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Lorenzo and Simoncelli lock horns after QP

Jorge Lorenzo and Marco Simoncelli will line up alongside one another on the starting grid for the bwin Grande Prémio de Portugal on Sunday after taking the top two positions in Saturday’s qualifying session at Estoril, and following the hour-long session the pair were involved in a heated debate during the post-QP press conference.The disagreement stemmed from comments made by Lorenzo about

Prince William And Duchess Catherine's North American Itinerary

Recently having made headlines with plans to travel to North America, Prince William and Kate Middleton have unveiled their itinerary for their upcoming trek through Canada and the States.

The recently married royals will be spending most of their time north of the border, with the 11-day venture beginning with a June 30-July 2 stay in Ontario and Quebec.

With other stops including Charlottetown and Summerside, the outlined travels are shown to conclude on July 8 in Calgary - though plans to spend a few days in Los Angeles have not been included in the just-released schedule of stops.

The complete itinerary rundown for Will and Kate is as follows:

June 30-July 2: The National Capital Region (Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec)

July 2: Montreal

July 3: Quebec City

July 3-4: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

July 4: Summerside, Prince Edward Island

July 4-6: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

July 6-8: Calgary, Alberta

Pippa Middleton's Day at the French Open

Starting off her week with one the the world's most watched competitions, Pippa Middleton and her friends attended the French Open in Paris, France earlier today (May 30).

The sister of the Duchess of Cambridge sported an effortlessly classic chic look to the star-studded match, pairing a basic black top with a black and white polka-dotted skirt.

Pippa, an avid tennis player herself, sat on the Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros, laughing with pals as Rafael Nadal defeated Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic by a score of 7-5 6-3 6-3.

After the match was through, Miss Middleton and her mates watched Robin Soderling's straight set winning effort against Gilles Simon.

Sarah Palin's Rolling Thunder Rally Ride

Hitting the Harley for a good cause, Sarah Palin and her family attended the annual Rolling Thunder rally in Arlington, Virgina over the holiday weekend (May 29).

The former Alaskan governor, clad in a black leather jacket, a black helmet and sunglasses, kicked off her "One Nation" bus tour at the special event.

While amidst the rumbling crowd, Sarah revealed that a 2012 presidential run is still a possibility, as she responded "I don't know yet" when asked about a bid at the White House.

Later in the day, Miss Palin took to her website to post about her rally-riding fun, writing, "There's no better way to see DC than on the back of a Harley! My family may be used to snow machines more so than motorcycles . . . But whether you're riding the open road or the frozen tundra, you're celebrating a free spirit. What could be more American than that?"

Pete Wentz & Ashlee Simpson's Market Visit with Bronx

Making the most of the beautiful weather, Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz were spotted out with their son Bronx in Los Angeles yesterday (May 29).

The former Fall Out Boy bassist and his former wife headed off to a farmers market with their boy, and from all angles it looked like they were getting along quite well.

Though they’re split up, Pete told press that he and Ashlee try their best to make Bronx’s life as drama-free as possible.

"Everything at home is good. We try to make his life as easy to navigate as possible and he's growing up so it's important for everyone who loves him to be involved with his life."

Cut your jeans!

Cut-off Levi's shorts, H&M crochet vest





Definitely the garment more comfortable for the summer are shorts, I really have so many, but often I get tired after a season, obviously not throw them, you never know,but certainly those I never bored are cut-offs, especially when it comes to high-waisted Levi's 501, when they are "whole" the look so bad on me and now I have given up, but as shorts are wonderful.





Sicuramente l'indumento più comodo per l'estate sono gli shorts, ne ho davvero tanti, ma spesso dopo una stagione mi stufano, ovviamente non li butto, non si sa mai, ma sicuramente quelli che non mi hanno mai stufato sono i cut-offs specialmente se si tratta di levi's 501 a vita alta, quando sono "interi" mi stanno proprio male e ormai mi sono arresa, ma come pantaloncini sono stupendi.

