The spoof video shows jokes about how guys would use the platform – by accessing information online and using it to impress the girl. While comical and light-hearted, the video raise serious issues about how the system could be abused.

When put together with facial recognition software Google Glass could potentially become an identity mapping platform on which everyone, everywhere is begin recorded, should the number of wearers increase to match those using smartphones that is.

The Google Glasses contain a battery, a tiny computer running, a camera, wireless link, and a small heads up display that allows users to view the Internet, access videos, pictures, emails, and communicate in real time, using either voice or finger commands.

Speaking at a recent TED conference in Los Angles how about we use mobile technology, Brin said:

“Is this the way you’re meant to interact with other people? It’s kind of emasculating. Is this what you’re meant to do with your body?”

He hopes that the glasses will lead to a more efficient and natural way of interacting with others online.

Just a week after Brin’s comments, The Telegraph UK, published an article on a study that found girls aged between 7 and 15 are more likely to own a smartphone than boys, and that girls were also 45 percent more likely to use their phones everyday.

Whether this reflects masculinity or simply interest in mobile technology is questionable as the same study, conducted my Mintel, also found that girls were more likely to own MP3 players and laptops, whereas more boys owned desktop computers – gaming reasons spring to mind here.

Emasculating or not, consistently burying your head in a smartphone display is something that seems to have taken over most major cities. Perhaps as awkward as they may seem, the Google Glasses could indeed give us a new way to communicate without having to take our eyes away from the world, and those around us. But at the same time, it could also be taking away what little freedom we seem to have left.

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For something rather niche, and a little chiq geek, a ridiculous price tag wouldn’t be a complete shock, however Revlon have chosen to keep it rather cheap and cheerful at just 10 dollars.

As you’d expect from a quality company, and the price, the tweezers themselves are durable and lightweight. They also feature ‘perfectly aligned slanted tips for high precision tweezing’, and ‘perfect tension for superior control’.

Revlon Spot Light Tweezers

Although a light might not teach the worst make up artist perfect the best looking eyebrows, they will certainly come in handy in dimly lit areas.

The topic of grooming eyebrows does bring to mind a rather funny joke:

“That’s right ladies, God gave you eyebrows. So you go shave them off and draw them back on with a lump of coal.” [Frankie Boyle]

A quick disclaimer! If you do chose to search this particular Scottish comedian I just quoted, watch with caution he’s known for rather offensive comedy.

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For those looking for peace and tranquility the floating river hotels and bungalows make for an idyllic stay.

Kanchanburi, home to the Bridge over the River Kwai (Mea Nam Kwea in Thai) is an area that’s famed for its floating accommodation, however there a few others around the country. Here’s our pick of the bunch.

Top 5 Floating Hotels In Thailand

1) The Float House

The Float House Kanchanaburi

A night at the Float House is a close as you can get to nature, without having to leave behind the modern comforts we’ve become so used to.

The Float House Address: 55 Moo 5 Tambol Wangkrajae, Amphur Saiyoke, Kanchanaburi 71150.

Image Credit: The Float House, 2012.

2) The River Kwai Jungle Raft Floatel.

Jungle Raft Floatel Kanchanaburi

The bungalows are located a couple of hours outside of Kanchanaburi. There’s also no electricity, or convenience store, however the hotel does supply food and drinks all including in the price.

Jungle Raft Floatel Address: Baan Tahsao, Amphur Saiyoke, Kanchanaburi 70150 Thailand.

Image Credit: Floatel, 2012.

3) The Floating Houses Kanchanaburi

There are a number of private operaters offering Boat Houses for rent by the day. The Flaoting House have several boats you can rent, the largest of which is spacious, comfortably designed, and comes with a generator to power showers, fans and electric lighting.

Floating Houses Kanchanaburi

The Floating Houses Address: 246 Moo 5, Tumbol Tha Kradan, Si Sawat, Si Sawat (Kanchanaburi), Thailand 71250.

