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Do men with groomed facial hair have more sex?

Celebrities with facial hair

Women of Australia think that men’s facial hair is sexy and it gives them the edge in the attractiveness stakes.

Schick Men’s razors in conjunction with Jigsaw Strategic Research conducted a national survey asking men and women aged 16 – 34 years old the effects of various facial hair styles on men’s success rate with women and the jury has unanimously decided that men with facial hair have more sex.

The study found that 6 in 10 women agreed that men with facial hair have much more sex appeal than their cleaner cut counter parts, showing that today’s woman will put up with the occasional pash-rash in return for a sexier looking bloke.

Nearly two thirds of the men asked also agreed that having well-groomed facial hair gives them a much better success rate with women.

A whopping 75% of men also confessed that sporting facial hair makes them ‘feel’ more attractive to women, with 76% declaring they feel more interesting with well-groomed facial hair and 68% going as far to say they think their chin rug gives them more personality! Perhaps due to the fact that 6 in 10 women in Australia consider men with facial hair to be more individualistic, stylish and adventurous, proving that a little effort in the well-manicured facial hair arena goes a long way.

Australian stylist and grooming expert Jeff Lack, says:

“Changing your facial hair can give you a completely new identity and unlike a tattoo – you can play around with it. The great news is that there is a new trend emerging as today’s men are starting to realise the importance of ‘individuality’ and choosing what you stand for –Australian guys understand this as becoming your own personal brand. Think of Lucas Neill, Matt Newton and the Russell Brand ‘brand’, not only does their facial hair increase their attractiveness, without it they wouldn’t appear as unique or as interesting as they are.”

For men who want to go all the way and come across as the most exciting lovers on the planet, women also think styled facial hair means you are wilder in the bedroom. With men sporting the ‘Rap Industry’ look expected to be the wildest in the sack, over the moustache, beard or no facial hair at all fans.

Proving that groomed facial hair is not just for the metrosexuals over 7 in 10 men in Australia think well-groomed facial hair looks more masculine and nearly three quarters of women agree. Compared to the rest of Australia, women who reside in NSW love the well-manicured facial hair look and believe the owner to be more stylish, have more personality and be more adventurous.

It seems the popularity for men to be their own personal brand is not just for the sport stars, actors and rock stars amongst us. Jeff adds:

“When the corporate world became more comfortable with facial hair it gave men the freedom to create their own look. In Australia, the NSW police force opened the flood gates for men in this space when they gave the all clear to the rough and ready look.”

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Holy wholegrains

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Do you typically start your day with white toast or refined cereals? If so, you might want to switch to wholegrain. There is now strong and growing evidence that regularly eating wholegrain foods can play a powerful role in preventing cardiovascular disease and promoting health.

The recent Grains and Legumes Health Report released by GoGrains in May 2010 provides an overview of the latest scientific research on the important role of grain foods in the diet. The main findings included:

  • Eating two or three serves of wholegrain food a day is consistently reported to reduce the risk of developing chronic disease — including cardiovascular disease, type two diabetes and certain cancers — by 20 to 30 percent.

  • Eating two to four serves of wholegrain foods a day can reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 40 percent — comparable to the effect of common cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.

  • Wholegrains can help lower blood pressure. Replacing refined grain foods with wholegrain foods, such as white rice with brown rice, has been shown in clinical trials to reduce blood pressure over a short period of time in people who have high cholesterol and are overweight.

The mysterious active ingredient

Researchers still do not know exactly which part of wholegrains is so beneficial to heart health. Wholegrain foods contain many substances, such as resistant starches, soluble fibres, gluten, phytoestrogens and unsaturated fatty acids, all which can help protect the body against heart disease and stroke.

Wholegrains also contain many vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, selenium, copper, iron, zinc, and magnesium) that may act as antioxidants to mop up damaging free radicals. In fact, wholegrain foods are just as high in antioxidants as fruits and vegetables.

So how much is a good thing?

According to the GoGrain report, eating at least 48g of wholegrains each day can have significant benefits.

Wholegrain products vary in the amount of wholegrains they contain. In Australia the wholegrain content of a product is usually found on the label, and products labelled as “wholegrain” are required to state the percentage of wholegrains they contain in the ingredient list.

Single servings of wholegrain foods and their wholegrain content include:

  • two slices of wholemeal bread, 30g to 40g;

  • two slices of multigrain bread, 5g to 30g;

  • two wheat flake breakfast biscuits, 30g;

  • ½ cup of natural muesli or porridge, 30g to 45g; and

  • one cup cooked wholegrain pasta, 55g to 65g.

