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The Golden Spider Silk Garments

2012-01-31T23:17:00.008+08:00

An exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is showcasing the world’s largest pieces of cloth made from spider silk, including a cape.

Simon Peers, left, and Nicholas Godley stand beside Bianca Gavrilas as she shows off a cape made from the silk of the golden orb spider.
Reportedly several years in the making, the pieces (which include a shawl and cape) on display are made from spider silk and Simon Peers and Nicolas Godley, who worked with the garment makers, say it took approximately 1.2 million spiders to make the entire exhibition.

London’s Victoria and Albert Museum put on display a remarkable cape woven from silk extracted from about 1.2 million female spiders in the highlands of Madagascar, an island off Africa’s southeastern coast. The project was the work of English textile expert Simon Peers and U.S. designer Nicholas Godley. For three years, dozens of workers collected spiders every morning and harnessed them 24 at a time into special “milking” contraptions that allowed workers to extract their silk. The museum notes that it takes about 23,000 extractions to create one ounce of silk thread.

To produce the stunning garments, Madagascar golden orb-weaver spiders were milked daily in order to produce enough fibers for the clothing. The golden color is all natural and no treatments or dyes were used in the making of the apparel. The entire display showcases the world’s largest pieces of cloth made from spider silk and includes background material and a short film revealing the spider silk making process.

Godley is an entrepreneur who met Peers, an art historian and textile expert, in Madagascar. The Golden Orb spider is quite common in the region and has silken threads that are stronger and more durable than fibers from other types of species that can be “silked”.

Godley and Peer have a workshop in Madagascar that has several hand-powered machines with 24 female spiders in each. Handlers pull and spool strands from each spider’s multiple spinnerets. The spiders are eventually released, unharmed.

Peers says, “It’s like an invisibility cloak because you can’t fell spider silk. If we hadn’t made the cape, this silk would be webs in the wind. That’s part of the magic. It’s something so ephemeral and yet somehow we’ve managed to capture it.”

The golden orb spider (Nephila madagascariensis) spins a unique silk, naturally gold in color. Last week, it made a memorable debut in the fashion world.

The silk produced by the golden orb spider has a sunny yellow hue.

The Golden Spider Silk exhibition is taking place at the Victoria and Albert Museum from January 15 through June 5 in room 17a. Admission is free.

Thai Man Who Marries Dead Girlfriend

2012-01-26T22:04:00.004+08:00

A man in Thailand Married a dead girlfriend to fulfill his promise of love.

29-year old Sarinya Kamsook and her 28-year-old boyfriend, Chadil Deffy, were to be married this year. Sarinya Kamsook unfortunately died in a car crash, just day before the big event, Deffy decided to go on with their wedding as planned and married her.

Deffy and Sarinya had been together for 10 years, before they finally decided to settle down. They had postponed the wedding several times, due to busy schedules and the fact that Deffy wanted to complete his education before he got married.

Chadil Deffy maried his girlfriend ,Sarinya Kamsook at her funeral

Sarinya was involved in a car crash, leaving her severely injured. She still could have been saved with timely medical attention. However, the doctors made her wait for 6 hours due to an overcrowded ICU instead of transferring her to another hospital. During this time, she succumbed to her injuries and passed away.

During her funeral in Surin, Thailand, Chadil Duffy placed a ring on his deceased bride’s finger. It thus turned out a wedding/funeral ceremony, one of the rare events in the world.
Deffy placing a wedding ring on her finger.

Deffy kissing the forehead of his girlfriend’s corpse

On the 4th of January 2012, in Buddhist ceremony, Deffy married the corpse of his girlfriend. The event took place in Surin, a city in northern Thailand.
During the ceremony, he expressed his devotion and deep love for Sarinya. Several friends and relatives attended the wedding, and it was even aired on national television in Thailand.

The story, along with pictures from the wedding has now become an internet sensation, sparking several debates.

Website helps spurned lovers sell unwanted gifts

2012-01-25T21:42:00.003+08:00

A new website has been launched to help broken-hearted lovers cash in on undesired presents from their relationships that have gone sour.
Annabel Acton, 28, who has created this website - neverlikeditanyway.com, was apparently inspired by her own miserable break-up with her boyfriend five days before Christmas while living together on the Lower East Side.

Annabel Acton, 28, who has created this website

Encouraged by her friends, the Australian-born Acton decided to set up a kind of eBay for bitter brides and disgruntled grooms and other broken-hearted, the New York Post reported.All this pathetic 'Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all' was sappy. I wanted something spunky," she said.

"I wanted it to be irreverent like 'Sex in the City,' or like what would happen if Beyonce got dumped, what would she do about it.

Encouraged by her friends, the Australian-born Acton decided to set up a kind of eBay for bitter brides and disgruntled grooms and other broken-hearted, the New York Post reported.All this pathetic 'Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all' was sappy. I wanted something spunky," she said.

"I wanted it to be irreverent like 'Sex in the City,' or like what would happen if Beyonce got dumped, what would she do about it.

Website helps jilted lovers discard unwanted gifts from bad relationships

"They need to move on and not cry in a pile of tissues, eating ice cream."
The sellers are required to post the "real world" price of the item, the discounted "break-up" price, a photo of the item, and have to blog about their break-up.

Tara Jackson, 25, a product-development consultant from Lower East Side, disposed of a piece of jewellery within a week.
She said that she loved the diamond bracelet her long-time boyfriend gifted her a few years ago, but after he dumped her, it simply had to go.
"I would kill myself if I ran into him and I was wearing it," she said.

After selling the 500 dollars bracelet for 230 dollars, she felt she had taken a bit of revenge.
"So in a way, the site was me getting the last laugh," she said, calling the Web site a "gathering of the sisterhood," although guys are also on it," she added.

Michelle managed to become a true fashion icon

2012-01-19T22:28:00.005+08:00

Happy 48th birthday, Michelle Obama! While the first lady has been known to rock everything from dramatic, fashion-forward Jason Wu gowns to Narciso Rodriguez silk ensembles, she's also a fan of affordable fashion. In recent years, she's donned bright J. Crew sweaters, colorful H&M dresses and trendy Asos.com printed shirts.

We're celebrating Michelle's special day by looking back at some of our favorite looks from the past year:

Michelle Obama is ready to do any experiments, if they do not go beyond her own personal style. The combination of bright colors and monochrome outfits, colorful prints and shiny textures, the style of 60th and luxurious evening wear - all made a special style of Michelle Obama. She has managed to become one of the most stylish women of our time, while choosing his main criterion for self-restraint, which miraculously did not become a hindrance to her love for all the bright and unusual.

"For me fashion is fun, and it’s supposed to help you feel good about yourself," the first lady told Women's Health in 2009. "I think that’s what all women should focus on: what makes them happy and feel comfortable and beautiful. I wear what I love. Sometimes people like it, sometimes they don’t. I’m fine with that.”

The Capilano Suspension Bridge

2012-01-17T21:58:00.002+08:00

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a simple suspension bridge crossing the Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The current bridge is 136 metres (446 ft) long and 70 metres (230 ft) above the river. It is part of a private facility, with a charge for admission, and draws almost one million visitors a year.

Top Shoe Styles for Short Women

2012-01-15T12:04:00.005+08:00

It is not a curse to be short. It is part of nature’s way to balance the equation of the world populace. Hence, if you are short as a lady, you have nothing to loose. You must settle the case in your mind. See yourself as beautiful and tall no matter what your appearance is suggesting. Do everything good in your power to improve your appearance and composure.

Wearing a good high heel shoe can improve your elegance as a short woman. You need to have that at the back of your mind. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get one. All you need to get a very good high heel shoe at your level. Take your time to do wide detailed research.

Short women certainly can take advantage of a few extra inches by wearing high heels. Selecting sleek high heels, rather than fussy shoes with decoration helps make short women look taller as does wearing shoes with pointed toes.

Generally, short women desire high heel shoes. This is because every woman desires to appear elegant and elegance has a lot to do with how tall you are as woman. Hence once a short woman appears on a high heel shoe, her stature increases in height.

Again, woman like to carry themselves well. Your carriage as a woman takes you to high places. A short woman on a very flat shoe will appear flat in the eyes of any beholder. Hence, with well sized high heel shoe, you can improve your carriage if you are short.

Nightmare of Beauty contestants in Vietnam

2012-01-04T22:34:00.007+08:00

Dat Viet Newspaper reported that a beauty pageant held in Ho Chi Minh last month had its contestants serve wine to rich men at a dinner party against their will.

Miss Tran Thi Thanh Truc

Jewelry Queen Beauty Pageant 2011, the contest in question, concluded last Friday after crowning 19-year-old Tran Thi Thanh Truc from An Giang, a choice that surprised most of the audience at the Rex Hotel in Ho Chi Minh as well as the media covering the event.

Miss Cao Thai Ha

Tran Thi Hoa, one of the contestants, burst into tears while telling reporters from Dat Viet that she and others were forced into serving alcohol to old men at a dinner party one day before the semi-final, held on December 27.

Winner 19-year-old Tran Thi Thanh Truc from An Giang

Queen's Award for Jewelry Thanh Truc won 100 million in cash and some other gifts. Candidates First runner Kim Anh won 70 million and second runner-Hong Kim Thuan won 50 million.

“All of the guests were men; some were even older than my dad. I happened to know some of them, and they were really surprised to see me as they knew I was not a hostess. I was so ashamed.

Through these acquaintances, I found out that anyone who joined that dinner had to pay US$ 200.”

According to Hoa, many of these young contestants passed out while serving these men, as they were exhausted from a long practice day and were brought straight to the restaurant without being allowed to rest.

Cao Thai Ha won best performance .

“Those who fainted were taken out, woken up, and forced to go back and serve again.
When too many of us collapsed, the restaurant brought us down to its basement and gave us food. We had to serve again after we felt better.”

Hoa said she would not have signed up for the contest had she known she had to do this.

Cao Thai Ha, who won Best Jewelry Wearer, said she could not take anymore at the party and had to call her family to come and take her home.
“My family had to confront the organizers and get into an argument with them in order to bring me home, because as contestants we can’t come and go as we want.”

Pham Thi Hien, another contestant, said she had to lie that she had an eye allergy to avoid the dinner party, “I called Dinh Hong Son, my manager, for help.”

Son said she came to the restaurant immediately, but its staff was keeping Hien’s ID and said if they returned it, they would be fined by the contest’s organizers.

600,000 Spaniards quit smoking in 2011

2012-01-02T22:05:00.003+08:00

Around 600,000 Spaniards quit smoking over the last year as a result of the anti-tobacco law that came into effect at the start of 2011, local report said on Monday.

The 2011 anti-tobacco law made it illegal to smoke in bars and restaurants in Spain, as well as in areas such as children's playgrounds and outside of hospitals.

The National Committee for the Prevention of Tobacco (CNPT) said this regulation has led to 600,000 Spanish people giving up smoking, a fact confirmed by the Commission for the Tobacco Market (CMT), which said tobacco sales have fallen by 17 percent over the last year.

It was estimated that 53,000 Spanish smokers die as a result of their habit every year, while over 3,200 non-smokers were victimized due to their exposure to smoke. In a country where around 28 percent of the population smokes, it is an average of 153 deaths per day caused by tobacco.

The President of the CNPT, Francisco Rodriguez Lozano commented that the effect of the anti-tobacco law had been "very positive" from public health point of view.

Meanwhile there has been a large reduction in the number of young smokers. The adolescent population who smokes almost halved from 21.5 percent in 2004 to 12.3 percent in 2011.

The new government of Mariano Rajoy said that it has no plans to alter the anti-tobacco law in the immediate future.

Tao Porchon-Lynch: How "we can recycle our body"

2011-12-28T22:36:00.004+08:00

Tao Porchon-Lynch learned yoga while growing up in India, in the former French colony of Pondicherry, but she didn't become an instructor until half a century later.

For much of her career, she danced, modeled and acted in India, France, England and California. She appeared in Hollywood movies and on television before landing a job with UniTel in the 1960s, establishing TV stations in India. "I was playing with life," she says. "There was so much to do and so little time to do it."

Look at Tao Porchon-Lynch, she was already 92 years old.

Porchon-Lynch has taught yoga since the 1970s and certified 400 other teachers. Until recently, she was able to suspend herself by her hands in the full-lotus and peacock positions before she broke her wrist. She's still a competitive ballroom dancer, despite undergoing hip replacement five years ago. "I'm not going to give up," Porchon-Lynch says. "I'm going to dance and do yoga for as long as I live."

And at 92, she is one of the most versatile women in the world.

Tao Porchon-Lynch. Watch and get inspired as Tao talks about how "we can recycle our body" and re-energize ourselves regardless of our age.

