue they are concerned about. Nevertheless, cancer symptoms aren't always obvious. If you suffer any of these health issues or notice these signs, don't dismiss them - book an appointment with your GP just to be safe.

Bloating
A bloated tummy may seem innocent enough, but in some cases it could be related to ovarian cancer. If you suffer from bloating almost every day for more than a few weeks, or develop other symptoms such as abdominal or pelvic pain, feeling full even when you haven't eaten much, or find yourself suddenly needing to go to the bathroom with urgency, you should get tested.

Bleeding
The menstrual cycle is a regular feature of every woman's life, but bleeding between periods is not something to ignore. If you experience abnormal bleeding, particularly if you are usually regular, or are bleeding after the menopause, endometrial cancer could be the reason. Similarly, blood in the urine or stools may point to colorectal cancer.

Breast changes
Breast cancer is the most common type amongst women in the UK, and it is essential that you check your breasts for lumps and attend screenings when offered. But that's not the only symptom of the disease to watch for. A redness and thickening of the skin on the breast may indicate a rare form of cancer, and any rash that persists over several weeks should be checked out. Changes in the appearance of the nipple, i.e. sudden inversion, or discharge when not breastfeeding also means you should book a doctor's appointment.

A lump or swelling of the lymph nodes under the armpit or in the neck, which grow in size over a period of a month or more, is another symptom to note.

Unexplained weight loss
Losing a few pounds without trying might come as a happy surprise to some women, but weight loss where there has been no change in diet, exercise, illness or stress levels, may not be reason to celebrate. While unexplained weight loss - 10 pounds of more in the space of 30 days - could indicate a number of other conditions, including an overactive thyroid or diabetes, many cancer sufferers also display this symptom. So don't delay - see your GP.

Indigestion
It may not seem important, but indigestion for seemingly no reason should be taken seriously. If you suffer from indigestion without some kind of trigger, such as a heavy or spicy meal, it may be an early sign of stomach, throat or esophageal cancer. A regular abdominal pain should also not be ignored, particularly if you are depressed, as research has shown a link between depression and pancreatic cancer.

Arturo Vidal could still be Man United's if they make Juventus a 'fantastic offer'

According to Chilean newspaper El Mercurio, the Juventus ace is starting to seriously consider joining Louis van Gaal's side this summer. The deal could cost the twenty-times English champions upwards of £35m. The 27-year-old midfielder’s agent, Fernando Felicevich, is believed to be ‘working around the clock’ to secure his client a lucrative switch to the Premier League - despite Juventus insisting that he is going nowhere. The reports suggest that Felicevich is set to meet with the Serie A clu

"Vidal is one of our players, we renewed the contract last season," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. "We are happy with him, he is pleased with us, he is wearing the shirt of the most prestigious club in the world.

"I do not think there will be any problems."

But Gotta says a move to Old Trafford this summer cannot be ruled out.

He said: "[Giuseppe] Marotta, the sporting director and CEO, has said Vidal is not leaving, but that is what he has to say. When he says Vidal feels good about staying at Juventus, he doesn't really close the door on the deal. We all know that Juventus have money but they are not willing to overspend or keep a player they have 

a fantastic offer for."

Sources:

http://talksport.com/football/arturo-vidal-could-still-be-man-uniteds-if-they-make-juventus-fantastic-offer-140731104873

'Guardians of the Galaxy' successfully blasts off, Yee-Ha! Space Cowboy Rides to the Rescue

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Test: Making Star-Lord Into an Actual Movie Star

Do Marvel fans have a deep affection for Star-Lord? Unlike with Spider-Man or Iron Man, even ardent fans of Marvel movies would probably need to do a quickGoogle (GOOG) search before they could rattle off Star-Lord’s powers or basic biographical details. The backgrounder on Marvel’s website describes advanced healing powers and a suit that apparently enables flight in deep space without a helmet. Then there’s this: “Star-Lord later received a number of cybernetic implants, including his left eye, which allows him to see all energy spectra, as well as a memory chip in his brain, which gives 100% recall.”

Marvel Entertainment enters its next phase with Friday’s release of Guardians of the Galaxy, its new movie based on the multihero space-opera comic books. TheWalt Disney (DIS)-owned company has shown in its first phase that it would take superheroes once considered B-listers in the pages of comics—Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor—and meld them into the Avengers, a multibillion-dollar franchise.

Now Marvel hopes to do the same with the Guardians, using even less famous characters. Before the standard blockbuster ad blitz, members of this new superhero team had almost zero penetration into mainstream pop culture. And Marvel is starting in reverse this time, releasing an ensemble movie first and—if all goes well—considering spinoffs that put the individual characters into their own subsequent films. Here’s what I reported in a lengthy feature about Marvel in April:

[Disney Chief Executive Officer Robert] Iger would like to replicate the success of The Avengers with other Marvel teams. He says Marvel could potentially spin off members of the Guardians of the Galaxy, which include Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Groot, and Rocket Raccoon, in their own features.

