Saturday, March 27, 2010

Blue-haired Katy Perry sees the funny side after getting slimed at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards

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By Daily Mail Reporter

I slimed a girl: Katy Perry laughs as she gets covered in green gunge at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles yesterday


You know you've made it big in Tinsletown when you've been slimed at the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards.

And this year's recipient was none other than Kary Perry who was almost knocked over as she was hit by a box full of green gunge at the ceremony in Los Angeles yesterday.


*** Scroll down to watch video ***


The I Kissed A Girl singer went up to the podium with actor Jonah Hill to present the award for Favourite Movie Actress.

But as she walked over to a stand to open the box to announce Miley Cyrus as the winner, it exploded in her face, covering her from head to toe in network's signature bright green gunge.

Katy, 24, was expecting to be hit, but still managed to look genuinely surprised as she was drenched.

After wiping the slime away from her eyes, Perry moaned: 'I can't see anything. Why does it taste like boogers?'


And the winner is: Slime explodes in Katy's face as she goes to announce the Favourite Movie Actress award


Hill, star of Superbad and Forgetting Sarah Marshall - which also stars Katy's fiance Russell Brand, had the good sense to stand back as he watched his co-presenter succumb to the slime.

But she wasn't going to let him get away scot free and ran over to him to give him a big slimy hug.

Thankfully, Katy had the good hindsight to wear a gunge repellent dress as she came on stage in a blue wig and a tight yellow rubber dress decorated with blue flowers.


Oh no you don't! Katy gives her co-presenter Jonah Hill a slimy hug after he avoided getting hit

She had arrived at the awards in a tiny colourful dress with a plunging neckline, raising eyebrows over the suitability of the outfit for a kids' awards ceremony.
Looking like a Las Vegas showgirl, the 25-year-old flaunted her curves in a The Blonds dress and Christian Louboutin sparkly heels.

Addressing Brand on her Twitter page before the awards, she said: 'Word on the street is they are trying to slime me tonight @the kids choice awards! Good thing I've had a lot of practice right?

'Also heard Justin Bieber's gonna b here 2night, can't wait to tap that.'


Legging it: Rihanna wore a Christian Dior dress and heels (left) while Katy Perry left little to the imagination in a showgirl-style dress by The Blonds as they arrived at the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards


Poles apart: Rihanna was dressed more modestly than usual, while Katy nearly spilled out of her low-cut dress

And usually known for her flamboyant, flash-fleshing outfits, Rihanna wisely toned down her usual red carpet style at the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards last night.

The Bajan singer, 22, was relatively covered up in comparison to her usual risqué outfits in a pink pleated Christian Dior dress, Brian Atwood heels and ankle socks.

However, she still managed to turn heads with her new two-toned blonde and black bob hairstyle.


Military chic: Rihanna performed a medley of her songs Hard, Rude Boy and Don't Stop The Music


Heavy metal: Rihanna is joined on stage by two dancing robots

Rihanna then changed into a bright pink and khaki dress for a medley of her songs Hard, Rude Boy and Don't Stop The Music.

Katy and Rihanna were just a few of dozens of stars from the world of TV, music and movies who attended the ceremony at the UCLA's Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles.

Hollywood A-lister Will Smith made the event a family affair as he arrived with wife Jada Pinkett Smith, his son Trey and their children Jaden and Willow.


Well heeled: (L-R) Pixie Lott flew the flag for Britain in a black bandeau dress, supermodel-turned-talk show host Tyra Bank looked colourful in orange and yellow while Demi Lovato kept it simple in a little black dress


Casual chic: (L-R) Avatar star Zoe Saldana opted for jeans and a Isabel Marant jacket, Jada Pinkett Smith flashed her pins in a pair of shorts while Rosario Dawson wore a white jersey dress


The Oscar-nominated actor was happy to take a step back and let his son Jaden, 11, bask in the limelight.

Jaden, who co-starred with his father in The Pursuit Of Happyness, is promoting his new role in the remake of The Karate Kid.

He was joined on the orange carpet by his co-star Jackie Chan, who plays Kung-Fu master Mr Han - similar to the Mr Miyagi role from the original Eighties films.


