‘Tech addicts’ asked to give up gadgets for 24 hours for charity

London, Mar 26 (ANI): A charity has posed a challenge to technology addicts to go without their beloved gadgets for 24 hours.

Charity Practical Action has laid down the challenge to raise awareness of the technology-poor developing world.

They are asking for techno addicts to switch off their phone, unplug their games console and shut down their laptop for one day on March 27.

And if people are able to do it, the charity wants them to report their experiences in blogs, videos, photo diaries or cartoon strips but not until March 28.

Tom Wiggins, news editor of Stuff Magazine, found his bash at the blackout “liberating” but admitted it was tough.

“Asking a tech journo to go without gadgets for a day is like getting a hairdresser to give up scissors,” Sky News quoted him as saying.

Writer and broadcaster Adam Hart-Davis described a “wonderful” day mucking out chickens and planting trees.

“I also read the newspaper, which I decided was intermediate rather than high-tech,” he said.

Describing the day’s serious side, David Grimshaw from Practical Action said: “No Tech Day will help people reflect on the role of technology in their lives, not just today but tomorrow.

“In Nepal or Zimbabwe tomorrow…people will not have a choice about the technologies they use.

“They will not have internet access, mobile phones, electricity and clean water unless we address the multi-faceted problems of poverty,” he added.

Practical Action provides developing countries with simple technology in a bid to improve their lives. (ANI)

Brit woman eyes scaling UK”s highest peak – in a bikini!

London, March 22 (ANI): A hairdresser is looking to scale the UK”s highest peak Ben Nevis in a bikini as part of her fundraising bid.

Jolene Clark, 24, is hoping to raise cash for the cystic fibrosis unit at the Ninewells Hospital after her brother Stuart died of the condition in December.

“Stuart wanted cash to go to research and I thought Ninewells would be the best place. I chose the bikini idea because it is so randomly crazy. If it makes people want to sponsor me that little bit extra, it will be worth every penny,” The Sun quoted Jolene as saying.

Jolene added: “I”ve spoken to experts at Ben Nevis and I know what I could be facing weather-wise.

“I”ll be taking a lot of layers in a rucksack just in case – but I don”t want to use them.” (ANI)

OZ woman opens hair lice salon!

Melbourne, August 9 (ANI): A woman has opened southeast Queensland’s first hair lice salon to help schoolchildren get rid of the parasite.

The problem she faced delousing her five children when they all went to school apparently inspired Judy Butters.

The salon at Deception Bay, north of Brisbane is making good business after just over two months of operation, since half of all Queensland schoolchildren are estimated to have head lice.

And it’s not just children who visit, even nurses from aged care facilities come with the problem.

“They catch them from the patients at the home,” the Courier Mail quoted Butters as saying.

She does not think the job is disgusting.

She said: “It’s very common. It’s not disgusting.”

The salon provides a qualified hairdresser too, who provides haircutting services after the delousing treatment.

The owner added: “A lot of hairdressers won’t touch heads with lice. I had that experience with my daughter. She was just humiliated and told to leave because the hairdresser found one egg.”

The treatment involves an “all-natural” lice product, followed by combing to remove the parasites and their eggs, for which Judy charges anything between 27 dollars for short hair to 57 dollars for very long hair. (ANI)

Women going blonde to boost confidence amid recession woes!

Melbourne, July 2 (ANI): In an interesting development, women are colouring their hair blonde in a bid to boost their confidence levels to beat recession woes, suggests a new survey.

According to the UK poll of 1200 women, sales of blonde products have skyrocketed to a staggering 67 per cent since the credit crunch hit the world.

Brisbane hairdresser and fashion industry stylist Oscar Cullinan said that Australian women were hoping to procure or keep jobs while believing in the popular images of blondes, exemplified by stars from Marilyn Monroe to Paris Hilton, as being sexy, extroverted, and spontaneous.

“Going blonde is a guaranteed way for a woman to feel like a million dollars even during a credit crisis. We are definitely noticing an increase in the demand for blonde in all of our salons,” News.com.au quoted the owner of the Oscars Hair Studios chain as saying.

2008 Australian Hairdresser of the Year Jayne Wild of Wild Life Hair also said: “It’s a regular thing that they can do to feel good about themselves. Women are coming in getting their hair cut short or completely changing their hair colour. They’re still concentrating on their hair.”

