All About Information

Facebook buys e-book innovator Push Pop Press

2011-08-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Facebook on Tuesday said it has bought an innovative young startup devoted to re-imagining electronic books.
Facebook planned to incorporate Push Pop Press technology into the world's leading online social network and said it does not intend to get into the digital book business.
"We're thrilled to confirm that we've acquired Push Pop Press, a startup whose groundbreaking software changes the way people publish and consume digital content," Facebook said in response to an AFP inquiry.
"We can't wait for co-founders Mike Matas and Kimon Tsinteris to get started, and for some of the technology, ideas and inspiration behind Push Pop Press to become part of how millions of people connect and share with each other on Facebook," Facebook continued.
San Francisco-based Push Pop came out of stealth mode in February of this year and a demonstration of the start-up's technology proved a hit at a prestigious TED conference just weeks later.
Matas and Tsinteris both did stints working at Apple, where Matas designed user interfaces and artwork for the iPhone, the iPad, and the OS X operating system for Macintosh computers.
The first title published by Push Pop was "Our Choice," an interactive work by Al Gore focused on causes and potential solutions for climate change.
"We created a new way of publishing and exploring text, images, audio, video and interactive graphics, then teamed up with Melcher Media and Al Gore to create a new kind of book," said a message at pushpoppress.com.
"Now we're taking our publishing technology and everything we've learned and are setting off to help design the world's largest book, Facebook," the message from Matas and Tsinteris continued.
Push Pop has no plans to publish any more digital books.
Al Gore's work will remain available as an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch application with future profits donated to The Climate Reality Project, according to Push Pop co-founders.

Yahoo! takes to airwaves with sports radio

2011-08-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! announced the launch Monday of Yahoo! Sports Radio as the Internet company seeks to turn its popularity as an online destination for sports fans into success over the airwaves.
The Sunnyvale, California-based Yahoo! said the national sports radio network will be available on over 180 affiliate radio stations across the United States, Sirius Satellite Radio, and through digital and mobile partners.
The network is being launched in partnership with Houston, Texas-based Gow Broadcasting, whose Sporting News Radio stations are being rebranded as Yahoo! Sports Radio.
"Yahoo! Sports Radio builds on our leadership as the number one sports site online and creates a national and local outlet for our brand and talent," Ken Fuchs, vice president of Yahoo! Media Network, said in a statement.
"Our partnership with Gow Broadcasting will provide more access to our users and solutions to our advertising partners that want to connect with them wherever they consume sports," Fuchs said.
Yahoo! Sports boasts 50 million monthly unique users, making it the top online sports destination in the United States.
Yahoo! shares were up 0.15 percent at $13.12 in early trading on Wall Street.

Sony buys videogame maker Sucker Punch

2011-08-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sony Computer Entertainment announced Tuesday that it has bought the studio behind hit videogames "inFamous" and "Sly Cooper."
Sucker Punch Productions will be part of game development operations of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios and make games exclusively for PlayStation 3 videogame consoles, according to SCE.
"We've enjoyed an incredible relationship with Sony that has allowed us to combine our creative design capabilities with their guidance to make some of the best franchises to hit the PlayStation platforms," said Sucker Punch managing partner Brian Fleming.
"Equally important, the relationship with SCE has provided us the flexibility and trust to take creative risks and invent new properties," he continued.
Sucker Punch will continue to operate in Washington state. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
"Sucker Punch Productions is one of the most highly acclaimed development studios in the industry and we have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the company for over 12 years," said SCE WWS president Shuhei Yoshida.
Yoshida added that buying Sucker Punch was part of the Japanese entertainment titan's strategy to win PlayStation platform fans by offering games and other content that cannot be found on competing systems.

