If you thought Ferrari just did cars, they're into books too. With diamond covers . .

To something, well, totally off the scale of indulgence is the unveiling of the official Ferrari Opus.

Simply, The Official Ferrari Opus is a publication that has been produced by Ferrari and UK Publishing company, Opus.

Weighing in at 37kg, the publication has 852 pages, with 70% of the material never having been published before and with 4 editions, they range from the Classic at $3,520 (gulp) to the Diamante, at $275,000 (choke and possibly pass-out).

The Diamante edition has the Ferrari ‘prancing horse’ logo on the cover, embedded with 1500 hand selected and hand placed diamonds, pictured above.

The Diamante will have 20 copies produced and one is available for purchase in Australia with that purchaser entered in a draw for a trip to Maranello, home of Ferrari in Italy, and their own F1 racecar. If they can afford a 275k book they probably could own Italy at this stage.

Nevertheless, along with the Diamante, Copy #1 of the Enzo edition (400 copies to be published, priced at $34,925) will be welcoming guests at the entrance of tonight's soiree at the Ferrari and Maserati showroom in Sydney.

There is just nothing more to say . . .

Lambs dressed as mutton: Whatever Happened to Baby-Jane coming to a beauty pageant near you.

Google 'kids beauty pageants' and you may feel nauseous looking at the images of 5,6,7,8-year-old girls: little lambs dressed as mutton.

Over the last 24 hours there has been an Australian news story about some kiddie beauty pageant franchise coming to Australia and just tonight I was mesmerized by a story on A Current Affair, were they even spoke to a mum who thinks the whole thing is pretty fabulous. (Even though one of her kids admitted to not even enjoy wearing damn make-up.)

How any parent planning on putting their kid in a perve-fest like this can see the harmlessness of slapping on spack-filler, mascara and lippie that is painted around a face framed by hair dye and horrible curls is plain scary. Oh, and that's before they lace-up the street whore-like clothing, and in some cases, even have Botox administered to their line less faces. It's all just plainly woeful.

Sure, there are well-versed commentators, psychologists and therapists whose take on this will be much more clinical, but from a pop culture observer's point-of-view, it is just simply nauseating.

Many of us can still picture that image of the murdered pageant queen, Jon-Benet Ramsey, and perhaps it is that picture that tars all pageant babes with the same brush? But I think not. We all know that sexual images are always been thrown to us (and to our kids) and we deal with that in our own parental way.

Nearly every popular song my 9-year-old son listens to has some kind of sexual innuendo in it. Just the other day I was explaining the meaning of a mangina (thanks Ke$ha) and 'Sex in the air I don't care I love the smell of it' (Helloooooo Rihanna) so do we need 'our' precious little girls looking like young hookers?

Or, is it just a case of some of the mums living the life they never had through their little girls? Whatever it is, it's all too horrible.

Above pic from the dollsbyalesia blog You too could look like this: Bette Davis as Baby Jane Hudson

Take a look and these and you'll get the feel . . . http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8228151/mother-injects-daughter-8-with-botox http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/little-beauties-on-show/story-e6freuy9-1226028587769

CLEO magazine unveils the 50 blokes vying for bachelor of the year . . . possibly one of the longest, on-going features in a local mag . . .

Lizzie Lovette, Nikki Phillps, moi and DJ Havana Brown in judging mode . .

This morning, the 50 finalists for this year’s CLEO magazine's Bachelor of the Year 2011 were revealed, via lots of media outlets around the country.

For those who just can't get enough of what has become a staple on the annual campaign and events calender, here is the media spiel . . .

"The lucky finalists show a definite shift in the male of choice – today’s women prefer the guy next door as opposed to the dangerous womaniser, a man who has his priorities right and cares about the world around him – yes, the average but definitely sexy male rules in this year’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors line-up.
The every-day superhero shines this year, with selected finalists including Olympic swimmer Eamon Sullivan, Bondi Rescue’s Anthony “Harries” Carroll, Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Ironman Caine Eckstein, professional surfer Dion Agius and personal trainer Blake Worrall-Thompson from Lifestyle YOU’s Eat Yourself Sexy. These men are hard-working and enjoy a challenge, whilst looking good.
CLEO Editor, Gemma Crisp explains: “Australian women have enough drama in their lives, without adding to it with a womanising, egotistical scandal-magnet - which is why CLEO’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors for 2011 consist of everyday guys who just happen to be hot, sexy, inspirational and talented … and in some cases, maybe a little bit famous!”
Creative males are up next in the mix of CLEO Bachelors: this year includes the upcoming dancer and singer Emmanuel Rodrigues from Justice Crew, X-Factor Top 12 member Joel O’Dea, Amy Meredith’s Cameron Laing and the talented singer/songwriter Jamie Robbie Reyne (son of James Reyne).

