Singer and American X Factor Judge Cheryl Cole attended the 2011 Fox Upfront event at Wollman Rink in New York’s Central Park yesterday. Cheryl chose to wear an iconic pearl orb chocker from Vivienne Westwood’s jewellery collection.
Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage
CHRISTY TURLINGTON BURNS, RITA WILSON, JEAN CHATZKY AND NANCY O'DELL TO SPEAK AT MORE MAGAZINE'S REINVENTION CONVENTION
CHRISTY TURLINGTON BURNS, RITA WILSON, JEAN CHATZKY AND NANCY O’DELL TO SPEAK AT MORE MAGAZINE’S REINVENTION CONVENTION IN LOS ANGELES
IS IT TIME TO REINVENT YOURSELF? ON MAY 23RD IN LOS ANGELES MORE THAN 600 WOMEN FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY WILL GATHER AT MORE MAGAZINE’S REINVENTION CONVENTION TO DO JUST THAT.
THE EVENT, HOSTED BY GOOD MORNING AMERICA’S LEE WOODRUFF AND MORE MAGAZINE EDITOR IN CHIEF LESLEY JANE SEYMOUR, FEATURES INTERACTIVE EVENTS, PANEL DISCUSSIONS TO HELP WOMEN REFRESH THEIR CAREERS, STYLE AND HEALTH.
THE CONVENTION WILL INCLUDE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FROM MODEL TURNED ACTIVIST,
CHRISTY TURLINGTON BURNS, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT’S NANCY O’DELL, AS WELL AS OTHER PROMINENT WOMEN SUCH AS ACTOR AND PRODUCER RITA WILSON,
MALAAK COMPTON-ROCK, AND TODAY SHOW FINANCIAL EXPERT, JEAN CHATZKY.
LESLEY JANE SEYMOUR, MORE MAGAZINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
“Now, more than ever, women are interested in creatively and proactively reaching their goals – whether that be a new job or a new look. The Convention gives women the opportunity to learn from champion reinventers how they’ve succeeded, and will also get attendees started on their own paths to reinvention with one-on-one workshops and sessions.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.MORE.COM/REINVENTION.
I’M GARY NEWMAN
http://Audio here
Ten Years After 9/11, Widespread Concerns About Terrorist Attacks on Airports, Mass Transit and Public Gatherings Persist
Ten Years After 9/11, Widespread Concerns About Terrorist Attacks on Airports, Mass Transit and Public Gatherings Persist, According to Unisys Research
Overall security concerns at highest levels in many countries, with financial and personal security concerns top of mind
Nearly ten years after 9/11, a majority of citizens surveyed in the U.S., Europe and Latin America report that they are “extremely” or “very” concerned about malicious or terrorist attacks on airports, airplanes, railroads, buses, subways or large gatherings of people at office buildings, sporting events or other locations, according to new research conducted by Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS).
The findings are part of the bi-annual Unisys Security Index, conducted in February, which surveyed more than 11,500 people in 12 countries for consumer opinion on four areas of security: financial, national, Internet and personal safety.
“We’ve made significant progress in bolstering security in the decade since the attacks of 9/11, but we still have more work to do to increase the speed with which we adopt and implement technology solutions to secure our air cargo, rail transportation and other critical infrastructure systems as attacks become more sophisticated,” said Steve Vinsik, vice president, enterprise security, Unisys. “However, recent events such as the Yemeni cargo bomb as well as highly publicized attempted terror attacks in public spaces have raised awareness of security vulnerabilities in countries around the world. Governments and businesses worldwide must work together to address ways to protect our supply chains, public spaces and transportation infrastructures.”
When asked about their level of concern about locations they believe are vulnerable to attacks, well over half of respondents in nine of the 11 countries in which that question was asked said airports and airplanes are highly vulnerable.
In general, Europeans surveyed were most concerned, with the highest percentages of those seriously concerned residing in Germany (79 percent), the UK (74 percent) and Belgium (74 percent). High levels of concern were also reported in Mexico (70 percent), Brazil (69 percent) and the Netherlands (67 percent). In the United States, 59 percent of those surveyed said they were seriously concerned.
