After shooting his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins dead, Jovan Belcher leaned over her body in their bathroom, said he was sorry and kissed her on the forehead, it has emerged.
Jovan Belcher’s apologetic goodbye was witnessed by his mother, who had heard gunfire and ran to her son’s bedroom at his rented Independence, Missouri home, police told the Kansas City Star.
The 25-year-old NFL player, who later went on to kill himself outside his team’s stadium, then said sorry to his mother, kissed his three-month-old daughter and jumped into his Bentley to flee the scene.
The descriptions of Jovan Belcher’s last hours alive, revealed by police sources, provide more details surrounding the death of his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, 22, and his suicide on Saturday morning.
Sources have claimed that the pair was struggling with parenthood just ahead of the football season, and the stress at home caused him to snap.
His team had even provided counseling to help the couple with their problems, the Star reported.
Jovan Belcher leaned over Kasandra Perkins’ dead body, said he was sorry and kissed her on the forehead
Jovan Belcher’s mother, who will now take care of the couple’s orphaned daughter, had moved from New York to Missouri to help the pair during the stressful time.
She told police that, just before 8 a.m. on Saturday, she heard her son say: “You can’t talk to me like that!” before she heard gunfire, the Star reported.
Jovan Belcher shot Kasandra Perkins in the chest, neck and abdomen.
He then drove to Arrowhead Stadium, where he came across Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli and got out of his car with his gun pointed at his own head.
“I did it,” Jovan Belcher said, according to police.
“I killed her.”
He added that, despite the team’s counseling, “it was too late”.
Scott Piolo tried to persuade Jovan Belcher to put down the gun but Belcher simply thanked him for everything he had done for him, and asked him to take care of his daughter.
As Chiefs Head Coach Romeo Crennel and linebackers coach Gary Gibbs arrived, Jovan Belcher reportedly said: “Guys, I have to do this.”
With the sounds of police sirens getting closer, Jovan Belcher ignored the pleas of his bosses and walked away, saying: “I got to go, I can’t be here.”
Jovan Belcher then knelt behind a car, made the sign of the cross across his chest and fired a single shot into his head, the Star reported.
“He cared about her,” Police Sgt. Richard Sharp said.
Rita Ora has been hitting the headlines this week thanks to a very public Twitter row with her now ex-boyfriend Rob Kardashian.
But as she posed for a stunning new shoot in Glamour magazine, Rita Ora has opened up about the real reasons for their relationship breakdown.
Insisting that she and Rob Kardashian are still “friends”, Rita Ora, 22, blamed their hectic work schedules for the split.
Rita Ora explained: “I’m not going out with Rob. We were close for a while, but it didn’t work because I was never there.
“I was like a ghost. I used to get so frustrated with myself and then wonder why I was angry, so I decided it was best to keep it friendly – especially at the moment, when there’s so much going on.”
Rita Ora posed for a stunning new shoot in Glamour magazine and she has opened up about the real reasons she split from Rob Kardashian
Rita Ora also admitted that despite being linked to various male celebrities, she has yet to experience the feeling of being in love.
She said: “In 22 years, there’s been nothing. I have had young fascinations but never love.
“I think it’s my only weakness.
“I’m scared of letting my guard down, and if I feel in love with someone now, he’d have to try ten times harder to break it down.”
And asked what she looks for in a man, Rita Ora replied: “I only need three things from a guy – for him to make me laugh, tell me I’m beautiful once in a while, and be there for me.”
Randy Blythe, the frontman of metal band Lamb of God, has been charged over the death of a fan at a concert in Prague in 2010.
Randy Blythe, 41, is accused of pushing the fan off stage during the show in the Czech Republic, who later died of a head injury.
The singer was charged with causing bodily harm resulting in death on Friday.
Lamb of God’s manager Larry Mazer said Randy Blythe will “fight vigorously” against the charges.
The court in Prague has three months to set a trial date or return the case to prosecutors for further investigation.
The singer faces five to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Randy Blythe has previously said that he intends to go to Prague to defend himself at a trial.
Randy Blythe, the frontman of metal band Lamb of God, has been charged over the death of a fan at a concert in Prague in 2010
In the statement reported by metal website The PRP, manager Larry Mazer said: “While it is a tragedy that a Lamb of God fan died following a performance by the group, in no way do I feel that Randy did anything improper that led to the young man’s injuries and subsequent death.”
He continued: “The price of a ticket to a show does not entitle audience members access to a band’s stage.”
Larry Mazer said he felt Randy Blythe had “responded professionally” to numerous fans rushing the stage.
“We have testimony from the venue operator that acknowledges lax security and an improper barricade being used that evening,” he added.
The fan hit his head when he fell to the concrete floor and died of his injuries 14 days later.
Randy Blythe spent five weeks in the custody of Czech authorities before being released on bail in August. He has been in the US since then.
He was arrested when the band flew into Prague to play a gig, apparently unaware that there was an outstanding warrant for the singer’s arrest.
Virginia-based Lamb of God, who received Grammy nominations in 2007 and 2011, played at the Download festival at Donington Park in the UK in June.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary General, has underlined President Barack Obama’s warning to the Syrian government not to use chemical weapons against its own people.
At a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Anders Fogh Rasmussen said their use would be “completely unacceptable”.
The foreign ministers are expected to approve the deployment of Patriot anti-missile batteries to Turkey.
The move is designed to defend Turkey’s border with Syria.
Activists say more than 40,000 people have been killed since the Syrian uprising against President Assad began in March 2011. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled the country and another 2.5 million are displaced within its borders.
On Tuesday, a teacher and at least 28 students were killed in a rocket attack on their school inside the Wafideen refugee camp, 20 km (15 miles) north-east of Damascus.
The origin of the firing was not clear – state media said it had been a rebel mortar attack.
Speaking ahead of the NATO meeting, Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters: “The possible use of chemical weapons would be completely unacceptable for the whole international community.
“If anybody resorts to these terrible weapons, then I would expect an immediate reaction from the international community.”
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary General, has underlined President Barack Obama’s warning to the Syrian government not to use chemical weapons against its own people
The meeting of the 28-member Western military alliance’s foreign ministers in Brussels follows a request from Turkey to boost its defences along the border. NATO officials have made clear such a move would be purely defensive.
Barack Obama has warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad he would face “consequences” if he used chemical weapons against his people.
“The world is watching. The use of chemical weapons is and would be totally unacceptable,” said Barack Obama in a speech at the National Defense University in Washington.
“If you make the tragic mistake of using these weapons there will be consequences and you will be held accountable.”
A Syrian official has insisted the country would “never, under any circumstances” use such weapons, “if such weapons exist”.
A NATO team has already visited a number of sites in Turkey in preparation for the deployment of Patriot batteries, which could be used to shoot down any Syrian missiles or warplanes that stray over the border.
The missile deployment is likely to be approved despite opposition from Russia, whose foreign minister is also attending Tuesday’s meeting in Brussels.
But analysts say any deployment – possibly supplied by the US, Germany or the Netherlands – could take weeks.
Syrian opposition fighters have reportedly made dramatic gains recently, and several government mortar shells – aimed at rebel targets close to the border – have landed across its 900-km (560-mile) border with Turkey.
Ankara’s request for NATO to deploy the anti-missile batteries came after intelligence assessments that Damascus was contemplating using ballistic missiles, potentially armed with chemical warheads, reports say.
Syria is believed to hold chemical weapons – including mustard gas and sarin, a highly toxic nerve agent – at dozens of sites around the country.
The CIA has said those weapons “can be delivered by aircraft, ballistic missile and artillery rockets”.
One unnamed US official told the New York Times on Monday that the level of concern in Washington was such that contingency plans were being prepared.
On Monday the United Nations said it was pulling “all non-essential international staff” out of Syria, with as many as 25 out of 100 international staff expected to leave this week.
The European Union has withdrawn its mission altogether. The ambassador and head of delegation to Syria, Vassilis Bontosoglou, left Damascus with his six remaining international staff members on Tuesday morning.
Although the head of the Arab League Nabil al-Arabi told AFP on Monday that the Syrian government could fall “any time”, it still holds the capital, parts of the second city Aleppo, and other centres.
