Monthly Archives: June 2011

Chainsaw Barbie Gives New Greenpeace Campaign The Buzz

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After Dream Houses, Corvettes and a rather limp boyfriend, Barbie’s latest accessory is a genre-busting chainsaw.

Hundreds of Barbies have been hidden throughout the UK by Greenpeace as they launch their new campaign to stop manufacturers Mattel using material from the Indonesian rainforest in the doll’s packaging.

Greenpeace’s James Woolley says Mattel are putting the survival of orang-utans and Sumatran tigers at risk, while more than 150,000 Greenpeace supporters have already emailed Mattel demanding they stop.

And to help highlight the cause, Greenpeace volunteers have been hiding Barbie dolls – complete with pink chainsaw – around the UK.

Members of the public are invited to visit a map on Greenpeace’s website to locate a Barbie near them, find the doll and then register their find to get involved.

To get your own eco-terrorist Barbie and join the campaign, go to

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World’s first ever ‘wireless leash’ to help prevent loss of mobile phones

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Mother of three helps keep ‘dog and bone’ safe by inventing an award-winning ‘wireless leash’

An award-winning ‘wireless leash’ for mobile phones called ZOMM (www.ZOMM.co.uk) invented by a mother of three, is now available to buy in the UK. Laurie Penix and her husband Henry unveiled the gadget at CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, earlier this year. They beat some of the world’s largest technology companies to scoop the award for ‘Best Innovation’ at the show.

Using Bluetooth® technology, ZOMM prevents users from losing or misplacing their mobile phone by vibrating, flashing and sounding an alarm every time users walk away from their phone and reach a set distance. ZOMM is slightly larger than a £2 coin and is designed to be attached to key-rings. In addition to this, ZOMM also features call notification, works as a fully functional speakerphone and a personal safety device. ZOMM is the ultimate, multi-functional accessory for any Bluetooth-enabled phone.

Henry Penix, CEO and co-founder of ZOMM comments, “Everyone can relate to either losing or forgetting their mobile phone, so we created ZOMM to help prevent people from experiencing the exasperating and expensive process of getting a replacement. And it’s not just the phone – it’s the pictures, contacts and other personal information that’s so important.”

With call notification, ZOMM will flash, vibrate and sound an alert for incoming calls when the phone is out of sight – in a purse or bag. The speakerphone features a built-in, noise-cancelling microphone that allows users to answer calls with their ZOMM with just one press of a button. To send calls to voicemail, users simply press the multifunction button on the ZOMM twice.

As a personal safety device and only one press of a button, ZOMM enables users to sound a panic alarm deterring ‘would be’ attackers and notifying others nearby that they are in distress. By continuing to hold the multifunction button through the alarm, ZOMM will call local emergency assistance from anywhere in the world.

“ZOMM not only protects a mobile phone and the personal information kept on that device, but it can also help keep you and your family safe,” said Laurie Penix, ZOMM‘s co-founder. “With kids in school, it gives me peace of mind to know they have a panic alarm that will deter a would-be attacker, and the ability to call for emergency assistance in any situation.”

Key features:
– ‘wireless leash’ helps prevent mobile phone loss
– fully functional speakerphone with a noise-cancelling microphone
– personal safety device
– customisable distance for the ‘wireless leash’ so users can chose to be alerted from 9m to 20m away from their mobile phones
– ability to mute the ringer and other sounds on the mobile phone using the ZOMM
– ability to adjust the ZOMM volume from the user’s phone
– customable emergency number for ZOMM to dial
– re-chargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to three days with normal usage before needing to be recharged with the included micro USB wall charger
– comes with a micro USB cord that connects to any computer for charging the battery, activation and firmware updates, and an optional belt clip for additional functionality

Henry Penix, CEO of ZOMM comments, “Purchasing individual products to match each of the key features the ZOMM provides would cost more than £125 plus monthly fees; ZOMM wraps everything into one sleek device for £69.95 with no monthly fees. This makes ZOMM the must-have gift this Christmas for anyone who owns a mobile phone.”

ZOMM is available in both black and white colour options

Lily Allen Married and Pregnant

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Lily Allen is celebrating a double dose of good news, she’s married and pregnant. After two miscarriages, Allen is on her way to domestic bliss. Allen’s vintage Chanel 1920’s wedding dress had a resemblance to Kate Middleton’s wedding dress.

The singer, 26, married decorator and business owner Sam Cooper at St. James the Great Church in Gloucestershire, England, on Saturday.