Adele tops Guardian's Music Power 100

Singer-songwriter Adele and her record label boss, publisher and plugger have topped the Guardian's Music Power 100.

The list, compiled by a panel of industry experts, names those that exert the greatest influence over the UK's music listening habits.

The top ten of the Guardian's Music Power 100 is:

Team Adele - Adele, Richard Russell XL Recordings, manager Jonathan Dickins, publisher Paul Connolly, radio plugger Brad Hunner
Lucian Grainge, chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group International and David Joseph, chairman & CEO, Universal Music UK
Simon Cowell
Nigel Harding, music policy executive, Radio 1
Person or persons unknown, iTunes UK
Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim, founders, YouTube
George Ergoutadis, head of music, Radio 1 and 1Xtra
Larry Page, Sergey Brin and Eric Schmidt, Google
Simon Moran, managing director, SJM promotions
Jeff Bezos, CEO, Amazon

At only 23, Adele has sold millions of records worldwide. Her second album, 21, has topped the US chart seven times and it has been No 1 in the UK for the last five weeks, having previously been No 1 for 11 weeks. In February she became the first artist since The Beatles to have two top five singles and two top five albums at the same time.

Those on the advisory panel were: Geoff Travis, founder Rough Trade records; Paul Scaife, MD/publisher, Record of the Day; Terri Hall, managing director, Hall or Nothing PR; Cerne Canning, Supervision Management; and Jonathan Morrish, director of corporate comms, PPL.

The Guardian's inaugural Music Power 100 list is published in the Guardian's Film & Music supplement as part of a summer-long season, Music Loves Summer, in the Guardian and Observer. The season continues over the weekend with a Glastonbury ticket giveaway on Saturday and an exclusive interview with the Arctic Monkeys on Sunday in The Observer.

Visit www.guardian.co.uk/music for the latest news, reviews and offers from Music Loves Summer.

Friendly Fires add new London date

Due to phenomenal public demand, Friendly Fires are delighted to announce a second show at London's 5,000 capacity Brixton Academy.

The show will take place on Saturday 26th November and Friendly Fires will personally curate a night of special guest live acts and DJs for an event that will run until 3am. The full line up will be announced shortly.

This gig will round off Friendly Fires' biggest UK headline tour to date and comes on the back of the critical and commercial success of the band's recently released second album 'Pala'.

The full tour dates are:

10TH NOVEMBER
BRISTOL O2 Academy

11TH NOVEMBER
BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy

12TH NOVEMBER
SOUTHAMPTON Guildhall

14TH NOVEMBER
NOTTINGHAM Rock City

15TH NOVEMBER
NEWCASTLE O2 Academy

17TH NOVEMBER
MANCHESTER O2 Apollo

18TH NOVEMBER
GLASGOW Barrowlands

19TH NOVEMBER
LEEDS O2 Academy

21ST NOVEMBER
CAMBRIDGE Corn Exchange

22ND NOVEMBER
LINCOLN Engine Shed

25TH NOVEMBER
LONDON Brixton Academy

26TH NOVEMBER
LONDON Brixton Academy

For more information contact Jon Wilkinson or Patrick Johnson at XL Recordings on 020 8870 7511 or jonwilkinson@xlrecordings.com / patrickjohnson@xlrecordings.com

www.wearefriendlyfires.com

Shaun Ryder says Stone Roses will reform as Ian Brown 'needs the money'

Former Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder has said he believes legendary Manchester group The Stones Roses will reform because their frontman Ian Brown needs the money.

In an interview with the Sun, Ryder, who plays a solo show at London's Proud2 on June 3rd, said: "I think it'll happen, I really do. There is more of a chance now than ever of them getting back together.' Shaun added. "The only reason they will get back together is if Ian needs the cash. He never has before, he's a millionaire."

Shaun Ryders solo gig will see him play the best of the iconic Happy Mondays, and the more eclectic Black Grape. Expect to hear everything from Step On to In the Name of the Father, Kinky Afro to Reverend Black Grape, and 24 Hour Party People, all over a thundering live sound system.

