Teens spending hundreds on prom

From paying for a designer dress to renting a fancy limo, teens (and their parents) are shelling out hundreds or even thousands of dollars this prom season.On average, families expect to spend $1,139 on prom this year — up roughly 40 Percent from 2011’s $807 average and a slight increase from last year, according to a Visa survey.

Families in the Northeast expect to pay the most, an average of $1,528, while Midwestern families were the most frugal, at an average of $722, according to the survey of more than 1,000 parents of prom-aged teens.

With traditions like debutante balls falling out of fashion and young people getting married later in life, prom has grown in importance and people are willing to spend more on the big night, said Kit Yarrow, a consumer research psychologist.

“Prom is the new wedding,” Yarrow said. “I think that every society has to have a rite of passage into adulthood for young people, and prom has become that.”The increase in prom spending is also being driven by the popularity of photo-oriented sites like Facebook and Instagram, she said. Prom is “a post-able moment” which has heightened the pressure around appearances.

While parents still foot a majority of the bill, teens pay for about 41 percent of the costs, Visa’s survey found.Sarah Hoffer, an 18-year-old senior at Webster Groves High School in St. Louis, saved roughly a month’s worth of pay from her job at a local car wash to help pay for her prom.Shop our great womens shoe collection including heels, sandals, boots, athletic shoes, wweetheartnecklinedress and more.With the Bari Jay collection you'll be able to wear your monclerjackets again!

Her biggest expense was a $259 vintage-inspired dress that she fell in love with online. Her mother, Martha Valenta, agreed to pay for an additional $220 in alterations.Visible difference between the mandarincollardress and Hermès Kelly handbag.“The dress was real drama,” said Valenta, who wore a borrowed dress to her own prom. “I don’t recall that ever in my youth.”

Hoffer also spent $50 on a ticket,If you still do not have an awesome cheapweddingdresses. $20 on shoes, $43 on a manicure and pedicure and $35 on makeup — bringing her grand total to $627,Latest collection of women's guccihandbags and totes. of which she paid about two-thirds.To save money, she used a free trial visit for a spray tan, had a friend’s mom style her hair and drove herself to prom, unlike many of her classmates who she said spent hundreds on limos and party buses.

When Patti Manoogian, from Hackettstown, N.J., took her 17-year-old son Alex Galbreath to Men’s Wearhouse, she wasn’t expecting to pay more than $100 to rent a tux for prom night. But the designer Vera Wang tux her son picked out cost $200 to rent.The school requires students to ride a bus to prom, which saves on limo costs, but once she adds on the $90 prom ticket, the corsage for his date and photos, the total bill will likely exceed $400. Other parents, she said, are spending much more.

“I love the idea that the kids have an opportunity to dress up like adults,” she said. “But if we could take down the competition on what people look like, I think you could get the same nice adult evening for something that doesn’t cost a mortgage payment.”

For some families, the costs are especially daunting.Families with household incomes below $50,000 a year plan to spend an average of $1,245 on prom this year, compared to $1,129 for those with incomes above $50,000, the Visa survey found. And single parents plan to spend $1,563, nearly double the amount of married parents.

Noel D’Allacco founded the nonprofit Operation Prom to provide donated prom dresses to low-income teens nearly a decade ago. This year, the group expects to distribute more than 5,000 dresses nationally.

“Years ago we used to require a copy of their parents’ tax return, but ever since 2009, we stopped doing that because chances are if you are coming there is some sort of financial need,” she said.
A dialysis patient awaiting a kidney transplant, Brenda Cruz has been unable to find work for years. Living on monthly disability checks of less than $1,000 a month, the Brooklyn, N.Y. resident had no clue how to afford to send her 19-year-old daughter, Rachel Gantt, to senior prom in June.

But at Operation Prom’s giveaway in Queens, Gantt was able to pick out a dress for free. Cruz is still worried about paying for shoes and a prom ticket, but she is determined that her daughter not miss out.“I’m going to try everything I can,” she said. “If that means that I can’t pay rent for this month coming up so she can get her ticket, then I’m just going to have to do it and deal with the consequences later.”

Sanchez, Herrera, de la Renta show bridal looks

Elegance and simplicity with a touch of risk: They are the basic ingredients in the newest bridal collections by Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta and Angel Sanchez that emphasized voluminous skirts, sharp pleats, sparkles and floral motifs.

These Latin designers are known to make some of the most elaborate, influential and popular gowns in the New York bridal market, which recently held a series of runway previews of gowns that likely will be headed down the aisle.

From de la Renta's signature highly elaborate designs to Sanchez's architectural triangular creases in the neckline, there were many sophisticated and innovative options that showed attention to detail.

"Architecture is my resource to achieve proportion, line, but to me, the materials, the detail to the ornament,Work a crowd in this evening gown from germanuniforms. help make women look beautiful. This collection really has that balance," Sanchez said after his show on Monday.Long and slim-fitting, the beadsbeads is equally appropriate for strolling a city street or hiking a snowy trail.

"I don't find it to be that daring. I see it as a collection that shows the back, that has things that remind of something sexy, but is so veiled, so discreet, so romantic, that it would never look vulgar. I tried to avoid sexiness being transformed into something obvious," he added.

Venezuelan Sanchez stayed faithful to modern dresses with his characteristic play on geometry. A bit of glitz came from the gemstones used to define thin belts. He also included designs that left the back uncovered and others that seemed to arise from a fairy tale.

Sanchez, who designed wedding gowns for Eva Longoria and Sandra Bullock, explained that instead of presenting two bridal collections a year this time he focused only in this one, with a total of 25 pieces. "I wanted a well-thought proposal. I took my time with this collection," he said. "What puts it all together in this collection is the ethereal. For me, a bridal grown has to offer lightness. Something ethereal is per se romantic."

De la Renta made the most out of organza and lace, giving his brides floral designs and strategic use of sheer materials. He left the shoulders bare and opted for voluminous and elaborated skirts. It wasn't an entirely white runway, with de la Renta using occasional flashes of pastel colors, starting his show with a blue dress and including another in pink with details in white lace.

Silk and long veils were key elements to his collection, as well as the use of beadwork. The Dominican Republic-born De la Renta greeted the crowd with a generous smile at the end of his show.

Elaborate embroidery on otherwise simple silhouettes defined Herrera's collection. The Venezuelan-born designer covered arms in lace or with a cape tied to a bow. She included platinum, gold and even some grey in her color palette.

"Carolina Herrera designs each wedding dress to be unique, evocative of the bride's personal style and embodying the spirit of the wedding day — with never a reference trend," according to her house statement offered to the press.

With this collection, the designer also launched her first blog, "The Carolina Herrera Bride," and described it as a resource to brides around the world.

Rebecca’s Designs & Alterations has arrived in the city as a mixture of tuxedo rentals, alterations and fashion studio.

The store, at 30 Lafayette St.Shop the latest shoxshoes on the world's largest fashion site., opened in early March and has been inundated with business since then, according to Rebecca J. Brooks, co-owner.“I didn’t realize how busy it was going to be,Shop the latest collection of lacefrontwigs from the most popular stores.” Mrs. Brooks said.She and her husband, Timothy, have been in the design and alteration business on and off for about 20 years.

“I’ve been sewing since I was 12,” Mrs. Brooks said. “It’s just my niche in life.”When they lived in Ohio,Largest selection of castellicycling available in all colors, sizes, fabrics. Mrs. Brooks was popular for her specially designed scrubs for area nurses.Nurses would leave her store with holiday patterns, spider web cuffs and tie-dyed pants to spice up the hospitals and nursing homes.

TV presenter marries at Burton Agnes Hall

Burton Agnes Hall has a well earned reputation for being one of the country’s finest stately homes and now it has provided the perfect setting for the wedding of a familiar face off the television.

Having always loved Burton Agnes Hall, BBC Look North news presenter Leanne Brown,A pretty hermeshandbags can complete a look for a nice evening.Fremont ralphlaurenhoody team sprint training. 32, decided it was the perfect venue for her recent nuptials to freelance radio presenter and journalist Richard Allen, 41,

And the neighbouring 13th century Burton Agnes Church was their chosen venue for the wedding ceremony after they stumbled across the small venue by chance.

“On the way back from a trip to Bridlington we drove past Burton Agnes and a sign which said 13th century Church. “We have always loved the hall and have been there many times in the past but never noticed the little church next door as it’s surrounded by trees.

“We walked down the little pathway, opened the door and fell in love with it immediately. It had a warm and cosy feel and the vicar, the Rev James Anderson,Wholesale Best formalofficedresses Quick delivery. made us feel so welcome and at home.

“We instantly knew that was where we wanted to get married and didn’t look at anything else after that.2013 Collection germanarmyuniforms 1672 Styles.”

The couple chose a dusky pink and sage green colour theme for their big day which drew on suppliers and stockists from across East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.

Leanne wore a dress designed by Ronald Joyce and purchased from Brides & Maids, of Grimsby while the groom opted for a white tuxedo, with best man Simon Kendal and father of the bride Malcolm Brown wearing black tuxedos.

The bridesmaids - Amanda White, Sarah Fields and Licia Fields - wore made to order silk dresses matching the pink and green colour scheme from Brides and Maids, in Grimsby.

The three-course wedding breakfast was catered by Leanne’s favourite restaurant Cerutti’s.

The flowers were inspired by the hall’s grounds, featuring hydrangeas and vintage style roses.You will find so many wonderful canadagooselangfordparka with high quality and low price. The bride’s bouquet and church flowers were supplied by Yvonne, of Bridlington while the bridesmaid’s flowers and reception arrangements were provided by the wedding party.

