10 Things I Didn't Know Last Week!

Inspired by Harry Hills "I certainly didn't expect to see that" segment on his TV phenomenon "TV Burp" I've  decided to put together a short blog on 10 news stories I've seen over the last week that, well, I'd have to have seen it to believe it!


1. You can age 50 years in a matter of days!
Vietnamese 20-something, Nguyen Thi Phuong, now looks like a septugenarian after the rapid aging affliction took hold following an allergic reaction to seafood. The 26 year old looks far her superior as the seafood sank her skin to OAP status. The syndrome with no cure leaves its victims, like Nguyen, with loose folds of skin all over the body, a wrinkled face and the gaunt features of someone decades their senior.
Read the story: www.telegraph.co.uk

2. Piranhas can talk too!
Piranhas seem to bark more than they bite as researchers reveal that these ferocious fish make noises to communicate with one another, including barks and croaks.
Read the Story: www.bbc.co.uk


3. 1 in 6 Mobiles have poo particles on them!
New research has found that one in every six mobile phones has dangerous bacteria that comes from poo on them. Research showed that poor hygiene meant phones were poo-ridden.
Read the story: cnn.com


4. Penguins rescued from Oil Slicks get Knitted Jumpers.
Its important for the distressed birds to be warm & happy, so the do-gooders wrap them up in little knitted numbers for a nights rest before the big clean.
Read the story: www.bbc.co.uk

5. You too can become a local Celeb with odd shaped vegetation!
 A Chinese farmer has become the talk of the town after unearting a quaint tortoise shaped potato.
Read the story: www.metro.co.uk


6. Blondes may be more fun- but brunettes make better friends and spouses.
Over 1/3 of the female population believe brunettes make better friends and get further up the career ladder and 80 per cent of females reckon brunettes make more faithful wives.
Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk


7. Sex can wipe your memory!
It seems there is "too much of a good thing" between the sheets, as scientists cite a woman who lost all recollection of the last 24 hours after doing the dirty.
Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk


8. Meerkats really are social animals.
Researchers studying the nation-loved meerkat in the Kalahari Desert, South Africa, played recordings of meerkat calls and observed the animals' reactions. They put it that the comparethemarket.com mascot recognise another member of their social group by the sound of their voice, according to scientists.
Read more: www.bbc.co.uk


9. Gorillaz need their 5-a-day too.
One hungry primate stole his family's entire supply of carrots and hiding in a corner gorged himself on his 5-a-day. 
Read more: www.metro.co.uk


10. Jodie Marsh is now a body builder.
A far cry from her "glamour" model days Jodie flexed her muscles last week and showed the new her.
See more: www.mirror.co.uk

-ZB

Wales vs France

Our nation awaits. Hearts pounding, stomachs fluttering across the Welsh Valleys. The Welsh flag flying over Downing Street and an estimated 65,000 Welsh Rugby fans (and fawning girls) will be congregating at the high altar of Welsh rugby - the Millennium Stadium, adorned in red from dawn tomorrow morning, when all across the land pubs and clubs, from Caernarvon to Cardiff, will be rolling back the shutters and saying a little prayer as the throngs arrive.

Extra beer has been quietly ordered and even the ever hopeful "honorary Welsh man" David Hasselhoff has promised to launch a fourth marriage proposal in two months, to his rugby loving Welsh-lass Hayley Roberts, if Wales can beat France at Eden Park.

The principality is almost paralysed with nerves so it was encouraging today to listen to their unflappable forwards' coach, Robin McBryde, to insist in Auckland that a predominantly young Wales team remain relaxed for what has been universally hailed as the biggest game of rugby in Welsh history. No pressure then lads!

But my knowledge of the Welsh Rugby team and Rugby in general leaves a lot to be desired, so as a treat for you readers (and hopefully a very pleased rugby enthusiast boyfriend) I've done a bit of research and formulated some form of "wins and losses of the France vs Wales game" (feel free to name it as you please as clearly my writing leaves a lot to be desired when talking sport too).