Tickets £12.50 adv from www.proud2.com

Cheryl Cole to take a break from the showbiz world

Cheryl Cole wants to take a break from the showbiz world.

The 27-year-old singer ' who was sensationally sacked from the US version of 'The X Factor' after working on the show for just two weeks ' is now keen to take some time off as she does not intend to return to the UK version of the musical talent programme.

A source said: "Cheryl has admitted she's not thinking straight right now and everything is a blur.

"She hasn't stopped working for the past nine years ' ever since Girls Aloud started. She's now looking at this as the perfect opportunity to just stop for a bit and take time out.

"She's going to sit back, take stock of her career and decide what to do next."

Cheryl ' who is thought to have been replaced on the judging panel, also containing Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Paula Abdul, by Nicole Scherzinger ' reportedly did not want to return to the UK version of 'The X Factor' because she is feeling "fragile" about the sacking.

A source added to The Sun newspaper: "She just isn't in the right state of mind at the moment to go headfirst into a new show.

"She's all over the place, emotionally she's very fragile. Starting filming on Wednesday would be far too soon."

She has also become "un-contactable" after the event, with TV executives left in the dark about whether or not she wanted a job in the UK.

An insider told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Cheryl will not be returning to the British 'X Factor'. People have been trying to speak to her and persuade her this would be a good idea, but she's been un-contactable.

"She hasn't returned phone calls. And you can't exactly negotiate with someone who won't even speak to you."

Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Band Rare Bird Alert

There is a long history of comedians, actors and the like turning their hands to music and the results are highly varied. From Steven Segal desperately trying to prove he has soul by playing Blues (excrutiatingly), Hugh Laurie actually playing a pretty good form of Blues but with a nerdish attention to detail through to Woody Allen and his regular Jazz band in NYC with Woody playing a mean clarinet the evidence is clear – listen with care and a cynical ear.
So up pops Steve Martin. A genuine comedic talent, funny actor, playwright and ‘eruditer’ (or bullshit philosopher as Mel Brooks would have it) and now he wants us to believe that his greatest pleasure – not to mention talent – is playing banjo. And, dagnabbit, he actually plays damn well and he has a band around him that play equally well but rather than covering up his weaknesses actually emphasise how good he is – now I did not expect THAT!

This is an album of easy and delightfully played bluegrass. All songs written by Steve Martin and all acoustic, featuring some excellent fiddling, easy and steady bass and guiter. It turns out that The Steep Canyon Rangers won the award as the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Best Emerging Talent. It is my guess that they weren’t likely to saddle themselves with an idiot who only thought he could play banjo and so it proves.

From the title track, a superb instrumental that just sets the stage and through ‘Yellow-Backed Fly’, one of the most bucolic and heartfelt fishing songs I have ever heard and featuring the great line “twenty inches long and measured with a stick, he’s Old Jim but to me he’s Moby Dick” and if you’ve ever fished for a famous fish you will understand that line to your heart.
‘You Are My Best Love’ is a slightly cheesy love song featuring the vocals of no less than Sir Paul McCartney but that quickly gives over to ‘Northern Island’, a frantic instrumental and probably featuring the best picking on the album – simply great Bluegrass.
The whole album is suffused with good humour and sounds as though it was recorded with a big heart and wide smiles and you really will find yourself dancing away to numbers like ‘Go Away, Stop, Turn Around, Come Back’ and smiling broadly to the utterly silly but delicious ‘Atheists Don’t Have No Songs’.

Best track on the album is probably ‘Jubilation Day’ or the heartbreakingly lovely ‘The Great Remember (For Nancy)’ but the live numbers at the end of the album raised a big smile too.

I am genuinely delighted that this album is as good as it is, bad Bluegrass is almost worse than bad Blues, but this ain’t bad by anyone’s calculation.

Sean Kingston in critical condition after a jet-ski accident

The 'Beautiful Girls' hitmaker struck a bridge connecting Palm Island with the MacArthur Causeway in Miami, Florida, on Sunday evening (29.05.11) and has been taken to the Jackson Memorial Hospital nearby to be treated for his injuries.