Overall, most people would be surprised there is this much protection against cardiovascular disease, one of Australia’s biggest killers, available just by eating more wholegrains. It is important to remember for people with chronic diseases to consult your doctor regarding management of these conditions.

Your say: What are some of your favourite ways to include wholegrain foods every day? Do you think you eat enough wholegrains? Share with us below.

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Loving leopard print

It has long been a style staple, but how do you get leopard print right every time?

First, take a look at our gallery of celebrities wearing the print. They pull off the look flawlessly. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Keep it simple. Wearing a leopard print A-line skirt, simple blouse or trench coat is the best way to wear this trend. Try to avoid anything too sexy.

  2. Don’t team leopard print with too many colours. It’s best to stick to bold colours. Black is always best, but red can sometimes work as well.

  3. When you choose leopard print accessories team them with fashion basics such as denim jeans and classic little black dresses.

Danni Mionogue at the Pride of Briton Awards, London

Demi Moore steps out in New York in her leopard print number

One part of Trinny and Suzanna, Trinny Woodhall in her leopard coat.

Delta Goodrum with her Jimmy Choo leopard clutch.

Dita Von Tesse in her unique leopard number.

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Dannii Minogue welcomes baby boy

Aussie sweetheart Dannii Minogue and partner Kris Smith said they are “thrilled” to announce the arrival of their first child, Ethan Edward Smith.

“On behalf of the three of us,” the proud father tweeted, “I would like to thank you all for your kind words and best wishes. It means a lot to us.”

In pictures: Dannii Minogue through the years

New mum Dannii’s Twitter account has remained quiet as she bonds with her new baby.

“Mother and baby are doing well and dad is very proud,” Minogue’s management said in a media release.

“They request their privacy at this special time to adjust as new parents.”

Related video July 09, 2010: Dannii Minogue has just released the first photo of her brand new baby boy Ethan Edward Smith

Earlier in the week Smith appeared to be preparing for fatherhood. “Ah, now a typical dad’s Sunday,” he tweeted, “sat at the carwash with a coffee and a paper. I’ve changed.”

Baby Ethan was born on Monday, July 5, at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne after complications arose during the planned home birth, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Sister Kylie will head to Australia later this month to meet her new nephew.

Your say: What do you think of Dannii? Are you happy for her? Do you think Kylie will have children soon? Share your thoughts below.

For health, beauty, celeb gossip and more, visit:

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In review: *Knight and Day*

In review: Knight and Day

Release date: July 15, 2010

Directed by: James Mangold

Genre: Action, comedy, thriller

Rated: M

Running time: 110 minutes

Tom Cruise is back on the big screen in the action-packed thriller, Knight and Day.

Cruise plays suave, smooth-talking secret agent Roy Miller who interrupts the quiet life of June Havens (Cameron Diaz).

As Roy discovers his latest mission could be his last, June, who is in the wrong place at the wrong time, finds herself caught up in Roy’s dangerous life.

Easy-going June soon finds herself firing guns and following Roy all over the world in an attempt to stay alive.

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The story is driven along by action-packed scenes where Cruise and Diaz perform a number of their own stunts and the movie offers a good balance of action and comedy.

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What you need to know: Inflammatory bowel disease

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Getty Images

With currently 61,000 people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Australia, there is work being done to raise public awareness around the issues people with IBD courageously cope with every day of their lives.

So what is IBD?

IBD is a collective term used to describe autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions cause the wall of the digestive tract to become inflamed and ulcerated with open sores that may bleed.

The disease is characterised by periods of flare-ups and remission. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, frequent and urgent diarrhoea (may have blood) and severe weight loss. Medical treatment of IBD can involve a variety of medications used to induce and maintain remission.

IBD can occur at any age, but typically strikes during the prime of people’s lives, between the ages of 15 and 30. There is no known cause or cure, and little public knowledge of the significant impact IBD has on quality of life for sufferers.

Malnutrition and IBD

People with IBD can be at risk of malnutrition when the disease is active. When someone with IBD has a flare up, their appetite can decrease, while their nutrient needs can increase due to diarrhoea, bleeding and the body’s need to repair the damage the disease does to the digestive system.

In some cases, a flare up can also actively reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. Drug treatment can also impact on nutritional status.

