News: What it takes to be a supermodel (worth it?)

1. Here’s what it takes to be a supermodel…

Oh. Wow. Victoria’s Secret angel Adriana Lima has spoken about the gruelling regime she puts her body through to be ‘runway ready’ which includes intense workouts and a complete ban on fluids 12 hours before an event to speed-drop weight. Nine days out sees a ban on solid foods with protein shakes only and nothing but water two days out. Adriana describes it all as a dream come true.

2. The Carbon Tax has been passed

The Federal Government’s price on pollution, generally known as the carbon tax, has been passed in the Senate during a lunchtime vote, 53-47. It begins with a $23-per-tonne carbon tax on the 500 biggest polluters from July 1, 2012, ahead of a market-driven emissions trading scheme in 2015. This will be the first time in the nation’s history that a price on carbon has been reached. For more details about what the package of 18 bills means, check out our cheat sheet here. The Opposition has vowed to repeal the legislation if it wins Government.

3. Media inquiry underway in Canberra

It’s the inquiry into media we had to have, according to some who have been concerned about the manner of reporting in recent years. Chair of the independent inquiry into media and media regulation, Ray Finkelstein QC, says he’s written to 70 newspaper editors, former editors, academics and the current and previous chairs of the Press Council, seeking their contribution. The former federal court judge says the inquiry will look at political reporting, the impacts of technology on media and changes in the business model of traditional media. The inquiry was announced after phone hacking was exposed in News Corporation titles in Britain, though News Limited in Australia says no such practices have taken place here. The inquiry will report back to Communications Minister Stephen Conroy. The inquiry is supported by Greens Leader Bob Brown who refers to the Murdoch media, particularly The Australian, as the ‘hate media’.

4. IVF mum says she made a mistake having kid at 57

British woman Susan Tollefsen had IVF treatment in Russia when she was 57 and became pregnant. Three years later and she says she may have made a mistake. While acknowledging that having a child was the ‘best thing she had ever done’, she says perhaps some of her critics were right. “If I’m completely honest, my experience has taught me that 50 should probably be the cut-off limit for having children, but until you have them it’s almost impossible to appreciate that. I get a great emotional feeling when I look at her and a sadness when I realise that time’s running out. If I could change just one thing I would wish to be younger so I could enjoy watching Freya grow up, get married and have children of her own. I’m doing my best to raise her to be completely independent but the prospect of her being taken from me, if I die, particularly when she’s still young, breaks my heart.’’

5. Michael Jackson’s doctor guilty of manslaughter

The personal doctor of the pop king Dr Conrad Murray has been found guilty by jury verdict of involuntary manslaughter. Dr Murray had been on trial over his role in the death of Michael Jackson in 2009 after being on hand to administer a hospital grade anesthetic (propofol) that is usually reserved for operations. Dr Murray protested his innocence. He faces up to four years in jail.

6. Iran completes critical steps toward nuclear weapons

The Washington Post reported that Iran has mastered some of the most technically advanced steps toward nuclear weapons armament, with the help of a former Soviet scientist for hire. An intelligence update will be circulated among International Atomic Energy Agency members on Tuesday or Wednesday. It is expected to focus on Iran’s alleged efforts towards putting radioactive material in a warhead and developing missiles.

7. Car maker Ford adopts ‘young drivers’ protection measures

Ford is adding features to its MyKey technology that would allow parents to control a Do Not Disturb function blocking incoming calls and text messages to a young driver’s phone while they are behind the wheel. Other MyKey features include a ‘no belt, no tunes’ feature which blocks the radio unless front seat occupants are buckled up and top speed limiters.

8. 17 Vogue editors in one room

For some it would be their fashion nightmare, to stumble across a room with 17 Vogue editors dressed to kill. For others, a sort of weird dream. But it happened. Vogue US Editor Anna Wintour brought her colleagues from around the world, including Australia’s Kirstie Clements, together for Tokyo’s Fashion Night Out. The event was postponed due to the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. It’s the most amount of Vogue editors ever photographed at the same time, which rather makes them sound like a rare species.