In the drama department we have Animal Kingdom’s breakout star James Frecheville, Dimitri Baveas from Underbelly and The Slap, Home & Away star Dan Ewing and model-turned-actor Scott McGregor from Neighbours.

Our radio hosts are taking a step away from the microphone and showing their faces, including Triple J host Paul Verhoeven, Ant Simpson from MixFM’s Ant & Becks Drive Show, and Melbourne’s Ash Williams from Nova100.
Whether they’re personal trainers, fashion designers, entertainers, professional athletes or chefs creating magic at the hottest restaurants in town, the Top 50 Bachelors excel in their chosen fields. After all, ambition is sexy.
And no CLEO Bachelor line-up is complete without some footy players to make the choice a little harder, with Wallabies & Queensland Reds player Digby Ioane, Collingwood player Chris Dawes, Sydney Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy and St. Kilda Saints back player Sam Fisher, plus personal trainer Jack Swift, who hopes to compete in next year’s Paralympics after losing his leg in a workplace accident five years ago.
Finally, this year’s cream of the male crop aren’t afraid to show their caring side, as Gemma Crisp comments: “From the Olympic swimmer who couldn’t resist showing off photos of his new puppy at the Bachelor photo shoot and our Wildcard who donated almost $40,000 of underwear to the Queensland flood victims to the Bachelor who works for a company that organises mentorships for indigenous high school kids, Australian women can’t resist a guy who goes out of his way to help others.”

End of spiel . .

The bachelor finalists were chosen by a team of judges, including MTV VJ Erin McNaught, Scarlett Belle’s Tamara Jaber, Australian fashion designer Rachel Gilbert, X-Factor finalist India-Rose Madderom, Australia’s Next Top Model’s Charlotte Dawson, Sydney gossip columnists Elle Halliwell and Joel Christie, sportswoman and model Lauren Eagle, model Sydney IT girl Nikki Phillips.

Oh, and full disclosure: I, sat on the judging panel too.

The finalists are published in CLEO’s April issue, with the winner to be announced at the finalist event on 20 April 2011.

Collette Dinnigan creates for qualia . . . .

Two styles from Collette Dinnigan's autumn/winter 2011 collection entitled Portrait of A Woman and shown at Hotel Meurice in Paris . . . .

Following on from her recent, Paris show (her 30-something effort as part of the official pret-a-porter calander) and from dressing Australian Oscar nominee, Jackie Weaver, leading fashion name Collette Dinnigan has turned her talent to . . . . towels.

And, as the Queensland resort, qualia, is one of her favored hang-out's, the designer has created a limited edition beach and pool towel for the luxurious and highly desired vacation spot.

Ms Dinnigan showcases her Cruise Collection annually at qualia during Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, which this year will happen in August : "qualia is my escape,'' she says.

"I go there to relax and take inspiration from the immense natural beauty of the island as it provides the perfect back drop for recharging and inspiring creativity.

"The towel print was created to reflect the brilliant colours of the flora and fauna at qualia.”

I also spoke to Collette a few hours after her recent collection show in Paris: "I have always been about celebrating individual style and not dictating trends,'' she told me.

"That is something that I continue to do with all of my collections. I am all for women feeling strongly about how they want to dress and if i can help them get there, that's fantastic. ''

Exclusively available from the qualia Boutique, the (affordable) limited edition Dinnigan towel can be purchased for $149 (includes GST) plus delivery. qboutique@hamiltonisland.com.au

Perth announces dates for a new season ode to consumer fashion . . .