Sydneysider Nicole Bowen, 18, appeared to have upheld the belief, saying her going blonde might have lent a helping hand in landing her the job of a receptionist.
She said: “I think (going blonde) makes people seem less threatening and a lot more comfortable to approach. You always hear that blondes are friendlier. I feel confident with all colours of hair but for some reason I always feel that when I’m blonde I get an extra boost than just the dull feeling being brunette gives me.” (ANI)

Linda Bollea slams Hogan hairdresser’s testimony

Washington, Jun 26 (ANI): Linda Bollea, Hulk Hogan’s ex-wife, has slammed her former hairdresser Tracy Morgan for the testimony she had given against her in the Pinellas County Courthouse in Florida.

Morgan claimed that the reality star spends a large portion of her 40,000 dollars per month alimony payout from estranged hubby Hulk on drugs.

She also accused Linda of being violent toward her husband and said she often came into the Tampa salon intoxicated, and that Bollea had a “favourite combination” of drugs, namely marijuana and roxicodone pills.

The testimony came after a two-hour hearing following Hulk’s motion to reduce the amount of money he has to give his ex-wife.

But now Linda’s lawyer has come back with a reply contradicting the hairdresser’s.

“Morgan’s testimony was a complete fabrication; I don’t think the judge found Tracy Morgan to be that credible. At one point when she went on and on interrupting the judge [and] said in comment ‘Man get off your soap box’,” Fox News quoted Linda’s attorney, Raymond Rafool, as saying.

“I think it’s shameful for her to come up and make up these stories just so she can get in the limelight and be in the Hulk Hogan camp,” he said.

According to Bollea’s people, 11 days prior to the hearing, Hulk paid Morgan 3500 dollars for her to give hair extensions to both him and his girlfriend, but made the check out to Tracy’s daughter Brittany in an attempt “to hide the true identity of who was getting paid”.

“Hulk Hogan is more interested in spending money trying to control Linda and dirty her name than he really is about trying to save money as he says,” Rafool said.

“About Hulk never being violent, first of all, she would never know that, because she wasn’t at their house all the time. Her saying that Linda took punches at Hulk Hogan, I find that to be incredible,” he stated.

But according to the former pro wrestler’s rep, Linda’s lawyer’s story on the situation is “baseless and just plain false”.

“Not only did Tracy spend a lot of time in the Hogan household, but she often travelled with the family and testified to witnessing many situations where Linda was physically and verbally abusive to Hulk,” the rep said.

“In regards to the checks written, Brittany is a co-owner of the salon and many clients make their payments out to her,” the rep added.

Morgan also slammed Bollea’s accusations that her testimony was based on lies.

“I told the truth on the witness stand. He (Rafool) is wrong,” Morgan responded.

“But it’s his job to represent her the best possible way that he can and I guess that’s what he’s doing. But everything I said was true and I stand by it. I’m going to stick with no comment from here on out,” she added. (ANI)

Farrah Fawcett – Farrah Fawcett health worsening – Farrah Fawcett Cancer – Farrah Fawcett dying – Farrah Fawcett News – Priest summoned to deliver last rites as Farrah Fawcett health worsening

Farrah Fawcett – Farrah Fawcett health worsening – Farrah Fawcett Cancer – Farrah Fawcett dying – Farrah Fawcett News – Priest summoned to deliver last rites as Farrah Fawcett health worsening

Actress Farrah Fawcett has had last rites administered by a priest as her condition continues to deteriorate, reported by television show “Extra”.   The 62-year-old devout Catholic has been hospitalized in Los Angeles for the past two weeks for ongoing treatment of anal cancer.

Her publicist, Arnold Robinson, would not comment on the reports, saying only that “she is still being treated for her condition.”  Reports surfaced earlier in the week that her release was imminent but she reportedly took a turn for the worse and remains in intensive care, surrounded by family members, including her long-time partner Ryan O’Neal.

Farrah’s son Redmond O’Neal has been allowed out of jail on two occasions to visit his mother.  Ryan O’Neal asked a judge to allow their son to see his mother again, which would seem to indicate that her condition has worsened.

Mela Murphy, Farrah’s friend and hairdresser of 18 years, and close pal and fellow actress Alana Stewart were also said to be with Fawcett.

The actress was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and her fight for survival was chronicled in the NBC documentary, “Farrah’s Story.”

‘Secret Flirts’ game branded ‘toxic’ by critics

Melbourne, June 23 (ANI): A game called ‘Secret Flirts’, for Nintendo DS, has come under fire because it teaches young girls how to flirt.

Family groups have condemned the game that claims to show girls how to “make everyone fall for you,” and have described it as a dangerous sexualisation of youth culture.

