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30.04.2009 um 07:17 Uhr

Blue Moon Beads Gets Dark And Sultry With Noir, A Seductive New Collection For Jewelry-Making

von: alan985

Blue Moon Beads®, the craft industry leader for fashion jewelry-making components, shows its dark side with Noir™, the seductive new collection of pendants, charms and accoutrements. Inspired by the popularity of dark and sophisticated styles seen in fashion shows around the world, Noir™ brings a piece of the glamour into craft stores across the country. Van Nuys, CA (Vocus/PRWEB ) April 21, 2009 -- Blue Moon Beads®, the craft industry leader for fashion jewelry-making components, shows its dark side with Noir™, the seductive new collection of pendants, charms and accoutrements. Inspired by the popularity of dark and sophisticated styles seen in fashion shows around the world, Noir™ brings a piece of the glamour into craft stores across the country. The collection's pendants feature bold black finishes and rhinestone details that evoke a feeling of luxury that is not conveyed in the pricing, starting at only $4.99. Also included is a surprising mix of glossy black icons such as the Eiffel Tower, ornate crosses, skulls, hearts, crowns and modern abstract designs. The eclectic mix is eccentric and sophisticated, but simple enough to appeal to a variety of ages and tastes. Like all accessories, fashion jewelry experiences a growth in popularity during tough economic times and DIY jewelry offers the opportunity to capture the look of an expensive designer piece at a mere fraction of the cost. The creative outlet and Zen-like nature of jewelry-making is also an added bonus. About Blue Moon Beads:Blue Moon Beads® is the craft industry leader for innovative and fashionable jewelry-making collections for major retailers. Begun in 1989 on the principle of importing unique beads from around the world, Blue Moon Beads® was acquired by Creativity Inc. in 2002 and, to this day, continues to provide trend-right product at a great value without compromising quality. Blue Moon Beads® continued success can be attributed to a long history of adapting to consumer's needs and translating fashion trends into marketable jewelry-making products. About Creativity Inc.:

Creativity Inc. is a leading designer, marketer and distributor of arts and crafts products. The company's jewelry design, scrapbooking, paper crafting, craft organization and home décor products can be found in major craft and mass merchandise retailers across North America, the United Kingdom and Australia. These products are marketed under six brand names: Autumn Leaves, Blue Moon Beads, Crop in Style, DMD, Hip in a Hurry and Westrim Crafts.

21.04.2009 um 13:00 Uhr

In Search of Hattie Carnegie

von: alan985

On the day of the Inauguration, there was much intrigue about the necklace - or was it a pin? - worn at the collar of Mrs. O’s Isabel Toledo lemongrass dress. Questions would be answered soon enough. The mystery accessory proved to be a Victorian sash pin, acquired through the Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection.The discovery of Carole Tanenbaum’s collection, a finely curated, hand-picked selection of costume jewelry has opened up a new world for us. We now often visit the collection’s site to admire the distinctive pieces, or to read updates on Carole’s blog (the Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection provided jewelry worn in Grey Gardens, which premieres this evening on HBO). The collection has also revealed a few more secrets about Mrs. O’s enviable brooch collection.On a campaign stop in Pittsburgh last October, Mrs. O wore an orange flower pin at the shoulder of her Abstract rose print J.Crew dress. We recognized a similar pin on Carole’s site - a rare Hattie Carnegie silk flower pin from the 1960s - and later confirmed that indeed Mrs. O’s pin was Hattie Carnegie as well. We were unfamiliar with the designer at the time, but eager to learn more.In 1904, Henrietta Kanengeiser emigrated to the US from Austria-Hungary at the age of 18. After changing her name to Hattie Carnegie in 1909, she opened a millinery shop on E. 10th Street in New York City called Carnegie - Ladies Hatter. In 1923, the flagship Hattie Carnegie boutique opened at 42 East 49th Street. En route, Hattie Carnegie had begun manufacturing a high quality costume jewelry line in 1918, which continued to be sold after her death in 1959 and well into the 1980s.Carole Tanenbaum’s collection offers rare Hattie Carnegie pieces of the highest quality and finest condition for the serious Fashion Jewelry collector. For those who don’t mind a few scratches or missing stones, and pieces that likely aren’t as rare, eBay also has a range of Hattie Carnegie pieces up for auction. A quick search led us to the following: #1 Bee brooch, #2 Turquoise flower pin, #3 Blue flower pin. The pear pin shown above is a Hattie Carnegie pin (stamped “Hattie Carnegie” on the back), acquired a few weeks ago. It has signs of wear - the paint is chipped in a few places, the closure a bit bent - but we will treasure it, and the hidden connection to Mrs. O, none the less.

