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Innuendo, Frenemies, and Diva Antics: speculation continues to dog Paltrow following split

Gwyneth Paltrow’s split from her husband of ten years, Chris Martin, has rekindled speculation that last year was burning like wildfire.

Paltrow’s fierce response to a Vanity Fair article that purported to examine the hate/love-fest that surrounds her, emailing her celebrity friends and recommending that they never “do” the magazine again, created a sensation in itself. As Vanity Fair’s editor Grayden Carter wrote, “the extreme ferocity of Paltrow’s outrage set off alarm bells throughout the dark regions of the celebrity-mining industry. The overall theory: she must have something to hide.”

As conjecture snowballed and the unpublished article reached mythic proportions and became billed as an “epic” Gwyneth Paltrow “takedown”, rumours and theories involving extra-marital affairs and public feuds engulfed the Oscar-winning actress.

This latest news about the couple’s separation has been leapt upon as evidence that something is indeed rotten in the state of Denmark. Here is a rundown of the innuendo, frenemy stoushes and diva antics that have encircled Gwyneth Paltrow.

Diva | Vanity Fair’s editor, Grayden Carter, accused Paltrow of over-reacting to their story, writing “She asked that (her show-business friends) not speak to Vanity Fair about her, or about anything else ever again. Ever. Never. Kim Jong-un couldn’t have issued a more blanket demand.

Rumour: Jeff Soffer

Rumour | It was widely speculated that the Vanity Fair article would expose an alleged affair between Paltrow and billionaire Miami hotelier and Elle Macpherson’s new husband, Jeff Soffer in 2008.

Frenemy

Frenemy | Hollywood BFFs Winona Ryder and Gwyneth fell out after Paltrow gazumped Ryder for the lead role in Shakespeare in Love and consequently won an Oscar. Following Ryder’s arrest for shoplifting, Paltrow wrote on her blog that she relished the humiliation that had come to an unnamed frenemy who was “hellbent on taking (her) down”, widely interpreted as a dig at Ryder.

Frenemy: Madonna

Frenemy | Madonna and Paltrow’s decade-long friendship came to an end due to a rift involving their separate fitness empires. Madonna is said to have snubbed Paltrow at the Met Gala last year and Paltrow made thinly veiled comments to British Vogue, saying “I can ice people out and I can definitely harbour revenge. In fact, I’m having a situation right now with a friend where I’m feeling pretty angry.”

Rumour: Kevin Yorn

Rumour | Soon before the announcement that Paltrow and her husband of ten years, Chris Martin, were separating, Paltrow’s representatives were forced to deny reports that she had been having an affair with entertainment lawyer Kevin Yorn.

Frenemy: Kate Moss

Frenemy | During a star-studded four-day party at a luxury resort, Paltrow and Moss had a run-in on the beach. “Oi, what you out jogging for?” bullied Moss. “So I don’t look like you when I get old” Paltrow shot back, prompting Moss to hurl a handful of chips at the actress and scream “Why don’t you eat some f**king carbs!”

Diva

Diva | Paltrow has copped criticism for subjecting her children to her strict no-carb no-wheat diet even admitting that it sometimes leaves her kids “with that specific hunger.”

Diva | Paltrow’s cookbook It’s All Good, which advocated a $300-a-day meal plan, was slammed by critics and labelled a “Bible of laughable Hollywood neuroticism” by The Atlantic Wire and a “manifesto to some sort of creepy healthy-girl sorority” by the New York Post.

Diva

Diva | Paltrow was criticised after her GOOP website featured spring wardrobe “essentials” that added up to $458,003. For “a night in with guests” she suggests a maxi skirt that costs $1,615 and for “lounging around on the weekend” silk Chloe pants that cost $1,695.

Rumour: John Hannah

Rumour | Following the sudden break-up from her fiancé Brad Pitt, Paltrow was accused of cheating on him with her Sliding Doors co-star John Hannah.

Frenemy: Jennifer Lopez

Frenemy | Jennifer Lopez, who was engaged to Ben Affleck after his split from Paltrow, said dismissively in a magazine interview that she could not remember any of Paltrow’s films. Paltrow soon found a reason to say during an interview “I do not want to be married for six months and then say, ‘Oh well, never mind, on to number two’”, apparently referring to Lopez’s brief marriages.

Frenemy: Martha Stewart

Frenemy | Paltrow’s GOOP website and recipe books sparked a rivalry with the original lifestyle guru, Martha Stewart. Paltrow complained when Stewart left her book launch party early and Stewart has spoken with contempt about Paltrow’s foray into her turf, saying “I think I started this whole category!” and “Lifestyle coach? … You have to live to be a coach.”