It's a family affair: Jackie Chan joins his Karate Kid co-star Jaden Smith (front left) and his family (L-R) Trey Smith, Will Smith, Jada and Willow (front right)


Wax on, wax off: Jaden shows off his martial arts skills

Jaden gave the young audience a glimpse of his karate skills as he struck some martial arts poses on stage.

Representing Britain at the predominantly American turnout for Essex's very own Pixie Lott, who wore a strapless black dress, peep-toe heels and carried a Chanel clutch bag.

While some stars were going for designer dresses, some decided to go for the smart casual looks


Coupled up: Kevin Jonas with wife Danielle (far left), Nick Jonas (centre) and Joe Jonas with girlfriend and Camp Rock co-star Demi Lovato


Avatar actress Zoe Saldana opted for a smart grey Isabel Marant jacket and skinny blue jeans, while Rosario Dawson wore a white summer dress.

Also in attendance was Tyra Banks, Canadian singer Justin Bieber, Twilight actor Taylor Lautner and Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel.

The Jonas Brothers brought along their respective partners - oldest brother Kevin with his new wife Danielle and middle brother Joe with actress Demi Lovato.


Boys are in town: Canadian singer Justin Bieber (left), Twilight heart-throb Taylor Lautner (centre) and Slumdog Millionaire actor Dev Patel

And the winners are...Favourite Film Actor:Taylor Lautner - Twilight
Favourite Film Actress: Miley Cyrus - The Hannah Montana Movie

Favourite Voice From An Animated Movie: Jim Carrey - A Christmas Carol
Favourite Animated Movie: Up
Cutest Movie Couple: Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart - Twilight

Favourite TV Show: iCarly
Favourite TV Actress: Selena Gomez
Favourite TV Actor: Dylan Sprouse

Favourite Male Artist: Jay-Z
Favourite Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Favourite Song: Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me








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The moment Lewis Hamilton was booked by police and has sports car impounded for pulling tyre-smoking stunt in Melbourne street

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By Daily Mail Reporter

Upset: F1 star Lewis Hamilton slunk down from his set to hide from photographers after being arrested by police in Melbourne, Australia


This was the moment Australian police booked British Formula 1 ace Lewis Hamilton for spinning the wheels of his silver Mercedes sports car.

The 2008 F1 world champion was pulled over under what are commonly known as 'anti-hoon' laws after police saw him driving erratically down a road in Melbourne after leaving practice for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

The sportsman appeared embarrassed and upset by the incident, which saw him accelerate so hard that the wheels spun and smoke billowed from the tyres, and sank down into his seat as officers questioned him.


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Booked: Hamilton being arrested by Australian police in Melbourne on suspicion of driving offences


Hamilton, 25, looked close to tears as he attempted to cover his face with his hands to prevent photographers taking shots of him as he was arrested.

In a statement shortly after his car was towed away by police, he said: 'I was driving in an over-exuberant manner and, as a result, was stopped by the police.

What I did was silly and I want to apologise for it.'

The 25-year-old is understood to have told officers who stopped him that he was worried the incident would tarnish his reputation.

Hamilton was on Lakeside Drive, which is set aside each year as part of the Formula 1 race.

Police have been clamping down on 'hoons' - often young motorists who speed, spin their car wheels and perform rear-wheel swerving 'fishtails' and circular 'doughnuts' - on public roads.

So when at around 9.15pm last night local time, Hamilton was seen leaving a temporary enclosure set up beside Lakeside Drive in preparation for the Formula 1 race and burning his tyres in the process, police who had been parked in a van chased after him with blue light flashing. He pulled over immediately.

Senior Constable Scott Woodford of Melbourne police said Hamilton was 'extremely co-operative,' adding: 'It would have been fair to say he was fairly disappointed with the incident.'

He was interviewed at the spot on Lakeside Drive, part of the four-mile Formula 1 circuit near the junction of Fitzroy Street - a popular restaurant and red light area - for about half an hour and was routinely breath-tested.


Hamilton's car is impounded after he was pulled over by police


Hamilton's Mercedes C63 is towed away


Lewis Hamilton talks to engineers in the McLaren garage during qualifying for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix today

With his name and address recorded, he was booked for improper use of a vehicle - and his car was then towed to a police yard in the suburb of Preston, where it will be held for 48 hours under Australia's strict 'anti-hoon' laws.