New Zealand and Australian citizens were the least concerned about attacks on airports and airplanes, at 42 and 48 percent respectively.
Similarly, more than half of respondents in all countries except Australia and New Zealand expressed serious concern about attacks on mass transit locations such as railroads, buses and subways. And in seven of the 11 countries where the question was asked, at least half of respondents said they believe cargo is also vulnerable to attacks.
General increase in concern worldwide
Overall, the latest results of the Unisys Security Index survey found that citizens around the world are significantly more concerned about nearly all aspects of their security compared to six months ago.
Results showed that financial concerns were top of mind in many countries, with bankcard fraud as the top concern worldwide and concern about the ability to meet financial obligations jumping significantly, especially in the United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand. Concern over national security also climbed in nearly all of the countries where financial security concern rose.
On a level from zero to 300, the overall global Unisys Security Index score jumped more than 17 percent in six months, from 125 to 147, to the highest levels since the survey began in 2007. While nearly all countries reported increases in overall concern, countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom reported their highest levels of concern ever.
Measures of financial and personal security rose to a serious level of concern for the first time. The financial security index moved to 159, the highest level yet, with bankcard fraud identified as the top financial concern in every country. Similarly, the personal security index rose to an all time high of 151, with identify theft the second highest overall concern in every country except Mexico.
About the Unisys Security Index
The Unisys Security Index is a bi-annual global study that provides insights into the attitudes of consumers on a wide range of security related issues. Lieberman Research Group conducted the survey in Latin America, Europe and the U.S.; Newspoll conducted the research in Asia-Pacific. The Unisys Security Index surveys more than 11,500 people in 12 countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The study measures consumer perceptions on a scale of zero to 300, with 300 representing the highest level of perceived concern. For more information, visit www.unisyssecurityindex.com.
UK Film Industry Pioneers Sustainability Standard Developed by BSI
The British film industry, in conjunction with BSI, is taking the lead in the global entertainment market with the announcement at the Cannes Film Festival of a new British Standard that will improve the industry’s environmental, social and economic impact. For example, in London alone, screen production accounted for 125,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2009, 40% of which came from studios and 28% from TV and film production.
After seeing how the British Standard, BS 8901, has helped the events sector address sustainability issues and save money ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games, the UK Film Council, whose funding responsibilities have now transferred to the BFI, asked The British Standards Institution (BSI) to work with it to develop a new industry standard for film.
The resulting standard, BS 8909, is a specification for ‘sustainability management’ in the film industry from production through to cinema exhibition and home entertainment that helps companies focus on how their activities impact the environment, the communities they work in and their wider economic influence.
Oscar winner Colin Firth, who is fully behind the new British Standard said, “As one of the founding partners of Eco Age, I’m delighted that Eco Age has project managed the trials of the new British Standard for sustainable filmmaking. BS 8909 is an exciting step forward – it gives the film industry a robust framework for managing our social and environmental impacts.”
Eco Age, Firth’s ethical retail organisation has played an integral role in the launch of the standard, having run three of the pilot schemes and offering support and guidance to the pioneering organisations who have adopted the standard – including Ealing Studios, Dogwoof, and the BFI.
BS 8909 can be applied across the film supply chain from planning to production, through to editing, distribution, screening and archiving. These extend beyond ‘going green’ and into areas such as the way filmmakers interact with communities where they film; for example, providing local employment opportunities or sourcing local products.
BSI’s Director of Standards Mike Low says: “The film industry has pockets of excellence around sustainability issues, however, the new British Standard BS 8909 provides a comprehensive framework for all parties involved in the development and launching of films to adopt. It encourages companies to address the environmental, social and economic impacts of their work – from the initial concept for the film right through the process, even down to any merchandising and advertising.”