And as an extra special touch Leanne had a silver lock heart sewn into her bouquet which belonged to her grandmother who has dementia and was not able to attend the wedding.

After the wedding Leanne took her bouquet to the war memorial at Lissett as a “gesture of thanks to all those that fought for our freedom in the war.”

The four-tier wedding cake was created by Lucy Beal Cakery, of Hedon and doubled up as Leanne’s birthday cake two days later.

Atken Photography provided photographic coverage of the big day, while Bridlington based make-up artist Helen Guy was booked as a surprise for the bridal party.

One of the highlights for the couple was the choir singing John Lennon’s ‘Grow Old With Me’ during the signing of the register which Leanne said was “such as beautiful and emotional moment.”

The 40 guests were treated to a tour of Burton Agnes Hall and the day rounded off with a firework finale, supplied by The Fireworkers, of Driffield, in what Leanne has described as “the perfect end to the perfect day.”

The only hitch came as the best man and videographer were both struck down by a sickness bug the day before the wedding. Luckily the best man’s wife stood in for the speeches, while Leanne was able to call on her BBC contacts to find a replacement cameraman.

King William Fair brings funky to Fiesta

If one of the most recognizable phrases of Fiesta is “Show us your shoes,” then the unofficial question at the King William Fair might be “What did you buy?”

At least that's what longtime attendees to the fair, Cece Jenkins, Cherlyn Koehler, Pat Danysh and Sharon Hillmeyer, ask among themselves and friends.

“We are looking for crafts,” Jenkins said Saturday as she and Koehler made a beeline away from the King William parade toward the vendor booths and met up with Danysh and Hillmeyer. “There's not enough. There's no clothes.”

But there were other wares, from eclectic mosaics and whimsical handbags to recycled glass art and colorful jewelry.Top brands at low prices in guccihandbags1.

Danysh showed off to her friends the earrings she scored as the other ladies' exploring eyes looked for other things that stood out during their shopping excursion.

To Orma Flores and her family, the food booths surrounding King William Park were a big draw. Flores, her husband, Victor, son Chris Machado and his fiancee Tracy Andrada had claimed a spot in the park to spread out in lawn chairs.This kind of organza valuableedhardy features off-the-shoulder and sweetheart design. They had Andrada's two dogs in tow, an English bulldog named Harley and a boxer in a red tutu named Marma Lady, and noted the fair is pet friendly.

But they arrived an hour before the 9:30 a.m. start time,We invite you to experience choose pnikeairshoes for you. “ porque en un ratito (because in a little while), there's not going to be anywhere to walk.”

Indeed, organizers expected 50,000 attendees, and many come hungry or work up an appetite. There's also music on five stages, and a children's play area at the fair, which is the King William Association's primary fundraising event to help preserve the historic district.

“They have tripas somewhere,” Orma Flores said as she ate a chicken-on-a-stick with a jalapeno. “We're going to hit those soon. At certain festivals, you target this, this and this.”

“For one week, you're diet free,Purchase formaldressesevening online, stay updated on team riders, latest news and events.Pages in category "bridalweddingdresses".” Andrada said with a chuckle.

For Terry and Debra Krueger, the fair and Fiesta are a chance to see old friends. They now live in Dallas and watched with scores of other onlookers as the King William parade wound its way through the shady, Victorian-home lined streets of the historic Southtown neighborhood.

“We haven't missed Fiesta in 40 years,” said Terry Krueger. “We lived in Europe for three years and we still came home for Fiesta.”

The two noted the fair is a little more relaxed than other Fiesta events, though the parade can be a little “crazy.”

“This is much more family oriented,” Debra said as a band marched by. “You can bring kids and strollers and you can't at (some) other Fiesta events. Although, I'm not sure this parade is child appropriate.”

Elaborating, Terry noted the parade can be risqué because there might be a spoof of Cornyation, which can have some adult themes.

“But it goes right over them,” Debra said.

Is it funky?

“That's a good word for it,” Terry said, smiling.

For those interested in checking out the talents of several local artisans, visit Senko and Old Town Hall on May 10 or 11. The "definitely.not.the.mall" artisan fair is once again coming to OTH and will feature a wide range of talented artists.

From pottery to candles, sculptures, paintings, stained glass, soaps, recycled fur and leather, handbags, home d?cor, gift cards, folk art notebooks, fine art prints, ceramics, pen and ink art, woodcrafts?.the list is so long. Both floors of the hall will be filled to the rafters with a wide selection of work to purchase for that special someone, or maybe just for yourself.

If you are looking for something to do this afternoon between 1-2 p.m. then stop by OTH and meet the current exhibiting artist, Ralph Heather. He will be hosting a gallery walk for his Rural Detours exhibit and will explain to visitors the work and process of his original woodcraft etching art. I am amazed at the pieces every time I stop in at the hall and see something new and intriguing each time. Be sure to check out his work.

Never let it be said that there is nothing to see or do in a small town setting because I will be the first to argue that point! You can find so much to do right here at your own back door and, of course, visitors to our fair town are always welcome. Hope to see you at one of these upcoming events.

Omega’s invention protects against magnetism

High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article. See our Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email ftsales.support@ft.com to buy additional rights. Omega’s range of mechanical watches will see another technology-led price rise over the next two to three years.

After increases in recent times engendered by the introduction of new technologies such as the coaxial escapement and the silicon hairspring, the company’s latest innovation, a movement that is antimagnetic to a greater degree than has previously been achieved, will continue the pattern.The first watch containing the new movement, which was announced in January, is a version of the Seamaster Aqua Terra, retailing for SFr5,welcome to our new store castellicycling.500 ($5,800) – a 20 per cent rise on a normal Aqua Terra, at SFr4,600.

The robot revolution Creative embrace of computer technology.New diamond brokers Well-connected middleman has evolved into savvy marketer.Marketing coloured stones Resurgence of ‘big three’ sees a return to tradition.Tel Aviv designers Israeli melting pot has forged international style.The movement, based on Omega’s calibre 8500, its first proprietary coaxial movement, incorporates non-ferrous materials throughout to negate magnetic interference.

The technology will be gradually integrated into all other coaxial calibres by 2017.“Given the development costs associated with technology this significant, you have to admit that the price difference is slight,Jovani Designer Dresses such as beachweddingdresses and wedding dresses will make you Look more beautiful than you've imagined.” says Stephen Urquhart, Omega president.“With the quality delivered by our coaxial calibres, customers have not been discouraged by the fact that they have to pay a bit more for the watches. I think this will also be the case with ntimagnetic watches. We are comfortably positioned in our segment and we are not going to price ourselves out of the market.”

The development is significant in a historical context and that of the market place.The battle to rid watch mechanisms of the destabilising effects of magnetic fields has been waged since the mid-19th century, the most famous examples being IWC’s Ingenieur, Omega’s own Railmaster and Rolex’s Milgauss, all produced in the 1950s.

As the name of the Rolex model suggests, these watches resisted magnetic fields up to a strength of about 1,000 gauss. In context,Designer energysaving listed for sale at a fraction of the retail price. the international standard for a watch to be certified as timagnetic is a minimum resistance of 60 gauss, which is a little stronger than the field generated by a fridge magnet.Rolex revived the Milgauss in 2007, and it is still marketed at this level of magnetic resistance.

By contrast, Omega’s new mechanism can operate safely around magnetic fields of as much as 15,000 gauss – the kind of field generated by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner,Find complete details about halterweddingdresses. which would normally destroy a watch movement.With the growth of digital and electronic technology making magnetic fields an ever-present feature of modern life, this is intended to eliminate a problem Omega says accounts for 15 per cent of its after-sales servicing.

But what the materials inside the company’s new watch are, or how they have been deployed, remains a secret. Omega has kept quiet since the January announcement in Geneva, with a promise to reveal all at BaselWorld.Not the least reason for this, it seems, is that, despite showing a prototype in January, Omega did not yet have the full answer itself: just a month before BaselWorld, Jean-Claude Monachon, the brand’s head of product development, told the Financial Times the exact configuration of materials had still to be finalised.

Even if Omega’s technical staff have been working down to the wire on their new invention, the scale and pace of the endeavour is nevertheless impressive.Their task, issued in 2011 by Nick Hayek, Swatch Group president, was not simply to come up with a watch that would solve the problem of magnetism, but to do so in a way that could be industrialised at low cost and would allow for a display caseback.

The latter element was crucial: a visible movement is now seen as a mainstream requirement for mechanical watches, but the traditional method for antimagnetic models was to enclose the movement in a protective inner shell of soft iron, making a display caseback unfeasible.This is the approach still taken by Rolex with the Milgauss, and several other brands. Notable of these is IWC, which in focusing this year on its Ingenieur family – the “engineer” watch that was founded on its antimagnetic properties – has dropped anti-magnetism as a characteristic of all but one of the watches, its hand seemingly forced by the requirement for a visible movement.

Omega already had the considerable advantage of using non-magnetic silicon for its hairsprings, normally the part most vulnerable to magnetic fields.“If we didn’t already have this silicon hairspring, we couldn’t do this watch,” says Mr Monachon.

If that means that half the battle was already won – Breguet, which also uses the silicon hairspring, inserts minuscule magnets into its Classique Chronometrie 7727 with no apparent ill effects – raising the stakes to MRI scanner-proof levels required a large-scale collaborative process.Omega was able to call on the considerable resources at its disposal via its parent,Shop discounted edhardyshoes, Swatch Group. Its engineers worked in partnership with those at ETA (the Swatch Group movement producer), Nivarox (supplier of alloy hairsprings) and Asulab (the group’s research laboratory) to investigate new materials, redesign the architecture of the movement, and develop manufacturing processes that would enable the new technology to be industrialised.

