Cameron urges RBS bonus 'restraint'

David Cameron has urged the Royal Bank of Scotland to show "restraint" in its bonus packages for senior colleagues of chief executive Stephen Hester.

The Prime Minister said the remuneration arrangements put in place by the former Labour government for executives at the part-nationalised bank had to be followed.

However he added: "They have got to have proper regard in terms of restraint when they have had so much money from the taxpayer and they have made so many mistakes in the past."

Mr Cameron's comments come as a number of executives in RBS's investment branch are expected to be offered large payments in the coming weeks.

Under mounting pressure, Mr Hester gave up his offered �963,000 shares package bonus on Sunday night.

Mr Cameron said the "main thing" was to ensure that RBS was turned around to safeguard the taxpayers' investment. He suggested the bank ought to explain better why it felt its executives were worth the bonuses they were being offered despite a falling share price.

"I think what needs to happen is a sense of restraint which is exactly what the Government urged on RBS in the first place, and they need to do a better job - as everybody has - about explaining how pay is linked to performance," he told a press conference in Brussels.

"And if performance isn't the share price then people need to see very clearly what it is you are doing to sort out that bank, to turn it round, to make it safe, to make sure its long-term value... because that's what I care about.

"Is the taxpayer going to get their money back, that we had to put into this bank that was so badly managed in the past? These are the things they have got to focus on."

The Prime Minister said the arms-length management arrangements for RBS, including the decision to run it as a commercial business, had been put in place by Labour. He indicated the Government would look at those arrangements although it had no plans to change them.

Source: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/cameron-urges-rbs-bonus-restraint-041619513.html

Mike Starr Corey Feldman Renee Zellweger Brett Michaels

Burke dishes out food for thought

Leafs GM Brian Burke, with help from wife Jennifer Burke, serves roast beef at Tuesday night's MLSE fundraising dinner near High Park.

Liam Casey/Toronto Star

Liam Casey Staff Reporter

Brian Burke reflected on his past three years as Maple Leaf general manager over a giant container of roast beef.

?I?m very proud to be here in Toronto, very grateful,? Burke said. ?I love this city.?

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment hired Burke three years ago Tuesday. The team hasn?t made the playoffs under his stewardship, but he appreciates fans? frustration.

?If you try and rebuild a team in a Canadian city and it doesn?t happen quickly ? it never does ? there?s a lot of frustration,? Burke said at a charity event for Maple Leaf Sports? Team Up Foundation, which refurbishes city-owned outdoor rinks, basketball courts and soccer pitches.

Burke and the rest of the Leafs served dinner to fans at Earth Bloor West, a restaurant near High Park. They were on target to bring in more than $200,000 from the night, according to Mike Bartlett, executive director of the charity.

The foundation will break ground shortly to refurbish Sunnydale Acres? outdoor rink and the team will practise there on Jan. 4.

Coach Ron Wilson served drinks behind the bar while Burke manned the meat table with netminder James Reimer, who wasn?t giving away nearly as much lamb as Burke was beef.

?I?m hoping to be back soon,? Reimer said, who?s recovering from concussion-like symptoms. ?Hopefully this weekend.?

Most Leafs, clad in white aprons with the team?s logo, signed autographs and posed for pictures. Captain Dion Phaneuf, without a date as actress Elisha Cuthbert was working on her latest show, slurped and served oysters.

Among the items being auctioned off was a day of shinny with former Leaf Wendel Clark and dinner with Darryl Sittler.

And for a starting bid of $350, fans could win a fantasy general manager experience with Burke, where you take in the morning skate, visit the dressing room, have lunch and then watch the game from Burke?s managerial box.

?If you don?t know how to swear,? Burke said with a straight face, ?you will after about one period.?

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Source: http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/article/1094626--burke-dishes-out-food-for-thought

Gerardo Ortiz Julian Assange Charlie Sheen Steven Tyler

Donkey & Mule Society -- 'Fear Factor' Producers Are Asses for Pulling Semen Stunt

The "Fear Factor" donkey semen challenge isn't only gross for the contestants ... it's also really bad PR for donkeys everywhere -- that's according to the preeminent donkey advocacy group.