Actor Keith Allen proudly gave his daughter away and Cooper revealed that Allen was pregnant, seven months after her tragic miscarriage

Cooper popped the question over Christmas and the wedding took place in the village of Cranham in the English countryside.

Frost wishes them all the best.

Pippa Middleton Splits From Boyfriend Alex Loudon.

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27 year old Pippa Middleton has reportedly split from her boyfriend, former England cricketer and businessman Alex Loudon. Pippa has not been seen with Alex in public since the Royal Wedding in April.

“It is common knowledge in their close circle of friends that Pippa and Alex have recently split up,” a source told the Sunday Times. However, Pippa was recently seen holidaying in Madrid with her ex-boyfriend and close friend George Percy, son of the Duke of Northumberland.

They were also spotted at the French Open in Paris and dining out at some restaurants in London. Pippa and George have known each other for ten years and met at Edinburgh University, where they became a couple.

IMF Becomes Latest Hacking Victim

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The IMF has become the latest major organisation to be targeted by a sophisticated cyber-attack.  The attack which started earlier this year was designed to install software creating a, ‘digital insider presence’. An internal IMF email revealed that, ‘suspicious file transfers had been detected’. According to the New York Times emails and other sensitive documents were hacked into.

The attack is believed to have taken place over several months. The IMF was reluctant to give details about the attack but they did confirm an incident was being investigated. They also said the fund remained fully active. However, according to the Metro, one unnamed IT official at the organisation described the attack as a ‘very major breach’. Cyber security experts have speculated that a foreign government is behind the attack.

The attack follows similar incidents at Sony, Google and Citigroup during the last few months. The FBI has said it is planning a major step up in efforts to combat cyber-attacks. CIA director Leon Panetta told the US congress earlier this week that he fears a major cyber-attack which cuts off power, security and government systems.

 

England Rugby Star Strips For Hilton

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Ben Cohen Leads the Charge at HHilton Honors Great Getaway Flashmob
London’s Workers Celebrate Start of Summer

Former UK international rugby player and England Rugby World Cup Winner, Ben Cohen, and a group of business men and women stopped commuter traffic and turned heads as they stripped down to their beachwear in central London. This was in celebration of the Hilton HHonors Great Getaway promotion, which offers guests up to 40 percent off on stays completed between now and 5 September 2011 at any of the participating hotels within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio.

The flash mob began quite conservatively with Cohen and the group interspersing with morning commuters in smart business attire. While walking over Millennium Bridge, the entire group began to undress, revealing Hilton HHonors beachwear. Their swimwear parade continued to Potters Field, where they pulled out beach towels and chairs that drove those passing by to www.Facebook.com/HiltonHHonors and played beach games, like Frisbee, as though on holiday.

“The Great Getaway promotion provides travelers the incentive they need to turn a daydream into a vacation,” said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, global customer marketing, Hilton Worldwide. “With properties around the globe, Hilton HHonors gives guests thousands of ways to get away from the every day and experience a world of possibilities.”
To take advantage of the Hilton HHonors Great Getaway promotion, visit HHonors.com/TheGreatGetaway. Travelers looking to make their getaway must book their reservations between 13 May and 22 August 2011, and stays must be completed between 27 May and 5 September 2011. Discounts vary by hotel brand and location. For more information or to become a Hilton HHonors member, visit HHonors.com.

For full terms and conditions, visit HHonors.com/TheGreatGetaway.

For more Naked Ruby stars, watch FrostmagazineTV’s LFW Video below

UN Says Cutting Off Your Internet Could Breach Human Rights

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Frank La Rue, the UN Rapporteur for the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression, has argued that removing somebody’s internet access deprives them of a basic right.

Mr La Rue presented his report, ‘on global access of the internet as a medium for freedom of expression, to the UN Human Rights Council this week.

In his report Mr La Rue condemned certain proposed and existing government legislation. In particular he singled out the UK’s Digital Economy Act which has a provision to restrict or remove internet access from those breaking copyright laws. His report was particularly concerned with ‘a centralised on/off control over the internet. He said, removing somebody’s internet access is to deprive them of a key component for the basic human right of freedom of expression.

The report comes in the wake of the e-G8 summit in Paris where Mr Sarkozy led discussions on proposals to regulate the internet. Governments worldwide have become increasingly fearful of the power of the internet, particularly in the wake of the Arab spring.

In his opening speech Sarkozy said, ‘the world you represent is not a parallel universe where legal and moral rules and more generally all the basic rules that govern society in democratic countries do not apply.’