It seems the biggest single reason for a marked improvement in the Welsh team during this World Cup must be their ability to retain possession after a tackle and to then force turnovers. The team have even been dubbed one of the best in ruck efficiency in this tournament and the return of prop Gethin Jenkins has been a major factor. France have a very different back row, not quite as mobile but strong in the tackle, so critiques say they'll struggle when pitted against our Welsh lads speed. The ability of the French tight five and their midfielders to clear opponents out of rucks will be crucial and it is an area where Wales look to have an advantage.

Truly Scrum-ptious?
France pride themselves on their dexterity up front but they were given an undesirable first hour by the All Blacks in last month's match. They blamed Alain Rolland, (who btw is the referee for the semi-final) for allowing Tony Woodcock to get away with illegal binding (which I think is this idea of binding on the arm/ sleeve instead of the jersey. It will give you more purchase to pull down on the other prop leading to collapsing scrums.) And the loss of injured prop, Nicolas Mas left the French team lacking, but he's back tomorrow and will look to exploit Gethin Jenkins's preference for running around the field rather than scrummaging but Jenkins running pays off as he is a prop who is hard to pin down. The scrum was one of Wales's weakest areas in the summer without both Jenkins and Adam Jones, but Jones gave Cian Healy, the tormentor of Australia, an uncomfortable afternoon in last weekend's quarter-final, so perhaps the boys are back? 


The Lineout.
This is one of those areas Wales have improved during the World Cup. Luke Charteris has forced out Bradley Davies from the second row and, while that has given Wales less of a ball-carrying impact, Charteris is the tallest player in the tournament (hurrah!).  It is an area where Wales have become smarter but France have not varied their approach: most of the throws go to Imanol Harinordoquy or Julien Bonnaire at the back providing front-foot possession for the half-backs. Their second-rows are used sparingly but they are used to drive mauls from lineouts, a strategy Wales rarely employ.

Im getting "down" with defence. (I'm such a loser.)
Wales made the most tackles in this year's Six Nations, a total of 571, a total they have exceeded by three in this World Cup. Their back row attempted 65 tackles against Ireland last week and didnt miss one,withthe apparent "winning" strategy to go low and take the tackler to the ground to ensure there's no "mauling game" but more of a contest for the ball on the floor. But in contrast to Ireland's forwards Frances frontmen are more athletic and Wales will need one player to go high and another to go low. France's defence has been the worst of the four semi-finalists, with 11 tries leaked in their five matches and an uncomfortable Morgan Parra at fly‑half in defence. 

Attack! Attack!
Not long ago Welsh competitors reckoned that if they stopped Shane Williams, Wales would struggle to score a try. But France should take note because now Williams is still roaming the field but with a multipronged attack consisting of Jamie Roberts causing havoc with his bulldozing runs across midfield, and wing-man George North taking even more stopping. But France can be irresistible in attack, as they were in the first 10 minutes against New Zealand, and runners such as Maxime Médard, Vincent Clerc and Maxime Mermoz will no doubt challenge Wales in a way they have not been tested before. France will need to rely on their attack because they are unlikely to prevail in a war of attrition against such a well‑conditioned side.


Not so sure I'll be donning the red tomorrow and joining the fans- but I'll sure be up at dawn, in my jammies with my cheerios and tea to see if my new knowledge on rugby pays off. Good luck Wales!


-ZB

seX Factor

Sounds like 'X Factor' is going to be all about sex and scandal rather than singing and talent this year as numerous papers reveal the sex scandals of the talent search.

The Daily Mail and The Mirror have both reported sex romps at Judge Tulisa's  Greek Villa during the "judges houses" stages shot in the last few weeks. The 23-year-old X Factor judge took eight groups to the Greek Island of Mykonos, but enforced a strict policy of no drinking or romping.

But after just two days, "The Sex Factor" broke loose and Tulisa was informed that six of the singers had been caught locked in passion.

Producers found out that two of the girls from one band had slept with two of the boys from another band, while two others from a mixed group had also took part in a sex act.