Complying with the new standard shows that processes and protocols are in place so that a film company’s environmental impact is minimised and its social and wider economic benefits maximised. For example:
* Environmental: by reducing carbon emissions produced by wasteful travel arrangements; such as improved route planning, selecting vehicles with lower CO2 ratings, ensuring that more people travel together or adopting a more sustainable means of transport
* Social: by establishing clear guidelines for minimising the impact of the filming schedule on local communities; such as limiting hours of work, engaging early with communities about parking arrangements, noise, and catering, or by ensuring that child cast members are chaperoned are able to cope with the demands of a busy working environment. The entire supply chain can be considered too, which means, for example, that companies that produce a film’s associated merchandising will be able to adopt the standard too
* Economic: by helping communities benefit from film activities: for example, by hiring local people and compensating them properly or sourcing local props, extras and catering.
The introduction of BS 8909 is expected to be just the start of a process of assimilating sustainability management into film production. Whilst companies may be undertaking many activities that comply with the standard – such as recycling office supplies or running low-emitting vehicles, for example – they will need to examine their whole range of activities to achieve best practice. As the standard is adopted by the industry, the British Standards Institution expects to develop a certification scheme that could be offered through trade associations or supplier audits.
For further information on the standard please visit: www.bsigroup.com/bs8909
7 Burglary Prevention Tips for Your Summer Vacation
Warm weather is finally here, and you might be planning your summer vacation. Here are a few tips — some you might not have thought of — for making sure your possessions are still there when you get back:
1) Do not post about your vacation on Facebook until after you get back. If that takes more discipline than you can muster, at the very least keep your location status off any public social networking pages. Many burglars use these sites to identify “safe” targets.
2) Make your home look lived in. A light on a timer is a great first step. You can buy a small device called “FakeTV” that simulates the light output of a television ($35 at http://www.faketv.com), making it look like you are home watching TV each evening. The effect is so convincing that your neighbors may later ask if you really went on vacation.
3) Don’t leave obvious signs that the house is unoccupied. Stop the mail and paper, or have a neighbor take it in. Arrange for lawn care as needed. And don’t leave notes on the door! (“Dear thieves …”)
4) Make your home hard to get into. You need good locks. Your hidden outdoor key is probably not as cleverly hidden as you think it is. So, get to know your neighbors, and leave the key with them. Let them know you will be gone, and have them keep an eye out during your absence. If you have an alarm system, by all means use it. Amazingly, many people forget to set the alarm. Conversely, do not think that an alarm system makes you invulnerable. Burglars can still cause you a great deal of misery in a smash-and-grab robbery, leaving before the police can respond. Park a car in the driveway, but be sure to take out the garage door opener first.
5) Remove obvious temptations. Take a walk around your property and make sure you cannot see any easily pawned valuables through uncovered windows. Are there any ladders left out, or particularly easy or well-concealed access points?
6) Prepare for the worst. If your computer were stolen, what might the consequences be? For most of us, this would be dire indeed. So, back up and password protect. Make a quick run-through around the house with a video recorder, listing off the valuables. This could save a lot of hassle with the insurance company if you should need to file a claim.
7) Strike the right balance. Only you can make the trade-off between security measures and the burdens they impose. You may wish to place irreplaceable items in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe. This can include expensive jewelry, family photos, and financial records. Your insurance policy is up to date, right? Also, label your possessions with your name. An engraver is best, but a Sharpie is a lot better than nothing.
The good news is that only two out of a hundred homes will be burglarized in any given year. The bad news, and this is intended to jump-start you into a bit of action, is that for those two homes that are burglarized, the effects of the intrusion are often devastating. The average burglary costs $1750, and a whole lot of peace of mind. Ask anyone who has had a break-in; they never look at their home quite the same again.
Security is a mindset, and need not be a great burden. Fortunately, your security measures do not need to be perfect. Most crime is opportunistic, and if the guy down the street failed to take a few simple precautions, his house (poor chap!) is more likely to draw the attention of the thief than yours. And frankly, there are no measures that can stop the most determined criminals. So, just take a few simple steps to improve your odds and peace of mind. It will make your getaway that much more relaxing.
