A kiss on the palace balcony
London - Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton married at Westminster Abbey on Friday in a sumptuous show of British pageantry that attracted a huge world audience and injected new life into the monarchy.
Before a flawless exchange of vows, a veiled Middleton wearing a laced dress with a long train, the first “commoner” to marry a prince in close proximity to the throne in more than 350 years, walked slowly through the 1 900-strong congregation.
As they met at the altar William, second in line to the throne, whispered to her, prompting a smile. The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams declared the couple married with the words: “I pronounce that they be man and wife together”.
Tens of thousands of people thronging the streets outside cheered when they heard the words, and again as the newlyweds left the abbey in a 1902 open-topped state landau carriage bound for Buckingham Palace, the queen's London residence.
Huge cheering crowds strained to catch a glimpse of the beaming couple as well as the military bands in black bearskin hats and cavalrymen in shining breastplates who escorted them to the palace where they were expected to kiss on the balcony.
Middleton's dress, the subject of fevered speculation for months in the fashion press, was a traditional ivory silk and satin outfit with a lace applique and train.
It was designed by Sarah Burton of the Alexander McQueen label, named after the British designer who committed suicide.
The bride wore a tiara loaned by the queen and the diamond and sapphire engagement ring that belonged to William's mother Princess Diana, who was divorced from Prince Charles in 1996, a year before her death in a car crash in Paris aged just 36.
Middleton, the 29-year-old whose mother's family had coal mining roots, is a breath of fresh air for the monarchy, which has in the past been accused of being disconnected from ordinary Britons. She is seen as having the common touch.
The royals' cool reaction to Diana's 1997 death contrasted with an outpouring of public grief and marked a low point for the family. Some questioned whether the institution, a vestige of imperial glory, had outlived its unifying role in a modern state divided by partisan politics and regional separatism.
SEALED WITH A KISS
Thousands of people from around the globe were outside the abbey, many of them camping overnight for the best view of the future king and queen and fuelling the feel-good factor that has briefly lifted Britain from its economic gloom.
“People watching this at home must think we're completely mad, but there's just no comparison,” said 58-year-old Denise Mill from southern England. “I just had to be here”.
The crowd entered into the festive spirit on a day when threatened rain failed to materialise by wearing national flags and even fake wedding dresses and tiaras.
Hundreds of police officers, some armed, dotted the royal routes in a major security operation. Plain clothes officers mixed with the crowds who were packed behind rails.
A large gathering is expected outside Buckingham Palace to cheer on the couple as they appear on the balcony for the much-anticipated public kiss.
For some, however, the biggest royal wedding since Diana married Charles in 1981 was an event to forget, reflecting divided opinion about the monarchy.
In the economically depressed northern city of Bradford, for example, businessman Waheed Yunus said: “It's two young people getting married. It's as simple as that. It happens throughout the whole world every single day.
“There are much more pressing issues. There are much more important things going on in the world.”
“WAITY KATIE”
About 5 500 street parties will be held across Britain, in keeping with tradition, although they will be more common in the more affluent south of England than in the poorer north. Church bells rang out throughout the country in celebration.
The marriage between William and Middleton, dubbed ``Waity Katie'' for their long courtship, has cemented a recovery in the monarchy's popularity.
A series of scandals involving senior royals, Britain's economic problems and Diana's death after her divorce from Prince Charles led many to question the future of the monarchy.
But Middleton's background, William's appeal, the ongoing adoration for his mother and a more media-savvy royal press team have helped to restore their standing with the wider public.
A Daily Mail survey showed 51 percent of people believed the wedding would strengthen the monarchy in Britain, compared with 65 percent who said the marriage between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005 would weaken it.
However, while the queen, 85, exercises limited power, and is largely a symbolic figurehead in Britain and its former colonies, critics question the privileges she and her family enjoy, particularly at a time when the economy is so weak.
The monarchy officially costs the British taxpayer around 40 million pounds ($67 million) a year, while anti-royalists put the figure at closer to 180 million pounds.
HISTORY AND POMP
Bells pealed loudly and trumpets blared as 1 900 guests earlier poured into the historic abbey, coronation site for the monarchy since William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066.
Queen Elizabeth, other royals, Prime Minister David Cameron, David and Victoria Beckham, the footballer-pop star couple, and singer Elton John were among famous guests at the abbey.
They joined 50 heads of state as well as charity workers and war veterans who know the prince from his military training.
