In advance of the solemnity of Holy Week, a labyrinth walk answers this fast-paced world’s challenge to make time for quiet, meditative moments of prayer and reflection. All are invited to walk the labyrinth on Saturday, March 31, in the Parish Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church.
The labyrinth, a winding one-way path which leads into and back out of a central space, offers a type of body meditation which parallels the inner journey of prayer and reflection. Religions around the world have used labyrinths for ages (for a history of labyrinths and their symbolism, visit www.labyrinthos.net). Taking a labyrinth walk, steeped in the history of pilgrimage and renewal, is a modern revival of an ancient spiritual custom; Christians in the Middle Ages would walk the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France as a safe alternative to making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. In recent times, a replica of the Chartres labyrinth was laid in the floor of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco where the Canon Lauren Artress further developed its use as a spiritual tool. The pattern painted on canvas that will be available for us to use at Trinity is of this same Chartres design.
Trinity parishioner Shirley Blancke will give a brief introduction to the history and purpose of the labyrinth at 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall, followed by an opportunity to walk, or drop in anytime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 31. Remove your shoes and enjoy a self-guided walk. For those who are unable to walk, finger labyrinths and online
2012年3月31日星期六
2012年3月30日星期五
Member Spotlight: vanessanataly
Tell us your name, age, profession and what you typically wear every day
My name is Vanessa Villa, and I’m 19 years old. I am a full-time musician, student and avid Polyvore user. I was raised in a large family; 5 girls and 1 boy, and style has been the only way to express my individuality. Since my sisters and I look so much alike, it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference between us. Occasionally, my mom and dad will call me by a different name. Since my siblings and I are recording our first professional album, a typical day for me would be at the studio, which means I dress in really comfortable clothing. Usually it's workout clothing and sneakers; ironic really, since I love to dress up.
Where do you live, and what trends are big there?
I live in a small town called Apple Valley, located in Southern California. I really wouldn’t know what to say as far as popular trends, simply because I rarely ever go out in Apple Valley. I’m usually travelling with the band or in the studio.
What is your favorite brand/designer? What do like about that brand?
Oh goodness. This is by far the hardest question I have ever had to answer. When it comes down to brands, I have too many to list. But I’ll narrow it down a bit. My favorite shoe designers at the moment are Christian Louboutin and Charlotte Olympia. I love Christian Louboutin’s wide range of shoes, and I don’t think I’ve ever met a pair of his shoes that I didn’t love, including all his sneakers, heels and flats. As for Charlotte Olympia, her heels are killer. As far as bags are concerned, I am really just a big fan of all the classic pieces. My favorite clothing designers are Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and Dolce and Gabbana; simply because I would wear everything in their collections.
Which celebrity has great style?
Victoria Beckham and Kate Middleton are my personal favorites.
What are your personal aspirations/goals?
For now, I would love to graduate from college and maybe attend law school in the future. That is, if I don’t major in English and become a fashion writer. ;) But priorities come first, and right now, music is my main priority. Since everything seems to be going well, I plan to focus fully on the band.
How has Polyvore affected your life?
Well, the truth is, Polyvore plays a major role in my life. And I say that sincerely. I started writing a bucket list a few years ago, and I have several Polyvore items listed. Including being interviewed by Polyvore and having a top set in Polyvore. Polyvore has really influenced my passion for fashion and made me really open-minded. It helped expose creativity inside of me which I didn’t know existed.
Describe your personal sense of style.
Well, since I am short, 5’2” to be exact, I’ve always had to find clothes that flatter my body, rather than wear what I want. So I often opt for dresses, since they’re easier to wear. I don’t have a specific sense of style; I’ll wear just about any kind of style. From edgy to classic pieces.
My name is Vanessa Villa, and I’m 19 years old. I am a full-time musician, student and avid Polyvore user. I was raised in a large family; 5 girls and 1 boy, and style has been the only way to express my individuality. Since my sisters and I look so much alike, it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference between us. Occasionally, my mom and dad will call me by a different name. Since my siblings and I are recording our first professional album, a typical day for me would be at the studio, which means I dress in really comfortable clothing. Usually it's workout clothing and sneakers; ironic really, since I love to dress up.
Where do you live, and what trends are big there?
I live in a small town called Apple Valley, located in Southern California. I really wouldn’t know what to say as far as popular trends, simply because I rarely ever go out in Apple Valley. I’m usually travelling with the band or in the studio.
What is your favorite brand/designer? What do like about that brand?
Oh goodness. This is by far the hardest question I have ever had to answer. When it comes down to brands, I have too many to list. But I’ll narrow it down a bit. My favorite shoe designers at the moment are Christian Louboutin and Charlotte Olympia. I love Christian Louboutin’s wide range of shoes, and I don’t think I’ve ever met a pair of his shoes that I didn’t love, including all his sneakers, heels and flats. As for Charlotte Olympia, her heels are killer. As far as bags are concerned, I am really just a big fan of all the classic pieces. My favorite clothing designers are Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and Dolce and Gabbana; simply because I would wear everything in their collections.
Which celebrity has great style?
Victoria Beckham and Kate Middleton are my personal favorites.
What are your personal aspirations/goals?
For now, I would love to graduate from college and maybe attend law school in the future. That is, if I don’t major in English and become a fashion writer. ;) But priorities come first, and right now, music is my main priority. Since everything seems to be going well, I plan to focus fully on the band.
How has Polyvore affected your life?
Well, the truth is, Polyvore plays a major role in my life. And I say that sincerely. I started writing a bucket list a few years ago, and I have several Polyvore items listed. Including being interviewed by Polyvore and having a top set in Polyvore. Polyvore has really influenced my passion for fashion and made me really open-minded. It helped expose creativity inside of me which I didn’t know existed.
Describe your personal sense of style.
Well, since I am short, 5’2” to be exact, I’ve always had to find clothes that flatter my body, rather than wear what I want. So I often opt for dresses, since they’re easier to wear. I don’t have a specific sense of style; I’ll wear just about any kind of style. From edgy to classic pieces.
2012年3月29日星期四
Difference between sexes is like driving from Mars and Venus
I was having a short break this week with a co-worker and we started discussing the Rolls-Royce Bespoke programme, of all things. The British company will do just about anything to your new Phantom or Ghost that you want, be it a built-in picnic basket in the boot, custom upholstery or other accoutrements not normally offered for its cars. It's really up to your imagination; well, I suppose also your own pocketbook. But when you're buying a Rolls, as the saying goes, if you have to ask how much ...
We got to dreaming about having that bespoke option for our own cars; imagine if that programme was offered for any car on the market? Say you walked into a Honda dealership and were eyeing a new Accord or Civic, but there were a few items you felt were missing that would really round that car out nicely. "Certainly," the salesman would smile, "please sit down and we'll make them happen."
Of course, what's stopping us is the exhorbitant prices these features would command, kind of defeating the purpose of starting with a reasonably priced car. But what if it didn't cost much more? What would you want done by master craftsmen or electronics wizards or otherwise creative geniuses, carte blanche?
"I'd want a handbag holder," she said. Did I forget to mention that my friend is a woman? "And a soft carpet to protect my expensive shoes."
Hmmm, some things I wouldn't necessarily think about. Once back in the office, I decided to ask a few other people what they would get done for their own cars, and I started with another of the fairer sex.
"I'd want a kettle," said my female neighbour. "Not a coffee or tea maker, because you can't make a proper cuppa tea without a kettle.
We got to dreaming about having that bespoke option for our own cars; imagine if that programme was offered for any car on the market? Say you walked into a Honda dealership and were eyeing a new Accord or Civic, but there were a few items you felt were missing that would really round that car out nicely. "Certainly," the salesman would smile, "please sit down and we'll make them happen."
Of course, what's stopping us is the exhorbitant prices these features would command, kind of defeating the purpose of starting with a reasonably priced car. But what if it didn't cost much more? What would you want done by master craftsmen or electronics wizards or otherwise creative geniuses, carte blanche?
"I'd want a handbag holder," she said. Did I forget to mention that my friend is a woman? "And a soft carpet to protect my expensive shoes."
Hmmm, some things I wouldn't necessarily think about. Once back in the office, I decided to ask a few other people what they would get done for their own cars, and I started with another of the fairer sex.
"I'd want a kettle," said my female neighbour. "Not a coffee or tea maker, because you can't make a proper cuppa tea without a kettle.
2012年3月28日星期三
Duchess of Cornwall visits the set of The Killing in Sweden
Camilla requested to visit the set on her final day of engagements in Scandinavia after the crime show proved an unexpected hit with the royals.
'I'm an addict,' she admitted. 'I'm so excited by this.'
She met the show's stars on location at a less-than-royal rundown scrapyard, and at one point toted a replica gun.
Prince Charles earlier this week also confessed to a love of the show after Camilla got him into it, saying it is the only TV programme that they can agree upon.
Sofie Grabol, who plays heroine Sarah Lund in the show, said: 'I think it is really surreal. But it's lovely that she wanted to come here.
'I told her last night to wear flat shoes. This is not really an inviting place for a royal visit.'
The actress presented Camilla with her very own Sarah Lund jumper - the trademark knitwear of her character in the show.
Camilla described the gift as 'fantastic' before urging an aide not to lose it.
The subtitled series has proven popular in the UK but creator Soren Sveistrup has revealed that the current series will also be the last, explaining: 'We have to stop while we are still good.'
'I'm an addict,' she admitted. 'I'm so excited by this.'
She met the show's stars on location at a less-than-royal rundown scrapyard, and at one point toted a replica gun.
Prince Charles earlier this week also confessed to a love of the show after Camilla got him into it, saying it is the only TV programme that they can agree upon.
Sofie Grabol, who plays heroine Sarah Lund in the show, said: 'I think it is really surreal. But it's lovely that she wanted to come here.
'I told her last night to wear flat shoes. This is not really an inviting place for a royal visit.'
The actress presented Camilla with her very own Sarah Lund jumper - the trademark knitwear of her character in the show.
Camilla described the gift as 'fantastic' before urging an aide not to lose it.
The subtitled series has proven popular in the UK but creator Soren Sveistrup has revealed that the current series will also be the last, explaining: 'We have to stop while we are still good.'
2012年3月27日星期二
Louboutin 'SEX' Shoes: Guys Weigh In!
enowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin has released a new pair of f**k-me heels. Literal ones.
For $1400, you can score (heh) a pair of these saucy new Loubs that form the word 'SEX' in Swarovski crystals when the wearer stands with her feet together.
It sounds... cartoonish, right? But celebs have already given them a spring seal of approval: Ashanti donned the SEX shoes at New York Fashion Week; Katy Perry took them for a SEX-y stroll down the red carpet, and Kate Upton towered SEX-ily in a pair of the nude-colored pumps just Sunday night.
Ladies! We guess if you're headed out to a party and want to unleash your inner Samantha, these shoes are even less subtle than those fitted tees that say "NOT EVERYTHING IS FLAT IN KANSAS." Not that Christian Louboutin has ever claimed his shoes are G-rated; in fact, he's previously boasted that they're orgasmic.
But despite the bold message, we're not sure exactly what statement the 'SEX' shoes send. Is the wearer... looking to get lucky? Merely open to the possibility? Just shock-jockeying? (Should we send Howard Stern a pair? Don't answer that.)
As women, we have to admit: we're inclined to think these are hella tacky. But then, we're also probably not the target audience.
To see how the 'Sex' shoes really come across, we took an informal poll over email to ascertain what straight guys thought of them.
For $1400, you can score (heh) a pair of these saucy new Loubs that form the word 'SEX' in Swarovski crystals when the wearer stands with her feet together.