With the customer-friendly L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) having just kicked off tonight, dates of the 2011 Perth Fashion Festival have been announced, via the following media release.
"Fashion fever will sweep Perth from 21 – 27 September 2011 with the return of Western Australia’s premier fashion event, Perth Fashion Festival (PFF).
PFF has flourished over the past 13 years. It is a breeding ground for Australia’s most sought after creative talent and is considered a must-attend event on Australia’s fashion calendar.
“We have exciting new events and venues planned for the PFF 2011 program. Perth can expect to see the very best the dynamic and vibrant WA fashion industry has to offer,” PFF Director Mariella Harvey-Hanrahan said.
“Perth Fashion Festival is one of the most important annual events for WA's creative industries and we are delighted to welcome it back to the City this September,” Lord Mayor and PFF Ambassador Lisa Scaffidi added.
PFF is supported by the State Government, through Eventscorp and the Department of Culture and the Arts, as well as the City of Perth.
Eventscorp Executive Director David van Ooran said PFF had become an integral part of Western Australia’s diverse events calendar.
“Not only does the Perth Fashion Festival add vibrancy and excitement to our State, last year alone more than 44,000 people attended; 11,000 more than 2009.”
In the first of a series of exciting new events on the PFF 2011 calendar, Perth’s fashion set will be the first to view WA designer, Kym Ellery’s Spring Ready to Wear (RTW) ‘11 collection.
The invitation-only event showcasing ELLERY’s Spring RTW ‘11 collection will be shown at one40william on 29 March.
“We are honoured that Kym has chosen PFF as the launching pad for her new collection. It is testament to the fact that Western Australia is becoming increasingly recognised for the unique flair of its local designers and talent,” Ms Harvey-Hanrahan said.
Further information on PFF 2011’s new program of events and venues will be released in coming months. "

Twittiquette: the pleasures; the pains. Feel free to add your tips . . .

It's been well over 6 months since I put together a whimsical Twitter form-guide post. So, thought I'd give the original one a 2011 makeover. Let's face it, half a year is a life time on the SM landscape . . Oh, and feel free to add some more of your tips to the comment mix. Look on this post as an SM community service . . . .
NOBODY'S PERFECT . . . We've all been guilty of the odd Twitter faux pas. ALL of us. While many are still navigating ways around it, some are still working out what works and what doesn't work for them. Do you want to be a player or an observer?
Is it a 100% work and marketing tool? Is it a way to get your website or blog read? An avenue to get your good deeds out to the world? A way to promote (or maybe placate) your employer? Flog a product? A way to share interesting links and info to like-minded people? A tool to vent your spleen or take part in live event commentary?
ONE BIG DRINKS PARTY . . . . How you use Twitter is up to you (and once you do actively take part, it is a commitment) but the general consensus is that you should think of the forum as one giant cocktail party. You can dip in and out of conversations. You can duck out to the loo. Go and get another round of drinks. Move onto someone else. Even leave without saying goodbye.
You need to be pleasant but if you have a strong or opposing opinion on something, say it the same way you would to that person's face. That's what you would do at a party or a pub, isn't it? So, if you're legless and start throwing the vitriol around, step away from the tweet.
Many of us have been on Twitter long enough now to be able to sit back and take an overview. We can all pinpoint the nit-picky things that some of us do, and don't do. Basically the things which really piss people off.
There are lots of books, websites and social media experts out there who have handed down their official guidelines, but after canvassing fellow tweeters, here are a few pet peeves . . . and some pleasing moments too.
THE GOOD AND THE BAD . .
*Many tweeters don't understand why someone would use a DM to say something pleasant to someone else. Why not express it on the public stream? If it is a thank-you or a positive comment, why DM it? Shout it to the world.
*Many can't understand when fellow tweeters never respond, especially after they have put a question out there. You've answered it (and even go on to ask them a question) but they just ignore you. Sure, someone with 100s of thousands of followers would need a full time ghost to answer every bloody query, but if you ain't one of those, most think it is bad form to be ignored. We've probably all done this, but consensus is that it gets time-consuming to reply a 'thanks' to every reply you get. And remember that we all can't expect immediate response as there are other elements in every tweeter's life.
*From @MaggieA: "I hate it when someone quotes your original concept and only credits you with a VIA! It's a re-tweet!" So very true, Maggie Alderson. (Further research found that some mobile apps use a "via" as an RT.)
*This is a popular one: When people interrupt a twitter conversation that others are having (and that they haven't been part of from the start) it feels like they are cutting into a private chat. I've done it. And god, the atmos could be cut with a knife.
*Most say they dislike it when people RT without attributing; loathe getting foursquare location updates in their stream; are not always into people who RT a #FF and dislike tweets from people talking about how shit house or busy their lives are. Others don't like it when a personal-praising tweet is RT-ed, by the person being praised.
*There is not much space for big comedy in 140 digits, so it's often best to leave jokes to those who do them well. Comedy/irony/cynicism often comes from the most unexpected places, so if you think yours works, go forth. Avoid emoticons when you can. Not too popular, so I am told. *Do we really want to know the mechanics of where blah-blah is meeting blah-blah for dinner? We're thrilled to be given a verdict on an actual meal or a venue recommendation, but the taxi pick-up time and frock choice holds little interest.
*Spelling and grammar are peeves ('there, they're and their', are perfect examples) as are junk DM's (tedious) and feel-good auto quotes. *Another negative seems to be people who use those websites to 'up' their 'followers' quota. Remember, it is quality and interactive quality, rather than quantity that really matters on the big T.
HASHTAGS . . . These have become a small bone of contention, for some . . . to hash or not to hash. If the hash tag subject matter is of potential general appeal, then go for it . . . a current news story, politics, a tv show (#qanda is perfect example), a band, a song, celeb, or a short saying that has become part of a current vernacular (eg, #winning) then yes, also go for it. But, if your hash tag is just an inane thought that just wasn't going to fit into the rest of your 140 length tweet, then I'd have second thoughts. Often a hash tag like #iwasthinkingofgoingbutthoughbetterofit just wont be understood by anyone else . . . apart from, perhaps, one other person. And 2 hash tags is about the max for a tweet . . forget throwing 4 hash tags into one train of thought . . .
OVER TO YOU . . . . Ok, sure. We'll all continue Twitter hiccuping (a lot) and we won't all agree with all of the above, but that's why we love it. So, send through some more peeving and pleasing moments so we can add to the list. (Oh, and you can follow me @melissahoyer . . . )