Middleton has been given the title Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge after the queen made her grandson William the Duke of Cambridge to mark the marriage.
William could face a long wait for the throne. His grandmother Queen Elizabeth shows little sign of slowing down at 85 and his father Charles is a fit and active 62-year-old. - Reuters
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Tweets keep love at bay
London - The results of a recent study by online US dating site OkCupid found that people who use Twitter every day are more likely to have shorter relationships and to engage in self-gratification than those who don’t.
The data was taken from a sample of 833 987 users of the dating website and compared those who used Twitter every day with the generic category of “everybody else”.
The survey found that older daily Twitter users were likely to have the longest relationships – while, perhaps unsurprisingly, younger daily Twitter users had the shortest.
Daily Twitter users aged 18 to 24 averaged between nine and 12 months per relationship while the same age group in the category of “everyone else” averaged between slightly less than 10 months to about 13 months per relationship.
Those daily Twitter users aged between 40 and 50 averaged 15 months per relationship while the same age group in the category of “everyone else” had relationships lasting between 16 and 17 months.
The survey gave no reason as to why those who use Twitter on a daily basis would be likely to experience shorter romantic attachments.
A separate survey included in the dating company’s report found that the odds that daily Twitter users aged 18 to 24 masturbated, or reported that they were masturbating, on any day across all gender groups were 2:1, while the odds of “everyone else” across the same age group doing the same were significantly lower – about 1.6:1.
Online activities have long been thought by some to be a major cause of relationships breaking down, with numerous studies being conducted into the phenomenon of social networking sites and its effect on relationships.
Examples of two such cases include an April 20 report by technology news portal The Tech Journal that lawyers in the US have claimed social networking site Facebook is cited in nearly 20 percent of divorce cases, and a 2009 study by the CyberPsychology & Behavior Journal reporting findings that correlate time spent on Facebook with jealously in relationships. – The Independent
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Kate paid dues during long wait
London - Goodbye Waity Katie. Hello Princess Catherine. The transformation of Kate Middleton, which began in earnest with the announcement of her engagement to Prince William last year, is about to be completed with their wedding today at Westminster Abbey.
The fiancee of Britain's Prince William, Kate Middleton, is seen attending the Cheltenham Festival in Gloucestershire, western England in this March 16, 2007
The young woman, whose natural ways and wholesome good looks charmed the nation when she hit the scene eight years ago as William’s girlfriend, is soon to be replaced by a new, glossier version, more chic and trained in royal ways.
In movie terms, Middleton, 29, is ready for her close-up, having endured a lengthy courtship with several break-ups along the way. Through it all, she has shown herself to be a formidable woman who knows exactly what she’s getting into, harbouring respect but not awe for the royal family she will soon be joining – and perhaps revitalising.
The former college girl is a future queen, unless death, divorce or revolution intervene. But she must continue to demonstrate patience and staying power, since it may well be several decades before William becomes king.
While it is true that Middleton does not come from an aristocratic family, she has been raised in affluence, with her successful parents able to send her to an exclusive boarding school and to the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where she met William when they were first-year students studying art history.
They were friends at first, but soon became romantically involved, spurred reportedly in part by William’s presence at a charity fashion show at which Middleton wore a see-through dress over black underwear. They kept their romance largely under wraps until William let down his guard a bit during a 2004 ski vacation and was seen with his arm around Middleton.
One of the knocks against Middleton has been a whispering campaign that she set out intentionally to catch a prince.
During the long years of courtship, Middleton shunned the press, not granting an interview in which she discussed her feelings for William or the royals. “She understands the importance of mystique,” said British historian Andrew Roberts, who predicted that Middleton would not give a tell-all interview like the ones Princess Diana gave when her marriage was collapsing.
The only public hint of Middleton’s feelings came the day in November last year when the engagement was announced. On joining the royal family, she told reporters: “It’s quite a daunting prospect, but … William’s a great teacher so hopefully he’ll be able to help me along the way,” she said.
Since then, she has made appearances with William and has seemed to thrive on contact with the public.
There are indications she plans to be involved in charity work, and it is also possible she and William will try to start a family fairly soon.
Some people hope that she can break the royal mould completely. “Diana was the best for charity work, so Kate shouldn’t copy her. Do something different. Be a cupcake maker or something,” said Ursula Sam, 22.
