Do Women Benefit from Polygamy?

I stumbled upon an interesting article about polygamy written by Satoshi Kanazawa from Psychology Today Blogs, entitled "The paradox of polygamy II: Why most women benefit from polygamy and most men benefit from monogamy". In reference to this, he cites two interesting points.

One benefit to women, he claims, polygynous society allows some women to share a resourceful man of high status, thus (I assume) spreading the wealth.

And as to why most men benefit from monogamous society, he says, given a 50-50 sex ratio, it basically guarantees every man a wife. He explains, under polygyny (the practice of one man married to several women) more desirable women would have become the second, third, or tenth wife of more desirable men thus depriving less desirable men of having a wife.

I can see his points but he is merely pointing out tangible benefits without taking into account the intangible factors, for example emotional happiness as most women would when talking about polygamy.

Whether the desirable man is Matt Damon or Bill Gates, I doubt, in reality women are prepared to happily give up her sole claim of her man when the time comes, without some indignation.

I come from a society where it is not illegal to practise polygamy. When practised properly and fairly, polygamy can seemingly prove blissful. But it is a very fine line to tread.

Under certain circumstances, I can see some women benefit from polygamy and some, with reasons only known to them are willing to give in and allow their husbands to take a second or third wife, or more.

• The paradox of polygamy II: Why most women benefit from polygamy and most men benefit from monogamy [Psychology Today Blogs]
  

My Favourite Dresses of Oscar 2008

To tell you the truth, I am not much of a fan of award shows, except for the show hosts who are usually funny but who appear in intervals, of which I don't have enough patience to wait.

However, I do have a couple of favourite dresses of the Academy Awards 2008.

First on my list, is Renée Zellweger who was wearing a silver sequined gown by Carolina Herrera.

The dress brought a touch of old Hollywood glamour to the event and accentuated her body really well. It reminded me of Roxie Hart, the character she played in "Chicago".

Second, is Hilary Swank. To me, there has always been a hint of masculinity in her.

However, in this picture (left) she looks feminine and radiant in a Versace gown. The whole look works for her.

All in all, I think most celebrities were shying away from taking risks thus the event were missing interesting surprises sometimes awaited for in red carpet events.

• Oscars Photos: the 80th Academy Awards [Yahoo! Movies]
  

If a Diet Worked, the (Diet) Industry Would Collapse

As if it was the first time I heard this statement, "if a diet worked, the industry would collapse", a light went on in my head when I read an article by Kira Cochrane from the Guardian. The article is entitled, "I won't let the weight-loss industry crush my confidence".

In her article, she talks about how the diet industry is using or manipulating images to instill a self-loathing image among overweight people.

She mentions an example of the before-and-after photos - on DVDs she was browsing - in which one picture shows a glum woman with no makeup, dressed in an ill-fitting outfit beneath lights that accentuate every spare ripple of flesh, and another shows a smiling woman with tons of makeup, in an expertly styled outfit, beneath studio lights primed to lengthen and flatter.

Just to add to her example, I have noticed some weight-loss advertisements using models who are not overweight at all. And how in one ad, the so-called overweight girl is stressing out that her partner is not attracted to her anymore because of her condition. She will go on discovering the great whatever-they-are-selling and miraculously everything is fine again. I can imagine an overweight (even if so slightly) person watching this ad and saying, "well, if that's fat then I'm obese!".

I personally have never been overweight in my life. But I have noticed how impressionable we, human beings can be with the slightest idea that something is wrong with us.

We have been underestimating the power of suggestion and those who have not, have been taking advantage of this to their fullest benefit.

• I won't let the weight-loss industry crush my confidence [Guardian]
  

Silver Origami Jewellery by Cindy Ng

Known to be originated in China as "Zhe Zhi", origami is usually made with a piece of paper.

However, Origami Bijou, an origami jewellery collection by Cindy Ng is designed, not from paper, but from a single sheet of fine silver.