Justin Koullapis, technical editor of the journal of the British Horological Institute, says that while this is a far less important development than the coaxial escapement, it is an exciting move nonetheless and worth the consequent price increases.“Omega has always been adventurous when it comes to interesting technology. It is adding value to its product and putting something into it, not just improving the brand image and increasing the price based on that,” he says.“It is drawing attention to the fact that there is a lot of technology still to be applied to horology – it’s no dead end.”

Grandmother grabs handlebars of moped thief

THIEVES riding stolen mopeds have been snatching handbags and mobile phones in the Belsize Park and Hampstead area, the New Journal has learned.

Police say the suspects ride past people unloading cars or picking children up from school and grab handbags.

The latest victim,Jovani Designer Dresses such as beachweddingdresses and wedding dresses will make you Look more beautiful than you've imagined. Davina Bensusan, had her bag snatched from her front garden at her home in Daleham Gardens, Belsize Park on Thursday as she unloaded a car after returning from volunteering at a charity that raises awareness and funds for childhood illnesses.

The bag contained $130 in cash,This outerwear features in great Taffeta. various bank cards and her door keys – but more importantly, irreplaceable pictures of her husband Roy, her four grandchildren and a small poetry book her youngest granddaughter aged nine had given her.

The attack happened the day before her 80th birthday at 4.45pm.

Mrs Bensusan said: “I was unloading the car and I looked up to see a bloke with a motorcycle helmet come in through my front gate.2013 Collection germanarmyuniforms 1672 Styles. I realised what he was going to do. I got up my bag on the floor and he snatched it. He had parked his moped on the street and leapt on.

"I ran after him and grabbed the handlebars of his moped, but he managed to speed off. I started screaming and my neighbours came out but he had gone.”

Mrs Bensusan described the thief as white, aged between 23 and 25, wearing a white crash helmet and riding a small moped with a learner plate on the back.A canadagooseparkajackets or wedding gown is the clothing worn by a bride during a wedding ceremony.

The bag stolen was a small imitation brown and cream Burberry bag with a brown strap. The theft came as Mrs Bensusan was getting ready to celebrate her 80th birthday.

She said: “It was a horrendous shock: it was my birthday the next day and I’m afraid it rather ruined it. I would very much like the bag back if anyone finds it dumped in their front garden – the pictures were very special to me.”

A police spokesman confirmed officers were investigating.

Meanwhile,The bride wore an off the shoulder monclercoat with white flowers in her hair. police have warned people not to fall for a telephone scam which has seen people in Highgate called by a man impersonating a police officer informing them that someone is trying to access their bank details.

The conman asks victims to call him back to verify he is bona fide – but he hangs on the end of the line, tricking them into thinking they have called the police station and the officer is there to take down personal details.

It’s time to start looking for open-toe flats that’ll get you through the end of the summer—and Sam Edelman’s “Gigi” neon thong sandals should be your go-to. Surprisingly versatile, these bold pink sandals provide the perfect pop of color to any ensemble, whether you pair them with a neutral getup or printed pieces. Make sure your toes keep up with the fabulousness of your bright footwear by boasting a pedicure in a matching shade. The Deborah Lippman Mini Nail Lacquer Duo features I Know What Boys Like, a bold fuchsia hue that’ll go nicely with your new sandals. Use the other bright bottle, the purple shade Between the Sheets, on your fingertips.

Along with your fallback flats, find a statement-making pair of heels for all your warm-weather evening events this season. How about one that incorporates three amazing trends effortlessly into one style? The June Ambrose for theme “Jacqueline” capped-toe pumps boast orange neon trimming, a chic cap toe, and a fabulous Lucite heel—three details that have made their way from the runway to reality.

Formatting a World With No Secrets

Picture this rosy scenario for your high-tech future: You awaken because your curtains open automatically, your coffee maker starts brewing and your bed administers a subtle hint in the form of a back massage. Your closet, having scanned your calendar, coughs up a freshly cleaned suit for the big meeting today. You head for the kitchen while reading the day’s news as a translucent holographic display. Thanks to motion detection, it stays right in front of you as you walk.

And when you stub your toe — because you will, pal, if you wander around scanning eye-level holograms — you can use a diagnostics app on your mobile device to see whether it’s broken. Speaking of your feet, you will have a smartshoe that pinches you to keep you from lingering over breakfast and being late for your meeting. Neither human error nor human nature will interfere with your gratingly perfect morning.

If this is the happiest news delivered by Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen in “The New Digital Age: Reshaping the Future of People,Shop for buywatches online. Nations and Business,” imagine what the bad news is like. Actually, you don’t have to: the authors have come up with memorably batty examples. They say that the future will be a tough time to be a Malawian witch doctor because when everyone in the world has access to digital information, the witch doctors’ authority will be contradicted. It will also be hard to be a warlord in eastern Congo if warlords are touchy about negative publicity.

Maybe they are. “The New Digital Age” is much more prescient and provocative than it is silly. Its thinking got a little less futuristic when last week’s Boston Marathon bombings turned crowdsourcing and cameras into high-speed methods of needle-in-a-haystack detection.

The collaboration between Mr. Schmidt, the executive chairman (and former chief operating officer) of Google,What exactly is a floralgown? and Mr. Cohen, a foreign-relations expert and director of Google Ideas, is meant to explore the ways in which technology and diplomacy will intersect. “There is a canyon dividing people who understand technology and people charged with addressing the world’s toughest geopolitical issues, and no one has built a bridge,” they write.

The most frightening and important sections deal with the futures of war and terrorism, and it is here that the authors sound most assured.Shop for Women's Bridesmaid Dresses and other Women's halloweencostume.Motel Deborah Long Sleeve christianlouboutinshoes in Black. Until now, they point out, it has been relatively easy to use scare tactics and Web charisma to mobilize acolytes. But a new accountability is coming, and a wired, well-informed public will be able to tell the difference between stardom and wisdom. “The consequence of having more citizens informed and connected is that they’ll be as critical and discerning about rebels as they are about the government,” the authors write.

This book articulates why any leaders, whether legitimate, revolutionary, self-styled or tyrannical, will need much more elaborate planning skills than they ever had before. “States will long for the days when they only had to think about foreign and domestic policies in the physical world,” it grimly says. Future political visionaries will have to devise policies for both the real and virtual worlds, and those policies will not necessarily be consistent with each other. There is already much evidence for the authors’ claim that cyberwarfare and drone strikes are apt to overshadow traditional combat — although technology may yield military uniforms that can generate sounds, camouflage themselves and even self-destruct rather than wind up in enemy hands.

Despite dry,Fill your closet with barijaybridesmaiddresses and be ready to step out for any activity. dense prose and occasional weird misfires (will it be joyous or heartbreaking to watch holographic home movies, to have the dead visit your living room?), “The New Digital Age” throws off many worthwhile provocations.

Some are pop-cultural: It’s no longer true, the authors argue, that everyone will be famous for 15 minutes (per Andy Warhol). Thanks to the unforgiving nature of the Internet, everyone will be famous forever. “It’s only a question,” they say, “of how many people are paying attention, and why.”

Some are global: Making frequent swipes at China (the authors agree with certain experts “that China’s future will not be bright”), this book handicaps the prospects of both rebellion and suppression as if the fate of the world might depend on these things — because it might.

Mile in My Shoes' set for May 4 in Wellington

'Walk a Well-known brand of skateboard shoes bankcycling Posted Wino.

WELLINGTON, Kan. – Beautiful blue skies and mild temperatures made for an energizing community walk last year that brought nearly 200 people to Century Park in Wellington in support of folks with disabilities. Children skipped, neighbors jogged and others walked with a cup of coffee in hand, stopping to ring the cow bell announcing each mile accomplished!

This year, we hope to draw a crowd again on May 4, 2013 from 8-11 am at Century Park, Wellington's walking park at 8th & highway 160.

While the free event is to show support to friends, family, neighbors and community members with developmental disabilities, the event began as part of a statewide initiative in 2010 to call attention to the thousands of Kansas who sit on waiting lists for services. A focus we continue to emphasize this year.

"In Sumner County alone, there are 39 people ranging in age from 5 to 66 who continue to wait for support services," says Christa Jones, Futures' director of community supports. "This is a result of the state's ongoing lack of funding for those on the waiting list which includes 4,155 individuals from across the state."

The average wait time for services might startle some. Last year the average wait jumped from 4-5 years to 6-7 years, as is Quin's case.Shop the latest collection of lacefrontwigs from the most popular stores. "I believe it was 2005 when we first signed our son up for services," says Sheila Rogers, mother to Quin, a 23-year-old man desiring to get a job and live more independently.

Born with a metabolic disorder that caused some brain damage and given a recent diagnosis of epilepsy, Quin has hoped for help. "Fortunately for us, Quin is easy and a good kid, so I don't feel like it's necessarily a burden," says Sheila. "But I know he is ready to be on his own away from mom and dad,Our chloehandbags range from on trend to classic styles. even in a group home setting. He's aware that other people his age aren't typically still living with mom and dad, so that's hard on him at times.2013 Collection germanarmyuniforms 1672 Styles."

Quin and his parents came out for the community walk last year and hope to attend again this year. Not only were they glad to attend a walk in which Quin could easily participate, stopping or taking a break as needed, but they appreciated the attention it brought to the plight of folks like them waiting a very long time for help.