A promotional video that gives a preview of Secret Flirts begins a groovy young girl giving a sly wink and a Cupid’s arrow piercing a pink heart.

In its first “lessons”, the game teaches girls to do their make-up and choose clothes and accessories.

The next lesson is to “improve your attraction” by going to a hairdresser, a beauty centre and a gym.

Then players are ready to listen to advice from the “Love Coach”.

According to News.com.au, Secret Flirt promises: “Become more irresistible day after day – then win the heart of the boy of your dreams.”

Secret Flirt will be available online from June 30, but an Australian retail date has not been announced.

Developed by Smack Down Productions for French company Nobilis Group, the game has been marked suitable for players aged “three plus.”

Angela Conway, director of Pro-Family Perspectives, criticised the “toxic emphasis” of marketing sexualised themes to a young age group.

“Playing Secret Flirt means playing with the hang-ups and preoccupations of the sexualised culture. Secret Flirt is not likely to help young people develop their unique, well-rounded character… for genuine long-term wellbeing and relationships,” said Conway.

She added: “Instead, with its toxic emphasis on reconstructing one’s appearance and personality for the sole purpose of successful flirtation, it risks contributing to sexualisation and increased prevalence of body image problems, depression and anxiety in young people.” (ANI)

Oz man on trial after attacking hairdresser for not giving his lover J.Lo cut

Melbourne, Jun 23 (ANI): An Australian man is expected to stand trial next year for allegedly attacking a hairdresser who failed to make his girlfriend look like Jennifer Lopez after a haircut.

The incident took place three years back in 2006, when Jade Lacey’s then-girlfriend Aleena Shadbina had paid 1600 dollars to Broadbeach hairdresser Phillipe Hadchiti for hair extensions, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Shadbina later returned for a hair dye, which would make her look more like actress J-Lo, but Hadchiti said that he would not do it and that another salon would.

Lacey later returned to Hadchiti’s salon after his girlfriend complained about the results of her J-Lo-inspired do, and an argument broke out, with the former allegedly punching the latter and demanding a refund, and then trying to take money out of the till by himself.

The case was listed for a further mention at Southport District Court on October 26, but as Lacey has a plethora of other legal issues, including murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking and armed robbery, the case has to take a back seat. (ANI)

The barber who can work upside down!

New Delhi, May 26 (ANI): A barber has created a new way of doing a haircut – standing on his head while working.

Wang Xiaoyu, who has been a hairdresser for more than a decade, showed his unique skill in Changsha, capital city of central south China’s Hunan Province.

Xiaoyu said he could stand upside down on a table against a wall for more than 20 minutes and do a haircut, reports the China Daily.

Wang wants to travel around the world to show off his special skill. (ANI)

A dozen of Havelock women pose nude for cancer charity

Wellington, May 25 (ANI): In a bid to raise funds for breast cancer and the fire service, twelve of Havelock women have posed nude as “calendar girls”.

One of them even went to the extent of wearing nothing but a mussel shell for the shoot.

Tania Varcoe posed for her photograph outside The Mussel Pot restaurant dressed just in a big mussel shell.

In fact, just when the mussel maiden was getting clicked, she was spotted by the passengers of the InterCity coachline.

“I was shocked, as I use those buses to go to Christchurch and I knew the driver, but as I am normally dressed I don’t think he recognised me,” the NZPA quoted her as saying.

She added: “The passengers stared, as they would, seeing a female outside a restaurant with no clothes on dressed only in a mussel shell.”

Varcoe, a hairdresser by profession, works with Blush and owns Metamorphosis, a beauty therapy and massage business.

“Being famous in Havelock is great, but I will avoid nude shots in future,” she said.

The pin-up girls include-a new mum, volunteer fire fighter, nurse, retailer, real estate agent and publican-who have all posed for pictures which are a little naughty but not offensive.

According to ship broker Pat Copp, the brain behind the calendar, it would put a smile on faces and show Havelock’s innovative spirit and character.

The calendars will go on sale for 15 dollars each at a Pink Ribbon Breakfast at the Slip Inn on May 30, and the proceeds will go to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and Havelock Fire Service. (ANI)

Kumar Sanu captivates audience at Mumbai award show

Mumbai, May 24 (ANI): Playback singer Kumar Sanu enthralled an audience at a production award function, where he was the chief guest on Saturday in Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion, Kumar described the production unit as the main pillar of the film industry, and appealed to the film fraternity to come forward and support them.

“From the beginning of the film till the end, the production people work hard on it. They rarely get acknowledged for their hard work. It is a thankless job. Even a hairdresser and dress man gets an award, but they are not awarded as there is no category for them,” said Kumar Sanu.