TMZ broke the story ... FF producers are serving up giant steins full of donkey semen -- with a urine chaser -- to contestants on their next episode.

Like most people who read our post ... the American Donkey & Mule Society had a visceral reaction to the news. The ADMS President tells us they don't "condone use of the animals in such a manner."

She added, "We feel this is a negative event and was not well thought out by the producers."

For the record, we've spoken with other sources in the donkey community ... who tell us no one should try this stunt at home because the "long term effects of drinking donkey sperm are unknown."

Short-term effects? We're guessing loss of friends and uncontrollable vomiting -- or maybe that's just us.

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2012/01/27/fear-factor-donkey-sperm-donkey-and-mule-society/

Ali Larter Busy Phillips Scarlett Johansson Miley Cyrus

Daniel Radcliffe dishes on post `Potter' life (AP)

NEW YORK ? Daniel Radcliffe had to decide what his first starring film role would be after the "Harry Potter" franchise ended in 2011, and he didn't make that decision lightly.

Despite demonstrating his acting range by starring in "Equus" and "How to Succeed in Business" on Broadway, the pressure was on for Radcliffe to prove he could play more than Potter on the big screen.

He chose "The Woman in Black," a dark thriller about a recently widowed father who is haunted by his wife's death. The movie will be in theaters Feb. 3.

"I never expected the first thing I did after `Potter' to be a horror film or anything like that. That was one of the reasons it was intriguing to me as well because it was so unexpected," Radcliffe said in a recent interview. He also talked about growing up fast, getting praise from actor Sean Connery, who starred in James Bond films, and why he isn't ready to marry his longtime girlfriend.

AP: You knew the world was watching to see what movie you picked after "Harry Potter" ended. Why did you decide on "The Woman in Black"?

Radcliffe: This film is a film that has a great story but it is driven by characters at the heart of it. It fit in perfectly. It was going to be filming when I was on break from finishing "Potter" and starring in "How to Succeed," so it was perfectly timed out. Also, when I was reading the script, I was surprised to be enjoying a horror film because I have never gravitated towards that in my own life.

AP: Did any former child stars, or people who have made the transition from doing iconic roles to having diverse careers give you advice about how to avoid being typecast?

Radcliffe: Not particularly, but I did hear the other day from a friend of mine who is friends with Sean Connery and apparently Sean Connery asked him to pass along to me how well he thought I was doing and how well I seem to be handling everything and making good choices. For me, that was great because he is a great actor. He had this amazing start to his career in Bond and managed to create a fantastic career for himself outside that, so to hear that from him was very flattering.

AP: You play a father in this role. Did you feel that was a stretch?

Radcliffe: It is very hard to create that chemistry with a 4-year-old boy who you have never met before and who is stepping onto a film set going, "What in the hell is all of this?" That was one of the reasons that I suggested (director) James (Watkins) audition my real-life godson who auditioned and was great and is great in the film. At the time when we were filming, I was so obsessed with him having a good time and making sure he wasn't cold or wasn't freaking out that I didn't really pay attention to the fact that he is actually quite a good little actor.

AP: This movie is dark, but it is also about love. Did you think about the love you have for your longtime girlfriend, Rosanne Coker, for inspiration?

Radcliffe: At the time we had been filming this we had only been going out for a couple of months. There is actually one shot in the film where Rosie had to play the woman in black because we didn't have a double for her that day so she is actually in one of the reveal shots in the film. She is going to kill me for telling you that. I don't think I probably drew on things at that time, but I am sure now I will probably use ? the fear of losing her will be a very good motivating tool.

AP: Are you thinking of marriage?

Radcliffe: Who knows. God, I am not even thinking about that for a long time.