20.04.2009 um 12:25 Uhr

How Healthy Are You?

von: alan985

Costume jewelry is used specifically to dress up an outfit. Sequins, beads, and brooches are some examples of costume jewelry. People tend to look down on costume jewelry and dismiss it as cheap trinkets and baubles. The fact is that Fashion Jewelry is a very popular form of jewelry and its low price should not be held against it.Jewelry has been part and parcel of human attire for thousands of years. It is well known that the right piece of jewelry can adorn a plain outfit and beautify it. Conversely, the wrong piece of jewelry can spoil the effect of even the well-designed outfit.Towards the end of the 1800s, costume jewelry made its first appearance. It was made of general material, nothing valuable. It imitated the style of the fine jewelry then in vogue. Though the material was cheap, the time and effort that went into its making was enormous.A common misperception is that costume jewelry is cheap jewelry. The material used may be cheap, or, more appropriately, low-priced. But the making and crafting requires all the care and attention of fine jewelry. There is no ban on the use of semi-precious gemstones in costume jewelry, and you will see exquisite examples of costume jewelry with semi-precious stones which make it very valuable.You select costume jewelry to highlight a specific feature of a specific dress. That article will not match any other dress. In other words, costume jewelry is outfit-specific.All through its long journey till today, costume jewelry has faced the criticism of being single-use jewelry. Its low price and ready availability, its salient qualities, have turned out to be its weaknesses, preventing it from gaining the respectability it deserves. Costume jewelry matches the design and style of traditional fine jewelry in every respect except the material and cost. Costume jewelry is available everywhere - from street bazaars to high street fashion shops.Costume jewelry is a blessing for the truly fashion conscious. The fashion conscious will not worry about the snoot-value of the jewelry he or she is wearing! Their philosophy is, ‘If it is beautiful, it is jewelry!’ When you do your best to get every thing else at a low price, there’s no harm in buy costume jewelry which is already low-priced. Since there is such a wide variety of styles and designs in costume jewelry, you are bound to find the article that goes well with that party dress you brought back from Ibiza! Give all your dresses the costume jewelry treatment and watch them come alive like never before!

17.04.2009 um 07:12 Uhr

Student hurt during bad weather

von: alan985

In spite of hourly checks last week of the campus status information page as well as my eden mail for a possible note from my professor, I realized there was, in fact, class. I decided, in spite of my better judgment, to head out to my 7:40 p.m. “Sociology of Deviant Behavior” class in Murray 221. I had my trusty snow boots with the all-terrain grip soles and I thought nothing could possibly happen in the two blocks between my close apartment and Murray. The University had surely cleared the paths.“Maybe when I get there, it’ll be canceled. I just can’t imagine the University not canceling class in this weather, as there is more than 6 inches of fresh snow.” These were the thoughts in my head as I crossed George Street and headed toward Murray across Vorhees Quad. The ground was deceptively slick, as the earlier snow had frozen to a sheet of ice topped by seemingly innocent fresh powder. As I rounded the corner after passing Scott Hall I slipped for the first time, a victim of the slight downgrade. Mostly just embarrassed, I thanked the good Samaritans who had stopped to check that I was OK and brushed myself off.Another 20 feet or so down the central path that leads right up to Murray Hall, I was feeling good. Slippery, yes, but I was walking slowly and carefully. All of a sudden, the uneven pavement got me again. Boom! Busted my butt again... this time less gracefully, and I landed rather hard on my left wrist. One of the same good Samaritans asked, “Where are you going? Do you need help?” I assured him I would be fine to make it to Murray — which I was, as it was only about ten feet away.Finally reaching the inside of the building, I shook off the cold and realized, holy mother of God, my wrist hurt! Looking down, I noticed my wrist was about the size of a baseball and rather lumpy. Having come this far, I walked upstairs and told my professor that I was afraid I had hurt myself and would like to go get checked out. He, very graciously, let me leave class. I crossed the quad without incident this time, noticing that the University had finally decided to do something about the snow; there was a pickup truck plowing the walk. No salt, just plow. I then walked to the hospital in a great deal of pain.It is now two hours later and I have just arrived home from Robert Wood Johnson ER, where the nice orthopedic doctors took my x-rays and were kind enough to diagnose me with a fractured wrist — all because the University was too cavalier with their weather preparations. Who needs salt when you can plow? Sand? Pfft! We laugh at your amateur desire for traction. I cannot fathom that I am the only person who had an issue with this Wednesday, given the predilection of the female student body for fashionable yet wholly unsafe Ugg boots.So thank you, Rutgers. I got a whole slew of new experiences today. I fell trying to go to class. I became an ER patient. I broke my first bone! Just thought I’d share how much your preparation meant to me!I can only hope that there was some sort of grave mistake that prevented the quad from being salted and safe for passing.buy ugg boot .

16.04.2009 um 04:57 Uhr

What about those Uggs?

von: alan985

NEW YORK It's probably safe to retire - or at least put to rest for a long winter snooze - your skinny-leg pants. Once the first signs of spring start to stir, the favored silhouette will be loose."Wide pants - if you invested in the dramatic floppy-leg pant that just skims the ankle, you are in luck. These are still a big trend," said Avril Graham, executive fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar.That's the thing about fashion: Almost every look comes back, even if it's slightly tweaked.Take Uggs, for example. Constance White, eBay style director, said the cozy, furry boot is already a must-have item again for many women - and it's a trend driven by consumers."The fashion gods forgive me: I will not throw out a pair of Ugg boots. . . . They dipped - came off the radar and weren't 'it' anymore - but they've had the huge rise in popularity again, White said.Some other likely top (and not) looks of 2009:·  Sandy neutrals and tropical colors are likely to make a splash, but there might be a changing of the guard for regal purple, which has reigned for a few years. Painterly prints had a shorter run, but Graham said they too are on their way out. "Best to look for sweet florals," she advised. ·  Safari styles, whether they're vintage Yves Saint Laurent or new Banana Republic, are enjoying a high point on their arc of popularity. That's good news, said Graham, because it's an easy look for most women to wear. ·  The 1980s continue to inspire and haunt fashion, but if you ever wore harem pants and highlighter colors the first time, you might consider giving only a wink to the decade with a bangle bracelet or fluorescent accessories. ·  A low-platform heel is a shoe that takes you through every season and most occasions, said eBay's White. Extreme platforms can get tossed, but hold on to all your peep-toe shoes, she advised. The popular gladiator-style sandal will triumph again this summer, but it'll be even more aggressive looking with higher heels. ·  The big-statement necklace popular last year is still a trend, but it's one you can cut back on. "If you've accumulated three or four, part with two of them," White said. "Instead hold on to any bracelets - cuffs or stacking bracelets, especially. They're fresher, new and they're going to be hot right through spring and summer." ·  Logos are out and subtlety is in. "It's not the right time for flash," Graham said. Cheap ugg boots .

