Top 10 Mistresses 2011 by TIME.com Special Report

Jaimee Grubbs

Jaimee Grubbs

It's unclear why onetime reality show contestant Jaimee Grubbs, 24, decided to talk about an alleged 31-month affair with Tiger Woods. The Californian waitress, who had appeared alongside her ex-boyfriend on VH1's guy-improvement show Tool Academy, discussed her liaisons with Woods in Us Weekly magazine. She described their relationship as "romantic" — as well as sexual — and never indicated that things had gone sour. But the evidence she presented for her claims — steamy text messages and a voicemail where someone purportedly sounding like Woods asks Grubbs to help him cover up his cheating tracks — paints a picture of a man who realized the heat was on. In a press release posted on his website, Woods apologized Dec. 2 for unspecified "transgressions" days after a one-car accident in the early morning hours the day after Thanksgiving left the media buzzing about a possible domestic dispute. Nor was Grubbs the only alleged mistress on the scene: the National Enquirer reported before the accident on rumors that Tiger had had a relationship with New York club promoter Rachel Uchitel, 34, — a story which she vehemently denies — while Life & Style magazine claimed that Tiger had been seeing Kalika Moquin, 27, a Las Vegas marketing agent, for months.

Post-affair: Grubbs has said that she was "hurt" to hear of other women possibly being in the picture. As, no doubt, was Tiger's wife Elin Nordegren.

President and first lady make best dressed list

Michelle Obama

Barack and Michelle Obama are edging out Hollywood stars on Vanity Fair's International Best-Dressed List.

The president makes the list for the first time in issues out Wednesday, joining his wife, who has been named twice before.

No longer on the list is Angelina Jolie, although her husband Brad Pitt remains, based on a poll of fashion insiders. Other stars getting the honor are Penelope Cruz, Anne Hathaway, NBC correspondent Tiki Barber and James Bond star Daniel Craig.

The Obamas weren't the only stylish political dressers named. French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy made the list along with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his companion, Diana Taylor.

Anniversary Gift Giving Tip

When giving an anniversary gift, remember that it is not the amount of money that you spend that is important. Anniversary gifts should show your partner how much you love him or her, not how much money you are willing to spend.

Think about giving your partner something that money cannot buy. This could be writing a poem, composing a song, or painting him or her a picture that speaks of your love. You could also surprise your partner with a special "treat" they have always wanted. This could be reuniting him or her with a past friend, or finding a special book or toy they remembered having as a child.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts by Year
 
Here is a listing of the "traditional" anniversary gifts, year-by-year:

1st: paper
2nd: cotton
3rd: leather
4th: linen
5th: wood
6th: iron
7th: copper
8th: bronze
9th: pottery
10th: tin or aluminum
15th: crystal
20th: china
25th: silver
50th: gold

Kim Kardashian Posts Family's Christmas Card

Kim Kardashian Posts Family's Christmas Card

Kim Kardashian

Twas the week before Christmas and down in L.A., the Kardashian clan sent some cards our way. The family gathered as Kris Jenner planned, and they hoped good photos could land Kim a new man.

Most families resort to cute candid shots or strike a simple pose for their Christmas cards. But that would be far too trashy for the famous family, who opted for a professional 3-D photo shoot with Nick Saglimbeni. Early this morning Kim posted the photos on her blog, and added, "I love our family Christmas cards shoots and I think this one looks amazing!" Well while she says amazing, I say interesting.

There are so many things wrong with Kardashian card. Do they really think the all black wardrobe and bitchy faces will spread Christmas cheer? It's like they all looked at Medusa and turned into high-fashion stone statues. And not even well-dressed statues. Well, except for Khloe.

