How did it get THERE? Tree lobster thought to be extinct for 80 years found alive clinging 500ft

A narrow and forbidding rock that stands higher than the Empire State Building, it does not look like the most welcoming place to set up home.
But that did not stop an insect which was thought to be extinct for 80 years from building its last known colony on the 1,844ft high Ball’s Pyramid.
Scientists have discovered 24 of the creatures living 500ft above the South Pacific Ocean around the single plant that had survived on the rock.

Ball's Pyramid, Lord Howe Island: The 'tree lobsters' were found clinging to the side of the tallest sea stack in the world

Nick Carlile with some of the huge flightless stick insects found on Ball's Pyramid

The ‘tree lobster’ insect, which is as large as a human hand, had somehow made its camp despite the lack of food and the harsh conditions.
Nobody could say how they got there in the first place - but four have now been taken off and have bred thousands more to ensure their species survives.
The astonishing discovery was made on Ball’s Pyramid which emerged from the sea seven million years ago off the coast of Australia near Lord Howe Island.
It is the equivalent of 11 Nelson’s Columns stuck one on top of the other. The Empire State building is only two thirds as tall at 1,250ft.
On all sides the rock face drops off vertically making it almost impossible for anything to survive - but the insects somehow did.
The six legged ‘tree lobster’ or, Dryococelus australis, was actually presumed extinct since none had been seen on Lord Howe Island since 1920.
They are 12cm long and are the heaviest flightless stick insect in the world.
In 2001 Australian scientists David Priddel and Nicholas Carlile decided to investigate claims by climbers who tackled Ball’s Pyramid that they had seen fresh droppings there.

Ball's Pyramid and Lord Howe Island: Scientists had thought that the 'tree lobster' - the largest flightless stick insect in the world - had died out for 80 years

The flightless stick insects had been thought to be extinct for 80 years - but after rumours of new droppings on Ball's Pyramid, the researchers investigated

Nick Carlile, seen here with the Lord Howe Island stick insect, discovered the thought-to-be extinct phasmid on Ball's Pyramid

They too saw the droppings and upon returning after dark with flashlights were stunned to discover the insect colony around the only plant on the rock.
Mr Carlile said: ‘It felt like stepping back into the Jurassic age, when insects ruled the world.’
It was unclear how they got there but the scientists realised they had to get them into a breeding programme as they were the last of the species alive.
The Australian government refused but later allowed four to be taken off, although the drama did not end there.
When the researchers went back to get them there had been a rock slide on Ball’s Pyramid and it was feared the insects had been wiped out.
Checks revealed that they had survived however and the four were taken away. Two later died but two have gone on to be the foundation of a breeding programme at Melbourne Zoo.
They have been nicknamed ‘Adam’ and ‘Eve’ and through them 11,376 babies are now in incubation.
Some 700 adults are also in the captive population making it one of the most unlikely and astonishing such success stories.
Unusually for insects they pair off with each other and when they sleep at night the male has  ‘three of his legs protectively over the female beside him’, the researchers said.

Ball's pyramid locator

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2108736/Extinct-tree-lobster-alive-clinging-Pacific-rock-taller-Empire-State-Building.html#ixzz1nyGLWqEa

Oscars fashion review: The best and the worst red carpet dresses

With so much competition on the red carpet an actress needs to stand out from the crowd, and here Liz Jones previews the best and the worst for Hollywood's finest.
There were contrasting fortunes for academy award winners Meryl Streep and Octavia Spencer who stole the limelight for varying reasons.

Five-star Cruz: Penelope Cruz chose Armani and radiated old-school glamour. The chiffon organza is like a bandage on the bodice then explodes into frou-frou. Stunning!

Best Actress winner Meryl Streep dazzled in draped gold by Alber Elbaz at Lanvin, but there was too much fabric, making her look uncomfortable and right, The Help’s Octavia Spencer looked incredible in Tadashi
Shoji — the minimalist bling meant all eyes were on her oyster sunray gown

With her tan, Cameron Diaz can carry off this putty-coloured Gucci Premiere gown and looks as if she's out to have fun

Black Swan star Natalie Portman, right, rarely puts a foot wrong, but her polka-dot strapless gown — vintage
Dior, circa 1954 — merely looks old and right, Glenn Close, whose emerald Zac Posen jacket is well cut and flattering but the dress is too busy and full

I am no fan of green, but the Elie Saab couture gown worn by The Artist’s Berenice Bejo, left, is pale enough
to be pretty. I love its sheer sleeves and plunging neckline. However, Michelle Williams, right, looks ghastly in Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton: I hate the flounces and on-trend peplum, which don’t suit her pale, tiny body

Jane Seymour sparkles in red sequins by Pamella Roland, with matching clutch and silver sandals and Gwyneth Paltrow, right, looked uptight in a Tom Ford white caped gown that screams: ‘Do not smudge me! Is that red wine?!’

Victoria Beckham looked incredible but I wish she would smile!