Internet a windfall for Australian economy

2011-08-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

The Internet now accounts for 3.6 percent of Australia's economic growth, rivalling the retail sector in value or worth about half the country's lucrative mining exports, a study reported Wednesday.
The Deloitte/Access Economics study said the Internet contributed Aus$50 billion (US$53 billion) to Australia's gross domestic product in 2010, as much as the retail and education sectors and more than agriculture and fishing.
Though only half as valuable as the key mining sector, which contributed Aus$100 billion to GDP in 2010, the Internet was already worth as much as the iron ore industry -- a major economic driver fueled by Asia's steel mills.
By 2016 the Internet's contribution to GDP was expected to be Aus$70 billion, with annual growth of about seven percent -- double the predicted growth rate for the national economy -- the report said.
"The Connected Continent" study was commissioned by Google, and the online giant's Australian director, Nick Leeder, said it was the first such stocktake of the Internet's value in the mining-driven country.
It found that Internet use had doubled in Australia in the past four years and the number of connected households was expected to increase 20 percent by 2016.
The Internet's contribution to GDP was measured by tallying the amount spent by consumers, businesses, government and overseas residents on Internet-related goods and services that were produced in Australia.
Separately, the Internet directly employed 190,000 Australians, generating Aus$22 billion last year, the report found.
The Internet's value in Australia was on a par with France, above Italy, Spain and Russia, but below Britain, Sweden and Hong Kong, according to the study.
Ric Simes, leader of the study, said the Internet was fundamentally transforming the way business was done, with almost every Australian company and government agency having an online presence.
"The Internet is having a profound effect on how the economy and society works in many ways that we don’t fully yet understand," said Simes.
Australia's finance and real estate agencies were leading the online charge but primary industries such as farming and mining were also enthusiastic adopters of the Internet, according to the study.

We are not married: Siddharth

2011-08-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

If rumours are to be believed, Rani Mukerjee has gotten married not once or twice but almost ten times to Aditya Chopra. Seems like Rani's co-star from No One Killed Jessica, Vidya Balan has been caught in a similar wedding web created by the media.
The net & TV have been flooded with Vidya Balan's supposed wedding news for the past two days. As expected, the rumour spread like wildfire. Vidya's currently honeymooning with Siddharth too was reported!
Vidya Balan's alleged love interest and UTV Motion Pictures' head honcho Siddharth Roy Kapur rubbished the news. When asked if the two have indeed tied the knot, Siddharth told TOI, 'No that's not true.'
Our source close to Vidya reacted, 'What! That's impossible. She is in Mumbai currently and this is definitely a rumour. She will start the remaining shoot of Milan Luthria's 'Dirty Picture' in two weeks from now.'
Vidya Balan's manager K Sanjay reacted, 'Nonsense, its rubbish.'
Well, yet another marriage rumour bites the dust!

Sales up 19% for VW Group in the 1st half of 2011

2011-08-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

2011 VW Passat
The Volkswagen Group with its Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and ?koda passenger car brands grew 19% in deliveries in the first half of 2011. A total of 91,712 vehicles from Group brands were registered on the relevant fleet market. In comparison, only 77,122 units were registered for the first half of 2010.
The Volkswagen brand remained atop the German passenger cars brand ranking with 56,329 registrations, an increase of 22%. SEAT did exceedingly well growing 96.5 % to 2,108 units registered, meanwhile ?koda grew 31.4 % with 9,050 vehicles.
The individual model ranking also reflected the Group’s success. Volkswagen took first and second place with the Passat and the Golf, respectively and the Audi A4 came in at third.

Adnan,Roya’s late honeymoon

2011-08-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

Now that Adnan Sami's second wife seems to have become relatively quiet on the legal front the composer-singer finally has some respite and can proceed for his belated honeymoon with his third wife Roya.
If rumours that the stork is about to visit the Samis is true then Adnan and Roya would have the singular honour of being on the way to parenthood before reaching their honeymoon destination.
The details for a long honeymoon are now being worked out. Adnan who has just returned from 3-continent 5-city concert tour, is now planning the honeymoon to the minutest detail, hoping that a new barrage of legal hassles won't ruin the couple's holiday plans.
The honeymoon spots are being chosen after much deliberation.
Says Adnan, 'Roya and I want to visit the places that neither of us has seen. That's a pretty tall order, since we're both widely traveled. We've finally zeroed in on three places Hawaii, the Bahamas and South America. We will be honeymooning in two of these places. I owe my wife this holiday. Ever since she married me she has been standing by me watching me deal with one legal crisus after another.She's known no peace or happiness with me so far.'
Surprisingly Adnan has stopped dreading the problems of dealing with his former wife's legal hurdles. 'After a point it just became an effort to harm me, and therefore ineffectual. When I was traveling back home to Mumbai after my world concerts I wasn't thinking, 'Hell, I wonder what legal problems are waiting for me now.' No! I was thinking of how wonderful it would be to get back home.'
Says Adnan, 'I was stopped from leaving India. But then this country's amazing legal system swung into action. And after depositing a certain amount of money I was allowed to leave for my concerts. Says a lot about the fairness of the legal system in this country. The courts can tell the difference between a legal problem and domestic malice. No prizes for guessing which of the two I am the victim of.'