Among the awards handed out were for best production manager, best production controller and a lifetime achievement award. The production awards were organised by Association of CINE TV and Advertisement Production Executives. (ANI)

‘Never been kissed’ Susan Boyle says ‘she’s never stopped’!

London, Apr 23 (ANI): Susan Boyle, the singer who wooed audiences after appearing on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, has said that she was only joking when she claimed she’s never been kissed, and admitted: “I’ve never stopped.”

Talking of her remark in a breakfast telly interview, the crooning spinster laughed off her own comments in which she told millions of viewers on the ITV1 talent show that she hadn’t snogged a man.

“That was made as a joke! Never been kissed? I’ve never stopped,” The Sun quoted her as saying.

And now, Susan is going for a makeover after admitting seeing herself on telly made her feel frumpy.

Recently, she swapped her dowdy twinsets for a funky dress and leather jacket and has also visited a hairdresser for help controlling her wild waves which have earned her the nickname “The Hairy Angel”.

And she’s vowed to hit the gym and watch her weight now that she is a worldwide phenomenon with more than 100million YouTube hits for her rendition of West End song ‘I Dreamed A Dream’. (ANI)

Does Susan Boyle need a makeover?

New York, Apr 19 (ANI): After British singing sensation Susan Boyle won hearts on ‘Britain’s Got talent’, people are wondering if she should go in for an image makeover or remain the way she is.

In a recent interview with CNN, Boyle said that she is overwhelmed by her sudden fame.

“I’m gobsmacked, absolutely gobsmacked,” The New York Daily News quoted her as saying.

Boyle said that she wouldn’t want the instant fame to change her, despite her appearance has been described as “dowdy” on the show.

“I wouldn’t want to change myself too much because that would really make things a bit false. I want to receive people as the real me, a real person,” she said.

The 47-year-old singer touched fame last week after performing the song ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ on the reality show.

And judge Amanda Holden on the show has said that Boyle’s “everywoman” looks and story are part of her appeal and she should resist a Hollywood-style makeover.

“I won’t let Simon Cowell take her to his dentist and I certainly won’t let her near his hairdresser. She needs to stay exactly as she is because that’s the reason we love her. She just looks like anybody who could live on your street,” Holden said in an interview with the British Daily Mail.

However, earlier when Good Morning America” host Diane Sawyer asked Boyle if she’d like to change her look, she replied, “I’d like that.” (ANI)

Man remanded on 1983 Colette murder

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a trainee hairdresser whose body was found in a field near her home more than 25 years ago. Skip related content
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Colette Aram, 16, disappeared on the way to her boyfriend’s house in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, in October 1983.

Paul Stewart Hutchinson, 50, of Stockgill Close, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, faced Nottingham Magistrates’ Court accused of the murder and was remanded to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on April 23.

Colette’s body was found naked and dumped in a field the day after she disappeared.

The case was the subject of the first ever appeal on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme.

Hutchinson entered the dock wearing a blue woollen hooded top and using a walking stick. He spoke only to confirm his name, address, and date of birth.

Hutchinson leant against the dock for support during the short hearing. No application for bail was made.

In November last year detectives investigating Colette’s murder revealed they had made a significant breakthrough in the case and launched a renewed appeal on the 25th anniversary of the teenager’s death.

Man facing 1983 girl murder charge

A man is due to appear in court charged with the murder of trainee hairdresser Colette Aram, whose body was found in a field near her home more than 25 years ago. Skip related content
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Paul Stewart Hutchinson, 50, of Nottingham, is due before city magistrates accused of a killing that was featured in the first ever appeal on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme.

Colette, 16, was discovered dead in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, on October 31 1983.

In November last year, detectives investigating her murder revealed they had taken more than 100 calls from members of the public after making a significant breakthrough in the case.

Colette had decided to visit her boyfriend at his home less than a mile away in Willowbrook, Keyworth, at 8pm on October 30 1983.

Police were alerted when the teenager failed to arrive and her body was found at 9am the following day in a field off Thurlby Lane, said police.

Man facing 1983 girl murder charge

A man is due to appear in court charged with the murder of trainee hairdresser Colette Aram, whose body was found in a field near her home more than 25 years ago. Skip related content
Related photos / videos
Colette Aram, who was murdered 25 years ago
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Paul Stewart Hutchinson, 50, of Nottingham, is due before city magistrates accused of a killing that was featured in the first ever appeal on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme.