Facebook CEO enjoys riding buffalo in Vietnam

2011-12-27T22:37:00.005+08:00

The 27-year-old hopped onto the beast for a Boxing Day mountain town tour in Vietnam, where he is enjoying a festive break.
Mark Zuckerberg jetted into the Asian country five days ago with his girlfriend Priscilla and a few mates. He and his girlfriend enjoyed crossing the wooden bridge over a spring, riding buffaloes and tasting traditional dishes offered by ethnic people.

The young billionaire is understood to have visited popular tourist spot Ha Long Bay on Christmas Eve before journeying to an ecolodge in the northern mountain town of Sapa .

Zuckerberg's decision to holiday in Vietnam is an interesting one because the country blocks its citizens from using Facebook.

The four-star Topas Ecolodge resort in Sapa, where the Facebook CEO stays.

Zuckerberg walks on a bridge in Ban Ho.
Zuckerberg rides on a buffalo

Zuckerberg and his group in Ban Ho

Mark Zuckerberg touring a village on a buffalo in Sapa

Zuckerberg and his friends in Thanh Phu village.

Zuckerberg is greeted with flowers by local tourist officials in Ha Long Bay.
The Facebook CEO left Sapa for Hanoi by helicopter at noon, December 27 to continue his journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

Indonesia girl back with family after 2004 tsunami

2011-12-24T00:16:00.005+08:00

A girl who was swept away in the Indian Ocean tsunami seven years ago said on Friday that she broke down in tears this week after tracking down her parents

A girl who was swept away in the Indian Ocean tsunami seven years ago said on Friday that she broke down in tears this week after tracking down her parents, who had long lost hope of finding her alive.

Fifteen-year-old Wati showed up at a cafe in Meulaboh, a town in Aceh province, earlier this week saying that not long after the wave hit she was found and “adopted” by a woman who forced her to beg in the streets, sometimes until 1 a.m.

Fifteen-year-old Wati, second right, poses for a photograph with her father Yusuf, right, mother Yusniar, left, and younger brother Aris at their home in Meulaboh, Aceh province, Indonesia, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. The girl who was swept away in the Indian Ocean tsunami seven years ago has been reunited with her parents.

When she stopped bringing in money, Wati was kicked out by the woman. She then set out to find her family, but had very little information to guide her — only the name of her grandfather, Ibrahim.

Someone at the cafe tracked down a man by that name, and the man — unsure if it was actually his granddaughter — quickly summoned her parents.

“When I saw my mother, I knew it was her. I just knew it,” said Wati, who was given that name by the woman who found her. Her original name is Meri Yuranda.

The Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen nations hit Aceh — closest to the epicenter of the magnitude-9.1 quake that spawned waves 30 feet (10 meters) high — the hardest.

With tens of thousands of bodies never recovered in the province, many people continue to cling to hope of finding lost loved ones, putting up fliers or ads in newspapers.

Reunions, however, are extremely rare and, when they occur, rarely confirmed.

Wati’s mother, Yusniar binti Ibrahim Nur, 35, said she did not need a DNA test to prove the girl was hers.

“She has her father’s face,” she said, adding that she had stopped believing she would ever see her daughter again. “Then I saw the scar over her eye and mole on her hip, and I was even more sure.”

Wati and her father had different accounts of what happened on the day of the tsunami.

The girl says she remembers her father putting her into a boat with her sister, who is still missing and presumed dead. The father says that before the family was separated, he put both of his daughters on the roof of their house.

Thai airline hires transgender flight attendants

2011-12-22T21:14:00.004+08:00

PC Air, a Thai airline with routes across Asia, has recently added four transgender flight attendants to their cabin crew. According to Reuters, the company is believed to be the world's first charter airline to employ transgender flight attendants. "I'm a pioneer, and I'm sure there will be other [organizations] following my idea," PC Air president Peter Chan said.

Although the airline initially intended to hire only male or female attendants, the company changed its policy after receiving over 100 applicants from transgender candidates. Chayathisma Nakmai, Dissani Chitpraphrachin, Phuntakarn Sringern, and Nathatai Sukkaset (pictured above) were eventually selected for the airline's cabin crew, based on the same qualifications required for female flight attendants (which include poise, a positive attitude, femininity, and attractiveness). The attendants will wear "third sex" nametags while on duty, Chan told Reuters.

Thai transgender women — often referred to as "ladyboys" or "katoeys" — enjoy relatively high visibility in Thai mainstream culture, particularly in comparison to transgender individuals in the Western world. However, transgender women often encounter employment discrimination, and they are not officially recognized as women by the Thai government, even after they have had gender reassignment surgery. Members of the transgender community have spearheaded legislation efforts advocating for the addition of a third sex to official Thai documents, and have urged the Thai National Assembly to incorporate transgender rights laws into the constitution.

Thai airline hires transgender flight attendants, believed to be the world's first

Malaysian Gay Wedding in Dublin

2011-12-19T20:42:00.014+08:00

The mother of a 28-year-old student who allegedly married another man in Britain is appealing for him to come back to Malaysia and reunite with the family.

Umno Youth Community Complaints Bureau chairman Datuk Muhd Khairun Aseh said the man's mother had written a letter to her son, asking him to not only return but to also settle his RM890,000 education loan.

Malaysia Medical Student Ariff Alfian Rosli married Jonathan in Dublin, September 20 2011

Ariff Alfian Rosli, Petronas sponsored student of University College Dublin married a guy named Jonathan

“I will pass the letter to the man when I go to Britain on Dec 23. His family misses him greatly.

“They are still in disbelief over the alleged marriage.

“They cannot accept it,” he said yesterday.

Muhd Khairun said he would ask the man to absolve his family from dealing with his debt.

“It is not fair for the family to settle the loan when he is still around,” he said, adding that the family came to the bureau last Friday.

Muhd Khairun said the family had tried to locate the man eight times in the last two years but failed.

It was reported that the man, dressed in a baju Melayu and traditional headgear, had allegedly married a Caucasian overseas.

Pictures of their wedding have also made their way into blogs and social networking sites, causing a stir in the online community.

It was learnt that the man was studying medicine but failed to finish.

Story source: The Star

UPDATE:20 DEC 2011
Malaysian Muslims seek action over man 'missing' in Ireland

A MALAYSIAN student who reportedly had a civil partnership with an Irishman has been caught up in a political storm of controversy in his home country.

Ariff Alfian Rosli (28) has been resident in Ireland since moving here eight years ago to study medicine at a university in Dublin.

After an apparent disagreement with his son in 2009, Mr Rosli’s father reported him missing to Malaysian authorities.

In recent days, pictures emerged on the internet which appeared to be of Mr Rosli in traditional Malaysian dress with his civil partner in Ireland at an event at Dublin City Hall.

The pictures were published on the front pages of some local newspapers and have been the source of criticism from numerous political groups in Malaysia, where same-sex sexual relationships are illegal and punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The Malaysian police have been urged by Muslim groups to investigate the issue on the basis that Mr Rosli has failed to adhere to the country’s Islamic laws.

The controversy has prompted the Malaysian prime minister’s office to issue a statement pledging to investigate the matter.

An official from Malaysia’s ruling political party is reportedly due to arrive in Dublin later this week to convince Mr Rosli to return home.

Mr Rosli yesterday told The Irish Times he was not missing and wished to correct inaccurate comments about him in the Malaysian media.

“I am not missing. The Irish authorities know I am legally resident here. The Malaysian embassy has also been aware for several years that I am residing here legally,” he said.

“I feel I have have been inadvertently thrust into the public eye. I just want to get by without upsetting anyone or causing any trouble. My overriding concern is for my family.”

He declined to comment on whether he had a civil partnership or was involved in a same-sex relationship. Homosexuality is still a taboo issue in Malaysia.

Advocates for gay rights say many Malaysians remain afraid to come out publicly for fear of religious condemnation or prosecution.

Mr Rosli also said reports that he had renounced his Muslim faith were inaccurate.

“I have not converted to any religion, contrary to what has been reported. I was born a Muslim, I am still a Muslim and will remain a Muslim ’til the day I die. Nothing will shake me from my faith.”

He also said he was in regular contact with his family and was baffled at how his “disappearance” had become a major source of controversy in his home country. However, he has not spoken with his father – a retired naval officer – for several years.

“I had a disagreement with my father in 2009, after which he reported me missing . . . I’m not in communication with him, but I am in regular contact with my other family members,” he added.

UPDATE:22 DEC 2011
Malaysian in same-sex union fears return home

A MALAYSIAN student whose same-sex relationship with an Irish man has provoked a storm of controversy in his home country has said he now fears for his safety if he returns home.

Ariff Alfian Rosli (28) has been resident in Ireland since he arrived eight years ago to study medicine at a Dublin university as part of scholarship scheme.

After an apparent disagreement with his son in 2009, Mr Rosli’s father reported him missing to Malaysian authorities.

However, he found himself in the headlines in Malaysia over recent days after pictures emerged on the internet of Mr Rosli at a civil partnership ceremony with his gay partner in Dublin.

The student has been criticised by numerous Muslim groups in Malaysia, where same-sex sexual relationships are illegal and punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

“Returning home under the current situation is untenable . . . as I fear for my safety there,” Mr Rosli told The Irish Times . “My thoughts are with my family and friends in Malaysia. I never wanted this to become a major news story.”

A state-owned company in Malaysia which has funded Mr Rosli’s education in Ireland has said it is now seeking fees worth up to €200,000 from the student.

Petronas, a government-owned oil and gas company in Malaysia, funded Mr Rosli’s education in Dublin on the basis that he would return to work for the company following his graduation.

In a statement, the company said the loan was withdrawn in January 2009 following Mr Rosli’s unsatisfactory academic results, which breached the contract’s terms. Petronas said the student has not responded to phonecalls and emails over the loan since.

Mr Rosli insists he has been in regular contact with Petronas representatives over the repayment of his college fees. “I want to continue to engage with Petronas in a private capacity, as I have been doing. I have no intention of running away from this responsibility or shrugging it off my shoulder.”

He said part of the contract over the funding for his education required returning to Malaysia and working with the company. However, this was not possible given attitudes towards same-sex relationships there.

UPDATE: 28 DEC 2011
Another Gay Malay marriage found in Greece!

Ariff a Malay who raise an issue with his gay wedding photos in Ireland just a month past now had the another new ‘gay issue’ to be continue popping-out..

This time that gay Malay did the same thing with Ariff, which both of them were wearing the Malay traditional dress during the wedding.

Male Model Sports Push-Up Bra in Lingerie Ads

2011-12-18T21:19:00.000+08:00

Andrej Pejic, a male model known for his gender-bending work on runways, is the star of Dutch fashion company Hema's newest lingerie ad campaign.

The latest tall, blonde model to turn heads in a push-up bra is causing the fashion world to do a double-take. The star of a new lingerie ad campaign is a man.

Andrej Pejic, a male model known for his gender-bending work on runways, is the star of Dutch fashion company Hema's newest lingerie ad campaign. In it, Pejic, 20, dons the push-up bra, a skin-tight dress that hugs his newly curvy body, and dramatic, smoky-eyed makeup. With long-blonde hair, lip gloss, and delicate features, the 6-foot-1 Pejic strikes a very feminine figure.

Hema, the company that hired Pejic, said in a statement on their website that the ad campaign demonstrates that even a man can gain curves with the use of the bra.

"Even men get a decolleté with this new mega push-up bra," the statement says in translation. "That means that you with 'totally nothing' can go to a beautiful B-cup."

Pejic, who was born in Bosnia-Herzegovina and raised in Australia, has gained fame in the fashion world for his work in both men's and women's fashion, modeling both bridal gowns and tuxedos, men's underwear and, now, women's underwear, too.

"He's rare. No one looks like him," photographer Chris Benz told ABC News. "I mean no one. None of the boys look like him. None of the girls look like him. It's just him. It's Andrej."

Pejic, who wears a women's size 2 or 4, told ABC News in September that his sexiest features are his hips, and that the toughest part of his job is squeezing into size 11 high-heeled shoes.

"I don't really have that sort of strong gender identity. I identify as what I am," Pejic told New York Magazine in August. "The fact that people are using it for creative or marketing purposes, it's just kind of like having a skill and using it to earn money."

Pejic now commands as much money as a female model would for photo shoots, and his face has graced the covers of more high fashion magazines than any other male model.

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According to his agent, Joseph Tenni, Pejic's role as a women's underwear model has broken down gender roles in the fashion world in an unprecedented way.

"It's revolutionary," Tenni told the Australian blog frockwriter. "I've never known a man to do a womens' lingerie campaign before."

The bras, which have received worldwide attention from their unique model, retail at 20 euro, about $25.They promise an increase of at least two cup sizes to the average wearer.

Rare photos of Marilyn Monroe in 1952

2011-12-18T14:36:00.004+08:00

A set of photos of Marilyn Monroe at the age of 25 in 1952 were unveiled recently. Monroe wore a long pink skirt at a party in California, U.S. . The photos were expected to auction at 60,000 thousand pounds.