Salma Hayek fills her dress in all the right places, revealing a tiny waist and curvaceous bust

Sandra Bullock is swamped in her monochrome and would have fared better if more fitted

AND BRINGING UP THE REAR...

Jennifer Lopez’s shimmering gown by Zuhair Murad plunged at the front and back to show off her curves and right, Heidi Klum shows Seal what he's missing in a bright and cheerful in canary yellow Versace

Tennis star Serena Williams played an ace with this sunshine-yellow mermaid number by African-born designer Christiane King and right, Model turned actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was sleek in a floor-length
Antonio Berardi gown

Spicy Yellow Lentil Stew (Malaysian Dal) Recipes

Ingredients :

1 cup (7 oz / 220g) dried yellow lentils 2 cups (16 fl oz / 500 ml) water 1/2 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp plus 2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil 1 tsp black mustard seeds 2 dried red chiles, cut up 1 yellow onion, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 slices fresh ginger, peeled and minced 20 fresh or dried curry leaves 1 tsp garam masala 2 small tomatoes, quartered lengthwise 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste

Method : Pick over the lentils, discarding any misshapen lentils or stones. Rinse the lentils until the water runs clear, then drain. In a saucepan over high heat, combine the lentils, water, turmeric, and the 1 tsp ghee or oil. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer until the lentils are soft and tender, about 30 minutes. In a frying pan over medium-high heat, warm the remaining 2 tbsp ghee or oil. When hot, add the mustard seeds and fry until they turn gray, spatter, and pop, about 2 minutes. Add the chiles, onion, garlic, ginger, and curry leaves and saute until the onion is soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garam masala and tomatoes and cook for 1 minute. Pour the onion mixture into the pan of cooked lentils, add the salt, and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Transfer to a serving dish and serve. Serves 4 Note - In traditional Indian cooking, dal refers to any dried peas or beans and to the many dishes made from them. In Malaysia and Singapore, dal refers to a spicy stew made of yellow lentils (toovar dal) that typically accompanies Indian breads. The cooking time will vary with the age of the lentil.

'Paula Radcliffe inspired me to get in shape': Kirsty Gallacher reveals secret to toned abs

She's met hundreds of athletes over the years.
But no one has inspired Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher more than Paula Radcliffe.
And in a bid to emulate her sports hero the 36-year-old, mother-of two has been working hard to get in shape.

In a bid to emulate her sports hero Paula Radcliffe, Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher has been working hard to perfect a toned body

Now boasting toned abs and muscular arms, Kirsty - married to retired rugby star Paul Sampson - has been recruited to front a campaign for sportswear brand USA Pro, modelling a new range of fitness gear from bra tops to capri pants. 
She puts her slender eight stone 10lbs figure down to a combination of short exercise sessions and healthy eating.

She told Health & Fitness magazine: 'I don’t have time to train like an athlete. I’d love to set a couple of months aside to just train and train.
'I love men and women to have strong bodies, not skinny bodies.’
Recounting a memorable encounter with the record-breaking marathon runner, Radcliffe, Kirsty said: ‘When I interviewed her we were both about six months pregnant.

Inspiration: Record-breaking marathon runner Paula Radcliffe in action

Now boasting toned abs and muscular arms Kirsty has been recruited to front a campaign for USA Pro

'She told me she intended to carry on running until she was seven months pregnant and I sat there thinking, ‘Oh my God, you’re incredible!’ I felt so huge next to her; she didn’t look six months pregnant!
'Her doctors had said it was fine because her body was used to it. That’s the key, I guess your body adapts to any level of activity.’

On an average day Kirsty has a breakfast of porridge made with water and a sprinkling of
salt, upholding her Scottish roots, topped with semi-skimmed milk.
For lunch at work she orders a vegetable soup with a wholemeal bagel and in the evening Kirsty joins her family for dinner, which is usually cooked by her nanny.
One of her favourite meals is spaghetti bolognese, made from scratch with quorn mince topped with lots of vegetables.
She then visits the gym for three short exercise sessions every week, each one lasting around half an hour.
For about 20 minutes she likes to power hard and fast on the rower for 20 seconds then return to a normal pace for 20 seconds before doing it again and again.

Then she hits a circuit of press-ups, weighted lunges and stomach exercises, doing 20 reps of each exercise before taking a rest for 20 seconds.
She adds: ‘I go to the gym to do interval training and circuit-based workouts. I’m in and out; I don’t slog it out for hours. I make every exercise I do count. It’s quality, not quantity.’
But despite her new physique helping her land a contract with USA Pro, Kirsty says she still isn't happy with her body and she hasn't written off the prospect of cosmetic surgery.
‘The ideal body for me is one where every muscle is accounted for – but not in a bodybuilder way... That’s my dream.
‘I’d never say never to going under the knife.'

KIRSTY'S FAVOURITE CIRCUIT-TRAINING MOVES

1. OFFSET PRESS-UP

Reps: 20

Start in the plank position (you can be on your knees if you need). Keep your hands within the mat. Lower yourself down into a regular press-up and then back to the start. Before doing the next press-up, move one of your hands wider, so it’s off the mat (a). Now perform your press-up (b). You can alternate between moving your left and right hand to work both sides, or move your hand in front, rather than to the side, for a change.