15.04.2009 um 03:24 Uhr

Huntsville's Monday crime report

von: alan985

• Police who stopped a vehicle at University and Meadow drives confiscated a bag of marijuana and a .45-caliber Taurus handgun.
• A Remington .12-gauge shotgun and Ugg boots valued at $250 were stolen from a Chevrolet Sierra parked outside Shogun Japanese Steak & Sushi, 3991 University Drive.
• A convenience store customer in the 5000 block of N. Memorial Parkway tried to pass a counterfeit $50 bill.
• Three bowling machines valued at $4,500 were stolen from a business at 2000 Country Club Ave.
• Police confiscated a bag of marijuana and a partially smoked marijuana cigarette from a vehicle outside a Sparkman Drive business.
• One of two drivers involved in a wreck at Jordan and Shields roads left the scene. The accident damaged the bumper of a Ford Ranger driven by a 16-year-old boy. The report says the other driver may have been drinking.
• A 1995 Lexus was stolen outside a Pulaski Pike convenience store.
• A purse was stolen from a vehicle in a Jordan Lane parking lot; police later recovered it, along with $47.29.
• A 1995 Ford valued at $7,000 was stolen from an Argyle Road home.
• Someone was cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession after police found a bag of pot and a partly-smoked marijuana cigarette on Meridian Street.
• Police investigated the death of a 76-year-old black female at a home at 503 Eastbrook Drive.
• During a stop at Garvin Road and Green Hill Drive, officers searched a vehicle and found eight rocks of crack cocaine and a set of scales. The owner was charged with felony cocaine possession.
• Two Sony digital cameras, $50 and miscellaneous clothes were stolen from a home in the 500 block of Bob Wade Lane.
• Police who stopped a pickup truck at Alabama 53 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard confiscated a Cobra .380-caliber handgun, seven .380-caliber bullets and 26 bullets for a 9mm handgun. The driver was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit.
• A 40-year-old black male was reported missing from his home on Forsythe Drive.

14.04.2009 um 05:23 Uhr

The Ugg Boots

von: alan985

Dry the ugg bootsStuff your boots with recycled paper towels to allow your uggboots to keep their shape, and leave them to dry in a clean, warm place. How Not to Dry Sheepskin BootsAvoid direct heat sources like a fireplace, radiator, or blazing sun here, which can cause the sheepskin to pucker or crack. How to Deodorize ugg bootNow, what if you got a bad case of the ol' smelly dogs? Well, there's hope here, too. Once your ugg boot are dry, sprinkling a couple tablespoons of baking soda inside then giving them a shake and letting them sit, should kill any funky odors overnight. Be sure to gently brush the outsides of your cheap ugg boots with a suede brush to restore the pile, and you're good to go. So just stay on top of 'em from here on out, and these boots can last you nearly a lifetime.

13.04.2009 um 02:10 Uhr

Modern dress is code for sinful sexual desires

von: alan985

For those of you who know me, you know I’m a raging Republican whose main goal is to coerce The University of Montana to become the most conservative college campus in the nation. In fact, I support assistant law professor Kristen Juras’ attempt to remove the Bess Sex column from this ragingly-liberal college newspaper so much that I’m going to take her old-fashioned principles one step further. Students, in order to save your souls from the propaganda of America’s MTV culture, I’m determined to see a dress code enforced on this campus. That’s right, girls. No more slutty outfits that make you look like you should be on the Stockman’s dance floor on a Saturday night instead of in Anthropology 101 on a Wednesday afternoon. No more outfits that merely consist of a t-shirt, tights and Ugg boots, which make you look like you forgot to put pants on. No more Chacos or flip-flops before May and no more skirts that show your coochie when you bend over. Unless you’re a sexpert or a stripper on your way to Fred’s Lounge, you don’t have the professional authority to dress like one. For the men, I’ll reverse the horrible trend started by the Beatles in the ‘60s and promote short hairstyles, which means there will be no more free-flowing dreadlocks bobbing around campus.  We all know those dreadlocks really mean you’re just a raging pseudo-hippie and you like having unprotected sex on drugs. Just look around you. I know you’ll see one of these people in nearly every one of your classes, and I’m tired of it. I pay tuition to go to this university, so I should have a say in what the students wear, because their scandalous outfits affect my learning capabilities. Students should have to dress for class the same way they dress for church. It’s disrespectful to your teachers to come to class wearing next-to-nothing. Freedom to wear what you want comes with responsibilities, and it is inappropriate and unprofessional to dress like the stars you see on MTV. Sex is so pervasive in our culture that it’s even infiltrated your minds when you decide what to wear in the morning. College is a place for learning, not a place to express your post-pubescent sexual desires through what you wear. So dig out that chastity belt, quit reading the Bess Sex column, and for God’s sake, PUT SOME CLOTHES ON. Let’s work together to save our souls from the sin of sexuality before we all go to hell — the only place it’s warm enough to wear mini-skirts all year long. I love uggs .

