Ellen DeGeneres gets sneak preview of Universal's Harry Potter theme park

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Living the high life: Ellen, Alex and Nicholas ride a high-speed roller coaster in the new Harry Potter theme park

Ellen DeGeneres got in touch with her inner child as she was given a sneak preview of the new Harry Potter theme park, which is due to open in Florida in less than three months.
Filming for her U.S. television programme, the chat show host was given exclusive access to the 20-acre park along with two young boys, Alex and Nicholas.

Up until now, fans have had to make do with artists' impressions of what the theme park will look like, but now Pottermaniacs can get a glimpse of the real thing.


The real deal: Ellen was given exclusive access to the new Harry Potter attraction that is due to open in less than three months


Ellen and the boys wandered through the empty theme park, taking turns to ride a high-speed roller coaster themed after the 'Triwizard Tournament'.

The trio were also pictured nosing around Dumbledore's den, which comes complete with a dusty desk, walls covered in oil paintings and shelves filled with hundreds of books.

Ellen jokes with the boys as they explain various aspects of the Harry Potter experience to her.

When they come to a replica of the Hogwarts Express, Ellen quips that it 'looks more like the midnight train to Georgia'.


In the frame: The chat show host and her young companions nose around Dumbledore's den


Pointing in the right direction: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opens on 18 June, will be a new addition to the Universal Orlando theme park


Sweetie heaven: Every shop and restaurant in the new theme park is Potter-themed


As the boys stop to get a pint of Butterbeer from a street vendor, they have explain to the chat show host that the drink is non-alcoholic.

In a typically humorous response, Ellen whips out a hipflask and takes a swig.

When Ellen, Alex and Nicholas stop off at the Owl Post office, Ellen has to concede: 'Who doesn't like owls?'

At The Owl Post, guests can send letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opens on 18 June, will be a new addition to the Universal Orlando theme park.


One for the road: As the boys stop to get a pint of Butterbeer from a street vendor, they have explain to Ellen that the drink is non-alcoholic


Grand entrance: Visitors enter the 'Wizarding World' through a station archway named after Hogsmeade, the magical village near Hogwarts


Dusty: Dumbledore's den, which comes complete with a desk, walls covered in oil paintings and shelves filled with hundreds of books


The new attraction has been in development for almost three years when Universal announced that it had acquired the rights to representing the franchise from Warner Brothers and J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series.

Art and set directors from the films, including Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig and art director Alan Gilmore, were hired to translate the movies into the park.

Rowling, known for carefully guarding the Potter franchise, hasn't yet been to Orlando, but the design team has made several trips to London for consultations with the author.

'The interesting thing about Harry Potter is that the stories are so rich in themselves, so deep,' said Universal Creative President Mark Woodbury.


Thrills: Art and set directors from the films were hired to translate the movies into the park


Through the window: Ellen, Alex and Nicholas stop off at the Owl Post office


Magical: Up until now, fans have had to make do with artists impressions of what the theme park will look like, but now Pottermaniacs can get a glimpse of the real thing


Harry Potter script found in pub
A script believed to be the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, has been found in a pub.

Studio Warner Bros has launched an investigation after the 118 booklet was found near Leavesden Studios, where the £250million two-part movie is being made.

According to the Sun, the script, marked 'Private and Confidential', revealed 'several dramatic changes from JK Rowling's book Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.'

The script was allegedly found under a table in the Waterside Tavern in Kings Langely, Herts, after the film crew enjoyed a night out drinking at the pub on Thursday.
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Entitled Entertainment reveals plans for future concerts with Rain, Usher, Akon & more!

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I’m sure you guys in Los Angeles already know about the Seoulful Concert, which will feature big-name stars MC Mong, Leessang and Jay Sean tomorrow evening. Earlier today, the staff of Entitled Entertainment scheduled a press conference in anticipation of the event. Unfortunately, Leessang had a delayed flight (Gary) & schedule conflicts with MBC Infinity Challenge (Gil), and MC Mong’s RV broke down in the desert when he was leaving Palm Springs after a photoshoot. Talk about superbly bad luck!

Fortunately, we were able to get a message from David Kwon, the Managing Partner at Entitled Entertainment, who talked about the reason why Entitled Entertainment chose Jay Sean to be part of this seemingly Korean-based concert. Apparently, Tiger JK was originally part of the line-up, but due to a few contract issues, he had to bow out of this event. Jay Sean was chosen in order to draw in a younger crowd to truly make this an event for an audience of all ages.