Pippa Middleton: Top Tips for the Pippa Bottom.
The Perfect Bum Body In Balance
Looking for that Pippa Middleton Perfect Bum? Find it on Body In Balance today
Looking for that Perfect Bum like Pippa Middleton? Abbey Clancy and Tess Daly are just two celebrity fans of renowned Pilates instructor Doug Robertson, who can help you achieve that perfect bum and great back strength.
Doug can be seen exclusively on Body In Balance, SKY Channel 275.
Doug Robertson is a personal trainer turned pilates expert. He developed the Perfect Bum techniques over the last six years from his work in therapeutic exercise. He uses the exercises to stabilize and re-balance the body.
Abbey Clancy has said “I watch… A Perfect Bum With Doug Robertson, religiously. After I’ve fed Sophia, me and my mum work out to it in the kitchen. …I do feel fab.”
As celebrity fan Tess Daly also says on her blog “I’ve also discovered theperfectbum.com, which has a fab 10-week Pilates course that concentrates on toning bottoms and the tops of thighs. It’s £60 well spent in my book and perfect preparation for summer’s shorter skirts.”
The DVD of The Perfect Bum can be purchased via the Body In Balance website – www.bodyinbalance.tv.
Body In Balance has just launched its Video On Demand service, offering you the power to watch what you want, when you want, meaning you can find the time to exercise when it suits you. With BIB’s VOD service, yoga, pilates, dance and all kinds of exercise classes are ready when you are.
Whether it’s in that first hour before work or school, or after the kids have gone to bed, BIB can offer you the right fitness programme for your life.
Presenters offered by the channel’s programming include the biggest names in the fitness and wellness circuit, such as Doug Robertson, Maya Fiennes, Shiva Rea, Maryon Stewart, Caroline Sandry and Charles Linden. Body In Balance’s Video On Demand service means viewers can choose their favorite presenters at any time.
Tara Lee also presents Yoga For You And Your Baby on the channel, making it the ideal resource for new mums looking to get back into shape.
The Premium Subscription to BIB’s VOD service is only £5 per month, and for this viewers receive unlimited access to BIB VOD. Subscribers can choose from a range of activities and classes, including yoga, pilates, bellydancing, aerobics, etc. BIB recently purchased over 100 hours of fitness programming from Firefly, making it the biggest global broadcaster of fitness and wellness programs.
Body In Balance (BIB) broadcasts on SKY 275 in the UK. The VOD service is available at www.bodyinbalance.tv.
President Barack Obama Comes Home to Ireland
U.S. President Barack Obama will receive the warmest of Irish welcomes when he visits the Emerald Isle this week. Hundreds of thousands of well wishers will line the streets as the President makes his first visit to Ireland – home to some of his ancestors. Mr. Obama’s heritage has been traced to the village of Monegall in Co, Offaly. There is a great sense of pride in this tiny picturesque village located at the very center of the island, where preparations are in full swing.
Canon Stephen Neill, Local Church of Ireland Vicar, “Since St. Patrick’s Day when the announcement was made that he was actually coming to Moneygall, since then it has literally been a media storm. My phone never stops ringing. But it is a good story, we are happy to share a good news story with the world. This is something very positive and it’s positive for Ireland too. I think it’s very good that the president has indicated his confidence and interest in Ireland by coming to visit us here and I think it is the kind of boost we need.”
President Obama will become one of eight hundred thousand Americans expected to travel to Ireland this year and his visit is being seen as a great opportunity to encourage more U.S. vacationers to make the trip in 2011.
Niall Gibbons, CEO Tourism Ireland, “We have huge connections with America and we look forward to deepening those in years to come and giving a warm Irish welcome to all the Americans that come here. There are 40 million people of Irish decent in America and we think they are going to be thrilled that President Obama is coming here and the genealogical connection is an indelible one and we are delighted that president Obama is coming here to discover his roots with us in Ireland.”