I thought Kim learned on Dancing with the Stars that she looks God-awful in a tuxedo, but I guess Koutney's the only one who learns from her fashion faux pas. Maybe Kris made her wear more masculine clothes since she's the only daughter without a man. I mean come on, even her 14-year-old sister Kylie has a boyfriend. Speaking of younger sisters and fashion mistakes, why is Kendall wearing a cooch-revealing dress? Sure, she's 16 but that doesn't mean she should start dressing like a slut.

The only saving grace in this Christmas card is the dynamic duo of Rob and Mason. As the cutest members of the family, they were the only ones who could warm my Grinch-like heart.

Person of the year 2011 by TIMES, The Protester

The Protester

Mohamed Bouazizi

Prelude to the Revolutions

It began in Tunisia, where the dictator's power grabbing and high living crossed a line of shamelessness, and a commonplace bit of government callousness against an ordinary citizen — a 26-year-old street vendor named Mohamed Bouazizi — became the final straw. Bouazizi lived in the charmless Tunisian town of Sidi Bouzid, 125 miles south of Tunis. On a Friday morning almost exactly a year ago, he set out for work, selling produce from a cart. Police had hassled Bouazizi routinely for years, his family says, fining him, making him jump through bureaucratic hoops. On Dec. 17, 2010, a cop started giving him grief yet again. She confiscated his scale and allegedly slapped him. He walked straight to the provincial-capital building to complain and got no response. At the gate, he drenched himself in paint thinner and lit a match.

"My son set himself on fire for dignity," Mannoubia Bouazizi told me when I visited her.

"In Tunisia," added her 16-year-old daughter Basma, "dignity is more important than bread." 

In Egypt the incitements were a preposterously fraudulent 2010 national election and, as in Tunisia, a not uncommon act of unforgivable brutality by security agents. In the U.S., three acute and overlapping money crises — tanked economy, systemic financial recklessness, gigantic public debt — along with ongoing revelations of double dealing by banks, new state laws making certain public-employee-union demands illegal and the refusal of Congress to consider even slightly higher taxes on the very highest incomes mobilized Occupy Wall Street and its millions of supporters. In Russia it was the realization that another six (or 12) years of Vladimir Putin might not lead to greater prosperity and democratic normality.

In Sidi Bouzid and Tunis, in Alexandria and Cairo; in Arab cities and towns across the 6,000 miles from the Persian Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean; in Madrid and Athens and London and Tel Aviv; in Mexico and India and Chile, where citizens mobilized against crime and corruption; in New York and Moscow and dozens of other U.S. and Russian cities, the loathing and anger at governments and their cronies became uncontainable and fed on itself. 

The stakes are very different in different places. In North America and most of Europe, there are no dictators, and dissidents don't get tortured. Any day that Tunisians, Egyptians or Syrians occupy streets and squares, they know that some of them might be beaten or shot, not just pepper-sprayed or flex-cuffed. The protesters in the Middle East and North Africa are literally dying to get political systems that roughly resemble the ones that seem intolerably undemocratic to protesters in Madrid, Athens, London and New York City. "I think other parts of the world," says Frank Castro, 53, a Teamster who drives a cement mixer for a living and helped occupy Oakland, Calif., "have more balls than we do."

In Egypt and Tunisia, I talked with revolutionaries who were M.B.A.s, physicians and filmmakers as well as the young daughters of a provincial olive picker and a supergeeky 29-year-old Muslim Brotherhood member carrying a Tigger notebook. The Occupy movement in the U.S. was set in motion by a couple of magazine editors — a 69-year-old Canadian, a 29-year-old African American — and a 50-year-old anthropologist, but airline pilots and grandmas and shop clerks and dishwashers have been part of the throngs.

Middle years skin care

Middle years skin care

Model: Alveera Mannaf Rahman Nita

Suddenly you wake up one day and you are 40!There are little tell-tale lines around the eyes, skin that was oily is suddenly dry, or is dull; laugh lines don't disappear even after you have stopped smiling; hands seem harder, not to mention crinklier. Grey hair has been spotted.

