Can anyone tell us when the sun is coming up? 18,000 gather at a cloudy Stonehenge for all-night summer solstice party

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Grey daybreak: Warmly-dressed revellers watch the sun rise for the summer solstice after a cold night at Stonehenge in Wiltshire


Tens of thousands of revellers gathered at Stonehenge for an all-night party to celebrate the longest day of the year this morning - despite grey clouds that obscured the sunrise.

English Heritage say 18,000 revellers descended on the site that is usually roped off to the public to witness dawn at exactly 4.43am.

The event is significant for druids, who were joined by hippies, pagans and tourists as well as hordes of younger visitors in search of a good party.


Prayers for peace: A druid welcomes the sun, left, while another strums in the summer on her guitar. Despite the gloom, the sunrise was greeted with cheers and songs


Waiting for the sun: Crowds gather in darkness at Stonehenge. There were around 18,000 revellers there to greet the dawn


However the number of people who camped out overnight or arrived early to witness the dawn was down on previous years because of the poor weather and the solstice falling on a weekday.

There was no beautiful sunrise into clear blue skies - heavy overnight rain gave way to overcast but dry skies as the sun rose, greeted by cheering and applause.

The self-styled King Arthur Pendragon, the veteran druid who led the event, said it had passed off smoothly.


Here comes the sun: Revellers cheer as the sun finally breaks through the clouds, more than a couple of hours after daybreak


'It is great to see the stones being used in this way, as opposed to the usual manner with tourists being herded around.'

Stonehenge, which is between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, has in past years been the site of confrontations between revellers and police.

But Superintendent Gavin Williams, of Wiltshire Police, said the majority of the crowd this year were well-behaved and 'came to see the sunrise in the spirit of the event', which was policed in the same way as night spots in the county. However, two men were photographed fighting at the event.

Of the 20 arrests, 11 were for drugs offences and five for public order offences. In addition, 47 drug seizures were made.


Light in the East: Revellers surround the ancient stones as dawn breaks. Celebrations centre on the Heelstone, which is aligned with the midsummer sunrise


Leading the ceremony: Chief druid King Arthur Pendragon leads incantations during the summer solstice ceremony


Through the ages: Brightly dressed druids greet the solstice, left, and a very young initiate touches the ancient stones. The stone circle is usually roped off to visitors


Mr Williams said: 'Although it was disappointing that some individuals chose to bring drugs with them, they were dealt with robustly.'

English Heritage, which manages the Stonehenge site on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, said the atmosphere had been 'peaceful and good natured'.

The annual event is a modern take on solstice celebrations which were once a highlight of the pre-Christian calendar. Celebrations focus on the Heelstone, which sits just outside the main circle, and is aligned with the midsummer sunrise.

The solstice is one of the few times access is granted inside the stone circle, which has been roped off since 1978 following years of erosion and vandalism.

Stonehenge's origins remain a mystery, but one theory is that it is a huge astronomical calendar. Others say an ancient sun-worshipping culture aligned the structure with the midsummer sunrise and the midwinter sunset.

The World Heritage site was used as a cremation cemetery since its inception, archaeologists say, but it is unclear if that was its principal function.

It was build in three phases, with stones brought from up to 150 miles away, between 3000 BC and 1600 BC .



High point: A man wedges himself at the top of one of the pillars. English Heritage said the event was 'peaceful and good-natured'


Summer Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge


source : dailymail

Oh deer God! Four-legged beast breaks through glass door and runs wild in church full of people

Coming through: Terrified children in a North Carolina church dodge a charging deer.


A small, peaceful congregation received an unwanted and extremely rowdy visitor.

The Colonial Baptist Church in Cary, North Carolina, may want to look into updating its security system after a deer broke through a glass door and tore through the house of worship.

Security cameras caught the deer pushing his way though an unguarded entrance, before taking the grand tour.

At first, the deer circled the building in attempt to find an easy entry.

Shortly after the four-legged animal pushed his way right through the front door, shockingly, without any of the parishioners spotting it.


Illegal entry: A deer breaks through the front doors of a North Carolina church.


The deer proceeded to charge though the halls of the crowded church, leaving children - who were forced to dodge the sprinting animal - terrified and scrambling for the exits.

A trio of brave men followed behind the unwanted guest as he nosed through a few rooms in what resembled a classic skit on the Benny Hill show.

After darting though a few more corridors the deer somehow found his way to the front of the church.