Girls going under the knife for celeb-like body

2011-12-12T23:32:00.009+08:00

Celebs’ bodies are inspiring more and more women to go for cosmetic operations, new figures have revealed.

A third of all patients pick a star’s boobs, bottom or legs as their ideal.

Leading surgery firm Transform says US reality queen Kim Kardashian, 31 is the most copied body icon with two fifths of patients inspired by celebrities desiring boobs like hers and one in three wanting her nose.

“Kim Kardashian is this year’s hot celebrity. But one look doesn’t fit all,” the Sun quoted Transform’s Shami Thomas as saying.

Around 29 per cent want Victoria Beckham’s legs and with 62 per cent choosing Pippa Middleton’s bum, according Transform.

Bottom op inquiries soared by 500 per cent after Pippa’s rear was a hit at sister Kate’s Royal Wedding.

Singer Nicole Scherzinger’s arms are the most popular — requested by 21 per cent of girls. And inquiries rose 88 per cent after she starred on ‘ X Factor USA’.

Two in five go for actress Scarlett Johansson’s plump lips, while Cheryl Cole has the most asked-for teeth.

Girls also want ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ star Lucy Mecklenburgh’s stomach — and ex-TOWIE beauty Amy Childs’ sculpted cheeks.

UPDATE:18 DEC 2011
Jennifer Aniston slams cosmetic enhancements

London, Dec 18 : Jennifer Aniston, who is famous for her natural beauty, hinted at having tried Botox injections to stay wrinkle-free.
However, the ‘Marley and Me’ actress admitted that cosmetic enhancements only made her look “ridiculous”.

Jennifer Aniston has just been named "Sexiest Woman of All Time" by readers of Men's Health magazine.

The ‘Friends’ star, who is 42 but looks 10 years younger, said that she has stopped worrying about gaining weight but is more careful about sun exposure, even though she loves looking tanned.

“People think that I do a lot of injections but I don’t,” the Daily Express quoted her as telling InStyle magazine.

“I’m not saying that I haven’t tried it but I see how it’s a slippery slope.

“All that cosmetic stuff looks ridiculous on me,” she added.

Doctor warns smoking could cause nipples to fall off

2011-12-06T22:35:00.004+08:00

A US surgeon has issued a warning to smokers: smoke before or after a breast lift and your nipple could fall off. Dr Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon in Detroit, said nicotine and the carbon monoxide contained in cigarette smoke can diminish blood flow to various parts of the body.

Dr Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon in Detroit

“The toxins act as a virtual tourniquet. If the blood flow to a particular body part becomes greatly reduced or halted, that body part dies,” Dr Youn said. “I cringe every time I see a patient for a breast lift who is a smoker. I’m deathly afraid that despite my warnings, she will smoke before or after surgery and cause her nipples to turn black and fall off.”

The acclaimed surgeon also revealed he has been forced to use leeches on patient’s nipples to increase blood flow. The doctor said the leech drains the old blood, causing it to turn from unhealthy purple back to healthy pink.

Smokers have also been warned that lighting up close to surgery can also leave you disfigured. “If you are having a facelift and you smoke, the skin of your cheek could turn black and slough off, leaving exposed fat,” Dr Youn said. Smoking while having a tummy tuck could cause infection, resulting in an open wound that will take months to heal, Dr Youn said.

What is burning man?

2011-12-05T21:40:00.006+08:00

You may be asking, "Wait, what is burning man?" Great question! Burning man is a huge "festival" that takes place mostly in September located in Black Rock Desert. It is all about freedom of expression.

The desert setting and the handmade details of the wedding temples really provides an amazing aesthetic for any wedding. It's truly unique and magical in the sense that it really feels like a fantasy land.

The deserts of northern Nevada may seem like an odd place to have a wedding, especially when the ceremony would take place in middle of a massive week-long “experiment in self expression and self-reliance” in the presence of 50,000 other people. However, the Burning Man website states that there is no better time or place to take the plunge into married life.

“For many couples who attend Burning Man together, Black Rock City [the name of the temporary city erected during Burning Man] is the obvious choice when they choose to tie the knot,” the Burning Man website says. “While the unpredictable desert can be an unusual venue for a couple’s big day, the couples who have wedded in BRC reflect on their ceremonies with fondness, and most of them emphatically insist that it was the perfect spot for their matrimony.”

Wedding Fun in the Black Rock Desert

Paris to aution her pink Bentley for Breast Cancer Charity

2011-11-30T21:05:00.003+08:00

Paris Hilton has a fast, new, red toy…and it only set her back a few hundred thousand dollars.

The heiress was snapped in West Hollywood yesterday, proudly parading her new, convertible Ferrari sports car…and her uber slim bod.
According to the Daily Mail the 30-year-old's $280,000 car was delivered to her home last week, and fulfils Paris' 'lifelong' dream to be the owner of a Ferrari.

Ah, to be a celebrity and dream of such things.

A source close to Paris revealed the car is a present 'to herself' to celebrate her MotoGP team (she has a MotoGP team?) winning the world champs in Spain recently.

Paris is is planning to put her old pink Bentley (with crystal interior) up for auction and plans to donate the money from the sale to a breast cancer charity.

How to Maintain Long Hair Healthy and Beautiful.

2011-11-22T23:27:00.008+08:00

Beautiful long hair is the dream of every women but the truth is there is no instant way to grow long hair.It is a commitment and something that takes a lot of time and care. Below are some tips on managing long hair to be healthy and beautiful.

A good diet and proper nutrition is essential. You should have enough of proteins, iron, and vitamins to keep your hair healthy and beautiful.

Trim your hair in short intervals to get rid of split ends. Long hair and damaged ends, sounds real bad!

Only buy shampoos & conditioners that match your hair type. Try something new and see whether it suits you or not. It is the best way to find out what specific hair product is best for your hair.

Hair is most fragile when it is wet so avoid brushing when it's wet,or else it will cause breakage.
Go for a a top quality hairbrush with widely spaced bristles/teeth and smooth tips.Avoid putting hair styling products directly on your scalp.

Hair is composed of a protein known as Keratin so not surprisingly,a diet lacking in protein can hinder hair health and growth.

Always massage the scalp the right way as it provides stimulation to the hair follicles. Massage at least once a week.

Limit the use of styling tools such as straighteners, hair dryers and hot rollers these all cause stress to your hair.

Avoid non-professional hairdressers & consider an experience one always.

You may also like to read this: The Horror of hair dye

Rihanna Talk that talk 2011

2011-11-18T22:37:00.002+08:00

Rihanna has been accused of creating a negative image of herself by smoking in many of the photographs from the filming of the latest video clip for the song Talk that Talk.Rihanna was setting a poor example for her legions of loyal fans.Rihanna should advocate for clean and healthy living through her music and videos

The singer in a sexy photo sitting on the sidewalk with a cigarette in hand while the other is lying on the steps with a cigarette hanging from her lips.

In all the photos show the singer fully enjoying cigarettes. The Ulster Cancer Foundation Ireland has accused the singer for this negative behavior because they lure young people to start smoking.

Talk That Talk is her sixth studio album, and is the follow up to her 2010 album, Loud.
The album is not set to be released until November 21, 2011

UPDATE:27 Nov 2011

Rihanna tops UK album and single charts

Barbados-born R&B singer Rihanna scored a record-breaking double Sunday as her “Talk That Talk” debuted at the top of the album chart and she held onto first place in the singles ranking.

It’s the second time this year she has been No. 1 on both charts, and she becomes the first female artist to achieve the feat with different singles and albums in the same year, the Official Charts Company said.

In January, Rihanna topped the two charts with her single “What’s My Name” and the album “Loud.”

Her latest recording, “We Found Love,” featuring Scottish DJ and producer Calvin Harris, was the best-selling single for the sixth week in a row.

She was pursued by a throng of artists linked to Britain’s “X-Factor” television talent show.

English singer-songwriter Olly Murs, an “X-Factor” runner-up, was a new entrant, in second place with “Dance With Me Tonight.”

Swedish DJ Avicii was fresh in at No. 4 with “Levels,” chased by U.S. singer and “X-Factor” judge Kelly Rowland, whose “Down for Whatever,” featuring the Wavs, debuted in sixth place.

Rebecca Ferguson, another “X-Factor” runner-up, entered at No. 10 with her debut single, “Nothing’s Real But Love.”

On the album chart, British boy band One Direction, also “X-Factor” graduates, jumped straight in at No. 2 with “Up All Night.”

Irish boy band Westlife were new in fourth place with their “Greatest Hits” collection, while veteran singer-songwriter Kate Bush debuted at No. 5 with “50 Words for Snow.”

Canadian rock band Nickelback entered in tenth place with their new album, “Here and Now.”

Read Across America Controversy

2011-11-15T23:22:00.006+08:00

Former Pornographer Sasha Grey Says She Will Continue Reading to Kids After School Controversy

Former Pornographer Sasha Grey released a defiant statement vowing to continue participating in educational programs for children after she sparked controversy by reading to a classroom of California elementary school students, TMZ reported.Some parents were not very happy with this event and cast an angry letter to the school.

In a statement released to the gossip website, Grey said she was "proud" to have participated in the "Read Across America" program at Emerson Elementary School in Compton, Calif., adding that she read "Dog Breath" by Dav Pilkey to first and third graders.

"I believe education is a universal right," Grey said in the statement. "I committed to this program with the understanding that people would have their own opinions about what I have done, who I am and what I represent."

TMZ reported Friday that parents at the Los Angeles-area elementary school complained after Grey was invited to read to a classroom of their children.

Grey announced her retirement from porn in April 2011 and has appeared in mainstream television and movie roles -- most notably playing the girlfriend of Adrian Grenier's character Vince Chase on HBO's "Entourage."

"I have a past that some people may not agree with, but it does not define who I am," Grey told TMZ. "I will not live in fear of it."

Grey said she will "remain an active supporter and participant in education-focused initiatives."

TMZ said they have photos of Grey reading to the kids, but a representative for the school denies she ever appeared at the school.

NO PROBLEM.DON'T WORRY.
She is reading them books, not teaching them how to do what she used to do.
Those parents who complained don't deserve to be parents. This was about getting their children to read, not to prune them into porn stars.

The Heavenly Gate Mountain Skywalk in China

2011-11-14T22:48:00.006+08:00

It is certainly not a path for the faint-hearted.

On one side a sheer rock face, on the other a 4,000ft drop - and all to separate the brave traveller from a deadly plunge is a 3ft-wide, 2.5in thick walkway.

And if that is not enough to bring terror into the pit of your stomach, the path running alongside a Chinese mountainside is made out of glass, allowing a crystal-clear view of where one false step can take you.

The skywalk offers breathtaking views across the Hunan Province for those brave enough to attempt to cross the bridge
The skywalk is situated 4,700ft above sea level on the side of the Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China.
A brave tourist walks along the glass path that was built of the side of a cliff 4,700ft above sea level on Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China.The 200ft long bridge joins the west cliff at the Yunmeng Fairy Summit, the summit of Tianmen Mountain and Zhang Jiajie.
So it was perhaps understandable that this woman tackled the walkway by sticking as close to the cliff as possible, feeling her way along with tentative steps.

And it would appear to be too scary for the cleaners - tourists are asked to put on shoe covers before passing to help keep the path clean.

The pathway, built earlier in the summer echoes the glass-bottomed walkway at the Grand Canyon in the U.S.

The 70ft bridge is 4,000ft above the natural wonder and allows tourists to look through 2.5in of crystal-clear glass to the Canyon floor below.

The Tianmen mountain, literally translated as Heavenly Gate Mountain is so called because of a huge natural cave that occurs halfway up to the summit.

A glass path suspended on a cliff face has been built on the side of the Tianmen Mountain in China. The skywalk offers breathtaking views across the Hunan Province for those brave enough to attempt to cross the bridge

Situated in the Hunan Province, Its highest peak is around 5,000ft above sea level and it is home to a wealth of rare species of plants

A four-mile-long cable car was constructed in the park, which is said to be the longest of the same type in the world.

And no matter how terrifying the glass walkway may be - it can only be an improvement from another sky high mountain walkway located in the same province.

The Shifou Mountain, located 82 miles away, offers sightseers a 3ft-wide road made of wooden planks thousands of feet high.

When finished the wooden ’road’ - which is the width of a dinner table - will stretch for 1.8miles making it China’s longest sightseeing path.

Workers built a 3ft-wide plank road on the side of Shifou Mountain, in Hunan Province, China earlier this year

How to look young like Masako Mizutani

2011-11-10T22:06:00.005+08:00

Masako, was born in 1968, now living in Nagoya, as a housewife of 43 years old, who has two children, and eldest daughter is about 20 years old. After appearing in women’s magazines, Masako has become the idol of Japanese middle-aged women. Not only being the magazine’s special model, but often posting tips in her blog about skin care products, clothing and other accessories. She said she spent five hours a day for skin care.