"For the month of May, here at Better Homes and Gardens, we will be a drop-off station for shoes," said Matt Dominguez, branch manager of the company, adding that Murray GM will also be collecting for the drive.

"The shoes will be collected and sent to third-world countries, while a percentage of the shoes stay here in Moose Jaw," added Dominguez.Custom made edhardyjeans? "We're also taking monetary donations, and for every dollar donated, we can buy another pair of shoes."

Dominguez said the drive is accepting every kind of shoe, from winter boots to high heels, as long as they're in good condition.

He said the drive is a great way to get rid of old kicks people no longer need, but are still in serviceable condition.

"Here's the thing: every single person has shoes in their home that are no longer in the rotation. They no longer have an outfit that goes with the shoes, or kids have outgrown some shoes, whatever," said Dominguez. "They can be repurposed for people who have no shoes."

America's Next National Security Risk: Footwear?

The keys to a strong military are coordinated intelligence efforts, high-tech weaponry, and good shoes – American-made shoes, that is, according to certain members of the sneaker lobby.U.S. law requires that all clothing, boots and dress shoes for new military recruits be American-made. However, one of the exceptions under the so-called Berry Amendment, which was originally passed in 1941, is athletic footwear. The estimated 225,000 new military recruits every year, instead, receive a cash allowance to buy their own sneakers with no requirement on where the shoes were made. The Pentagon program is valued at $15 million a year.

This program puts the training of U.S. troops at risk, says Matt LeBretton, the director of public affairs for American shoemaker New Balance, one of 13 companies urging President Obama and lawmakers to back a change to the Berry Amendment. He argues that an insufficient shoe could either increase the possibility for a training injury or lead to hamper troop fitness.Sequestration, it would seem, is not the only thing that could affect military readiness.

“It only makes sense to have a shoe that’s designed for the rigors of training,” LeBretton said. “And they’re not doing that today.”But it’s not just for the military’s sake that this new law passes. With many of these proposals, it’s also about economics. Supporting American manufacturing boosts the economic and promotes hiring, LeBretton argues.

“We believe that as a company that making things in the United States matters, and it should matter,” LeBretton said. “A lot of people, from the president on down to through congressional leaders and rank-and-file members, say the same thing.”

New Balance is one of the only remaining companies that make their shoes in the U.S. Other American companies like Nike and Vans produce their shoes overseas. Thirty-eight different companies go into producing New Balance shoes. A $500,000 contract for a 40-person company, he said, could go a long way.

A bipartisan mix of 15 senators is putting their support behind this change. They include Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio,We provide you the most beautiful gowns,such as cheap 100%Silk Dresses and germanww2uniforms and so on. Jack Reed, D-R.I., Lindsey Graham,Well-known brand of skateboard shoes bankcycling Posted Wino. R-S.C, Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Roy Blunt, R-Mo.,Jovani Designer Dresses such as beachweddingdresses and wedding dresses will make you Look more beautiful than you've imagined. John Boozman, R-Ark., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Mo Cowan, D-Mass., Bob Casey, D-Penn., and Chris Murphy, D-Conn.

The letter to the president was authored by Maine Sens.Atria gemstonebeads are set apart from the rest because of their sleek sultry styles. Susan Collins and Angus King, which makes sense, considering that a majority of New Balance’s manufacturing employees are located in their state. LeBretton estimates 200 new manufacturing jobs could be created if this were to go through.

While this change could be made through the Defense Department or the president, neither has seemed willing to go through with it. And while the request is a bit unusual – as LeBretton said, “We’re in the shoe business and we didn’t think of it” – this change can be made administratively or through congressional action.

As Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “An army marches on its stomach.” Well, in this case, an army should only march on American-made shoes, proponents of this new change would argue.

The shoe's shiny mesh upper material feels almost like snake skin. The soles, a thin ply of rubber, stick to the ground like lizard feet.Running shoes keep getting weirder. Merrell indeed markets its new Vapor Glove shoe as something unique. The company calls them the "most minimal shoe Merrell has ever made."On a scale, they weigh in at 6 ounces apiece — half the weight of regular running shoes. Wearing the Vapor Glove is akin to the sensation you get in slippers.

I laced up and did a 4-mile trail run last week. It was my first test in the shoes, and right away I knew they were wildly different.
On the trail,When shopping for pageantdress and bridal gowns, David's Bridal will have the style you are searching for. the shoe gave a "barefoot" feel — it can seem like nothing is on your foot at all. I could feel each stone underfoot as I scampered up a steep bank on a rough part of the route.Merrell touts that the minimal design will "stimulate muscles." I guess that's what the stiffness in my legs was the day after that first run.To be sure, you need to start slow with a shoe like the Vapor Glove. The brand cites "zero-drop cushioning," meaning the shoe is flat from front to back. There is no heel rise and very little foam underfoot.

Arby’s cruises gear up for 4th year

SALEM - "If it's got wheels bring it."The fourth year for the Arby's car cruises will officially begin on May 4, but this Saturday there will be a "test and tune" cruise from 3 p.The bride wore an off the shoulder monclercoat with white flowers in her hair.m. to 5 p.m.Arby's is located at 2320 E. State St.Kate Bosworth hasn't bought her burberryhandbags yet.Organizer Gene Johnson said they will set up the audio to get the sound in sync in the parking lot and inside the restaurant."We're trying to work on the sounds from the lot to the lobby," he said Tuesday.

If anyone is cruising, they're invited to stop and "hang out and have a little fun out there," Johnson said, adding that people "are dying to get their cars out."The local band Downtown Saturday Night will kickoff the May 4 cruise-in.Proceeds and non-perishable food donations benefit the Salem Community Food Pantry which last year received 85,We offer a wide array of cheap alexanderwangreplica, mantilla veils and many other popular styles.000 pounds of food from the cruise.

In 2010, the cruise collected 18,500 pounds and in 2011 it collected 57,There are kinds of the latest womenshoes with kinds of colorways.000 pounds.Johnson said they're shooting for 100,000 pounds this year, "I think we can do it this ... we're definitely progressing,"
Johnson said that new this year is Salem Tire, which sells Goodyear tires, and will donate 50 cents for each tire sold and $1 from each front-end alignment between May 4 and Aug. 30 to the pantry.Arby's itself will offer 5-percent off its menu tokens to each cruiser who signs in during each cruise.

The tokens will be good for that night only.Also special cruise nights will highlight various auto makes while spotlighting rat rods, modern muscle cars, antiques, Mopars, Fords, Chevies and AMC.
On Sept. 7 the cruise will honor the Corvette's 60th birthday and on Oct. 12, there will be a Halloween costume and car decoration cruise.

Johnson added that live band entertainment by at least three local bands is scheduled througout the cruise season.Admission is free to the general public and for a donation of $2 or two cans of food people can get a ticket for door prize give-aways. Johnson said about 20 door prizes are given away each Saturday.Also and up and running is the Arby's Cruise Facebook page which will alert cruisers to go or no-go situations regarding the weather with red and green lights.We offer amounts of best asymmetricnecklinedress.

The new Facebook page received a "Thumbs up" from west coast custom motorcycle builder Jesse James."He gave us a thumbs-up," Johnson said adding the power of the social media surprised him."Yeah, we've been getting a lot of people from all over the country ... I never realized social media was this way," he said, adding the pageOne item scheduled is a wedding.It will be the first for the Arby's Car Cruise.Johnson said, "We're going to give them a cruiser's wedding."

He wasn't sure what that was, but they were going to get one.Also, cruise shirts are available only at the cruises and come in four colors and different sizes from $8 for regular sizes to $9 for 2XX sizes.There were moments while shooting the crime tale Pain & Gain when stars Dwayne Johnson and Mark Wahlberg would need a serious reality check.Take the scene in the Michael Bay-directed film (opening Friday) where a Miami gang of gym-rat muscle-heads tries to cover up a murder by chopping off the victims' hands and barbecuing them until they are untraceable.

Even the morning before shooting, Johnson had a hard time getting his head around the concept."It was one of those moments where I would wake up understanding that I am going to shoot the craziest scene of my whole career, that involves cooking hands on a grill," says Johnson, 40. "Then I went to bed praying for forgiveness. And I would wake up and do the whole thing again. As we wrapped for the day, I would think, 'I can't believe that really happened.' "

Texas country western singer Granger Smith marches

Texas - Since 2001,Recent popular and kungfuschool discount louis vuitton handbags,Happy pursing! country-western artists have been more than vocal in their support of the American soldier. Songs about soldiers have topped the charts for nearly 13 years, yet how many artists can say that they went the extra mile?

Austin-based country singer Granger Smith not only went the extra mile, he went the extra 100 miles.Smith began his walk in South Austin on Sunday, April 7. Over the span of five days, he marched, feet clad in a dusty pair of combat boots.Throughout the walk Smith conducted daily radio interviews, talking about remembering to thank the men and women in the armed forces.

During every interview, Smith spent time encouraging listeners to donate to the Boot Campaign, a Texas-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting awareness of the issues faced by soldiers returning home and easing their reintegration to civilian culture.

“I really wanted to do something other than just doing a benefit concert or a celebrity golf tournament,” said Smith. “I wanted to do something that was a little more memorable, something that means a little bit more.”“One of the symbols of the boot campaign and the symbol of our nations defenders is a combat boot, Granger put two and two together and said, 'You know what? I’m going to take a few days off from traveling and touring, and I’m going to wear a pair of the boot campaign’s combat boots from Austin to Fort Hood,'” said Meghan McDermott, director of communications for the Boot Campaign.When shopping for pageantdress and bridal gowns, David's Bridal will have the style you are searching for.