It engaged in starring matches with a few adults as children hid behind their parents and covered their eyes.

The deer then eased his way towards the door and galloped out of their lives.

Colonial Deer Video


source :dailymail

King of the b-boys: Calgary Zoo's 'breakdancing gorilla' is the latest Internet star

By BRIAN CLARK HOWARD


Bust a move: Zola, a nine-year-old Western lowland gorilla at the Calgary Zoo, shows his fancy footwork


Who needs to be king of the jungle when you can be king of the b-boys? This breakdancing gorilla must have learned his slick moves in New York.

Nine-year-old Zola, one of eight Western lowland gorillas currently living at the Calgary Zoo in Canada, has become the latest Internet video star, thanks to a YouTube clip that shows him stomping and spinning, as if he were breakdancing.

It's a welcome change for Canada from the Internet video clips of mass rioting in Vancouver after the local team was beaten in the Stanley Cup hockey final.


Zola came to Calgary from the Bronx Zoo in New York City about two years ago. He 'loves to play in water'


Zola was moved to the Calgary Zoo two years ago along with three other young gorillas from the Bronx Zoo in New York City.

New York, of course, is where breakdancing - or b-boying, as it is often popularly known - was born.

According to his current keepers, Zola 'loves to play in water and keepers regularly give him the opportunity to do so as part of the enrichment activities they plan and vary on a daily basis'.


Senior zookeeper Garth Irvine said: 'He's way more talented than I am. But he's got all day to practice'


Senior zookeeper Garth Irvine told Metro that when he first received Zola, he was told the young animal liked to splash around.

Mr Irvine said: 'He's way more talented than I am. But he's got all day to practice'.


Zola is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Gorilla Species Survival Plan, to save the species


On Friday, June 17 at about 3:30 pm, the Calgary Zoo posted a short video on YouTube and their Facebook page of Zola playing in a puddle of water.

Within 72 hours, the video had been viewed more than 15,000 times.

Zola is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Gorilla Species Survival Plan.
Both the Western and Eastern species of gorillas are highly endangered, thanks to poaching and habitat loss in their native central Africa.


Hit: Within 72 hours, the video of Zola 'break dancing' had been viewed more than 15,000 times


Zola out: After putting on an amazing show, the gorilla heads out the door into another part of the enclosure


Some gorillas continue to be taken from the wild for the 'pet' trade and some zoos, though most reputable zoos now source their animals from captive breeding.

Gorillas are threatened by the 'bushmeat' trade as well, in which hungry people living in their vicinity hunt them for meat.

Gorillas are the closest living relatives of humans next to two chimpanzee species.
Gorillas share 95-99 per cent of their DNA with human beings, depending on how you measure it.

But one thing remains certain: few human beings can break dance as well as Zola.


Break Dancing Gorilla at the Zoo


source : dailymail

Elf 'n' safety shuts Murray Mount: Fans might slip on the grass, warn officials

By PAUL HARRIS and EMILY ANDREWS

The covers are pulled off Centre Court so that play can resume despite torrential rain outside - the first time it has ever happened


Thousands of Andy Murray fans had sat patiently under their brollies, sipped hot tea from flasks, and unfurled their Union Flags in anticipation.

But on a rain-hit Day One at Wimbledon, they were robbed of the chance to see him on the big screen – for ‘health and safety’ reasons.

The grassy slopes of Henman Hill - now renamed Murray Mount - were empty after the screen was blanked out and the area was closed in case anyone slipped and hurt their ankles.

After losing a set to little-known Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver, to the consternation of his mother Judy and girlfriend Kim, the Scot recovered to win by three sets to one beneath the Centre Court roof, in use for the first time.



Sign of the times: Hardy fans on Murray Mount sit around a bench in the dying hope that there might be some more tennis for them to enjoy


Rain stops play? Not for these boy who slide down Murray Mount enjoying the slippery surface


Spectators cover up to try and keep dry on one of the courts in the vain hope that play will eventually be resumed


Sitting it out: A couple shelter from the rain in Centre Court before the retractable roof kicks into action while others huddle under an umbrella and waterproof


Andy Murray's girlfriend, Kim Sears reacts as she sits alongside his mother Judy while he takes Centre Court against Spain's Gimeno-Traver



Ball boys tied and swept water from the covers last night to stop the grass from getting wet in the hope that play can resume today


Making a dash: These spectators cover up as they leave the stadiums after heavy rain stopped play


Furious tennis lovers deprived of the chance to cheer him on from Murray Mount said they would have been happy to take their chances with the slippery conditions and accused tournament organisers of bowing to the modern culture of inflating potential risks beyond likely reality. Others showed how it was possible to slide down the hill, even head-first, without injury.