The N-Dubz mentor was apparently furious over the discovery and said: ‘If they’re just mucking about, just for fun to have a sex when they should be rehearsing then I’m not into that at all.’

Tulisa continued: ‘My villa was purposely higher up so I could see their villa at night-time. 

'I could see who was awake and who wasn’t and I was also listening to see who was rehearsing and who was not’, the tabloid reported.

The judge had made her rules clear from the beginning, as soon as the bands landed on the Greek Island, but didn't seem to be taken seriously.

Despite Tulisa having a party girl reputation during her early days with N-Dubz, she says that she would never go out before a gig and thinks the X Factor contestants should follow the same discipline. The judge has reportedly kicked out contestants for breaking her rules- dont mess with hard candy Tulisa!

 It seems the new breed of X Factor judges are all laying the rules down as Kelly bans booze, sex, smoking and even talking loudly.

Speaking to The Sun, Kelly Rowland revealed she won't be standing for any diva antics (good luck with that one, Kel) and insists hard partying is strictly off limits. Kelly is determined that nothing will ruin her chances of winning, which means her X Factor girls won't be getting up to any of the groups kind of naughtiness.

But are all these rules a mere rouse to boost ratings? Some media sources are reporting a set-up where partying is encouraged by mogul, Si Cowell. Off-stage won't necessarily mean off-camera, as Simon Cowell has apparently decided to get cameras installed in the finalists' bedrooms at the 'X Factor' mansion!

A source said: "Producers want scandal, sex and break-ups" to "boost ratings".

The free alcohol plan is already reportedly in action, with champagne and cocktails flowing at the hotel where the 250 contestants checked in for bootcamp.

There you have it, gone are the days of talent search, this years all about sex, scandal and spirits. This is one journo saying just change the name to sex factor, because ultimately that is all the talentless, unethical and bias "talent search" has left.

-ZB 

Fashion Forward.

The fashion pack headed en masse to the tent this morning for the opening show of London Fashion Week, where the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and the chairman of the British Fashion Council, Harold Tillman CBE,  officially opened LFW's spring/summer 2012 shows. Johnson also revealed the British Fashion Council's plans for Fashion 2012 - Britain's fashion showcase during the year of the London Olympics.
British athletes, who were dressed to the nines in clothes by British designers, helped open the renowned London Fashion Week, showcasing the spring-summer 2012 collections. Amy Williams, skeleton medallist, said she was delighted to swap her tracksuit for a designer outfit for the day. She said: "It is amazing to have all these British designers and British athletes here trying to kick it off for London 2012. "I do love fashion. As an athlete you live in your tracksuits, and it is lovely to put on British designers. I am wearing Holly Fulton."

Heather Fell, modern pentathlete, who donned a brightly coloured Matthew Williamson dress, added: "It is great that British fashion is getting involved with London 2012. The connection between 2012 and fashion is very cool and it is another great sphere to the Olympics."


But to some designers who kicked off the fashion fest.

Ann-Sofie Back gave us sharp silhouettes in a largely monochrome colour palette this afternoon - although peppered with the odd pink look to give the collection a summer feel.

Sass & Bide placed spots into the limelight, teaming maxi skirts with silver, sleeveless tops for a real pop in bright colours and monochrome palettes. 

Emilia Wickstead brought a touch of her signature high society femininity to LFW this morning, with more of the season's emerging colour trend - sherbet pastels - taking to the catwalk interspersed with nostalgic Parisian prints.

And there’s a heart-warming story behind Bora Aksu’s spring/summer 2012 show that enables him to tell a tale through his collection. Inspired by four postcards found in Geneva, he creates the story of Rose and Charles – two French lovers in 1905 – and the course of their love through the clever use of colour: creams and fleshy pinks for romance, corals and turquoise for desire, midnight blues and blacks for sorrow. Curved lines in dresses reflect Rose’s Edwardian handwriting, while sweeping curves, larger by the dress, reference cinched waists of the decade. Decadent pleats, hand-sculpted leather roses, lace, crushed glass beading and draping appear adorned on delicate silk gazette dresses, and other, more extravagant versions – some full-circle-ruffle-skirted, others fishtail. For Bora Asku separates are key for spring, with silk blouses, tailored trousers and short summer jackets proving as wearable as they are layerable in silks, cottons and tulle.