Syrian foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi is said to have fled the country, amid reports he has been dismissed, ostensibly for making statements out of line with government policy.
A rescue operation is under way after Volgo Balt 199 cargo ship sank in the Black Sea near the Turkish city of Istanbul.
Twelve crew members were on board the Volgo Balt 199 – reportedly 11 Ukrainian nationals, and one Russian.
Turkish media report that three people have been rescued and one person has died but this has not been confirmed.
The Volgo Balt 199 sank off the town of Sile, in Istanbul province to the east of the city. A second ship is said to be in difficulty amid stormy weather.
Fourteen crew members are said to be on board the second boat, which television footage showed listing heavily in swollen seas.
The Volgo Balt 199, which was sailing under the flag of St Kitts and Nevis, was transporting coal.
A rescue operation is under way after Volgo Balt 199 cargo ship sank in the Black Sea near the Turkish city of Istanbul
“We confirmed that the ship sank. Work continues to rescue 12 people on board,” Salih Orakci, head of the Directorate General of Coastal Safety, told Turkish TV, according to the Reuters news agency.
He said rescue boats and helicopters were involved in the search for Volgo Balt 199’s missing crew, and tug boats had been dispatched to try to help the second ship.
“The sea conditions are very rough which is making the rescue operation very difficult,” he said of the second ship.
Iranian state television has showed images of what it says is a US ScanEagle unmanned drone captured in its airspace.
The Revolutionary Guards said they had brought down a ScanEagle – one of the smaller, less sophisticated drones employed by the Americans.
Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi told the Fars news agency that the drone had conducted several reconnaissance flights over the Gulf in recent days.
But the US Navy said none of its drones was missing in the Middle East.
Other nations in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, also operate ScanEagles – low-cost, long-endurance aircraft with a 10 ft (3 m) wingspan, Associated Press says.
Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi said that “such drones are usually launched from large warships”.
Fars said the drone was captured “in the last few days” without giving further details.
Iranian state television has showed images of what it says is a US ScanEagle unmanned drone captured in its airspace
A spokesman for US Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain said: “The US Navy has fully accounted for all unmanned air vehicles operating in the Middle East region.
“Our operations in the Gulf are confined to internationally recognized water and air space.
“We have no record that we have lost any ScanEagles recently.”
Last month, the US said Iranian warplanes had shot at a US surveillance drone flying in international airspace. Iran said the aircraft had entered its airspace.
November also saw Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Mohammad Khazaee, writting to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to complain about what he said were repeated US violations of Iranian airspace near the Bushehr power station, describing them as “illegal and provocative acts”.
A year ago, Iranian TV broadcast pictures of an American RQ-170 Sentinel surveillance drone that Iran said had been brought down using electronic warfare. The US said it had malfunctioned.
Iran rejected a US call for the return of the drone. It subsequently claimed to have developed its own unmanned drone.
Washington and Tehran are engaged in a dispute over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
The Revolutionary Guards are an elite unit of the Iranian military which operate their own naval forces.
More than 40,000 people have been moved into shelter as powerful Typhoon Bopha hits Mindanao island, southern Philippines.
Typhoon Bopha made landfall on Mindanao early on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and wind gusts of 210 km/h (130 mph).
At least four people died in the storm, which caused power cuts, travel disruption and flooding in areas at risk of landslides.
Bopha comes a year after Typhoon Washi killed more than 1,500 people in the southern Philippines.
On Monday, President Benigno Aquino urged people in the typhoon’s path to take Typhoon Bopha seriously.
“It could be the strongest to hit the country this year,” he said.
“But we can minimize the damage and loss of lives if we help each other.”
More than 40,000 people have been moved into shelter as powerful Typhoon Bopha hits Mindanao island, southern Philippines
In the gold-mining province of Compostela Valley, the extreme weather forced a wall of mud to fall on to a house, killing some of those inside, the Associated Press reports.
Benito Ramos, of the national disaster agency, said the death toll was expected to rise once soldiers and police gained access to the far-flung villages isolated by floods, fallen trees and damaged communications.
According to one report, quoting a military spokesman, about 20 people including six soldiers were missing after fast-moving water swept through an army base.
The eye of the 600-km wide storm was moving west at 26 km/h and was expected to sweep over southern and central provinces before reaching the South China Sea on Thursday, forecasters said.
The Philippines is struck by several typhoons and tropical storms every year.
Jovan Belcher is reported to have had drinks and dinner with another woman before he went home, killed his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins after a blazing row, and then ended his own life.
The Kansas City Chiefs linebacker took the woman, Brittni Glass, to her home, but spent the next few hours asleep in his Bentley outside, according to TheNew York Post‘s sources.
At around 2:30 a.m police officers woke him up and Jovan Belcher went inside Brittni Glass’ building, leaving about four hours later.
The New York Daily News reported that two of her neighbors let the intoxicated Jovan Belcher sleep in their apartment and woke him for a team meeting Saturday morning, as he asked them to.
He then returned home to argue with Kasandra Perkins, 22, before shooting her and himself.
“I was with him that night, that’s it,” Brittni Glass told The New York Post yesterday.
Brittni Glass said she told police they had been together that night but were not in a relationship and would not say where he slept.
It has also emerged that during college, Belcher was cited after a University of Maine police officer responded to a call at a hall on campus and found him with cuts on his hand and arm, according to a 2006 police report obtained by USA Today.
The officer was told the star was hurt after punching a window because he was upset over a girl.
There was also a report about a complaint of disorderly conduct at a dorm after someone called police after hearing Jovan Belcher and a girlfriend row outside his room.
Cops confirmed that several people came forward to tell them about Jovan Belcher’s visit. One neighbor said his car was outside and he went up to see Brittni Glass.
“His Bentley was parked outside,” a neighbor said.
“He went upstairs. He was drunk. He went up to see the girl.”
Jovan Belcher is reported to have had drinks and dinner with another woman before he went home, killed his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins
Initial reports said Jovan Belcher flew into a rage after Kasandra Perkins returned late from a Trey Songz concert at about 1 a.m.
But according to Brittni Glass and her neighbors, Jovan Belcher wasn’t even home then.
Yesterday, Kasandra Perkins’ family released a statement.
It said: “Our wish is for Kasi to be remembered for the love she shared with us all. Kasi will be truly missed.”
Police yesterday released the chilling audio between first responders investigating the murder-suicide committed by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher.
The audio details how law enforcement reacted when they were informed that one of their city’s NFL players may be involved in a horrific crime.
“I believe our suspect is a Chiefs player,” says one unidentified first responder.
“So whoever goes over there (should go) as soon as possible.”
Arriving to find victim Kasandra Perkins, one man describes the scene.
“Early 20s female,” it continues.
“She’s been shot about three or four times. One to the chest, one to the neck, one to the abdomen. All went through.”
While Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher may have been struggling with booze, pills and head injuries, it was his controlling ways and stress at home that caused him to snap and kill his girlfriend before turning the gun on himself.
According to friends and family of Kasandra Perkins, the environment at home had grown tense and explosive since the birth of their baby girl three months ago.
“It wasn’t a healthy thing that was going on,” Angela Perkins, 32, of Round Rock, Texas, said of the relationship between Jovan Belcher and her cousin.
Kasandra Perkins had gone out Friday night with girlfriends to the concert “to take a break”, Kasandra Perkins’ friend Lynell Diggs told Newsday.
“[Jovan Belcher] didn’t want her going out with the baby at home,” said Lynell Diggs, who was at the concert with a group of friends.
Cousin Angela Perkins told the newspaper the stress of having a baby just before the season and Jovan Belcher’s time away at practice and on the road “really put a strain” on the relationship.
“There was just a lot going on. She was stressed. He was stressed,” Angela Perkins said. ‘It just started to go bad, but they had the child, and they were trying to make it work.’
Newsday also reported that it wasn’t booze, pills or head injuries that contributed to the murder-suicide.