4) Raya Buri Resort

Raya Buri Resort Floating Hotel Kanchanaburi

Since the establishment is connected to the main land the hotel boasts all mod cons and an experience to rival any 3-4 star hotel in the world.

Raya Buri Resort Address: 148 Tha Kradan Soi 12 Amphoe Sri Sawad, Kanchanaburi.

Image Credit: Raya Buri Resort, 2012.

5) Koh Chang Grand Lagoona

Floating Houses Kanchanaburi

The large 7 story boat offers well equipped rooms, and being moored up at the lagoon just meters from the beach, the tropical surroundings are as picturesque as you could imagine.

Koh Chang Grand Lagoona Address: Ko Chang Tai, 23170, Thailand.

Image Credit: GrandLagoona,2012.

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Redskins quarterback, Robert Griffin III, is an athlete that finds himself ready to fight that battle once again after a recent injury during Sunday’s game against the Seahawks required surgery. On Wednesday 9th January 2013, Griffin underwent the procedure to repair his ACL reconstructed for a second time.

Griffin managed to bounce back from his first torn ACL, which he sustained in the third game of the 2009 season. He missed the rest of the year but won the Heisman Trophy in 2011.

Robert Griffin III Undergoes Second Knee Surgery

RGIII is by no means the only person to recover from such an injury. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson underwent reconstructive knee surgery to replace the ACL and repair the MCL in his left knee.

The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrew on December 30th 2011. The same surgeon who also performed RGIII’s second surgery.

Despite the severity of his injury, Peterson was able to return to the game to almost break the NFL single season rushing record – an incredible record that has remained unbroken since it was set by Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson in 1984.

Dr. Andrews and Dr. Mark Adickes, the orthopedist who reconstructed Griffin’s ACL in 2009, said that pinpointing a date for RGIII’s return was not an exact science. Aside from the fact that Griffin has already had to recover from such an injury once already, no two athletes are the same, which makes it impossible to tell. However both doctors agreed that he should be ready for the start of the season in September.

Typically it can take a whole year for ligaments to fully heal, that’s why Peterson’s recovery was so remarkable. He tore his ACL in 2011, and was the leagues best in 2012.

Peterson’s focus and intensity in rehab and his natural athletic gifts are what made his quick recovery possible. While it’s clear that RGIII has the same qualities, we’ll just have to wait and see if he can return and keep improving.

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This eye-catching structure was built to worship Airvagta, the elephant diety of Hindu mythology, and standing 29 meters high and weighing over 250 tons, the elephant statue is largest in the world. The statue itself is made from pure bronze and is hollow, with the left rear leg housing a lift, the rear right leg a spiral staircase and the tail a fire escape.

The project was started by Lek Viriyaphant (aka Khun Lek), the same businessman responsible for the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya and the Ancient City, also located in Samut Prakan. The building of the museum, which started in 1994 and took almost ten years, was supervised by Pagpean Viriyaphant, Khun Lek’s eldest son. Unfortunately, both of them died before the construction was completed.

Three Headed Elephant Statue At Erawan Museum

The museum is made up of three levels, each of which represents a one of the Three Worlds of the Thai cosmos. The first level is in the basement of the museum and represents the cosmological Underworld. The second level is located in the domed upper level and represents Mount Meru, the center of the Buddhist universe – traditionally located somewhere in the Himalayas. The third level, in the belly of the three-headed elephant, symbolizes Tavatimsa Heaven, a place above Mount Meru where the elephant deity Airavata resides. This part of the museum is home to 9 images of Buddha, some of which are amongst the oldest in Thailand. The walls and ceiling of the dome are hand-painted in art depicting the solar system.

Visitors are not allowed to take photos in the part of the museum, but a there is a photographer who can take shots for a small commission.

The Erawan Museum is surrounded by tropical gardens with pavilions, secluded benches, ponds, and rockeries abundant with rare flora.