Heres to hoping there'll be even more inspiring looks for the rest of this week.

-ZB

The Anti-Social reveal of the Social Network.

For those of you who live your lives under a rock, social networking is really what makes the world go round these days. The emo Myspace, the chavvy Bebo, the infamous Facebook; it is the ultimate way of contacting anyone from your friend across the world to your flat mate in the next room. A way of sharing photos from your latest drunken debacles to private messaging, group sharing, event organising- you know exactly who these people are, what they look like, where they are, who their with- everything. As Mark Zuckerberg says in the recent "Social Network" movie: "people want to go online and check out their friends, so why not build a website that offers that? Friends, pictures, profiles, whatever you can visit, browse around, maybe it's someone you just met at a party. I'm not talking about a dating site, I'm talking about taking the entire social experience of college and putting it online." And that readers is definitely what weve got, a social experience that lets us live our lives online, behind our computer screens, where anything can happen. Weve lived our lives in farms, and then cities, and now online- but for some that luxury life online is a way of hidding from the world, becoming capable of anything.

A Berkshire man has been jailed for posting abusive messages online about a schoolgirl after she committed suicide. Sean Duffy, 25, of Reading, was handed an 18-week sentence this week for posts on social networking sites about Worcestershire teenager Natasha MacBryde, among others. The internet troll posted videos of defaced teenagers post their deaths and messages mocking the  teenagers and their families. Among his victims was Natasha MacBryde, 15, who died instantly when hit by a passenger train near her home in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. The day after Natasha's death in February, Duffy posted comments including "I fell asleep on the track lolz" on the Facebook tribute page created by her brother James and a further four days later he created a YouTube video called "Tasha the Tank Engine" featuring her face superimposed on to the front of the fictional childhood engine.

Duffy, didn't know any of his victims but pleaded guilty to two counts of sending malicious communications relating to Natasha and was found guilty on 3 other counts of "trolling". These included Lauren Drew, 14, of Gloucestershire, who was found dead after suffering a suspected epileptic seizure, Hayley Bates, 16, of Staffordshire, who died in a car crash, and Jordan Cooper, 14, who was stabbed to death in Northumberland.

On Mother's Day Sean Duffy posted a message on an online memorial page to Lauren reading: "Help me mummy, it's hot in hell". Duffy also produced an image of Hayley with crosses on her eyes and red marks on her face and wrote explicit messages to Hayley's sister Heather.The family of stabbing victim Jordan had also seen abusive messages directed at the youngster on an online memorial and a YouTube video defacing an image of the teenager. Magistrates saw fit to give Duffy an Asbo, banning him from using social networking sites for five years.

Is this finally a sign that our beloved Social Networking has gone a stretch too far? Albeit malicious communication through social networking is a new phenomenon but unfortunately it shows how such  technology can be abused. Will offenders stay hidden behind their computer screens under the guise of  'User 1' or will the likes of Facebook clamp down on trolls of cyber bullying.

-ZB

Bridge is back!

Everyone's favourite spinster will be returning to the silver screens press have released. With diary in hand, pounds piled on and surrounded by the star studded cast Renee will to return as fun-loving, thirty-something bumbling Bridget in 'Bridget Jones' Diary 3'. 


According to Entertainment Weekly, Working Title Films " who made ‘Bridget Jones Diary’ in 2004 and sequel ‘Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason’ in 2004" have agreed to make a third instalment after spending two years considering the project. Renee Zellweger will reprise her role as the hapless 'Bridget Jones' for a third instalment of the romantic-comedy that captured the nation.