It is not known whether Hamilton telephoned anyone in the McLaren team to give him a lift back to his hotel or whether he returned by taxi.

The laws have been in force for a number of years in the hope of cutting down on anti-social behaviour that includes burn-outs and speeding.
Hamilton will be charged under summons, which means a date has to be set for a court appearance.

This could result in his case being hastily scheduled because he is a visitor, or an arrangement might be made for him to be represented by a lawyer in his absence.

It could not be confirmed whether the Mercedes was his own vehicle or whether it had been rented or loaned to him.

It seems yesterday's incident may have affected Hamilton's performance on the racetrack today, as he qualified in 11th place for the Australian Grand Prix.

However, Hamilton said the booking had 'not really affected' his qualifying position.

He added: 'I don't know if I got the right heat into the tyres - but at least Jenson Button's doing a good job.'

Button qualified in third place.

But McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh insisted: 'Lewis was a bit distracted after what happened.

'Sometimes you have a good day, sometimes a less good day.'


Drivers convicted of improper use of a motor vehicle face a maximum fine of about £760 and, if they possess an Australian drivers licence, would lose five points from their 12 points.

'Generally if someone is booked for doing what we would described as "a wheelie", that is spinning the tyres and causing smoke, this is seen as losing traction, which in turn means not having complete control of a motor vehicle,' a legal source explained.

Police around Australia have been on high alert for irresponsible driving in recent months following a spate of young motorists being involved in speeding, fatal crashes and chases by police.

In one accident earlier this week the young driver of a stolen car, being chased by police until the officers dropped back, smashed into another vehicle killing himself and the two adults and a baby in the other car.
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Catch me if you can: How Wile E Coyote gave New York's finest the runaround

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By Daily Mail Reporter

On the run: The coyote shortly after she was first spotted emerging from the Holland Tunnel into Manhattan


For a while it looked as though she'd outwitted the fire-power and resources of New York's finest but in the end there was no escape.

Dubbed Wile E Coyote, after the cartoon character, the 30lb female coyote was first spotted emerging from Holland Tunnel into Manhattan on Wednesday afternoon before darting into traffic.

The tunnel connects the island of Manhattan in New York City with New Jersey on the mainland.

Drivers and passersby alerted police and up to 20 officers were dispatched, some with tranquilizer guns, to catch the one-year-old female.
Scroll down for video report


Cornered? Officers with tranquilizer guns were sent out to catch the coyote

'I thought it was a little wolf,' said 18-year-old painter Demetrius Jones. 'It looked scared.'

At one point they thought she was cornered in the TriBeca neighbourhood but she made another break for freedom and wasn't spotted again until yesterday.

Officers tracked her down to an open air car park at the corner of Watts Street and the West Side Highway. She was spotted hiding under a vehicle.

This time they managed to fire a tranquiliser dart into her before she got away again. The coyote was then taken away in a pet carrier to a rescue centre.

Detective James Coll, of New York's Emergency Service Unit, said: 'Our unit trains for any number of eventualities in the community. We do come across some strange things in the city but this one of the things that make this city as great as it is.'


Laying low: The coyote looks out from under a car as officers move in to catch her


I'm off: The coyote darted through traffic and escaped the officers pursuing her


'I thought it was a little wolf,' said 18-year-old painter Demetrius Jones. 'It looked scared.'

At one point they thought she was cornered in the TriBeca neighbourhood but she made another break for freedom and wasn't spotted again until yesterday.

Officers tracked her down to an open air car park at the corner of Watts Street and the West Side Highway. She was spotted hiding under a vehicle.

This time they managed to fire a tranquiliser dart into her before she got away again. The coyote was then taken away in a pet carrier to a rescue centre.

Detective James Coll, of New York's Emergency Service Unit, said: 'Our unit trains for any number of eventualities in the community. We do come across some strange things in the city but this one of the things that make this city as great as it is.'

Animal welfare officials will observe the animal before deciding where to take it. It is not sure whether the coyote came via the tunnel from New Jersey or was trying to head out of the city.