12.04.2009 um 08:13 Uhr

New father Gareth Gates steps out in tatty jeans... and Ugg boots

von: alan985

It's usually new mothers who look a little bedraggled - so what's Gareth Gates' excuse?After becoming a father for the first time yesterday, the former Pop Idol runner-up emerged from his London home looking a little more than scruffy in ripped jeans - and Ugg boots. Uggh!: Tatty Gareth Gates leaves his house wearing ripped jeans and UggsThe 24-year-old was on his way to hospital to see his newborn daughter Missy. His wife Suzanne gave birth to their 7lb 8z child yesterday.The singer and former lover of Jordan is currently starring in the title role in the West End production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.The 24-year-old star, who shot to fame in the first series of Pop Idol, said: 'We are so excited, Missy is beautiful and we can't wait to spend time together as a family.'In a recent interview, Gates said of dancer Suzanne: 'She's like my mum, really. I always wanted to be with a woman who has the same mindset and wants to look after me like my mum. She loves me, but she'll never be my mum and she knows that, bless her. 'She knows that my mum's the most important person in my life. Because I see my mum and dad as such amazing friends, I think I'll be a really good dad.'Judging by Gates' choice of clothing today, let's hope little Missy takes after her mum in the fashion stakes.

10.04.2009 um 13:42 Uhr

Robbie Savage back in shop window as Nigel Clough picks him to face Manchester United

von: alan985

Less than three months ago, Robbie Savage was spending time during his loan period at League One side Brighton and Hove Albion mulling over the possibility of a move to Lebanese club Al-Ansar in an attempt to prolong his career. Fast forward to the present, and the midfielder is back at Derby County, with the opportunity of assisting the club to the Carling Cup final at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, after their astonishing 1-0 win at Pride Park nearly a fortnight ago. But for the arrival of Nigel Clough as new manager of Derby County two weeks ago, Savage would probably have been shopping for a new pair of UGG boots in Manchester rather than making it into the stadium. As it is, Clough's arrival has brought Savage back in from the cold, an experience he has likened to being pardoned from enforced exile in Siberia. It has saved him some money in the process, he jokes. "The gaffer has saved me a lot of dough because I am usually in Manchester shopping, spending my money," Savage said on Monday. "Under the previous manager I knew no matter how hard I trained I wasn't going to play. "I thought I would never play for Derby again and I wouldn't have if [Paul] Jewell was still the manager – no matter how well I trained. "I would be going out in the street and people were saying, 'Who are you playing for now?' I was made to feel that low on confidence and that bad a player that I was looking an any option possible. I went from Siberia to Beirut." What better opportunity for Savage to prove his worth this evening than against the club where he was a trainee, and against former team-mates Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who he describes as the "best two Premier League players ever". However, while the 34-year-old is restoring his own confidence under Clough, the rest of his team-mates seem to have stalled in their attempts to rebuild their own self-belief. Their 2-0 defeat at home to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday was their third in a row in the league, and revealed "the deep-rooted" structural flaws that have caused the side to fall to fifth from bottom in the table, leaving their manager to accept his former side would have performed the basics better. "The lads at Burton were better at doing certain things," Clough confessed. "No player in the lower leagues would have made those basic mistakes on Saturday. I have been in a state of shock for the last 48 hours." Yet while he accepts that his side's confidence is low, he does believe the fact that they have little pressure or expectations on them to win tonight will only help them. "We were expected to beat QPR at home, and in the home match here [against United] we weren't expected to get anything," he said. "With the way the players are at the moment, that almost suits them. I think they would rather be going to Old Trafford than Blackpool or Barnsley." Buy cheap ugg boots .

09.04.2009 um 12:35 Uhr

The art of planning

von: alan985

As a student, you may find yourself spending more time planning than doing anything else. A typical day may involve devising a study timetable; thinking that you really ought to ring your parents; emailing friends about where to go for a night out; writing an essay plan; deciding what to do with the rest of your life; going through the TV schedules; and planning to get out of bed.One useful way to start is to buy a diary. Creative types worried that planning is for squares might like to buy different coloured pens for different activities. But resist the temptation to buy different diaries for different facets of your life. You will waste too much time trying to decide which bit of your life goes where and remembering where you put the right diary to note it down.Then you need to think about goals. If you make these too vague, such as wanting to be rich, or too ambitious, such as wanting to be prime minister, you will need to break them down into smaller, more precise goals, such as getting a part-time job or completing a politics assignment. Visualise yourself achieving the goal and then work backwards, visualising each likely step. Think about problems you might face and how to tackle them. Don't be tempted to give up in favour of the TV schedules.The next step is to draw up a to-do list. Actually, you may need several. One should focus on long-term goals - a list of things you need to do before you reach No 10, such as joining a political party, delivering leaflets, getting elected. Another could look at what you need to do that term, such as paying the electricity bill, finding out where the library is and cleaning the bathroom.Then you should make daily to-do lists. Don't make the list too detailed because the longer it is, the less likely you are to do it, and the more likely you are to feel a failure, and the bigger the chance of descending into despondent chaos.Do put the most important things at the top, as you will need to tackle those first. And plan to do the bits first that you really don't want to do. Any kind of planning demands a similar approach. When it comes to drawing up a study programme, essay plan or night out, the first thing to do is define what you want to achieve, then think about how you are going to get there, then set yourself precise tasks.For example: goal - attend night out in pub without spending entire termly budget, trashing new Ugg boots, texting your ex. Route - eat beforehand, avoid drinking spirits, decline offers to dance on tables. Precise task - put on pasta water, delete ex's number from phone.Keep reminding yourself of your plans. Don't worry too much if you find yourself veering off course - it is important to be flexible, and your goals may change as your research, or evening, progresses. But do keep track of your achievements. The problem with planning is that it isn't half as difficult as carrying out what you've planned.Cheap ugg bootsBuy ugg boots