Jovan Belcher’s cousin Eric Oakes said Belcher didn’t experience any recent head trauma and wasn’t on any medication.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt backed up that claim on Sunday, saying that Jovan Belcher had no unusual physical issues before Saturday, including concussions.
Earlier, however, Jovan Belcher’s friends said his mental state may have been deteriorated due to a history of head injuries, pain killers, and alcohol abuse.
Jovan Belcher would also have taken part in the White Ribbon campaign – those taking part vow to “never to commit, condone nor remain silent about violence against women”.
Princess of Monaco Charlotte Casiraghi has become the latest public figure to spark anger for wearing a Native American costume.
Charlotte Casiraghi, 26, who chose the ensemble to participate in the Gucci-sponsored Paris Masters International Jumping Competition this weekend, was branded “ignorant” and “racist” by Tumblr users, many of whom appeared to be royal fans, judging by their usernames.
Royalwatcher wrote on the site: “I don’t know who told her it was cute to dress in traditonal [sic] clothing of Native American but gurlll, I’m judging you and not in the good way.”
Another, named Prin-ses-ka-ro-leen, added: “Dear Charlotte Casiraghi, American Indians still endure racism, ignorance and abuse on a regular basis simply because they are Native. You displayed terribly poor judgment in your choice of <<outfit>>.”
And Icaughtafallingdream wrote: “It’s not cute and it’s not funny. It’s just insulting and dumb.”
Given that the controversy follows a series of similar missteps from Victoria’s Secret, Urban Outfitters and Gwen Stefani, the fashion websiteStyleite questioned whether there was some poor judgement on the part of Gucci, the sponsor of the tournament and the brand Charlotte Casiraghi represents.
“Other riders dressed up as Roman warriors, donkeys, angels, and Flintstones – you know, costumes – while Casiraghi opted for an outfit that has been publicly denounced as racist time and time again,” reporter Hilary George-Parkin wrote.
“As the royal is the face of an international luxury brand (however reluctantly), one would think there would be more oversight [sic] on Gucci’s part.”
Princess of Monaco Charlotte Casiraghi has become the latest public figure to spark anger for wearing a Native American costume
The costume certainly adds fuel to an already heated debate about representation of Native Americans in popular culture.
Sasha Houston Brown, a member of the Santee Sioux tribe of Nebraska and a vocal champion of Native American culture, wrote last month on the Racialicious blog: “Despite what dominant society and mainstream media say, Native culture is a vibrant and living culture.
“We are not a relic of the past, a theme or a trend; we are not a style or costume; we are not mascots, noble savages or romantic fictional entities. We are human beings and, despite all odds, we have survived.
“As sovereign Nations, Indigenous peoples have the right to speak for ourselves and not have dominant Euro-American society project and profit off of an artificial and socially constructed image of <<Indian>> identity.”
The commentary on Charlotte Casiraghi’s costume was not all negative, however. Several Tumblr users spoke out in her defence.
Josephg wrote on the thread: “i think she look gorgeous :)”
Intomyfoyer went further, pointing out that it was Gucci’s choice of costume, and blame should not be cast on Charlotte Casiraghi.
“It doesn’t mean she has no idea about America’s past, she’s not dumb…” they wrote.
“This whole thing will be offensive only if YOU make it offensive, no one had the intentions of offending anyone in any way.”
Honey Boo Boo’s cousin Tony Lindsey was arrested for jumping in the path of traffic on a freeway possibly in a gorilla suit.
TMZ are reporting that Tony Lindsey was part of a group wreaking havoc on a Georgia highway (because one of them was in an ape suit) when he got arrested earlier this month.
He is the cousin of the seven-year-old TV star, real name Alana Thompson.
According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, Deputy Joe Rozier says he was driving along Highway 20 around 11 p.m. when he noticed someone carrying out a potentially fatal jape.
“I observed a white male dressed in a gorilla suit acting as if he was going to jump into my lane of travel. I swerved into the left lane to avoid an accident with the person.”
Honey Boo Boo’s cousin Tony Lindsey was arrested for jumping in the path of traffic on a freeway possibly in a gorilla suit
Joe Rozier reports he immediately stopped the car, whipped out his flashlight and went searching for answers and “observed several white males run up the embankment and into the woods”.
He says he shouted at the group that he was going to release his dog after the pranksters when someone yelled back: “You don’t have to do that, we’re coming back.”
The officer says he eventually made contact with five adults and two children without a suit.
Eventually, Joe Rozier says they “fessed up to stashing the suit in the woods”.
After recovering the suit, Deputy Joe Rozier says he arrested all of the adults for reckless conduct and booked them all into the local jail.
The US presidential election became the most-searched item and Kim Kardashian was the most-searched person on Yahoo in 2012, a year when online searches were dominated by big news stories and pop culture obsessions, the search engine company said on Monday.
The search term “election” topped the list of searches, led not only by extensive media coverage but also widening conversation on online social media platforms.
The term “political polls” was No. 8 of the top 10 searches of the year.
“The 2012 elections dominated the online searches, which is amazing because if something is in the news, it’s already accessible … people were really saturated by it, but even so, that was a key word that people typed throughout the year,” Vera Chan, Yahoo’s web trend analyst, said in a conference call.
Vera Chan said only two other news stories have topped the list in the past decade, those being the death of Michael Jackson in 2009 and the BP oil spill in 2010.
“iPhone 5” came in at No. 2, which Vera Chan said was interesting “in a post-Steve Jobs era” because while Apple Inc’s iPhone has featured regularly in the top searches since the first generation emerged in 2007, this was the first time a specific model had appeared high on the list.
Kim Kardashian was the most-searched person on the website, coming in at No. 3 and leading six famous women in the top 10.
Vera Chan said Kim Kardashian’s “notoriety has kept her at the top”, citing her ongoing divorce saga with ex-husband Kris Humphries, her high-profile relationship with rapper Kanye West and her E! channel reality shows.
Sports Illustrated cover model Kate Upton, British royal Kate Middleton, late singer Whitney Houston, troubled former child star Lindsay Lohan and pop star and former American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez all featured in the top 10 after being in the news prominently throughout the year.
The US presidential election became the most-searched item on Yahoo in 2012
Kate Middleton, who was followed eagerly by fans and critics in her first year as a royal married to Britain’s Prince William and being a staple at the London Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, also garnered the most-searched scandal of the year when a French magazine published photos of her topless.
“Olympics” came in at No. 7 on the list, as many turned to online media to watch and keep tabs on the global sporting event held in London during the summer.
On Yahoo’s separate list of top-searched obsessions, pop culture dominated this year, with The Hunger Games, reality star Honey Boo Boo, erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey, British boy band One Direction, Carly Rae Jepsen’s hit song Call Me Maybe and Korean rapper Psy’s Gangnam Style featuring in the top 10.
Yahoo compiles its annual search lists based on aggregated visitor activity on the network and billions of consumer searches.
Richard Nieuwenhuizen, a Dutch football linesman, died after being beaten and kicked by youth players in Holland while he had been officiating a match in which his son was playing.
Richard Nieuwenhuizen, 41, was rushed to hospital after being punched and kicked by players from the Nieuw-Sloten club.
His club, Buitenboys, announced last night on Twitter: “With great sadness we announce the death of our @Buitenboys linesman Richard Nieuwenhuizen. Our thoughts are with his family.
“Our linesman Richard died at 17:30 in front of his family. This violence must stop on the pitch! £stopsenselessviolence.”
Marcel Oost, the chairman of Buitenboys club, told national broadcaster NOS: “You can’t believe this could happen. That kids of 15 or 16 are playing football, you come to watch and see something like that.
“He was glad to be a part of this club and proud of his son. This not just a tragedy for Almere and our club, but for Dutch football in general. This can’t happen on the football field.”
According to reports in Holland, three Nieuw-Sloten players aged 15-16 were arrested and taken into police custody.
The Amsterdam club has responded by banning the players involved in the incident, withdrawing from the league in which the game took place and temporarily suspending all their operations as a club.
Richard Nieuwenhuizen, Dutch linesman, dies after being beaten by youth players in front of his son
A statement on the club’s website read: “The board of sv Nieuw-Sloten learned with horror of the death of the linesman of Buitenboys. We are deeply shocked by the fact that the match on Sunday degenerated so badly, with this result.