David Kwon also revealed some big events for the near future that you guys will definitely be interested in.

Seoulful seems to be the first of a series of concerts to come that will feature A-list artists from both Korea and America. ”We actually have plans for American artists such such as Akon, Sean Paul, Flo Rida [and] Trey Songz,” Kwon said. ”We have one coming up for Kim Jong Gook, Mighty Mouth and Ne-Yo and also we have one coming up later in the year for Usher and Rain.” Although it may be an unexpected pairing, it’s great publicity for these Korean artists and will make the concert all the more memorable!

Anyway, the Seoulful concert itself will take place tomorrow at the Shrine Auditorium at 8PM. If you’re in the area, it isn’t too late to grab a ticket; purchase yours at Ticketmaster here. Stay tuned for our concert coverage!

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Man with half a body defies the odds by 'fathering a child'

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By Mail Foreign Service

Defying expectations: Despite having half a body Kenny Easterday has lived life to the full

Despite only having half a body, Kenny Easterday insists he can live the life of a normal man.
Now he appears to have proved it after claiming he has fathered a child.

Easterday, 35, was born with a rare condition called sacral agenesis, which prevented his spine from developing normally.

When he was just six months old, doctors amputated Kenny's legs and used part of his shinbone to complete his partially-formed spine.


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Rare: Kenny's legs were amputated when he was six months old and a part of his shinbone was used to complete his spine


Kenny is so small he can fit inside a suitcase but that hasn't stopped him playing pool, bowling, working - or having a love life with fianceé Nicky, 33.

In an American television documentary, he and Nicky revealed that they were together seven years ago - after which she became pregnant with her daughter, Desiree.

The pair are soon to found out if Desiree is actually Kenny's child. And they hope to start a new family to join Nicky's two children.

Kenny's greatest dream is to have a child, he revealed in the documentary


Together: Kenny with fianceé Nicky in a still from the American TV documentary


Active: Kenny uses his arms to prop himself up as he plays pool, in a still from a documentary on his life


He is also a fan of bowling, as seen in this clip from the American TV documentary


'I want a child to carry my name, someone that can carry my legacy and be able to say 'Well that's my daddy',' he said.

Kenny was not expected to live past 21.

As a boy Kenny was offered prosthetic legs but he hated wearing them and preferred to use his hands or a skateboard to get around.

'My dad pretty much taught me how to walk on my hands,' said Kenny, from West Virginia, USA.


Handy: Kenny has developed great upper body strength but has to wear gloves to protect his hands

'I just told him to walk behind his mother, because she walks like a duck so just walk like her,' Kenny's father said in documentary made about his life.

As a child Kenny starred in the 1988 film, The Kid Brother, a dramatised version of his early life.

'If I'm handicapped it's because of these damn legs,' Kenny said in the film as he pushes over his prosthetic legs.
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'I wish I had a bigger bottom': Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio reveals she's unhappy with her rear

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By Marcus Barnes

What's her Secret? Alessandra Ambrosio shows off her enviable figure in a photoshoot to promote her new line for the Secret Moments skin care range


She has been accused of losing a little too much weight after giving birth to her daughter 18 months ago.

But Alessandra Ambrosio's latest shoot for luxury lingerie label Victoria's Secret proves she is in great shape.

The Brazilian model, 28, donned a selection of pastel-coloured pieces to promote the Secret Moments body care range.


Scroll down to see video of Victoria's Secret's new collection...


Relaxed: The model looks great as she reclines on a bed for one of the shots in the new promotional campaign

In one shot she is seen from the back holding a pair of curtains apart wearing an orange vest top over a red bra, frilly underwear, turquoise stockings and red heels.

While in another, she reclines on a bed in a matching black lingerie set and purple heels - all the while looking happy and healthy.

Just a few weeks ago Miss Ambrosio, who gave birth to daughter Anja Louise in August 2008, came under scrutiny when she was pictured on a beach shoot in St Barts looking worryingly thin.


Happy new rear: Miss Ambrosio says she would like a bigger backside after shedding her post-pregnancy weight


In great shape: The Brazilian model has come under fire in recent weeks for her slimline figure


Wearing a white bikini her ribcage was clearly visible as were her pelvic bones.

The model recently admitted she was unhappy with her rear since shedding her post-pregnancy weight.

She told Fox News at the 15th Anniversary of the Victoria's Secret Swim Catalogue: 'I wish I had a bigger butt. A little bit more booty wouldn't hurt. When I was pregnant I had a much bigger booty and I was very happy with it.'