It sounds... cartoonish, right? But celebs have already given them a spring seal of approval: Ashanti donned the SEX shoes at New York Fashion Week; Katy Perry took them for a SEX-y stroll down the red carpet, and Kate Upton towered SEX-ily in a pair of the nude-colored pumps just Sunday night.
Ladies! We guess if you're headed out to a party and want to unleash your inner Samantha, these shoes are even less subtle than those fitted tees that say "NOT EVERYTHING IS FLAT IN KANSAS." Not that Christian Louboutin has ever claimed his shoes are G-rated; in fact, he's previously boasted that they're orgasmic.
But despite the bold message, we're not sure exactly what statement the 'SEX' shoes send. Is the wearer... looking to get lucky? Merely open to the possibility? Just shock-jockeying? (Should we send Howard Stern a pair? Don't answer that.)
As women, we have to admit: we're inclined to think these are hella tacky. But then, we're also probably not the target audience.
To see how the 'Sex' shoes really come across, we took an informal poll over email to ascertain what straight guys thought of them.
2012年3月26日星期一
Hilarious 70s film reveals how the platform shoe sparked health concerns
'Ridiculous and highly dangerous': Hilarious 70s film reveals how the platform shoe sparked health concerns
Victoria Beckham continued wearing vertiginous Christian Louboutin heels six months into her pregnancy and later suffered a slipped disc.
But a hilarious 70s documentary reveals how the style-conscious have always put fashion before their health.
Despite medical experts deeming the platform shoe hazardous and unsafe, stalwart supporters featured in the film remain unperturbed.
'They're good fun, they're just a novelty I suppose,' a fan tells a keen reporter investigating the trend.
While another woman remarks: 'Well they are with it, and you've got to be with it haven't you?'
But one physician warns of the dangerous effects the impractical design could have on the body, noting that it could result in eventual surgery.
'The knees are always in a bent position and this gives rise to strained knees, swollen knees and eventually arthritis.
'The instep dopes not rest on the shoe at all, and the result of this is the foot slides forward.
'You will notice here that this strap cuts into the blood vessel at the front of the foot and this can lead to varicose veins.
'In about two years, three years or no more than five you'll be in need of visiting a surgeon.'
Another commentator in the documentary suggests that the platform shoe is 'ridiculous' and 'highly dangerous'.
Platform shoes found widespread popularity as early as 1967, with the trend continuing through to 1979.
A wide variety of styles were available from boots to espadrilles, made from materials including leather, wood, cork, and synthetic materials.
Vivienne Westwood and the Spice Girls then helped to revive the trend during the 1990s.
But in 1999 the British Standards Institution (BSI) stated that platform shoes should be given a health warning after a Japanese woman died after falling off her shoes and fracturing her skull.
And a poll in 2010 of 3,000 adults revealed that one in three had injured themselves tumbling from elevated footwear.
Victoria Beckham continued wearing vertiginous Christian Louboutin heels six months into her pregnancy and later suffered a slipped disc.
But a hilarious 70s documentary reveals how the style-conscious have always put fashion before their health.
Despite medical experts deeming the platform shoe hazardous and unsafe, stalwart supporters featured in the film remain unperturbed.
'They're good fun, they're just a novelty I suppose,' a fan tells a keen reporter investigating the trend.
While another woman remarks: 'Well they are with it, and you've got to be with it haven't you?'
But one physician warns of the dangerous effects the impractical design could have on the body, noting that it could result in eventual surgery.
'The knees are always in a bent position and this gives rise to strained knees, swollen knees and eventually arthritis.
'The instep dopes not rest on the shoe at all, and the result of this is the foot slides forward.
'You will notice here that this strap cuts into the blood vessel at the front of the foot and this can lead to varicose veins.
'In about two years, three years or no more than five you'll be in need of visiting a surgeon.'
Another commentator in the documentary suggests that the platform shoe is 'ridiculous' and 'highly dangerous'.
Platform shoes found widespread popularity as early as 1967, with the trend continuing through to 1979.
A wide variety of styles were available from boots to espadrilles, made from materials including leather, wood, cork, and synthetic materials.
Vivienne Westwood and the Spice Girls then helped to revive the trend during the 1990s.
But in 1999 the British Standards Institution (BSI) stated that platform shoes should be given a health warning after a Japanese woman died after falling off her shoes and fracturing her skull.
And a poll in 2010 of 3,000 adults revealed that one in three had injured themselves tumbling from elevated footwear.
2012年3月25日星期日
For 400 years, pilgrims have been visiting Our Lady of Charity in Cuba for solace and hope
EL COBRE, Cuba -- Our Lady of Charity has held a special place in the hearts of Cubans since 1612 when three salt collectors spotted a small wooden statue of the Virgin Mary bobbing in the Bay of Nipe after a violent storm.
The 15-inch wooden statue carrying the infant Jesus was attached to a plank that read "Yo soy La Virgen de la Caridad" (I am the Virgin of Charity), and when they fished her out, miraculously neither the statue nor her clothing appeared to be wet.
At first the virgin occupied a chapel near the main church but she was later placed above the main altar at the beginning of the 18th century when a second church was built. When the third church was constructed on a hill overlooking this copper mining town outside Santiago in 1927, the virgin was moved on her feast day, Sept. 8, to her current position in a glass case high above the main altar.
Our Lady of Charity, affectionately known as Cachita, became the patron saint of Cuba in 1916 after soldiers, who fought in the war of independence against Spain and credited her miraculous intervention for their victory, petitioned the Vatican.
To celebrate the 400th Jubilee anniversary of her discovery and prepare for Pope Benedict XVI's visit, a replica of the virgin was paraded from one end of the island to the other, even visiting Combinado del Este prison. Church officials said they were surprised by the large numbers and fervor of Cubans who turned out to greet the processions.
This replica will be taken to Santiago for Benedict's Mass Monday evening and the pope will present her with a golden rose. Benedict also will be spending Monday night at a recently renovated retirement home for priests on the grounds of the shrine and visit the church for private prayers Tuesday morning.
For centuries now, the virgin has been a source of comfort for Cubans on the island and off. A copy of the Our Lady of Charity statue was smuggled out of Cuba in a suitcase in 1961 and now draws exiles to La Ermita shrine in Coconut Grove.
Here in El Cobre, pilgrims come in thanksgiving and to present petitions for the healing of a sick child, a sports victory or even for protection from rough seas before a rafter begins a perilous trip to the United States. She is a favorite of pregnant women who pray for their unborn children and often arrive directly from the hospital to give thanks when their babies are born healthy.
A small pair of shoes left as a fulfillment of a promise after a child took his first steps after receiving treatment for deformed feet is on display at the church, as are sports jerseys, soccer balls and baseballs, trophies and even medals from the Pan American Games brought by grateful athletes. But most of the items left behind are at a separate Chapel of Miracles.
The 15-inch wooden statue carrying the infant Jesus was attached to a plank that read "Yo soy La Virgen de la Caridad" (I am the Virgin of Charity), and when they fished her out, miraculously neither the statue nor her clothing appeared to be wet.
At first the virgin occupied a chapel near the main church but she was later placed above the main altar at the beginning of the 18th century when a second church was built. When the third church was constructed on a hill overlooking this copper mining town outside Santiago in 1927, the virgin was moved on her feast day, Sept. 8, to her current position in a glass case high above the main altar.
Our Lady of Charity, affectionately known as Cachita, became the patron saint of Cuba in 1916 after soldiers, who fought in the war of independence against Spain and credited her miraculous intervention for their victory, petitioned the Vatican.
To celebrate the 400th Jubilee anniversary of her discovery and prepare for Pope Benedict XVI's visit, a replica of the virgin was paraded from one end of the island to the other, even visiting Combinado del Este prison. Church officials said they were surprised by the large numbers and fervor of Cubans who turned out to greet the processions.
This replica will be taken to Santiago for Benedict's Mass Monday evening and the pope will present her with a golden rose. Benedict also will be spending Monday night at a recently renovated retirement home for priests on the grounds of the shrine and visit the church for private prayers Tuesday morning.
For centuries now, the virgin has been a source of comfort for Cubans on the island and off. A copy of the Our Lady of Charity statue was smuggled out of Cuba in a suitcase in 1961 and now draws exiles to La Ermita shrine in Coconut Grove.
Here in El Cobre, pilgrims come in thanksgiving and to present petitions for the healing of a sick child, a sports victory or even for protection from rough seas before a rafter begins a perilous trip to the United States. She is a favorite of pregnant women who pray for their unborn children and often arrive directly from the hospital to give thanks when their babies are born healthy.
A small pair of shoes left as a fulfillment of a promise after a child took his first steps after receiving treatment for deformed feet is on display at the church, as are sports jerseys, soccer balls and baseballs, trophies and even medals from the Pan American Games brought by grateful athletes. But most of the items left behind are at a separate Chapel of Miracles.
2012年3月22日星期四
Photochop Challenge 12 VW Beetle
In the 11/11 issue of eurotuner Magazine we provided a photo of the new VW Beetle and once again challenged you to create something that would rock our world.
We also know the guys at VW of America pay close attention to what you do, so we wanted them to see how you might approach the restyled Bug.
With its sharper edges but distinctive lines, the Beetle is a motoring icon that lends itself to everything from a cuddly Herbie to a 911 Turbo replica – and we're happy to say, that's exactly what we got!
Although we had fewer entries than usual, we're confident these are some of the best renderings we've seen; clearly, the Beetle inspired you.
As before, we'd like to thank Mr Mitsch from Quartz Hill High School and Ms Knight from Knight High School for again encouraging their computer graphics students to enter the challenge.
In our top 20 printed selection, we included the work of Jose Lara from KHS in our shortlist, as well as four illustrations from QHHS. Despite it being their first semester, Jacob Buller, Kyle Lewandowski, Isaac Hernandez and Nicole Panossian caught our attention. We look forward to seeing what all these children can do once they've got a bit more experience. All the remaining images can be found here.
Although the Photochop Challenge is just for fun, we like to recognize talent with a pair of Pro Spec 1.0 competition driving shoes courtesy of Ken Block at DC Shoes
These babies cost around $200 in stores or online, and the FIA-approved Pro Spec comes in Royal blue. It was developed for use by professional drivers such as Ken; co-founder of the premier skate shoe company, Ford WRC driver and star of his own legendary Gymkhana videos.
Deciding the recipient was again very difficult. It came down to Neill holding his breath and some arm-wrestling with Sam. Eventually, we gave the nod to Todor Kolev from Bulgaria. He finished second in our Previous Ford Focus Photochop, but reached the top step this time around.
His classic 911-style makeover was superbly executed in its candy red paint. It has some good shading and we liked its deep front spoiler, side skirts, mirrors as well as that rear wing. We also loved the deep-dish BBS, and there's great interior detail with its Recaro seats and rear cage.
We're also going to send T-shirts to the guys in second and third places because they definitely deserve special recognition. We loved Francis Phillips' cool-blue Bug with its R32 swap, BBS LMs and new front bumper. Francis also shaved the hood, bumpers and doors to give it a super-clean finish that begs to be driven.
Jordy Williams also deserves commendation for his Bug Speedster with its chopped roof, shortened windshield, larger front bumper, spaced wheels, custom paint and leather interior.
Jordy entered a second Beetle that made this printed shortlist: it's the slightly stretched pink/green illustration on Ronal Turbos…
Other mentions go to Barry Borchardt's aggressive racecar, Cameron Scott's surf Bug and Daniel Nita's widebody.
Once again, Mike Shofner put pencil to paper with good effect, proving you don't have to master Photoshop to enter a Photochop Challenge.
We also know the guys at VW of America pay close attention to what you do, so we wanted them to see how you might approach the restyled Bug.
With its sharper edges but distinctive lines, the Beetle is a motoring icon that lends itself to everything from a cuddly Herbie to a 911 Turbo replica – and we're happy to say, that's exactly what we got!