Geeky I’m Watch Based on Android

2011-07-29T02:50:00.000-07:00

Probably the only thing a smartphone lacks is a fixed and handy position on your person. Is rummaging for your handset or mislaying it a common thing with you? Then you can consider getting a smartwatch that will stay in place, function as a stylish watch and as many other gadgets as well. The latest and assumedly the most sophisticated of these is the device called I’m Watch, designed and put together in Italy by designers Manuel Zanella and Massimiliano Bertolini. It’s a perfect wrist multifunction watch containing a smartphone OS and SDK that provides the whole bundle of modern-day features.

The I’m Watch can be connected to almost all of your customary android gadgets and handsets (work is going on to have it connected to all of them including BlackBerry) and thereupon lets you use all their applications in the whole range – from answering incoming calls and controlling email and text messages to socializing via Facebook and Twitter.

Connection can be established via WiFi or Bluetooth, whatever is more convenient at the moment. The operational facilities are 4GB of internal memory and 64MB RAM; the smartwatch is powered by Li-Po 600 mAh battery. The display is a 1.54” color affair with the resolution of 240 x 240.
As for the design, you have a choice of going luxury and going color. The first of these, I’m Jewel, is manufactured from gold, titanium and other precious materials, and decorated with jewels. Once again you have several versions to choose priced from $845 to $16,930. The more affordable version is I’m Color, worth $352, and offering variants of white, black, blue, green, pink, red and yellow.
Pre-orders require 20% advance payment, and you can get your smartwatch starting October.

Cute USB Wi-Fi Dongle

2011-07-29T02:46:00.000-07:00

Coming on is another brilliant example of some really nice cute-ing up of gadgets we are only too accustomed to come by in a wacky or high-tech model. This is the GW-USPetit Cute USB Wi-Fi dongle by Planex, all made compatible with both PCs and Macs. Design-wise they fall into four categories – Hello Kitty series, Evangelion series, Rilakkuma series and One-Piece series, all sooo pretty you will buy the whole bundle meaning to give them away as presents but then find you just don’t have the nerve to.

Sing to Lose Weight

2011-07-29T02:25:00.000-07:00

The researchers from Harvard University claim that singing has a beneficial effect on the body. It does not matter if a person has voice and a good ear for music or not. Nor is it important whether a person remembers the song lyrics by heart.

Scientists conducted an experiment in several U.S clinics. The patients were asked to sing often. It turned out that those who sang felt pain relief, and it helped them to recover quicker. Experts likened the effect of singing to performing physical exercises.
Doctors explained that during singing the human body gets enriched with oxygen, which improves blood circulation, maintains muscle tone, and supports the heart and lungs.
The experts said that there are techniques, which cure stuttering, relieve the effects of stress and even help to lose weight via singing.

Longevity Secret Revealed

2011-07-29T02:22:00.000-07:00

Is it possible that the next generation will have good opportunities and prospects to help develop new life-prolonging technologies? Could our children live up to 150 years, and their grandchildren – be able to celebrate a millennium?

According to a British research, the director of which is Aubrey de Grey, such an opportunity will appear, but only in prospect. The scientist believes that the first step towards this goal has already been made, as for the past 25 years many technologies have been developed to help slow down the aging process.
A case was recorded when a man lived till 150. Now he is, of course, no longer alive. But this shows that nothing is impossible. According to the forecasts that experts make, already in the next two decades a man could be born who will be able to live till 1000. Alongside with the development of medicine in such areas as gene therapy and stem cell research, as well as the search for tools to better stimulate the immune system, other methods of prolonging life are being developed.

The researchers hope that soon health service will be much more simplified. We will need to visit just one doctor who will make the necessary conclusions about our health; hence, the problem of aging will be solved. The forecast by de Grey, of course, might seem a little dubious. Life expectancy increases by three months each year, and many experts claim that by 2030 there will be many people over 100 years old. For example, in Japan in 2010, there were 4400 centenarian people. Experts define aging as a life-long accumulation of cellular and molecular damage in the body, which can – from a practical point of view – give doctors an opportunity to correct flaws.

Invisalign Clear Teeth Aligners

2011-07-29T02:12:00.000-07:00

Wearing noticeable metal braces is not necessarily the only way of getting a Hollywood smile.

The dentists have presented an alternative – Invisalign orthodontic method. The patient is given a set of thin clear teeth aligners which must be worn 23 hours a day and taken off only while eating and brushing teeth. In a matter of two weeks, each teeth aligner moves the teeth to a certain position, and then the patient changes it for another one.