Rumors began circulating in 2009 that Zellweger would return to her role as chubby-brit, Bridget,  this time as a woman in her 40s who’s trying to conceive with ultimate man, Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth in the first two films. That pregnancy arc would make sense, since that’s the idea behind author Helen Fielding’s upcoming third Diary novel, although exact details about her newest work of fiction have not been fully revealed at this time and the storyline of the film and book remain hazy, with the two possibly ending up being completely different texts.

But, in May, Fielding told Hollywood Crush that she would be penning the script for the third movie once the book was completed.

Speaking about the project Fielding said:

“It’s hard to pull these things together…There are so many people involved. I think they are sort of moving towards it now. It’s definitely taking shape, and it would be so much fun if they all came back and did it. You know, Colin has won an Oscar now. No pressure or anything.”  

Further details of the new movie are yet to be released, but it is understood that despite his Oscar success, Colin Firth will return to play the lovable Mark Darcy. He recently revealed plot details from the third script to Access Hollywood, look away if you don't like spoilers readers! he said:

 "I can tell you that Bridget and Mark can't have children, I think that's the way it goes on.So then she makes the huge mistake of going back to Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) for long enough to get pregnant. And I think he dumps her, and she's left stranded, and guess who comes back to rescue her?".

 The original movie, based on Helen Fielding's best-selling novel, took a reported $281 million at the box-office. The second film was savaged by critics, but still took an estimated $262 million worldwide. Fans of the film loved American Renee's take on brit-chick Bridge and Colin Firth and Hugh Grants on-screen man-offs to win the affections of the protagonist. With Zelwegger and Firth set to take the roles for the third, and dare I say final time, it just leaves Grant to confirm his role. If all the main characters don’t return the movie will be decidedly something different than what we have witnessed during the first two book adaptations, but maybe given the time between movies maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to witness a new cast? 

But with open arms and bated breath I wait for the newest instalment of Bridget Jones, Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleavers love triangle to unfold on the big screen. Bring on the chubby funsters penned parody of every Brits life.


-ZB

Jewellery Trends to Tie you into Autumn

CLUB TROPICANA.

Calling all Carmen Miranda fans! Jewellery has never looked so fruity with bug jewels and exotic flowers adorning animal prints and fiesta stripes in a lusty mix of bold golds, club tropicana and zesty orange. Snake charm with serpent cuffs and throw on fruit embellished accessories to complete this look.  Try River Islands Orange Fabric Wrapped Bangles, £12.99, or fruit jewelled gold chain necklace from Mango, £29.90.

OPTICAL ILLUSION.

Fantastic plastic takes the limelight this season in Monochrome tones, bold block colours and neon flashes. Black and white stripes and the colour block sensation team in chunky bangles and funky neon brights. Try ASOS's oversized triangle stud earrings with bright flashes for £8 or Miso's white Enamel Bangle from Republic, £6.99.

WHITEWASH.

Summer’s whites carry on through to the Autumn in stacked jewels and shiny white metals. Minimalism is the name of the game so try white cuffs and statement whitewash earrings. I love feathery treat for the ears Pearl and Asher's white feather and bead drop earrings, £9.50 or try this White Metal Lace Buff Bracelet from River Island, £12.99.

WIND YOUR NECK IN

Necks will have the familiar pressure of the old favourite, the choker, this Autumn. Short and wide necks should embrace Donna Karen styled pearly threads or single metal strands. Long necked beauties can embrace chunky chokers adorned with gems and one tone encrustation. Wear your chokers and collars over fur for a clever play on texture and forties chic or combine with your LBD for an instant upgrade. Try out Topshop's Enamel Section Collar Necklace in rust hues at £25 or M & S's Pearly Multi-Faceted Bead Collar necklace, £12.

70S SASS.

Get Saturday Night Fever with 70s jewel tones and oversize corsages. Incorporate brassy bronze into your metallic blends and sizzle in statement hoops and layered neckwear. Think semi precious stone and go for something like this statement blue Treasure Ring, £3.99, from New Look.

-ZB