Although we had fewer entries than usual, we're confident these are some of the best renderings we've seen; clearly, the Beetle inspired you.
As before, we'd like to thank Mr Mitsch from Quartz Hill High School and Ms Knight from Knight High School for again encouraging their computer graphics students to enter the challenge.
In our top 20 printed selection, we included the work of Jose Lara from KHS in our shortlist, as well as four illustrations from QHHS. Despite it being their first semester, Jacob Buller, Kyle Lewandowski, Isaac Hernandez and Nicole Panossian caught our attention. We look forward to seeing what all these children can do once they've got a bit more experience. All the remaining images can be found here.
Although the Photochop Challenge is just for fun, we like to recognize talent with a pair of Pro Spec 1.0 competition driving shoes courtesy of Ken Block at DC Shoes
These babies cost around $200 in stores or online, and the FIA-approved Pro Spec comes in Royal blue. It was developed for use by professional drivers such as Ken; co-founder of the premier skate shoe company, Ford WRC driver and star of his own legendary Gymkhana videos.
Deciding the recipient was again very difficult. It came down to Neill holding his breath and some arm-wrestling with Sam. Eventually, we gave the nod to Todor Kolev from Bulgaria. He finished second in our Previous Ford Focus Photochop, but reached the top step this time around.
His classic 911-style makeover was superbly executed in its candy red paint. It has some good shading and we liked its deep front spoiler, side skirts, mirrors as well as that rear wing. We also loved the deep-dish BBS, and there's great interior detail with its Recaro seats and rear cage.
We're also going to send T-shirts to the guys in second and third places because they definitely deserve special recognition. We loved Francis Phillips' cool-blue Bug with its R32 swap, BBS LMs and new front bumper. Francis also shaved the hood, bumpers and doors to give it a super-clean finish that begs to be driven.
Jordy Williams also deserves commendation for his Bug Speedster with its chopped roof, shortened windshield, larger front bumper, spaced wheels, custom paint and leather interior.
Jordy entered a second Beetle that made this printed shortlist: it's the slightly stretched pink/green illustration on Ronal Turbos…
Other mentions go to Barry Borchardt's aggressive racecar, Cameron Scott's surf Bug and Daniel Nita's widebody.
Once again, Mike Shofner put pencil to paper with good effect, proving you don't have to master Photoshop to enter a Photochop Challenge.
2012年3月21日星期三
Bristol isn't broken -- just susceptible to change
Nothing is wrong with Bristol Motor Speedway.
It's difficult to see that now, in the clamor following this past weekend's Sprint Cup race at the self-proclaimed world's fastest half-mile, where Brad Keselowski won in front of a crowd that was downright startling to those who have been making the trek to the east Tennessee track for some time. The announced attendance was 102,000, a number that would fill almost every football stadium in America to beyond capacity, but looked lost in a 160,000-seat behemoth that once sold out 55 consecutive times and produced tickets that were fought over in divorce proceedings.
Understandably, the aftermath has generated a great deal of wailing and gnashing of teeth, as well as no shortage of opinions on how to "fix" a track that has long been one of the most popular in NASCAR. A fashionable culprit: the 2007 resurfacing that widened the racing groove enough to produce side-by-side action, but removed the bump-and-run aspect that had made Bristol so irresistible. Even Bruton Smith, chairman of the facility's parent company, Speedway Motorsports Inc., hinted to the Associated Press this week that he might be willing to spend $1 million to return the track to its former condition.
Of course, this is the same guy who said a few years ago he was going to build race tracks in Qatar, and once threatened to dismantle Charlotte Motor Speedway and move it somewhere other than Concord, N.C. (where it still sits), and last week said he wanted to build a replica of the German road course Nurburgring in Nevada. So we'll see. But all of this overlooks the fact that nothing about Bristol is broken to begin with, and its only crime is being susceptible to the same force that exerts itself upon every other aspect of the sport. It's cliché to say that the only constant in NASCAR is change, but there is an indisputable nugget of truth in there, and it points to a relentless evolution that marches on no matter how much fans want everything to stay the same.
The issue affecting Bristol is the same one affecting every other race track that eventually needs to be resurfaced, that leads to new car bodies and new safety systems, that leads old drivers to retire and new ones to ascend in the sport. This is a series where sponsors come and go, where teams expand or contract or shut down altogether, where struggling tracks lose races while those in more promising markets gain them. NASCAR is a business where everything is constantly in motion, an industry comprised of countless moving pieces that evolve at their own pace but evolve nonetheless, and to try and stop time is to live in a fantasy world. As great as it was, to hope to hold onto that bump-and-run Bristol forever is like pining for eternal youth.
Smith says he may try to rebuild it back to the way it was. But even if the bulldozers start rolling, there are absolutely no guarantees. NASCAR is a sport fraught with unintended consequences, thanks in part to aerodynamic forces that can never be completely harnessed, and drivers and crews who are savvy enough to find a way around anything. Resurface Daytona because of the pothole, and you have a tandem style of restrictor-plate drafting no one foresaw. Bring what appear to be perfectly good tires to Indianapolis, and you have an abrasive surface and a new race car chassis that chew them up in less than 10 laps. Push out the dogleg to try and offset a resurfacing at Phoenix, and you have drivers scrambling along the apron to cut the corner. Time and time again, we are reminded that what's drawn up on paper or what's simulated on a computer screen becomes something very different once the cars are rolling for real.
So even if Smith does try to rebuild his mountaintop short track, the old Bristol may very well be gone for good. It was inevitable, really. Just as the grass on athletic fields must at some point be replanted, tracks ultimately have to be resurfaced. The pothole incident that marred the 2010 Daytona 500 taught the entire industry the hazards of trying to hold onto a good thing too long, and may very well have led other tracks to resurface sooner than they might have otherwise intended. Phoenix did just that, its years of baking under the desert sun making track management worry the old surface might start breaking up at the worst possible time. Next up is Kansas, which will put down new asphalt after its spring race, the vicious heat-thaw cycle of the lower Midwest taking its toll on a relatively young surface that nobody wants to see come apart during a race weekend.
It's difficult to see that now, in the clamor following this past weekend's Sprint Cup race at the self-proclaimed world's fastest half-mile, where Brad Keselowski won in front of a crowd that was downright startling to those who have been making the trek to the east Tennessee track for some time. The announced attendance was 102,000, a number that would fill almost every football stadium in America to beyond capacity, but looked lost in a 160,000-seat behemoth that once sold out 55 consecutive times and produced tickets that were fought over in divorce proceedings.
Understandably, the aftermath has generated a great deal of wailing and gnashing of teeth, as well as no shortage of opinions on how to "fix" a track that has long been one of the most popular in NASCAR. A fashionable culprit: the 2007 resurfacing that widened the racing groove enough to produce side-by-side action, but removed the bump-and-run aspect that had made Bristol so irresistible. Even Bruton Smith, chairman of the facility's parent company, Speedway Motorsports Inc., hinted to the Associated Press this week that he might be willing to spend $1 million to return the track to its former condition.
Of course, this is the same guy who said a few years ago he was going to build race tracks in Qatar, and once threatened to dismantle Charlotte Motor Speedway and move it somewhere other than Concord, N.C. (where it still sits), and last week said he wanted to build a replica of the German road course Nurburgring in Nevada. So we'll see. But all of this overlooks the fact that nothing about Bristol is broken to begin with, and its only crime is being susceptible to the same force that exerts itself upon every other aspect of the sport. It's cliché to say that the only constant in NASCAR is change, but there is an indisputable nugget of truth in there, and it points to a relentless evolution that marches on no matter how much fans want everything to stay the same.
The issue affecting Bristol is the same one affecting every other race track that eventually needs to be resurfaced, that leads to new car bodies and new safety systems, that leads old drivers to retire and new ones to ascend in the sport. This is a series where sponsors come and go, where teams expand or contract or shut down altogether, where struggling tracks lose races while those in more promising markets gain them. NASCAR is a business where everything is constantly in motion, an industry comprised of countless moving pieces that evolve at their own pace but evolve nonetheless, and to try and stop time is to live in a fantasy world. As great as it was, to hope to hold onto that bump-and-run Bristol forever is like pining for eternal youth.
Smith says he may try to rebuild it back to the way it was. But even if the bulldozers start rolling, there are absolutely no guarantees. NASCAR is a sport fraught with unintended consequences, thanks in part to aerodynamic forces that can never be completely harnessed, and drivers and crews who are savvy enough to find a way around anything. Resurface Daytona because of the pothole, and you have a tandem style of restrictor-plate drafting no one foresaw. Bring what appear to be perfectly good tires to Indianapolis, and you have an abrasive surface and a new race car chassis that chew them up in less than 10 laps. Push out the dogleg to try and offset a resurfacing at Phoenix, and you have drivers scrambling along the apron to cut the corner. Time and time again, we are reminded that what's drawn up on paper or what's simulated on a computer screen becomes something very different once the cars are rolling for real.
So even if Smith does try to rebuild his mountaintop short track, the old Bristol may very well be gone for good. It was inevitable, really. Just as the grass on athletic fields must at some point be replanted, tracks ultimately have to be resurfaced. The pothole incident that marred the 2010 Daytona 500 taught the entire industry the hazards of trying to hold onto a good thing too long, and may very well have led other tracks to resurface sooner than they might have otherwise intended. Phoenix did just that, its years of baking under the desert sun making track management worry the old surface might start breaking up at the worst possible time. Next up is Kansas, which will put down new asphalt after its spring race, the vicious heat-thaw cycle of the lower Midwest taking its toll on a relatively young surface that nobody wants to see come apart during a race weekend.
2012年3月20日星期二
Taxpayer Cry: Not One Penny for Drag Shows!
As mascot for Mississippi State University, poor old Bully XX, the cherished English bulldog, must be casting down his soulful, brown eyes in gentle bulldog shame.
You see the former aggie college, alma mater of many of my old friends back home, is putting on drag shows, and making use of taxpayer money to do so. I feel for Bully and all the guys, to my knowledge inevitably gentlemanly and perhaps a bit more down to earth (hey, they’re aggies) than the Ole Miss set, who have been forced to see their campus turn into a replica of a really bad night on Bourbon Street.
Billed as “Heels for a Cause” (you have probably guessed the cause), the event is described on the MSU website:
Men marching around the Drill field in high heels and a Womanless Beauty Pageant evoke much laughter, but the goal of these programs is much more serious.
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is part of an international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. It was co-sponsored by MSU’s Sexual Assault Services, the National Pan-Hellenic and Interfraternity councils. The Womanless Beauty Pageant was organized by the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center on behalf of National Women’s History Month and raised money for the Fistula Foundation.
The foundation is dedicated to the treatment and prevention of obstetric fistula, the devastating injury caused by obstructed labor during childbirth, a worthy cause, though a bake sale might be a less outré way to raise money.
It’s difficult to settle on who is the most appealing pageant entry. Is it the fetching Desmond Carson in a low-cut dress posing as “Rhea Lystic aka Miss Diagnosed,” wicked “Miss Belle,” draped in a towel, or is it the utter simplicity of the close-up of hairy legs in red high heels?
Look, there is nothing wrong with State men dressing up as women (I guess?). Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis did it hilariously in “Some Like It Hot,” and more recently, I have to confess that Lypsinka, the moderately famous drag queen (also from Mississippi—should I be worried?), is a hoot. But what we have just witnessed at MSU is something else: Didactic Drag.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes http://www.walkamileinhershoes.org/About/frankbaird.html was invented by Frank Baird, a former rape crisis counselor, who is today a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. He is pictured on the walk a mile website grinning and holding a pair of red high heels. Mr. Baird is given to deep thoughts: “Violence against women does not just affect women," he said. "Men are hurt and angered when women they care about are raped.” Ya think?