Rumour

Rumour | Paltrow was accused of cheating on Ben Affleck with Viggo Mortensen.

Frenemy

Frenemy | Paltrow was quoted by Harper’s Bazaar magazine as saying, “I won’t do Botox again, because I looked crazy. I looked like Joan Rivers!”. After laughing it off, Rivers went tit for tat, saying “[Lying about having work done] is such a put down to women. It says to the average woman, ‘I’m beautiful naturally and you’re not.’”

Diva

Diva | It has been reported that at Paltrow’s gym, before showering, “Gwyneth makes someone go into the stall and wipe the entire shower dry” and that she demands that a stock of Smart Water is kept for her.

Rumour: Matthew Morrison

Rumour | When Paltrow did a guest stint on Glee in 2011, there were rumors that she grew to become more than friends with co-star Matthew Morrison.

Diva: False image

Diva | The New York Times accused Paltrow of hiring a ghostwriter, Julia Turshen, for her cookbook, My Father’s Daughter, but Paltrow denies it, saying she “wrote every word” herself.

Frenemy

Frenemy | Paltrow gave Reese Witherspoon a back-handed compliment when she was quoted as saying “Even actresses that you really admire, like Reese Witherspoon, you think, ‘Another romantic comedy?’ You see her in something like Walk the Line and think, ‘God, you’re so great!’ And then you think, ‘Why is she doing these stupid romantic comedies?’ But of course, it’s for money and status.”

Diva

Diva | Paltrow raised eyebrows when she told Jonathan Ross on his program, “I’d rather smoke crack than eat cheese from a can.”

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‘Thigh gap’ Photoshopped onto swim model

Another retailer has come under fire for crudely Photoshopping a "thigh gap" onto an already rail-thin swimwear model.

Another retailer has come under fire for crudely Photoshopping a “thigh gap” onto an already rail-thin swimwear model.

An over-zealous retoucher excised a large wedge of flesh from the legs of a blonde model on the cover of the latest catalogue for US retailer Land’s End.

Sadly, this is far from an isolated incident – dozens of the world’s biggest brands have been criticised in recent months for dramatically digitally thinning the inner thighs of their models in keeping with the current insidious teen trend for legs that don’t touch.

An over-zealous retoucher excised a large wedge of flesh from the legs of a blonde model on the cover of the latest catalogue for US retailer Land’s End.

Photoshopping “thigh gaps” onto models has become popular in recent months. Target had a shocker with these crudely-retouched swimsuit images last week.

H&M exaggerated this model’s thigh gap to ridiculous proportions.

Old Navy’s entire new fuller-figured collection has received the airbrush treatment, digitally removing a wedge from between the mannequin’s legs to give her a desirable “thigh gap”.

Victoria’s Secret carved a significant amount out of this model’s thighs to achieve the desired gap.

A thigh gap was added to these jeans.

J Crew’s latest Photoshop fail.

Joe’s Jean’s airbrushed model Alexandra Tomlinson’s thigh to make it as thin as her forearm.

This catalogue model appears to have lost an elbow in the retouching process.

Where has this H&M model’s face gone? And what is going on with her hand?

Ralph Lauren caused controversy when it dramatically slimmed down this model.

Another Ralph Lauren model with an impossibly tiny waist and hips.

This model got a skin make-over (left) and an odd hand growth.

Victoria’s Secret was slammed for slimming down this model’s shapely legs.

This cosmetics model’s arm is unnaturally straight in this ad.

US retailer Ann Taylor seems to have lost this model’s arm in this ad.

Are these the world’s longest legs or the work of retouching?

Victoria’s Secret was too heavy-handed slimming this model’s waist.

Another case of the missing arm, this time for Victoria’s Secret.

International fashion magazine Numero made Karlie Kloss appear more full-figured.

Half of Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine’s torso has disappeared in Russian Vogue.

Designer David Koma’s sketch of Beyonce is quite different to the real thing, causing controversy.

Roberto Cavalli also smoothed over Beyonce’s signature curves in a recent sketch.

This magazine employed the airbrushing tool to help their claim Kate was pregnant.

Beyonce’s skin is suspiciously milky-white on the cover of her latest album.

Mexico’s Maxim magazine went too far slimming down this model’s waist.

Twilight star Kristen Stewart’s arm has vanished on the cover of Glamour.