Visitors wanting to reach the museum can do by taking a taxi along Sukhumvit road towards Samut Prakan. Taxis from the inner city cost between 150-300 baht, depending on your location. Admission to the Erawan Museum grounds cost 50 bhat, entry to the Museum is separate, and costs 150 baht for adults, or 150 baht for children.

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6 Ways To Prevent Cavities

1. Cheese

Some researchers believe that eating cheese can help prevent tooth decay. This is because cheese contains a protein called casein, which appears to promote calcium levels in the mouth.

Shawn Frawley, DDS, a dentist in private practice in Beverly Hills, Calif., said:

“Research has shown that calcium levels in the mouth increase after eating cheese. Teeth are partly made up of calcium, so increased saliva calcium levels helps re-mineralize teeth and prevent cavities from occurring.”

2. Chewing Gum

Often touted as a healthy way to freshen the breath chewing gum that contains Xylitol, a natural sugar substitute, has been shown to prevent cavities.

Dr. Frawley, explained:

“Xylitol is a very effective cavity fighter and prevents decay from occurring. [It] helps prevent cavities because bacteria that cause tooth decay cannot utilize it to grow and cannot metabolize it to produce acid. Xylitol is most effective in gum or mint form and should be consumed three to five times daily for a total of 5 grams per day. It is important that it is the first listed ingredient to ensure the amount is sufficient.”

3. Candy

Once made purely of sugar, most modern hard candy now contains xylitol. Since xylitol helps prevent the bacteria that cause tooth decay from growing, treating yourself to a sweet snack can also help keep cavities at bay.

4. Wine

Often blamed for staining the teeth, one study suggests that red and white wine actually contains chemical components that can actively fight bacteria that lead to tooth decay. However, the results are far from conclusive and experts such as Matthew Hyde, DDS, a dentist in private practice on Long Island, N.Y., are quick to warn that:

“Just because you have isolated an individual chemical that may retard decay in a closed system, the mouth is far from a closed system, and it is important to consider the way these chemicals interact with the biofilm that surrounds each tooth.”

5. Raisins

Another snack that has often received much blame for causing tooth decay, it turns out that raisins are actually like wine; they contain chemicals which help prevent cavities. But since research is still limited, whether or not the benefits out way the negative effects of eating such a sweet sticky food, is still up for debate.

6. Drinking Through A Straw

Many may have learnt this whilst growing up at school; drinking through a straw helps prevent tooth decay because the liquid you’re drink bypasses the teeth and goes straight down the throat.

Nevertheless experts still advice that drinking sweet carbonated sodas is not good for the teeth, straw or no straw.

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But like all medical procedures, cosmetic surgery does not come cheap, which is why many people turn to medical tourism. Countries such as Thailand, and India offer exceptional medical services performed by board certified plastic surgeons at affordable prices, and since these countries are also excellent holiday destinations, more and more people are hopping on a plane to rejuvenate their body and mind, whilst experiencing a different culture.

The 7 most popular cosmetic procedures to have abroad

Most Popular Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures To Have Abroad

Mommy Makeover

A procedure popular with women aged between 30-50 who have had children and wish to rejuvenate the areas of the body affected by pregnancy.
The procedure generally involves a series of operations including tummy tuck, liposuction and breast augmentation, breast lift of breast reduction.

A mommy make over takes around 3-5 hours, depending on the amount of surgery performed. The patient is not required to stay in hospital following the procedure, and may return home. Recovery period can range from 1-4 weeks.

Body Lift

Boyd lift’s are ideal for anyone who has lost a lot of weight and wants to get rid of excess skin. Like the mommy make, body lift’s involve a series of procedures including tummy tuck, a thigh lift, and buttock augmentation. A body lift takes around 5-6 hours, and recovery time takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks. Following the procedure the patient is required to stay in hospital for 1-2 days.

Facial Makeover

Another series of procedures, a facial makeover can address several areas of the face. Facial makeovers involve a combination of face lift, neck lifts, brow lifts, upper and lower eye lids, as well as fat grafting. The procedure takes about 3-6 hours, does not require hospitalization, and the recovery time is roughly 2 weeks.