Fiona Fitzsimons, Genealogist, Eneclann, “Well, we traced back nine generations from the president, so we took Megan Smolenyak’s work and we took it back another four generations again, tracing it back to the late 1600s and that’s a real achievement in Irish Genealogy because so many of the records have been destroyed over the previous 300 years. The thing to remember as well, is that the president’s family, they weren’t rich, they weren’t anglo Irish, they were simply a regular family and to be able to trace them back was really quite something.”
President’s Obama direct descendents are looking forward to welcoming home their famous family member.
Henry Healy, distant relative of the president, “We hope he will come and visit the school house behind me where his ancestors were educated. The ancestral home still stands in the village, that’s another important site, also Templeharry church. So there are three important sites within the area for anyone to come and visit, and of course it wouldn’t be a presidential visit to Ireland without a traditional stop off in the local pub for a pint of Guinness.”
During his stay President Obama will also visit the capital city of Dublin where a huge celebration rally is planned.
For more info on visiting the island of Ireland check out – www.discoverireland.com
Super-injunction Footballer To Sue Twitter
Social networking site Twitter is being sued by the footballer at the center of the super-injunction storm after it published his identity.
Nick Armstrong, Partner, Sports & Media Group at Charles Russell LLP comments:
“Twitter Inc. and some of its users are being sued in the High Court in London by the individual who obtained an injunction against The Sun and Imogen Thomas concerning allegations about his private life. In the injunction action (see below), and in the new Twitter action, he is referred to as “CTB”. The full case title of the new action is CTB v. Twitter Inc. and Persons Unknown. It is case no. HQ11X01814.
The action was commenced on 18 May. The “persons unknown” are described as those “responsible for the publication of information on the Twitter accounts” but the latter are listed in confidential appendices. It relates to the widely-reported posting on May 8 of a series of “tweets” purporting to name a number of celebrities who had obtained so-called super-injunctions, and describe the activities covered by the injunctions.
It marks the first concerted attempt to deal legally with way in which social media have of late been used an a vehicle for gossip and supposed ‘information’ in an apparent attempt to undermine or evade the authority of the High Court.
The news comes in the week that sees judicial attempts to inject some clarity into a public debate which in the media at least has featured wild and inaccurate comment about the perceived threat posed by “super-injunctions”. For one thing, the injunctions that have caused the debate aren’t super injunctions at all – the term was hijacked in the media to refer misleadingly to the injunctions obtained by celebrities whose identities were anonymised to enable the injunction to be effective. The Neuberger Report (of the Committee on Super-Injunctions) was published on 20 May. It points out that in fact the Super-Injunction is an order which prohibits (i) publishing confidential or private information AND (ii) publicising or informing others of the existence of the order and the proceedings. Super-injunctions are reserved for exceptional cases and are only granted for very short periods, and only where this level of secrecy is necessary to ensure that the whole point of the order is not destroyed. Since January 2010, only two such super-injunctions have been granted, one which was set aside on appeal and the second which was in force for seven days.
That is not the case with the celebrity injunctions, which are termed “Anonymised Injunctions” i.e. the names of either or both of the parties to the proceedings are not stated.
In fact the principles of open justice are respected by Anonymised Injunctions because, since the relevant parties are anonymised, a full judgment can be issued in which the judge sets out his reasons for applying the balancing factors imposed by the Human Rights Act (right to freedom of expression v right to respect for pricate and family life) in making the order. This strikes the balance between open justice, and appropriate protection of privacy where the judge has found that to be required on the basis of the evidence put before him.
This happened this week when Eady J published his judgment in the CTB ‘Anonymised Injunction’ case itself. It should be read ( http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/media/judgments/2011/ctb-v-ngn-limited-judgment-16052011) by anyone thinking of commenting about the issue of Anonymised Injunctions, as it puts in context much ill-informed comment which has obscured many of the real issues involved in the developing (and still very young) law of privacy enacted by Parliament in 1998 and applied by the judiciary.”