Masako Mizutani,have the looks of an 18-year-old

One cannot hide one's age but can look good with the age gracefully and elegantly. Hiding one's age is not a temporary solution but one can look younger, fit and healthy with some sincere efforts. Besides age stress and poor life pattern both are the factors make one look and feel older.

Here are a few beauty tricks that will make you look younger

Keeping the body fit to look younger

One should do regular workouts and should keep the body and mind active to stay young. One should have enough of sleep and stay away from smoking.

Eating healthy food to stay and look younger

One should eat fresh healthy food for a young skin and body. Eating right food makes whole lot of difference in one's appearance. One should have a balanced diet and 4-time meal in small portions.

Skin care
Eating right food, as fruits, milk, nuts and vegetables are the best way to feed the skin. But one should follow a definite skin care routine to keep the skin young and healthy as it is affected by outside factors as dust, dirt and pollution too.

Drink lots of water and fluids to wash off the toxins.

It keeps the skin away from most of the skin problems including black heads and white heads.

Putting right make up

One should apply the right make up for the age.
Too bright colors and shades don't suit as age grows so one should apply light make up and should wear light shades to look beautiful and forever young.

One should always apply vitamin E based cream or lotions all over the body to keep the skin soft and supple. One should never go out in the sun without applying a sunscreen protection on the uncovered skin parts. Sun damages the skin the most and makes it look older. One should follow the cleaning, toning and moisturizing regime every night before going to bed. Doing all these things will really help one to retain the natural beauty of the skin and stay young.

Are Girls with Hairy Arms unattractive?

2011-11-08T21:47:00.008+08:00

It makes a girl look more natural instead of no hair.People are more mature and it doesn't seem to really matter anymore.
what do you think? if there is hair on a girls hands and arms? Is it better if its waxed or shaved?

DON'T shave
if you are a girl who has hairy arms you are totally sexy and attractive

Shortest Celebrity Marriages

2011-11-04T21:49:00.009+08:00

Celebrity marriages can sometimes stand the test of time, but many others end before they ever really get started. Like this quickie marriage.Forget "till death do us part" — these celebrities couldn't even make it a year.
Below is a Top 12 Shortest Celebrity Marriages list!
In conclusion, Celebs marry for fame and not for love.

1. Alia and R. Kelly: 5 months

Shortly after the beginning of the 90s 12-year-old Alia, the new sensation of rhythm and blues, began recording their debut album «Age Ain't Nothing but a Number», her mentor was a singer and songwriter R. Kelly. The album was released in 1994. Then there were rumors that the 15-year-old Alia and 27-year-old Kelly met or even married. Vibe magazine published a copy of their marriage certificate, which indicated that the couple were married on August 31, 1994 in Illinois. It was stated that Alia was 18 years old. When found out about her parents, the marriage under the pressure has been canceled. It happened in February 1995. Both artists have denied the fact of marriage, but it was used against Kelly in the trial of the singer on charges of child pornography.
2. Renee Zellweger and Kenny Chesney: 4 months

Actress Renee Zellweger and the star of the music in the style of "country" Kenny Chesney annulled their marriage as rapidly as it entered. They met in January 2005, and in May were married during a small beach wedding ceremony on St. John. But in mid-September, Zellweger filed papers for divorce, citing "fraud" as the reason. There were rumors of excessive sexual appetites Chesney, Zellweger but quickly denied them. In 2006 she opened the truth about his short-lived marriage. "I made the biggest mistake of my life," said the actress in an interview with Now. "I felt like a fool. ... At the time of my life was full of great change. I wanted to stay for a while and behave like a normal girl. My marriage came during this time and was very important to me. I do not want anyone to think that I have not treated him seriously. " In 2010, Chesney told Oprah with a grin, that he "panicked .... The idea of marriage made me feel like I lost my identity. "
3. Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock: a little less than 4 months

Although Pamela Anderson beauty of "Baywatch," and described her marriage to rocker Kid Rock, took place in July 2006 in Saint-Tropez, "the best and romantic wedding of all time," this good for the marriage was clearly not enough. Subsequently, in Pamela and Kid had two wedding ceremonies. But before Thanksgiving that year, both parties filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. It was said that the culprit was Borat. Pamela participation in his film allegedly resulted in Rock's fury. The next few years, the musician regularly beating his ex-wife, saying in 2008, Ellen DeGeneres: "I touched stove, stove was hot, I think I'm not going to touch her." In 2009, he told talk show host David Letterman, after Anderson had entered a new marriage: "I would like to once someone gave me advice that I now want to give her husband .... Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? "
4. Lisa Marie Presley and Nicolas Cage: 3 months

By the time Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley, met actor Nicolas Cage, she was twice divorced and had a broken engagement behind him. Their relationship from the very beginning were shaky, but in August 2002, they still got married in Hawaii. The wedding ceremony took place on the 25th anniversary of the death of Elvis, 10 days after Cage Lisa Marie made a proposal. Their marriage ended in the Day of Thanksgiving that year, while Cage was referring to irreconcilable differences. "I'm sorry, we should not have been married," said Presley, in a statement. "I made a big mistake." Unfortunately, their divorce proceedings lasted 13 months - four times longer than their marriage - a couple finally divorced May 26, 2004. The next year, talk show host Oprah Presley said they Cage were on good terms. "You know, I should give him that. It was a difficult time for both of us. In the end, he atoned for his guilt, and then we became very good friends, "- she explained.
5. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries: 72 days

Despite the huge difference in growth, a reality show star Kim Kardashian and NBA player Chris Humphreys, seemed very harmonious couple. By that time, as at the end of 2010 Kardashian started dating Humphreys, she had been married to music producer Damon Thomas (their marriage lasted four years), as well as a long time met with NFL star Reggie Bush. In May 2011 Kim Humphreys made a proposal, having presented a massive engagement ring of 20.5 carats. They were married in August in California in the presence of 440 guests, spending $ 20 million celebration. Since the development of their relations should be the audience a reality show «Keeping Up With the Kardashians» on channel E!, it seemed quite appropriate, if their marriage will also become part of the show. But maybe that they have attracted much attention. According to rumors, Kardashian has filed for divorce from Humphreys 72 days after their wedding on Halloween, citing irreconcilable differences. "After careful consideration, I decided to end the marriage," the statement said Kardashian . I hope everyone understands that this was a difficult decision. I was hoping that this marriage will be forever, but sometimes things go wrong, as you plan. We still remain friends and wish each other the best. " However, Humphreys in an interview told Us Weekly that he was "faithful to their marriage and all that this agreement represents .... I love my wife and I devastated to learn that she filed for divorce. I am ready to do everything possible to save our marriage. "

6. Drew Barrymore and Jeremy Thomas: 38 days

In March 1994, the 19-year-old Drew Barrymore, married 31-year-old bar owner Jeremy Thomas, who was familiar with only six weeks. "We are going to honeymoon in the romantic little bungalow," said Barrymore, People magazine after the wedding ceremony. "I can not wait for when I walk on the beach with her husband." Unfortunately, such lane shall be issued not much, since April 28, 1994, after a month, Barrymore has filed for divorce. It is sad to realize, but her second marriage to comedian Tom Green, a little better luck. It lasted only six months.
7. Ali Landry and Mario Lopez: 2 weeks

Barely two weeks after their wedding in April 2004, Star TV series "Saved by the Bell" Mario Lopez and Ali Landrirasstalis because of alleged infidelity of the spouse. Although if he did not comment on what is happening, in February 2011, already a father (though divorced), he admitted to radio host Howard Stern that he had indeed had an affair with another woman in Mexico during his bachelor weekend. "At that moment I was not ready to settle down. I was not a man who knows enough about the marriage, "Lopez admitted. "No there was no error, I thought," She's beautiful, she is a good girl, she comes from a wonderful family, and it will be a good mom .... But I'm confused cowardice with his lack of preparation. "

8. Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman: 9 days

What happened in Las Vegas between Carmen Electra and eccentric basketball star Dennis Rodman, so it remained. The couple, who met for eight months, were married in the early morning November 14, 1998 in the chapel of Little Chapel of the Flowers in Sin City. But a week later, Rodman filed for divorce, claiming he was drunk at the moment when the bride said, "Yes." "It's very easy to get caught in a moment," said Electra magazine People. "You think it's romantic, but then you realize, 'Lord, we did it in Vegas?"
9. Dennis Hopper and Michelle Phillips: 8 days

The star of the film "Easy Rider" Dennis Hopper and singer of «The Mamas and The Papas» Michelle Phillips were married in 1970 on Halloween in Taos, New Mexico. They spent the week before Hopper's strange behavior has forced Phillips to return to Los Angeles, November 8 at the request of her father, she filed for divorce. Phillips described her brief marriage in the magazine Vanity Fair, describing it as a painful and adding: "I would have been so overwhelmed emotionally that is not to be aware of what I do." However, Hopper seems to be quite pleased with that period. In 1994, he told the magazine The New York Times: «Seven days were pretty good. But the eighth was bad. "
10. Britney Spears and Jason Alexander: 55 hours

Even before the shave-headed and to be seen driving with baby on her lap, Britney Spears shocked the world with his hasty marriage to childhood friend Jason Alexander. They were married on January 3, 2004 in Las Vegas and had been married only 55 hours before Spears' lawyers have filed for divorce. Here is what Alexander edition of Access Hollywood this act: "We just looked at each other, and then said," Let's do something wild, crazy, for example, get married. " Soon, they both realized that they had made a "mistake" that had to be a quick fix. Lawyers for Spears also added that it was "a joke who have come too far."
11. Zha Zha Gabor and Felipe de Alba: 1 day

Zha Zha Gabor became the bride seven times before they marry a Mexican actor and Playboy, Felipe de Alba. They were married on a yacht in the waters of Puerto Vallarta in April 1982. However, the union lasted only one day before Gabor decided to terminate, saying that a marriage made far enough in international waters, can not be considered legitimate. It should be added the fact that Gabor was still legally married with his seventh husband, hotel magnate Conrad Hilton. Besides witnessing her eighth marriage was only a captain, so you can understand why Gabor decided to pretend that the marriage never existed. "I've always been married to poor men," she told People magazine in 1986. "This is my disease. Worse than they are, the more I like them. This is my tragedy. Later, I wonder how much they are bad. "
12. Robin Givens and Svetozar Marinkovic: less than 1 day

List of former holders of Robin Givens is quite impressive: Once upon a time, she met with comedian Eddie Murphy, Brad Pitt (before he became famous), a humorist with Howard Stern, and been married for boxing legend Mike Tyson. But neither one of them link has not been as fleeting as her instructor in tennis Svetozarov Marinkovic. They married and went on the same day, August 22, 1997. According Marinkovic marriage lasted seven minutes, when in fact it lasted eight hours. Obviously, the union was not built on love.

UPDATE: 01 JAN 2012

Russell Brand and Katy Perry split after 'she put fame ahead of children'

Russell Brand’s marriage to Katy Perry collapsed as he became exasperated over her refusal to put her career on hold to start a family, it was revealed yesterday.

The star, 36, announced on Friday that the couple’s 14-month marriage was over after they spent Christmas apart and were both photographed without their wedding rings.

Brand’s lawyers filed divorce papers at Los Angeles Superior Court citing ‘irreconcilable differences’ between the pair who met at the MTV Music Awards in 2009 and were married in India a year later.

But last night sources close to Brand, who has carved out a successful Hollywood career starring in films such as the 2011 remake of Arthur, blamed the marriage breakdown on the fact his 27-year-old wife was not prepared to put motherhood ahead of fame.

One said: ‘I don’t think Katy really understood what marriage was about. I don’t think she was prepared to give up her career.

‘This wasn’t one of those occasions when Russell was mucking about, he wanted to settle down and have a family.

‘I don’t think that’s what Katy wants. I think she’s very confused. They’ve been speaking a lot.

The world's 7 billionth person

2011-11-02T22:11:00.004+08:00

Asia — and the Philippines — welcomed the world’s first symbolic “seven billionth” baby on Monday but celebrations were tempered by worries over the strain that humanity’s population explosion is putting on a fragile planet.

The United Nations says that by its best estimates, the seven billionth baby will be born somewhere on October 31, and countries around the world have planned events surrounding the demographic milestone.

Manila:A girl born in Philippines has been declared as the world's 7 billionth person alive. Her name is Dancia May Camacho. She was chosen by the United Nations to represent the 7 billion milestone.

Danica is the second child for Dalura and her partner, Florante Camacho

UN officials presented the child with a cake.

Weighing 2.5 kilos (5.5 pounds), Danica was delivered just before midnight of Sunday under an explosion of media camera flashes at Manila’s Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital.