This might have sounded far-fetched at one time. Rocket Raccoon, after all, is just what he sounds like, a wisecracking four-legged critter. But not anymore:Comicbookmovie.com reports that Guardians will likely have a $65 million weekend. This, by the way, is a summer when ticket sales have been generally lousy.

So maybe he doesn’t exactly have the iconic stature of Wolverine. That’s what makes Guardians of the Galaxy an interesting big-budget test: Do Marvel movie fans, after long years of blockbusters, have an emotional connection with Marvel itself? Has the Marvel logo become a strong enough lure to bring out the legions who have never opened a Guardians of the Galaxy comic book?

This, of course, raises another question: How many more superhero movies can audiences take? Fox (FOXA) has reactivated the X-Men, while Sony (SNE) has talked about increasing the frequency of its Spider-Man films. (Fox and Sony won the film rights to these characters decades ago, when Marvel itself didn’t seem to know their value.) And there’s always the possibility that Warner Bros. (TWX) finds a way to turn secondary characters from its DC Comics universe into Batman-like box office attractions.

Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, isn’t worried about audience fatigue. Earlier this year he told Variety that superhero films are like Westerns once were to moviegoers. Of course, as Feige noted, Americans eventually grew tired of cowboy movies—but it took 40 years.

Actor Kenny Ireland Dies From Cancer Aged 68

Actor Kenny Ireland, who has appeared alongside Victoria Wood and in Benidorm on TV, has died at age of 68.

The Scottish star had been battling cancer which led to him being written out of Benidorm while he underwent treatment.

His agent said he died in the early hours of this morning.

Ireland had also been director at Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre for many years.

He was a familiar face in Wood's series As Seen On TV, featuring in the cast of the regular Acorn Antiques segment.

His agent said: "He had been ill with cancer for some time."

Ireland had directed productions such as Phaedra, Waiting For Godot and Dancing At Lughnasa for the stage and appeared in TV programmes such as Taggart and House Of Cards.

Sources:
http://news.sky.com/story/1310974/benidorm-star-kenny-ireland-dies-from-cancer

Tigers acquire David Price from Rays in three-team trade

The 28-year-old Price, who long ago established himself as one of the best starting pitchers in all of baseball, has this season pitched to a 3.11 ERA (121 ERA+) in an MLB-leading 23 starts, and he's also logged a stellar K/BB ratio of 8.22. For his career, the former top overall pick has a 122 ERA+ and 3.45 K/BB ratio across parts of seven big-league seasons.

Price, a four-time All-Star, won the AL Cy Young award in 2012 and finished second in the balloting in 2010. The lefty Price is owed the balance of a $14-million salary for this season. Next season, Price, as a super-two player, is eligible for salary arbitration for a fourth time, so a hefty payday is in the offing. He's eligible for free agency after next season.

The Rays have walked the line between contending and rebuilding for several years now, flipping rotation stalwarts like Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza and James Shields for young players in recent seasons. Price continues to the cycle while Alex Cobb and Chris Archer front the team's pitching staff.

David Price is the newest giant in a powerhouse Tigers' rotation. (USATSI)

Tigers, meanwhile, now have the last three AL Cy Young Award winners on their roster in Justin Verlander (2011), Price (2012) and Max Scherzer (2013). Scherzer is due to become a free agent after the season and he has already rejected a $140+ million extension offer. Price gives the team some rotation protection should he sign elsewhere after the season.

Jackson, 27, is hitting .270/.330/.397 (99 OPS+) with 25 doubles and four home runs this season while played above-average defense in center. He is due to become a free agent after next season. The Mariners have been seeking a right-handed bat and Jackson gives them that.

The 25-year-old Smyly is 6-9 with a 3.77 ERA in 100 1/3 innings across 17 starts and three relief appearances this year. He can not become a free agent until after the 2018 season, so the Rays added another young, long-term piece to their rotation.

Franklin, 23, is a career .214/.291/.358 (85 OPS+) with 12 home runs in 119 career games over the last two seasons. He figured to be the odd man out in Seattle as soon as Robinson Cano signed with the Mariners over the winter. Franklin can't become a free agent until after the 2019 season.

Adames is only 18 but is a very highly touted prospect going from the Tigers to the Rays. He is hitting .269/.346/.428 with six home runs in 98 Low Class-A games this season. Obviously he is a long way away from the majors.

Sources:

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24644962/report-tigers-acquire-david-price-from-rays

Cards get John Lackey from Red Sox, John Lackey Traded To St. Louis Cardinals

The Red Sox continued to remake their roster on Thursday, sending No. 2 starter John Lackey, a minor leaguer and $1.75 million to the St. Louis Cardinals for first baseman/outfielder Allen Craig and righthander Joe Kelly.

It was their second big deal of the trade deadline day. The Red Sox have traded their top two starters, Lackey and ace Jon Lester, and remade the lineup of what was a weak-hitting team by adding Yoenis Cespedes and Craig.