State’s womanless beauty pageant, as noted, was put on by Mississippi State’s Sexual Assault Services office (which is technically now called the Department of Relationship Violence and Outreach). Under its old name, this office last year received a $300,000 grant from the Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women, which administers funds made available through the Violence Against Women Act. The act is now up for reauthorization in Congress, and women’s groups are scheduled to go to the Hill (though not necessarily in high heels) Thursday to demand that it be renewed.
There are agencies similar to State’s sexual violence office on hundreds of college campuses throughout the country, and many of them receive taxpayer funds from the OVW, and most of them stage “womanless beauty pageants.” Beatrice Tatem, director of the MSU program, “works closely” with the OVW, according to the MSU website. There are three other staff members, including Lewanda Swann, the coordinator, who has “always felt that one of the greatest traits one can ever aspire to foster is a helpful nature.” Meanwhile, Administrative Assistant Aretina Hankerson-Daniels “enjoys” working with the office because the job “allows me the opportunity to interact and assist the most important group at MSU, the students.”
You see the former aggie college, alma mater of many of my old friends back home, is putting on drag shows, and making use of taxpayer money to do so. I feel for Bully and all the guys, to my knowledge inevitably gentlemanly and perhaps a bit more down to earth (hey, they’re aggies) than the Ole Miss set, who have been forced to see their campus turn into a replica of a really bad night on Bourbon Street.
Billed as “Heels for a Cause” (you have probably guessed the cause), the event is described on the MSU website:
Men marching around the Drill field in high heels and a Womanless Beauty Pageant evoke much laughter, but the goal of these programs is much more serious.
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is part of an international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. It was co-sponsored by MSU’s Sexual Assault Services, the National Pan-Hellenic and Interfraternity councils. The Womanless Beauty Pageant was organized by the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center on behalf of National Women’s History Month and raised money for the Fistula Foundation.
The foundation is dedicated to the treatment and prevention of obstetric fistula, the devastating injury caused by obstructed labor during childbirth, a worthy cause, though a bake sale might be a less outré way to raise money.
It’s difficult to settle on who is the most appealing pageant entry. Is it the fetching Desmond Carson in a low-cut dress posing as “Rhea Lystic aka Miss Diagnosed,” wicked “Miss Belle,” draped in a towel, or is it the utter simplicity of the close-up of hairy legs in red high heels?
Look, there is nothing wrong with State men dressing up as women (I guess?). Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis did it hilariously in “Some Like It Hot,” and more recently, I have to confess that Lypsinka, the moderately famous drag queen (also from Mississippi—should I be worried?), is a hoot. But what we have just witnessed at MSU is something else: Didactic Drag.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes http://www.walkamileinhershoes.org/About/frankbaird.html was invented by Frank Baird, a former rape crisis counselor, who is today a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. He is pictured on the walk a mile website grinning and holding a pair of red high heels. Mr. Baird is given to deep thoughts: “Violence against women does not just affect women," he said. "Men are hurt and angered when women they care about are raped.” Ya think?
State’s womanless beauty pageant, as noted, was put on by Mississippi State’s Sexual Assault Services office (which is technically now called the Department of Relationship Violence and Outreach). Under its old name, this office last year received a $300,000 grant from the Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women, which administers funds made available through the Violence Against Women Act. The act is now up for reauthorization in Congress, and women’s groups are scheduled to go to the Hill (though not necessarily in high heels) Thursday to demand that it be renewed.
There are agencies similar to State’s sexual violence office on hundreds of college campuses throughout the country, and many of them receive taxpayer funds from the OVW, and most of them stage “womanless beauty pageants.” Beatrice Tatem, director of the MSU program, “works closely” with the OVW, according to the MSU website. There are three other staff members, including Lewanda Swann, the coordinator, who has “always felt that one of the greatest traits one can ever aspire to foster is a helpful nature.” Meanwhile, Administrative Assistant Aretina Hankerson-Daniels “enjoys” working with the office because the job “allows me the opportunity to interact and assist the most important group at MSU, the students.”
2012年3月19日星期一
Pride & Prejudice
There's a memorable scene in the 2009 business traveler cinematograph Up in the Air where George Clooney's character explains to the therapist from 50/50 how to quickly navigate through airport security on the fly.
"Never get behind old people," he tells her. "Their bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left. Asians? They pack light, travel efficiently and they have a thing for slip-on shoes. God love 'em."
The 50/50 therapist can't believe what she's hearing. "That's racist," she firmly says in response, glaring at him.
"I'm like my mother," he replies, unaffected. "I stereotype. It's faster."
It's an exquisite double entendre that anyone who has ever tried to accelerate the TSA's routinely sluggish operation has silently undertaken: Avoid the security lines with slow-looking people.
It doesn't necessarily make you a bad person; you're just trying to make it to your gate before your plane leaves. Even if it did make you a bad person, it's your private inner monologue which is mercifully (for you, you creep) insulated from everyone else.
Last week when Jason linked the story to Cleveland Scene's investigation into "why Buckeye fans are such myopic assholes" I clicked in earnest. Growing up and having lived in Ohio - twice - has left me intimately familiar with the perpetual fervor and general loathsomeness that non-fans often find...beleaguering.
We're all acutely aware of that visible moiety of the Buckeye fan base. That's all our vocal antagonizers are, really - a piece, a portion, a component, an element. There is no uniformity among fan bases. It's like race and age, only dressed with common transferrable identifiers like replica jerseys, hounds tooth hats or denim shorts.
I've always concluded this unwashed faction was simply the product of Ohio State's huge, passionate fan base but was intrigued to see what better underlying justification the author's analysis would produce. Socioeconomic factors? Historical antecedents? Selective breeding?
Unfortunately, instead of delivering a methodical takedown of the least sophisticated constituent of the Ohio State fan base, the author sourced his salvo exclusively through his own pre-existing and deep-seeded hatred of Buckeye fans (!) a Bleacher Report slideshow (!!) and a sampling of sports talk radio trolls like Bruce Hooley (!!!). Essentially, he went hunting for game on the world's smallest animal preserve.
I don't think anyone debates the existence of a mongrel horde in scarlet jerseys. I kind of like knowing it exists, at an arm's length. Those fans can crap in and abandon coolers, shout obscenities at opposing fans and generally be stupid in public to their clogged hearts' content. Sure it's unsavory, but some wild horses just can't be tamed.
As long as they don't commit real crimes that harm innocent bystanders, like using your and you're interchangeably or adding apostrophes to plural words, I just cannot hope for their demise. In that same vein, it's hard to allow a convenient caricature to define the largest college football fan base in America.
We can't all be civilized, cordial and handsome: Then no one would be left to be memorable or cautionary.
The true identity of a fan base occurs at the intersection of exposure and self-awareness. Anyone who has dared to venture further than 100 miles from where they are from has this all figured out: For example, not all Penn State fans buy into the insidious conspiracy that the university Board of Trustees used Jerry Sandusky as a convenient excuse to remove Joe Paterno. They realize there was more to it than that.
Not all Notre Dame fans are from third-generation Fighting Irish families who, like their parents and grandparents before them, never filled out a college application, let alone finished high school.
Similarly, not all Michigan fans are boorish non-alumni who latch onto the school's academic reputation to boost their own self-worth. They're not all Internet tough guys who quickly transform into meek little weenies in person.
And not all Michigan fans from Ohio became that way out of petulant childhood rebellion in a desperate attempt to be unique. Nor do they all call Ohio State "Ohio" because some of them actually realize doing so is far less condescending (to Ohio State, anyway) than it is grossly inaccurate.
But we compartmentalize because it's comforting. We stereotype. It's faster.
Not all Michigan alumni are titans of industry, Wall Street shot-callers, partners of boutique law firms or Gerald Ford. And as fun as it is to imagine, they're also not all Wal-Mart Wolverines either. Don't pretend you're not disappointed.
And I cannot pretend I'm not disappointed by the false promise of a 3,300-word circle jerk teasing some insight into the Ohio State fan base before using sports talk radio as its meat and potatoes. It wasn't the dumbest article I've started to read in a very long time, but it was definitely the dumbest one I actually finished.
Sports radio is a medium, not too dissimilar from modern-day cable news, that is deliberately constructed to prey on one's vulnerabilities and biases with the hopes that it will anchor the consumer to the broadcast regularly, which in turn drives advertising rates. ESPN's "news" division operates like this as well.
"Never get behind old people," he tells her. "Their bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left. Asians? They pack light, travel efficiently and they have a thing for slip-on shoes. God love 'em."
The 50/50 therapist can't believe what she's hearing. "That's racist," she firmly says in response, glaring at him.
"I'm like my mother," he replies, unaffected. "I stereotype. It's faster."
It's an exquisite double entendre that anyone who has ever tried to accelerate the TSA's routinely sluggish operation has silently undertaken: Avoid the security lines with slow-looking people.
It doesn't necessarily make you a bad person; you're just trying to make it to your gate before your plane leaves. Even if it did make you a bad person, it's your private inner monologue which is mercifully (for you, you creep) insulated from everyone else.
Last week when Jason linked the story to Cleveland Scene's investigation into "why Buckeye fans are such myopic assholes" I clicked in earnest. Growing up and having lived in Ohio - twice - has left me intimately familiar with the perpetual fervor and general loathsomeness that non-fans often find...beleaguering.
We're all acutely aware of that visible moiety of the Buckeye fan base. That's all our vocal antagonizers are, really - a piece, a portion, a component, an element. There is no uniformity among fan bases. It's like race and age, only dressed with common transferrable identifiers like replica jerseys, hounds tooth hats or denim shorts.
I've always concluded this unwashed faction was simply the product of Ohio State's huge, passionate fan base but was intrigued to see what better underlying justification the author's analysis would produce. Socioeconomic factors? Historical antecedents? Selective breeding?
Unfortunately, instead of delivering a methodical takedown of the least sophisticated constituent of the Ohio State fan base, the author sourced his salvo exclusively through his own pre-existing and deep-seeded hatred of Buckeye fans (!) a Bleacher Report slideshow (!!) and a sampling of sports talk radio trolls like Bruce Hooley (!!!). Essentially, he went hunting for game on the world's smallest animal preserve.
I don't think anyone debates the existence of a mongrel horde in scarlet jerseys. I kind of like knowing it exists, at an arm's length. Those fans can crap in and abandon coolers, shout obscenities at opposing fans and generally be stupid in public to their clogged hearts' content. Sure it's unsavory, but some wild horses just can't be tamed.
As long as they don't commit real crimes that harm innocent bystanders, like using your and you're interchangeably or adding apostrophes to plural words, I just cannot hope for their demise. In that same vein, it's hard to allow a convenient caricature to define the largest college football fan base in America.
We can't all be civilized, cordial and handsome: Then no one would be left to be memorable or cautionary.
The true identity of a fan base occurs at the intersection of exposure and self-awareness. Anyone who has dared to venture further than 100 miles from where they are from has this all figured out: For example, not all Penn State fans buy into the insidious conspiracy that the university Board of Trustees used Jerry Sandusky as a convenient excuse to remove Joe Paterno. They realize there was more to it than that.
Not all Notre Dame fans are from third-generation Fighting Irish families who, like their parents and grandparents before them, never filled out a college application, let alone finished high school.
Similarly, not all Michigan fans are boorish non-alumni who latch onto the school's academic reputation to boost their own self-worth. They're not all Internet tough guys who quickly transform into meek little weenies in person.
And not all Michigan fans from Ohio became that way out of petulant childhood rebellion in a desperate attempt to be unique. Nor do they all call Ohio State "Ohio" because some of them actually realize doing so is far less condescending (to Ohio State, anyway) than it is grossly inaccurate.
But we compartmentalize because it's comforting. We stereotype. It's faster.