So, step by step, millimeter after millimeter, the teeth are moving towards their right position.
It is particularly interesting that the system gives the patients an opportunity to watch with the help of a computer how the teeth will change and look like – from the very first day of wearing an Invisalign teeth aligner till the end of treatment. Wearing a clear teeth aligner does not cause any discomfort, and the patients may eat their favorite dishes and smile without embarrassment.

Heroin Addiction Vaccine

2011-07-29T02:09:00.000-07:00

A unique vaccine against heroin addiction has been tested at the Scripps Research Institute. The medication makes the immune system stop the processing of heroin to avoid drug intoxication.

The author of the study, Kim Janda, says that it is the first time he sees such a strong immune response during the whole period of developing vaccines against drugs. The scientists believe that the vaccine would be an effective therapeutic means for people who suffer from heroin addiction.
Previously, Janda and his colleagues had already been developing a vaccine against cocaine, methamphetamine and nicotine. All the medications are intended to make the immune system identify the drug molecules and block their metabolism. These vaccines are now undergoing clinical tests.
When creating a heroin vaccine, the scientists have faced some difficulties. Getting inside the body, heroin is rapidly decomposed into several other substances. The scientists had to teach the immune system to recognize not only heroin, but also its derivative substances, 6-acetylmorphine and morphine, which can easily penetrate into the brain.
The vaccine has successfully been tested on rats. After vaccination, the animals with a heroin addiction have demonstrated reduced craving for the drug and a lower degree of intoxication.

4 Easy Ways to Look Slimmer In Your Bikini

2011-07-29T02:04:00.000-07:00

You may think it's too late to feel better in your bikini by Memorial Day, but there are still little changes you can make to reduce bloat and begin shrinking your waistline.

Sarah Wally, registered dietician and nutrition expert, has offered up the following four quick and easy diet changes. Implement them today, and you will feel, and see, a difference by Monday!

1. Substitute sugar with a healthier optionSugar is not your friend -- when you add it to your morning coffee or any baked goods, you're also adding mucho calories. To still satisfy your sweet tooth, try a sugar substitute. "Choose a natural, zero-calorie sweetener, such as Stevia In The Raw, and cut roughly 50 calories for every tablespoon of sugar replaced," says Wally. "Eliminating just 4 tablespoons of sugar a day can help you drop up to three pounds in two months!"

2. Shrink your portion sizeYou've probably heard this advice before, but it bears repeating. "Research shows that smaller portions actually appear larger and more satisfying when served on smaller plates," says Wally. "Eating your entree on a salad or dessert plate and drinking from tall, thin glasses as opposed to short, stout ones can help you reduce portion size and drop pounds without feeling deprived."

3. Display the good stuff When you venture into the kitchen to get a snack, instead of having that box of cookies out on the counter staring you in the face, try an assortment of fruits instead. "You’re more likely to snack on what you can see," admits Wally. "Keep more indulgent foods in cupboards and you’ll be less likely to mindlessly munch on waistline busters."

4. Eat your breakfastDon't make the common mistake of running out the door in the morning without eating -- it will come back to haunt you. "Research shows that people who eat breakfast are more successful in maintaining weight loss over the long term," says Wally. "For a fast and filling breakfast, try oatmeal topped with chopped nuts. Save extra calories by choosing unsweetened oatmeal (flavored varieties can have more than 2 teaspoons of sugar per packet!) and sweeten to taste with a zero-calorie sweetener like Stevia."

Tell us: what are some of your slimming secrets?
Faye Brennan is senior editor at BettyConfidential.

8 Beauty Secrets Stars Don't Want You to Know

2011-07-29T02:02:00.000-07:00

Besides surgery and Botox, there’s got to be something we’re missing. Secrets that celebrities use to keep themselves award-show ready, knowledge that we’d all love to get our hands on! I mean, how does Eva Mendes look so fabulous all the time? We did some research and found that occasionally someone lets a valuable piece of beauty advice out of the bag. Here’s what we dug up. I got a chance to sit down with my favorite makeup expert, Lindsey Mills, who pointed out some valuable beauty tricks that are happening right underneath our noses.

1. White eyeliner
It’s a popular trick with supermodels. “White eyeliner opens up the eye, giving the appearance of bright, alert eyes,” says Lindsay. How to apply? To avoid looking ghostly, line only the inside corners along the bottom lash line for an open, wide-awake look.