A representative for the 21-year-old singer said: "Sean Kingston was in an accident today. No further details are available at the moment. He and his family thank everyone for the well-wishes."

A female passenger who was also on the jet-ski has also been taken to hospital.

Officials investigating the accident are said to have ruled out alcohol playing a part in the accident, TMZ reports.

Fellow musician Nicki Minaj has tweeted her support for the singer, saying: "My love & prayers are with Sean Kingston & his family.(sic)"

Justin Bieber ' who collaborated with Sean on the song 'Eenie Meenie' - asked his twitter followers to pray for him.

He wrote: "got my friend @seankingston in my prayers tonight. a true friend and big bro. please keep him in your prayers tonight as well.(sic)"

Football Transfers Preview: Ins and Outs for the Six Premier League Title Contenders

The title race is looking like a genuine four-horse race for next season with any one of Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchesters City and United in with a shout of the title.

In this article, I look at why they fell short- or in the case of United, won the league- and what is needed this summer for a successful challenge in the forthcoming season. I have also included North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, to acknowledge what has effectively become a ‘Big Six’ in the last two seasons.

Arsenal

This season, with Chelsea’s horrific run of form in the run up to Christmas and Manchester United, on paper at least, perhaps weaker than in previous years, Arsenal had their greatest opportunity in years for Premier League glory and while there were some notable highlights for Arsenal, beating the mercurial Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium and Manchester United, but ultimately, Arsene Wenger’s charges fell embarrassingly short yet again.

Arsenal’s main problem, while they do have personnel dilemmas (what side does not), is that they have a chronic inability to perform when in reach of any goal: they were outclassed at the Nou Camp when holding a one goal lead from the first leg; they infamously choked in the Carling Cup final against relative minnows Birmingham and worst of all, after that defeat at Wembley, won only two of their remaining ten league fixtures which undeniably cost them the league title. They make Cardiff look a bastion of steel at times.

It is on this basis that I have discounted them as title contenders next season. Any side that cannot win a game from 4-0 up, cannot win the title; Arsenal could be ten points clear with four games to go and I would probably put money on them being caught, such is their mental fragility.

In personnel terms, they seem to have gone a long way to solving their goalkeeping crisis with the emergence from the academy of Wojciech Szczesny, who at twenty-one, who is a great prospect, but needs time, as the Carling Cup final illustrated. However, the Gunners are crying out for at least one centre-half. This weakness was exaggerated by the absence of Thomas Vermaelen all season through injury and Johan Djourou did a decent job in his place, but one is definitely needed.

The likely targets are Bolton’s Gary Cahill and Blackburn’s Christopher Samba; there has been talk of a move for Werder Bremen’s Per Mertesacker, but the German is exactly the Koscielny and Squillaci-like defender- slight in frame and fragile in mind- that has landed the Gunners in so much trouble in the past.

Additionally, a holding midfielder to push Alex Song, who has no competition within the squad, and I would question greatly whether Song is a title winning midfielder at any rate. Back up for Robin van Persie is also vital to Arsenal’s chances. While he stayed relatively injury free this campaign, one never knows when the Dutchman’s body will give way and both Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh have shown themselves to be inadequate substitutes.

As for the manager, no one can argue that he is anything but world class- his ability to spot a young talent and then nurture it is second to none. However, he has a serious blind spot at centre-half and may consider cashing in on a Cesc Fabregas whose mind appears to be elsewhere these days.

Wenger should get rid of: Manuel Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski, Sebastien Squillaci, Laurent Koscielny, Abou Diaby, Denilson, Nicklas Bendtner.

Chelsea

The problems facing the new Chelsea boss, whoever that may be, will be twofold.

Firstly, they must deal with the most fickle owner in world football, who almost single-handedly cost Chelsea the title this time round. Will the new man be allowed to appoint his own staff? (In doing so, getting rid of Abramovich’s own spy, Michael Emenalo) and will he be allowed to leave out Fernando Torres and have control over transfer policy in general? Two vital issues. I suspect the answer to both is yes, so long as your name is Guus Hiddink.

