Shay Given close to completing Liverpool switch

Liverpool are closing in on signing their second goalkeeper of the summer as a deal for Aston Villa’s Shay Given nears completion.

The Irish stopper has been overtaken as the Villans’ no.1 by Brad Guzan over the past year and is now set to act as back-up for Simon Mignolet, who moved to Anfield earlier this summer.

The former Newcastle goalkeeper still has three years remaining on his Aston Villa contact and remains one of the highest earners in Paul Lambert’s young side, meaning Villans owner Randy Lerner would be keen to let Given depart.

He has also been linked with a host of loan moves this summer, with the likes of Doncaster Rovers – who have since signed Ross Turnbull – interested in his signature.

Teddy Bear beats World Record Skydiving

Many thought Felix Baumgartner’s world record feat of skydiving from the edge of space could never be beaten by another human being and they were probably right  - but nobody said anything about a teddy bear.

The toy, owned by balloonist David Akerman, managed to improve on Baumgartner’s record by 31 metres after falling from 39,000m.

Babbage the bear was guided up to the tremendous height by a weather balloon and then released by a Raspberry Pi computer it was being operated by.

Many thought Felix Baumgartner’s world record feat of skydiving from the edge of space could never be beaten by another human being and they were probably right  - but nobody said anything about a teddy bear.

The toy, owned by balloonist David Akerman, managed to improve on Baumgartner’s record by 31 metres after falling from 39,000m.

‘There was little wind at the launch site, and both payloads landed in fields within 100-200 metres of a road.

‘The only issue really was that as Babbage was descending we lost 3G as my SIM card ran out of credit! Fortunately we managed to add a top-up before we lost contact with Babbage.’

The toy’s flight was recorded by a camera attached to its shoulder which managed to catch striking images and video.

One Direction And The Angels?

COULD One Direction really be heading for the Victoria's Secret catwalk as this year's headline act? Rumours abound this morning that the British boys - who are currently in the grip of a worldwide media frenzy thanks to the launch of their first film, This Is Us - will be hitting the catwalk along with the label's Angels in November.

The official line from the brand when we called this morning was that they "can't confirm anything" until this year's act is announced, but the image of the boys dancing alongside Miranda Kerr, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge, Doutzen Kroes, Erin Heatherton, Lindsey Ellingson et al has proved almost too exciting for the band's faithful Directioners to bear.

Justin Bieber headlined last year's show, which attracted 7 million television viewers - following in the footsteps of acts including including Maroon 5, Rihanna, Jay Z, Katy Perry, Nicky Minaj, Kanye West and Bruno Mars. The One Direction booking would confirm their status as this year's biggest act.

Simon Cowell looking forward to being a Dad?

He's the daddy of the worlds biggest TV talent shows, but Simon Cowell has broken his silence and finally confirmed his impending fatherhood, admitting he is ‘proud’ at the prospect of becoming a dad.

The 53-year-old music mogul is expecting his first child with 36-year-old married New York socialite Lauren Silverman, who split from her husband and Si’s pal Andrew Silverman in the wake of the baby news.

Until now both parties have remained tight-lipped but last night Si finally confirmed the happy news.

‘Things are changing in my life right now, for the better,’ he said. ‘I’m proud to be a dad.’

He continued: ‘It’s something I hadn’t thought of before, but now I know I feel good about it.

‘She [Lauren]‘s a very special girl,’ Cowell added to the BBC.
At an X Factor press conference in Los Angeles earlier this month, Cowell had played it very coy over the rumours he was to father a child.


‘I haven’t read the newspapers,’ he told reporters at the time, adding: ‘Did I miss anything?’

Top 5 V Festival Moments...

This weekend hosted a range of popular pop and indie acts at this years V Festival. With the likes of Beyonce, Kings of Leon, The Saturdays & The Script to name a few, this was a line-up not worth missing!

But not to worry, here are our top 10 moments from this years V Festival. Enjoy! 

Beyonce flaunting her several V Fest outfits

1.) Before her set had even started, ladies favourite Beyonce was booed having arrived over half an hour late for her set - meaning her show was to be cut short - leaving the crowd very disappointed.

The show included five costume changes, with a spangly bodysuit, a green flapper dress and a black sequined combo among her outfits.

5ive will make you get down now!

2.) The reunion circuit has finally caught up with 5ive who, spurred on by the success of their ITV comeback performance, lost their festival virginity to a full capacity Arena Stage crowd with hits like Keep On Movin’ and When The Lights Go Out making everyone get down.

Stereophonics made a huge comeback this year at V!

3.) Battling wet conditions at Weston Park, Stereophonics marked a comeback summer with a bold Virgin Media Stage set.

Leaning heavily on their recent album, Graffiti On A Train, they still found time to turn to delve into their ‘big bag’ of classics, like Mr Writer and set finale Dakota.

Kings of Leon new album "Mechanical Bull" released soon.