___

Online:

http://danradcliffe.com/

___

Alicia Quarles is the AP's global entertainment editor. Follow her at http://www.twitter.com/aliciaquarles

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/celebrity/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120126/ap_en_ce/us_film_q_a_daniel_radcliffe

Arnold Schwarzenegger Justin Bieber Justin Timberlake Usher

New Celebrity Fragrances

Posted on November 30th, 2011 by Jenny Bee

� � �

In recent years, it seems that once an actor/singer/socialite has achieved ?pop star? status, the next thing you can expect from them is debut fragrance! Not that we are complaining, of course. While celebrities like Jennifer Lopez have 17 signature scents under their belt, fragrance game newcomers like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Heidi Klum are proud to introduce their firsts to the world of sensual scents.

Taylor Swift: Wonderstruck

One of my co-workers and I both admit to tearing up a little bit during the Taylor Swift: Wonderstruck commercial. An appropriate scent just as romantic as her songs, Swift enthusiasts are sure to love the hints of raspberry, apple blossom, golden amber and sandalwood.

Britney Spears: Cosmic Radiance

?I believe that all women can create their own world where they shine the brightest ? It?s all about having the power to be yourself,? says the legendary pop star. If anyone has every truly been empowered to stay true to themselves, it?s Britney. Her latest fragrance was inspired by her Femme Fatale tour.

Christina Aguilera: Royal Desire

?With this scent, I wanted to create a truly sensory experience, and provide a moment every day where women could pamper themselves and feel sexy and beautiful? exuding the sensual elegance of a queen,? says the beautiful blond bombshell. Lily, honeysuckle and rose accents leave you feeling instantly desirable.

Fergie: Outspoken

Fergie?s debut scent combines the flavors of starfruit, tuberose, jasmine and passion fruit to create a smell that is truly ?outspoken.? Of the scent, the singer/songwriter told PEOPLE, ?I had to keep my big mouth shut for two years.?

Heidi Klum: Shine

Supermodel and Project Runway show host, Heidi Klum was very excited to launch her first perfume, Shine. ?I wanted what it to be sensual and feminine, but still luxurious and expensive smelling,? she told PEOPLE. Mandarin, pear and pink peppercorn are the lead roles in her debut scent project.

Jessica Simpson: I Fancy You

The swoony, romantic bride-to-be was feeling so deeply in love that she decided to make a perfume all about the scent of a first love. The ultra romantic and feminine scent has traces of pear, apple and orange.

Kate Walsh: Boyfriend

?I was inspired by my boyfriend�?s scent many years ago,? Walsh told PEOPLE. ?I missed his scent after we broke up and I was shopping one day and I was like, ?I don?t need my boyfriend to have a boyfriend scent!?? What a cute concept! With a mix of vanilla, amber and floral, the woody and musky undertones are sure to make anyone linger in your stride.

Kim Kardashian: Gold

The combined notes of Italian bergamot, spicy pink peppercorn, jasmine, rose and musk are the driving forces behind Kim?s sexy, summer scent. ?I wanted something powerful, yet not too sweet,? she commented about her Gold perfume.

Katy Perry: Purr

?I?m absolutely thrilled to finally introduce me in a bottle,? Perry says to PEOPLE about her debut scent. ?It is an absolutely purrfect perfume that I hope leaves you meowing with delight!? The fun and floral scent smells of jasmine, pink freesia, Bulgarian rose and vanilla orchid.

Rihanna: Reb?l Fleur

?My grandmother in Barbados use to call me her Rebel Flower,? the bright haired singer told PEOPLE. The result of her debut fragrance pays homage to her Caribbean childhood, and boasts of ripe fruits, fancy florals, and a mix of vanilla, patchouli and amber.

�

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Helena Bonham Carter for Marc Jacobs Fall Campaign?

��Olivia Malone?s Photography

��Market Your Salon Through Music!

��10 Things Your Barista Isn?t Telling You

��Paranormal Activity 4

��Spotify: Democratizing the World of Music

��Google Pages Now on Google Plus

Source: http://www.bangstyle.com/2011/11/celebrity-fragrances/

Stuart Holden Nate Dogg Gerardo Ortiz Julian Assange

Burke dishes out food for thought

Leafs GM Brian Burke, with help from wife Jennifer Burke, serves roast beef at Tuesday night's MLSE fundraising dinner near High Park.