2. Satin pillows
Lindsay states, “I tell my clients all the time, cotton is aging you!” What most celebrities seem to know that the un-famous are just figuring out is that quality pillowcases are worth the splurge. Why? Those tiny, sleep lines you see in the mirror when you wake up, eventually become deeper wrinkles. Satin and silk-blend fabrics don’t dent your face, adds Lindsay, “and they’re really great for your hair”. So unless you plan on sleeping on your back, it’s totally worth the money. Besides what’s pretty should be better for you.

3. Cranberry juice
Redheaded celebs take to rinsing their hair in this favorite juice to add extra shine and keep the color rich and lustrous.

4. Peppermint extract
Collagen injections? No thanks. It’s been reported that a few popular singers, prefer this trick to painful injections. “Peppermint extract is a natural plumper, because it dilates blood vessels.” Simply dab a bit on with your fingers and enjoy your youthful, plump pout.

5. Whiten teeth with strawberries
Ever wonder how celebrities maintain their gleaming smiles? A few A-list actresses have been known to smash up strawberries with baking soda (another natural whitening remedy, found in most toothpastes) and brush with the concoction at least a couple of times a week. Road Test Alert- I tried this, and I definitely thought my teeth looked brighter afterwards. The paste is a little thick, but try to think of it as a mask for your teeth.

6. Face spritzer
Another supermodel trick, one that is keeping a certain 80’s supermodel looking lovelier and lovelier as the years pass, is a mixture of water and whole milk in a spray bottle. This spray, when spritzed on regularly throughout the day, locks in skin’s moisture and keeps your complexion glowing.

7. Lemon Juice Lemon juice is a natural cleanser and toner in one. This trick used by Hollywood stars and models, keeps skin fresh, clear and evenly balanced. Just like any expensive toner- it helps to shrink the size of pores and maintain an even complexion. Added bonus? Lindsay tell us,” Citric acid acts as an exfoliator.” Have sun spots? Lemon juice is proven to help diminish the look of those too. Apply it to cotton balls and sweep entirely over face as a major part of your cleansing routine

8. Olive oil for waterproof mascara (and everything else)
Loaded with antioxidants A and E and non- clogging, olive oil is to beauty what sliced bread is for the sandwich. “It takes off even the hardest to remove eye makeup- and leaves your delicate under eye skin so baby smooth, smoother than your current eye cream,” states Lindsay. Road Test Alert- Curious to try it myself (hey, I like spilling a good secret!) I was stunned. After three days my under eye area looked hydrated, refreshed and my dark circles gone. Lindsay did tell me, “chronic dark circles are usually an issue of dry skin.” Immediately, I was obsessed and replaced my usual night eye cream with olive oil and have the softest skin I’ve ever had!
Jenny Beres is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter living and working in Los Angeles.

DSquared2 Resort 2012

2011-07-29T01:56:00.000-07:00

The era of the 70-s with its platform shoes and bell-bottomed jeans is definitely one of the most exciting decades in fashion, and there is nothing surprising in the fact that it has been for two seasons that the bright and recognizable style of the 70-s reigns on the international podium. The tribute to the popular style has been paid by the DSquared2 fashion brand designers in their new 2012 Resort collection.

All the recognizable attributes of the seventies’ style – from the famous knee flare bell-bottom pants to overalls and platform footwear – have been included into the DSquared2 cruise wardrobe. But the spice of the collection is, first of all, interesting and eye-catching color patterns. Keeping up with the trend, which brought popularity to the combination of the most unexpected colors, the DSquared2 designers suggest combining bright yellow with deep blue and bright, almost neon blue with a “zebra” print in the 2012 cruise wardrobe.

Fashion’s Night Out 2011

2011-07-29T01:49:00.000-07:00

The night of grand shopping, Fashion’s Night Out, which has already evolved into a worthy tradition of the fashion industry, will once again be held in major cities around the world this September.

Fashion fans from Russia will be the first to estimate the extent of the grand event – Fashion’s Night Out events will be held there on September 6. Spain will be the next country to host the event on September 7, and on September 8 it will visit most European countries (France, Italy, Germany, Portugal), as well as the United States, Brazil, Australia, and Korea. In fact, Fashion’s Night Out will last for a week: the corresponding events will be held in Taiwan and India on September 10, in China on September 11, and on September 15 it will visit Greece and Turkey. November 4 will be the day when all the chief editors of various Vogue editions – from Anna Wintour to Franca Sozzani, the editor of the Italian Vogue, and Emmanuelle Alt from Vogue France – will gather at the opening of Fashion’s Night Out in Tokyo. The Fashion’s Night Out events will be held in Tokyo in memory of the victims of the devastating earthquake in Japan which occurred in March.
Of course, the fashion designers are getting ready for the Fashion’s Night Out in advance – not just planning fashion events, but working on special collections as well. For example, the British fashion designer Matthew Williamson will present a new line of MW by Matthew Williamson as a part of London Fashion’s Night Out, and the Alexander McQueen brand will release an exclusive collection of jewelry.
Source of the image: Fashionsnightout.