Principles of healthy eating

For most people the key to maintaining good health is to eat a well-balanced diet that includes items from all five core food groups. Emerging research is also indicating some foods may have benefits for those with IBD.

There is some evidence that the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fats may help reduce symptoms of Crohn’s disease. However, more research is needed before this can be confirmed. Foods rich in omega-3 include walnuts, linseeds, soybeans and oily fish.

Probiotics may also be beneficial, though again, more research is needed to confirm this theory.

Your say: Do you have IBD? What types of food agitates the condition? What are suitable substitutes? Share with us below.

For more information, visit www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au and www.gut.nsw.edu.au.

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Celebrities behaving badly

Lindsay has failed to attend her last court appearance for DUI, claiming she had lost her passport while in Carnes. The actress is now forced to wear an alcohol-monitoring bracelet and attend regular alcohol education classes.

Mel Gibson has been caught on tape by his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva in a x-rated racist rant against her. The Braveheart Star hit headlines with the rant in which he threatens to burn down her house.

Super model Naomi Campbell is known for her bad behaviour. She is currently being sued by fragrance marketing company Moodform Mission, for walking out on their contract. The company is claiming she refused to walk up a flight of stairs at a promotion for her perfume line. Read more.

Serial flasher Courtney Love is always in the headlines for her crazy behaviour. She recently took to Twitter and Facebook to publically unleashed some harsh words on her daughter, Frances Bean.

In 2009 it was reported that Jodi regularly paid for private lap dances at a strip club. The former Home and Away star was then reportedly found by police cowering in Sydney gangster Mark Judge’s home after making a triple 0 call under the delusion that armed intruders were threatening her life. Read More.

Charlie Sheen was arrested on charges of domestic violence against his wife Brooke Mueller in December 2009. After posting the $8,500 bond he was released from the Pitkin County, Colorado Jail. Read more.

This picture of Kanye West was reportedly taken at Los Angeles airport seconds before the star let loose and allegedly attacked a paparazzo. The photos were released after the police returned the digital memory card to the victim.

In 1999 Texas police arrested Matthew Mcconaughey with the possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after a neighbour complained about too much noise coming from his house.

Lady GaGa was snapped giving the bird to photographers and fans at a Mets Baseball game on June 10 and followed it up with more bad behaviour at a Yankes game soon after. Thanks to her “boozy antics” the singer is now permanently banned from the Yankes team clubhouse.

In 2001 Winona Ryder was arrested for stealing $5,500 worth of designer clothes and accessories at a Saks Fifth Avenue department store. During her shoplifting trial she was also accused of using drugs without valid prescriptions.

Hugh Grant was arrested in Los Angeles in 1995 by officers for lewd conduct in a public place with prostitute Divine Brown.

Tiger Woods was accused of having an extramarital affair with nightclub manager Rachel Uchitel in 2009, but no body predicted the extent of his cheating. Tiger has now been romantically linked to at least nine women.

In April 2010 Matthew Newton checked himself into a rehabilitation facility in Melbourne that specialises in drug and alcohol related abuse. In November 2009 he hit headlines after his hotel room at the Vibe Hotel in Sydney’s Rushcutters Bay was found trashed. Read more.

Melrose Place star Heather Locklear was pulled over by a California Highway Patrol officer in 2008 after she was seen driving erratically. Heather was charged with one misdemeanour count of driving under the influence.

Falling pop star Britney Spears is fighting claims that she abused her two sons Sean Preston, 4, and Jayden James, 3. The singer’s former bodyguard Fernando Flores claims that she whipped one of her sons with a belt and forced another to eat food they were allergic to.

Party girl Paris Hilton was recently caught up in reports that she had been detained in South Africa after it was thought she was in possession of marijuana. It was later discovered a friend of Paris was the one detained. Paris then tweeted “I had nothing to do with it…there’s a lot of crazy rumors going around. Just want you all to know the truth. Everything is completely fine.”

Child star Macaulay Culkin had his mug shot taken when he was busted for possession of 17.3g of marijuana which landed him in hot water and some brief jail time.

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10 top tax tips

A couple working out their tax

Image: Thinkstock

OK, so it’s dreaded tax time again… but don’t panic! We’ve asked an expert for help. Heather Smith is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants; and the Principal of ANISE Consulting in Brisbane.

Heather has compiled this ‘Top 10’ list as a guide for how we can all do our own tax properly. But remember, if it’s all getting too hard…see a tax accountant!