Not all Michigan alumni are titans of industry, Wall Street shot-callers, partners of boutique law firms or Gerald Ford. And as fun as it is to imagine, they're also not all Wal-Mart Wolverines either. Don't pretend you're not disappointed.
And I cannot pretend I'm not disappointed by the false promise of a 3,300-word circle jerk teasing some insight into the Ohio State fan base before using sports talk radio as its meat and potatoes. It wasn't the dumbest article I've started to read in a very long time, but it was definitely the dumbest one I actually finished.
Sports radio is a medium, not too dissimilar from modern-day cable news, that is deliberately constructed to prey on one's vulnerabilities and biases with the hopes that it will anchor the consumer to the broadcast regularly, which in turn drives advertising rates. ESPN's "news" division operates like this as well.
2012年3月18日星期日
Sandra and Roy's Boutique Coming To Ocean City
For the past 12 years, Sandra Merlino and Roy Zucker of Sandra and Roy's Boutique in Linwood have served customers looking for contemporary designer clothing, accessories, shoes and jewelry.
Although located in Linwood, Zucker says that many of his customers come from surrounding areas—including Ocean City and other beach towns, even as far south as Wildwood. He also says that many of his customers from Ocean City often ask why he doesn't also have a shop on the island.
Now, after more than a decade of selling fashion favorites on the mainland, Zucker and Merlino can finally say they do also have a store in Ocean City—and they are aiming for it to be open sometime in mid-April.
The new Sandra and Roy's location will be approximately one fourth of the size of the original and will focus on casual clothing—designer denim, contemporary sweats and, of course, in a beach town like Ocean City, sunglasses (some brands will include Prada, Christian Dior, Tom Ford and Gucci).
"We're bringing something contemporary [to Ocean City]," said Zucker, while Merlino added that she wants to also focus on providing great service at the new store, which will be located at 707 Asbury Avenue.
Amanda Herold, who started working at Sandra and Roy's when she was a junior in high school, has managed the store for six years and described her, Zucker and Merlino as a family.
"We have great contemporary brands and great people," she said. "When you walk in it's such an experience...if Roy is not here, it's like something is missing."
Zucker says that he, Merlino and Herold all share a common passion for fashion. Zucker previously worked in the jewelry industry and opened a store in Atlantic City called Roy's Accessories before teaming up with Merlino, who also has a background in fashion and sales.
Although located in Linwood, Zucker says that many of his customers come from surrounding areas—including Ocean City and other beach towns, even as far south as Wildwood. He also says that many of his customers from Ocean City often ask why he doesn't also have a shop on the island.
Now, after more than a decade of selling fashion favorites on the mainland, Zucker and Merlino can finally say they do also have a store in Ocean City—and they are aiming for it to be open sometime in mid-April.
The new Sandra and Roy's location will be approximately one fourth of the size of the original and will focus on casual clothing—designer denim, contemporary sweats and, of course, in a beach town like Ocean City, sunglasses (some brands will include Prada, Christian Dior, Tom Ford and Gucci).
"We're bringing something contemporary [to Ocean City]," said Zucker, while Merlino added that she wants to also focus on providing great service at the new store, which will be located at 707 Asbury Avenue.
Amanda Herold, who started working at Sandra and Roy's when she was a junior in high school, has managed the store for six years and described her, Zucker and Merlino as a family.
"We have great contemporary brands and great people," she said. "When you walk in it's such an experience...if Roy is not here, it's like something is missing."
Zucker says that he, Merlino and Herold all share a common passion for fashion. Zucker previously worked in the jewelry industry and opened a store in Atlantic City called Roy's Accessories before teaming up with Merlino, who also has a background in fashion and sales.
2012年3月15日星期四
New screening at some US airports could allow those over 75 to keep their shoes on
Some air travelers over the age of 75 will soon get a break at airport security checkpoints under a test program announced Wednesday that could allow them to keep their shoes and light jackets on and skip pat-downs.
The new guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration, which take effect Monday at four U.S. airports, are part of an effort to move away from its one-size-fits-all security procedures and speed lower-risk passengers through while focusing on those who may need more scrutiny. Similar changes were made last fall for travelers 12 and younger.
Since the 9/11 terror attacks that led to tighter security, air travelers have criticized what they say is a lack of common sense in screening all passengers the same way, including young children and the elderly. That criticism grew louder in 2010 when the government began using a more invasive pat-down that involves screeners feeling a traveler’s genital and breast areas through their clothing.
“By moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to security and applying some intelligence-driven and risk-based security models, TSA is looking at how this works for passengers,” said agency spokesman Jim Fotenos.
The change in guidelines will be introduced at a limited number of security lanes at Chicago’s O’Hare International, Denver International, Orlando International and Portland International. Those airports were chosen because they have a higher percentage of travelers 75 and older, Fotenos said. He said the rules will be relaxed indefinitely at the four airports with the intention of expanding elsewhere if it is a success.
Two passengers in their 80s traveling separately through New York’s Kennedy Airport in November complained that they were effectively strip-searched. One was made to remove a back brace so it could be X-rayed. The other said she was humiliated when two female screeners made her lower her sweat pants so they could examine her colostomy bag. The TSA has disputed parts of their accounts while acknowledging that screeners violated rules by asking to examine their medical devices.
In another incident that sparked outrage, a 6-year-old girl was reduced to tears after screeners frisked her at New Orleans airport in March 2011 — a scene recorded on video and posted on YouTube.
To reduce the number of pat-downs given to children and the elderly, screeners in the test programs are being told to send those passengers through metal detectors or walk-through imaging machines multiple times to capture a clear picture as well as to use more explosive trace detection tools such as hand swabs, according to the TSA.
“The TSA recognizes that the vast majority of air travelers present no risk to aviation security,” Fotenos said. “But it’s how we identify those (travelers) and expedite the process that we’re working on right now.”
The agency is also expanding a program that allows vetted travelers in certain frequent flier programs to go through expedited screening, keep their shoes on and leave liquids and laptops in their bags.
Removing shoes during checkpoint screening has been a common complaint among airline travelers since security was increased after an al-Qaida operative tried to set off a bomb built into his shoe on an American Airlines flight in December 2001.
The new guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration, which take effect Monday at four U.S. airports, are part of an effort to move away from its one-size-fits-all security procedures and speed lower-risk passengers through while focusing on those who may need more scrutiny. Similar changes were made last fall for travelers 12 and younger.
Since the 9/11 terror attacks that led to tighter security, air travelers have criticized what they say is a lack of common sense in screening all passengers the same way, including young children and the elderly. That criticism grew louder in 2010 when the government began using a more invasive pat-down that involves screeners feeling a traveler’s genital and breast areas through their clothing.
“By moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to security and applying some intelligence-driven and risk-based security models, TSA is looking at how this works for passengers,” said agency spokesman Jim Fotenos.
The change in guidelines will be introduced at a limited number of security lanes at Chicago’s O’Hare International, Denver International, Orlando International and Portland International. Those airports were chosen because they have a higher percentage of travelers 75 and older, Fotenos said. He said the rules will be relaxed indefinitely at the four airports with the intention of expanding elsewhere if it is a success.
Two passengers in their 80s traveling separately through New York’s Kennedy Airport in November complained that they were effectively strip-searched. One was made to remove a back brace so it could be X-rayed. The other said she was humiliated when two female screeners made her lower her sweat pants so they could examine her colostomy bag. The TSA has disputed parts of their accounts while acknowledging that screeners violated rules by asking to examine their medical devices.
In another incident that sparked outrage, a 6-year-old girl was reduced to tears after screeners frisked her at New Orleans airport in March 2011 — a scene recorded on video and posted on YouTube.
To reduce the number of pat-downs given to children and the elderly, screeners in the test programs are being told to send those passengers through metal detectors or walk-through imaging machines multiple times to capture a clear picture as well as to use more explosive trace detection tools such as hand swabs, according to the TSA.
“The TSA recognizes that the vast majority of air travelers present no risk to aviation security,” Fotenos said. “But it’s how we identify those (travelers) and expedite the process that we’re working on right now.”
The agency is also expanding a program that allows vetted travelers in certain frequent flier programs to go through expedited screening, keep their shoes on and leave liquids and laptops in their bags.
Removing shoes during checkpoint screening has been a common complaint among airline travelers since security was increased after an al-Qaida operative tried to set off a bomb built into his shoe on an American Airlines flight in December 2001.
2012年3月13日星期二
Yeovil Town v Scunthorpe United: Green and White Night TONIGHT!
YEOVIL Town FC have announced that tonight's npower League One match against Scunthorpe United has been designated a "Green And White" Night.
The club would like to ask all supporters to proudly wear the club colours for the npower League One game - which kicks-off at 7.45pm.
Green and white replica shirts, jumpers, coats, hats, trousers, shoes... even sprayed hair in the club's famous colours will be the order of the day as the Green and White Night takes place.
A club spokesman said: "The aim is to create a fantastic, vibrant atmosphere to lift the team to victory and three precious points."
Tonight's game is a crucial match as the Glovers bid to climb the League One table.
The game is a crunch one for both sides as they enter the final three months of the campaign.
For Yeovil, they need to continue their recent upturn in form at Huish Park and start to build a gap between themselves and the bottom four which currently stands at eight points.
The club spokesman added: "With the side currently enjoying some good form the Glovers are keen to make sure that as many supporters get to the ground tonight as possible.
"You can help by coming along, being as noisy and vocal as possible and backing manager Gary Johnson, his staff and players by wearing your colours.
"The supporters have always been vital in the success of the club in the past and will continue to be so in the future."
The club would like to ask all supporters to proudly wear the club colours for the npower League One game - which kicks-off at 7.45pm.
Green and white replica shirts, jumpers, coats, hats, trousers, shoes... even sprayed hair in the club's famous colours will be the order of the day as the Green and White Night takes place.
A club spokesman said: "The aim is to create a fantastic, vibrant atmosphere to lift the team to victory and three precious points."
Tonight's game is a crucial match as the Glovers bid to climb the League One table.
The game is a crunch one for both sides as they enter the final three months of the campaign.
For Yeovil, they need to continue their recent upturn in form at Huish Park and start to build a gap between themselves and the bottom four which currently stands at eight points.
The club spokesman added: "With the side currently enjoying some good form the Glovers are keen to make sure that as many supporters get to the ground tonight as possible.
"You can help by coming along, being as noisy and vocal as possible and backing manager Gary Johnson, his staff and players by wearing your colours.
"The supporters have always been vital in the success of the club in the past and will continue to be so in the future."
2012年3月12日星期一
Fashion made fun
MARSHALL - Coming soon to the Marshall area: a grand opening for Urban Hollywood, a quaint little boutique offering a mixture of trendy new fashion and old Hollywood legends.
Owner Peggy Lamote, who opened Urban Hollywood around Valentine's Day, said she is excited about the store's potential, pointing out that the variety of merchandise would continue to grow with its customers.
"We'll have a mixture of Hollywood legends and New Age stuff," Lamote said. "And I'll keep getting stuff in. I'm open to opinions if someone wants something specific."
So far, the boutique, which is located inside the Bot Appliance & Electronics store on West Main Street in Marshall, offers trendy women's clothing, including shirts, skirts and L.A. idol jeans, and jewelry, belts, bags, scarves and hair pieces.
"I want it to be an upbeat and fun place," Lamote said. "I tried to get trendy stuff, but also a variety. I especially wanted to keep prices affordable for everybody."
Lamote also has 10 prom dresses for sale in addition to a small selection of high-heeled shoes.
"It's fun to dress up," she said. "I wanted to be able to supply people with clothes for the special events that come up."
Lamote hopes to order clothing specific to the seasons or holidays, as well as for events like Snow Week or Homecoming. She also wants her sparkly dressing room area to be a fun place for people to enjoy while trying on clothing.