The new skin care range is inspired by Miss Ambrosio's memories, with names such as Girls’ Night, Island Escape, At First Sight, Room 504, and Good Day Sunshine.


Too thin? The model appeared worryingly thin in a recent shoot for Victoria's Secret's new swimwear range


At First Sight is said to have been inspired by the birth of her daughter.

The launch coincides with the release of Victoria's Secret's Spring 2010 lingerie and swimwear collections.

I Love My Body by Victoria is modelled by the company's Supermodel signings including Chanel Iman, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley , Candice Swanepoel, Lindsay Ellingson, Erin Heatherton and Alessandra herself.

While the swimwear collection, VS Swim 2010, also features Alessandra alongside Erin Heatherton, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Candice Swanepoel and Miranda Kerr.
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T-ara’s Hyomin and Jiyeon are crying

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T-ara’s Hyomin and Jiyeon have revealed some crying selcas.

On April 2nd, Hyomin uploaded some selca shots of herself and Jiyeon with crying animation on it.

The title said, “Park sisters are crying…” They both share the last name Park. The two shared a picture of themselves “fighting” last month and I guess this is a continuation of that one. They explained their tears, “We finished our juice.”

She also shared a picture of them in the practicing room and in the airplane.




The girls have also released the teaser for their special cosplay MV of I Go Crazy Because of You for Z9 Star Game.
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Rain’s Love Song MV revealed!

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Rain has already teased us twice of his title track Love Song’s MV from his BACK TO THE BASIC special album as the full track was revealed on March 29th.

Today, the full MV of Love Song was finally revealed!

The MV showed love and bed scenes between Rain and the female lead, actress Han Ye Seul. Check out the lovely MV below.

The title track was composed and written by Rain himself, proving that he has the ability to be not only a good artist, but a producer as well.




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New Brave Brothers music video is banned from broadcast

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Not too long ago, Brave Brothers released his 3rd single titled Sad Music and quickly followed up with a music video afterwards. It’s now been announced that the music video has been banned from broadcast.

Jang Hee Jin stars in the music video as a damsel in distress and it’s apparent that she’s in deep emotional turmoil. Through the smoky makeup and sexiness, the actress made a complete change in style to show a new side of herself.

Unfortunately, the music video has been banned from ever broadcasting on television due to its suicide scene. Although there isn’t exactly anything too graphic, executives still felt that the video did not belong on the air.

This is the 2nd music video from Brave Brothers to be banned from broadcast. His first ban was for the music video of his 2nd single Finally. A rep said, “It’s really disappointing. We’re very sorry to Jang Hee Jin because she tried so hard to successfully bring the video to its highest quality.”
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Land of fire and ice: Up close and personal on an adventure tour of Iceland's newest volcano

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By Sarah Gordon

Pole position: Despite -15C temperatures causing her camera to go a bit fuzzy, Sarah makes it to the lookout point opposite the new volcano


After news broke of a fiery volcano erupting in Iceland, it became literally the country's hottest tourist destination within a matter of hours. TravelMail's Sarah Gordon takes to the skies for a stunning bird's eye view of one of nature's most spectacular shows, proving that the country really is the land of fire and ice...

Did you know there is such as thing as a volcano hotline? When Mother Nature has an almighty tantrum, phones start to ring across the world and enthusiasts head off to witness the glowing results of her rage.

It took just 48 hours for the first adventure travellers to hit the ground in Iceland after a crevice opened up on a glacier south of Reykjavik and started spurting out molten lava.

Since the surprise eruption on 21 March, around 25,000 Icelanders and foreign visitors have made the once-in-a-lifetime trip by jeep, skidoo, motorbike and helicopter to see the eruption from as close as 200 metres away.


Flying high: Iceland is experiencing a tourism boom due to its latest eruption


It takes just over an hour by skidoo, speeding across the bumpy, barren landscape in search of the place where the land splits and Iceland’s innards bubble up to the surface in the first volcanic activity on the glacier for 200 years.

Donning a thermal boiler suit to cope with temperatures that can dip as low as -25C on the glacier, I joined the curious travellers hurriedly booking trips to the volcano. Predicted to last just several weeks, people are booking fast, although a fresh eruption just yesterday seems to indicate the volcano will not become dormant too soon.


Blazing display: An estimated 25,000 tourists flocked to see the new eruption in its first week


As the sun sets and I round the final bend of the snowy trail, I catch my first glimpse of the red-hot rocks in the distance sending smoke signals in the air and a shudder down my spine.