But many internet entrepreneurs including Google chairman Eric Schmidt warned governments against attempts at legislation arguing, ‘technology will move faster than governments’.

Sarkozy has faced severe criticism for a recent internet law (the HADOPI law) which he has pushed forward. The law (to be enforced by a new government agency) could see those suspected of illegal file sharing brought before a judge.

Could these new government agencies precipitate a major government crackdown on the internet? While Mr La Rue’s report will be welcomed by many, it will take more than UN reports to ensure the freedom of the internet.

earlier post

KATE MIDDLETON’S SHOLA DRESS SET TO SPARK BIDDING WAR AT STAR-STUDDED FASHION FUNDRAISER

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‘Trust in Fashion’ event offers fashionistas first chance to get their hands on the ‘high street’ dress that sparked a fashion frenzy

Within hours of the Duchess of Cambridge stepping out in the chic Shola taupe creation to meet the Obamas at Buckingham Palace the dress flew off the rails at Reiss stores across the UK with fashion fans crashing the online store as they clamoured to get hold of the latest ‘must have’ item.

The Reiss website was seemingly down for a few hours as shoppers surged to purchase the stylish number which retails at £175 and remains ‘Out of Stock’ due to extraordinary customer demand.

The clothing retailer has confirmed it will be back in stock, but is likely to take five to six weeks before it arrives…a lifetime in the world of fashion! Even then, the dress will be sold on a first come first served basis. However, those desperate to get their hands on one sooner can stake their claim at a fashion fundraiser in a few weeks.

Reiss, who has recently enjoyed a surge in sales thanks to the Princess’ penchant for the high-street brand, has donated two of Kate’s signature dresses to an exclusive charity auction, raising money for the much-loved children’s charity Rainbow Trust whose carers help families of children battling a life threatening or terminal illness.

Both the Shola dress and the white ‘Nannette’ dress – as worn in her official engagement photos – will be auctioned as a joint lot at a VIP fashion show, Trust in Fashion, to be co-hosted by fashion icon Sadie Frost on Wednesday 29th June at London’s stunning One Mayfair.

Celebrities, top models and the cream of the fashion industry are set to turn out in force for the event, which has been created by leading names from the world of fashion to celebrate Rainbow Trust’s 25th Anniversary.
The two day extravaganza in association with Marie Claire & Storm includes a VIP evening on June 29th – featuring an exclusive my-wardrobe.com catwalk show and auction – and followed by a sample sale on June 30th crammed full of top brands at amazing prices and attended by Storm’s top model scouts searching for the next new face.
Speaking about the event, mother-of-four Sadie Frost said: “I am incredibly excited to be involved with this event and raising money for such a worthwhile cause.

“It has to be every parent’s worst nightmare to find out their child is seriously ill and it is something most of us can’t even begin to imagine, which must make fundraising for such causes really difficult, as many people just want to push it away.

“Given the resource Rainbow could help so many more and I am pleased to be part of an event aimed at raising funds for this charity which hopes one day all families in need will have access to a Rainbow carer.”
The highlight of the VIP launch event will be a my-wardrobe.com catwalk show produced by Lesley Goring, with looks styled by Marie Claire Fashion Editors Holly Welch and Lucia Debrieux. Featuring models from the world famous Storm, the exclusive evening will be co-hosted by Sadie Frost and Marie Claire Editor in Chief, and Rainbow Trust Patron, Trish Halpin.
The catwalk show will be followed by an exclusive auction of fashion pieces from some of the world’s leading fashion houses, including a ‘Kate Moss for Longchamp’ handbag signed by Kate Moss herself, a Modalu ‘Pippa’ bag, named in honour Kate’s sister who always carries one, together with couture dresses, bags, shoes and jewellery from the likes of Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Alberta Ferretti, Temperley London, Jenny Packham, Salvatore Ferragamo, Stella McCartney, Katherine Elizabeth Millinery, Marni, Mulberry, Mary Katrantzou, Stefanel and Erdem.

The two day event will raise vital funds for the charity which provides a lifeline to families facing the unimaginable ordeal of caring for a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. Rainbow Trust’s family support workers join families in their own homes to provide consistent, practical and emotional support during, what many Rainbow families describe as, their darkest hours. Rainbow carers are contactable 24 hours a day for families in crisis from diagnosis, through treatment and even after bereavement.

You can buy tickets for the event at www.trustinfashion.org. For all the latest updates on what has been donated follow us @TrustInFashion on Twitter.