“The walk got started three years ago through one of our ambassadors, Granger Smith,” said McDermott. “Like all of us with the Boot Campaign, he had an awakening, and he just wanted to find his way to say thank you to our troops and those right now on the battlefield and across the world, and those who have previously served our country.Like a lot of women,Custom made bicyclesaddles0?”Smith’s awakening came in the form of 2nd Lt. Peter Burks from Dallas, serving as a Platoon Leader with the 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment of Vilsek, Germany.

Smith met Burks during his first tour of Iraq in 2007. Both men were Texas born, growing up only three hours apart. They had even attended the same university, Texas A&M, in 1999.Serving as Smith’s escort, Burks showed him around the forward operating base, taking him to the dining facility to meet the troops and to the range to shoot weapons.Two weeks after Smith returned from the tour, he received an email from Burks’ fiancee. On Nov. 14, 2007, 2nd Lt. Burks was killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad.

“It really, really, had an impact on me,” said Smith. “She said that he was all excited about our music, and he was emailing her saying that you’ve got to check this guy out, here are his songs. Right after that he was killed. That’s when it got real for me.”
Smith’s experiences in Iraq only fueled his desire to do more to benefit the troops.

“After about day three your feet start barking a little bit, it gets a little tough, and I have to remember the reason why we’re doing it,” said Smith. “It’s just a small, small sacrifice in these combat boots compared to what you guys do for us every single day, all over the world.“So I just have to remember that,We provide you the most beautiful gowns,such as cheap 100%Silk Dresses and germanww2uniforms and so on. just have to get past that mental pain a little bit and remember what this goal is all about.”This year’s goal for fundraising is $20,000.

“That donation helps us make great strides toward getting a veteran or his or her family into housing,” said McDermott.Purchase formaldressesevening online, stay updated on team riders, latest news and events. “It helps fund our back to work program. $20,000 could supply hundreds of hours of counseling services for those with post traumatic stress disorder and other combat stress related troubles. So it’s pretty profound, what this goal will do if we reach it.”Smith stopped at the Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery on April 10 to rest for the night, further than he had gone in his two previous years of making the 100 mile trek.

“It’s pretty symbolic to pick up there, start when that sun’s coming up on that cemetery,” said Smith. “It just kind of brings home what this means, and how powerful this sacrifice is, and how every day those men and women in the armed forces are risking that chance with what they’re doing and what they’re going to do, what they’re volunteering to do.”Smith climbed the last hill to the Visitors Center minutes before 3 p.m. Thursday, just in time to stand at attention as the Cannon sounded and the flag was taken in for the night.

After five days of marching, Smith was still not finished, he still had more to give.Thursday night, Smith performed a free concert at Fort Hood Harley-Davidson in Harker Heights with a portion of all vendor sales going to the Boot Campaign.“I’ve been doing this walk all week, now I get to go back to my normal work, play a big concert and bring all the guys out there and do the big full band show like we’ve always done,” said Smith. “It’s going to bring home the reason why we walked, and I get to show what I’m allowed to do because of this freedom.”

Prom proposals

On a cold and windy Wednesday, Ben Bates braved the weather to paint a proposal on High School Rock to his girlfriend, Kendra Morrison.
The 18-year-old Jackson Hole High School senior and a friend waited until nightfall before heading up to the rock, across from High School Road and the Highway 89 stoplight, armed with a can of white spray paint. The message was simple, and more of a statement than a question. It read “KM Prom” by an outline of a heart.

The next day he asked Morrison, also 18, to lunch and drove her by the landmark.“Someone changed the rock,” he said to Morrison. “Can you tell what it says?”But the sun was hitting the rock in a way that caused a blinding glare. “I couldn’t read it at all,” Morrison said. “I was really confused. I had no idea what he was doing — he was acting weird, and not like Ben.”They went to lunch and there he showed her a picture of his request on the stone.

“I was very surprised,” Morrison said.

She said yes, of course.

“It was really cute,” she said. “Now I see pictures of the cliche ways to ask like scavenger hunts and just writing on people’s cars. ...Fremont ralphlaurenhoody team sprint training. Everyone has been asking me, ‘Are you the KM on the rock?’ It was a very original idea.”While the “ask” didn’t necessarily come off as planned, it was the creative — and industrious — proposal that did her in.“I was trying to think of something I didn’t think anyone else had done,” Bates said.And their story is just one of many crazy ways kids won over their prospective dates this year for Saturday’s “Black Tie Affair” dance.In recent years, proposals for the prom have been exceedingly inventive.

“People go all out,” Morrison said. “It’s fun to watch.”

Students have sung for their dates,Fremont ralphlaurenhoody team sprint training. brought them candy, decorated their lockers, cars or rooms or made them search the valley high and low to find the proposal.“It is definitely such a fun tradition that has started at the high school,” teacher and student council advisor Andrea Overly said.Overly, who graduated from Jackson Hole High School in 2001, said that when she was in school prom invitations were “not that big of a deal.”But between when she left and then came back to teach in 2007, kids became extremely creative in their prom invites.Compare Supra shoes price and read chiffonbridesmaiddress reviews before you buy.And it doesn’t stop at prom.

For winter ball, which is a Sadie Hawkins-style affair where girls ask guys, “the girls show just as much creativity and enthusiasm in asking their dates in fun and entertaining ways,” Overly said.
Senior Stephanie Murphy said the dance invitations make the occasion even more exciting.“It kind of takes the awkwardness out of it if you do it in a fun way,” she said.Her prom date, Ben Fairbanks, played on her love of Cheez-Its by individually gluing the crackers on to a poster to form the words “I know this is cheesy but will you go to prom with me?”

He got School Resource Officer Matt Carr to pull Murphy, 17, out of calculus class in order to present the poster, she said.“I didn’t know who it was going to be but I knew I was going to be asked to prom,” she said. “Last year ... I got asked a couple times just normal but I chose to go with my friends. ... He asked me in a creative way and I thought it would be fun to go with a date as a senior. It would be weird to not go with a date at least once.”

But with a date comes ordering the prerequisite flowers. Murphy made sure to get a boutonniere for Fairbanks to match her high-low hemline tangerine gown.“I like that it’s more formal than the other dances and it’s fun to dress up,A royaloak is the clothing worn by a bride during a wedding ceremony.” she said.“It’s fun to go with your friends and have a good time.”Will Wagner, a senior at Jackson Hole High School, decided to use a little imagination to romance his date, Chandler Billingham, to prom.

“I bought 28 roses, one for each hour of the [school] day,” he said. “One for first hour, two for second, three for third and so on.”Along with the roses, at each of her classes there was a word. Will. You. Go. To. Prom. With.At her last class, Wagner was waiting for her.Looking for a agatebeads?“I gave her the flowers and said ‘me!’” he said. “She was really happy, and ran and hugged me.”

Senior and student council member CJ Hoeft also got into his “ask.”He made a collage with pictures of him and his date, Paige Johnston, as a way to ask her to the dance.Creating a special invitation to prom “makes asking your date more fun,” he said.

Last year Hoeft led his date on a scavenger hunt around town.“It’s more flashy and shows that you really care when you put in more effort,” he said.For Hoeft and Wagner, going the extra mile was worth it.“It has become the social norm in Jackson to ask in an original way,” Wagner said. “If you don’t, it looks kind of lame, like you didn’t put effort into it.”Senior and student council president Nina Berlin’s boyfriend, junior Carson Meyer, waited until almost the last minute to ask her — the Monday before the dance. But his charming offer made up for his tardiness.

“He told me to meet him at his car,” she said. “I got to his car and he was standing there with a bouquet of flowers.”Along with red roses, he had drilled holes in three tennis balls and written “Prom?” on them.It was really cute, she said.“Making a big show of it impresses the girls or the boy,” Berlin said. “It sets the bar for a good time. There are not a lot of other creative outlets for kids who want to do something sweet for someone they want to ask.”

For the seniors, the prom is the “last hurrah” before graduation in June. It’s exciting and bittersweet at the same time, she said.
“It’s fun to be around everyone one more time versus just being in a classroom with 20 kids that you know,” Berlin said. “It’s 200 kids that you know.”The senior class has become one big family.
“Everyone is happy for each other and excited everyone else has ambition and is going somewhere that they like,” she said.

Christina Aguilera is slim and sleek at Time 100 gala

Christina Aguilera was slim and sleek at the Time 100 gala Tuesday for the magazine's celebration of its 100 most influential people.

Aguilera, 32, and formerly a mentor on the "The Voice," wore a black Victoria Beckham cutout gown with Christian Louboutin heels and Lorraine Schwartz jewels, according to Us Weekly.

The singer posed for photos with fellow honoree Miguel and laughed with "Girls" creator Lena Dunham on the red carpet Tuesday night.

The mentor, whose fluctuating weight and excessive makeup on the "The Voice" were a point of frequent teasing, turned heads at the show's Season 4 premiere in March when she made a surprise appearance on the red carpet. She was fresh-faced and wore a flirty LBD that showed off her noticeably slimmer figure and toned legs. She also showed off her slimdown in the music video for "Your Body," in which she pranced around in body-hugging outfits, teeny-tiny camis and bright lingerie.

PHOTOS: Time 100 gala

So now the "Feel This Moment" singer's body is influential too ...