There is something apocalyptic about the sinking sun doing its best to emulate the colour of the lava and turning everything in sight a rosy hue.

Particularly as it was the sight of a glowing sky above the glacier that first caused alarm for local farmer Hafsteinn Joinsson who fled his property after the first rumblings were reported.

More than 600 locals were alerted by text messages and phone calls at half past midnight on the 21 March and deserted their properties not knowing how forceful the volcanic eruption was going to be


Apoclyptic: The glowing sunset made the first glimpse of the volcano all the more dramatic

But when Hafsteinn looked out of his back window and saw the red sky he feared the worst and sped his wife and young baby to the nearest safe meeting point.

Luckily for them, the new volcano (currently named Fimmvörðuhàls) is positioned at the side of the glacier. Had the eruption come from the dormant Eyjafjalla volcano, sat squarely under hundreds of tonnes of ice, miles of farmland and homes could have ended up under flood water.

Mother Nature certainly takes no prisoners when she has one of her outbursts, so it is with a sense of trepidation and a frisson of excitement that I continue guiding the skidoo towards one of the most intense and potentially devastating phenomenons in the world.

As we near the fissure, the snow turns a dirty grey and then jet black from the falling ash and the rumbling of molten rock can be heard as soon as we kill the skidoo engines.


Up close and personal: From 200 metres away it was possible to hear the lava rumbling


Entranced by the gaping crevice that has opened up in front of me I am barely aware of the biting wind and -15C temperature as I try to capture the image on camera and reconcile what I know about the horror of volcanoes with the utterly dazzling sight in front of me.

It looks just like all the images of bubbling lava I have seen in countless Hollywood films and nature documentaries and it is easy to see why Icelanders used to believe volcanic craters were great hell mouths – you almost feel as if you could peer over the edge and into the very belly of the Earth.

Perhaps due to the familiarity of volcanic images from television or perhaps because of its sheer beauty, spectators are drawn ever closer to the flaming pit.


What a view: Sarah poses in the helicopter with the eruption in the background


Two Jeeps in the dip below our lookout point and the yawning crevice edge ever closer and footprints in the blackened snow show walkers have also tried their luck to get as near as possible.

But I am lucky enough not to have to take my life in my hands to see the volcano in all its glory.

A helicopter company based at my hotel is experiencing a boom in business by organising trips out to the volcano. The 45-minute flight takes me over the eruption where we hover before following the searing molten rock as it cuts its way across the land in great glowing rivers.

On land the view is awe-inspiring enough, but from the air it is possible to see what is happening beyond the glacier’s open wound. Scientists are fascinated by the molten rock which has formed huge 100-metre lava falls down into a gorge below, something that has never been seen before in Iceland.

And it is safe to say my seven fellow passengers are spellbound too as we sit in utter silence observing the destructive but beguiling spectacle taking place below us.

It is not until we land back at the Hotel Rangá where we are greeted by our charming and animated owner Friđrik Pálsson that our words tumble out over each other and we chatter like excited children.

And what better place to dissect our adventure than in the hotel restaurant with the glow of the eruption in the distance?

The hotel is positively buzzing with an almost festival ambience as guests and staff exchange volcano stories.

Whether in this region by accident or design, visitors are now furiously booking up helicopters, Jeep excursions and skidoo rides to see the sheer natural power Iceland is so famous for.

And Friđrik predicts that this boom will last at least several more weeks as local and international companies offer volcano packages enabling tourists to come and witness one of the world’s most wondrous sights.


Destructive path: From the air it is possible to see the lava cutting its way down the glacier


Only in Iceland can something that has the power to be so destructive become such a positive opportunity in the space of just a week.

The country so recently associated with financial failure has come to life again and everyone from Ragnar, the owner of the local Superjeep company, to helicopter pilot Birgir and even the waiters and reception staff wants to share their knowledge of the country’s natural phenomenons.

Travel FactsSarah travelled on the Iceland volcano holiday with Discover the World (01737 218 800, www.discover-the-world.co.uk)to see the eruption. The world’s leading Iceland specialists, they offer three nights in Reykjavik on a Volcano Eruption Special, including a 1 ½ - 2 hour sightseeing flight over the volcano from as little as £471pp. Or choose the Volcano Watch trip and spend three nights at the Hotel Rangá from £312pp and take optional extra helicopter, snowmobile or superjeep trips to the eruption. Prices exclude flights to and from Iceland which cost from around £204pp with Icelandair including taxes.
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Amanda Seyfried reveals the vulgar tattoo inspired by actor Colin Firth

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By Daily Mail Reporter

Vulgar: American actress Amanda Seyfried revealed an unusual tattoo at the premiere of new film Dear John on Tuesday night

Glamorous actress Amanda Seyfried may look like butter wouldn't melt. But her choice of tattoo tells a different story.