This is the first time in the tournament history the screen has been deliberately blanked out since it was installed. Countless throngs have enjoyed second-best views from this spot, which can accommodate up to 4,000. When the roof is open, you can easily hear the roar of the Centre Court crowd while watching the action on screen.


I've got it covered: Andy Murray returns a shot in his match against Spain's Daniel Gimeno-Traver of Spain on Centre Court


Among the disappointed fans was Katie O’Brien, the British hopeful who was knocked out yesterday after losing her first-round match and took her family to the hill to ‘drown my sorrows with a Pimm’s’, as she phrased it on Twitter. Shortly afterwards, the screen went blank.

Wimbledon spokesman Johnny Perkins said: ‘This is the first time we have had to shut off the big screen as this is the first time the roof has been used in these conditions. Previous to the roof, of course there would have been no play to watch on Centre anyway if it was rained off.

‘The hill has been closed because of the slippery nature of the grass while it is so wet. It is a health and safety issue. We just can’t have people slipping and sliding and falling off the thing and breaking their ankles.

‘It’s different on the courts if there is a drizzle as they can sit on seats. We could have large numbers of people slipping and sliding all over the place.’

'Even if the rain stops we won't turn the big screen back on - that's it I'm afraid. It's regrettable but wise in view of the circumstances. We always anticipated that we would have to turn off the match for those on the hill if it rained.'

Those who were lucky enough to get onto the show courts were treated to a mesmerising display from Venus Williams - in the form of a strange white playsuit.

It was so wet on Murray Mount that fans took the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere and slide their way to the bottom of the hill, but it has now been shut over health and safety fears.


Lovely weather for ducks... and flowers: This young spectator was totally absorbed by the tennis action - while it lasted


Full of anticipation: Crowds begin to assemble on 'Murray Mound' ahead of the British number one's first round match against Daniel Gimeno-Traver yesterday afternoon



Star turn: Dakota Fanning, left, was among the visitors to SW19 on the opening day of Wimbledon, while Kirsten Dunst was enjoying the day with fashion editor Leith Clark (in the black boots)

source :dailymail

No Venus! Another Williams sister fashion disaster as tennis player wears ghastly playsuit at Wimbledon

By JESSICA SATHERLEY and LAUREN PAXMAN

Tiny playsuit: Venus Williams wore a thigh-skinning playsuit - with a curiously baggy top half for her first Wimbledon game today


Venus and her sister Serena have so much in common. They are both world class tennis players... and they both have terrible fashion sense.

The older Williams sister cruised through her Court Two match against Uzbekistan's Akgul Amanmuradova this morning, but it was her tiny playsuit - rather than her powerful serve - that everyone was talking about afterwards.

The white onesie was so short you could clearly see the golden hotpants she was wearing underneath every time she bent forwards during the match.


Short shorts: The back of the playsuit was featured an on-tend cutaway, but one that is much more suited to black tie evening wear than to a sporting event


It also had a curiously baggy, and very unflattering top-half, which made her chest look saggy as she ran around the court.

But far from being something a sponsor forced the player to wear, this was an outfit from Venus' own clothing line, EleVen.

The back of the playsuit featured an on-tend cutaway, albeit one that is much more suited to black tie evening wear than to a sporting event.


In action: Venus' outfit showed off her enviable figure - and the gold hot pants she was wearing underneath


Venus did not get everything wrong though - the cotton material had a pretty leafy design woven into it which could have made a lovely sun dress.

The short cut also showed off the tennis star's enviably long legs as she took huge strides towards the net. And the strange outfit clearly did not hold the 31-year-old back, she won her sets 6-3, 6-1.


Cut above: Another view of the outfit from the rear


Yesterday, Venus' little sister, Serena, made her return to Wimbledon following a serious foot injury and blood clots in her lungs that almost ruled her out of tennis for life.

She made sure to stand out in fit form during warm ups by wearing some skin-tight pink and white tie-dye leggings.

And by the looks of the fiery stare in her eye, the US player about to give it her all during her comeback.

Serena, who is a fan of flamboyant on-court ensembles, combined her Nike leggings with a white long-sleeved T-shirt and a Nike black cap.