This Gucci ad slimmed the model’s legs to flamingo-like proportions.

This model’s legs were stretched and slimmed beyond recognition in this online listing.

Beyonce Knowles had her famously curvy thighs slimmed down by US Harper’s Bazaar.

Beyonce was reportedly furious with her image being airbrushed in this campaign for H&M.

UK Grazia was criticised for making Kate Middleton’s waist slimmer.

Slender Keira Knightley had her modest chest inflated for this film poster.

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Spice Girls’ memorable moments as possible reunion to go ahead without Posh

Melanie Chisholm, better known as Mel C in one of the biggest girl bands in the world, has revealed that a Spice Girls reunion might be on the cards.

The ‘Sporty Spice’ has confirmed that while Victoria Beckham, formerly Posh Spice but now a successful fashion designer and half of the Beckham super-couple, does not want to participate in a reunion herself, she has encouraged the others to go for it.

“Victoria Beckham has given us four her blessing to do something without her”, Chisholm said, raising the possibility that the other four will come together again.

With girl power, Spice Girls took pop culture by storm 18 years ago selling over 100 million albums.

The Spice Girls in 1997, shortly after they burst onto the scene.

The Spice Girls were master image-makers, playing up to their created personas at every available opportunity.

The Spice Girls won two Brit Awards in 1997 for Best Single (Wannabe) and Best Video (Say You’ll Be There).

Prince Charles With the girls at the Royal Gala Performance to Celebrate the 21st Anniversary Of The Prince’s Trust Charity.

Geri Halliwell, ‘Ginger Spice’, became a British icon.

The girls won more Brit Awards in 1998 (Best Selling Album), 2000 (Outstanding Contribution To The British Music Industry) and 2010 (Brits Performance of 30th Year).

Performing at the Brit Awards.

The girls perform at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

One of the most memorable moments from the closing ceremony, the girls performed on top of London taxis.

Melanie Brown, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Melanie Chisholm at Viva Forever’, a musical based on the music of The Spice Girls at Piccadilly Theatre in 2012.

Stunning the crowds at the Olympic Stadium in London in 2012.

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Size 16 mannequins ‘normalising’ obesity

A medical expert has slammed plus-size dummies because they "normalise" being overweight.
Debenhams' size 16 mannequins.

British department store Debenhams recently began using size 16 models in an effort to reflect the shape of “real women” in the UK however Britain’s chief medical director Dame Sally Davies says the move makes obesity seem normal.

“I have long been concerned that being underweight is often portrayed as the ideal weight, particularly in the fashion industry. Yet I am increasingly concerned that society may be normalising being overweight,” says Davies.

The majority of retailers in Britain use size 10 or size 8 mannequins although the average British woman – like the average Aussie one – is a size 16.

In an interview with BBC Radio, Davies called the use of larger mannequins “size inflation” and said an increase in vanity sizing made it difficult for people to recognise they were overweight.

“News stories about weight often feature pictures of severely obese people, which are unrepresentative of the majority of overweight people.”

In her annual report on the state of health, Davies indicated that nearly two thirds of adults and a third of children are overweight or obese – classed as a body mass index of above 25. This is about double the numbers in the early 1990s prompting suggestions of implementing  a “sugar tax”.

“I call on manufacturers to ramp up reformulation of products to use less sugar … If voluntary efforts fail to deliver then we, as a society, may need to consider the public health benefits that could be derived from regulation such as a ‘sugar tax’.”

When Debenhams introduced the bigger mannequins in December a spokesman said they were hoping many more department stores would follow suit however so far many have declined.

A spokesperson for retail giant Marks & Spencer said it takes a “responsible approach to visual merchandising” and highlighted that its stores uses size 10 models, which is above the size 8 market average.

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How young is too young to have your ears pierced?

She's just seven months old, but Alec Baldwin's baby daughter Carmen is already wearing earrings.

She’s just seven months old, but Alec Baldwin’s baby daughter Carmen is already wearing earrings.

Alec, 55, provoked criticism yesterday when he posted a picture of his little girl on Instagram that clearly displayed her pierced ears.

But while critics accused Alec of traumatising Carmen, his wife Hilaria, 30, claims the piercing was far more upsetting for her than the baby.

“She cried for a few seconds, but I cried way more,” Hilaria told Hello! magazine.

What do you think? How young is too young to have your ears pierced?

Alec Baldwin uploaded this photo to Instagram overnight, showing off his seven-month-old daughter’s pierced ears.

