2009 January 25 - archive | The Diamond Wizard

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Brazilian amputee model dead at 20

Ξ January 25th, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Uncategorized |

(CNN) — Brazilian model Mariana Bridi da Costa, whose hands and feet were amputated in a bid to save her from a deadly and little-known illness, died early Saturday, two friends of the model told CNN.

Mariana Bridi and Henrique Fontes at the Miss Brazil World 2006 competition in Curitiba, Brazil.

Brazilian model Mariana Bridi da Costa died Saturday after undergoing multiple amputations.

"Unfortunately Mari couldn’t resist any longer. She passed away at 3 a.m. today," Henrique Fontes, executive director of Miss World Brazil, said in an e-mail to CNN.

Renato Lindgren, a friend of the model who runs a blog dedicated to her, confirmed da Costa’s death.

On his blog, Lindgren wrote that he and other friends were going to the hospital.

"On behalf of all the family, we are grateful for the support and the affection that the entire world has sent to us," he wrote.

Da Costa, 20, had fought a pernicious disease that has ravaged her body and forced doctors to perform the amputations and extract part of her stomach as well as both kidneys.

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She had been breathing through a respirator, officials at Dorio Silva Hospital in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo said Friday.

Da Costa suffered from necrosis, or the fast deadening of tissue, caused by septicemia. Septicemia, triggered by a bacterial infection, causes insufficient blood flow that can lead to organ failure.

Da Costa first sought medical advice after feeling ill in late December. Hospital officials said she was transferred to Dorio Silva on January 3 in "septic shock," a serious medical condition caused by an inflammation.

Da Costa was first diagnosed as suffering a urinary tract infection. By the time the infection was detected, it had developed into septicemia.

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Doctors decided to amputate first her hands and then her feet after the condition reduced the amount of oxygen being delivered to her limbs.

Just less than one month ago, da Costa was a healthy young woman well on the way to achieving her dream of becoming a world class model.

She placed sixth in the Miss Bikini International competition in China last year and took first place for the "Best in Swimsuit" category. In 2007 and 2008, she came fourth in the contest to become Brazil’s entrant for the Miss World pageant.

Thiago Simoes, da Costa’s fiance, said she was on her way to international stardom, signing with prominent model scout Dilson Stein, who brought Brazilian models, including Gisele Bundchen and Luize Altenhofen, to the world stage.

"All the agencies were very interested in knowing her. I know for a fact that they would have loved her because Mariana is beautiful," Stein told Brazil’s Tribuna newspaper.

Boston wine expo

Ξ January 25th, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Uncategorized |

Design dilemmas: Fabric choices, picking a professional

Question: I have a huge dilemma and need your help. I’ve wanted a chair for my den for a very long time. I shopped around and found the chair I wanted but never picked out the fabric. Well, guess what I received for Christmas? My very sweet husband surprised me with the chair. He picked out a fabric, and I am not loving it. My dilemma is what to do now. I know it’s not returnable, but I just don’t like the fabric.

Answer: That’s the problem with custom furniture; you get exactly what you pick out. The problem is you didn’t pick it out. And you don’t have a whole lot of choices. My first suggestion would be to purchase a really nice throw and drape that over the arm, then add a pillow for some interest. This will minimize the appearance of the chair because your eye will be drawn to the throw and pillow. Make sure both are items you really like and you’ll be happier with the overall look when you enter the room. Of course, there is always the option of re-upholstering, an added cost your husband may not be too happy with. For now, try the throw and pillow and good luck.

question: now that the holidays are over, i’m trying to put our house bankroll b reverse together. i am going room to margin and finding that i’m pooped of the look we have and would like to try something modish. i am not sure what instructing to go, so i requirement some virtuoso help. how should i go prevalent finding an core designer who will understand what i like?

Answer: The first thing you should do is ask friends, relatives, co-workers, etc., if they have ever used an interior designer. Much of our work comes from referrals. Once you have found two to three candidates, set up appointments and conduct “interviews.” Determine which one seems to be on the same wavelength as you are. Who do you feel most comfortable with? And who seems capable of designing for you in your style and taste.

One of the signs of a good designer is that although personally they have a specific style, they are able to interpret their clients needs and translate that into a beautiful room. Many people think hiring an interior designer is too costly, but we can save you from many costly mistakes, and in the end will save you money as opposed to wasting money. Good luck in your quest for a designer. Once you find the one that’s right for you, it will be a pleasant experience completing the job.

Linda Brigida is the owner of Interiors, a decorating business located in Plymouth, Mass., that specializes in window treatments, room design, color choices and furniture selection. E-mail your questions to interiors07@aim.com or call Interiors at 508-746-2166.

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