“She looks so lovely,” the mother, Camille Dalura, whispered as she cradled her baby girl. “I can’t believe she is the world’s seven billionth.”

The UN named a Bosnian child, Adnan Mevic, as the Earth’s six billionth inhabitant on October 12, 1999. The secretary general at the time, Kofi Annan, was pictured in a Sarajevo hospital with Mevic in his arms.

The Mevic family is now living in poverty, which is partly why no single baby will be put in the global spotlight this time.

Lesbian couple is preparing a boy for sex change

2011-10-25T23:28:00.003+08:00

A lesbian couple in California, US, who say their 11-year-old son Tommy wants to be a girl named Tammy are giving their child hormone blockers that delay the onset of puberty, so that he can have more time to decide if he wants to change his gender.

The couple's supporters say the Hormone Blocking Therapy has only minor side effects and is appropriate for a child who is unsure of his gender.

"This is definitely a changing landscape for transgender youth," said Joel Baum, director of education and training for Gender Spectrum, a California-based non-profit group"

"This is about giving kids and their families the opportunity to make the right decision."

But critics of the treatment say 11-year-olds are not old enough to make life-altering decisions about changing their gender, and parents should not be encouraging them.

The boy's parents, Pauline Moreno and Debra Lobel

"This is child abuse. It's like performing liposuction on an anorexic child," said Dr Paul McHugh, professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University.

"It is a disorder of the mind. Not a disorder of the body. Dealing with it in this way is not dealing with the problem that truly exists. We shouldn't be mucking around with nature. We can't assume what the outcome will be," Professor McHugh said.

Dr Manny Alvarez, senior managing health editor of FOXNews.com, said the hormone blockers also may pose a medical risk.

Thomas Lobel, who is now called Tammy, in a photo from his parents' Facebook album

"Potential long-term effects can include other abnormalities of hormones, vascular complications and even potential cancer. I think that if this child - as he finishes his puberty and teenage years - decides to undergo a transgender procedure, then there are proper channels to do so," Dr Alvarez said.

"But to do it at the age of 11, to me, could be potentially dangerous to the health of this child," he said.

Tommy's parents, Pauline Moreno and Debra Lobel, told CNN they support their child and feel this is the best way for him to find an answer to a question he has been asking all his life.

They say Tommy - whom they now call Tammy - began taking GnRH inhibitors over the summer to give him more time to explore the female gender identity with which he associates.

Tommy began saying he was a girl when he was three years old, his parents said. He was learning sign language due to a speech impediment, and one of the first things he told his mothers was, "I am a girl."

The child's parents also said Tommy threatened to mutilate his genitals when he was seven, and psychiatrists diagnosed a gender identity disorder. One year later, he began transitioning to Tammy.

After much deliberation with family and therapists, the child began taking hormone blockers a few months ago. The medication, which must be changed once a year, was implanted in the boy's upper left arm.

Tommy will continue the treatment until he turns 14 or 15, at which point he will be taken off the blockers and pursue the gender he feels is the right one.

The woman who aged from 23 to 73 in 'a few days'

2011-10-14T23:01:00.003+08:00

Vietnamese woman Nguyen Thi Phuong claims a skin affliction dramatically changed her appearance over the course of a few days in 2008 when she was 23

These pictures may look like an attractive woman in her 20s and her grandmother.

But they are said to be the same person – apparently taken just days apart.

The young Vietnamese woman at the centre of the improbable medical case, Nguyen Thi Phuong, claims the transformation may have come about because of an extreme allergy to seafood.

Nguyen, 26, says she developed this puffy face and sagging skin in 2008 but was too poor to seek treatment. Earlier this month, doctors said they would examine her free of charge.

Nguyen’s husband, carpenter Thanh Tuyen, insists the story is true and his love has not faded for his once-beautiful wife.

The condition is extremely rare and only 2,000 people throughout the world are thought to have lipodystrophy.

Rapid ... how Nguyen Thi Phuong looked before as a pretty 23-year-old and now

Our love hasn't faded: Tuven (pictured) said he still loved his wife but they hadn't had children as their lives were too difficult

Watch a local news report on Phuong’s condition

Amanda Knox acquitted of murder

2011-10-04T22:19:00.006+08:00

"She suffered for four years for a crime she did not commit."

On Monday Italian town of Perugia court acquitted 24-year-old American girl Amanda Knox and her 27-year friend Rafael Solechitto charge of murder. In 2007, the British student Meredith Kercher - her neighbor in the apartment of Amanda - was found dead. Her body was found with more than forty stab wounds. Before her death, the girl was raped. Two years later, Amanda was sentenced to 26 years in prison. The prosecution insisted that it was Amanda, under the influence of drugs on Halloween, cut the throat of her friend, because she refused to participate in orgies.

"I want to go home. I want to go back to my life. I don't want to be punished. ... I don't want my future taken away from me for something I didn't do because I am innocent," she said.

In the photo: Mother and sister of Amanda Knox.

"We're thankful that Amanda's nightmare is over," her younger sister Deanna Knox told reporters outside the courthouse. "She suffered for four years for a crime she did not commit." She then asked for privacy for the family so they could "recover from this horrible" ordeal.

Amanda Knox maintained an amazing calm.

The court's six jurors and two judges deliberated for hours Monday after listening in the morning to impassioned pleas by Knox and Sollecito to throw out the guilty verdict and set them free.

Amanda Knox and her boyfriend, Rafael Sollechito were found not guilty of the brutal murder of his neighbor, a young British student Meredith Kercher, which took place in Perugia the night of 1 November 2, 2007.
Turning to the jurors and judges during the hearing Knox said: "I did not kill, I was not there."

Crowd gathered in the streets expressing anger about the justification of "murderer." About a thousand protesters chanted "Shame!"

Amanda heard the court decision cried and jumped for joy.

Amanda Knox now can safely prepare to return to his native America.

From the court the girl was taken to jail, so she could pick up her belongings, after which Knox was finally released.

UPDATE:7 OCT 2011

Amanda Knox family invites Italian ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito and his family to US

FREED US student Amanda Knox's family has invited her former Italian boyfriend and his family to visit them in the United States.

The 24-year-old, who flew home on Tuesday after being acquitted of murder and sexual assault which saw her jailed for four years, is adjusting well back in Seattle and wants to resume her studies, her father said.

"She's actually doing remarkably well. You know, it's almost like she hasn't missed a beat with the family. That's been really nice to see," Curt Knox told CNN today.

A court in Perugia on Monday freed both Ms Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito after acquitting them over the gruesome 2007 killing of British student Meredith Kercher.

Ms Knox's father said the pair - who were shown kissing shortly after the murder, in a widely-played video - had sent mail back and forth to each other while they were in prison in Italy.

"They have stayed in contact," he said, adding: "The Sollecito family were invited to come to Seattle. Raffaele is going through the same thing that Amanda is right now and really needs to get reconnected.

"I think at some point they may come over and that would be really nice to see," he said.

But he said it was probably too early for Ms Knox to contact the Kercher family, who have been put back to square one by this week's acquittals, with no answer over who killed their daughter.

"I think right now, it's a little bit premature. The Kerchers are still trying to work through the whole verdict and so forth. Hopefully in the long run, they will see that really the truth is Amanda and Raffaele had nothing to do with the death of Meredith.

"As they hopefully get there and are allowed closure with this horrific crime and the loss of their daughter, they'll be able to really recognise that Amanda and Raffaele had nothing to do with it," he added.

While Ms Knox is keeping a low profile with her family at the moment, experts say she could make millions of dollars by selling her story either by writing a book, or by selling the TV or film rights.

Her father said Ms Knox planned to use her experience to help people facing similar plights to hers, although she also wanted to resume her studies - she was in Italy as part of a language course.

"I think at some point down the road, she will be some type of activist for wrongfully convicted people," he said, adding that she "definitely wants to finish her degree through the University of Washington".

UPDATE:08 OCT 2011

TV says Knox claimed sexual harassment in jail

Amanda Knox claimed she was sexually harassed by a prison official in Italy during her four years behind bars, according to a TV program to be aired this weekend.

Knox, who has returned home to Seattle after being acquitted of murder and sexual assault, said the "high-ranking prison administrator" ordered her into his office, alone at night, to talk about sex.

"He was fixated on the topic of sex, with whom I'd done it, how I liked it, if I would like to do it with him," said a letter from Knox, quoted by the "48 Hours Mystery" show which airs Saturday on CBS.

"When I realized that he really wanted to talk to me about sex I would try to change the subject," she added, the program's makers said in a description of the show ahead of broadcast.

Knox, now 24, wrote: "I realize that he was testing me to see if I reacted badly, to understand me personally. He wanted to get a reaction or some information from me. I did not get the seriousness of the situation."

A court in Perugia on Monday freed Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito after acquitting them over the gruesome 2007 killing of British student Meredith Kercher, allegedly after a violent sex game.

Knox, who was dubbed "Foxy Knoxy" by some tabloid newspapers, hopes to return to her studies after settling back at home, although experts say she could make a fortune by selling her story as a book, or in TV or film rights.

It was not clear when the letter cited by the TV show was written, or to which prison official it might refer.

Big girls need big diamonds

2011-10-02T21:21:00.005+08:00

Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friends

Probably the most famous diamond quote is "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" as sung by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Diamonds - the most expensive and sought after gems today.
A selection of the most beautiful and most expensive diamond rings.

Breast-slapping treatment in Thailand

2011-09-18T22:15:00.005+08:00

Thailand Breast Slap – Sudden Breast Growth Without Surgery!

The Government of Thailand has recently launched a Breast Slapping initiative, in which women are encouraged to opt for Breast Slapping technique to increase their bust size

The Government of Thailand considers the beauty of women as a valuable and natural resource which it aims to conserve. In an attempt to do that the Thailand Government has launched an initiative to encourage women to use the Breast Slapping technique to increase their bust size, instead of using silicone breast implants.

Now dozens of Thai women are on a government-backed course of Breast Slapping to enhance the size of their bust and in turn, their self-esteem.

The only one who can increase your breast size with non-surgery, non-medicine and really safe, really bigger within no time. The result is clear since the first time and within just 2 times, the big boobs would belong to you.

The Breast Slapping technique was brought to the Thai market by a beautician by the name of Khemmikka Na Sonkhla, who has been using her grandmother's method of breast slapping to increase her breast size and is pursuing a patent for it.

It is being hoped that in the future, women will choose Breast Slapping instead of breast implants and not only increase their bust size, but also reduce their chances of breast cancer.

Khemmikka Na Songkhla's government-approved alternative beauty techniques include "breast-slapping"to enhance breast size and "buttock-slapping" to firm up the rear. After almost two decades of dishing out slaps in the name of image improvement, the techniques of the 44-year-old beautician better known "Khunying Tobnom" are as popular as ever. Video by Jetjaras Na Ranong.

It is being hoped that in the future, women will choose Breast Slapping instead of breast implants and not only increase their bust size, but also reduce their chances of breast cancer.

Miss Colombia Catalina Robayo 'reprimanded for not wearing underpants'

2011-09-08T22:41:00.013+08:00

Angola's Leila Lopes takes Miss Universe 2011 crown

Leila Lopes made history for her country yesterday, after becoming the very first Miss Angola to be crowned Miss Universe.

The 25-year-old laughed and smiled as she hugged runner-up Miss Ukraine, Olesia Stefanko, before having her crown firmly placed on her head at the pageant held in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The business student from Angola’s seaside city of Beguela, dazzled the panel of judges with both her beauty and brains.

The first runner-up was Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine and the second runner-up was Priscila Machado of Brazil. Miss Philippines took the third spot and Miss China took the fourth.

The top ten finalists: (L to R) Miss Australia Scherri-lee Biggs Miss Costa Rica Johanna Solano, Miss France Laury Thilleman, Miss Ukraine Olesia Stefanko, Miss Portugal Laura Goncalves, Miss Panama Sheldry Saez, Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup, Miss Angola Leila Lopes, Miss China Luo Zilin and Miss Brazil Priscila Machado.

89 beauty queens vying for Miss Universe crown

SAO PAULO—A group of 89 beauty queens will don swimsuits, evening gowns and test their interview skills in the hopes of winning the 2011 Miss Universe crown Monday.

Miss Colombia contestant Catalina Robayo raised eyebrows, and the attention of pageant officials, after reportedly donning short frocks without undergarments.

The fashion blunder earned the 22-year-old beauty a strong rebuke from officials who questioned her inappropriate wardrobe choices during last week's events, FOXNews.com reported.

Miss Colombia is confident of winning the Miss Universe 2011

"Colombia had to be spoken to and told she needed to wear underpants as what she was doing was totally inappropriate," a source told the website.

"People have been pretty upset by it, there have been photos and media appearances where she has completely had her crotch out."

Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO), said she was floored when she heard the news from her team.