"Some events are getting more formal," she said. "It gets people away from the jeans and ready for the work world. Urban Hollywood, right on Main, is just an all-around boutique."
Lamote has always had a love and respect for classic Hollywood movie stars, which is why she wanted to incorporate that concept into her new store. A cardboard replica of Dorothy and Toto will great customers at the door. People can also find a variety of products, such as glassware, magnets and coasters, of stars or characters like Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop.
"I wanted to have fun with fashion and old legends," Lamote said.
For a number of years, Lamote worked out of her home in Marshall, doing bookwork for multiple companies. When businesses cut back, Lamote found herself looking for new employment opportunities. It's when she realized she missed face time with the public.
"I found myself without a job because of the economy," she said. "I wanted more than just a job. I wanted to provide something to the community."
Lamote said the idea of showcasing Hollywood stars kept creeping up from the back of her mind. For more than 30 years, Lamote has carried around a well-kept scrapbook containing pictures of countless black-and-white beauties, including Ann Margaret, Elvis, John Wayne and Ricky Nelson.
"I loved the legends things," she said. "And, the admiration of it keeps going on, whether it's our generation or theirs. It's for all ages, from little kids to grandmas and grandpas. It's what we all watch today. It's fun to reminisce."
Lamote's daughter Arica is also attending college, pursuing a degree in business management.
"Arica helps decorate and rearrange in the store when she can," Lamote said. "This venture allows me to have a job, but I also look at it as allowing an opportunity to give someone else a job in the future."
Urban Hollywood also has body piercing jewelry and perfume available.
"People have told me that they don't have anywhere else they can get the jewelry around here," Peggy Lamote said. "I order from different companies and I'll keep getting stuff in."
In the near future, Lamote is also planning to designate a corner for visitors to the area. She'll also be getting in summer clothing.
Urban Hollywood is currently open Tuesday through Saturday. Customers can also look forward to the grand opening in the near future.
Owner Peggy Lamote, who opened Urban Hollywood around Valentine's Day, said she is excited about the store's potential, pointing out that the variety of merchandise would continue to grow with its customers.
"We'll have a mixture of Hollywood legends and New Age stuff," Lamote said. "And I'll keep getting stuff in. I'm open to opinions if someone wants something specific."
So far, the boutique, which is located inside the Bot Appliance & Electronics store on West Main Street in Marshall, offers trendy women's clothing, including shirts, skirts and L.A. idol jeans, and jewelry, belts, bags, scarves and hair pieces.
"I want it to be an upbeat and fun place," Lamote said. "I tried to get trendy stuff, but also a variety. I especially wanted to keep prices affordable for everybody."
Lamote also has 10 prom dresses for sale in addition to a small selection of high-heeled shoes.
"It's fun to dress up," she said. "I wanted to be able to supply people with clothes for the special events that come up."
Lamote hopes to order clothing specific to the seasons or holidays, as well as for events like Snow Week or Homecoming. She also wants her sparkly dressing room area to be a fun place for people to enjoy while trying on clothing.
"Some events are getting more formal," she said. "It gets people away from the jeans and ready for the work world. Urban Hollywood, right on Main, is just an all-around boutique."
Lamote has always had a love and respect for classic Hollywood movie stars, which is why she wanted to incorporate that concept into her new store. A cardboard replica of Dorothy and Toto will great customers at the door. People can also find a variety of products, such as glassware, magnets and coasters, of stars or characters like Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop.
"I wanted to have fun with fashion and old legends," Lamote said.
For a number of years, Lamote worked out of her home in Marshall, doing bookwork for multiple companies. When businesses cut back, Lamote found herself looking for new employment opportunities. It's when she realized she missed face time with the public.
"I found myself without a job because of the economy," she said. "I wanted more than just a job. I wanted to provide something to the community."
Lamote said the idea of showcasing Hollywood stars kept creeping up from the back of her mind. For more than 30 years, Lamote has carried around a well-kept scrapbook containing pictures of countless black-and-white beauties, including Ann Margaret, Elvis, John Wayne and Ricky Nelson.
"I loved the legends things," she said. "And, the admiration of it keeps going on, whether it's our generation or theirs. It's for all ages, from little kids to grandmas and grandpas. It's what we all watch today. It's fun to reminisce."
Lamote's daughter Arica is also attending college, pursuing a degree in business management.
"Arica helps decorate and rearrange in the store when she can," Lamote said. "This venture allows me to have a job, but I also look at it as allowing an opportunity to give someone else a job in the future."
Urban Hollywood also has body piercing jewelry and perfume available.
"People have told me that they don't have anywhere else they can get the jewelry around here," Peggy Lamote said. "I order from different companies and I'll keep getting stuff in."
In the near future, Lamote is also planning to designate a corner for visitors to the area. She'll also be getting in summer clothing.
Urban Hollywood is currently open Tuesday through Saturday. Customers can also look forward to the grand opening in the near future.
2012年3月11日星期日
Beautiful, stunning, fabulous, incredible: Public reaction to Grace Kelly exhibition
"BEAUTI FUL” was the buzz word at the Bendigo Art Gallery yesterday as more than 5000 people swept through the doors on the opening day of Grace Kelly: Style Icon.
Eager to get a glimpse of the beauty and elegance that made Grace Kelly iconic, fashion lovers from across the nation, including Melbourne and Queensland, descended on View Street.
Fiona McGregor was just one of the many who travelled from Melbourne to view the extensive collection of clothes, shoes, handbags and jewels.
“It's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful,” she said.
“The craftsmanship is incredible and her waist...”
Fiona McGregor admires one of Grace Kelly's dresses.
Bendigo resident Julie Ellerton toured the exhibition with her sister and a friend.
“This is just fantastic, it makes you proud of Bendigo,” she said.
“I went to Monaco and saw where she (Princess Grace) lived... and this is just such a wonderful thing.
“I'll be coming back again (to the exhibition) with friends from Melbourne.”
Marion Durie, also from Melbourne, took her
grandchildren and said it was a great opportunity for them to see something from a different time.
“So far I think this is fantastic,” she said.
“I think all children need a bit of culture like this. The dresses are just beautiful. Stunning.”
Marion Durie with her grandchildren Hope and Jack.
#
While all and sundry lauded the beauty of the pieces there were a few complaints about the lighting, with some saying it was almost impossible to read the descriptions that accompany each display.
“It (the exhibition) is poorly lit,” said Rob Reid, from Melbourne.
“I think the collection is fabulous, obviously, but if you can't read about it...”
The Bendigo Art Gallery said the displays were dimly lit to preserve the fabric of the dresses, with Princess Grace's much admired wedding dress at the exhibition a replica due to the fragility of the original.
Wendy McMullin, of Queensland, wasn't deterred by lighting complaints, though.
“She (Princess Grace) had the ability to turn the simplest drab dress into something wonderful.
“The dresses are incredible,” she said.
Eager to get a glimpse of the beauty and elegance that made Grace Kelly iconic, fashion lovers from across the nation, including Melbourne and Queensland, descended on View Street.
Fiona McGregor was just one of the many who travelled from Melbourne to view the extensive collection of clothes, shoes, handbags and jewels.
“It's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful,” she said.
“The craftsmanship is incredible and her waist...”
Fiona McGregor admires one of Grace Kelly's dresses.
Bendigo resident Julie Ellerton toured the exhibition with her sister and a friend.
“This is just fantastic, it makes you proud of Bendigo,” she said.
“I went to Monaco and saw where she (Princess Grace) lived... and this is just such a wonderful thing.
“I'll be coming back again (to the exhibition) with friends from Melbourne.”
Marion Durie, also from Melbourne, took her
grandchildren and said it was a great opportunity for them to see something from a different time.
“So far I think this is fantastic,” she said.
“I think all children need a bit of culture like this. The dresses are just beautiful. Stunning.”
Marion Durie with her grandchildren Hope and Jack.
#
While all and sundry lauded the beauty of the pieces there were a few complaints about the lighting, with some saying it was almost impossible to read the descriptions that accompany each display.
“It (the exhibition) is poorly lit,” said Rob Reid, from Melbourne.
“I think the collection is fabulous, obviously, but if you can't read about it...”
The Bendigo Art Gallery said the displays were dimly lit to preserve the fabric of the dresses, with Princess Grace's much admired wedding dress at the exhibition a replica due to the fragility of the original.
Wendy McMullin, of Queensland, wasn't deterred by lighting complaints, though.
“She (Princess Grace) had the ability to turn the simplest drab dress into something wonderful.
“The dresses are incredible,” she said.
2012年3月8日星期四
CRIME REPORT
MARRICKVILLE Four robbers armed with guns and machetes held up hundreds of players in a bingo hall last month. Marrickville police said they entered the hall about 9.40pm on February 24. They held up about 250 people playing bingo and threatened them with guns and machetes. They demanded money from the manager. The four fled with cash in a suspected stolen black sedan. They were last seen travelling west on Addison Rd. No one was injured but paramedics treated people for shock.
CAMPERDOWN A man will face court after being found carrying alleged stolen mail last Saturday. Police were patrolling Kingston Rd about 4.50pm when they saw the man, 29, of Alexandria, crouching in a doorway of a unit block. They searched him and found a large amount of mail belonging to residents. Police also found pliers, a knife and a screwdriver. Checks revealed the man was in breach of bail. He is due to appear at Balmain Local Court on March 21.
ST PETERS A man found barely conscious after reportedly ingesting a large quantity of a date-rape drug will face court next week. Police found the man, 36, slumped in his car in a fast-food restaurant carpark last month about 7.30pm. Police allege he took large amounts of the drug GHB. The man was conscious. An ambulance took him to RPA. Police found a number of vials of the drug as well as other drugs inside the man’s vehicle. He is due to attend Newtown Local Court on Tuesday to answer drug possession charges.
MARRICKVILLE Police issued a man, 32, with a cannabis caution last Tuesday. Police searched the Marrickville man and found cannabis after receiving information. He was stopped while walking from his vehicle. They found cannabis inside a cigarette packet. He was arrested and interviewed before receiving a cannabis caution notice.
GLEBE Police are seeking public assistance to find a disabled man who is missing. Basil Bergin, 27, was last seen leaving his home on Derwent St about 9.15am last Saturday. Police have serious concerns for Mr Bergin’s welfare as he suffers from deafness and epilepsy which requires medication. He is described as of Caucasian appearance, 193cm tall, with a large build and blond hair.
NEWTOWN Nearby residents were evacuated after a fire ripped through a derelict King St terrace house last Thursday. Leichhardt police were patrolling King St, near the intersection of Dickson St, when they saw the two-storey house was on fire about 11.15pm. Occupants of an adjoining terrace house were evacuated as a precaution. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and a crime scene was established. A cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
PYRMONT Two men jumped out of a BMW Z4 and allegedly wrestled a 50-year-old man to the ground before robbing him last Friday. City Central police said the man was walking along Bank St about 4.10am when he was approached by the grey BMW. Two men got out and allegedly grabbed him around the legs. The man’s wallet was taken. The two men were described as wearing black jumpers and white shoes. One had a hood over his head and the other was wearing a white baseball cap.
CANADA BAY Police are warning residents about car security after an increase in thefts. Police said that in particular Toyota Rav 4 and Hilux models were being targeted in the Canada Bay local government area. Drivers are being urged to ensure their vehicles are locked and secured at all times.
BURWOOD Police charged a man with aggravated robbery after he tried to do the dash on them recently. Police allege an Asian man was assaulted and robbed on March 1 on Shaftesbury Rd. They said the alleged offender, a 40-year-old Glebe man, assaulted the victim, causing a head injury. The man allegedly stole the victim’s bag and fled into Belmore St. Police searched a unit block in Belmore St and found the 40-year-old. He then tried to run away. He was charged with aggravated robbery with wounding. He was refused bail and will appear at Burwood Local Court on April 30.