Carmen apparently cried for only “a few seconds” when her ears were pierced, while Alec and Hilaria sobbed for much longer.

Alec is a big fan of sharing candid pictures of himself and his youngest daughter online.

Alec’s wife Hilaria hails from Spain, where it is relatively common to pierce baby’s ears.

Hilaria is a yoga fanatic who posts hundreds of snaps of herself engaging in her hobby every year.

Carmen lives with Alec and Hilaria in their New York apartment.

Alec and Hilaria certainly seem to be doting parents.

Carmen and Hilaria doing yoga on the train.

Carmen is Alec’s second child. His older daughter Ireland is 18.

Carmen and Hilaria.

Carmen at breakfast time.

Sleepy time.

Carmen already has a huge online following.

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Wedding bells in Summer Bay! Home And Away star Steve Peacocke engagedto co-star Bridgette Snedden

Steve Peacocke and Bridgette Snedden.

Steve Peacocke and Bridgette Snedden.

The off-screen romance on the set of Home and Away has produced happy news with the show’s star Steve Peacocke confirming that he is engaged to his long-time girlfriend and co-star as of December, Bridgette Snedden.

The news will disappoint many female fans who have watched the handsome Peacocke since 2011 when he joined the soap as River Boy Darryl ‘Brax’ Braxton and quickly became the most eligible bachelor on Aussie TV.

But Peacocke, 32, and Snedden, 27, have been an item since 2005 and he secretly proposed to her last year.

“I just always thought it’s better to keep all that kind of stuff private for us. It happened (the engagement) last year so yeah we are engaged,” he confirmed to The Daily Telegraph.

Suspicions were raised about a possible wedding after it was reported that Snedden was seen on two separate occassions wearing a dazzling ring on her left hand but had quickly removed it when photographers were nearby.

The pair met in drama school and in December last year it was announced that Snedden would join Peacocke at Summer Bay after being cast as a new character, Sophie.

Bridgette told the Telegraph that she looked forward to spending more time with Steve.

“It’s been odd not seeing each other in the last three years after working together so much [during drama school]. I’ve just seen how much he loves his job and loves going up to Palm Beach.”.

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Diarrhoea costing health system millions

Diarrhoea among our aging population is costing the national health system $75 million a year, according to a new scientific study.
Male and Female bathroom sign

The research, conducted at Western Health in Melbourne, examined admissions in three hospitals and found that people aged 65 and over, and with other underlying health issues, were most risk of contracting a diarrhoeal illness requiring hospitalisation at an average cost of $5,600 per patient.

At Western Heath the annual cost was around $2 million dollars but nationally the figure comes in at more than $75 million and is set only to rise in the future because of Australia’s aging population.

The research, to be presented to the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases today, says that while deaths from childhood vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, meningitis and tetanus are dropping, deaths from respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases in the elderly are increasing with a corresponding impact on health budgets.

“The changes in our population—now an ageing population with high rates of multi-morbidity—mean that conditions such as diarrhoea are having a much larger health economic impact than they would have previously had in younger populations,” says lead researcher Dr Belinda Lin from Western Health, Melbourne.

“The health service burden and costs of managing community-acquired diarrhoeal disease in our hospital system are high and likely to continue to increase as our population ages.”

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Gwyneth explains what conscious uncoupling means

Gwyneth Paltrow and Christ Martin

Gwyneth Paltrow and Christ Martin. Photos: WireImage / Goop.com

Gwyneth Paltrow has taken to her blog again to explain the pop-psychology tag she used to announce her separation from Chris Martin.

In a post titled “Conscious uncoupling” on the Goop lifestyle website, Paltrow yesterday wrote “we have come to the conclusion that while we love each other very much we will remain separate.”

The site was offline for hours after crashing from overwhelming traffic volumes, but today the Oscar-winning actress has added an explanation of the term from Dr Habib Sadeghi and Dr Sherry Sami, Los Angeles-based physicians who specialise in integrative health.

“Conscious uncoupling”, they say, “is the ability to understand that every irritation and argument was a signal to look inside ourselves and identify a negative internal object that needed healing.”

“If we can recognize that our partners in our intimate relationships are our teachers, helping us evolve our internal, spiritual support structure, we can avoid the drama of divorce and experience what we call a conscious uncoupling.”

“By choosing to handle your uncoupling in a conscious way, regardless of what’s happening with your spouse, you’ll see that although it looks like everything is coming apart; it’s actually all coming back together.”