Liam Casey/Toronto Star

Liam Casey Staff Reporter

Brian Burke reflected on his past three years as Maple Leaf general manager over a giant container of roast beef.

�?I�?m very proud to be here in Toronto, very grateful,” Burke said. �?I love this city.”

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment hired Burke three years ago Tuesday. The team hasn�?t made the playoffs under his stewardship, but he appreciates fans�? frustration.

�?If you try and rebuild a team in a Canadian city and it doesn�?t happen quickly �? it never does �? there�?s a lot of frustration,” Burke said at a charity event for Maple Leaf Sports�? Team Up Foundation, which refurbishes city-owned outdoor rinks, basketball courts and soccer pitches.

Burke and the rest of the Leafs served dinner to fans at Earth Bloor West, a restaurant near High Park. They were on target to bring in more than $200,000 from the night, according to Mike Bartlett, executive director of the charity.

The foundation will break ground shortly to refurbish Sunnydale Acres�? outdoor rink and the team will practise there on Jan. 4.

Coach Ron Wilson served drinks behind the bar while Burke manned the meat table with netminder James Reimer, who wasn�?t giving away nearly as much lamb as Burke was beef.

�?I�?m hoping to be back soon,” Reimer said, who�?s recovering from concussion-like symptoms. �?Hopefully this weekend.”

Most Leafs, clad in white aprons with the team�?s logo, signed autographs and posed for pictures. Captain Dion Phaneuf, without a date as actress Elisha Cuthbert was working on her latest show, slurped and served oysters.

Among the items being auctioned off was a day of shinny with former Leaf Wendel Clark and dinner with Darryl Sittler.

And for a starting bid of $350, fans could win a fantasy general manager experience with Burke, where you take in the morning skate, visit the dressing room, have lunch and then watch the game from Burke�?s managerial box.

�?If you don�?t know how to swear,” Burke said with a straight face, �?you will after about one period.”

Top Stories:

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Source: http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/article/1094626--burke-dishes-out-food-for-thought

Bruno Mars Paris Hilton Brad Pitt Angelina Jolie

MPs 'poised to blast NHS reforms'

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's controversial NHS reforms are reportedly set to be heavily criticised by an influential cross-party group of MPs.

The Observer said the Commons Health Committee would this week say the proposals were obstructing efforts to make the NHS more efficient and failed to address the needs of an ageing population.

The paper said the committee, chaired by Conservative former health secretary Stephen Dorrell had concluded the plan to restructure the NHS in England and devolve more power to GPs was making it more difficult to achieve the target of �20 billion in efficiency savings by 2014-15.

It quoted a "late draft" of the committee's report as saying: "The reorganisation process continues to complicate the push for efficiency gains.

"Although it may have facilitated savings in some cases we heard that it more often creates disruption and distraction that hinders the ability of organisations to consider truly effective ways of reforming service delivery and releasing savings."

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said it was now clear Mr Lansley's reform plan had been a "monumental mistake" and called for a Government rethink.

"This report is a damning indictment of the Government's mishandling of the NHS," he said. "It is time for David Cameron to listen to what doctors, nurses and now his own senior MPs are saying and call a halt to this reckless reorganisation."

Health minister Simon Burns, however, insisted the Government was determined to put the NHS on a sustainable footing.

"We all know the NHS is facing pressures from an ageing population and the increasing costs of medicines. That's why we are spending an extra �12.5 billion on the NHS. We have also made �7 billion in efficiency savings as performance has improved," he said.

"These will all help in the short term, but if we are to put the NHS on a sustainable footing for the future reform is essential. Our modernisation plan will put doctors in charge, slash bureaucracy and give much more power to patients."

Source: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/mps-poised-blast-nhs-reforms-025445837.html

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