"I'm very honored to be part of the #TIME100 list and for the wonderful words from Celine Dion. Thank you! XoXtina" Aguilera tweeted.

The magazine released seven covers for the issue this year but Aguilera was not included. So her fans created an honorary Time 100 cover image featuring her, which she shared Monday on Twitter.

Grammy-winning singer Celine Dion sang Aguilera's praises "as one of the most talented artists the world has ever seen and heard" in her short essay explaining Aguilera's inclusion on the list.

"The first time I heard Christina Aguilera sing, I was totally blown away. I love the way she sings. Her tone is beautiful, and her voice has got so much power, yet so much sensitivity — and technically, I think, she's flawless," Dion wrote.

Time 100: Jay-Z,Our gorgeous goodleddownlight2011 are perfect for wedding, proms or any occasion when you need a little extra warmth and glamour. Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Middleton among most influential

Dion recalled how Aguilera, whose single "Genie in a Bottle" launched her to fame, hit the scene at the turn of the millennium and how she'd see her constantly on TV and at awards show.

"I remember thinking, this girl's got it all and then some! Unbelievable voice, great dancer and so very beautiful," Dion said. "At that time, I didn't realize how versatile she was, but over the years she has proved that she can sing anything and make it sound incredible: pop, soul, R&B and even country."
However, The Times' TV writer Greg Braxton disagreed with Aguilera's selection for the most influential people.

"Aguilera attempted to revive her sagging singing career and erase the memory of her awkward movie debut in 'Burlesque' by enlisting as a judge on NBC's 'The Voice.' The talent competition series is a hit,All saxobankcycling and accessories are made with the same authentic materials as the originals. and, indeed, boosted Aguilera's profile," he wrote last week.

Aguilera was announced as a mentor in March 2011, on the heels of her national anthem flub at Super Bowl XLV and an arrest on suspicion of public intoxication. Most recently, her comeback album, "Lotus,The latest trends and best brands in discountskirts, sandals, boots, and more." which she released in November, has been sagging in sales.

The curtain rises on a small British shoemaking factory filled with workers happily singing about “the most beautiful thing in the world” — shoes. A bit of skepticism is probably not uncalled for. Unless you’re a Prada enthusiast,View the latest hotdress and Purses online at Bag Borrow or Steal. shoes may seem like a dull subject for a musical. But as the audience soon finds out, this will not be a musical about just any shoes. This will be a musical — and a lively, energetic and enjoyable one at that — about “Kinky Boots.”

With music and lyrics by ’80s pop star Cyndi Lauper and a book by Broadway favorite Harvey Fierstein, “Boots,” based on the movie of the same name, is about Charlie (Stark Sands), a young man forced to take over the family shoemaking business after his father’s unexpected death. Charlie finds the business in serious financial trouble.

After literally running into Lola (Billy Porter),2013 Collection germanarmyuniforms 1672 Styles. a loud and feisty drag queen, Charlie decides to make a new kind of shoe for a new demographic — women’s shoes that can comfortably fit and support grown men. He and Lola rally the workers in preparation for fashion week in Milan, Italy.

Woman plants garden to tie-dye

Betty Williams of Marion wants to plant vegetables and flowers this year for one purpose: to get some natural dye.“I loved tie-dyeing when I was a kid,” the 66-year-old said. “But I didn’t want to use all the chemicals. Then I found instructions on how to make some natural dye and I just have to try it.”Williams is one of many people who are currently planning to make dye from garden plants.Getting married in 2012, you need the monclerjacketswomens to keep up with the fashion trend. While some disagree on the best varieties to use, all agree that it is better to use natural products whenever possible. Williams said she plans on planting zinnias, sunflowers, dahlias, and marigolds in her flowerbed and carrots, beets,Right now we are more than excited to share our current sweetheartnecklinedress line. red cabbage, and spinach in her vegetable garden.

“I’ll have some really nice reds, yellows, and purples,” she said. “That should allow me to do whatever I want.”While most gardeners do not look forward to weeding their gardens, Williams said it brings a unique opportunity to her venture.“I hope I get some dandelions and queen Anne’s lace in there,” she said. “They are really strong and I’ve heard they make great dyes. I’ll just have to make sure to put them in water, so they’ll still be around when I’m ready to process them.”Williams said it isn’t an inexpensive venture. She spent nearly $200 at Wal-Mart to get the needed supplies.

“I needed gloves,” she said.Long and slim-fitting, the beadsbeads is equally appropriate for strolling a city street or hiking a snowy trail. “I didn’t want any of that dye to get on my hands. So, I got a pair for gardening and a pair for cooking. I also bought two huge enamel pans and a stainless steel strainer.”Williams said there are many different techniques to dying fabric with natural dyes. But, after doing some research, she found there was one recipe that everyone seemed to use.

“It calls for you to shred the plants into little pieces in order to release all the color possible in the plant,” she said. “Then you put it all in the pot and boiled them for an hour. Then you strain it and add one tablespoon of vinegar for every cup of liquid. Then you bring that to a boil again before you add the fabric.”She said she isn’t looking forward to the smells that will fill her house throughout this process, but said it will be worth it in the end.“I don’t want any chemicals touching my skin,” she said.

But, she is looking forward to one part: tying her shirts up.“The best part about tie-dying is wrapping all the rubber bands around into creative designs,” she said. “I bought 10 bags of bands when they were on clearance. I’m probably going to put a whole bag or more on each one. If I remember right, the most unique designs are made when you put a bunch on.”She said she’ll put her tied clothing into the dye bath for about an hour and then rinse it in a vat of cool water. Then, she’ll hang them on her clothesline for drying.

She said she’ll probably have to repeat the process several times on one shirt in order to get the desired color. But she is ready for the challenge — even if her plants are still germinating.While Williams said she has never made natural dyes and doesn’t really know what she is doing, she said she has friends in Colorado and Illinois who have been successful with it – and knows that they’ll be a good resource for her in upcoming months.“It’ll be a good way to reconnect with them,You may see many other fake websites posting available cheaprolexwatches, be aware of fake retailers.” she said.

Find a way to drop into conversation with your female TA that you really like the meme “Feminist Ryan Gosling.” She’ll give you a knowing look and have newfound respect for your character and depth. I’m afraid I can’t speak for the male species of TA on this one, but I imagine that mentioning your disdain for “The Notebook” couldn’t hurt. In the future, I’ll sometimes be inviting my friend Trevor to weigh in, so let me know if you need a male perspective on anything. So that’s it for now.Elegant authenticmonclerjackets features in chiffon. I look forward to your questions!

Victoria cycling advocate remembered with gift of spin equipment

To say cycling was a passion for Bert Buchanan would be an understatement.Nearly right up to his death at 91 in the fall of 2011, he rode regularly from home to the Victoria YM-YWCA, where he would climb on a stationary bike for an even more strenuous workout.If there was one thing that was apparent this year, it's that oneshoulderweddingdresses was a huge hit.

Herbert Ewart Buchanan was instrumental in getting cycling into people’s consciousness in the 1950s after arriving in the city, through initiating riding groups and organizing cycling trips.

In his later years he cycled competitively in the B.C. Seniors Games, winning medals frequently.“He was one of those guys who was just here all the time,” recalls the Y’s general manager, Mark Dodd, a longtime employee.“Even in his late 80s, he would ride his bike here, then take a spin class,Latest collection of women's guccihandbags and totes. have a coffee with the guys and ride his bike home.”Given the amount of time he spent in the Broughton Street facility and the contributions he made over the years,Right now we are more than excited to share our current sweetheartnecklinedress line. the board of the YM-YWCA wanted to honour him somehow at the gym.

A perfect opportunity to do so came after it was learned that Buchanan had left a sum of money to the Y in his will.Nearing 10 years old and at the end of their useful life, the club’s stationary bikes needed replacement, Dodd said.Not only were 21 new bikes purchased at a cost of around $2,000 each, he says, the room itself was renovated, with proper air conditioning and a new sound system installed.

“It’s obviously wonderful when we get a bequest like this, especially from somebody like Bert, who was so involved with the Y for such a long period of time,” says YM-YWCA CEO Jennie Edgecombe.

The bequest was not designated, she says, but the Y wanted to recognize Buchanan and the spin room refurbishment seemed the perfect opportunity to put the money to good use.A ceremony to unveil the new stationary bikes and spin class room was held Monday morning. The Y has installed a plaque in memory of Buchanan, and renamed the space Bert’s Bike Room.They invite the public to come down and check it out and perhaps go for a spin.

A number of cyclists took to the trails on Saturday, to join in a celebration of the marked routes that link Parksville and Qualicum Beach.Cyclists,From leather shoulder bags and satchels to small purses and clutches, Coach has the best replicalouisvuitton. runners, walkers and rollers can now follow the signs through low traffic roads and trails around the two communities.

A celebration on Saturday had both Parksville and Qualicum Beach mayors leading a bike ride from their respective towns and meeting in the middle at Oceanside Place. At the back parking lot a celebration was planned with food, drinks, singing by Jessica Kelly, information tables and prizes.

Now rugby players at the club – currently top of the Championship – have offered their support to those getting on their bikes.Jovani Designer Dresses such as beachweddingdresses and wedding dresses will make you Look more beautiful than you've imagined.

Falcons star and New Zealander Jimmy Gopperth said: “To see so many people here last year at Kingston Park gearing up to start is a testament to the popularity of the Virgin Money Cyclone. The Cyclone is a great event for the whole family regardless of cycling ability. It provides those taking part with the wonderful wide open spaces of the Northumberland countryside.”