08.04.2009 um 13:15 Uhr

Exclusive: X Factor stars go on Scottish shopping spree

von: alan985

X FACTOR stars Ruth Lorenzo, Daniel Evans and Laura White went on a shopping spree before they left Scotland.And big-hearted Ruth splashed out on a pair of Ugg boots for her fellow performer Rachel Hylton.The stars of the reality TV show were splashing the cash at Xscape, Braehead, near Glasgow, after their two sellout gigs at the city's SECC.They will return to the Braehead Arena for two more sold-out shows this weekend.The singers enjoyed a bite to eat after their shopping, and Ruth put her recent 10k training to good use as she whizzed round shops including designer store Gravity.The Spanish singing sensation was keen to get her hands on a pair of Ugg Cardigan boots and couldn't decide what colour to buy.It turned out generous Ruth wasn't eyeing up the boots for herself - she was looking to purchase presents for fellow performers Alexandra Burke and Rachel Hylton.Gravity manageress Paula Strange said: "They just came into the store and it was really funny when we realised who they were."Laura began humming away to an Aleisha Keyes song and seemed quite shy, while Daniel was checking out the kids clothes at the front of the shop."It was Ruth who was in her element as she checked out a variety of different-coloured Uggs.Paula said: "Ruth was really chatty and took it in her stride. She said she loved Glasgow and the crowd was brilliant. She even gave me her email address and told me my family and I could meet them all before the show starts next week."Ruth bought a green pair of size six and a half Ugg Cardigan boots for Rachel, but couldn't find any pink ones in a size eight for Alexandra.She said whenever she, Alexandra or Rachel see something they like, they buy it for each other. She said they got on really well and are all friends."The star shoppers only had a few hours to spare in between rehearsals and after thirty minutes in the shop, went next door to Billabong, where Ruth bought a Local Celebrity T-shirt as worn by Robin Williams, Paris Hilton, Justin Lee Collins and a posse of other big names.Rupert Pedley, owner of Liberance, who are partners with Billabong, said: "Laura bought the white one with Daddy's Girl and a big heart on it and said she hoped to wear it at the show."Ruth also bought a selection with the logos Yes It's Really Me! Play, Glitz, and Night Owl. They thought they were funny and original and ended up spending about £150 before heading into a taxi."Alexandra also managed to spend some cash but she kept tight lipped about what was in her bag. Eoghan had earlier been on a shopping trip with Aston from boy band JLS in a the city centre of Glasgow.Aston revealed: "Eoghan and I walked all the way from our hotel to HMV and then along Sauchiehall Street."Eoghan added: "Yeah, I treated myself to an Apple i-Book."

07.04.2009 um 13:57 Uhr

Daughters rule dads with cunning: Phillip Morris

von: alan985

The Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez once wrote that, "one does not love one's children just because they are one's children but because of the friendship formed while raising them." The 81-year-old Nobel Laureate has a wife and two sons. If Marquez had had a daughter, I'm not so sure he would have written such a clinical assessment. A daughter's love is different from a son's. Men often form close friendships with their sons, friendships that in some ways resemble the loving relationship they might have with a family pet or a remote control. The relationship is simple and transparent. But daughters present a different set of challenges. The father-daughter friendship is more one-sided and complicated. The clever daughter quickly learns to reduce the disparity in age and experience of the father to level the playing field in her favor. She does this by constantly testing and winning her father's heart. She hones her conspiracy by becoming a perpetual flirt. From the time she comes to understand the power of the word, "Daddy," she uses the expression to her advantage and stealthily takes control of the friendship. She uses the word and all that it implies to constantly reassure her "Daddy" that she loves him and, more importantly, needs him. She uses it when she prepares to spring surprises. She uses it lyrically and softly whenever she wants something. The most highly skilled and manipulative daughter can magically turn the word into a gentle command. This sort of "friendship" maneuvering does not work on mothers, unless perfected by a son. Women understand the cunning that courses through a young girl's veins. Where fathers see innocence, mothers recognize trickery. Mothers are immune to the traps girls set for fathers but are sometimes willing to assist them in their deceit. I learned this lesson in "friendship" again this past Christmas. This time the lesson came with a boot. I had never heard of Ugg boots before Friday, Dec. 19. I had seen the boots on women and teenage girls, but I had no idea what they were or how much they cost. I was mostly struck by the boots' ugliness and the willingness of some women to wear them in the summertime with shorts or pajamas. But when I heard Faith's mother tell her, in no uncertain terms, that there would be no Ugg boot for Christmas, I should have recognized the fix was in. Faith, who rounds her age up to 10, shot me a glance that was both pensive and authoritative. But she said nothing. "Your feet are still growing and I will not pay that much for boots. Maybe you'll get a knock-off brand, if they're not already sold out," she continued. I'm now convinced they were Ugg co-conspirators. The child silently played me like the viola she tucks under her chin whenever she conspires to soften my resistance. Her mother assisted. The next day, I bought Faith her $160 pair of Uggs. I knew it represented conspicuous consumption. But I rationalized. It's winter in Cleveland. She needs these overpriced, ugly boots, I thought. No, she didn't. But that's what daughters do: They carefully raise their daddies.