On-court ensemble: Serena brightened up the court during her warm ups by wearing the tie-dye leggings


She is currently ranked World No. 25 in women’s singles, but has admitted that her and her sister Venus haven’t been able to train as much for the competition as they would have liked.

Serena said: ‘We spent a lot more time together because we were both off.

‘We both haven’t played pretty much at all. It’s been good because, sometimes I hate to say it, but, when you’re down, it’s always good to see someone down with you.’


Letting her hair down: Serena of the USA was talking to the media at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club yesterday ahead of the Wimbledon Championships


Last year Serena won her fourth Wimbledon championship but afterwards suffered a serious foot injury from stepping on broken glass at a restaurant – preventing her from playing for the remainder of 2010.

In March this year she then suffered a hematoma and a pulmonary embolism but has still returned as the defending champion at Wimbledon this year.

While her sister Venus suffered from a hip muscle injury this year.

On top of Serena's medical complications, she may also have to face a showery start to Wimbledon.


Sisters in white: Serena and Venus both wore all-white tennis outfits while training over the weekend


Weather forecasters have predicted torrential rain for the first three days .
But tennis fans still braved the weather to camp outside the All England Lawn Tennis Club in south London last night.

Luckily for the players, officials are preparing to shut the £100million retractable roof on Centre Court, to prevent the rain interfering with the match.

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, 25, of Spain will open this year’s 125th Wimbledon Championship on Centre Court.


Off-court glamour: Serena looked elegant in a green silk dress at the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at the Kensington Roof Gardens in London last week




source :dailymail

Jackass star Ryan Dunn dies in horror crash

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Tragic: Jackass star Ryan Dunn was killed in a high speed car crash last night


Posted Twitter picture of himself in a bar hours before crash

Star's burnt body 'had to be identified by his tattoos'

Johnny Knoxville leads tributes saying: 'Today I lost my brother'

Autopsy underway to determine if alcohol play a part

Dunn was charged with drink-driving offence back in 2005

TV daredevil and Jackass star Ryan Dunn was killed in a horrific high-speed car crash last night.

The 34-year-old died when his sports car flew off the road around 2.30am while he was driving to his home in West Goshen, Pennsylvania, following a night out in a bar with friends.


Last picture: Just hours before his death, Ryan (left) tweeted this photograph of him enjoying a night out with friends


Police said they found the burning wreckage of his 2007 Porsche 911 GT3, which was capable of reaching 190mph, in the woods off the road fully engulfed in flames.

His body was so badly burnt that he had to be identified by his tattoos, NBC Philadelphia reported.

Just hours before the accident, Dunn tweeted a picture of himself with two male friends, all of whom were holding alcoholic drinks.

Sources told TMZ that Dunn drank at least three light beers and three shots between 10.30pm and 2.10am at Barnaby's of America bar before the accident.


Wreckage: The charred remains of the Porsche 911 GT3 are towed away as police survey the scene


Where the night started: Dunn spent the evening at Barnaby's bar in West Chester before the accident


Investigation: Police are still trying to determine the cause of the accident


Crash scene: Black marks on the road show where Dunn's car skidded out of control


Damage: Dunn's vehicle drove through a guardrail and into the woods

Crowd: News crews and onlookers arrived at the the site today following Ryan Dunn's horrific accident


Fellow Jackass co-stars also paid tribute to Dunn today.

Stephen 'Steve-O' Glover was too distraught to speak but later tweeted: 'I don't know what to say, except I love Ryan Dunn and I'm really going to miss him.'

Dunn's name began trending on Twitter soon after the news of the crash broke, with fans and celebrities quickly expressing their condolences.

It was Margera's mother, April, who first confirmed Dunn's death by calling into Jackass members Preston Lacy and Steve-O's radio show on WMMR 93.3.

She described him as being like a son to her and said he had even called her on Mother's Day.

A tearful April said: 'We just found out a few hours ago - it is the worst possible news.

'I have not been able to talk with Bam as he is in Arizona but I cannot believe that his friend is dead – I felt like I lost one of my own sons when I heard that Ryan Dunn had died.

'Ryan was a wonderful person he really was the sweetest and nicest guy - he was like my extra son, everybody loved him.'


Tributes: Flower were laid by the side of the road in memory of the reality star who died in the crash


President of MTV Networks Music/Films Group Van Toffler said in a statement: 'We are devastated by the tragic loss of Ryan Dunn – a beloved member of the MTV family for more than a decade.