All hell breaks loose! Age has caught up with us and we embark on a quest to find the magic potion that will stop the passage of time and keep us young forever.

Well ...I'm not offering you the fountain of youth or the magic potion but I can tell you how to care for yourself.

There are many grandmothers who visit La Belle and I'm amazed at how good they look, how graceful and well groomed they are. And do you know what they have in common.....they have ALWAYS taken care of themselves, they have not woken up at 50 and decided to make an annual trip to the salon. They have given their looks some priority and due diligence.

So if you're touching 40 there's still time, apologise to yourself for the neglect and move ahead.

With the passage of time, skin tends to become drier and the need for moisture is greater. Therefore the products that we use need a change. The introduction of serums is imperative to the daily skincare range- simple moisturisers will not be enough at this stage.

It's important to know the role of serums, so that their benefits are appreciated.

Serums boost moisture levels very effectively as well as retain the moisture longer. They also speed up the natural repair process of the skin when used with the night cream.

The appearance of lines and wrinkles will diminish as long as we can keep skin well moisturised.

The other best friend of skin is sunscreen.

Studies show that the majority of the visible signs of premature aging are a result of environmental assaults, not the passage of time. This unavoidable exposure damages the skin cells and tissues. The ultraviolet rays of the sun are the culprits from whom we need protection.

Answer: sunscreen.

This cannot be avoided. It must be used every morning and reapplied in the afternoon, even if you are not going out of the house.

Usage of sunscreen should become a habit like brushing your teeth.

Night creams are of a richer consistency than day creams and lotions. If it does not feel rich enough, a drop or two of olive oil will do the trick. Those with an oily skin can settle for a light lotion mixed with water, since they have a god-gifted store of natural oil. The good news for them is that although they may have suffered pimples and other woes earlier but they can now turn up their noses at others because they're are not getting wrinkles anytime soon.

Cleansing skin is as important as breathing because that is exactly what skin needs to do.... breathe.

Clogged pores, caused by dirt, dust and pollution need to be addressed regularly. Abuse that skin can handle at 20 cannot be put up with at 40. It needs to be treated with a lot more respect now.

Harsh scrubs need to be tossed out of the window. Usage of bleach and harsh chemicals is to be minimal, perhaps once in two months, then too they should be of milder concoction.

Facials are a boon, twice a month if possible. The method should be correct and the products should be of quality. With salons on every street corner, you need to be careful, please visit reputable salons only. Never hesitate to inquire about the qualification of the proprietors.

Diet, needless to say, plays a great role in the general well being of a human being. A healthy balanced diet with a decent amount of exercise will lead to not only good skin and hair, but also good health.

I am very sceptical about these various new fad diets with low carbs and high protein and what not. Drastic diets are out. Losing a lot of weight will make you look haggard, so watch out. If you are on a diet, lose weight gradually and in a healthy manner.

Meanwhile, I am off to spend more time with my 50/60-year-old models of dignity and grace to collect more tips for Lifestyle.

Immersed in Bliss

Immersed in Bliss

Immersed in Bliss

A bath drawn just right and the mood set perfectly can be an enriching experience. The rigours of life leave even the strongest and the most stoic minds exhausted and in need of a sensuous retreat. Not all of us have the time or the resources to make visits to spas as a regular habit. If it's relaxation and rejuvenation on your mind, a well-drawn bath with accessories suiting your needs will do it every time.

The Past, The Present and The Future
 

The benefits are not limited to stress relief. There is a reason why the immersion of the body in water has been such an enduring practice over the annals of time. We all know of the Roman and the Greek bathhouses that existed solely for the purpose of bathing. It was then seen as a communal activity, where citizens could conduct business and socialize. Baths were seen as the key to maintaining good health.