“We express here our sympathy, firstly to the family of the deceased person. Words fail us. In addition, we also express our sympathy to the Buitenboys club and all its members.
“We distance ourselves strongly from the behavior of the players who are responsible. As an association, when we were aware of wrongdoing, we apologized to Buitenboys.
“For our club, this is a huge shock, an event that touches all of our members. Violence should not be on the football fields, and certainly not against referees, linesmen and all those others who volunteer each year to enable over a million amateur footballers to play. We must do everything possible to eliminate these excesses.
“Nieuw-Sloten is an association with many youth members. Fair play standards and values are of paramount importance to us and we support the campaign by the KNVB against violence on the field.
“We will of course fully co-operate with the police investigation. We believe that those who are responsible for this act should be punished.
“We decided yesterday to take the team concerned out of the KNVB competition. Also, the persons to our knowledge responsible for this beating were immediately removed and can never become a member of our association.
“Obviously, the police are investigating the incident. We will report these persons to the KNVB once their involvement is officially determined to ensure a lifetime expulsion.
“For now we have suspended all our activities as a club. The training of all our teams for this week has been cancelled. After consultation with the KNVB, we have decided out of respect for the family of the victim that our teams will play no matches this weekend.”
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo reality show has been branded by Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine as the “worst thing that’s ever happened” to civilization.
Adam Levine has slammed the reality series – which follows 7-year-old beauty pageant contestant Alana Thompson (aka Honey Boo Boo) and her family – for causing “decay” to society and insists its high viewing figures do not mean it has anything important to offer.
He told GQ magazine: “Seriously, Honey Boo Boo is the decay of Western civilization.
“Just because so many people watch the show doesn’t mean it’s good.
“So many people witness atrocities and can’t take their eyes away from them, but that doesn’t mean they’re good. That show is literally The. Worst. Thing. That’s. Ever. Happened!”
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo has been branded by Adam Levine as the worst thing that’s ever happened to civilization
Adam Levine also slammed Honey Boo Boo’s parents, June Shannon and Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson.
He blasted the “despicable” parenting shown in the programme during his expletive-filled rant.
Adam Levine said: “It’s complete f***ing ignorance and the most despicable way to treat your kids. F**k those people.
“You can put that in the magazine: F**k those idiots. They’re just the worst. Sorry, I’m so sensitive to that – like, I don’t know, man, it’s upsetting. Just to clarify, I said, <<F**K THOSE PEOPLE>>.”
Former pilot Doug Gotterba sued John Travolta – in response to threats by the actor’s camp to sue him.
The suit comes after Douglas Gotterba previously claimed to have had a gay affair with John Travolta during his six years as the star’s private pilot.
John Travolta’s camp allegedly responded to the claims by threatening to sue Doug Gotterba, claiming he had signed a confidentiality agreement that prevented him from talking to the media about his former employer.
But Douglas Gotterba countered with a legal case of his own, in which he claimed he never signed any such agreement. He argued he was within his rights to talk about John Travolta without fearing a lawsuit.
According to TMZ, in Doug Gotterba’s suit he claims he received a threatening letter from John Travolta’s attorney Marty Singer. But Doug Gotterba argues the termination agreement did not include a confidentiality clause.
In his explosive National Enquirer interview, Doug Gotterba, 62, claimed John Travolta admitted he “preferred men” shortly after his 1991 marriage to Kelly Preston.
Former pilot Doug Gotterba sued John Travolta in response to threats by the actor’s camp to sue him
The former pilot told the tabloid the pair began a sexual relationship in 1981 shortly after he started working for John Travolta.
He claims the last time the pair saw each other was in 1992, a year after John Travolta married Kelly Preston.
Douglas Gotterba recalled: “They’d just gotten back from the Church of Scientology’s Celebrity Center in Hollywood when I arrived and John asked me to go with him for a walk on the beach.
“We were making small talk when suddenly, I blurted out, <<So, John, tell me. Now that you’re married, do you still prefer men – or women?>>.
“He looked me straight in the eye and said, <<Well, Doug, I still prefer men!>> I said, <<okay>>. And that’s the last time we saw each other.”
John Travolta’s sex scandal saga began in May, when the A-lister was hit with two lawsuits from male masseurs claiming the actor made sexual advances towards them during massages – though one claim was later withdrawn.
The actor’s one-time secretary Joan Edwards – who worked for the star from 1978 to 1994 – followed in June with allegations of an affair between John Travolta and Doug Gotterba.
Marty Singer told TMZ: “Mr. Gotterba obviously filed this lawsuit to get his 15 minutes of fame. We plan to get this meritless case promptly dismissed.”
Nick Gordon, Bobbi Kristina Brown’s ex-boyfriend, was listening to Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You when he was arrested for reckless driving last week.
The “adopted” son of late Whitney Houston, who recently called off his engagement to Bobbi Kristina Brown, was taken into custody in Alpharetta, Georgia last Wednesday after being caught speeding through the town.
According to gossip website TMZ, Nick Gordon had Whitney Houston’s classic tune blaring on his car radio.
Nick Gordon was listening to Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You when he was arrested for reckless driving
Nick Gordon, 22, was cited for reckless driving and speeding and is due in court in February with a law enforcement official saying: “We are fortunate because that’s such a busy corridor with high end retail shopping restaurants and pedestrians at crosswalks.”
His arrest came hours after Bobbi Kristina Borwn lost control of her Chevy Camaro when leaving her apartment complex and drove down an embankment before coming to a stop on a local park trail.
Bobbi Kristina Brown was cited by police for “failure to maintain lane”.
Rob Kardashian has split from Rita Ora amid outrageous claims she cheated on him with “more than 20 dudes”.
The unsubstantiated allegations were contained in a series of bitter tweets from Rob Kardashian, which were quickly deleted.
Rob Kardashian said he was “disgusted” with Rita Ora.
“She cheated on me with nearly 20 dudes while we were together… But I mean 20?!!!!” he tweeted in the early hours of Monday morning.
Minutes later Rob Kardashian continued with his tirade against the star, writing: “How can a woman who is so busy trying to start her own career have time to be with so many dudes while in a relationship?!”
And he added: “I am actually disgusted.”
The tweets were live for around 30 minutes before Rob Kardashian had second thoughts and deleted them – but not before they went viral.
Having removed the tweets Rob Kardashian went silent on the matter for several hours, instead promoting his designer sock range.
He then returned with renewed vigor, tweeting a series of vitriolic remarks criticizing Rita Ora’s “loyalty” and self-respect and calling her “sloppy”.
“Respect thyself” he wrote, referring to himself as “a Faithful man”.
“When a woman cheats on you with one man I can live with that,” he claimed. “People make mistakes, trust me. I have forgiven numerous times…”
Rob Kardashian has split from Rita Ora amid outrageous claims she cheated on him with more than 20 dudes
It appeared Rob Kardashian’s sister Khloe was not happy with her little brother, tweeting: “Rob be nice kiddddd.”
And she later reflected: “Social media is so much drama. Hehehe thank goodness there was no social media when I was younger. Too much drama in the LBC.”
Rob Kardashian, 25, was due to celebrate Rita Ora’s 22nd birthday at DSTRKT nightclub in London last week, but never appeared.
Rita Ora had reportedly called things off with the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star due to her hectic work schedule and their incompatible jet-setting lifestyles.
A source told The Sun: “It’s really sad – they really liked each other but with him living in LA and her over in London, it was becoming impossible to maintain a relationship.
“They’d only decided to go public with the romance a couple of months ago so as not to put any pressure on themselves but they’ve already split.
“Rob has now deleted everything on Twitter that reminds him of Rita.”
After first being spotted together back in May the couple denied they were dating for months, until going public at the end of October.
Rob Kardashian appeared to confirm the news by tweeting a picture of them kissing and writing: “Me and my baby.”
While the reality star’s family had welcomed Kim Kardashian’s new boyfriend Kanye West into their clan, she never appeared to warm to Rob’s girlfriend and caused controversy in August when she declared he needed to find an Armenian girlfriend instead.