The 30-year-old Craig has played primarily right field and first base on his career. He is having a down season, hitting .237 with seven homers and 44 RBI for the Cardinals. But Craig hit .312 with an .864 OPS and 46 home runs from 2011-13.

Kelly, 26, is 2-2 with a 4.37 earned run average in seven starts. He is 17-14 with a 3.25 ERA in 68 career games, 38 of them starts. He was on the disabled list much of this season with a left hamstring strain.Craig is signed through 2017 with a team option for $13 million or a $1 million buyout for 2018. He is owed $25.5 million from 2015-18.

Lackey ends what was a tumultuous five seasons in Boston. The righthander was signed to a five-year, $82.5 million deal before the 2010 season. He was 26-23 with a 5.32 ERA over the first two seasons, pitching with an injured elbow for much of the 2011 season.

Lackey missed the 2012 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He is 21-20 with a 3.55 ERA since over 50 starts including 11-7, 3.60 this season.

Lackey had a 2.77 ERA in five playoff appearances last season, going 3-1. He won the deciding game of the World Series, holding the Cardinals to one run over 6⅔innings. Now he joins the Cardinals, who are fighting for a playoff berth in the National League.

Lackey was seen as a likely candidate to be dealt because his contract is appealing. While owed the balance of his $15.25 million salary this year, next year his contract has a club option for just $500,000.

His 2015 salary was triggered by a clause in his contract that stipulated he play for that amount if something like Tommy John elbow surgery would sideline him for a significant time at any point during his stay in Boston. Sitting out the 2012 season triggered that clause.

Lackey has told the Cardinals he will honor his contract, although the sides working out an extension is also possible.

The Red Sox also sent Single A lefthander Corey Litrell to the Cardinals.

The Red Sox may have other moves to make. Adding two outfielders creates a roster jam that includes Daniel Nava, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Shane Victorino.

The Red Sox also need a starter to replace Lackey in the rotation. At least temporarily, that could be Triple A righthander Anthony Ranaudo.

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John Lackey Traded To St. Louis Cardinals

Sources:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/07/31/reports-john-lackey-traded-cardinals/TsGpxBXGtkGz46kXbRlUzO/story.html

Adrienne Bailon Defends Rob Kardashian

Rob Kardashian responds to Adrienne Bailon diss

That's a no no from the KoKo! Khloe Kardashian, like her sister Kim Kardashian, was more than miffed with Adrienne Bailon's comments about their younger brother Rob—even airing her grievances via Twitter on Wednesday, July 30.

Khloe, 30, first re-tweeted Kim's comments on the social media site, which read: "So sad when people try to kick my brother when he is down #FamilyForever… Funny how she says being with a Kardashian hurt her career yet the only reason she has this article is bc she is talking about a Kardashian."

The youngest Kardashian sister then added some thoughts of her own. (She and brother Rob, 27, are very close; he even moved in with her temporarily during her marriage to Lamar Odom.)

"Thought her and I were cool SMH," Khloe wrote, retweeting a fan who commented: "Adrienne has a lot of nerve to talk s--- about Rob when he is obviously dealing with s---."

Another fan asked whether Kim was "shading" Bailon, to which Khloe responded: "Don't think it was a secret. For sure. Don't kick my brother while he's down."

The Kardashian family's public defense of Rob comes one day after the reveal of Bailon's no-holds-barred interview in the September 2014 issue of Latina magazine. In the piece, the former Disney Channel star slammed her ex Rob for cheating on her, and said briefly starring on Keeping Up With the Kardashians actually worked against her in the long run.

Bailon, who dated Rob Kardashian for several years before the two split in 2009, also recently shared her excitement over getting her "ratchet-iest booty tattoo" of Rob's name removed.

"I'm so excited, you don't understand," she told Us Weekly earlier this month. "The other day I ran across some pictures of myself in a bathing suit that had Brazilian high-cut bottoms, pre-Rob tattoo, and I couldn't wait to wear those again because they looked so cute."

"To be stuck with that Kardashian label, that was so hurtful to me and to my career. I probably realized that too late — not that it would've affected my decisions in terms of who I dated, but it would've affected my decision to appear on the show. At the time, I didn't think anyone would even care."

Kim and Khloe Kardashian quickly came to their brother's defense on Wednesday.

"Funny how she says being with a Kardashian hurt her career yet the only reason she has this article is (because) she is talking about a Kardashian," Kim tweeted.

"So sad when people try to kick my brother when he is down #FamilyForever," Kim said in a separate tweet.

Robert has made headlines in recent months for his struggles with his weight and has been noticeably absent on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians." In June, his mother, Kris Jenner, said he "was struggling with some stuff."

Sources:
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/khloe-kardashian-slams-adrienne-bailon-for-rob-kardashian-comments-2014307#ixzz395vC0yYo