Fast forward to the 21st century and recent studies have echoed those beliefs. One study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that diabetics who spent just half an hour in a hot tub could reduce their blood sugar levels by around 13 per cent - as the heat dilated their blood vessels, the blood-flow improved and the body made better with the use of its insulin, the hormone that converts blood sugar into energy. Another study in Japan claims that 10 minutes in a warm bath improved cardiovascular health in elderly men and women, helping them to cope better in exercise tests and reducing pain.

Starting out

 
“The temperature of the water is very important,” opined a housewife for whom taking baths during the precious bits of free time available to her is an invaluable source of rejuvenation. “It should not be so hot that it takes an exercise of will just to get in. Remember, this is for stress relief, so you shouldn't be stressed out about getting in. The temperature should ideally be warm, just how much is up to the individual. You can also draw the curtains in order to trap the heat for the maximum possible time.”

Accessorize

 
Relaxation is a state of mind and bathing is a process. The right accessories can get you into that frame of mind. A comfortable, pampering bath robe and soft towels will do the trick. And that's not all. To create a mood of meditative serenity, add scented candles to the mix.

The essentials

 
Now that the peripherals are out of the way, it is time for the main ingredients. Whenever there is talk of baths, bath salts can't be too far behind. Universally accepted as beneficial to the skin, high quality natural bath salts can take years off your appearance by helping your body defend against climate, genetics and other elements that speed up the aging process. They cleanse the skin and soften the rougher parts of our bodies, like the knees, elbows and heels. Hold a spoonful under running water as you are drawing the bath, allowing the salts to release their fragrance and oils as they mix with the bath water. Almas Superstore carries a range of bath salts including strawberry, blueberry and orange, all containing vitamins C and E.

Bath oils do a world of good to dry or damaged skin. Oil is the perfect skin therapy to use in a bath because the warmth of the water helps the oil absorb into your skin. The right oil will enable you to leave the bath with your previously dry skin feeling healthy and nourished.

Bath soaps are another vital part of a refreshing soak in the tub. Natural soaps like those of The Body Shop, also found at Almas are usually handmade, created with pure and natural ingredients. They leave the skin feeling soft and supple. It must be noted that these should be acquired from reputable companies, as the wrong type could cause the skin to dry out.

Last but not the least, nothing says “pamper” like a foam bath. For many, foam or bubble baths add the finishing touch to the experience of being transported away to another, more peaceful world. There are a lot of foaming creams around, each having different ingredients (Vaseline's version enriched with Chamomile is highly recommended by the lady behind the counter at Almas) to suit your needs.

Atmosphere

 
You can't create a mood without music. To get into the relaxed frame of mind, it is best to stick to soothing instrumental music, such as the western classics or our own Sitar aficionados. You can also take a novel or magazine that you have been wanting to read but just not had the time, to the bath with you.

The most important thing to remember is that those 20 30 minutes are for you and you only. In the end, whether you emerge relaxed or not is up to you. You have to embrace this bit of relief from stress just as the warm water and all its ingredients embrace you when you settle in. You know best what tone to set to help you unwind. Choose the right ingredients and the right setting, and meet them halfway.

10 Things you may know about Kim Jong Il, North Korea’s self-styled “Dear Leader”, died on Saturday

Kim Jong Un

Kim Jong Un

Kim Jong Il, North Korea’s self-styled “Dear Leader”, died on Saturday of a heart attack, aged 69. As power transfers to his third son, Kim Jong Un, NewsFeed takes a look at what little is known of the country’s mysterious “Great Successor”, who is thought to be 28.

1 – According to various sources, Kim Jong Un is an NBA fanatic and has had pictures taken with Toni Kukoc of the Chicago Bulls and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.

2 - The Chosunilbo reports a number of revelations about KJU’s formative years and claims he briefly attended Switzerland’s German-speaking Liebefeld-Steinhölzli School.

3 – It goes on to claim that “Pak Un”, KJU’s assumed name at the Swiss school, was shy and awkward around girls but became fiercely competitive on the basketball court where he was described by peers as “explosive” and  a “playmaker”.