The collection consists of necklaces and earrings folded in the same manner as traditional paper origami.

The designer fell in love with origami when she was seven and has refined the art of traditional paper-folding. She thought it was a good idea to combine her passion and her background in business to bring a new twist to the art.

You can find her jewellery collection and other origami products at her website Finger Magic.

• Origami Bijou [Finger Magic]
  

Save the Environment with Shopping Baggu

Baggu, or "bag" in Japanese is the new sensation of reusable bags. It is eco-friendly, eco-chic and convenient without compromising on quality. It is estimated that using one Baggu for one year replaces about 300 to 700 disposable bags.

Baggu was designed by a Californian mother-daughter team who saw the need for a better reusable bag.

The bag is made from lightweight and super strong rip-stop nylon. It is machine washable and can be easily folded up for convenient storage.

The bring-your-own-bag concept, especially for grocery-shopping is catching on around the world in the effort of saving the environment. It is but one of many ways of keeping the planet green.

You can buy your Baggus in packs of one, three and six.

• Baggu

Yoox Presents Simply Coco Chanel Part Two

If you missed the first part of Yoox's Chanel Vintage collection, you have missed a great opportunity to own Chanel's timeless pieces.

However, fret not. For Yoox has launched the second part of the exclusive, rare Chanel selection.

The pieces ranging from her signature jewellery, dresses, suits and other accessories. The collection has been such a success that most of the items are already sold out including the camellia brooch featured here.

Chanel lovers should hurry and pay Yoox a visit if they do not want to miss out on another great opportunity.

• Simply Coco Chanel [Yoox]
  

Puffed Heart Ring by Carrie Weston

I had wanted to feature this ring on Valentine's day but something else cropped up so the timing is a little bit off. But, giving gifts to loved ones should not be only on Valentine's day. I say we should practice gift-giving all year round.

What I like about this ring by Carrie Weston is, the heart shape is not on the ring but the ring itself. I don't know how comfortable it is to put on but estimating from the shape, there should not be a problem.

The design is available in yellow gold (featured here), rose gold, white gold and sterling silver.

• Puffed Heart Ring [Carrie Weston]
  

Improve Your Sex Life on Heels

Can wearing high heels improves your sex life? Dr. Maria Cerruto, an Italian urologist, thinks you certainly can. BBC News reports, in her letter to European Urology, Dr. Cerruto said, her study of 66 women under 50 found that those who held their foot at a 15 degree angle to the ground - the equivalent of a two inch heel - had as good posture as those who wore flat shoes, and crucially showed less electrical activity in their pelvic muscles.

The report further explains that the muscles are at an optimum position, which could well improve their strength and ability to contract.

The pelvic floor muscles, says the report, are an essential component of the female body. As well as assisting sexual performance and satisfaction, they provide vital support to the pelvic organs, which include the bladder, bowels and uterus.

But they often weaken after pregnancy and childbirth, and as the woman gets older. There are exercises to strengthen them, but Dr Cerruto hopes her findings may eliminate the need for these.

I am not sure what she means by "less electrical activity" but a study of 66 women is hardly conclusive evidence. I am sure these findings are only preliminary but I can't help smelling a little bit of hype in this. Just like the "you can become slimmer by laughing". It is not entirely a false statement since energy burns fat, but how long do you have to laugh to slim down from 500 kg to 50 kg?

• High heels 'may improve sex life' [BBC News]

Dior Flower Blossom - Floral Illuminating Powders for Face

Dior brings spring in a compact. Dior's new limited edition Flower Blossom pressed powder compact features design inspired by nature's flora and fauna.

Already, there are reviews posted online unanimous in agreement that it is pretty. A little too pretty perhaps?

One reviewer finds the colours too pastel and shimmery, another, a Dior fan does not even care to use it, contented just to look at it.

I can't see myself using it (and mess it up?!) but definitely a collector's item.

• Dior [Official Website]