NORTH STRATHFIELD An alleged armed robber will face court next month after being charged over a screwdriver theft. Police said a man, 20, was held up with a screwdriver on George St last month. The offender demanded cash. Police arrested a Berala man, 22, shortly after. He was charged with armed robbery. He was refused bail and will appear at Burwood Local Court on April 18.
LIDCOMBE Two men have been charged and firearms seized following a robbery last month. A man, 28, was robbed by two men at knifepoint on a train heading to Parramatta. He was not injured. On February 7, police executed two search warrants at premises in Auburn and arrested and charged a man, 23. Last Friday police executed a search warrant at a Fairfield address and seized ecstasy tablets, ice and a replica pistol. A man, 19, was charged with armed robbery, drug supply and possess prohibited weapon. He appeared at Parramatta Local Court last Saturday.
BURWOOD A man faced court last Saturday charged with importing an illicit precursor chemical and manufacturing ice in a clandestine laboratory. About 7am last Friday, police executed search warrants at two units in the same apartment block in Burwood. Police seized documents and cash before arresting a man, 26. Police also found a clandestine laboratory they allege was being used to manufacture ice. The man was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Bail Court.
STRATHFIELD Two police officers were taken to hospital after being injured while intervening in a brawl at Strathfield station last Sunday. Police patrolled the station about 12.30am when they heard a fight on a train that had arrived from Gosford. Police were allegedly assaulted when they tried to break up the fight. A sergeant, 31, suffered concussion after being punched in the head, while a constable, 38, suffered back and facial injuries after falling while arresting a man. Both were taken to Concord Hospital.
ST PETERS A man found barely conscious after reportedly imbibing a large quantity of a date-rape drug will face court next week. Police found the man, 36, slumped in his car in a fast food restaurant carpark last month. Police allege he had taken large amounts of the drug GHB. The man was found conscious and breathing. An ambulance took him to RPA. Police found a number of vials of the drug as well as other drugs inside the man’s vehicle. He is due to attend Newtown Local Court on Tuesday to answer drug possession charges.
CAMPERDOWN A man will face court after being found carrying alleged stolen mail last Saturday. Police were patrolling Kingston Rd about 4.50pm when they saw the man, 29, of Alexandria, crouching in a doorway of a unit block. They searched him and found a large amount of mail belonging to residents. Police also found pliers, a knife and a screwdriver. Checks revealed the man was in breach of bail. He is due to appear at Balmain Local Court on March 21.
ST PETERS A man found barely conscious after reportedly ingesting a large quantity of a date-rape drug will face court next week. Police found the man, 36, slumped in his car in a fast-food restaurant carpark last month about 7.30pm. Police allege he took large amounts of the drug GHB. The man was conscious. An ambulance took him to RPA. Police found a number of vials of the drug as well as other drugs inside the man’s vehicle. He is due to attend Newtown Local Court on Tuesday to answer drug possession charges.
MARRICKVILLE Police issued a man, 32, with a cannabis caution last Tuesday. Police searched the Marrickville man and found cannabis after receiving information. He was stopped while walking from his vehicle. They found cannabis inside a cigarette packet. He was arrested and interviewed before receiving a cannabis caution notice.
GLEBE Police are seeking public assistance to find a disabled man who is missing. Basil Bergin, 27, was last seen leaving his home on Derwent St about 9.15am last Saturday. Police have serious concerns for Mr Bergin’s welfare as he suffers from deafness and epilepsy which requires medication. He is described as of Caucasian appearance, 193cm tall, with a large build and blond hair.
NEWTOWN Nearby residents were evacuated after a fire ripped through a derelict King St terrace house last Thursday. Leichhardt police were patrolling King St, near the intersection of Dickson St, when they saw the two-storey house was on fire about 11.15pm. Occupants of an adjoining terrace house were evacuated as a precaution. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and a crime scene was established. A cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
PYRMONT Two men jumped out of a BMW Z4 and allegedly wrestled a 50-year-old man to the ground before robbing him last Friday. City Central police said the man was walking along Bank St about 4.10am when he was approached by the grey BMW. Two men got out and allegedly grabbed him around the legs. The man’s wallet was taken. The two men were described as wearing black jumpers and white shoes. One had a hood over his head and the other was wearing a white baseball cap.
CANADA BAY Police are warning residents about car security after an increase in thefts. Police said that in particular Toyota Rav 4 and Hilux models were being targeted in the Canada Bay local government area. Drivers are being urged to ensure their vehicles are locked and secured at all times.
BURWOOD Police charged a man with aggravated robbery after he tried to do the dash on them recently. Police allege an Asian man was assaulted and robbed on March 1 on Shaftesbury Rd. They said the alleged offender, a 40-year-old Glebe man, assaulted the victim, causing a head injury. The man allegedly stole the victim’s bag and fled into Belmore St. Police searched a unit block in Belmore St and found the 40-year-old. He then tried to run away. He was charged with aggravated robbery with wounding. He was refused bail and will appear at Burwood Local Court on April 30.
NORTH STRATHFIELD An alleged armed robber will face court next month after being charged over a screwdriver theft. Police said a man, 20, was held up with a screwdriver on George St last month. The offender demanded cash. Police arrested a Berala man, 22, shortly after. He was charged with armed robbery. He was refused bail and will appear at Burwood Local Court on April 18.
LIDCOMBE Two men have been charged and firearms seized following a robbery last month. A man, 28, was robbed by two men at knifepoint on a train heading to Parramatta. He was not injured. On February 7, police executed two search warrants at premises in Auburn and arrested and charged a man, 23. Last Friday police executed a search warrant at a Fairfield address and seized ecstasy tablets, ice and a replica pistol. A man, 19, was charged with armed robbery, drug supply and possess prohibited weapon. He appeared at Parramatta Local Court last Saturday.
BURWOOD A man faced court last Saturday charged with importing an illicit precursor chemical and manufacturing ice in a clandestine laboratory. About 7am last Friday, police executed search warrants at two units in the same apartment block in Burwood. Police seized documents and cash before arresting a man, 26. Police also found a clandestine laboratory they allege was being used to manufacture ice. The man was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Bail Court.
STRATHFIELD Two police officers were taken to hospital after being injured while intervening in a brawl at Strathfield station last Sunday. Police patrolled the station about 12.30am when they heard a fight on a train that had arrived from Gosford. Police were allegedly assaulted when they tried to break up the fight. A sergeant, 31, suffered concussion after being punched in the head, while a constable, 38, suffered back and facial injuries after falling while arresting a man. Both were taken to Concord Hospital.
ST PETERS A man found barely conscious after reportedly imbibing a large quantity of a date-rape drug will face court next week. Police found the man, 36, slumped in his car in a fast food restaurant carpark last month. Police allege he had taken large amounts of the drug GHB. The man was found conscious and breathing. An ambulance took him to RPA. Police found a number of vials of the drug as well as other drugs inside the man’s vehicle. He is due to attend Newtown Local Court on Tuesday to answer drug possession charges.
2012年3月7日星期三
BASKETBALL. Fabi Shoes ko in Bologna, Scavolini passes in Treviso
After the heavy ko conceded just three days in Varese, Virtus back to victory and defeats Fabi Shoes with a score of 77-72. For the Bolognese is the twelfth successful home season, while for a heavy defeat Sutor is given also the contemporary victory of Cremona and Casale.
VIRTUS BOLOGNA-FABI SHOES 77-72 MONTEGRANARO
The first two baskets of the race coming at the hands of Zoroski and two triples. Virtus is released after 3 'of the game thanks to CDR, followed by a wake field goal on the break of Koponen for 4-6. Bologna is finding it hard in attack and, most importantly, defensive rebounding, took advantage of the two long Sutor, Ivanov (2 +1) and May with two free throws and a basket from the mean (4-13 after 5 '). Poet tries to react with a teardrop more the foul followed by Lang for the 9-13. Bologna continued to suffer under the floorboards (3-8) but is more reactive in attack: Douglas-Roberts and poet to the triple replicate of newly entered McNeal (13-16 at 7 '). The battle-axis Poet McNeal: a difficult field goal in the penetration of the U.S. replica of the triple play for Juventus share equal to 18. Poet has 8 points on the scoresheet with 100% from the field. In the last round of hands Nicevic 4 points to give the +4 Sutor at the end of the first quarter. Four points is created from the free throw to give Virtus yet another tie after one minute of play. McNeal is ispiratissimo and his second bomb of the new match gives +4 guests, followed moments later by the first two points dell'applauditissimo former Di Bella (22-28 to 13 '). Bologna, no poet in the field, makes an immense effort to strike up a good offensive Zoroski and punishes the other half of the field a great assist from May (22-30). A free Di Bella and then a layup by May yet served their own play by the same former Virtus Montegranaro brings the advantage of the double digit to mid-term (22-33). Virtus pulls 1/8 by the arc, while the Sutor comfortably exceeds the 50% (5/8). The Unipol Arena begins to rumble when it hits Ivanov after winning yet another offensive rebound: in 7 'of Bologna game has not scored from the field in the second quarter, he scored 7 points all came from the foul line ( 25-35).
After another two free throws scored by Douglas-Roberts, the very same U.S. Poet takes advantage of an assist to nail the dunk on the break of -6 (29-35). The axis-Poet CDR is heated and come two more points for the U.S., for Sutor breaks hibernation on offense with two free Zoroski, bissati suffered from a Douglas-Roberts officially entered into the game already and only player in double figures with 12 points (33-37 to 19 '). Two free throws by Vitali close the first time on 37-39 Montegranaro, which is seen to replace 12 points gap in the second half of the second quarter. For Virtus good test of the essential poet (11 points and 18 evaluation) and Douglas-Roberts (12); home Sutor, however, end shields Zoroski, only in double figures with 10 points and McNeal (8 points with 100 % from the field). The second half started with a 14 ° point of Douglas-Roberts, adept at exploiting their own bodies and close with a gentle touch. Virtus is a lot more interesting on the floor and comes with Lang overtaking 43-41, but then quickly drew the 4th point of the second half of May. Two bombs in a row of Koponen and Werner sent into raptures the palace and +6 on the hosts. Bologna is fluid in attack and to take advantage of it is Lang, who goes to berdaglio answering the layup with two baskets of Ivanov and Zoroski (53-47 to 25 '). The Sutor shown not want to give up the race and a field goal on the break, after a great defensive team, McNeal forces Finelli of the timeout to 27 at 53-51 '.
The bomb Gigli in a clear physical state is not the optimal resuscitation 'virtussino attack, then two free throws to score Lang set the score 58-52 at 2' from the siren. The Sutor also confirmed at the end of the fourth team to be tough to die, Zoroski is infallible from the line (8/8) and after 30 'the race is still in the balance on the total score of 60-57.
The beginning of the last period is characterized by Douglas-Roberts, who seems to have decided to take in hand the team (64-59 to 33 '). A nice jumper Koponen gives +7 to Bologna, with the Sutor that is now really struggling offensively. May still have a great feel for the offense of steps (three turnovers in this quarter) and on the other hand, a tap-in port on the Gigli 68-59 Virtus. The game seems to have reached a decisive crossroads, when behold, Bologna lost the ball to throw and goes to McNeal target penetration. Zoroski marks the tenth free of many attempts, but on the other side of prestige even played a Douglas-Roberts brings back the hosts to +7 (22 for the USA) and the 12 ° point Ivanov set the score at 70 - 65 to 3 '46 "from the end, Finelli coach called timeout. leaving the Poet marks out of cunning, but a positive reply soon McNeal with his 18 th point. The key moment of the match though, came at 56" from the end when Koponen square angle of the deadly triple 75-68. Valli called timeout on the fly. Montegranaro tries in the final seconds but missed the final boarding less than 2 consecutive three-pointers. They leave the credits and the game ends up 77-72 for Virtus Bologna.
