Celebrity Photograpy: May 2011

Facebook Users Touch 700 Million: SocialBakers

According to SocialBakers, which is run by a Facebook marketing firm Candytech Ltd. of the Czech Republic, Facebook is enjoying an amazing growth in Brazil, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mexico and Argentina and the figure of current active users have crossed whopping 700 million.

According to data collected by SocialBakers, a site that specializes in statistics on the social networking giants, the Facebbok users in Brazil increase by 19 million showing 11% growth. This is a remarkable growth in the wake of the fact that there’s a strong presence of Google-owned social network Orkut in Brazil.

In terms of Facebook users, United States is still on the top with 149.4 million users even after experiencing a 4% loss of users in the last month.

VIVA: The world's largest floating island located in Seoul’s Han River - - The Real Tourists Attraction in South Korea

The concept of a floating island is not terribly new. However, the trend towards such islands seems to be catching on. And it could soon become big in Asia, given that South Korea’s new floating island, Viva, is now a week old. Located in Seoul’s Han River, this tourist attraction is currently the largest floating island in the world. But it is by no means the only one of its kind in the region, for there are plans of having three artificial islands on this river.

VIVA: The world's largest floating island located in Seoul’s Han River

Moreover, Viva will soon be ousted as the largest floating island in the world by one of the other two islands in the pipeline. Viva, which measures in at 3,271 square meters, houses a three-storey structure with a convention hall that can seat 700 people. The island is also home to restaurants, parks and outdoor terraces. There are viewing points all around the center that offer fantastic views. However, even the island is a majestic sight by night thanks to light shows that illuminate the three-storey building. There are video games as well, offering some fun recreation.

The remaining islands are due to open in September. The islands are anchored to a huge buoy with 28 mooring chains and float on the river surface. This also ensures safety during bad weather.

Together, the three islands will occupy a space of 20,400 square meters and will be able to host 6,200 people. The complex of floating islands will feature three cultural centers where performances, water sports and aquatic events will be on offer. Last year, before the opening of Viva, 59 million had visited the Han River. The artificial island complex is expected to further boost its popularity.

Kim Kardashian’s Photoshoot Collection

SharkEye: iPhone Case - - Stylish, Protective and Water-resistant

When we purchase an iPhone, we usually buy a case alongside it to protect it from exterior and possible internal damage. There are some heavy-duty cases out there that can help save your phone from some pretty serious impact, but most of the time, your screen is still going to be exposed. Seeing as this is one of the most fragile parts of your phone, you think there would be more than just screen covers to take care of things. That’s why the SharkEye case is the best way to make sure your whole iPhone is protected, giving you the peace of mind you need for your glass screen.

SharkEye: iPhone Case

Inspired by the nictitating eyelids of sharks, this case will protect your vision of the screen much as is does for the eyes of our aquatic sharp-toothed friend. There is a sliding frosted door that will prevent anything from touching the screen. That being said, you can’t mess with your phone while the door is shut, but you can see what happening on the screen. This has a hard plastic shell, but an soft elastomer inner-lining that will absorb the impact if your phone hits the ground. All the ports of the phones are covered by a rubber plug, which likely means this is a splash proof and water-resistant case. You can take this case home with you for $49.95.

Diffus Handbag: A solar-powered luxury handbag - - Designed by Forster Rohner and the Alexandra Institute

At first, the idea of a solar-powered luxury handbag seemed extremely gimmicky to me. But it slowly dawned on me that this could be a practical solution as well. Diffus’ new solar-powered handbag allows you to charge your mobile phone. Plus, it helps bid goodbye to those frantic night-time searches for keys, combs, lip balms and so on, because every time you open the bag, the integrated fiber optics inside are activated and the bag lights up.

Diffus handbag: A solar-powered luxury handbag

For a change, the solar-powered character of this Diffus handbag is not hidden away in its folds and stitches. On the contrary (and this is what makes the bag so drool-worthy), the photovoltaic cells are used as part of the design, providing the bag with a unique and stylish appeal. Diffus brought on board Swiss embroiderers Forster Rohner and the Alexandra Institute to wire 100 solar cells on to the exterior of this luxury handbag. Diffus co-founder Hanne-Louise Johannesen compared this blending of function and design with the architecture of the legendary Gustave Eiffel.

The black carryall boasts new-age chic thanks to the copper-framed solar cells and exposed wiring that adds a new dimension to what might have been just another big bag. What happens here is that the most efficient photovoltaic cells available today, which are made out of monocrystalline silicone, have been transformed into oversized sequin-like elements. This makes it unlike other solar materials, which have a much smaller surface area.

Now, when these oversized sequin-like cells are exposed to sunlight, they can generate power of up to 2 watts. Of course, as solar cells become more and more efficient, these could generate still more power and we could have more such energy-efficient bags.

Hex Wrench Necklace: Multipurpose Stylish Jewelry

When purchasing jewelry, it can be difficult to find something that you like and will keep wearing on a regular basis. The Hex Wrench Necklace is something you can count on wearing for any occasion, and will have more use than enhancing the space around your neck. This honeycomb design is made of a solid stainless steel, and is in the spirit of “form following function”.

Hex Wrench Necklace: Multipurpose Stylish Jewelry

The hexagons can fit a standard sized bit alongside 8, 10, 12, and 14 mm bolts so you can use it as a wrench in a pinch. It comes on a hand-knotted cord that can adjust from 16” to 28” in length. I could definitely see this as being something I wore on a regular basis as you never know when you’ll need to fix something. It’s also very compact at 2.75” x 1.25” x 1/8” and could always fit into a bag or backpack if you’d rather not wear it. Although I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to adorn your neck with a useful tool. You can purchase your very own for $55.