Liposuction

There are several different types of liposuction; Traditional Liposuction, Power-Assisted Lipo, Tumescent Lipo, Ultrasonic Lipo and Laser Lipo. Discussing options with your surgeon will help you decide what procedure is most suitable for your needs. Liposuction typically takes 2-4 hours to perform and does not require hospitalization. Recovery time is around a week.

Learn More About Types of Liposuction

Rhinoplasty Nose Job

Nose jobs cannot only help reshape your nose, the procedure can also fix any nasal problems you might have. The surgery takes around 3-5 hours and does not require hospitalization. Recovery time is 1-2 weeks.

Chin Implants

Chin implants are a great procedure to help balance features on the face. Experts say that in some cases people who think they need a nose job could do better with a chin implant as it can create more a attractive distance between the nose and chin.

Traditional Tummy Tuck

A traditional tummy tuck involves removing excess fat from the belly, and retightening the muscle layer to recountour the waistline. The surgery takes between 2-3 hours. Unfortunately the procedure causes quite a bit of discomfort, during the recovery period, which is usually about 2-3 weeks.

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There are four main types of liposuction currently available. They are: regular tumescent liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, and laser-assisted liposuction.

Traditional Liposuction

Traditional Liposuction

Traditional Liposuction is also known as suction-assisted liposuction (SAL), traditional liposuction is performed using a medical tool called a cannula – a thin hollow tube – which is attached to powerful vacuum-powered equipment.

The cannula is inserted into the body through a small incision in the skin, where it is then used to loosen and remove the unwanted fat.

Advancements in medical technology have allowed for the development of smaller cannulas, which result in smaller, less visible scars.

SAL is often performed with accompanying techniques, such as tumescence and ultrasound-assisted liposuction.

Find out more about Suction-Assisted Liposuction

Power-Assisted Liposuction

Power Assisted Liposuction

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) is essentially suction-assisted liposuction with additional depth. It requires the use of a special power-assisted cannula, which reduces some of the physical effort required to loosen fat when using a traditional cannula.

Find out more about Power-Assisted Liposuction

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is a two-stage procedure that involves soaking the area to be treated with a saline solution prior to performing traditional liposuction.

Also known as the ‘wet’ or ‘super-wet’ technique, the tumescent soaking enhances the fat layer and separates it from the outer soft tissue, muscle and organs. This makes the removal of fat easier.

Body-Jet, water-jet assisted and water-assisted are also terms used to describe tumescent liposuction.

The saline solution contains a mixture of lidocaine, and/or other local anesthetics for comfort during and immediately after liposuction. Epinephrine is also used to help reduce bruising and bleeding.

Performing tumescents prior liposuction gives the surgeon better control of fat removal, which allows them to make miniature incisions whilst only using a mild sedative if necessary. Tumescents liposuction may also decrease recovery period, discomfort, bruising and swelling, as well the risk of post-surgery bleeding.

Find out more about Tumescent Liposuction

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic Liposuction is also known as ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), ultrasonic liposuction uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to break down fat cells and knock them loose before using the cannula; some practitioners conclude that it improves your results. Vaser lipo, and Vaser-Liposelection are also terms used to describe ultrasound-assisted liposuction.

There are two types of ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty:

• Internal UAL involves inserting the ultrasound device into a small incision to melt the fat. The same incision is then used the remove the fat.
• External UAL used an ultrasound device that penetrates the skin and soft tissue to breakdown the fat underneath. External UAL is often used together with suction-assisted lipectomy.

UAL is typically used on areas of the body with more fibrous or dense fatty tissues such as the back, upper abdominal area and male breast region.

Some plastic surgeons also find it is beneficial as a supplementary or repetitive procedure for treating larger areas of fat. It can also be used in conjunction with other invasive body contouring techniques.