Kim Kardashian tweeted: “When out to dinner w my brother @RobKardashian every gorgeous person Persian/Armenian girl stares at Rob! I think that’s what he needs in his life!”
Rob Kardashian has failed to emulate the huge success of his three Kardashian sisters despite appearing on Dancing With The Stars.
He has been seen on the family reality show complaining about his lack of success or money.
Rob Kardashian currently has his own designer sock line.
Lindsay Lohan’s bank accounts have been seized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) so the US government can recover some of the huge outstanding tax debt she owes.
The government previously filed liens against Lindsay Lohan for 2009 and 2010, claiming she owes $233,904 in unpaid federal taxes.
Lindsay Lohan, 26, has already been helped out by her friend Charlie Sheen, who gave her $100,000 to help her get back on track with her finances, but sources tell website TMZ she’s still falling dramatically short, as she also owes money for 2011.
She has spent most of this year trying to get her career back on track, and after filming roles in TV movie Liz and Dick and The Canyons as well as stripping off naked for a Playboy photo shoot, she is set to earn more than $2 million by the end of this year.
After a lengthy bout of legal troubles and spells in jail and rehab came to an end earlier this year, last week she was involved in an altercation at a New York nightclub, leading to charges of third degree misdemeanor assault, which she denies.
Lindsay Lohan’s bank accounts have been seized by the IRS so the government can recover some of the huge outstanding tax debt she owes
Lindsay Lohan had also been charged with lying to police about being behind the wheel of a car accident in June, and could have her probation revoked.
She is also reportedly refusing to enter rehab, telling friends who are trying to get her to seek help she doesn’t need to go to a treatment facility for the sixth time.
Sources have said she has been drinking up to two liters of vodka a day.
Meanwhile it has emerged Lindsay Lohan is “freaked out” about the possibility of spending Christmas behind bars.
Barack Obama has warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad he will face “consequences” if he uses chemical weapons against his people.
“The world is watching. The use of chemical weapons is and would be totally unacceptable,” said President Barack Obama.
A Syrian official has insisted it would “never, under any circumstances” use such weapons, “if such weapons exist”.
Meanwhile, the United Nations says it is pulling “all non-essential international staff” out of Syria.
As many as 25 out of 100 international staff could leave this week, the UN news agency Irin reported, while all humanitarian missions outside Damascus will be halted for the time being.
In a speech on nuclear non-proliferation at the National Defense University in Fort McNair, Barack Obama said: “We’ve worked to keep weapons from spreading, whether it was nuclear material in Libya or nor chemical weapons in Syria.
“We simply cannot allow the 21st century to be darkened by the worse weapons of the 20th century.”
“And today I want to make it absolute clear to Assad and anyone who is under his command… If you make the tragic mistake of using these weapons there will be consequences and you will be held accountable.”
But Damascus rejected allegations it was preparing to use such weapons.
A foreign ministry spokesman was quoted by state television as saying: “Syria confirms repeatedly it will never, under any circumstances, use chemical weapons against its own people, if such weapons exist.”
Barack Obama has warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad he will face consequences if he uses chemical weapons against his people
Syria is believed to hold chemical weapons – including mustard gas and sarin, a highly toxic nerve agent – at dozens of sites around the country.
The CIA has said those weapons “can be delivered by aircraft, ballistic missile, and artillery rockets”.
One unnamed US official spoke to the New York Times of “potential chemical weapon preparation”.
The White House says the level of concern was such that Washington is preparing contingency plans.
The crisis in Syria had increased the risk of humanitarian workers in the country due to the increased risk of indiscriminate shooting by fighting forces., said Sabir Mughal, the UN’s chief security adviser in Syria.
The European Union, which has a diplomatic office in the Syrian capital, has confirmed it too is “to reduce activities in Damascus to a minimum level due to the current security conditions”.
Earlier, Egypt Air ordered the return of a flight on its way to Damascus amid reports of a “bad security situation” around the airport – only a day after ending its suspension of flights following violence around the airport and in the capital’s suburbs last week.
Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi is reported to have already left the country, even before reports that he had been dismissed, ostensibly for making statements out of line with government policy.
Rebels have been making gains on the ground, and the head of the Arab League has said the Syrian government could fall at any moment.
But it still holds the capital, parts of the second city Aleppo, and other centres and one diplomat said it still has a lot of fight left in it.
Intelligence that the Syrian government was contemplating the use of the missiles is what led neighboring Turkey to request NATO Patriot missile defences along its borders, Turkish officials were quoted as saying on Sunday.
Several Syrian mortar shells – aimed at rebel targets close to the border – have landed in Turkish territory in recent weeks, leading Ankara to ask NATO for the deployment of the sophisticated anti-missile batteries.
But Russian President Vladimir Putin, after talks with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Monday, warned against such a move, fearing it would “exacerbate” rather than “defuse” tensions on the border.
Moscow has remained a key ally of Syria during the 22-month conflict, while Ankara now backs the rebels trying to oust President Bashar al-Assad.
There was no breakthrough on how to “regulate the situation” in Syria, said Vladimir Putin, while emphasizing that the Turkish and Russian “assessment of the situation completely coincides”.
“We are not advocates of the incumbent Syrian leadership,” he said.
Kate Middleton is being treated in hospital for a very severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum.
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a rare condition believed to affect up to 2% of women in pregnancy and is a severe form of morning sickness.
It tends to be more common in young mothers, women who are in their first pregnancy, and those with multiple pregnancies.
Women with HG often lose weight – usually over 10% of their body weight – and feel tired and dizzy.
They may also find they are passing water less often than usual, and the main risk is dehydration which can lead to headache, palpitations and confusion.
There is also a risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Then symptoms are severe, admission to hospital may be needed for observation and to treat dehydration with intravenous fluids.
This usually only means a few days in hospital.
Kate Middleton is being treated in hospital for a very severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum
Unlike most morning sickness, HG usually persists past the first trimester of pregnancy, and typically subsides by week 21 of pregnancy – although it can last much longer.
However, leading doctors say that along with more ordinary morning sickness, it is a sign the pregnancy is progressing.
Dr. Peter Bowen-Simpkins, consultant obstetrician and medical director of the London Women’s Clinic, says: “It is almost always a positive sign that the pregnancy is progressing well.
“The sickness is thought to be due to a rise in hormone levels. It normally occurs during weeks six and eight of pregnancy, when the placenta takes over production of hormones from the ovaries.
“It generally continues until around 12 or 14 weeks, but if it stops before, it can – although not always – be a sign that all is not well.”
Kate Middleton was on a drip at King Edward VII Hospital in central London this evening after falling ill with acute morning sickness as she is pregnant with the royal couple’s first child.
Prince William drove Kate, 30, to hospital today and spent hours at her bedside. He left tonight looking tense but sources said the duchess had been admitted as a precautionary measure. She is expected to be kept in for several days.
Sources said the royal couple are “incredibly happy but nervous” after being rushed into announcing the happy news because of Kate’s illness.
In a statement on their website, the couple said they are “delighted with the news”.
Members of the Royal Family – including the Queen – were only told about the pregnancy this afternoon after the decision was made to take Kate to hospital.
However, the Middletons were already aware their eldest daughter was expecting because she was taken ill while staying at their family home in Berkshire this weekend.
“The pregnancy is in its very early stages – the couple only found out very recently that they were expecting. But because she has been admitted to hospital and will have to stay in for a few days, they made the difficult decision to make things public,” said one.
Kate Middleton was on a drip at King Edward VII Hospital in central London this evening after falling ill with acute morning sickness
It is understood that the Duchess began to feel ill at her parents’ home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, where the couple were spending the weekend. She was unable to keep any food or water down.
Concerned Prince William finally took the decision, after consulting his doctor, to get her to hospital this afternoon. William left his wife’s bedside at about 8:15 p.m. after ensuring she was comfortable.
William drove his wife into London from Berkshire with their personal protection officers, declining the offer of an ambulance in favor of using their own, more low-key car.
Sources suggested that the Duchess was hooked up to an intravenous drip to increase her fluid and nutrient levels.