The American actress who shot to fame in the film version of musical Mamma Mia has revealed a surprising choice of inking.

Seen on her left foot at Tuesday's premiere of new film Dear John, Amanda revealed a tattoo of the word 'm**ge' on her left foot.


Funny: The Mamma Mia! star has the word m**ge tattooed on her foot


The actress revealed her Mamma Mia! co-star Colin Firth was the inspiration for the unusual tattoo.

She told Glamour magazine: '...Colin Firth used to say that word on set and Rachel (McDowell) had to explain to me what it meant.

'So it's on my foot. It's to make me laugh, and every time I look at it I do.'
Amanda and best friend Rachel McDowell, who was in Mamma Mia! both have the matching tattoos.
'I've never really been a fan of tattoos but I wanted to see what it felt like. Rachel has a lot of them.'

Seyfried added: 'I have a dirty sense of humour. I can be blunt and vulgar.'

Despite the tacky tattoo, Amanda, 24, still looked stunning in a glittering LBD as she cosied up to heartthrob and Dear John co-star Channing Tatum at the Kensington Odeon in West London.

The pair star in the movie version of the novel by acclaimed best-selling author Nicholas Sparks.

The low-budget film surprisingly knocked Avatar off top spot in the U.S. box office when it was released in February.


Inspiration: Amanda seen here with actor Colin Firth in a scene from film Mamma Mia!


It tells the story of John (Tatum) and college student Savannah (Seyfried) who meet by chance on the beach during a summer holiday.

But their romance is threatened as the holiday ends as Savannah has to go back to college and John must return to life in the army and all that his duty entails.

The pair can only communicate through letter writing and Tatum admitted that Dear John was the real life story of many service men and women around the world today.
Dear John will be released in the UK on April 14.


Red carpet moment: Amanda and handsome co-star Channing Tatum, who play star-crossed lovers in new film Dear John

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Susan Boyle turns 49 surrounded by 10,000 fans as she performs special birthday concert in Japan

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By Katie Glass

What a difference a year makes: Susan Boyle blows out her birthday cake at her private party in Tokyo


Susan Boyle celebrated her 49th birthday today in the company of her adoring fans.

The thrilled singer, who leaped to fame with her first Britain's Got Talent audition just under a year ago, was presented with a cake and flowers by a select group of fans in Tokyo in a private party last night, before taking to the stage to perform today.

Boyle arrived in Japan this week to perform at the Budokan concert venue earlier today, with fans flying specially in for the occasion from Australia, Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

Guests at the party donned home-made 'Susan Boyle' buttons and red scarves in a tribute to the star, who is known affectionately as Su-Bo, before presenting her with a chocolate cake decked with strawberries and featuring her album cover.

Meanwhile, Boyle also woke up this morning to a £4million gift from Simon Cowell.

The payout from Cowell's Syco label represents the first instalment of royalties from Miss Boyle's best-selling debut album, I Dreamed A Dream, which was released last November.

It has since become the fastest-selling album in British history, with more than 3.1million copies bought in its first four weeks.


It's my birthday and I'll sing if I want to: Boyle performs with the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra today


Miss Boyle, who still lives in a council house in Blackburn, West Lothian, with her cat Pebbles, said of her party: 'We had a wonderful time. I can't believe they have come all the way from America, Australia, and the UK. I just can't believe how lucky I am.'

Linda Caillet, who helped organise the event, said; 'This started out as a small idea. A couple of us asked if anyone wanted to go to see Susan sing in Japan and before long it became a big group of us from all over the world.

'One of the group flew over from Australia for a day to buy the tickets because you could only get them in Japan'.

The select group joined a 10,000-strong audience to watch as Miss Boyle performs alongside the Yomiyuri Nippon Orchestra.


Happy returns: Boyle, who turns 49 today, will receive a £4m payout from Simon Cowell's Syco label


Drawing a crowd: Fans queue outside the Budokan concert venue ahead of Boyle's performance


Earlier this month rumours suggested that the singer intended to buy a £2million home in Chelsea.