Secondly, the new man will have to deal with an aging squad. It appears that many of the Chelsea squad are past their best, stalwarts from the Jose Mourinho days whose positions in the side have never been questioned, largely because of the immense player power, led by the eternally over-rated John Terry, that saw the ends of Mourinho, Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari. Moreover, they need to establish whether they are to play in a 4-3-3 or play with two out and out strikers, an indecision that crippled Carlo Ancelotti.

Of course there is the question of who the new man will be. This appointment will provide most of the answers to the queries posed. If it is Hiddink, then he will get a free rein, but is he a better manager than Ancelotti? I would say not. Hiddink has overachieved with minnows, like PSV Eindhoven and South Korea, but won nothing at big clubs like Valencia, only an Intercontinental Cup at Real Madrid and only finished third with Chelsea in his previous stint.

Other than that, Andre Villas-Boas has ruled himself out, not wanting to mirror the path of his predecessor at Porto, while the Special One himself is also staying put. All of a sudden there are few options. Grant again? Chelsea fans will pray that that curse is not placed upon them.

Who should leave Stamford Bridge: Hilario, Paulo Ferreira, John Obi Mikel, Yury Zhirkov, Yossi Benayoun, Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka.

Liverpool

While Arsenal and Chelsea have been dogged by deep-rooted issues, Liverpool are very much a team on the up after torturous times under Rafael Benitez and then Roy Hodgson- though given time I think Hodgson would have done a good job. ‘King’ Kenny Dalglish has rejuvenated the Reds, replaced Torres, and brought through some youth teamers- a policy that is long overdue.

The likes of John Flanagan, Jack Robinson, Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing are the first youth products since the emergence of now thirty-one year-old Steven Gerrard to make the first team and have proven more than capable in the world’s most demanding division. So long as the funds are made available by new owner, John Henry, then there is no reason why Liverpool cannot push on for a title challenge given the huge reputation of the club within Europe.

Liverpool desperately needs cover at centre-half with Jamie Carragher aging rapidly and questions over the ability of Martin Skrtel. Questions also need to be asked as to whether Glen Johnson’s defensive frailties are too grave for Liverpool to launch a serious title challenge, while an extra man in the middle of the park to assist Spearing, Raul Meireles and the questionable Lucas Leiva would not go a miss.

Dalglish should get rid of: Sotiris Kyrgiakos, Fabio Aurelio, Christian Poulsen, Milan Jovanovic, David N’Gog.

Manchester City:

The sky is not even the limit. Many have argued that had City had a more attack-minded and inspiring man at the helm this season, they may have won the title, and I agree, however, one must realise that these men are few and far between- Alex Ferguson, Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Ottmar Hitzfeld and I am out. With funds available, Roberto Mancini will further improve an already impressive squad that no matter what your opinion of the manager, will make them a formidable contender next season.

The on-going Carlos Tevez saga needs resolving and ultimately, the only long-term outcome appears to be his eventual departure from Eastlands- though who, apart from perhaps Real Madrid, could match his quarter of a million a week wages I do not know. Tevez’s departure would mean that City would need a world class striker, though Mario Balotelli has the potential to assume that role. Moreover, Gareth Barry is far from the player he was under Martin O’Neill at Aston Villa and subsequently needs replacing and City need to find a quality left-back with the signings of Aleksandar Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta having not been justified.

Mancini should get rid of: Shay Given (because he is too good be sat on any bench, not because he is not good enough), Pablo Zabaleta, Joleon Lescott, Aleksandar Kolarov, Wayne Bridge, Gareth Barry, Patrick Vieira, Jo, Roque Santa Cruz, Emmanuel Adebayor.

Manchester United

Ferguson has once again proved that he is on a level well above everyone else. Where Chelsea’s veterans have floundered, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar have been ever-present at Old Trafford this season. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic reaffirmed their status as the Premier League’s finest partnership in the heart of the defence, while Javier Hernandez proved the buy of the season, a snip at only seven million pounds.