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a rare condition believed to affect up to two per cent of women in pregnancy and is a severe form of morning sickness.
It tends to be more common in young mothers, women who are in their first pregnancy, and those with multiple pregnancies.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first child will accede to the throne – even if she is a girl.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s child will not be subject to the centuries-old law of primogeniture, which puts male heirs ahead of women, after a groundbreaking deal by David Cameron.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has agreed a deal with other Commonwealth countries to change the rules on the royal line of succession which means male heirs will no longer be given priority.
This means that in the 15 other countries where Queen Elizabeth II is head of state the rules must be changed.
It had been feared there could be a constitutional crisis if Prince William and Kate Middleton had a baby girl before the law was changed.
But today’s announcement that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting the couple’s first child – third in line to the throne – has come after the deal was agreed.
In October 2011, David Cameron announced that the 16 Commonwealth countries where the Queen is head of state had agreed to give female royals the same rights of succession as their brothers.
“Put simply, if the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were to have a little girl, that girl would one day be our queen,” David Cameron said.
Under the ancient rules of male primogeniture, first born royal daughters in direct line to the throne were leapfrogged by their younger male siblings.
The principle was criticized and widely viewed as outdated and discriminatory.
The current law of male primogeniture only allows Elizabeth II to be queen because she did not have any brothers.
Moves towards constitutional change gathered pace in the wake of the Duke and Duchess’s wedding in April 2011 in anticipation they would produce an offspring.
David Cameron had previously warned it would take time due to on-going negotiations with the Commonwealth countries where the Queen is also head of state, but at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2011 he confirmed the changes would go ahead.
Downing Street said any attempt to alter the law would be a “difficult and complex matter”, with parallel legislation needed in all such Commonwealth nations.
It will also involve amendments to some of Britain’s key constitutional documents, such as the Bill of Rights and Coronation Oath Act of 1688, the 1701 Act of Settlement and the 1706 Act of Union with Scotland.
Proposed legislation will refer to the descendants of the current Prince of Wales, meaning that William’s first child would follow him in the line of succession, whether a girl or a boy.
However, the current generation of royals will not be affected. It will not be retrospective – meaning the Princess Royal will not jump ahead of her younger brothers the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex.
Ministers have made clear the changes will apply from October 28, 2011 – the date of the Commonwealth summit where the countries agreed the plans.
The change needs to be legislated for in the Commonwealth nations of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Belize, St Christopher and Nevis, St Lucia, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Papua New Guinea. But this is regarded as assured.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first child will accede to the throne, even if she is a girl
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg told the Commons in May: “If the birds and bees were to deliver that blessing to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and indeed the nation, then that little girl would be covered by the provisions of these changes of the rules of succession because they operate from the time of the declaration of the Commonwealth summit last October.
“It is very important to remember that the rules are de facto in place, even though they have yet to be implemented through legislation in the way that I have described.”
The changes mean that, for all descendants of the Prince of Wales, younger sons will no longer take precedence over an elder daughter in the line of succession.
Members of the Royal Family who marry a Roman Catholic will also in future be able to succeed to the Crown.
And an ancient and unused rule saying descendants of George II are supposed to gain the consent of the monarch to marry will only apply to the first six people in the line of succession.
The law was brought in following the Glorious Revolution – when a Dutch invasion helped overthrow a Papist king – so that a Catholic could never sit on our throne again.
It also means that the Princess Royal, the Queen’s second born, is just tenth in line to the throne behind her younger brothers Andrew (fourth) and Edward (seventh).
The 15 other countries where Elizabeth II is queen are Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Soloman Islands, Tuvalu, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Kitts and Nevis.
The Commonwealth leaders also agreed to overturn the 1701 Act of Settlement, which means that only the Protestant heirs of the Electress Sophia of Hanover, granddaughter of James I, can become king or queen.
The Queen hailed the deal on changing the rules as the 53 Commonwealth countries met last year, saying she wanted the theme of allowing women to play a full part to last for years.
She said: “The theme this year is Women As Agents of Change.
“It reminds us of the potential in our societies that is yet to be fully unlocked and it encourages us to find ways to allow all girls and women to play their full part.
“We must continue to strive in our own countries and across the Commonwealth together to promote that theme in a lasting way beyond this year.”
Her comments were taken as a sign that the Queen approves of the reform.
The Commonwealth is a looser group of 53 countries, of which the Queen is the head.
David Cameron had criticized the existing rules as “out-dated” and in need of change.
It was also agreed that the barrier to the heir to the throne marrying a Catholic will also be removed, but that it would not affect the position of the Anglican Church as the established Church.
The Queen and future monarchs will be Anglicans and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
An ancient rule meaning that all descendants of George II are supposed to require the consent of the monarch before they can marry will also be abolished.
The UK government must now introduce legislation to change the 1701 Act of Settlement, the Bill of Rights 1688, the Coronation Oath Act 1688 and the Royal Marriages Act 1772.
But because the rule will be backdated and it will be many years before a female heir will be close to the throne, the government says the change isn’t urgent.
Government sources have stressed that the new rule will apply only to heirs born after October 2011.
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, would still be placed below her two younger brothers, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex.
Had the rule been in force before, British history would have been very different.
Constitutional experts say that in 1509 Margaret Tudor would have taken the throne instead of Henry VIII, and as a result Elizabeth I would never have been Queen.
It would also have meant Queen Victoria would have been succeeded by her daughter, Princess Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1901, and not King Edward VII.
When she died just a few months later, her son Kaiser Wilhelm II would have ascended the throne – something which could have prevented the First World War.
It is said the Queen of England now would have been the completely unknown Princess Marie Cecile of Prussia.
Most European monarchies have already established an equal law of succession – it is in force in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Now only Spain, Liechtenstein and Monaco are left with the old system.
Prince William spent hours at Kate Middleton’s bedside this evening after driving her to hospital with acute morning sickness.
Duchess of Cambridge, 30, is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum – a rare and debilitating condition that hits women in the earliest stages of pregnancy, causing severe vomiting.
Prince William drove Kate Middleton to hospital as she began to feel very unwell over the weekend at her parents’ home in Bucklebury, Berkshire.
He was later seen leaving the hospital at around 8:25 p.m. before getting into a waiting Land Rover Discovery.
Kate wife has been given a drip to restore her nutrient levels and fluids and will be kept in for a few days as a precautionary measure, royal sources said.
The Royal couple are said to be “delighted” about the pregnancy, but appear to have been forced to announce it early because she was rushed to the King Edward VII Hospital in central London.
“The condition – although unpleasant -poses no harm to mother and baby as long as it is treated, as your baby will take the nutrients it needs from your body – it’s the mum that suffers more,” Jules Robertson, a midwife for the baby charity Tommy’s said.
Senior Royal sources say there was no way they would have announced the pregnancy at this stage had she not fallen ill.
They are happy but are very nervous because it is so early in the pregnancy, the source added.
Kate Middleton’s slim figure is not a reason why she has become poorly.
But it can be a hereditary condition, meaning it is fairly likely that a close relative like her mother or grandmother could have suffered from the illness and she may get it again in future.
Professor Tim Draycott, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: “It definitely does seem to run in families, and in consecutive pregnancies. It is possible someone in her family has suffered with it in the past.
“We know it’s not a psychological illness – it is not a sign of mental weakness.
“It does seem to be slightly more common in women expecting twins.
“It affects one per cent of women. That rises to two to three per of women expecting twins.
“She’s clearly very slim, but it affects women bigger than her and smaller than her.
“It is a bit like feeling permanently hungover every single day and never getting better.
“The symptoms would suggest she is less than 12 weeks pregnant.”
Kate Middleton is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a rare and debilitating condition that hits women in the earliest stages of pregnancy, causing severe vomiting
The condition, which could mean that Kate Middleton cannot eat or drink anything without being ill, usually occurs in the first 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy and can last for up to two months.
In the most serious cases symptoms can persist for the length of the pregnancy and can be life-threatening for mother and baby if not treated early as the woman may vomit up to 30 times a day.