'He made us all laugh and had the tireless enthusiastic approach to life of your favourite middle school friend,' the statement continued.

'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Ryan’s family and friends. The Jackass brotherhood will never be the same.'

'He had a longterm girlfriend and she will be absolutely devastated - she has turned off her phone just now.

'It’s just so sad we cannot believe Ryan has gone - I’m too upset to say anything else just now.'

April said she is 'worried' about her son, adding that he is 'devastated' by the death of his firmed.

Dunn was born in Ohio and moved at age 15 to Pennsylvania, where he met Margera on his first day of high school.


Sports car: Dunn pictured in his Porsche 911 GT3 with a female companion on June 12



The crew: Dunn (far right) was part of the cast for MTV show Jackass


Jackass 3D | trailer #1 (2010)



source: dailymail

For Bea, what a difference three years makes as self-conscious teen is transformed into glam princess

By FAY SCHLESINGER

What a difference: Princess Beatrice shows off her glamorous frame which is the result of a strict fitness regime after an unflattering photo of her in a bikini was published in 2008


Growing up in spotlight is never easy.

But these days Princess Beatrice cuts a much more confident figure.

The 22-year-old student showed off the full extent of her stunning weight loss this weekend, as she holidayed with her long-term boyfriend Dave Clark on a £400,000-a-week super-yacht in the South of France.


Yippee! Beatrice leaps into the air on the end of this trapeze before plunging into the Mediterranean


As she sunned herself off the coast of Antibes, Beatrice’s black strapless swim suit displayed her slender frame to perfection.

And while the frills across her chest and hips highlighted the curves inherited from her mother the Duchess of York, the Queen’s granddaughter showed that she has kept up the regime developed with her personal fitness instructor in the lead-up to last year’s London Marathon.


Can't take my eyes off you: Dave Clark smiles as his girlfriend Beatrice leaves the water in Antibes, Southern France


Her toned appearance on Sunday was a far cry from pictures of the princess in a tight blue bikini in the Caribbean in 2008, which spurred her into vowing to shed her puppy fat.

Beatrice told the Daily Mail at the time: ‘It was such an unflattering bikini and I've got one that's so much nicer, so I could have kicked myself for wearing it.


Making a splash: Dave Clark leaps into the sea from a jetty where the yacht was moored in the Mediterranean


Slimline: The Princess's one-piece swimsuit perfectly showed off her frame with the frills helping to highlight the curves she has inherited from her mother


Surf's up! Beatrice and Dave also had fun on a pair of jet-skis


'I thought people were a bit mean, although I know it comes with the territory. The trouble is, I don't have much confidence so it can be quite upsetting. I could probably do with losing the odd pound though, so perhaps it is the kick I need.'

But this weekend the royal’s self-assurance was palpable as she changed into a bikini and let down her auburn locks.

Watched by admiring friends on the 195ft German-built Oasis yacht where she and 29-year-old Mr Clark are thought to have stayed as guests, Beatrice leapt into the air on the end of a trapeze before plunging into the Mediterranean.

An equally svelte Mr Clark, a millionaire’s son who works for Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson, executed an impressive back-flip from the boat’s second deck.

The six-berth yacht comes with a crew of 15 and a gym that transforms into a private nightclub. According to online advertisements, it can be chartered for between £285,000 and £418,000 a week.


Testing the water: Beatrice dips her toes into the Mediterranean before taking a dip with her boyfriend


That's enough: Following her swim the Princess returns to the boat - which houses a gym that transforms into a private nightclub


Luxury on the waves: The Princess and her boyfriend are staying on a £400,000-a-week yacht


Beatrice, who has faced a similar battle with yo-yoing weight as Sarah Ferguson, has previously put her transformation down to trainer Nadya Fairweather, whose help she enlisted in the lead-up to the London Marathon.

She is also understood to have embarked on a diet that centres on eating fresh fruit and drinking plenty of water.

Beatrice and her boyfriend have been dating for five years since meeting at a birthday party for Sean Brosnan, youngest son of James Bond actor Pierce, in 2006.

The fifth in line to the throne has just finished a three-year course in history and history of ideas at Goldsmiths College in South London.

Rather than becoming a full-time royal, she is expected to get a job once she has graduated, possibly in the field of art, fashion or charity work.



source :dailymail