"There were several girls in short dresses which was a little concerning, but when I saw the [commando] picture on the front page of one of the local papers, [I] was very, very surprised," she said.

Miss Universe will be crowned on September 12 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

UPDATE:12 Sept 2011
Miss Australia is dressed down for being too sexy

Miss Universe Australia has been told to cover up after pageant organisers deemed her clothes too provocative.

Scherri-Lee Biggs, 21, was told her satin evening gown was offensively "see-through" and her bikini way too sexy, News Ltd reported yesterday.

As well as covering up, Biggs was told to make her bikini bottoms larger to ensure they held everything in place when strutting the catwalk.

The controversy follows similar sartorial orders for Miss Colombia, Catalina Robayo, who was told by organisers to wear underwear.

Robayo, one of 89 women competing this week in Sao Paulo, Brazil, has been reprimanded for appearing in tiny skirts with no underwear.

"It's upsetting too many people," she was told.

News Ltd said Biggs had brushed aside her dress drama, declaring: "I'm super-excited about the final and just having heaps of fun with all the girls at rehearsals. Keep your fingers crossed for me Australia!"

Kooey designer Nikki Silverthorne, who designed Biggs' swimsuit, said, "I do think it's a bit silly Scherri may have to alter her dress as it covered a lot more than the bikini."

More Update: 14 Sept 2011

The Miss Universe 2011 pageant courted a fair share of controversy.

An entertainment website reported that Miss China, Luo Zilin, was allegedly photographed with some of the judges in the preliminary rounds of the competition.

Miss Luo, who finished fourth runner-up, even took a photo with one of the judges at his home, said the website.

The website also listed other controversial Miss Universe contestants.

Miss Venezuela, Vanessa Goncalves was labelled "queen of lies" because she denied having plastic surgery on her nose.

There were also other photo-related controversies. Miss Brazil, Priscila Machado's sexy photos were leaked online, while Miss Kosovo, Aferdita Dreshaj was seen in a party photo kissing a girl.

MORE UPDATE:

According to a report on Argentinian newspaper Infobae, the newly crowned Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes has been accused of forging documents to enter and qualify the beauty pageant for Angolan community in the United Kingdom – Miss Angola United Kingdom 2010 (held on October 8, 2010).
The report cited a report in MiD DAY that Leila Lopes has never lived outside Angola. To qualify Miss Angola United Kingdom 2010, Leila must have used the forged documents.
The report also claims that her documents were forged by a man named Charles Mukano, which showed her as a student of business management at a British school making her eligible to take part in the contest. Rumours also suggest that Mukano might have allegedly bribed the judges in England so that Lopes win.
There has been no reaction from Leila Lopes herself as well as the Miss Universe Organization.

85-year-old Duchess of Alba is getting married

2011-08-26T21:38:00.008+08:00

UPDATE: 5 OCT 2011

Spain's Duchess of Alba Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart y Silva (L) and her husband Alfonso Diez pose at the entrance of Las Duenas Palace after their wedding in Seville October 5, 2011.

THE CONTROVERSIAL and eccentric Duchess of Alba is to marry her sweetheart Alfonso Diez in early October in a ceremony attended by her children.It's been a long relationship, but the Spanish court was against the union. After all, the duchess could not marry a commoner.

The intimate service is to take place in ‘strictest privacy’ and no friends will be invited to avoid offending those not included due to the limitations of space.

The 85-year-old Duchess of Alba, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, said to be the richest woman in Spain, had announced her intention to marry 60-year-old Alfonso Díez in September but has now amended her plans to early October in a statement sent to Europa Press.

The Duchess has also announced that the press will not be invited to attend the event, although “a statement and official photographs will be circulated,” and appealed to the media to “respect my peace and privacy.”

The Duchess of Alba inherited the Duchy in 1953. She has six children from her marriage with Luis Martinez de Irujo and Artacoz who died in 1972. Six years later the Duchess married former priest Jesus Aguirre, who became the 18th Duke of Alba. Aguirre died in Madrid in 2001.

The groom, Alfonso Díez, has waived his right to any inheritance from the Duchess’ estate. She is the third woman to hold the Duchy title within the family.

The Duchess of Alba and Alfonso Diez to marry in October

Amphibious vehicles make a splash

2011-08-22T21:38:00.004+08:00

This week, owners of more than 50 of these amphibious vehicles brought their World War II-era military transporters, jeeps and vintage-style cars to Switzerland?s St Blaise for their annual European gathering.

Fitted with colourful sun umbrellas and decorated with flags, a motley crew of vehicles carrying families -- including babies and dogs -- drove off the port and glided smoothly into the water, before moving across Lake Neuchatel.

For many of these enthusiasts, it is the dual-function of the vehicle that has drawn them.

Foley was driving an amphicar, a 1960s German-built cabriolet which was also the only civilian amphibious vehicle to be mass produced. Nevertheless, only 3,878 were ever manufactured.

Besides the amphicar, the Germans also manufactured the amphi-ranger, a 4x4 in the 1980s, while the French built the hobbycar in the 1990s.

This year it is Switzerland's Lifeguards Club of the Low-Lake which is hosting the group as part of St Blaise village's 1,000 anniversary celebrations.

Anti-Gravity Yoga

2011-08-18T22:07:00.005+08:00

Anti-Gravity Yoga is a fitness regime designed to increase one's overall health and physical agility while having fun and creating beauty. The technique was created by gymnasts Christopher Harrison for the sake of exploring the air and has been modified and enhanced to fit into the yoga mold and to cater to the everyday person. By adding additional techniques from dance, pilates and calisthenics, Anti-Gravity has created a complete workout that is certain to get you in shape while realigning you from the compression of gravity.

The technique uses a fusion of around 40 per cent yoga with acrobatics, dance, gymnastic moves, pilates and other disciplines and the flying silk allows participants to travel and flow freely between postures.

AntiGravity Yoga a fun approach to fitness

Hanging upside down refreshes the body's systems, helps blood flow,

The fitness world has seen plenty of crazes, but AntiGravity yoga is one of the oddest. Created in 2007 by world-class gymnast Christopher Harrison, the workout takes place a few feet above the ground inside a silk hammock. Harrison swears by the spine and hip stretching techniques, especially for runners and cyclists. Proponents claim that balancing on the swinging silk enhances abdominal workouts and encourages your body to stretch that extra inch.

Pantyhose for men

2011-08-15T23:05:00.004+08:00

As the emerging trend of men wearing nylon support hosiery continues to grow in the U.S. and overseas, many thousands of women across the country are being faced with this dilemma: “My husband/boyfriend says these ‘mantyhose’ help relieve his leg pain.It improves blood circulation in the legs. Now, it’s left to the women in their lives to come to terms with it.

Male pantyhose, or mantyhose, is emerging as a viable solution for complaints by men of aching, tired legs, varicose veins, or other circulation issues.

Lucky Thai Marries Twins

2011-08-13T22:30:00.002+08:00

Mr Wichai , aged 24, from Songkram, who earns his living by dealing in old goods, got married to gorgeous twins Ms Sirintara and Ms Thipawan 22, he vouched his sincerest ‘equal love’ for both of them. Mr Wichai got married in pompous ceremony to both twins simultaneously.

On being interviewed by the Thai Rath reporters, Mr Wichai declared wholeheartedly, that he didn’t see much problem in having to perform tiresome marital duties with two wives. In the engagement ceremony before the wedding, Mr Wichai successfully offered a dowry of eight baht of gold and 80,000 baht EACH for his lovely darlings. Both families celebrated the marriage with joy and were said to be delighted for the threesome.

Mr Wichai told the press that he had been best of friends with his neighbouring twins since they were children. “When I grew older, I would walk past their house each morning and try to decide for myself which one I fancied more, but it was darned impossible! I adored BOTH of them – I just couldn’t decide, which one of them to chat up…” He went on to say “For three continuous years all three of us would go on dates together, until there was one day when I couldn’t stand the frustration any longer and told them I love you and want to marry you BOTH ”

The fortunate Mr Wichai, instead of getting a slap in the face, was overjoyed when both girls admitted to having sworn all along, that they wished to marry the same man!” It wasn’t easy at first, what with the neighbours gossiping, but our family sympathized, understood, and fully supported our mutual love for the one man” the twins said. Mr Wichai arranged for his brides to live with him, in his family house after the wedding, and his mother has already proudly prepared TWO rooms for the newly-weds.

Our reporters were just gagging to hear the response to this mouth-watering question “And…. What are the sleeping arrangements Mr Wichai”? To which he replied modestly with a beaming smile “Absolutely no problems! For the first three nights of the week, I will sleep with Ms Thipawan and the next three will be spent with Ms Sirintara. As for every Saturday, the three of us will sleep together” Ms Sirintara finally told the press “When my twin and I worked as assistant nurses, we promised each other that we would never leave each others side, and that our future husband would have to either take us both, or leave us” “Anyway, Mr Wichai is the perfect man – he neither smokes nor drinks!”

Burmese Tattood Tribal Woman

2011-08-05T22:51:00.007+08:00

Some Burmese tribes began the practice of tattooing the faces of the women to prevent the King from taking them for his wives. The practice has now been prohibited by the Myanmar government. Burmese Tattood Tribal Woman. A tattooed woman from the Mmong tribe of Myanmar from a collection of travel, concept and humorous photographs.

One legend says, the tattooing emerged as a way to "uglify" Chin women and protect them from predatory Burmese kings

This image is a portrait of a Hmong Tribal woman in Myanmar.

Each group used ethnic Chin their specific patterns of tattoos through which you can clearly determine from what region is this kind of woman.

In the past, tattooing was very common not only among the nation rank, but all over Burma.

For the common people only used blue paint, as aristocrats wore a tattoo of two colors, blue and red.

Tattoo on the woman's face make her ugly in the eyes of the Burmese King.

It was believed that if a woman's face is not tattoo, then her daughter and granddaughter will be particularly affected during childbirth.

Tattooing was possible to determine the social status of its owner.

In the 50s of last century the practice of tattooing woman was officially banned.

Do you think girls look good with tattoos?

2011-08-04T23:24:00.005+08:00

Tattoos have become the indispensable fashion mantra in today’s world.
36% of all woman under 30 years of age are tattooed. There is an entire modeling business just for tattooed women, because tattoos on women look so incredible.

Indonesians seek 'railway therapy'

2011-08-02T22:32:00.007+08:00

In the area of Rawa Buaya in Jakarta, Indonesians resort to "railway therapy" to treat various illnesses.

Locals believe that electrical energy from the train tracks will increase the vitality of the body, as well as help cure diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, rheumatism, gout, obesity and high cholesterol.

However, the activity is extremely dangerous.

Local not deter by Warning Signboard

In the area of Rawa Buaya in Jakarta, Indonesians resort to "railway therapy" to treat various illnesses.

Railway Therapy in Indonesia Lie on the tracks

A woman lies on railway tracks in Rawa Buaya in Indonesia's West Java province. The town's residents believe that the electrical energy from the tracks will cure them of various illnesses.

RIP Amy Winehouse

2011-07-25T21:25:00.004+08:00

My heart feels truly sad for this young lady who never had an opportunity to live her life.
British singer Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London home on July 23, according to the London Metropolitan Police.

Though there are no early signs of foul play, many suspect a drug overdose may have been her cause of death. Winehouse was 27.

Her breakout 2006 album, 'Back to Black,' earned her six Grammy nominations and five wins, putting her on the music map for good.

However her long and public battle with drugs and alcohol addiction ofter overshadowed her talents.

UPDATE: 2 Aug 2011
Amy Winehouse tops album charts
Amy Winehouse's Grammy award-winning album Back To Black has soared to the top of the charts in the wake of her death.
As tributes poured in to the troubled star, fans flocked to buy her records sending five hits into the top 40 - a record for the late soul and jazz star.

And while Back To Black became this week's best-selling album - holding off Adele's 21 - her debut effort Frank came in at number 5 and the box set Frank/Back to Black entered at number 10.

The success came as the 27-year-old's devastated family waited for the results of toxicology tests to establish the cause of her death.

Relatives believe her decision to stop drinking - following protracted battles with drugs and alcohol - may have been a contributing factor.

HMV's Gennaro Castaldo said: "It's no real surprise that Back To Black has gone back to the top of the album charts.

A new collection of men's underwear

2011-07-21T22:23:00.003+08:00

UPDATE: Oct 2011

The material is very soft and seductive in appearance and will add some spice to the bedroom. Your partner will find it difficult to keep their hands off your treasure, similarly, you will be unable to hide how sexy these underwear make you feel. I would be careful wearing these anywhere but in the comfort of your home – you will find it difficult to hide how excited you may become.

Anyway, all of these come in a variety of styles, so there is something for every occasion in this new collection. And if you are looking for something more conservative, Hello Kitty has got you covered on that front too.