Symptoms also include severe nausea, low blood pressure and fast heart rate, headaches, lethargy or confusion.
Kate Middleton’s involvement in Royal engagements may now be limited as a result.
“If it is not treated properly it can lead to severe side effects and problems for mother and baby,” Dr. Lucy MacKillop, obstetric physician at the Oxford University Hospitals trust.
“The danger for mother is greater if not treated. There have been reported cases of liver failure, ruptured tissue and cells from so much vomiting and neurological problems.
“It is to do with the pregnancy hormone, and there is more pregnancy hormone in mothers expecting twins.”
Spelling out the treatment Kate Middleton is likely to be getting Dr. Lucy MacKillop added: “We would give the mother medication which will be safe for both her and baby, and which will allow her to stop vomiting.
“Initially she will be on a drip so we can replace fluids and nutrients and then we can start to give her tablets, which she can take home with her and continue there.
“There is no special diet, but she needs to ensure she is eating little and often.
“We would not expect her to be putting on weight, but the important thing is that she maintains her weight.
“Women with this condition can lose five per cent of their body weight, so she will need to have weekly weight measurements.
“The most important thing is to get mother to stop being sick and get home.”
The condition is thought to be caused by elevated levels of the “pregnancy hormone” hCG. The body begins to produce human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) after conception.
Mothers who have also suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum said that Kate Middleton will be having a tough time.
Caitlin Dean suffered from the condition and said: “Imagine having a stomach bug that lasts for days and days, months and months – it is just relentless.
“Any movement, any sound, any smell just makes you vomit.
“I vomited 20 to 30 times a day for the first few months, in the latter part it was just once or twice a day but it’s still unpleasant.
“One of the big issues with it is isolation because is causes many women to be bed-bound. There is a real lack of understanding about the condition.”
But despite being a debilitating illness, it is not usually dangerous, and is often a sign that the pregnancy is going to plan, experts say.
Dr. Peter Bowen-Simpkins, consultant obstetrician and medical director of the London Women’s Clinic, has said: “It is almost always a positive sign that the pregnancy is progressing well.
“The sickness is thought to be due to a rise in hormone levels. It normally occurs during weeks six and eight of pregnancy, when the placenta takes over production of hormones from the ovaries.
“It generally continues until around 12 or 14 weeks, but if it stops before, it can – although not always – be a sign that all is not well.”
Jules Robertson, a midwife for the baby charity Tommy’s, said: “If pregnant women are vomiting several times during the day and unable to keep food or drink down, then they will need to be treated to help them cope with the symptoms, and stay nourished and hydrated.
“We advise that anyone experiencing this should see their GP or midwife to be checked. It is more common in early pregnancy, and by around 14-16 weeks, the sickness should have gone – most of the time it is resolved by 20 weeks, and very occasionally it can continue throughout pregnancy.”
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s baby will be born third in line to the throne. The Queen, Prince Philip and other members of the royal family are also “delighted”.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter: “I’m delighted by the news that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting a baby.”
In a statement on the couple’s website, they said: “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby.
“The Duchess was admitted this afternoon to King Edward VII Hospital in Central London with Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
“As the pregnancy is in its very early stages, Her Royal Highness is expected to stay in hospital for several days and will require a period of rest thereafter.”
Dieters are often advised to fill their plates up with fruit and vegetables at meal times to avoid gobbling down calorie laden fare later in the day. But it is not an effective long-term diet solution, a new study has claimed.
Eating fresh and dried fruit before a meal was found to help people feel fuller and eat slightly less during the main course.
But being on a fruit- and vegetable-heavy diet for months made no long-term difference in the volunteers assessments of their own hunger and fullness, American researchers found.
Furthermore, drinking fruit juice before a meal actually boosted hunger and weight gain for some participants in research carried out by Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
When they started with fruit juice instead, the volunteers ended up consuming up to 100 additional calories over a meal.
This researchers say, is because people will often mistake feelings of thirst for hunger and do the juice does not actually go toward making them full
The findings go against the theory that people should “fill up” on lots of fruit and veg to help them feel full for longer and prevent overeating on sugary and fat filled snacks.
The findings follow results from the same trial showing 34 participants – some overweight or obese, some a healthy weight – gained between 3.5 and 5 pounds when they were given eight weeks of fruit juice to incorporate into their diet.
Heavier participants, in particular, also gained weight when they received extra fresh fruit and vegetables.
Filling up with fruit and vegetables at meal times won’t trick you into eating less
Richard Mattes from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and his colleagues found that when they fed volunteers a regular lunch of all-you-can-eat macaroni and cheese, they ate an average of 785 or 821 calories of it, depending on the day.
When the same participants started a meal with fresh and dried fruit, then went on to the main course, they ended up eating 678 calories of lunch, the fruit course included.
When they started with fruit juice instead, the volunteers took in a total of 891 calories.
People ate about 400 more calories, on average, during the test day when they started lunch with juice, compared to when they started with solid fruit, according to the findings published in the International Journal of Obesity.
But those results in favor of fresh and dried fruit did not hold up over the longer-term, Richard Mattes and his team found.
When the researchers provided the volunteers with 400 to 550 calories of either fruits and vegetables or fruit juice each day for eight weeks, there was no change in how they rated their hunger or fullness at regular intervals during each test period.
That means simply adding fruits and veggies to meet nutritional guidelines may not be enough to help people stay full and lose weight – and may actually make it harder for them to shed extra pounds, researchers said.
Richard Mattes and his colleagues advised “careful implementation of recommendations” through counseling or other nutrition programs to make sure people taking steps to improve their diet do not end up accidentally putting on more weight.
“If you tell people to add anything to their diet, you’re going to potentially have no weight loss, or weight gain, even with fruits and vegetables,” said Barbara Rolls, chair of nutritional sciences at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park.
The theory was especially true for beverages since the body regulates hunger and thirst differently – and people often don’t think to eat less to make up for juice or other calorie-filled beverages.
These days, with all the gels, creams and cleansing wipes on the market, it seems incredibly old-fashioned to use soap bar and water to wash your face.
However, soap bar could be on the verge of a renaissance with a number of high-end products popping up in beauty emporiums. The Nephria Beauty Bar, rich in apricot, olive and jojoba oils as well as vitamin E, has just launched in Harvey Nichols. At House of Fraser, they are stocking Gamila Secret, an olive oil-based bar that includes 15 hand-picked herbs.
Bars tend to cost less than other forms of cleanser.
The formulations have changed, too. According to Harley Street dermatologist Dr. Sam Bunting, soaps fell out of favor because many were simply too harsh.
“Soaps contain surfactants [the ingredients that remove dirt and oil], which are irritating, particularly to those with dry or sensitive skin,” she says.
“That nice clean feeling you got after lathering up with soap? That’s due to the stripping of natural oils from the skin.”
Soap bar is back in vogue
However, today’s facial soaps are unrecognizable from their predecessors.
In fact, the companies behind those long-standing favorites insist that this new generation of soaps is simply catching up with what they knew all along.
Clinique dermatologist Dr. David Orentreich is the son of Norman Orentreich, the man who founded Clinique more than 40 years ago.
“To this day, we still find soap is one of the best cleansers,” he says.
“There are three Clinique soaps and all have a very low lather for easy rinsing and leave no residue.”
Beauty’s best-kept secret really is as simple as soap and water.
The DASH diet (DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) was developed by the nutritionist Marla Heller, and was recently voted the healthiest diet in the U.S. by a panel of doctors.
The plan, which is endorsed by The National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute and The American Heart Association, was devised to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and help ward off diabetes. However, its amazing ability to help people lose weight has quickly turned it into a bestseller.
Now, just in time for Christmas, Marla Heller has turbo-charged the original regime to create an even more powerful weight-loss plan.
In this exclusive extract from her new book, The DASH Weight Loss Solution, Heller explains how her simple diet can transform your figure in time for your Christmas party – without counting a single calorie or following a punishing fitness regime.
But unlike other crash diets, which can have an adverse effect on your health, this one is scientifically proven to boost health.
Over the next two weeks, you can not only drop a dress size and flatten your tummy, but fire up your metabolism and train your appetite to resist all those calorific treats you’ll be tempted by over the festive season.