I need back-up! First time round the coyote made good her escape but a day later officers captured the one-year-old


Armed with tranquiliser guns, 20 officers were sent out to capture the coyote. The female was taken to an animal rescue centre after her capture, right

It is the fourth time this year a coyote has been spotted in 'downtown' Manhattan.

In February, three coyotes were spotted on the Columbia University campus.

As unusual as it sounds, coyotes do live in New York City and in larger numbers outside the city limits.

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Kim Tae Woo gets together with BEG Narsha for Samsung Anycall

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Former g.o.d. member Kim Tae Woo recently got together with fellow Invincible Youth member and Brown Eyed Girl Narsha for a Samsung Anycall Commercial Music Video.

This Commercial Music Video is titled 우심폰까 and uses the beat from Kim Tae Woo’s 내가 야! 하면 넌 예! / I say ya! You say ye (Duet With LYN), which he promoted back in November.

Overall, it’s a very cute commercial. You gotta love Kim Tae Woo trying to sneak in a kiss at the end of the video.

Thanks to casn1008 for the tip and check out the video below.



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Friday, March 26, 2010

Another new teaser for upcoming drama Personal Taste!

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As the debut date draws closer, upcoming MBC drama Personal Taste has been teasing us more and more. Last week they released a 50 second teaser and today another 36 second teaser has been released.

Boys Over Flowers heartthrob, Lee Minho portrays a heterosexual man who is acting as a homosexual man to be Son Ye Jin’s roommate. He also tries to use this to break past her defensive barriers to earn her trust easily and to then woo her into submission.

This teaser is hilarious as it has some butt grabbing and 2AM’s Seulong acting diva-ish… reminding me of fellow 2AM member Jo Kwon. Check out the teaser below and thanks to Dahyun for the tip. The first episode is scheduled to air on March 31st.
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Amerie Heard ‘Em All with 4minute on Music Bank!

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Previously we reported that girl group 4minute would be making a joint performance with American R&B singer Amerie on stage. Now the moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived as the six girls perform Heard ‘Em All on KBS Music Bank!

4minute and Amerie had originally collaborated a month ago to add a little k-pop taste to the track. After arriving in Korea and practicing vigorously, they gave everyone a sample of what was to come by performing at the Kia Motors Auto Show. The American singer appeared on M! Countdown solo last night but this time she comes with five new special Korean girls.

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen all the girls of 4minute on stage together. Looks like it’s a reunion and a collaboration of sorts. Watch below as the girls of 4minute reunite for the fans and put on one powerful performance with Amerie as they show everyone how it’s done.
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After School makes a Bang! at the club

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With all this hype around After School, I couldn’t resist getting out my gear and busting some… beats. I liked the rowdee edge from the original track, so I honed in on that aspect of the song in the Pink Remix, while the Blue Remix focused on the beautiful middle 8 of the original.

Blue Remix: The shouting is removed and features the slow part as the chorus.


Pink Remix: A furious quick sweep of rock & roll, sampling the legendary Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love.



Also be sure to check out this club friendly mashup by FreakyRemix. The track uses 2NE1 member Dara’s Kiss as the main backing track with elements of 2Ne1 and After School’s debut song Ah! sprinkled throughout the mashup.



And in case you missed out on this, here’s an electropop remix of Big Bang’s Lollipop 2, sampling old school Turbo Black Cat.


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Angelic Miranda Kerr shares her diet tips as she shows off her enviable bikini body

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By Sarah Bull

Toned: Miranda happily displays her taut stomach and enviable curves in a hot pink bikini and denim hotpants


It's not hard to see what first attracted Orlando Bloom to girlfriend Miranda Kerr.

The stunning model, who has been dating Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando for the past three years, showed off her enviable curves as she celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the Victoria's Secret Swim Catalogue.

Wearing a shockingly bright pink bikini, Miranda, 26, looked toned and tanned as she posed for photographs, but the Australian star admits she has to work to maintain her svelte figure.


She said: 'The first step is eating healthy. I predominantly eat organic when I can. I eat extremely healthy because when I do, I have more energy.