Un-bee-lievable competition

2011-07-18T21:33:00.002+08:00

Chinese beekeeper Wang Dalin wore over 26kg of the insects to be crowned winner of a bee-bearding contest

Wang Dalin, 42, went head-to-head with fellow bee enthusiast Lu Kongjiang in the challenge, which took place in the province's Shaoyang City on Sunday.

Both Wang and Lu, 20 - dressed in just a pair of shorts and facial protection including goggles and nose-plugs - stood on a set of scales for an hour while using queen bees to attract swarms of the insects to their bodies.

And after the 60 minutes were up Wang was declared the winner, having attracted an impressive 26.86kg worth of bees - compared to Lu, who could only manage just under 23kg.

But despite their efforts, neither managed to break the world record for the most number of bees 'worn' at any one time.

That honour belongs to American animal trainer Mark Biancaniello, who attracted 39.5kg worth of bees on to his body in 1998.

Bee-bearding was invented in Russia in the 1830s and was originally confined to attracting bees to one's face, using a queen bee in a strategically placed cage.

However more recently the practice has extended to covering the entire body in bees, as it provides more room for a greater number of the insects to land.

Other notable 'bee-bearders' include Chinese couple Li Wenhua and Yan Hongxia, both of whom were covered in bees for their wedding ceremony in 2009.

Lu, who could only manage just under 23kg

Wang Dalin wearing nose plugs to protect against bees

Wang Dalin attracted an impressive 26.86kg worth of bees

Sculpture of Marilyn unveiled in Chicago

2011-07-17T22:55:00.005+08:00

As dozens of people watched Friday, a 26-foot-tall sculpture of Monroe in her famous pose from the "The Seven Year Itch" was unveiled on Chicago's Magnificent Mile. In the movie, a draft catches Monroe's dress as she passes over a subway grate.

Marilyn Monroe's billowing skirt shows it's possible to catch a nice breeze in the Windy City.

Some of those who took pictures of the sculpture called "Forever Marilyn" were surprised when they came around the side and back of the sculpture and saw honest-to-goodness lace panties on the movie icon. The film scene and photographs taken from it left much more to the imagination than artist Seward Johnson's sculpture.

Many in the crowd that descended on the plaza throughout the day — including a tuxedo-clad wedding party — wasted little time positioning themselves under the movie star's dress to catch a subway-level view and take pictures with their cell phone cameras. Not that Monroe, her eyes closed and a sublime smile on her face, seemed to notice.
"I would have expected to see something flat there, and we wouldn't see her undergarments," said Trisha Feely, 41, who lives in the Chicago suburb of Naperville. "It's a little intrusive."

Chicago has a history of public art displays, including a herd of fiberglass cows that lined Michigan Avenue some years back. The plaza where Monroe will be stationed until next spring was the home a few years ago to another Johnson sculpture: the equally iconic, though far less glamorous, farmer and his spinster daughter from Grant Wood's "American Gothic."

Divorce ceremony in Modern Japan

2011-07-10T22:57:00.005+08:00

Divorce is unhappy. But some couples will have their “divorce ceremony” to declare their marriage is done. In Japan, Tomoharu and Miki decided to separate after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. The disasters forced them to rethink their differences in their values. Eventually, they chose to divorce.

At the divorce ceremony, they use a hammer to smash their wedding ring, which symbolize the end of their 13 years marriage.

Divorce ceremony event will cost 55 thousand yen, which amounts to little more than $ 600, and is by Japanese standards, the amount is not large.

A wooden mallet, which flatten the wedding rings made in the form of a frog's head, which in Japanese is called Caer. Such a symbol is a sign of change for the better.

A Divorce ceremony is designed to relieve sorrow of parting and start a new life from scratch.

Before divorce was considered shameful in Japan, but now their number is constantly growing and has reached 250 thousand a year.

Wife-carrying championship in Finland.

2011-07-05T22:35:00.006+08:00

Wife-carrying champs Taisto Miettinen and Kristiina Haapanen win again

Legend has it that the sport of wife-carrying is based on the story of Finnish thief Herkko Rosvo-Ronkainen, who was stated to steal food and women from nearby villages and run off carrying them over his head.

The pair were victorious in the novelty race in Sonkajarvi on Sunday, taking the title for the third consecutive year.

No other couple in the 16-year history of the competition has managed to take three successive wife-carrying championships.

The event sees husbands sprint 250 metres, leap hurdles and then cross a water pool in around one minute.

Throughout, each man must carry his ‘wife’ – competitors do not have to be married – over his shoulders, with her legs wrapped around his neck.

However, their latest victory was hard-earned, with Taisto and Kristiina taking the victory by less than a second.

Miettinen said: ‘The course was trickier this year due to the water obstacle, which was deeper.

‘The weather conditions were also particularly tough, 30 degrees C is too much for me.’

As befitting any true champions, he then revealed that dedicated preparation – in this case practicing the course in ski boots beforehand – was the key to their victory.

The pair will now enjoy Kristiina’s weight in beer as their prize.

Wife-carrying champs Taisto Miettinen and Kristiina Haapanen win again

Vancouver's kiss of life

2011-06-25T00:21:00.003+08:00

Canada-based photojournalist Richard Lam took the photograph while covering the riots that followed the Vancouver Canucks' 4-0 loss to the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup.
Scott Jones comforting his girlfriend, Alex Thomas, after she was knocked to the ground by an officer's riot shield.

YouTube video appears to show Vancouver riot kissing couple before photo

Fresh video footage appearing to show Vancouver's famous riot couple seems to end speculation that the picture was faked, and indicates that sympathy more than passion was the motivation behind the kiss that was captured on camera.

The footage, uploaded to YouTube, seems to show Australian Scott Jones comforting his girlfriend, Alex Thomas, after she was knocked to the ground by an officer's riot shield.

The photo of the couple, taken by photographer Richard Lam, became a global sensation and was taken as Lam was documenting the riot that began after the hometown Canucks lost ice hockey's Stanley Cup to the Boston Bruins. The picture became an internet sensation and fuelled speculation that the embrace was staged.

The video shows the crowd retreating as the couple find themselves caught in the path of two riot police. Both officers collide with the pair with their shields, knocking them to the ground. The couple appear to be holding up their arms up in defence. The camera moves on, returning to show the man comforting the distraught woman.

Jones and Thomas have been inundated with offers to describe the events surrounding the famous kiss and had said they did not want the "extra stress" of media appointments. But they are now believed to have hired celebrity publicist Markson Sparks PR.

Jones is an aspiring comedian. "I think for Scott, it's a tremendous opportunity for him to springboard his acting and standup comedy," Markson told the Toronto Star. "Overseas people know more about that photo than the Stanley Cup." He said the couple's global exposure could be worth a potential $10m.

Mom Plans to Donate Womb to Daughter

2011-06-15T22:33:00.003+08:00

A 56-year-old mother hopes to have her uterus implanted into her daughter by next year so the 25-year-old can have a baby, The Daily Mail reported

Sara Ottosson, a biology teacher in Sweden, was born without reproductive organs due to a rare syndrome, but she wants to have a baby. Her mother, Eva Ottosson, of Nottingham, England, is hoping to give her the same womb she carried her in.
“I’m a biology teacher and it’s just an organ like any other organ,” Sara Ottosson told to the Daily Telegraph. “It would mean the world to me for this to work and to have children.”
The surgery would happen at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden, where doctors have been looking at potential patients for the surgery.
Both mother and daughter have been tested and are awaiting a decision on their eligibility for the transplant.
The medical team’s leader, Dr. Mat Brannstrom, said the surgery is much more complicated than a kidney, liver or heart transplant.
"The difficulty with it is avoiding hemorrhage and making sure you have long enough blood vessels to connect the womb," he told the Telegraph.

Another womb transplant took place in Saudi Arabia in 2000 when a 26-year-old woman received a donated womb, but it had to be removed after 99 days due to complications. Scientists in Sweden, where the procedure will take place, think that medical knowledge has come far enough to do the transplant successfully now, although it remains an extremely complex procedure.

Age is nothing but a number

2011-06-02T22:21:00.006+08:00

Ernestine Shepherd, 74, of Baltimore, has been crowned by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest competitive female bodybuilder.
Shepherd has impeccably toned "six-pack" abs that are the marvel of her Baltimore fitness center.

She trains rigorously with Yohnnie Shambourger, 57, a former Mr Universe who won the gold medal in bodybuilding at the Pan American Games in 1995, The Daily Mail reports.

Over the past 18 years, Shepherd has run nine marathons and won two bodybuilding contests.

She told the Washington Post: "Age is nothing but a number."

She is a Dorothy Dandridge beauty, a knockout. Her makeup is perfect, lips painted candy red to match her workout clothes. She has thick, black eyelashes and wears her hair in a long, gray braid that swings down her superbly sculpted back.

Shepherd wakes up at 3 a.m. every day to meditate, then hits the trails in a local park to run 10 miles before lunch. She eats only plain brown rice, bland chicken breast and vegetables, washed down with a glass of raw egg whites, three times a day.

The Shepherds live in Baltimore with their son, 53, and grandson, 14. Her husband of 54 years, Collin Shepherd, says he "has trouble keeping guys away from her."

U.S. grandma bodybuilder: "Age is nothing but a number"

Cool hut at an altitude of 4,003 meters.

2011-06-01T22:41:00.004+08:00

The Solvay Hut at 4003 m(13,133 ft) is the highest hut on the Matterhorn. It is a small emergency refuge for about 10 persons situated on a ledge immediately above the Moseley Slab on the Hörnligrat. It is strictly to be used in the event of an emergency. About two thirds up the mountain, 743 m above the Hörnli Hut and 475 m below the summit, many Matterhorn climbers have rested on the small ledge outside the hut admiring the spectacular view of all the Monte Rosa summits.

The hut was built in August 1915. All the building material was brought up to the Hörnli Hut at 3260 m by help of animals. From there a small temporary cable car was used to transport the material up to the building site at 4000 meter. The hut was erected within only five days. In 1966 the hut was rebuilt and in 1976 an emergency telephone was installed.

Perched at 4,003m on a rocky ridge of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s iconic triangular peak, the Solvay Hut managed by the Swiss Alpine Club offers emergency cover for some ten daring climbers, who expect to conquer the rocky and rugged terrain.

UPDATE: 26 JUNE 2011

France: Six mountaineers die in Alps avalanche

Six mountaineers have died in the French Alps, officials say.

A British hiker found the bodies near the Neige Cordier summit at an altitude of 2,700 m (8,850 feet).

"The victims were climbing roped together in two groups. It looks like there was a slide of snow and stones mixed together," the local mayor, Xavier Cret, told AFP news agency.

The climbers appear to have died while making an ascent in good weather on Saturday, police said.

The bodies have been flown to the village of Villar-d'Arene for identification.

Their nationalities have not yet been confirmed.

The hiker discovered the climbers' bodies as he followed the same route as they had taken a day before, mountain rescue police said.

It is thought they stayed overnight in a mountain hut before attempting an ascent to a point at about 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) in the Massif des Ecrins.

They were in a narrow chasm used by both skiers and climbers.

Police have opened an investigation into the accident.

Who is Malinda Dee?

2011-05-29T22:56:00.005+08:00

Sexy 48 years old Inong Malinda aka Malinda Dee, a senior relations manager at Citibank here in Indonesia, allegedly embezzled at least Rp 17 billion (US$2 million) worth of client funds. Various trick she made to rob the money such as manipulating the account data, move the customer’s account to accounts owned by Malinda Dee.

According to Citibank Indonesia vice president for customer care, Hotman Simbolon, Citibank took the initiative to report Melinda’s alleged crimes because they knew that something had gone wrong and that they must obey the law by reporting it to the police. Malinda allegedly siphoned money from three of her client’s accounts.

This is a brief profile of Inong Malinda Dee

Name: Malinda Dee
Age: 48 years old
Position: Former senior manager of Citibank relations
Duties: take care of customers with funds of more than USD 500 thousand
Husband: Andhika Gumilang, born in 1989 (second husband and foregoing)
Children: Three (from first marriage)
Assets: Hummer H-3 and the Mercedes-Benz S-200 (confiscated), Ferrari

Here is a collection of luxury cars Inong Malinda Dee who now secured by the Police,
1. Ferrari F430 Scuderia No Pol B 481 SAA
2. Ferrari California B 125 DEE
3. Mercedes-Benz E350
4. Hummer H3

Plastic Surgery keep Malinda sexy and young

UPDATE: 9 NOV 2011

Malinda admits transferring Rp 21.5b to in-law's account

Graft defendant Inong Malinda Dee says she transferred a total of Rp 21.5 billion (US$2.41 million) from her former clients' accounts at Citibank to a personal account belonging to her brother-in-law, Ismail bin Janim.

The former senior relationship manager of a Jakarta branch of Citibank said she made the transfers between 2008 and 2010.