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10 habits of highly sexual people
Pre-orgasmic. Someone who's not yet had an orgasm. It's astounding to think that Marilyn Monroe, that absolute icon of sexuality, fell into this category despite three husbands and a long line of highly accomplished lovers. Until her psychiatrist told her about masturbation, that is - after which she waxed lyrical about female orgasms to him.
Off-screen and on, Marilyn oozed sex in a way that few could ever hope to emulate. She used sex to boost her career and attain rich and powerful lovers - yet the ultimate sexual pleasure, sex for sex's sake, eluded her until she neared the end of her 36 years.
While most could never dream of attaining her luminosity and sex icon status, all of us have at some stage or another come across people who similarly ooze sex appeal, whether or not they meet our personal criteria of sexiness.
Some people are simply highly sexual. They tap into a sexual energy that vitalises them - to the extent that you can spot them a mile away. And without being able to put your finger on why, you know they'd be superb in bed. What habits do highly sexual people have that set them apart from the milling crowd of sexual wannabes?
Marilyn Monroe plays a saloon entertainer in this scene from the 1954 film River Of No Return.
1. They think of sex frequently and surround themselves with stimuli that trigger desire. Dwelling on thoughts of sex arouses desire, which is communicated non-verbally and heightens their sex appeal.
2. They pursue - and usually attain - frequent sex. Sex is good for our health, both physically and psychologically, and the results show. It's also self-reinforcing because the more sex we have, the more we want it.
3. They practise spontaneity, seeking sex whenever a good opportunity arises - and even when it doesn't. This often involves some risk-taking, especially when it comes to sex outdoors or in semi-public places. The thrill of being caught in the act adds sexual tension and heightens sensation.
4. They are sexually adventurous and constantly seek new sexual paths, which keeps things fresh. Their openness to explore new techniques, new venues and new positions makes them an exciting partner.
5. They laugh frequently and use humour in the bedroom to dispel any tension or to defuse potentially embarrassing situations, which are inevitable with sex. People are drawn to laughter, and it bonds them as partners.
6. They're not afraid to ask for what they want in bed, no matter how risqué or taboo the sexual activity may seem. They're confident enough to be themselves and risk rejection. When faced with a negative response, are likely to think of another risqué request.
7. They look after their bodies in an effort to attract mates. They usually exercise and eat healthily. How they look is important - because if we look good, we tend feel good. They often dress to flatter their best assets and pay attention to personal grooming.
8. They are highly tactile people who squeeze, cuddle and kiss their partners frequently even when not initiating sex. This intimate contact out of the bedroom reinforces their prowess between the sheets because it conveys love and affection.
9. Instead of worrying about their physical shortcomings, they focus on giving and receiving sexual pleasure. Their self acceptance gives them confidence and sexual self-esteem, which increases their success between the sheets.
10. They relish pleasure in all forms, devouring food that delights their senses, pursuing relaxation activities with gusto, admiring and appreciating beauty for beauty's sake. Their passion for life draws people to them, especially potential lovers, and further enhances their sex appeal.
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Petrol to increase by 29c/l
The retail price of all grades of petrol will increase by 29 cents per litre on Wednesday May 4, the Department of Energy announced on Thursday.
The price of both 0.05% sulphur diesel and of 0.005% sulphur diesel will increase by 16 cents per litre.
Wholesale paraffin will increase by 15 cents a litre, and the price of illuminating paraffin (SMNRP) will rise by 20 cents per litre.
There will be a 53 cents per kilogram increase in the maximum retail price for LPGAS.
During the period under review, the average international product prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin increased.
The average rand/US dollar exchange rate strengthened when compared to the previous period.
The average rand/US dollar exchange rate for the period 01 April 2011 to 27 April 2011 was 6.7701 compared to 6.9512 during the previous period.
Petrol 95 ULP octane in Gauteng will now cost 10.25 rand a litre from 9.96 rand before, while at the coast it will cost 9.95 rand per litre compared with 9.66 rand previously.
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WWE World Tour: South Africa
WWE is making its return to South Africa this July with five action-packed live events scheduled for Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Yes, that’s right you’ll be able to check all of your favourite superstars right in your home town.