VIRTUS BOLOGNA-FABI SHOES 77-72 MONTEGRANARO
The first two baskets of the race coming at the hands of Zoroski and two triples. Virtus is released after 3 'of the game thanks to CDR, followed by a wake field goal on the break of Koponen for 4-6. Bologna is finding it hard in attack and, most importantly, defensive rebounding, took advantage of the two long Sutor, Ivanov (2 +1) and May with two free throws and a basket from the mean (4-13 after 5 '). Poet tries to react with a teardrop more the foul followed by Lang for the 9-13. Bologna continued to suffer under the floorboards (3-8) but is more reactive in attack: Douglas-Roberts and poet to the triple replicate of newly entered McNeal (13-16 at 7 '). The battle-axis Poet McNeal: a difficult field goal in the penetration of the U.S. replica of the triple play for Juventus share equal to 18. Poet has 8 points on the scoresheet with 100% from the field. In the last round of hands Nicevic 4 points to give the +4 Sutor at the end of the first quarter. Four points is created from the free throw to give Virtus yet another tie after one minute of play. McNeal is ispiratissimo and his second bomb of the new match gives +4 guests, followed moments later by the first two points dell'applauditissimo former Di Bella (22-28 to 13 '). Bologna, no poet in the field, makes an immense effort to strike up a good offensive Zoroski and punishes the other half of the field a great assist from May (22-30). A free Di Bella and then a layup by May yet served their own play by the same former Virtus Montegranaro brings the advantage of the double digit to mid-term (22-33). Virtus pulls 1/8 by the arc, while the Sutor comfortably exceeds the 50% (5/8). The Unipol Arena begins to rumble when it hits Ivanov after winning yet another offensive rebound: in 7 'of Bologna game has not scored from the field in the second quarter, he scored 7 points all came from the foul line ( 25-35).
After another two free throws scored by Douglas-Roberts, the very same U.S. Poet takes advantage of an assist to nail the dunk on the break of -6 (29-35). The axis-Poet CDR is heated and come two more points for the U.S., for Sutor breaks hibernation on offense with two free Zoroski, bissati suffered from a Douglas-Roberts officially entered into the game already and only player in double figures with 12 points (33-37 to 19 '). Two free throws by Vitali close the first time on 37-39 Montegranaro, which is seen to replace 12 points gap in the second half of the second quarter. For Virtus good test of the essential poet (11 points and 18 evaluation) and Douglas-Roberts (12); home Sutor, however, end shields Zoroski, only in double figures with 10 points and McNeal (8 points with 100 % from the field). The second half started with a 14 ° point of Douglas-Roberts, adept at exploiting their own bodies and close with a gentle touch. Virtus is a lot more interesting on the floor and comes with Lang overtaking 43-41, but then quickly drew the 4th point of the second half of May. Two bombs in a row of Koponen and Werner sent into raptures the palace and +6 on the hosts. Bologna is fluid in attack and to take advantage of it is Lang, who goes to berdaglio answering the layup with two baskets of Ivanov and Zoroski (53-47 to 25 '). The Sutor shown not want to give up the race and a field goal on the break, after a great defensive team, McNeal forces Finelli of the timeout to 27 at 53-51 '.
The bomb Gigli in a clear physical state is not the optimal resuscitation 'virtussino attack, then two free throws to score Lang set the score 58-52 at 2' from the siren. The Sutor also confirmed at the end of the fourth team to be tough to die, Zoroski is infallible from the line (8/8) and after 30 'the race is still in the balance on the total score of 60-57.
The beginning of the last period is characterized by Douglas-Roberts, who seems to have decided to take in hand the team (64-59 to 33 '). A nice jumper Koponen gives +7 to Bologna, with the Sutor that is now really struggling offensively. May still have a great feel for the offense of steps (three turnovers in this quarter) and on the other hand, a tap-in port on the Gigli 68-59 Virtus. The game seems to have reached a decisive crossroads, when behold, Bologna lost the ball to throw and goes to McNeal target penetration. Zoroski marks the tenth free of many attempts, but on the other side of prestige even played a Douglas-Roberts brings back the hosts to +7 (22 for the USA) and the 12 ° point Ivanov set the score at 70 - 65 to 3 '46 "from the end, Finelli coach called timeout. leaving the Poet marks out of cunning, but a positive reply soon McNeal with his 18 th point. The key moment of the match though, came at 56" from the end when Koponen square angle of the deadly triple 75-68. Valli called timeout on the fly. Montegranaro tries in the final seconds but missed the final boarding less than 2 consecutive three-pointers. They leave the credits and the game ends up 77-72 for Virtus Bologna.
2012年3月5日星期一
One foot in the grave: The bizarre shoes made from dead animals
This bizarre range of shoes may make the owner feel like they have one foot in the grave.
Crafted from dead animals, Iris Schieferstein's outlandish designs fetch up to ￡3,900 and have proved a hit with extreme dressers such as Lady Gaga.
Some of the most controversial pieces include a pair of sandals sporting stuffed doves with their wings spread wide and a collection of heels fashioned from hollow horse hooves.
The 45-year-old designer, from Berlin, Germany, collects carcasses from her local butcher which are discarded after the meat is used for sausages.
She spends a week stripping out any remaining meat and bones from the animal's feet and the skin is sent to a tanner to be treated for preservation.
The sculptor then sets the skin - complete with fur still in place - around a shoe model before hand-stitching insoles and lining.
She said: 'Creating the shoes is ugly work, taking the meat out is not nice, like any taxidermy.
'When I began working with dead animals I would pick them up from the street.
'But they are protected by the government in Germany, and so after ten years they tried to put me in prison. Now I use my butcher.'
The horse boots feature horse fur, a zip up the front, an intact hoof and horse bone as a heel.
While a pair of snakeskin stilettos feature a replica pistol as a heel with the reptile seemingly eating its own tail.
Describing her inspiration Ms Schieferstein added: 'I love horses and I love shoes so I thought this would be perfect.
'Horses have a beautiful walk and I wanted to recreate that with my footwear.'
The footwear has been displayed at numerous exhibitions around the world and have even inspired a range from Dolce & Gabanna.
Despite the high price tag the footwear can only be worn for several hours at a time before becoming too uncomfortable.
Ms Schieferstein said: 'As yet no company has been willing to produce them for the high street.'
Last year the artist made a pair of custom-fit shoes for Lady Gaga.
Crafted from dead animals, Iris Schieferstein's outlandish designs fetch up to ￡3,900 and have proved a hit with extreme dressers such as Lady Gaga.
Some of the most controversial pieces include a pair of sandals sporting stuffed doves with their wings spread wide and a collection of heels fashioned from hollow horse hooves.
The 45-year-old designer, from Berlin, Germany, collects carcasses from her local butcher which are discarded after the meat is used for sausages.
She spends a week stripping out any remaining meat and bones from the animal's feet and the skin is sent to a tanner to be treated for preservation.
The sculptor then sets the skin - complete with fur still in place - around a shoe model before hand-stitching insoles and lining.
She said: 'Creating the shoes is ugly work, taking the meat out is not nice, like any taxidermy.
'When I began working with dead animals I would pick them up from the street.
'But they are protected by the government in Germany, and so after ten years they tried to put me in prison. Now I use my butcher.'
The horse boots feature horse fur, a zip up the front, an intact hoof and horse bone as a heel.
While a pair of snakeskin stilettos feature a replica pistol as a heel with the reptile seemingly eating its own tail.
Describing her inspiration Ms Schieferstein added: 'I love horses and I love shoes so I thought this would be perfect.
'Horses have a beautiful walk and I wanted to recreate that with my footwear.'
The footwear has been displayed at numerous exhibitions around the world and have even inspired a range from Dolce & Gabanna.
Despite the high price tag the footwear can only be worn for several hours at a time before becoming too uncomfortable.
Ms Schieferstein said: 'As yet no company has been willing to produce them for the high street.'
Last year the artist made a pair of custom-fit shoes for Lady Gaga.
2012年3月4日星期日
Christian Louboutin Daffodile Suede Pumps Purple
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The intangible femininity kissing the skin. Long dress to multi-level Christian Louboutin folds tulle commence by virtue of mastery of sewing skills, totem flowers, fine and delicate crystal, and gold Christian Louboutin knockoff shoes decoration, hand-embroidered in all kinds of evening. The 3D effect of the flowers, blooming in the charming carcass, showing a Raphael Painting of the goddess.
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2012年3月1日星期四
A Boyd in the hand is worth keeping in attack at any old Price
Having lost the game's best coach in Wayne Bennett, and one of the game's best fullbacks, Darius Boyd, St George Illawarra have their work cut out this year.
Rookie coach Steve Price has enormous shoes to fill, however, he seems to have wasted no time in putting his stamp on the Dragons. This is a good sign.
Having worked under Bennett for the past three years, Price will have learnt a lot about his premiership-winning mentor's principles of coaching. And while the first thought for most would be ''don't change a thing'', it's not that simple. For example, although the lessons Price has learnt about defensive structures and completion rates will be vital, losing the team's most lethal attacker, Boyd, means the coach must make serious adjustments in order to replace what Boyd was providing.
With his ''signature second-man play'' down the left side of the field, Boyd was the Dragons go-to man when breaks and tries were needed. It would be a mistake to keep the same structure and hope Boyd's replacement, Kyle Stanley, could handle this role. In truth, the only other fullbacks in the game who can do this play as well as Boyd are two of the game's best players in Brett Stewart and Billy Slater.
Therefore the Dragons must find other ways to score points. Looking at their structure in the Charity Shield a fortnight ago, it seems Price has gone ahead and made considerable adjustments to the way the Dragons will attack this season.
With no Boyd in the side, Price had five-eighth Jamie Soward, halfback Ben Hornby and fullback Stanley, all running the ''Boyd second-man play'' at different times. It was clear the Dragons had spent a lot of time on this new structure, which also included Soward and Hornby playing on opposite sides of the field to where they have played for the past three seasons.
These types of adjustments will make the Dragons more unpredictable. Price would be hoping this will not only improve their try-scoring ability but will also make the likes of Soward harder to target in defence.
Rookie coach Steve Price has enormous shoes to fill, however, he seems to have wasted no time in putting his stamp on the Dragons. This is a good sign.
Having worked under Bennett for the past three years, Price will have learnt a lot about his premiership-winning mentor's principles of coaching. And while the first thought for most would be ''don't change a thing'', it's not that simple. For example, although the lessons Price has learnt about defensive structures and completion rates will be vital, losing the team's most lethal attacker, Boyd, means the coach must make serious adjustments in order to replace what Boyd was providing.
With his ''signature second-man play'' down the left side of the field, Boyd was the Dragons go-to man when breaks and tries were needed. It would be a mistake to keep the same structure and hope Boyd's replacement, Kyle Stanley, could handle this role. In truth, the only other fullbacks in the game who can do this play as well as Boyd are two of the game's best players in Brett Stewart and Billy Slater.
Therefore the Dragons must find other ways to score points. Looking at their structure in the Charity Shield a fortnight ago, it seems Price has gone ahead and made considerable adjustments to the way the Dragons will attack this season.
With no Boyd in the side, Price had five-eighth Jamie Soward, halfback Ben Hornby and fullback Stanley, all running the ''Boyd second-man play'' at different times. It was clear the Dragons had spent a lot of time on this new structure, which also included Soward and Hornby playing on opposite sides of the field to where they have played for the past three seasons.
These types of adjustments will make the Dragons more unpredictable. Price would be hoping this will not only improve their try-scoring ability but will also make the likes of Soward harder to target in defence.
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