4.) Nashville rockers Kings of Leon gave their best festival show in years as they returned to V Festival, united and stronger than ever, ready to let go with their forthcoming album, Mechanical Bull.

Two Door Cinema Club return.

5.) If, like most people, you missed them at V Festival back in 2009, Two Door Cinema Club returned this year with plenty of treats, including their new Madeon produced single, Changing Of The Seasons, and a handful of indie rock anthems, each made for the dancefloor.

10 Ways To Enjoy Monday...

This is how most of us feel on a Monday, but you can turn that frown around by following these 10 ways to enjoy your Monday...

1.) First things first, whilst getting ready in the morning, take some time out to put on your favourite feel good track, and dance around like a complete fool! We have a few suggestions for you if you're stuck

2.) Fill your device with loads of new music. Break the usual Monday morning routine and listen to something brand new, who knows, it might just make your Monday completely different!

3.) Order something off the Internet. Treat yourself to a new book, CD or item of clothing - give yourself something to look forward to during the week. It's better than opening bills!

4.) Go on to Google and type "Pomeranian" - if that doesn't leave you smiling then I don't know what will!

5.) Treat yourself to the yummiest hot beverage, head down to Starbucks, Costa, Cafe Nero - whatever your preference, just buy it and see how it feels to take that first sip.

6.) If your room is a mess, don't just leave it a tip. Pick up the clothes and the chocolate wrappers and give your space some positive energy with a tidy up.

7.) Scoff some cookies, be sure to say "Nom, Nom, Nom" as you eat them. Otherwise Cookie Monster won't be best pleased...

8.) Watch trash TV. The last thing you want to do is think on a Monday. Stick on some TV programmes, such as "You've Been Framed" - something really daft that'll have you giggling throughout.

9.) Compliment somebody. The best way to feel great about yourself and for others to feel great is to say something nice about them. Treat people as you'd like to be treated.

10.) Make a conscious effort to smile. Science tells us that it'll only increase your mood!

Panda Parents peer at newest addition "Yuan Zai"

High Five? Anybody?

Proud panda father Tuan Tuan and mother Yuan Yuan have been keeping a watch over their newborn cub ‘Yuan Zai’ at Taipei Zoo in Taiwan.

They could see the youngster, who was given her nickname because she resembles a rice ball, has inherited its father’s narrow black ring on its back and, like its mother, the new arrival’s middle and third finger are merged together.

The eager parents have been kept away from their new daughter so far because she is currently being kept in isolation.

Tuan Tuan & Yuan Yuan eagerly awaiting their daughter

But the adult pandas are allowed to view Yuan Zai periodically from a window on the side of her room.

She won’t be allowed to be viewed by the public for another six months and is still currently in an incubator.

Zoo keepers said the panda cub, which weighs 243.4 grams, was doing well and growing every day.

The cub was born on July 6 after Yuan Yuan was artificially inseminated.

Yuan Zai will receive an official name in the upcoming months.

Any ideas? Leave your comment in the box below!

Chimpanzees escape from Twycross Zoo

A Leicestershire zoo has managed to avert a mass chimpanzee escape bid by using ice cream and fizzy drinks to tempt the wayward animals back into their cages.

Chimpanzee relaxing at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire.

Twycross Zoo has since reopened after the incident earlier this morning in which a group of chimpanzees got into a 'secure service area' of their enclosure while being transferred.

A police spokesperson reassured the public that "everything was now in order".

The zoo's website confirmed that the incident "required closure of the Zoo whilst keepers encouraged the chimps back into their normal living areas with ice cream and fizzy drinks."

The statement continues: "At no time were the public at risk, and no people or chimps were harmed during the incident, however it is part of our safety procedures that we close the zoo whilst such events are resolved."

Cheeky Chimp munching on a 99

"Investigations will commence internally now the situation has been resolved into how the animal escaped."

"The Zoo reopened at 11.30am today and all of the chimps are fine, if not a little excited about having ice cream for breakfast. They are all on view to the public as normal."

Leicestershire Police said the incident had occurred as eight chimps were being rehoused and that officers were called as a precaution.

Grumpy Cat releases his own iced-coffee "Grumppucino"

As if a Hollywood Movie wasn't enough for the grumpiest cat in the world? Now he has his own coffee named "Grumppucino" - and he's still frowning! 

Tardar aka Grumpy Cat having supped his 5th Grumppucino.

Whether they'll be available in the UK is another story, but they will first be released in Canada, expected in stores in September, but available to purchase online from the 7th August 2013.

Not only that, but this refreshing iced drink will be available in 3 different flavours which are coffee, mocha and vanilla. The only down fall, it comes in one size only - so if you really need your caffeine fix in the mornings, the Grumppucino might be useful for a starter!

Follow @drinkgrumpycat to receive your 10% promo code upon launch!

Want to find out more about the company who have created Grummpucino? Good luck, there isn't any clues on Google.

Although if you do find anything, be sure to comment below!