Amy Winehouse’s Fashion Legacy

2011-07-29T01:47:00.000-07:00

Among the legacy left to us by the Gone-Too-Soon British soul diva her distinctive style should come very close to the top of the list. Her overboard proclivities aside, Amy Winehouse succeeded in coming out as an outstanding fashionista with a strong and lasting statement. Having given a powerful jolt to the British music stage of the turn of the century, she left a similar dint upon the fashion world.

Here’s a fashion tribute to Winehouse, 27, found dead on Saturday afternoon in her London house, a reminder of the highlights of her unique style that will continue to inspire professionals and fans alike.
Beehive Hairdo, often decorated with headbands and flowers, has long become an outstanding feature of the singer’s appearance. Karl Lagerfeld’s 2007 Chanel runway show with heavily bouffanted and eyelined models is one of the most memorable events of the time to demonstrate Winehouse’s influence. Lagerfeld openly credited her as his source of inspiration calling her “a beautiful, gifted artist.”
Eyeliner effect that was too pronounced at times as she traced the pattern beyond her brows somehow fitted in with her definite retro elements and provided that additional quirky twist that brought out the cat goddess side of her personality and more.
Ballet-clad feet were her spunky step outside omnipresent platform and stiletto footwear. Often seen walking about in flat ballet slippers, Winehouse was also known as a devoted Fred Perry fan and last year she partnered on a collection of fairly unassertive and prudent women’s clothing. Of course, on stage she often strutted around in sexy dresses and heels with toes peeping out.
Tattoos were a significant part of Winehouse’s appearance as they came up to more than a dozen over the years, from the name of her ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil which she had tattooed on her chest when they met to all kinds of images like an anchor, a horseshoe and an angel.
Source of the image: Fashionlove.

Karl Lagerfeld’s Collection for Macy’s for Less Than $ 100

2011-07-29T01:45:00.001-07:00

Very soon, the fashion clothes created by one of the acknowledged masters of fashion, Karl Lagerfeld, will be available literally for a song: the prices for the models from Lagerfeld’s Collection for Macy’s, which will be available in the U.S. stores on August 31, will start from the price of just $50 which is a really small sum of money for Lagerfeld, a designer with an international reputation and prestige.

The Macy’s representatives describe the capsule collection as Lagerfeld’s “modern version of recognizable aesthetics”. These are, first of all, exquisite and at the same time rather simple articles of clothing – a lot of tweed, T-shirts with prints, jackets, everyday dresses and evening gowns. In total, Karl Lagerfeld’s collection for Macy’s will represent 45 limited models of fashion clothes. They will be available on sale in 235 stores across the USA and online, on Macy’s web-site (which also offers the service of purchase delivery outside the USA).

Sarah Drew and Peter Lanfer: Expecting!

2011-07-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

Grey's Anatomy star Sarah Drew – who plays the virginal Dr. April Kepner on ABC's hit show – has announced that she is pregnant!
The actress, 30, is due in January, her rep tells People.
This will be the first child for Drew and husband Peter Lanfer. Congratulations to the adorable actress on the happiest news of all!

Kim Kardashian Is Suffering from Psoriasis

2011-07-29T01:40:00.000-07:00

We are too accustomed to seeing Kim Kardashian all spruced up with no lash or strand of hair ever out of place – as a more surprise came, then, Sunday’s episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians that revealed the reality star’s struggles for perfection.

The episode showed the would-be bride afflicted by a skin disorder known as psoriasis (it’s when your skin goes reddish and flaky in spots). Kim’s mother, Kris, has had it since she was 30, and now the problem has passed on to her middle daughter at the same age.
The 30-year-old star is worried over the disease that mars her skin, more so that she is sure the tabloids are going to play it up big. In the episode she tells about the pressure she is experiencing in order to look her best and the ruckus that bursts out every time she gains an extra pound.
Well, she is quite likely to win the latest battle – psoriasis is easy to bring down unless the reality star gets overexcited, which may pose a problem to one who is in the midst of grand wedding preparations to tie the knot with Kris Humphries.
Us Weekly approached Dr. Eric Schweiger of Schweiger Dermatology located in New York who said that psoriasis is usually brought about by excessive anxiety, stress or general weakening. Scratches, burns and other accidents that break the skin can also cause flaking.
Daily applications of a moisturizer, Dr. Schweiger further pointed out, are of great help because they protect the skin barrier. Cream medications can be prescribed by dermatologists to treat psoriasis flare, or injections of special medications known as “biologics” if it proves a severe case. Laser treatment can also be recommended.
Source of the image: Ibtimes.