06.04.2009 um 13:03 Uhr

Shop an elevator ride away for inaugural guests staying at Washington hotel

von: alan985

WASHINGTON — With all the warnings about traffic restrictions and human congestion surrounding inauguration activities, shoppers could be scared off from venturing out to the stores to buy that new evening bag for a ball or commemorative baby bib to bring back home.Guests at the St. Regis Hotel, however, have no excuse. A miniature version of a Neiman Marcus department store has been set up in the lobby since Thursday and it will remain open until the last ballgoers have their Manolos shined and their bow ties tied.And what if you can't make that perfect bow? Young women in gowns are on hand in the evening to do it for you on your way out the door.Female party attendees - or those happy to watch festivities on one of the many TVs set up at every turn in the hotel, including the lobby, bar and restaurant - can sidle up to the Eye Bar for eyelash application or a makeup touchup, for free."The makeup artist has been very, very busy," said St. Regis general manager Laura Schofield.It's sort of like the Hollywood suites set up for celebrities during awards season - but these people are paying.There have been brisk sales of cold-weather gear like cashmere scarves and Ugg boots. Schofield predicts commemorative gear will become the focus once Barack Obama takes the oath of office, and Neiman Marcus' Bonnie Mann, normally the women's coat and sport shop at the store in Mazza Gallerie, notes that backless bras and hosiery - last-minute ball essentials - are stocked.She also has sold a fur cape and expects to ring up a draped red Vicky Tiel Couture gown for $4,830. The potential customer had taken it up to her room to try it on."When you're in a hurry to get somewhere and get packed, you're going to forget something," Schofield said. "If Neiman Marcus doesn't have it here, they will hop on the Metro and get it for you from the store."This is the first pairing between the retailer and hotel, but Schofield plans to do it again for other big events. The in-hotel shop has also attracted locals who didn't want to go farther than they had to in this unusually chilly snap of weather, she said.Saks Fifth Avenue is offering similar in-hotel boutiques in the two Washington Ritz Carlton Hotels and a makeover service at the Fairmont Hotel.  Cheap ugg bootsBuy ugg bootsCheap uggs

05.04.2009 um 07:46 Uhr

She’s going to be extremely busy over the next few days

von: alan985

On Tuesday we secured our place in the World Cup Final by beating the West Indies by 146 runs. It will be the first time we have been in a World Cup Final since 1993 and is a massive achievement for all the girls.For me this meant an unrelenting list of interview requests which is phenomenal and showed that all the hundreds of people I have contacted over the past four years have been taking notice and are cottoning on to how good these players are.First up were rights holders Sky Sports followed by Sky Sports News and then Sky News. We also fitted in BBC, various national newspapers as well as the Loughborough Echo, the Leicestershire Mercury and other regional press. I’m always keen to continue to provide for the regional press as they cover us year in, year out, so it’s great to reward them when things are going well.By 9.30pm the interviews were just about finished and England had just woken up. Cue 52 more interview requests for the players. This was brilliant even if it did mean a 2am finish for me - a 20-hour day no less! We have managed to fulfil every single one of those requests so hopefully the players and the game are now getting the profile they deserve.Over the past few days I have had so many messages of good luck to pass onto the squad which has been just brilliant. It’s great to see that people back home are taking an interest and really getting behind us before Sunday. Lots of my friends (who know I’m here, but don’t really follow the cricket) have heard the scores and are emailing, texting and Facebooking me to let me know and wish us well, which is awesome. Even my Dad, who’s in Siberia, has been keeping up to date with how it’s all going and has been sending pep talks via text! All greatly received!On Wednesday night after training we had a team meeting and Clare Connor and I gave a brief media session to the players in preparation for what could be the biggest week of their lives.This was made slightly amusing by the fact that Caroline Atkins and I had swapped clothes for the evening as people keep getting us mixed up! I think I’ve got the better end of the deal there - an opening international bat vs a media manager?! While I dressed Shaggy, as she’s affectionately known, in a lovely joules skirt with a white vest top, cardi and white flip-flops, she dressed me in her baggy jeans, a salmon pink polo shirt (salmon is not my colour!) and my running trainers! Needless to say she got the best straw in the clothing stakes!When the players all saw me there was a deathly silence as they were all too polite to say anything, until one of them started laughing and then they all did with huge sighs of relief that it wasn’t real. This is no slight whatsoever on Shaggy’s clothes as everyone kept telling me - they just look a lot better on her! Caroline, on the other hand, got a lot of compliments and even managed to get served at the bar first that evening!The win over the West Indies and the fact that India had beaten Australia meant that our game against the hosts on Thursday had no relevance on our place in the final. However, we wanted to win. After winning the toss and batting we were all out for 161 and they knocked off the runs in 34 overs. This was so disappointing but, as Lottie keeps saying, we’re in a World Cup Final so we have regrouped and are now looking ahead to the most important game on Sunday.Despite the loss, the good luck messages still roll in and everyone is still very much behind us which means so much to everyone here.Today was a rare day off and after my 1am finish this morning I managed a lie-in until 8am. After a quick visit to the gym I started my first round of interviews with Isa Guha and the BBC. That was swiftly followed by Katherine Brunt with various journalists and then I returned to my computer to reply to the emails that had come in overnight.Whilst here I am still trying to keep up to speed with things back home like our PR and media plans for this year’s Friends Provident Trophy, the ICC World Twenty20, and anything else that needs doing.Anya and I then headed out to George Street to find some Ugg boots. Mine were for myself and my boyfriend’s sister while Annie’s were for her sister and her brother’s girlfriend.We eventually found a shop that sold original Uggs after traipsing round hundreds of shops, much to Annie’s annoyance! We rewarded ourselves with pizza for lunch and then a quick stop back to the hotel to catch up on a few more emails and phone calls. This afternoon we headed down to the Aquarium at Darling Harbour following a recommendation after bumping into my colleague Gill Harris in Circular Quay earlier!It was then a quick dinner before returning to the hotel to do an hour’s worth of interviews with Lottie. Another late night with training tomorrow and then the pre-final press conference and photo shoot at the SCG with Lottie again.She’s going to be extremely busy over the next few days!