'I love spinach, avocado, lots of greens and broccoli.'

However, Miranda admitted she does sometimes enjoy a treat and occasionally likes to splurge on fattening foods.

She added to E Online: 'I'm pretty much 80 percent healthy, 20 percent indulgent, because I don't believe in depriving yourself.'


Sexy: Miranda's hot pink Victoria's Secret bikini flattered her tanned skin


Radiant: The 26-year-old model glowed as she posed for photos at Los Angeles' SLS Hotel


While Miranda was criticised earlier this year for her tiny frame, the model insists she takes her responsibility as a role model seriously, and would never put her health in danger.

She explained: 'As soon as you step into the public eye you need to take responsibility for the people you are influencing.

'Body image is something that the majority of young women struggle with and I do think it is important that models are seen to be healthy and at a weight that works for their body type.'


Tanned trio: Miranda poses with fellow Victoria's Secret Angels Candice Swanepoel (centre) and Alessandra Ambrosio


Fun: The friends giggle as they wade into the pool for their photo shoot


But, unlike some celebrities who claim they are blessed with toned figures that do not need exercise to maintain, Miranda is refreshingly honest about her workout regime.

As well as enjoying yoga, Pilates and weight training, Miranda also likes 'to go on the stepping machine if I'm a hotel and I can't get outside.'

Miranda, who has worked with Victoria's Secret since 2007, also revealed her tips for choosing the right bikini to flatter your body shape.


Water babies: The girls laugh as the frolick in the swimming pool


She said: 'Everyone has different body shapes so it's best to find a swimsuit that flatters your individual shape.But most importantly, with the right attitude and confidence any swimsuit will look good!'

A keen advocate of practising what you preach, Miranda recently starred in a cheeky 'Bikini Mixer' video for the lingerie company, where she shows off her figure in a series of bikinis and even displays her flexibility by performing the splits.
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Thursday, March 25, 2010

The moment Red Arrow jets collide mid-air over Crete captured on video

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Impact: A cloud of smoke rises up from the site of the collision just seconds after the crash


This amateur video footage captures the moment two Red Arrow display planes collide on a training exercise over Crete.

The dramatic scenes took place on Tuesday as the RAF aerobatic team carried out their annual pre-season training.

The excitement of the tourist taking the video quickly turns to terror as he realises the jets have hit each other, with one of the pilots forced to eject.

Witnesses reported that the plane appeared to touch the wing tip of another Red Arrows plane before crashing on to the runway at Kastelli Military Airport.


The white vapor-trails from the two jets can be seen in the middle of the picture moments before pilots are forced to take evasive action. They collide near the hill seen in the centre of the video screen-shot




Flight Lieutenant Mike Ling parachuted to the ground after ejecting from his £5million plane at a height of 300 metres - moments before the aircraft crashed and was 'totally destroyed'.

Police on the Greek island said Flt Lt Ling escaped with only a dislocated shoulder.

The pilot of the second plane, Flt Lt Dave Montenegro, landed safely alongside the squadron's other seven planes at Iraklio Airport - some 22 miles from the scene of the accident.

The squadron is made up of 11 pilots - the first nine of whom fly in the famous 'Diamond Nine' formation, which has been performed at more than 4,200 displays.


Escape: Flight Lieutenant Mike Ling, blood running from his wounds, is rushed to a Crete hospital in a neck brace after surviving the crash by parachuting from his jet


Horror crash: A man, believed to be an RAF engineer, examines the wreckage of the lucky pilot's plane in Crete


The first female to fly with the Red Arrows, Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Moore, joined the team this year.

During the past four months, the aerobatic team has been involved in intensive training for the air show season.

The squadron is usually based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. Its training abroad is called 'Operation Springhawk' and is divided between Crete and RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

The group had been in Greece for only three days when the accident happened and are not due to return to the UK until May 25.


Damage: The other Hawk jet that survived the accident. The tip of its tail and the back wing tip both appear to have snapped off


Paramedics carry the pilot into the hospital. He escaped with a dislocated shoulder


A British embassy official initially said that Greek and British air force experts believed the plane had crashed due to engine failure. However, Greek radio claimed that witnesses maintained the crash was caused when two planes touched wings.