2. ROTATING LUNGE

Reps: 20 each side
Stand with your feet together and your hands on your hips. Lunge forward on your right leg into your standard lunge (a), making sure your knee and your ankle form a right angle with the floor. Return to the start, then take a wide step to the right and sink into the side lunge so your weight is on your right foot (b). Again your knee should not go further than your toes. Return to the start. Take your right foot back and sink your knee down to perform a backwards lunge. Return to the start then repeat on your left side.

3. SIDE CRUNCHES

Reps: 20 each side

Lie on your back in the sit-up position. Rest your fingertips against your ears. Curl up so that your shoulders are off the floor. Swivel at your waist so that your left elbow moves towards your left hip. Then return to the start and repeat on your right side. You could also place your arms by your sides and crunch so that you reach down to touch your left heel with your left hand, then alternate sides.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2108739/Paula-Radcliffe-inspired-shape-Kirsty-Gallacher-reveals-secret-toned-abs---same.html#ixzz1nyFDGHCk

Aren't you meant to be promoting the bags? Jessica Michibata makes sure all eyes are on her at Japanese launch Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2109138/Jessica-Michibata-makes-sure-eyes-Samantha-Thavasa-handbag-launch.html#ixzz1nyEIQcUV

She may be a professional model, but it seems Jessica Michibata hasn't got the hang of promoting something properly.
The 27-year-old star posed for the cameras as she showed off the new Samantha Thavasa handbag collection, but it was highly unlikely that onlookers were interested in the accessories.
Anyone at the launch, which was held at Heneda airport in Tokyo, Japan, would no doubt have been caught off guard by Jessica's eye-catching outfit.

What about the handbags? Jessica Michibata ensures all eyes are on her a she promotes the latest collection from Samantha Thavasa at Haneda airport in Tokyo

The Japanese model smiled for photographers wearing a short red dress and a polka dot bow headband that was clearly meant to represent the Disney theme of the collection, but Jessica looked more like a Playboy bunny as she pulled a variety of poses.
She completed her look with white cuffs and a collar and a pair of peep-toe heels as she balanced one of the bags on her arm.

Not a big Disney fan? The Japanese model opted against one of the new handbags when she attended London Fashion Week last month (R)

Jessica - who is currently dating the 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button - has been working with the leading Japanese brand for quite some time now so was an obvious choice to front the latest collection.

The colourful handbags consist of cream and pink styles that are adorned with gold studs and large Disney characters such as Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck.

Fashion lover: The 27-year-old also attended the Pringle Of Scotland Autumn/Winter 2012 runway show last month carrying the same bright handbag

But these characters were nowhere to be seen last month when Jessica attended London Fashion week carrying her belongings in a less childlike accessory.
Wearing a chic trench coat and skinny black trousers, the brunette beauty carried a bright orange handbag as she graced the Burberry Prorsum show at Kensington Gardens.

Number one fan: Jessica's partner, Formula One driver Jenson Button, no doubt approves of his girlfriend's modelling attire

The bold choice was also present when Jessica attended another high-end show on the same day.
The former spokesmodel for lingerie brand Peach John, opted against wearing the same outfit and instead changed into a figure-hugging black dress and matching heels.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2109138/Jessica-Michibata-makes-sure-eyes-Samantha-Thavasa-handbag-launch.html#ixzz1nyEOBm2n

Fruit and Vegetable Salad (Rujak) Recipes

Ingredients :

1/4 yam bean (bangkuang), or 1 hard green pear 2 tbsp oil 1 cake hard beancurd 125g (1/4 lb) beanshoots 1 green mango, or 2 slices green papaya 1 star fruit (carambola), optional 1 small cucumber 6 lettuce leaves 6 thin slices pineapple Sauce - 1 tbsp tamarind 1/2 cup boiling water 2 fresh red chilies, minced 1 tbsp roasted peanuts, crushed 1/2 tsp dried shrimp paste 1-2 tsp sugar 2 tbsp sweet soya (soy) sauce

Method : Prepare sauce first by infusing tamarind in boiling water until softened. Mash pulp, then strain into a small saucepan. Add chili and peanuts, crumbled dried shrimp paste, sugar and sweet soya sauce. Bring almost to the boil. Check flavor and add more sugar if needed. Pour into a sauce boat and set aside. Shred peeled yam bean (if used), and drop into boiling water. Leave for 10 minutes, then drain. If using pear, peel and shred and sprinkle with a little salt water. Heat oil and fry beancurd for 2 minutes, lift out and cool. Cut into thin slices. Steep beanshoots in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain well. Rinse in cold water and drain again. Shred mango or papaya and thinly slice cucumber and star fruit (if used). Wash lettuce and arrange on a plate. Cut pineapple into small wedges and place around the edge of the dish. Stack all vegetables and fruit in the dish with beancurd on top. Pour on the sauce or serve separately.