03.04.2009 um 04:24 Uhr

Heroes lift our spirits higher than Paul O'Connell in lineout

von: alan985

HOORAY FOR panic and pleasure and sweet palpitations! Oh, but it did the heart good to feel the heart flutter and skip a beat and almost stop, before the triumphant roar of those brave enough to look made it race again and nearly burst with joy.At long last – a chance to celebrate.Good news, for once. Great news. News to put a smile on your face, and make you sing and cheer and do silly dances.The sort of headline news that has nothing to do with budgets and pay cuts, unemployment figures and politicians’ expenses.The blessed relief of sporting distraction.It didn’t matter if you never set eyes upon an oval ball or knotted an old school tie. Whether you are into rugby, soccer, Gaelic, bog-snorkelling or tiddlywinks – it didn’t matter.This was a nation responding, admittedly belatedly and in a different fashion, to their Finance Minister’s call to “patriotic duty”. Thanks to the outdoor exploits of a rugby team and the indoor exploits of a boxer, Ireland grabbed the chance to get out there and party.On an exhilarating Saturday that stretched giddily into the early hours of Sunday, we broke through the pervading gloom of the last few months and fell happily into the glorious Green beyond. First, a rugby Grand Slam title after a wait of 61 years, and then, the heroic capture of a boxing world title by a courageous Dub with a great line in patter.Gift. Absolutely gift.We’re not the better of it yet, thank God.Bernard Dunne, who was crowned the WBA World super-bantamweight champion in Dublin after a gutsy display of stamina and self-belief saw him knock out the highly rated title-holder, will be honoured by his native city next week.Yesterday belonged to the rugby players.Coach Declan Kidney’s team, led by captain Brian O’Driscoll, arrived home at lunchtime and were met by a huge, adoring crowd at Dublin airport. It was a foretaste of what was to come.Taoiseach Brian Cowen, who has wisely kept out of the limelight during the celebrations, leaving the players to bask in the glory, called into the Mansion House from Government Buildings, where discussions on the economic crisis are ongoing.The Taoiseach, who loves his sport, stood back and applauded with the rest of the guests as the players entered The Round Room. He met the players and looked on proudly as his youngest daughter Meadhbh had her photo taken with O’Driscoll and Ronan O’Gara.Social Welfare Minister Mary Hanafin, had she been in a line out, would have been penalised for barging as she elbowed her way through the throng to sit beside O’Driscoll and the trophy.If O’Driscoll thought it was tough on the pitch, he didn’t reckon on the determination of Irish female politicians. He was sandwiched by Senator Ger Feeney and Cllr Deirdre Heeney, clinging to the trophy for dear life as the rhyming public servants smiled for the camera.Outside, the crowd waved their green flags and waited for a glimpse of their heroes. Finally, the players emerged from the Mansion House to deafening roars of approval, walking a green carpet and a guard of honour of flagbearers and drummers.Coach Declan Kidney, meanwhile, had a few words with Brian Cowen back inside. Was the Taoiseach asking him the secret of his success? Our IRFU man said that Kidney told his men at half-time that they had been doing everything right, and if they kept that up, the scores would come. “Keep doing what you are doing,” he told them.Not, perhaps, the sort of advice to be giving to Brian Cowen.Jerry Flannery’s mother, Jane, was waiting for the son to appear. “I was at the match — there were the Horans and myself and the Hayes. We stayed seated at the end and I swear to God, all the Welsh in front of us stood up. We couldn’t see a thing. Then we heard the roar. We thought it was the Welsh roaring, at first, then we realised Ireland had won. There were hugs and kisses and jigs all round.” Jerry is one of the many walking wounded on the team. “He has a big, big swollen eye. He needed five stitches,” Jane told us, as her son mounted the steps to the platform.She looked on in delight, a proud Irish mother. “And his hair not even combed.”Brian O’Driscoll’s girlfriend, actress Amy Huberman, held his nine-month-old niece Aoife in her arms. “I had her on my knee during the game and she hadn’t a clue what was happy. Thank God, she was a great distraction. When it was finally over, and I realised we won, I couldn’t stop crying for an hour.” Tommy Bowe sang a verse of The Black Velvet Band. At the first sighting of Brian O’Driscoll, the crowd burst into a chorus of “Ole, Ole, Ole.” There were high-pitched squeals from the sizable contingent of teenage girls in Ugg boots whenever Ronan O’Gara said or did anything. Then the ticker-tape exploded out of machines at the base of the platform with great gusts of tinselly green. The wind caught the paper and it rained down on the crowd.Sure, it was only a game. Just 80 minutes of diversion. But it was great, and it gladdened the heart and the next few weeks at least will be a little easier and the memories will remain forever. By jingo, isn’t patriotism great?