“Sometimes [I transferred] Rp 500 million, Rp 100 million or Rp 50 million,” Malinda told a hearing at the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday.

She was questioned as a witness in a money laundering case, in which Ismail is standing trial as a defendant.

Malinda herself underwent at the same court earlier on Tuesday her premier hearing as a defendant in the alleged embezzlement of billions of rupiah of funds belonging to her clients while she worked at Citibank.

Malinda told the hearing on Wednesday that chunks of the Rp 21.5 billion had been transferred from her own personal account, and in some cases directly from her then clients' accounts.

She said she had never told Ismail where the funds came from, and that he had never asked.

Malinda added that a day or two after transferring the funds to Ismail's account, she usually told him to transfer those funds to four other accounts, which belonged to her, her company PT Eksklusif Jaya Perkasa, her sister Visca Lovitasari and her husband Andhika Gumilang.

Homeless man donates $9000 to homeless woman

2011-05-22T22:26:00.004+08:00

CURTIS Jackson is a man who has no home; he has not had one since 2004.
Jackson has no job as well and he panhandles for money from cars at the corner of 55th and Harlem.
He had started paying her hotel bills nightly since last December and has spent US$9,000 till date.

However, Jackson keeps little for himself, just enough for his bus fare and for something to eat.

The rest he uses to put a roof over 39-year-old Sandy and her 10-year-old son.

He admits that he is homeless but not hopeless.

My Fox Chicago news reported on May 12 this year that the 39-year-old was living comfortably until recently, when she lost her job.

Soon she lost her home and had started living in her truck with her son.

I have God. I'm one of the richest men on this earth, 'cause I have God. Money is not my master. That's what's wrong with this world: money is its master.

It was only a matter of time before the police found out and threatened to have her son removed from her unless she found safer living conditions.

A welfare worker helped to put her up in hotel for a few days.

With her money running out, a good Samaritan in the form of Curtis Jackson appeared.

In an interview, Jackson admitted that he had helped because she had treated him with kindness and dignity in the past.

He had started paying her hotel bills nightly since last December and has spent US$9,000 till date.

To those who are wondering why is a man struggling with poverty helping another, Jackson left these words as food for thought: "I have God. I'm one of the richest men on this earth, 'cause I have God. Money is not my master. That's what's wrong with this world: money is its master."

VIDEO
A homeless man donates over $9000 dollars to a homeless woman and her child

Classy Dress from Beer Cans

2011-05-16T23:55:00.003+08:00

Creative stylist girl from America sewed a very classy dress from beer cans, and more precisely from the metal rings on the rivet.

World’s Oldest Cover Girl

2011-05-14T23:28:00.003+08:00

Grey haired Daphne Selfe has become Britain’s oldest model to enjoy a career in modelling at the age of 82, with a 36-26-36 figure to boost.

Daphne Selfe officially recognized as the oldest photographic model.
And not only in Britain but throughout the world.

Selfe, who is a grandmother of four, had started her career on the catwalk 60 years ago, and she is still going strong, earning 1,000 pounds a day in campaigns for designer brands such as Dolce and Gabbana.

She has never had cosmetic surgery, and when she started her modelling in 1950, she weighed 10 stone and boasted the statistics 36-26-36, and now she is only a stone and a half-lighter with figures that have barely altered.

The aged model is very much sought after and is currently on the books of top agency Models 1, and she also appeared in Vogue and Marie Claire and has been photographed by the likes of Mario Testino, Nick Knight, and David Bailey.

And old age did not prevent her from earning up to £ 1000 per day.

Kate Middleton the most beautiful royal

2011-04-27T23:03:00.016+08:00

After nine long years, Prince William has finally succumbed to Miss Middleton's charm.
Prince William will soon get married with his fiancee, Kate Middleton. Wedding couples will be held on 29 April.2011

Transparent fashion that was once used Kate Middletton, auctioned and sold for £ 65,000, equivalent to $105,000 . As reported by the Third Age.com, clothing consisting of a bra without straps, black bikini and this
knitted lace dress, never used her at a charity event in 2002 when he studied at St. Andrew’s University.
He used it in a fashion show created for the donation, which was Prince William become spectators. See-through black dress with blue ribbons were bought by unidentified buyers on Thursday, March 17, 2011 in London

In the photo, Middleton did not own. He along with William. The pictures were taken when both were on vacation in Ibiza, Spain 2006. They are not alone, but also with their friends. Both seemed to enjoy these vacations.

"He's lucky to be going out with me." - Kate Middleton"

Middleton certainly will look perfect on her wedding day to come.
Preparation their marriage had been going well. Invitations have also been deployed. Confirmed the important guests and a host of celebrities will attend their wedding.

UPDATE: 29 April 2011 Royal Wedding

An elegant, tiara-bedecked Kate Middleton swept down the aisle to marry Prince William at Westminster Abbey as fans packed the streets of London on Friday, hoping to snatch a glimpse of a historic royal wedding expected to revitalize the British monarchy.

As the future king and queen of England began their lives as husband and wife with the simple words “I will,” some 2 billion people across the globe were believed to have tuned in. The couple looked nervous but happy and recited their vows without stumbling before Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

The biggest secret of the day — Middleton’s wedding gown — prompted swoons of admiration as she stepped out of a Rolls-Royce with her father. Against all odds, the sun emerged at that exact moment.

The ivory and white satin gown — with its low neckline, high lace collar, long lacy sleeves and a train over 2-meters (yards) long — was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. Middleton’s hair was half-up, half-down and decorated with dramatic veil and a tiara on loan from Queen Elizabeth II.

William wore the scarlet tunic of an Irish Guards officer, sending a strong signal of support for the armed forces and reinforcing his new image as a dedicated military man.

Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, left, wave as they leave Westminster Abbey at the Royal Wedding in London Friday, April 29, 2011.

Britain's Prince William, and Kate Middleton stand before the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, during their wedding ceremony In Westminster Abbey, in central London April 29, 2011.

Pakistan's transgender tax collectors

2011-04-19T22:39:00.003+08:00

Miss your tax deadline in the United States this weekend, and you might get a nasty letter at your door. In Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, you might get Riffee and the gang. They are "transgender" tax collectors -- whose weapons include flamboyancy, surprise -- and a little lipstick.

In a move that speaks volumes about the lengths to which Pakistan is going to tackle tax evasion, Karachi officials are using Riffee - who like many people in South Asia works under a single name - and her team as enforcers with a difference. They are sent to the businesses or houses of debtors. The aim -- in this very conservative Muslim society -- to embarrass tax debtors into paying up.

Riffee -- like her tax-collector friends Sana and Kohan -- is physically a man, but prefers to be called and dress as a woman. Their job is quite simple: each morning they turn up to work and get a list of missed payments. One by one, they make house-calls, causing trouble at each debtor's home or office, trying to get them to pay up. It's not clear how effective this tactic is, but officials insist they would not do it if it did not work.

"Their appearance causes great embarrassment amongst the people," said Sajid Hussein Bhatti, the tax superintendent who gives Riffee her orders every morning.

When Riffee was a 10-year-old boy, she decided she wanted to be a woman. Since then, she says, she's endured plenty of prejudice. "We're trying to educate society and show them how we like ourselves, but if your parents don't understand you or give you respect, how can you expect other people to?"

A Pakistani court ruling two years ago gave eunuchs -- men who have been castrated -- the right to be referred to as a "third gender." Riffee believes the same right should extend to her and her friends, although they have not been castrated.

We followed them as they visit a series of electrical appliance shops. The first debtor insists there's been a mistake and the bill's been paid. The second is less amenable, so the team threaten to come back 24 hours later, half a dozen strong -- and dance in the shop. That just may be enough to get a tax bill settled.

There is a serious side though to this theatrical tactic. Pakistan's tax take is dire: barely 1 per cent of Pakistanis pay any income tax, and the government is frantically trying to increase its income -- partially to placate the International Monetary Fund. Pakistan wants to borrow up to another $5 billion from the IMF, which insists the state improves its tax collection.

The government is seriously indebted -- and only 1.9 million people in a country of 170 million filed tax returns at all last year. By some estimates 10 million people are registered to pay taxes in Pakistan; the great majority don't pay a rupee.

In a country where many say the courts are weak and the police corruptible, Riffee and the team are a last, albeit striking, resort.

The toughest marathons in the world

2011-04-11T22:29:00.005+08:00

Last week was one of the toughest marathons in the world - "Sandy Marathon» (Marathon des Sables). This year's race took place in the 26th time and it was attended by 849 marathon runners. The race for 245 miles is traditionally held in the Moroccan Sahara.

Sandy Marathon is considered one of the most brutal forms of competition on the planet. Marathon takes place in one of the hottest place on Earth - the Sahara Desert.

To get to the finish line, participants need to overcome the 254 miles under the scorching sun of African deserts. In the entire history of the marathon age of participants ranged from 14 to 76 years. It was attended by athletes, the Olympians and former gold medalists, scientists, polar researchers, students, housewives and yoga.

Love is blind.

2011-04-09T23:29:00.006+08:00

Dear Reader,
Very sorry for misleading you with a fake love story.
"Mark and Audrey's big day" a marketing ploy.Singaporean are really smart people. They can
fool us some time but NOT all the time.

Love story was just an insurance campaign, telling people to "get insured to assure".

There was no true love in the story of odd couple Mark and Audrey.

Their "love against all odds" turned out to be a campaign by an insurance company to get "insured to assure their loved ones"

Followers of the love story between the unexpected couple, a 23-year-old man named Mark and his lover Audrey, aged 47, were directed to a site on April 15 to watch their "wedding ceremony".

Couple’s touching love story may be made into a movie

A MOVIE producer wants to turn the love story of a 23-year-old Singaporean and his 47-year-old sweetheart into a movie, Guang Ming Daily reported.

The producer said he was touched with the plight of the couple, who insisted on being together despite strong objections from their family members.

The producer said that to show his support for the couple, his girlfriend, who is a wedding planner, would even plan their wedding for free.

He said he hoped the couple would contact him soon, as three businessmen had so far expressed interest in investing RM1.2mil in the movie.

The Singaporean man, known only as Mark, had posted about his bittersweet love affair on Facebook, which had attracted the support of 1,700 netizens.

The couple's families, including the woman's daughter, had refused to attend their wedding.

Mark Tan and his partner, known only as Audrey - he is 23 and she is 47.

UPDATE

‘Forbidden’ couple to telecast wedding live on Internet

A COUPLE with a 24-year age difference and seeking public support through Facebook for the relationship, will telecast live their wedding ceremony tomorrow, Sin Chew Daily reported.

More popularly known as the “4723” couple, they will broadcast the ceremony on the Internet at 9am.

The bridegroom-to-be, Mark, is 23 and the woman 47.

Mark had announced the news through Facebook and invited Internet users to watch the ceremony live.

He was quoted as saying that they were not disclosing the wedding location for fear that some uninvited guests would cause trouble during the ceremony.

The couple had earlier sought support from Facebook users after their parents objected to their marriage.

Hi, We are Mark & Audrey.

We are getting married soon but sadly our families would not give us blessings in our marriage. They totally disagree and strongly object our marriage.

Their main reason was because of our age difference was too big. We are having headache in coming out of a good plan to convince them but none was good enough.

So, we came up a plan by create a Facebook page hoping to receive some supports, advices on how to convince our families and at the same time we could share our stories.

Most importantly, we hope that people out there would give us true blessings we desperately needed in this unwanted/unwelcome marriage.

Although marriage is between the two of us but a marriage without blessings is not complete and could be quite sad : (

Audrey is the most wonderful woman I ever met and she deserves praises, true blessings and not discrimination.

Thank you in advance...

It's never too late for love

2011-03-22T21:37:00.004+08:00

A British couple - with a combined age of 163 - have finally tied the knot after their relationship 'blossomed' since meeting seven years ago.

Betty Erskine, 90, met her 'toyboy' Robin Tremayne, 73, in 2003 when the pair lived in the same retired accommodation block, reports the Daily Mail.

The pair regularly chatted and later started seeing one another romantically, before Robin moved in and popped the question in 2009.

The couple married in front of friends and family at Exmouth Town Hall, Devon on Saturday and will go on a honeymoon in this country later this year.

Tremayne said: "I love Betty and it just seemed the right thing to do.I know it might be unusual to marry out our age but it's not unheard of and it was just a natural progression of our relationship," he added.

Former dinner lady Erskine said: "The wedding was a great chance to have another party. It just seemed right. We always agree and never fall out. He's patient with me and looks after me and that's all a girl wants really."

The marriage is the third for both of them, after both divorcing and outliving their second partners.
FLASHBACK:Britain's oldest newlyweds
Britain's oldest newlyweds goes to Henry Kerr 97 and Valerie Berkowitz 87(pictured here on their wedding day). They had a combined age of 184 years when they married in July 2010