The phrase is also used by a New Age psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, Katherine Woodward Thomas. Her website offers courses in “Conscious Uncoupling” that promise to “release the trauma of a break-up, reclaim your power and reinvent your life”. The course can be completed online and in just five weeks.

Related video: Conscious uncoupling explained.

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Duchess Kate’s best on tour looks

In less than two weeks, Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge will embark on her first royal tour of Australia and New Zealand with her husband Prince William and baby George in tow.

In less than two weeks, Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge will embark on her first royal tour of Australia and New Zealand with her husband Prince William and baby George in tow.

With more than 48 engagements planned during the three week visit, Catherine will have more than 30 outfit changes.

The Duchess is said to be working closely with a wardrobe coordinator to put together the perfect outfits.

“She has been allowed to pick out as many items as she needs,” a source told US Weekly.

“A number of outfits she’s wearing on the tour are off-the-rack pieces, however they’re being tailored to her body shape.

“The Queen’s dress maker, Angela Kelly, and her team have been involved in a lot of the wardrobe prep.”

The Duchess will also pack her some glittering jewels for the visit straight out of the Queen’s jewellery collection.

If, like us, you can’t wait to see the 32-year-old Duchess down under, check out our gallery of her best on tour looks, here!

Catherine arrives at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore in a belted skirt and matching top.

Catherine looks lovely in a waisted dress with pleated skirt at the visits Kranji Commonwealth War Cemetery in Singapore.

Time for tea in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia where Kate wore this lace dress.

Catherine looks every part the Princess as she arrives in the Solomon Islands.

The Duchess lets her hair down in traditional Island clothing during her visit to the Solomon Islands.

Catherine wears a beautiful red coat and knee-high boots on a visit to Copenhagen, Denmark where she is joined by Crown Princess Mary.

Looking gorgeous in green Catherine joins William at a private reception held at the British Consul-General’s residence in LA.

Catherine teams a sophisticated waisted dress with nude shoes at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California.

Catherine opted for nude elegance at the White House while meeting President Obama and his wife Michelle.

Wearing Canadian colours, the Duchess stepped out in this gorgeous white gown as she attends Canada Day Celebrations.

In an unusual move the Duchess wears her hair tied back during an evening of National Canada Day Celebrations during the Royal Couple’s North American Tour.

Catherine keeps it casual in Slave Lake, Alberta.

The Duchess teams with bright blue number with her favourite nude pumps while touring Quebec, Canada.

Looking lovely in yellow, Catherine arrives at Calgary Airport.

We love Catherine’s cowgirl style at the Calgary Stampede Parade in Canada.

The Duke and Duchess attend the BAFTA Brits To Watch red carpet event in LA.

Catherine’s nude pumps go with everything! Here, she teams them up with a beautiful red coat and diamond maple leaf brooch which she borrowed from the Queen.

Catherine bundles up in style in Glasgow, Scotland.

Despite the cold, Catherine manages to stay warm in style while visiting Ayrshire, Scotland.

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Inside Chris Martin’s new $14m bachelor pad

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin only announced their break-up yesterday but they've already reportedly organised separate "his and hers" mansions to start their post-split lives.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin only announced their break-up yesterday but they’ve already reportedly organised separate “his and hers” mansions to start their post-split lives.

Coldplay frontman Chris is rumoured to be preparing to move into this Malibu mansion, which the couple purchased for $14 million earlier this month.

The impressive beachfront home – designed by architect John Lautner – features three bedroom suites, a yoga studio, tennis court, pool, master steam room and rain shower.

It is set on one acre of land and surrounded by lush tropical-style gardens and boasts its own private cove for boats to moor.

It is not known which of the couple’s many properties Gwyneth will call home, or where their two children, Apple, nine, and Moses, seven, will live.

Chris Martin will reportedly live in this $14 million Malibu beach house in the aftermath of his split from wife of 10 years Gwyneth Paltrow.

The architect-designed home is extremely private and secluded.

The full-length heated swimming pool.

The home has lovely ocean views.

One of the living areas.

One of the three bedroom suites.

The home’s impressive chef’s kitchen.

The property backs onto a private beach with deep water mooring for large boats.

The house is perfect for relaxed summer living.

The home’s impressive tennis courts.

Another of the home’s expansive bedroom suites.

The property has a full yoga studio and spa, sure to be appreciated by yoga devotee Chris.

It features many outdoor living and dining options.

The third bedroom.

Another of the home’s living areas.

The property is set on one acre of land.

The home is set in thick jungle-style gardens.

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