Friends, however, have suggested more recently that Miss Boyle intends to buy a bigger house in Blackburn, where she has lived all her life.

A friend close to the star said: 'Fame hasn't changed her, but she does recognise money will bring her security and that's why she's looking for a new home.'

Miss Boyle became an overnight sensation after appearing on Britain's Got Talent last April.

She is receiving royalties only now because they are subject to a time


Security concerns: Miss Boyle still lives at this council house in Blackburn, West Lothian, which has been targeted by intruders


Upgrade: She is set to buy this £300,000 five-bedroom house in her home town of Blackburn, West Lothian
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SME denies that SNSD’s phone numbers were leaked

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It was reported that there have been fliers advertising a certain Korean stock company recently and it apparently listed out the name and personal phone numbers of the SNSD members.

However, after testing out the numbers, StarNews has confirmed that these phone numbers do not belong to the girl group members because they been discovered to be either fake or non-existent.

SM Entertainment expressed on April 1st, “We acknowledge that this certain stock company has been advertising strange numbers. The false numbers that this company has been advertising though their fliers are in no way affiliated with the members at all. We do not understand why they would do this kind of act.”

Perhaps the company are banking on SNSD’s popularity for some viral attention?
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Wayne Rooney fit for World Cup: Fab news for Capello - but such a cruel twist for Manchester United

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By Ian Ladyman and Matt Lawton

Hobbling on: Rooney

Wayne Rooney is expected to be fully fit for the World Cup, though he is likely to miss the next tumultuous month of Manchester United’s season.


Rooney arrived home from Germany with his United team-mates on Wednesday afternoon still using crutches and with his right foot in a protective boot after damaging his ankle towards the end of their 2-1 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old was whisked out of a side door of Manchester airport and taken to hospital for a scan. Although United refused to release the results of the examination last night, it is understood it was suspected to be a ‘grade one’ ligament tear.

If that is confirmed today, Rooney would be out for between three and four weeks, forcing him to miss pivotal games against Barclays Premier League rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday and Bayern again in Europe four days later.

However, enquiries by the FA’s medical staff yesterday morning went some way to allaying England manager Fabio Capello’s fears that Rooney would miss the World Cup in South Africa, and the Italian is hoping to have that confirmed today.


Walking wounded: Wayne Rooney leaves the Allianz Arena on crutches

It is not uncommon for United, at the behest of manager Sir Alex Ferguson, to be unhelpful when it comes to releasing information about their injured players. This is particularly the case if Ferguson suspects the interest is motivated by something other than the outlook for United.

Certainly this was the scenario yesterday as United flew home from a disappointing first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with all eyes and cameras trained on Rooney. Indeed, it is possible that Ferguson will not officially reveal the prognosis until his weekly press conference tomorrow.

Arriving at the steps of United’s plane in a private vehicle yesterday lunchtime, Rooney made light work of boarding as he used his crutches to help him up the stairway.

Once on board, Rooney sat a third of the way down the plane in an aisle seat and did venture to the lavatory, without the use of his walking aids, midway through the two-hour flight.

United, and indeed England, will not be totally satisfied that there is no damage to the bones in his foot until the swelling around his ankle goes down. Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, for example, was thought to have suffered only ligament damage until further investigation revealed an ankle fracture.


Moment of impact: Mario Gomez treads on the foot of Wayne Rooney


Long day: Rooney leaves a south Manchester hospital after having his ankle scanned

Nevertheless, the initial indications when United doctors examined Rooney at the team hotel in Munich yesterday morning were that the injury was restricted to the ligaments and soft tissue around his joint. He was, for example, able to put some weight on his foot once it was encased in a protective boot.

Despite this, Ferguson’s mood was grim as he contemplated the vital month ahead without his star striker. Rooney has scored 34 goals this season, 22 more than Dimitar Berbatov, United’s next-highest scorer.

Berbatov will be expected to lead the line against Chelsea on Saturday and then in games against Bayern, Blackburn, Manchester City and possibly Tottenham. Although the £30million striker has enjoyed some improved form recently, scoring twice last weekend at Bolton, he now faces one of the most critical periods of his up-and-down Old Trafford career.

United defender Nemanja Vidic said: ‘At Bolton on Saturday Berba showed what he could do. He had a great game against Bolton and is a great footballer

‘Also this season we have shown we play as a team. Wayne is unbelievable. He scored again against Bayern and had another chance, he is one of the best in the world. But we can cope. We will have to.’
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