Psst! The secret health tips female doctors want OTHER women to know...

2011-07-29T01:28:00.000-07:00

From back pain to low libido, Lorraine Fisher reveals her pick of the top medical secrets that every woman should know.

PRE-MENSTRUAL SYNDROME

The irritable moods and water retention that affect many women the week before their period can be helped by taking more magnesium, says Dr Ann Walker.
While it's not known exactly how the nutrient helps, it's thought to boost the production of dopamine, a brain chemical which may be linked to mood.

Do you want to know a secret? Too much sunblock could be bad for us

Magnesium may also help prevent the inflammation which causes water retention. Dr Walker, who runs a herbal medicine clinic in Berkshire, says: 'Many people don't eat the foods which contain magnesium, such as wholegrains, beans and green leafy vegetables, so supplements may help. You need about 270mg a day, and look for magnesium citrate, which is easier to absorb than magnesium oxide.'

BACK PAIN

Millions of people in the UK suffer from back pain, but women are more prone to lower back trouble - as a result of a combination of factors including the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and large breasts.
But this pain is often easily curable by performing stomach exercises, says GP Dr Claire Rushton, vice chairman of the Family Doctor Association.
She says: 'People don't realise that when the stomach muscles are weak, it can lead to back pain. The stomach muscles actually support the back; if their tone is poor, you tend to sag and your back then takes the strain.'
A simple exercise performed ten times each morning and evening will strengthen your tummy muscles.
Go down on all fours, keeping your back straight, then pull in your belly button as far as you can and hold for a count of ten. 'After a week you should start to feel better,' she says.
Dr Rushton also recommends pulling your tummy in if you're bending forward to pick up something, as this also protects your back.

Back to basics: Women can protect themselves from backache by toning their tummy muscles

INFECTED HAIR FOLLICLES

If you've had any part of your body waxed, wait a couple of days before going swimming or using a Jacuzzi, advises Alison Cope, consultant virologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
'The open hair follicles make women prone to skin infection with bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in warm, wet areas and which causes "hot tub folliculitis",' she says.
This is an itchy, red rash which can lead to infected bumps. In serious cases, antibiotics are needed to clear up the problem.
And while hot tubs are the worst offenders because the temperature of the water makes it an ideal breeding ground, swimming pools also pose a risk.
Cope advises showering before and after using a pool or spa to minimise the chance of spreading bacteria or becoming infected yourself. Showering afterwards helps ensure you get rid of other people's bacteria; showering before stops you spreading yours.
'Also, don't go to a place for waxing where they dip the spatula in a large tub of wax,' she warns. 'Chances are lots of other spatulas have been dipped in the same tub and the wax has become contaminated with other peoples' skin flora (micro organisms that live on the skin).
'This means organisms such as streptococci and staphylococci (even MRSA) can be transferred and cause infections like cellulitis ( infection of the tissues below the skin).'

THRUSH

The moment thrush strikes, many women reach for a tub of yoghurt to treat the fierce, burning pain. But this won't cure the Candida infection that's causing the flare-up, says Dr Meera Kishen, consultant in sexual and reproductive health and member of the Medical Women's Federation. 'Although it feels like it is helping, this is because it's cooling and soothing - cold water will have the same effect.'
Instead, sufferers should take a vaginal or oral preparation such as Canestan, available over the counter from chemists, and wear loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear.
Despite common wisdom, thrush isn't the most common vaginal infection - twice as many women get bacterial vaginosis, an infection caused by overgrowth of bacteria.
'This can be caused by bath additives, sex or the coil,' says Gloucestershire GP Dawn Harper. 'One in three women gets it. The discharge is thinner than thrush and has a characteristic odour.'
Treat vaginosis with gels such as Balance-activ (from chemists).

SKIN CANCER

Take it easy: Too much sunblock puts you at risk of rickets and osteoporosis

News stories about the huge rise in skin cancer have made many women afraid to go out in the sun or, if they do, they smother themselves head-to-toe in sun block.
But they could be doing themselves more harm than good, warns dermatologist Dr Cecelia Tregear, of the Wimpole Skin Care Centre in London.
The body needs the sun to manufacture vitamin D and a deficiency can lead to serious problems such as rickets and osteoporosis. 'A deficiency is also linked to cancers, bone disease and heart disease.'
Dr Tregear says women should try to strike a balance between avoiding skin cancer and protecting their bones, by going outside when it's sunny for 20 minutes without wearing sun cream.