The alleged collision may have been caught on camera, as the Red Arrows practice sessions are often filmed to help them hone their display before the busy summer season.

After training is complete, they must perform before the RAF's top brass, who decide if they qualify for a Public Display Authority.

Without it, they would not be able to perform in displays already booked for this year - and no team has failed to secure its PDA since the squadron's first public display at Biggin Hill in Kent in 1965.

There have been Red Arrow crashes before - notably when a Hawk crashed into a house in Welton, Lincolnshire, in 1987.


Lucky escape: Flight Lieutenant Mike Ling, left, suffered a dislocated shoulder in the crash, while Flight Lieutenant David Montenegro landed safely without injury


Air of danger: British Royal Air Force Red Arrows aerobatic team perform in Crete on Monday


Last night an MoD spokesman said: 'We can confirm that an incident has occurred involving the Red Arrows whilst undertaking pre-season training at Hellenic Air Force Base Kastelli in Crete.

A service inquiry will be convened to identify the cause of the crash. It is not appropriate to comment further at this stage.'

An RAF spokesman confirmed that Flt Lt Lingwas taken to Kastelli hospital for treatment after he sustained 'a dislocated shoulder and minor injuries'.

They added that his aircraft was 'severely damaged on impact with the runway'.

The squadron's remaining eight planes landed safely at Iraklio Airport - some 22 miles away from the scene of the mid-air drama.

'Two Hawk aircraft from the Royal Air Force Red Arrows Aerobatic Team collided whilst undertaking pre-season training at Hellenic Air Force Base Kastelli in Crete,' the spokesman said.

'An investigation into the cause of the incident will shortly be under way and the 2010 season training will continue as soon as possible.'

Ten Hawks and a C130 Hercules left RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire on Saturday and travelled to Crete via France and Italy.


The Red Arrows, including the first female pilot Kirsty Moore, back row far left, pose for a photo in Crete before the incident

The Red Arrows, formed in 1965, have completed more than 4,000 displays in 53 countries and are renowned for their spectacular displays.

Many Red Arrows pilots and support staff have recently returned from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The aerobatics group usually spend hours honing their display before it is seen by hundreds of thousands of people each summer.

The team boasts the motto 'eclat' - the French for 'excellence'.

During the past four months the Red Arrows team has been involved in intensive training for the 2010 air show season.

Led by Squadron Leader Ben Murphy they are normally based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire
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The space-age car which swerves away from danger by 'talking' to other vehicles

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By Wil Longbottom

Baby, you can drive my car: The EN-Vcar, pronounced 'envy', is show-cased in Shanghai


OK, it's not quite as foldable as the space vehicle that cartoon figure George Jetson pops into his briefcase as he heads into the office.
But the EN-V concept car, GM's 'automobile solution' for the future, just might fit into an apartment foyer.
The space age electric car has been designed to avoid accidents by automatically swerving around other cars by communicating with them.
General Motors and its Chinese partner SAIC showcased the 'Electric Networked-Vehicle' yesterday in their joint pavilion at the Shanghai Expo, which opens May 1 and runs for six months.


*** Scroll down to see video ***


Five of the EN-Vs fit in the parking space needed for one conventional vehicle, claim GM


The EN-V, pronounced 'envy' is GM's latest effort to burnish its credentials as a future-focused, environmentally friendly company and shed its image as the bastion of the gas guzzling Hummer.

The automaker is in the process of winding down Hummer after a deal collapsed to sell it to a Chinese heavy equipment maker.

The Detroit car manufacturer is hoping the helmet-shaped vehicle will help establish it as a significant player in fuel-efficient vehicles after emerging from bankruptcy last July.

GM is not alone in viewing China as the ultimate landscape for tiny urban vehicles. Daimler introduced its Smart ultracompact here in 2008, though few of them can be seen yet on Shanghai streets.

The concept behind the car has already been seen in Hollywood blockbuster films including Minority Report and I-Robot, starring Will Smith.

The two-wheel, two-seater EN-V, which looks something like an oversized vacuum cleaner, is not just about making vehicles small, lightweight and emission-free, the company says.