Colette, 16, was discovered dead in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, on October 31 1983.

In November last year, detectives investigating her murder revealed they had taken more than 100 calls from members of the public after making a significant breakthrough in the case.

Colette, a trainee hairdresser, had decided to visit her boyfriend at his home less than a mile away in Willowbrook, Keyworth, at 8pm on October 30 1983.

Police were alerted when the teenager failed to arrive and her body was found at 9am the following day in a field off Thurlby Lane, said police.

Man Due In Court Charged With 1983 Murder

A man is due to appear in court today after being charged with the murder of a trainee hairdresser in 1983. Skip related content
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Man Due In Court Charged With 1983 Murder
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Paul Stewart Hutchinson, 50, is accused of murdering teenager Colette Aram, whose body was found in a field near her home in Nottinghamshire.

Colette, 16, was discovered dead in Keyworth on October 31, and her murder was the first appeal to feature on BBC’s long-running Crimewatch programme.

In November last year, detectives investigating the case revealed they had taken more than 100 calls from members of the public after compiling a DNA profile of the killer.

Hutchinson, of Nottingham, will appear at the city’s magistrates’ court to face the charges, a Nottinghamshire Police spokeswoman said.

Ashley Cole, Cheryl Cole to renew wedding vows

Washington, Apr 3 (ANI): Brit footballer Ashley Cole and his wife Cheryl Cole are all set to renew their wedding vows.

The couple, who walked down the aisle in 2006, are gearing up to solemnize their wedding once again.

Their marriage had hit a rough patch after Ashley cheated on Cheryl with a hairdresser.

However, it seems the couple are trying their best to prove that their marriage is going strong.

“Ashley is setting the scene to renew his vows with Cheryl. He has been planning to do something special this summer to prove their relationship is back to how it was. It has been difficult to find a date. His football (soccer) commitments and her diary only allow for a four-day break,” Contactmusic quoted a source as telling Brit tabloid The Sun. (ANI)

Ashley Cole tops ‘Britain’s Most Hated Celebrities’ list

Washington, Mar 11 (ANI): Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole has been named ‘Britain’s Most Hated Celebrity’ in a new poll.

The England defender, married to Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole, topped the list after bagging 15 per cent of votes in onepoll.com survey, reports Contactmusic.

Ashley has earned the anger of rival fans over his refusal to sign a contract worth 53,000 pounds a week with former club Arsenal and last year was found to have cheated on his pop singer wife with a blonde hairdresser.

He continued to upset the British public when he turned his back on referee Mike Riley as the official tried to give him a yellow card for a high tackle in a game last season.

He sealed his place as Britain’s least-loved celebrity after being arrested for being drunk and disorderly at a charity function this week.

Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson came second, controversial TV host Jonathan Ross stood third and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo the fourth spot.

In the survey of 4,000 adults, Sir Paul McCartney’s ex-wife Heather Mills came fifth.

Britain’s Most Hated Celebrities are:

1 Ashley Cole – 15 per cent

2 Jeremy Clarkson – 9 per cent

3 Jonathan Ross – 8 per cent

4 Cristiano Ronaldo – 7 per cent

5 Heather Mills – 7 per cent

6 Wayne Rooney – 6 per cent

7 Peter Mandelson – 6 per cent

8 Frank Lampard – 6 per cent

9 Gordon Brown – 5 per cent

10 Lord Fred Goodwin – 5 per cent

11 Gordon Ramsay – 5 per cent

12 Kerry Katona – 4 per cent

13 Russell Brand – 4 per cent

14 Dwayne Chambers – 3 per cent

15 Trinny and Susannah – 3 per cent

16 John McCririck – 3 per cent

17 Steve McClaren – 2 per cent

17 David Van Day – 1 per cent

19 Chris Moyles – 0.5 per cent

20 Hugh Grant – 0.5 per cent (ANI)

Pammy’s ‘posh’ blonde locks for new show

London, March 9 (ANI): Former ‘Baywatch’ babe Pamela Anderson recently hired a top hairdresser to maintain her blonde locks for a new show.

Sources have revealed that she used the services of the much-sought Errol Douglas, whose previous clientele includes Uma Thurman and Kelly Rowland, while filming for a new show with comic Joe Pasquale.

“Pamela summoned Errol to the hotel to glam her up before filming, ” reveals our girl under the blow dryer,” the Daily Express quoted a source as saying.

“But she had to head off to Paris early the next morning for a Vivienne Westwood show.

“Errol was back there at 5am so she could be done up before getting on the Eurostar,” the source added. (ANI)