The Australian Taxation Office offers free tax preparation software. ETAX is an easy way to prepare individual income tax returns and lodge them online. They have developed an informative video that provides an overview of how to use their ETAX software.Watch the ETAX video here.

The ETAX software can be downloaded here.

If you prefer dealing with paper, your local newsagency has free TaxPack 2010 and TaxPack 2010 supplement booklets available to help you complete your income tax return.

Remember to ask for a tax receipt if you pay for something that may be claimable.

Your paperwork needs to be safely stored for generally 5 years. If you lose a tax deductible receipt, you may lose the ability to claim it!

Don’t use highlighters, or leave receipts in the heat or next to plastic wallets, as it will cause them to fade. If you are technically minded it is acceptable for you to scan receipts or use a service like Shoeboxed.

Typically each year you require the same sort of information. For easy reference keep each financial year paperwork in its’ own file.

Use dividers to separate and identify; general tax information, bank statements, investment accounts, declarable income, shares, superannuation information, claimable receipts, government payments.

Use an excel spreadsheet to record your income and expenses during the year, or an easy online solution like XERO Personal.

Once your ETAX software knows your tax file number, it will ‘auto fill’ your information based on data collected from other institutions, such as banks, employers, other government departments etc.

It is worth cross-checking that the pre-filled information is correct – that is, that your financial information has been properly linked to your tax file number.

Make sure you receive payment summaries (previously known as group certificates) from all employees in this financial year; they should be issued by14th July.

Understand what work related expenses you can claim, and those that are unique to your industry; airline stewards are allowed to claim stockings, hairdressers can claim protective aprons and gloves, while teachers can claim suntan cream.

If your claims exceed $300 you must have written evidence to substantiate your claims.

Tax rebates, such as the private health insurance rebate, reduces the tax you owe and may be offered as an incentive, as a credit for tax already paid, or to relieve personal circumstances.

Donations over $2 in value are tax deductible; just remember to keep those receipts!

If you are unsure, you can ring the ATO on the personal tax line 13 28 61.

Save money and submit your own income tax return online or by snail mail by the31st October 2010.

So you know you need to budget – but where do you start?

“In a nutshell, you need to keep a good eye on what money comes in and what goes out,” explains Certified Financial Planner Greg Cook.

“You can search online and download a simple ‘household budget planner’ to work on your computer, or do it the old fashioned way by writing everything in a book.

“Document your income and all your expenses and you’ll soon see where all your hard earned money is going.

“And when it comes to making savings there are two possibilities. Firstly look at some of the bigger bills like insurance policies and telephone contracts … maybe they were the best deal at the time, but do your research to see if things have changed.

“Then there are the ‘smaller’ things like being honest about how many take-aways you have each week!”

Greg’s Top Tip: “Whenever possible, employ the discipline of saving first and spending second. Even if it’s a modest start, you can ramp things up as time goes by.”

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What is the best caramel for crème caramel

Question: What is the best way to make a caramel for crème caramel?

Either of the following methods will make a lovely toffee. The sugar-and-water method is easier if you’re a beginner.

Sugar-only method

Spread sugar fairly evenly over the base of a heavy-based frying pan and place over medium to high heat. Do not stir, but turn the pan gently as needed to swirl the sugar for even melting and browning until it is a rich golden-brown colour.

Sugar-and-water method

Put the amount of sugar and water specified in the recipe into a medium heavy-based saucepan; use a wooden spoon to stir constantly over high heat, without boiling, until the sugar is completely dissolved. If any grains cling to the side of the pan or the spoon, brush them down into the syrup with a wet pastry brush. Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring; bring syrup to the boil and boil rapidly until the mixture is a rich golden-brown colour.

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Is Katie Holmes the next *Glee* star?

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We know she can sing and dance but is Katie Holmes the next Glee star?

According to US magazine The National Enquirer the 31-year-old will guest star with five appearances in the second season of the popular TV show.

Holmes has called on good friend and US So You Think You Can Dance choreographer, Tyce Diorio, for lessons and has reportedly hired a private singing coach in preparation for the role.

In May this year, Holmes performed ‘Whatever Lola Wants’ from the musical Damn Yankees in a dance routine with hubby Tom Cruise at the fifth annual “A Fine Romance” benefit. But it seems she wants to raise her profile in Hollywood.

Related Video:

Holmes has apparently struck up a friendship with Glee actress Dianna Agron, who plays Quinn Fabray, and has made a good impression on the show’s creator Ryan Murphy.

Your say: Would you watch Katie Holmes on Glee?

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