02.04.2009 um 05:12 Uhr

Podiatrist: Ugg Boots Do Uggly Things To Your Feet

von: alan985

At more than $100, they're not cheap but they've become a must have -- especially for teenage girls. What many Ugg lovers don't realize though is, according to one podiatrist, the flat, shear ling lined boots are actually bad for your feet. "They keep your feet warm in the winter and summer. You don't have to wear socks with them, that's the main reason I bought them," said Crystal resident Angie Peterson. "They're comfortable," said Minneapolis resident Amanda Weinkauf. They're a major fashion trend that hasn't gone out of style yet in Minnesota. "I think they're ugly," said Weinkauf. That doesn't stop thousands of women and girls from wearing and loving the Ugg boots. "Very comfortable, they feel like pillows on your feet," said Peterson. However, podiatrists warn the shear ling boots are actually hard on your feet. "The biggest problem with them is the fact that they have no support. They're completely flat on the bottom," podiatrist Dr. Kari Prescott. Doctors say that lack of arch support can lead to foot and leg problems. "If you don't have external support, all the muscles in your legs, really from the knee down, can become achy, sore. Some people refer to that as shin splints," said Prescott. A foot condition called plantar fasciitis, or heel spurs, may also happen. Slipping in an arch support can help. "This provides some curvature and it's not ideal," said Prescott. And even forewarned about potential problems, Uggs wearers still love their boots. "No, I'd probably still wear them," said Peterson. "I'd still wear them," said Weinkauf. "It's always fashion over practicality, isn't it?" said Prescott. Ugg Australia said they've been in business for 30 years and haven't had complaints about their classic flat shear ling Uggboots hurting feet. They say the boot sells so well because it is comfortable. As for arch support, Ugg Australia said they have 140 styles coming out for fall '09 and many of those do have arch supports in them. They said they also are adding outer support and added comfort features to the classic cheap Ugg boot. Doctors say flat shear ling boots can actually be harder on feet than high heels because they're worn for longer periods of time. And it appears Uggs are recession proof because they remain a top seller.

01.04.2009 um 04:44 Uhr

Obama inauguration: Will the 'H' word get a mention?

von: alan985

From all parts of America, the Obama pilgrims have been on the move to witness his inauguration on Wednesday.And like all pilgrimages, it's not without its hardship.Clutching their feel-good optimism from warmer climes, they have been jetting and bussing in to face the sober reality of frigid Washington.On a night flight from LAX, passengers let rip with a roar as the plane left humid Los Angeles twinkling behind them.But travellers have been weighed down with mundane matters, not just considering the impact of the weather but the demands of security which has seen a number of everyday items banned.The need to remember to leave the backpack, umbrella and thermos at home is just the start. Travellers are also considering questions such as can we get by without the kid's stroller? Maybe Ugg boots were a better option than the leathers? How hellish will the Metro journey from Virginia or Philadelphia be? Does a choice have to be made between seeing Obama's swearing in and getting a good spot to view the subsequent parade?AdvertisementJudging by the evidence on the ground, Ugg boots are the footwear of choice for a lot of Obama's army.For a large number of inauguration-goers, it's less a mission than a field trip. Teachers, with apparently hawk-like peripheral vision, are a regular sight in DC herding school kids. Their commands seem to consist of "Stop!", "Wait until we all get there", "We're not going that way" and "what did I tell you..."For the record, the items that are banned along the parade route are: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, aerosols, packages, coolers, thermos flasks, backpacks, big bags, laser pointers, animals other than help dogs and bicycles. Banned on the Capitol grounds in addition to those prohibited items are: Umbrellas, alcohol, strollers, all signs and posters.The biggest suspense about the inauguration is whether the "H" word will get an airing.Today, during a rehearsal outside the Capitol, the ground announcer referred to Barack Obama's initial rather than his full name.There are those of the Voldemort school of thought who believe Obama is: "He who must not have his middle name named".Representative Steve King of Iowa, a Republican, found Obama's earlier decision to allow "Hussein" to be used as "bizarre" and a "double standard", Politico reported. "Is that reserved just for him, not his critics?"Politico said that King had previously told AP that the middle name was among the reasons Islamic terrorists would rejoice at Obama's election. King also predicted that al Qaeda would be "dancing in the streets" if Obama were elected.Obama's victory and inauguration means a great deal to many African Americans.A California woman, Tamela, was taking her husband and two toddlers to the event. She helped get out the vote for him - the first work she had done for a political candidate.Then there was a guy spotted in McDonalds in Los Angeles. Scraps of meat and bun were slowly hardening on his plate, forgotten about as he was glued to a Larry King programme on Obama's train trip on Saturday. He pointed it out to a passing mate and the two exchanged congratulatory fist bumps with pride in Obama's achievement lighting their faces.Obama is having something of a Diana affect on stately DC.The man's pictures are everywhere, a radio station has renamed itself Obama FM. The Newseum drew a lot of visitors today to a showcase of special sections and front pages on Obama in US newspapers.