4 – The final revelation from the “Great Successor’s” school years was that despite his father’s anti-American stance – KJU had an extensive collection of Nike sneakers, according to former classmate Nikola Kovacevic, who estimated each pair to cost around $200.


5 – The U.S. and allies will be monitoring KJU’s inaugural days in power extremely closely and are said be concerned that the transition could prove dangerous if KJU seeks to assert his leadership credentials through provocative military actions, claims IndiaTVNews.

6 – The Daily Telegraph served up a number of facts on the young premier, including the revelation that his buzz-style haircut has made him an unlikely style-icon in North Korea, where young men are queuing at barber shops for what has been dubbed the “youth” or “ambition” haircut.

7 – South Korean media widely speculated that KJU underwent a number of cosmetic procedures last year in order to look more like his grandfather and founder of North Korea, Kim Il Sung.

8 – Efforts to transform KJU into a North Korean demigod in the same style as his father, have led to his birthday on January 1 being made a national holiday.

9 – In preparation for KJU’s premiership, North Korean soldiers have reportedly been shown a documentary film in recent months which begins with words: ”Following in the footsteps of the General, offering guidance to the troops, comrade General Kim Jong Un delivers a great blow to the enemy with the resourcefulness of his keen insight.”

10 – KJU can look forward to some favourable coverage from North Korean media. Among the eyebrow-raising stories written about Kim Jung Il were claims he’d set the world record for the lowest round of golf (containing 11 hole-in-ones), reports he’d become a global fashion icon and an official biography on the North Korea state website that said he did not defecate.

Top 10 Overplayed Holiday Songs

'Sleigh Ride'

Sleigh Ride

As of Dec. 1, the instrumental tune “Sleigh Ride” was the most played song of the holiday season, according to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Since Oct. 1, Leroy Anderson’s symphonic piece, first played by the Boston Pops in 1948, had been played more than 64,317 times across America. The question of what deranged radio stations started playing holiday music one month before Halloween, however, remains unanswered.

Top 10 Best Fashion Moments @ First

1. Beyoncé, MTV Video Music Awards

Beyoncé, MTV Video Music Award

Like her hush-hush wedding to rapper Jay-Z in 2008, Beyoncé managed to keep her pregnancy under wraps until the grand announcement at the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 28. The fabric of her bright orange Lanvin dress fell perfectly over her belly. The singer paired the one-shoulder dress with minimal jewelry — diamond earrings and an aquamarine cocktail ring — which allowed her bump to command all the attention.

Top 10 Worst Fashion Moments @ second

2. Kim Kardashian, Kardashian Wedding-ganza

Kim Kardashian, Kardashian Wedding-ganza

Everything about Kim Kardashian's marriage to NBA player Kris Humphries was excessive. So it should come as no surprise that Kardashian wore three wedding gowns, all designed by Vera Wang, for the event (which was all for naught; Kardashian filed for divorce 72 days later). Though each dress looked tackier than the next, the biggest offender was the strapless gown Kardashian wore for her walk down the aisle. Her bust seemed to be falling out of the tight top, while the skirt looked like an oversize tulle ball that made Kardashian's hips look huge. To each her own, but Kardashian would have done well to take tips from that other famous bride from 2011.

Top 10 Worst Moments in 2011 by TIMES

Top 1. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, That Wedding:

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie

The two princesses, daughters of William's uncle Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, made history at the royal wedding. In the future, fashion mishaps might all be judged against the benchmark they set. "Was it as bad as the princesses at the royal wedding?" people will ask of an unfortunate bridesmaid's outfit. "It was reviled," people might say. "Two-Beatrice-hats reviled." In all fairness, though, the pair made some pretty sweet lemonade from the sour reception their outfits received. Variously described as a toilet seat, a pretzel and a family-planning device, Beatrice's headpiece sold for tens of thousands of pounds at an online auction, the proceeds of which she donated to one of her mother's charities.