Veuve Clicquot celebrate female business leaders over dinner . . .

Tonight, on International Women’s Day, thirty five of Australia’s most inspiring women will gather to celebrate the opening of nominations for the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award 2012.
The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman award recognises the extraordinary achievements of entrepreneurial business women throughout Australia; innovators, risk-takers, leaders and visionaries, and those with a commitment to corporate social responsibility.
The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award was established in France in 1972 as a tribute to Madame Clicquot. The award champions the success of women worldwide in the field of business, and honours women who reflect the values of Madame Clicquot: her spirit of enterprise, her courage, her tenacity in driving projects to successful outcomes.
Today, it is held in 16 countries around the globe, a reflection of the international spirit of Veuve Clicquot. It is now one of the most anticipated events amongst businesswomen and the global business community.
Tonight, the judging committee and previous winners of the Australian chapter of the Award will come together in Sydney for a dinner to celebrate “inspiring women” and the commencement of the search for the 2012 winner.
The group includes Janet Holmes à Court AC, The Honourable Justice Annabelle Bennett AO, Colette Garnsey, David Murray AO, Sarina Bratton, Sarah-Jane Clarke, and Liz Ann Macgregor as well as Veuve Clicquot’s Business Development Manager, Alexandra Lovato.
In celebration of the “Inspirations” theme, the previous winners of the Award have been asked to invite a woman guest whom they find inspirational. Hospitality entrepreneur Mandy Foley-Quin has chosen artist-businesswoman Louise Olsen; MCA Director Liz Ann Macgregor has invited Aboriginal Australian academic and writer, Professor Larissa Behrendt; Sarina Bratton has invited Alexandra Croak, an Olympic athlete who has represented Australia in both Gymnastics and Diving; rural entrepreneur Wendy Erhart is bringing Queensland flood heroine Joy Mingay; and sass & bide’s Sarah-Jane Clarke has invited Samone Sanixay, a Laos refugee who runs a company whose workers are all special needs women saved from prostitution, poverty and slavery.
The dinner will be a celebration of all things Clicquot. Stylist Sibella Court plans to turn the Bistrode CBD venue into a Clicquot installation, and Veuve Clicquot representative Alexandra Lovato flies in from Reims from the House of Clicquot to oversee proceedings, alongside MC Angela Bishop.
Nominations for the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award 2012 close on 23 September 2011. The winner of the will be announced at the legendary Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award lunch on March 8 2012, and will receive a silver bottle trophy and a business-class trip to France to join the Veuve Clicquot 2012 International Forum.
A vine will be christened in her honour and each year thereafter she will receive a bottle of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame.
For further information on the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award and to nominate online, go to http://www.veuveclicquotaward.com.au/.