Kevin Wale, president and managing director of GM China Group, speaks at the launch ceremony with three versions of the car behind him


he's off: The EN-V is taken for a spin at the unveiling


'What we're talking about here is completely redoing the automobile,' says Michael Albano, GM director of product and technology communications.

With the trunk-less EN-V, GM has jettisoned the traditional 'three box' system and petrol-fuelled engine in place of a pure-electric minivehicle meant strictly for city driving.

Other major car manufacturers, including Toyota and Nissan, have produced similar zero-emission mobility concepts as they look to meet higher fuel economy standards and increased consumer demand for greener models.

Five fit in the parking space needed for one conventional vehicle, says Kevin Wale, president and managing director for GM China Group.

'GM's vision with SAIC is petroleum-free, emission-free, accident-free and congestion-free,' said Mr Wale.

'We think we can do that by combining the benefits of electricity and connectivity.'

What better a place to suggest such a solution than in smoggy, accident-plagued, traffic congested China, home to 1.3 billion people?

By 2040, GM says, there will be 1.2 billion cars on Earth, and 60 per cent of humanity will be living in cities. For megacity countries like China, the explosion in use of conventional automobiles has already turned into a nightmare of smog, jammed roadways, and non-existent parking.

China is GM's second largest market after the U.S. and a strategic background as car manufacturers compete for the biggest market share.

In 2009, GM sold 1.83million vehicles in China, up 67 per cent, and broke its own sales records every single month of the year.

It is expect to sell more than two million this year.

The 1.5m by 1.5m (about 5ft by 5ft) EN-V appears to build on GM's earlier work with Segway Inc. in developing the PUMA, or Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility, vehicle.

It will use the same types of battery cells as the Segway and the same battery supplier, Valence Technology Inc., said Christopher Borroni-Bird, GM's director of advanced technology vehicle concepts.

With the EN-V, GM proposes to reconstruct the automobile's 'DNA'.
The EN-V's maximum speed of only 40km per hour (24mph) - even now city roads average only 20km per hour (12mph) and often less - and other high-tech features reduce the need for heavy, high-stress steel, bumpers, air bags and crumple zones, says Mr Albano.

Apart from its diminutive size and light weight - 400kg (880lb) including the passengers - the vehicle would offer drivers the option of 'autonomous driving':

letting the car drive itself via an elaborate system of GPS systems, digital maps, roadway and vehicle sensors, cameras and other devices.
'None of this is beyond the technology that exists today,' Mr Wale says.

The idea of allowing the car to take over may sound alarming to some, especially given the recalls due to unintended acceleration and other problems with some Toyota vehicles.

But GM's experts say there would be fail-safe backups for any electronics and that, properly equipped and in the right setting, vehicles can do a better job than humans at averting accidents.

In theory, EN-Vs could be hitched together to allow drivers to commute to work while finishing up shaving, phone calls or whatever else without endangering fellow road warriors.

But such functions would have to be optional, Wale says.

'We don't want to take the excitement out of driving,' he said.

The Shanghai Expo, with its theme of 'Better City, Better Life,' offers an apt occasion for GM to introduce its vision for a solution to the urban ills growing worse day-by-day thanks to China's craze for cars.

Whether China and its drivers - who seem inordinately fond of big, heavy cars and nearly acrobatic feats of lane switching - would go for this concept remains to be seen.

But GM does have a track record - at least in its distant past - of foreseeing at least some future trends.

The GM 'Futurama' vision of a superhighway system, introduced at the 1939 New York World's Fair, is said to have inspired the U.S. Interstate Highway System.

'We're looking at solutions for 2030,' said Mr Wale.

'We're looking at ways we can recreate the business we're in a way that takes into account the changes in the world since the products we're using today were invented under a different set of circumstances.'

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ZE:A releases All Day MV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzfCIPYT4zAendofvid
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After singing about the days of the week for their debut single, Mazeltov, the ZE:A boys have gone back to the drawing board and returned with something more bad-ass.

Their new music video is inspired by the classic movie, Friends and sees them getting transformed into high-schoolers who brawl. It looks highly similar to a Japanese movie, Crows Zero but you cannot fault their effort.

The song All Day is a tune by the Brave Brothers.
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