Experience all the drama and excitement as some of the biggest names in WWE SmackDown? hit South Africa including WWE Superstars Rey Mysterio, Big Show, Kane, Kofi Kingston, Alberto Del Rio, Justin Gabriel, Kelly Kelly. plus many more.Experience all the drama and excitement as some of the biggest names in WWE SmackDown hit South Africa
Grand Arena, Grand West, Cape Town - Western Cape
Wed 06 Jul 11 8:00 PM (Open)
Thu 07 Jul 11 8:00 PM (Open)
Westridge Park Tennis Stadium, Durban - Kwazulu-Natal
Fri 08 Jul 11 8:00 PM (Open)
The Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg And Reef - Gauteng
Sat 09 Jul 11 8:00 PM (Open)
Sun 10 Jul 11 1:00 PM (Open)
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Royal wedding – Prince William and Kate Middleton
Once they are man and wife, Prince William and Kate Middleton may combine the two by honeymooning at the queen's 50,000-acre Balmoral estate in Scotland, a family holding so vast that the couple could relax without worrying about their every movement being tracked by long-lensed paparazzi.
They would likely combine a stay in Scotland, a beautiful spot but with iffy weather, with a visit to a reliably sunny locale, royal experts believe.
“I think privacy will be the most important thing after all that they will have gone through,” said Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine. “Maybe a week in the sun and a week in Scotland, which is a traditional royal honeymoon venue. They can do their own thing up there.”
William and Middleton are somewhat limited by the prince's military commitments. He is a Royal Air Force helicopter search and rescue pilot with two weeks' leave available, so he will have to be back at the base in Wales fairly quickly.
His parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, spent several months honeymooning, combining a two-week Mediterranean cruise on the Royal Yacht Britannia (since decommissioned) with an extended visit to Balmoral in Scotland.
Little said William and Middleton seem to enjoy the active, outdoor lifestyle available in Balmoral, one of the queen's favourite estates.
He said photographers who might be tempted to come onto the estate to photograph the couple with a telephoto lens would likely be warned off in advance by the Press Complaints Commission, which would be expected to warn editors that intrusions on the couple's privacy will not be tolerated.
Prince William's press office has refused to provide any details about the honeymoon destination, although William has dropped several tantalising hints about possible destinations.
On a recent trip to Australia, the prince told cheering crowds that it was possible he and Middleton would return for a honeymoon in Cairns so they could scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef.
Some believe the couple will return to the retreat in the mountains of Kenya where William proposed to Middleton last October, noting that when he signed the guestbook he said he hoped they would be able to come back soon.
Others find meaning in the wedding guest list, which includes several people - including a bartender and a yoga instructor - from the private Caribbean island of Mustique, a favoured royal hideaway where the late Princess Margaret kept a house for many years.
Other island retreats, including Mauritius and the Seychelles, are also seen as contenders, as is mega-businessman Richard Branson's private island in the British Virgin Islands.
A final clue may have come from Middleton herself. She was photographed nine days before the wedding making some last minute clothing purchases on the chic King's Road in central London.
The booty reportedly included two bikinis, indicating a “fun in the sun” destination might be in the offing.
But that does little to clarify matters, since she would probably need the bathing suits at all of the mentioned destinations - except for Scotland, where romance is made out of haze, mist and fog. - Sapa-AP
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Is red faster?
Johannesburg - Vodacom has officially unveiled its new double-speed 43.2 Mbps network in South Africa.
More than 1,000 base stations in metropolitan areas across the country have been enabled with this new SuperMobile technology, and this will increase to 2,000 base stations during May.
Despite the obvious attraction of potentially doubling the speed of internet connections, the main reason for the investment is an estimated 20 percent increase in system capacity on each upgraded base station.
Explaining this in more detail, Vodacom chief technology officer Andries Delport said: “The primary reason for investing in this new double-speed technology was to improve the customer experience. With greater capacity on each base station, we can achieve just that. The fact that individual connection speeds can be twice as fast is a nice side-effect but not the main goal.”
Radio spectrum is a finite natural resource and a key limitation to expanding and improving mobile communications coverage and capacity. By implementing this new technology, Vodacom will potentially be able to carry about 20 percent more traffic in the main 3G frequency spectrum band.
This won’t eliminate the requirement for additional spectrum in the future but it does alleviate some current constraints.
Talking about this further, Andries Delport said: “Vodacom’s investment in this new technology really is a win-win. Connections speeds increase and the network capacity itself is also increased. All customers need to experience the higher speeds achievable on the new network is a compatible modem, which are on sale at Vodacom shops. Everything else remains the same – normal data bundles can be used and the price is the same.”
Concluding, Andries Delport said: “Saturday’s launch was the culmination of years of planning and investment. Implementing double-speed technology at our base stations is another step in a series of upgrades across the network, and serves to prove that there’s much more to the new Vodacom than just a new colour and logo.
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