LOW LIBIDO

The onset of menopause often brings with it a loss of libido, but tibolone, a drug commonly prescribed to treat associated symptoms such as hot flushes and osteoporosis, can help.
Because the drug contains testosterone, one of its added benefits is that it helps perk up many women's love lives as well as combating the symptoms of menopause.
'Studies show that taking it for four to six months can improve your sex life,' says GP Dr Zara Aziz, a GP in Bristol. 'It's thought to work by increasing blood flow to the genitals as well as replacing female hormones.'

DIARRHOEA

We all think of milk as soothing for our stomachs, but it's the worst thing you can drink if you've just had a bout of diarrhoea, warns Winchester GP Anna Wilson.
Diarrhoea is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, which affects an estimated four million women in Britain.
Dr Wilson recommends avoiding milk for at least 48 hours after a tummy upset.
'Diarrhoea tends to knock out the lining cells of the gut which produce a lot of milk-digesting enzymes. It takes time for them to recover and, while they do, you have transient milk intolerance,' she says.
'But people very often make the mistake of drinking milk when they are getting better. Instead you should drink water or soya milk for a day or two to let the gut lining recover.

FATIGUE

Being tired all the time is often put down to anaemia and women think they should take more iron, but that could do more harm than good.
You may actually have haemochromatosis - a condition where the body absorbs too much iron and which can be toxic, leading to a build up of iron in organs, liver or heart failure and even death.
'If you see your GP because you're tired all the time and have aches and pains, you'll usually be tested for anaemia,' says Dr Pixie McKenna, a presenter on Channel 4's Embarrassing Illnesses.
'Your doctor may then tell you all is well - in fact you have a really good supply of iron - that's why haemochromatosis is often missed. It's an inherited condition and is very common in people of Celtic origin - one in 83 are carriers. Yet it's easily detected by having a blood test, and is treatable.'

PREMATURE AGEING

Doh! Sugar-rich treats, like doughnuts, can speed up the ageing process

Eating the wrong foods can make you age ahead of your time, says London cosmetic surgeon Dr Lucy Glancey. 'One of the theories of ageing is that we have too many free radicals in our skin which accelerates the ageing process,' she explains.
Free radicals are molecules that destroy body cells. A major source is thought to be sugar.
As Dr Glancey says, food such as doughnuts give you a sudden 'massive rush of sugar' - the body can't eliminate this sugar effectively, and in the long run that sugar creates free radicals.
She recommends sticking to foods with a low glycemic index, such as most fruits and vegetables, fish, eggs and meat, which don't raise the body's blood sugar levels so high.

HYSTERECTOMIES

During her 40s, a woman's menstrual cycle can shorten to every three weeks, premenstrual syndrome symptoms become more severe and periods longer and heavier. To improve their quality of life, many women opt for a hysterectomy.
But according to sexual health consultant Dr Tina Peers, who is based in East Surrey, many women could be spared this operation if they simply changed their contraception.
'Mirena, the progestogen coil, is the Rolls-Royce of contraception for women this age. It stops periods in 85 per cent of women.
'Another choice that's possible for those concerned about taking the combined pill until they're 50 is NuvaRing, a disposable vaginal ring that's as effective as the Pill but delivers a lower rate of hormones.'
BLOATED TUMMY
Ovarian cancer is known as the 'silent killer' and claims more than 4,300 lives a year in the UK because it has few symptoms, so is hard to detect.
One of the signs that's most commonly missed or misdiagnosed is a bloated tummy, which women often put down to irritable bowel syndrome, says Dr Rupal Shah, a GP in Battersea, London.
'If you feel constantly bloated for more than a couple of weeks and that feeling doesn't disappear after you've been to the loo, then book an appointment to see your GP.
'If it was IBS, you would expect to get some relief when you go to the loo and your bowel settles down. It's not right to feel bloated day after day.'

DEPRESSION

Depression isn't always in the mind - it can often be the warning sign of another illness or condition, warns London GP Ellie Cannon.
'Depression and anxiety can be early symptoms of physical conditions such as anaemia, thyroid problems or the menopause,' she says.
'Before taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor about whether you need a blood test to rule out the possibility of these conditions.'

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