If you’re worrying whether you’ll be able to squeeze into that unforgiving party dress this season, the DASH plan is a godsend.
So how does it work? Instead of counting calories and fussing over fat, Marla Heller says the best way to lose weight is to focus on the type of foods you are eating. The key is to choose lean proteins and healthy fats that will help to fill you up and control your appetite, rather than spend time worrying about the things you need to avoid.
Divided into two phases, the diet promises not only to help you lose weight – in particular around your stomach area – but has been proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and developing diabetes.
Phase One of the DASH diet (the initial two weeks of the programme that we will be outlining here) is a low-carbohydrate transition period designed to reset your metabolism.
This protein-rich eating plan – which cuts out fruit and wholegrains for 14 days – will keep you feeling satisfied for longer and, because it’s low in carbs and sugars, also helps trigger fast, immediately visible weight loss.
Phase Two then reintroduces wholegrains, fruit and starchy vegetables in order to maintain and continue your weight loss, as well as improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Marla Heller says that although the DASH diet is not designed to be an aggressive weight-loss regime, and results will vary from person to person, people tend to lose around 5 lb in the first two weeks – and between 10 lb and 35 lb over a period of two months.
So what are the key things you need to change about your eating habits to see results before Christmas? First, you will learn to consume lots of vegetables. You can eat as much non-starchy veg as you want to – there are no limits. You should also include protein-rich foods, such as lean meat, fish, low-fat cheese and nuts, that increase satiety, helping to reduce snacking by keeping your blood sugar levels more stable.
By cutting out starchy and sugary foods, your metabolism will operate more efficiently, since you will have a reduced demand for insulin (the hormone that keeps blood sugar levels in kilter). You will also notice you are eating lighter, healthier foods, which will make you feel more energized.
Within the first few days, you will notice your waist shrinking as you lose belly fat, which tends to build up when we eat large amounts of carbohydrates.
PHASE 1: Lose that bulge in 14 days
For the next 14 days, include moderate-sized servings of these three food groups in every main meal (i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner). As a guide, a portion of meat, fish and poultry should be the size of your palm. A handful of beans, nuts, lentils and soy foods is about right. A portion of cheese should be the size of a small matchbox.
EAT…
1. Foods that are protein-rich and low in saturated fat. These include:
Lean meats
Fish and poultry
Beans and lentils
Soy foods
Low-fat cheeses
Eggs
Unsweetened or artificially sweetened yogurt (one small pot per day)
2. Heart-healthy fats. These are foods that contain omega-3 and polyunsaturated fats, which have been shown, if eaten regularly, to have beneficial effects on circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease. Good sources include:
Avocados
Vegetable oils, especially olive, rapeseed and nut oils
Note that coconut oil and palm oil are excluded, since they are high in saturated fat, along with salad dressings, especially those based on these two oils.
3. Foods that are protein-rich and contain healthy fats. These include:
Nuts (preferably non-roasted and unsalted) and seeds
Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel.
PLUS…
As much sugar-free, fruit-flavored jelly as you want – this will become your fruit and dessert substitute. All vegetables, with the exception of starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn, are also unlimited.
AVOID…
Starchy foods (other than beans). This means no: bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, all foods fried in batter, sugary foods (which includes fruit, fresh, frozen, dried or tinned), alcohol, caffeinated beverages, milk.
The DASH diet was developed by the nutritionist Marla Heller and was recently voted the healthiest diet in the US by a panel of doctors
SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS
Eat three meals a day, plus a morning, afternoon and optional pre-dinner snack. Do not skip any of the main meals or snacks. This will keep your blood sugar steady, and help you avoid hunger.
Challenging fitness activities such as jogging, Zumba, aerobics, cycling and weight training should be avoided. Instead, try to do no more than 30 minutes of light or moderate activity per day. Moderate activity such as walking or gentle yoga will keep blood sugar stable and burn belly fat.
Go to bed earlier. You may initially feel less energetic on this two-week “jump start” programme. Don’t worry – your energy levels will go back to normal once you move on to Phase Two of the programme.
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeine and instead aim for at least eight glasses of water, vegetable juice and herbal tea a day.
Don’t cut out salt altogether. This 14-day programme can be dehydrating. Without starchy and sugary foods, your body will flush out excess fluid more quickly than usual. Allowing yourself to have plenty of drinks and a moderate amount of salty foods will help prevent too much fluid loss.
Relax. You may get frustrated in the middle of the jump-start period. Your body is going through lots of changes, all for the better. Keep going – it will get easier. Focus on your weight-loss results. Your success will keep you motivated and make it easier to stay on track. It is absolutely ok to weigh yourself daily; it will build an aura of success. Although weight loss will vary widely from person to person, you can expect to lose at least 5 lb over the fortnight.
PHASE 2: KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF FOREVER
After this initial reset phase, if you want to continue losing weight and feeling well you are ready to move on to Phase Two.
Working your way through Phase One, you will have already learnt to make your meals more satisfying with proteins, non-starchy vegetables and heart-healthy fats.
In Phase Two, you should continue to eat some protein and plenty of vegetables at every meal – but you can start to add wholegrains (no more than three portions) and fruit (two portions) to your daily diet. You can also ramp up your exercise regime with more aerobic activity and toning exercises.
One portion of wholegrain = 1 slice wholemeal bread; half a wholemeal muffin; half a wholemeal bread roll; half a cup cooked wholemeal pasta or brown rice; half a jacket potato or three new potatoes with skins on, or one tbsp wholegrain cereal.
One portion of fruit = 1 small piece of fresh fruit; half a glass of fruit juice; 1 dessertspoon of dried fruit; 2 tbsp of canned fruit in juice.
You will continue to lose weight, although slightly more slowly after the initial reset phase, but it’s a plan you can enjoy for life.
THE MENUS
You should have a breakfast, lunch, dinner, mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack every day. If you feel you need it, you can also have a pre-dinner snack:
Breakfasts (Choose one)
One sliced boiled egg served with one or two slices of grilled lean bacon and a small glass of tomato juice
Two scrambled eggs plus a small slice of roast beef and sliced tomatoes
One turkey and cheese roll-up (place a large slice of turkey on top of a slice of reduced-fat cheese, such as Leerdammer Lightlife, and roll up) plus a glass of vegetable juice
Egg-white omelette (made using two egg whites and a squirt of cooking spray) with lean ham and mushrooms
A handful of mixed nuts with vegetable crudités (celery, radishes, carrots, cucumber and peppers are all suitable)
Snacks (Choose one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon)
One Babybel Light cheese plus a handful of carrot batons
One small no-fat yoghurt plus ten walnuts or cashews
One dessert spoon of peanut butter with celery sticks
One stick of low-fat cheese served with celery sticks
Two tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese with crudités
Lunches (Choose one, plus a pot of sugar-free jelly for dessert)
One grilled chicken breast served with large green salad dressed with oil and vinegar
Two or three ham and cheese roll-ups (place a slice of low-fat/light cheese on top of a slice of lean ham). Served with a tablespoon of raw coleslaw topped with an oil and vinegar dressing and cucumber
One can of flaked tuna in spring water mixed with light mayonnaise and finely chopped pepper and onion, served with a large salad dressed with an oil and vinegar dressing
Large tomato stuffed with low-fat cottage cheese with chives and black pepper, served with a side salad
One grilled Portobello mushroom topped with one thin slice of ham and sprinkle of low-fat cheese
Pre-dinner snacks (Optional)
Red pepper strips with a tablespoon of guacamole
Handful of unsalted, roasted peanuts or pistachios (approx 20)
Tablespoon of low-fat hummus with crudités
Dinners (Choose one, plus a pot of sugar-free jelly for dessert)
One lean grilled beef burger served with steamed vegetables
Portion of rotisserie chicken served with a vegetable salad, sprinkled with pine nuts and oil and vinegar dressing
Stir-fried salmon portion with Chinese vegetables (use a Chinese or Thai spice paste for flavoring)
Grilled pork chop with mashed cauliflower and green beans with balsamic dressing