Find out more about Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction

Laser Lipo

CoolLipo, SmartsLipo, SlimLipo, AccuSculpt

Laser Lipo

LaserLiposuction assisted liposuction uses laser energy to agitate the fat cells to help in the removal process. The laser is connected to a special cannula – the suction tube used to remove fat – which is inserted to body through a small incision.

The procedure is often marketed as the most up-to-date liposuction technique, however studies have shown no major difference in results or recovery period when compared with traditional liposuction.

Since the technique is one of the newest, many companies are branding the procedure with their own terms. Liposuction techniques such as SmartLipo, CoolLipo, LipoLite, LipoTherme and LipoControl, are all types of laser-assisted liposuction.

Find out more about Laser Lipo

Types of Liposuction Conclusion

Types of Liposuction

Liposuction has various techniques and methods. The truth of the matter is that no liposuction techniques is really better than another, great results can be achieve from all lipo procedures. The type of liposuction you chose will be decided depending on the area of the body to be treated, as well as personal preference (in some cases).

The plastic surgeon will offer his recommendation based on your body type and desired results. Commercials are great and make wonderful promises, but do not be shocked to find-out that they did not tell you the whole truth, and even though you want one type of a lipo a another lipo technique is more ideal.

Of course, it’s extremely important to remember that each technique can also produce less then optimal results when applied without consideration.

To help you decide with technique is best for you, discuss your options with your surgeon; they will be able to explain which procedure will be best suited to your needs.

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The study, conducted by Dr. Francesco Rubino, chief of gastrointestinal metabolic surgery and director of the Metabolic and Diabetes Surgery Center at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell in New York City and his team from Rome’s Catholic University involved two years of monitoring 60 severely obese patients with type 2 diabetes who were between the ages of 30 and 60.

One-third of the patients were treated with diabetes drugs and diet/lifestyle modifications, while the rest underwent one of two surgical procedures: either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion surgery.

At the end of study all of the patients who underwent surgery were able to stop taking their diabetes medications, while the vast majority entered into full disease remission; neither outcome occurred in the traditional treatment group.

Weight-Loss Surgery Effective Treatment For Diabetes

Dr. Rubino said:

“We have known for many years that bariatric surgery, and specifically certain types of operations like gastric bypass, are very effective in terms of helping to control diabetes,”

“But what this new study shows is that even when you compare surgery against standard treatment, surgery performs far better in terms of the improvement that you can get in terms of diabetes…

“Surgery dramatically reduces blood sugar levels, and very often surgical patients can stop taking the medications used for diabetes.” [MSNBC]

Rubino added out that while effective, traditional diabetes treatments can pose their own set of problems, for example insulin can cause patients to gain weight, which can have a negative impact on the disease.

The finding were announced at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting in Chicago, and study published in the online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, March 26th.

The Italian researchers are not the only ones looking into the health benefits bariatric surgery to treat diabetes, a team from the Cleveland Clinic reported similar findings, which were announced at the same meeting and published in the same journal.

The Cleveland doctors followed 150 patients with type 2 diabetes for a year, and found those who had undergone weight-loss surgeries were much more likely to lower their blood sugar levels, and reduce their use of diabetes compared to those on traditional therapies.

While all surgery comes with its own risks, the new findings show that bariatric surgery is more effective at treating diabetes than traditional hypoglycemic medicines alone.

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For some, the popping is easily bearable and no precautions need to be taken, but for others, especially children and those suffering from colds, the feeling can be extremely painful.

The popping is caused by unequal pressure when ascends, or descend quickly.

To prevent this, many chew gum, or suck on hard-boiled candy. But another great way to stop the popping is to use the Valsalva Maneuver.

Prevent Ears Popping On Airplanes

To perform the Valsalva technique, simply pinch your nose, close your mouth and exhale with a reasonable amount of force.

Without over exerting, you should feel a slight pop in the ears. This equalizes the pressure and stops the sensation of pressure in the ears.

The same popping sensation can also be experienced when driving down a mountain. In the car you can prevent the popping sensation by leaving the window open slightly as you descend.

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