Many have criticised this United side for not having many truly great players- I must disagree. Wayne Rooney is certainly one, and though his early season form was atrocious, he was imperious at the so-called ‘business end’ of the season to play are large role in United winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final.

Everyone would agree that that pattern of form is far more desirable than that displayed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic every season-great until Christmas and then afterwards one of the most ineffective players in world football- yet few question his reputation. The likes of Ferdinand, Vidic, Patrice Evra and even youngsters Hernandez and Luis Antonio Valencia are sublime players.

Ferguson does however need to strengthen. The retirement of van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak’s abysmal form late in the season means that the Red Devils will desperately need a keeper, with Spanish teenager David de Gea the favourite to replace the Dutchman. Scholes and Giggs will gradually be phased out of the side given their growing years and tiring legs, so United will need a creative midfielder and a holding midfielder to play in the middle of the park.

Darren Fletcher’s form this season has been indifferent, while Michael Carrick, while a fantastic passer of the ball, lacks pace at the highest level of competition, as was evident in Saturday’s Champions League final against the superb Barcelona. It looks as though Ferguson will offer to triple the wages of Spurs’ player of the season, Luka Modric, who is only on forty thousand per week at the Lane, and who, of course, will be deprived of Champions League football next year should he stay. Elsewhere, Giggs’ long-term successor looks likely to be Aston Villa’s Ashley Young, with reports suggesting that Nani may leave for the Old Lady.

Ferguson should sell: Tomasz Kuszczak, John O’Shea, Jonny Evans, Darron Gibson, Gabriel Obertan.

Tottenham

Spurs undoubtedly have the hardest task of keeping up with the pace at the top- they do not quite have the reputation and standing of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United- although their impressive Champions League campaign has certainly raised their profile on the continent -nor the war chest of Man City, plus they do will not have Champions League football. Spurs do have a lot of money, but Daniel Levy is reluctant to shell out on excessive wages. Harry Redknapp’s nous in the transfer market will definitely be key.

First and foremost, Spurs must make sure they keep hold of the mercurial midfielder Luka Modric; with Gareth Bale’s susceptibility to injury and Rafael van der Vaart’s dip in form towards the end of the season, Modric has emerged as Tottenham’s most valuable asset and will have to hold off serious interest from Manchester United and Chelsea this summer. To launch a challenge for Champions League qualification and potentially the championship, they need to learn to kill off games; too many draws have cost Spurs dearly this season and no doubt progress in the Europa League will only hamper any domestic aspirations.

Spurs desperately need a marquees striker and have made serious enquiries into both of Porto’s frontmen Hulk and Radamel Falcao, though it appears Hulk’s price tag of thirty-five million euros will deter Redknapp from tabling a formal bid; even so, Andre Villas-Boas’ announcement that he is staying at the Dragao for at least another season may be enough to convince the Porto squad to stick and launch what would be a strong bid for European honours next season.

Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko are all good, but they are not gamebreakers- to quote FIFA Street. How Redknapp wishes he would have accommodated the superb Darren Bent into his team. Furthermore, with William Gallas the wrong side of thirty, Michael Dawson is the only top centre-half at White Hart Lane.

Both of Birmingham’s steadfast pairing of Roger Johnson and Scott Dann have been linked with a move to North London, but again, the Blues’ asking price of fourteen million for Dann will certainly make Redknapp think twice. Meanwhile, out on the flanks, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Alan Hutton are inept at full-back, though both Danny Rose and Kyle Walker look like decent prospects. Heurelho Gomes also needs replacing; his ability to go from the sublime to the ridiculous is extraordinary- he broke the record against Blackpool, saving a penalty and then giving one away all in the space of thirty seconds.

Redknapp should sell: Heurelho Gomes, Alan Hutton, Sebastien Bassong, Jonathan Woodgate, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Jermaine Jenas, David Bentley, Robbie Keane.

Central Park in black&white

photography by Angelica Ardasheva