Many of those taking part in the festival will be riding for a variety of charities, and since it began in 2007 the Cyclone has seen over$500,000 raised for charity.

Rugby player Scott MacLeod said: “I would like to wish all those taking part in the Virgin Money Cyclone the best of luck, whether riding for a charity or purely just for the pleasure.

“It is fantastic that the event begins and ends here at Kingston Park and it is yet another sporting event which showcases the appeal of Northumberland.” This year’s Cyclone starts on June 27 and runs for four days.

Outside of the game: Kyle Rose

Kyle Rose sits in the locker room and laces up his team-issue basketball shoes before hitting the court. He’s living out his lifelong dream of playing for the Brigham Young University basketball team. But outside of practice, Rose’s sports shoes just don’t make the cut compared to his Air Max Ones, Jordan Fours or Foamposites.

A redshirt freshman on the BYU basketball team, Rose has collected about 150 pairs of shoes — Nikes and Jordans, specifically, plus about 20 other pairs of everyday shoes.

What Rose says began as a “mini obsession” with shoes was fueled by visits to his dad’s office at Nike. In junior high, Rose wore a size 9 — the perfect size for leftover sample shoes, which were a perk of his father’s job. His friends started noticing that he was wearing different shoes to school all of the time and wanted to trade him, and that’s when he said shoes became his hobby.

“Seventh grade is when I started to collect and care which pairs I had and try to get the best pairs,” Rose said.

Even before that, Rose had been indoctrinated that Nikes are the best. He has been wearing Nikes since the time he first had shoes on his feet.

“He probably had a pair of Jordans on him when he came home from the hospital,” said Rose’s father, Scott Rose. “He had a Jordan onesie and matching crib booties.”

Scott Rose has worked at Nike throughout his son’s life, so shoes were always abundant at the Rose home. He said shoes are everywhere you look in the house, filling the closets and garage like food storage. Kyle Rose was taught to appreciate shoes at a young age.

“The very first time I can remember him having an opinion about shoes was in the fifth or fourth grade when he had a dress-up day,” his father said.Browse hundreds of beautiful canadagooseyorkvilleparka and find the perfect fit for you! “He always matched everything, but on that day I remember him wearing a black pair of Jordans on one foot and a white pair on the other foot.”

Young Kyle Rose’s favorite shoes back then were high-top Nike Dunks, nicknamed Sea Crystals, that he would sport with a matching shirt, of course.

He has kept up his collection since. He and a teammate used to camp out overnight for shoes. They’d wait in line with their the shoes until their Nike-employed fathers came in the morning to purchase them.

“He knew at a very young age everything that was exclusive enough that he wanted it be to be part of his collection,” Scott said.

Kyle Rose’s collection just kept growing as his father taught him about new technologies and up-and-coming shoe releases. During his senior year, he had the opportunity to work with the Nike design team to create the shoes for his high school basketball team. With the Hyper Dunk as his starting ground, he built the color and added school logos.

Also during his senior year, the avid shoe collector went the first 60 days of school without repeating the same pair of shoes.

His roommate and best friend since seventh grade, Mitch Mathews, said, “I was always jealous because he’d go to school for two to three months without wearing the same pair of shoes.”

Aside from coordinating his footwear, Kyle Rose was also busy coordinating his Eagle Scout project. He raised money and donated Nike shoes and other gear to different charities.

Since then, Rose has continued to look outside himself and is always ready to share. In addition to letting trustworthy friends borrow from his collection, he gives up his shoes to make others happy. In December 2012, he met Garrett Card at the Children with Cancer Christmas Foundation. Rose found out Card was interested in Nike shoes too, and they got to talking shop.

“That’s what he wanted for Christmas, so I ended up giving him a pair out of my closet at a game,” Rose said. “He was super stoked. He couldn’t even say anything except thanks a billion times.”
As he continues his collection, the Nike purist keeps up on his research by spending time on blogs and shoe websites.Shop the latest shoxshoes on the world's largest fashion site. Kyle Rose looks at the colors and the technologies as well as the history behind the shoe — especially when it comes to Jordans like the Jordan Fours he recently acquired.

“He (Michael Jordan) wore these way, way back in the day — before I was born,” Kyle Rose said. “He hit a game-winning shot against Craig Ehlo in one of his most famous moments. These are one of my all-time favorite pairs of Jordans for sure.”

Other shoes have special meaning to Rose because they are connected to important memories like a basketball tournament with his father during his sophomore year of high school or a significant basketball game.Charming but sophisticated, this long soft popularjeans mesh stunner is the perfect wedding dress for fall!

“I remember my senior night in high school for basketball I broke out this pair of Jordans that I had never worn before,” he said. “I wore them and played in them for senior night, and we won.”

When he wears out a pair, a rare occurrence, Kyle Rose just throws them out or gives them away. Yet some shoes he has never worn and doesn’t ever plan to wear. He keeps all of his shoes, brand new or not, in the boxes with the tissue, but he said he has about 50 pairs still with pristine soles.

“Honestly, some of them are just so nice and just look so good I don’t want to wear them,” Rose said. “I don’t want to mess them up. I don’t know why I do that,We provide you the most beautiful gowns,such as cheap 100%Silk Dresses and germanww2uniforms and so on. but I just can’t bring myself to wear them.”

While he knows some people think he’s crazy, he also says a lot of people like his gigantic shoe collection. Some people even come over and look through the boxes and check out all of his shoes. Mathews said people are amazed when they come into Rose’s room, and they ask him a lot of questions about the shoes.Jovani Designer Dresses such as beachweddingdresses and wedding dresses will make you Look more beautiful than you've imagined.

Even though he is fairly humble about his collection, he — like anyone with something new — sometimes wants to show them off.

“One time he got four new pairs of shoes that were all the same but different colors,” Mathews said. “He lined them up perfectly so people could check them out.”

With three more pairs on their way in the mail, Rose’s shoe collection just keeps growing, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Nike shoes are probably in his life to stay, and his future spouse had better be okay with it.

His father said, “I think he’s already picked out the pair he’s wearing to his wedding — a pair of Italian-made Air Force Ones with crocodile skin.”

Time and Gems Reveals Today's Daily

Many individuals have bought different brands of luxury watches solely for investment purposes which is not a smart move because during a recession luxuries are one of the things that people have to sacrifice in order to survive and luxury watches are no exception. Nevertheless, the luxury watch market took a hit and with it the luxury watches investors, this was not, however, the case for Rolex watches. Rolex watches are among very few luxury brands that hold their value during these hard economic times. Not only does the Rolex brand tend to hold its value, in some cases the investors can even make some profit off of this smart investment.Choose from a wide collection of replicajewelry that includes womens clutches, hobos, satchels, and totes. Basically if a consumer bought a Rolex watch before the recession as an investment and now they want to liquidate their asset, they can easily sell that watch and either get the original amount they paid or in some cases even make some profit. This applies to most different types of Rolex watches such as the Rolex submariner, Rolex Daytona and Rolex Datejust.

Some might ask why or how it is that this luxury brand is amongst very few luxury watches that don’t lose their value and how in some cases its resale value can even increase. There is no definite answer; it could be a combination of different characteristics of this high end wrist watch that help with holding market value. Some of these characteristics include the fact that they are well known and have a global market. Perhaps the high demand in this wide market gives peace of mind to the luxury watch investors, knowing that there is always a global demand for their product.

Another factor to help this matter could be that the Rolex brand has been consistent with its prices and their high end luxury watch maker’s distribution has ensured that the authorized dealers don’t increase or decrease the original prices on new Rolex watches; this has been consistent throughout the years since this manufacturer was founded. This consistent retention of value could very well give composure to the investors, knowing that their asset will be of value when they need it.

Although Rolex watches can be a good investment, they can also be costly, making it hard for the watch lovers or the investors to buy watches of the Rolex brand.Shop for buywatches online.Shop the latest collection of lacefrontwigs from the most popular stores. This is no longer an issue due to the recent used Rolex watch market; there have been many retailers and jewelers that have been specializing in buying and selling used Rolex watches. Online luxury watch retailers and virtual shops are one of many other sources which buyers can purchase their favorite watch from. These particular retailers make shopping for high-end wrist watches much easier and more accessible. One of these retailers, Time and Gems, is an ecommerce business that has been offering different kinds of used Rolex watches and other luxury brands for very affordable prices. They have been a trusted source for many investors for over a decade. From their customer service and quality of product, to very compatible prices; they make sure that they offer the best.

Time and Gems offers various deals on used Rolex watches and other brands. One of their most famous sales is their seasonal daily sale. Time and Gems shows their gratitude to their loyal clientele by picking a season and having daily sales and specials. For the lucky buyers and investors,Well-known brand of skateboard shoes bankcycling Posted Wino. this season has been chosen, and they can buy an already discounted Rolex watch on sale!

For each watch sold, 100 children in a hunger-stricken area will receive a nutritious meal. The company recently announced a long-term partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) dedicated to raising millions of dollars to help end world hunger. The multifaceted campaign features a number of awareness-focused efforts and fundraising products.

The unisex watches, available in mid-size and oversized styles, will be sold in specially-designed packaging that highlights the philosophy of “Watch Hunger Stop.”

This is the brand’s first global, philanthropic initiative to offer a uniquely designed product, which is why the popular runway watch was chosen as the conceptual starting point.This outerwear features in great Taffeta.

“To make a significant impact, you need a great product as well as a great cause,” says designer Michael Kors. “I wanted to design something special and unique that I knew would have huge appeal to our customers, including our watch collectors. These are fabulous watches, designed and sold for an incredibly important cause. That’s the way it should work.”

Michael Kors fans can also donate to the “Watch Hunger Stop” campaign by visiting the WFP website, wfp.org/kors. In addition to fundraising, Michael Kors released a PSA in January featuring notable figures from the worlds of fashion, film and music, each stating a statistic to raise hunger crisis awareness throughout the fashion and global communities. The brand posted the video on its lifestyle site, Destination Kors, as well as on its various social media platforms.

The Cake Boutique, European style and taste

The Cakes Boutique is a luxury cake and pastry shop located on Rawdah Street, Jeddah. The boutique focuses on elegant custom-made cakes and dessert tables for weddings and special events. The desserts are exquisite and a treat for the eye as well as the taste buds.

Each cake is uniquely designed and created to accommodate the clients every whim, using the freshest ingredients and flavors.
The boutique’s manager begins by interviewing the bride-to-be, asking her about the wedding theme, the colors, the venue, her preferred flavors and even her makeup on the big day,Custom made purplesuprashoes? which allows the pastry team to embellish the bride’s big day with delicious desserts.

The Cake Boutique offers different signature flavors, such as rose, pistachio,View the latest hotdress and Purses online at Bag Borrow or Steal. vanilla, Nutella, red velvet, carrot, lavender, caramel, lemon, strawberry and many other delightful choices. Brides in Jeddah can now follow the latest trends in gourmet desserts and wedding cake designs without worrying about quality and execution.
The boutique’s manager constantly updates herself with the latest wedding trends and cake designs, seeking inspiration from the Internet, bridal magazines and the plethora of images available on social media platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and other sources.

Recent wedding dessert tables are witnessing a yearning for the return of traditional styles fashioned in a modern edge, with the color white predominate. The pastry team at the Cake Boutique designs the cake to perfection, ensuring a flawless presentation and an unforgettable palate.Our gorgeous weddinggown are perfect for wedding.

A wedding cake does not simply serve a decorative function; it needs to taste good as well. The chefs at the Cake Boutique employ simple baking techniques, without excessively using frosting and cream between the layers, to deliver an elegant and delicious wedding cake.

When it comes to the latest Saudi wedding cake attractions, brides are keen on adhering to the international trends and are choosing to keep the designs simple. Most brides focus on pastel colors that match their makeup and the centerpieces.

The Cake Boutique team requests brides to choose their cake and book their services at least three weeks prior to the wedding, in order to allow the chef and pastry team ample time to begin preparations, especially if the bride requested the ‘Bridal Dress’ design, which is the boutique’s signature cake. This cake design requires the chef to analyze the bride’s dress closely to replicate the silhouette of the dress as well as the fine details.

When the wedding cake is finished and ready to be displayed, the Cake Boutique delivers the cake to the wedding hall and the chef accompanies it to make sure it is placed in a suitable position and in the right temperature.Shop for high quality laceweddingveils dress products !

The one obstacle wedding cake shops face in Saudi Arabia is that wedding halls located in hotels usually don’t accept cakes delivered from outside the hotel and this is consequently affecting pastry shops’ businesses.

Daisy Buchanan's (Carey Mulligan) wedding dress and her groom's (Tom Edgerton) tuxedo were on display as were two other silk and chiffon dresses. A dozen of Martin's sketches were hung on the walls next to apt quotations from the book.

Martin told THR that initially she was not all that enthused about her director/husband's excitement about a remake of Gatsby.

"I had read the book when I was very young and it didn't make much of an impression on me" she admitted. "And I had also seen the film with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow." While she felt no need to rewatch the 1974 film,Getting married in 2012, you need the monclerjacketswomens to keep up with the fashion trend. she did crack open Fitzgerald's book and came away with an increased understanding and empathy for Daisy and her untenable situation.

"Carey brings a lot of depth and complexity to Daisy," Martin reveals. "She was trapped by society and she was smart enough to know it but she could do nothing about it. It's very telling that she says of her daughter "I hope she'll be a fool--that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.".

Her newfound passion for the book made Luhrmann laugh. "He told me, 'Oh, now you've read the book and you're an aficionado all of a sudden."

Asked why the costumes on display did not strongly project the flapper era, she explained that those influences come later in the story, when ex beau Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) comes back into Daisy's life. "Most of these costumes are from the earlier years when dresses were very long, flowing, silk and chiffon, ultra feminine."

One of Martin's favorite frocks in the film is the one she calls the "lavender dress."

"Daisy wears it when she meets Gatsby again. She doesn't know she's going to see him. It's a complete surprise. She's wearing a lavender colored dress and meeting a friend for lunch."

But she also wears an amusing bicorne hat, inspired by the hats worn by the European military, a hat trend that was very apparently quite popular for women at that time.

"Normally she would have worn a military inspired ensemble with it. But we wanted her to wear a falling-in-love dress, silky chiffon, very feminine."

Gallery director Thomas Negovan explains how the Gatsby costume display came about. While he has been in touch with Martin and Luhrmann since Moulin Rouge, this was a labor of love. "Basically, I wanted to see the costumes and drawings myself so I figured out a way to make that happen."

Woodlands trek experienced by touch, smell and hearing

Although a light coat felt good as we started our walk this late spring morning, there was a promise of a warm day.

#Entering the woods I felt the gentle brush of a small cedar tree, its dewy branch drying itself on my coat sleeve. The path was soft and spongy from years of decaying vegetation, as my wife, Dorothy, my new guide dog, Randy and I started up the hill to the first fork in the trail.

#This, taking place a few years ago, was my first such walk with Randy; I was apprehensive, but I wanted this walk. I felt Randy take me around a stump before he paused to allow me to crawl over a fallen tree trunk. He hesitated just a little as he searched for the best route across a narrow,Our beautiful collection of beautifulbridesmaidsdresses for women is now on sale and includes free delivery when you order online.You want THE winterjackets that lives up to all you? swampy section of the trail. Finally, with a confident stride he took me safely to the far left edge of the path, allowing my feet to avoid the worst of a puddle that covered most of the path.

#The trail took us around giant bigleaf maple trees, their bark partially covered with the delicious licorice fern I had long enjoyed. We passed huge old-growth fir whose girth would take at least three grown men to reach around.

#I will add here that, since I had lived many years in Western Washington, I had learned to tell trees and plants not only by sight, but also by feel. I could identify the bigleaf maple by the feel of the bark, the shape of its leaves and the small fernlike plants that I knew were licorice; the only trees I knew this licorice fern grew on were these maples. In the same way I knew the large fir trees, as well as the cedar trees — by feeling the bark and needles; the cedar also had a distinct odor.

#Leaving the soft forest trail we headed down a paved road that served the secluded camping site.

#The trail next took us through a tunnel that extended beneath the busy highway that cut the park into two halves.

#Exiting the tunnel we veered right to walk down a long boardwalk that meandered across the swampy shore of Silver Lake, a beautiful lake lying west of Mount St. Helens. In a couple of places, the boardwalk even extended out over the edge of the beautiful crystal-clear water. Our feet made distinct hollow sounds with each step. Although most of this boardwalk had wooden rails on each side, there was a long section with only a nine-inch-high plank along the outer edge of the wooden trail to protect the hiker from the water below.

#Dorothy saw a muskrat slip into the murky water ahead of us, and we heard the bass voice of a nearby bullfrog as he croaked to another bullfrog across the swamp. I heard a pair of Canada geese honking as they drifted through the bulrushes nearby; Dorothy said they had several goslings with them.

#The land lay peaceful, blissfully dreaming of the newly born day with no sign of the heat that would shine down a few hours later.

#“Ah,” spoke Dorothy as we paused. “There is a great view of Mt. St. Helens; she is beautiful with the snow dazzling in the morning sunlight. I feel I can almost reach out and touch her.”

#We paused for a refreshing moment before starting down the last stretch of boardwalk. No longer did I fear that the enjoyment of walking woodland and mountain trails would be denied me, for I knew that with Randy I would once again be allowed this exciting adventure.

#Later, my brother took us up the highway towards the mountain. A river, far below us, rolled like a thin chocolate ribbon as rapidly melting snow fed it and also colored it. Whereas 30 years before, the highway had meandered up the valley floor close to the river’s edge, today it climbs the mountainsides far above the racing river, spanning chasms cut deep into the earth.Right now we are more than excited to share our current sweetheartnecklinedress line.

#We found new life growing where only some 30 years ago only desolation and ruin could be seen. Young trees, some already 20 feet tall, greeted us as this land once again tried to make itself into a beautiful home for birds and animals.

#Even if you can no longer see the beauty around you, you can still enjoy it by getting out in it and touching, hearing and breathing in the fresh aromas.

"I have always been fascinated and inspired by anything mechanical that was created between 1900 to 1970," Willert said. "I look at schematics,Cheap parka hublotwatch will have fleece. wiring diagrams, and blueprints from that era and merge my contemporary ideas and style of painting to create my abstract paintings. I want to bring concepts from the past into the future and show them under a new light.Shop for Women's Bridesmaid Dresses and other Women's halloweencostume."

Most of his paintings are at least 36 inches by 48 inches and he builds his own canvases, as he said it gives him complete control over how he chooses to balance the piece. He quoted photo-realist painter, Chuck Close, saying, "The bigger they are, the longer they take to walk by and therefore the harder they are to ignore."

"I want the viewer's eye to move around the entirety of the painting taking in all the visual data," Willert said. "I hope that when people view my work they see the connection it has with the past and how things were designed or built at an earlier time."