Do You need a sexy company logo or would a stinker be more effective

The debate over how much of a companys large reserves of spending power should be spent with greedy, oafish design agencies rages on and is not about to be resolved in this trite article, however we can suggest some alternatives to the usual company logo ideas and perhaps for once bad could be the new good...or something.

A company logo should make you stop and think...

How many times have you heard your design manager or someone from the marketing/advertising department going on about the need for a clever logo or a design that 'thinks outside the box'? In marketing terms this is met by much consternation by people with any sense of reality and nodding agreement from the rest of the clueless saps who pass off as the workforce these days. Thinking outside the box in this day and age is what all your competitors are doing. To move with the times we either have to think 'over' the box or get on a retro trip and think yourself back inside the box, now that everyone has gone outside to think.

A company logo should stick in your minds eye

Continuing with our theme of going back to basics in terms of logo design. The trend that is emerging and proving highly profitably in certain quarters is the 'so bad its good' theme. Easyjet, Pot Noodle, Tango, Spam... I'm thinking off the top of my head here but allthese brands once languished in obscurity and given a little bit of a trashy makeover have seen sales rocket. The same can be said for the previously unheard of Cillit Bang cleaning brand - design so off putting it makes you want to punch yourself in the face and with the most ridiculous name imaginable but hey whats happening, it's stuck in shoppers minds and bingo like groaning zombies they've bought the product without actually realising what it is and why they've just paid for it.

When good logos turn bad or how to undesign a logo

Built in obsolesence plays a big part in todays quick turnaround world. In a similar way to consumable products like mobile phones and cd players having built in components that only last a year or so before needing to be replaced by the latest model, cheeky graphic designers and logo designers have started to build in 'dated' fonts and styles that will make the company logo you spent 10,000 dollars on and proved a big hit at the time, look like a piece of bumfluff this time next year. Solution: Design it to be as bad as possible in the first instance and the vague whims of the fashion cognescenti shall sooner rather than later pronounce it a hit - meaning big time pay off for you. So there you have it in a nutshell, don't listen to your head when it says you are committing an atrocious mistake in combining stripes and polkadot patterns with some electric blue neon fonts, listen to your greedy heart and think of those filthy bank notes that will soon be piled up in your b ank vault..

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Adsense-Alternatives-2

Adsense Alternatives 2

Bidvertiser (/)

Like AdSense, Bidvertiser displays text ads in your page. But the difference lies in the fact that advertisers bid over your advertising space, ensuring you earn as much revenue as you possibly can. This also means that bids will increase over time, earning you even more cash. You also get a great way to customize your ads with a very easy to use tool and detailed reports on your site's status.

Quigo AdSonar (/adsonarpublishers.htm)

Quigo AdSonar achieves relevancy by placing a filter according to your site's categories. It also offers you on-line reports of your site's status and the possibility to add your own custom ads replacing ads that don't gain you any revenue. The setup is very simple, in a similar fashion to AdSense's and quite customizable as well.

Vibrant Media IntelliTXT (/site/web_01a.html)

Vibrant Media IntelliTXT offers user-activated ads, highlighting certain words within the content of the page and presenting relevant ads when a user hovers his mouse over them. It uses a pay-for-performance pricing scheme and can easily be used along with other advertising methods, because it is unobtrusive. It places you in full control, allowing you to easily integrate it within your site with some simple JavaScript.

Nixie (/display.php?section=Partners)

Nixie claims to hold a technology that can read and understand your site, enabling it to display the most relevant content to your site. Besides text ads, Nixie also features price comparison listings as well as live auction advertising. It's very easy to implement and has a good payment policy as well.

MIVA AdRevenue Xpress (/us/content/partners/arx.asp)

MIVA AdRevenue Xpress is targeted towards small and mid-sized publishers. It implements Search Box functionality and also features things like a Category Directory as well as the handling of 404 error pages. It can be integrated with your page using a simple on-line wizard.

Fastclick (/publish.html)

Fastclick offers you an impressive 65 percent of what it makes from a click on your website. Payments are done monthly, via PayPal or through checks. The ads can be formatted as you wish, and Fastclick even offers a free support serice for its members and no fees are required to register with the service.

contextWeb ContextAd (/Corporate/publisher/publisher.shtml)

ContextAd offers the possibility of contextual ads for dynamic pages, meaning ads will change as soon as your page does. It's very easy to use and free to sing up for and offers a transparent payment policy. The ads are fully customizable and real-time reports are available 24/7.

AdBrite (/)

AdBrite offers publishers the possibility of integrating text ads in their pages. These are done on your own rates, with the websites you approve by hand so it bares some similarities with a classic advertising scheme. You also have the option of adding a "Your Add Here" button that buyers can immediately click to ad space on your page. It can also be used in conjunction with Google AdSense, maximizing your CTR and offering advertisers the possibility of showing their links in your Google AdSense space. You have full control over the look and feel of your adds and finally, you get an incredible 75% of what the advertiser pays for on every click.

So, as you can see there are many offers for this kind of advertising, and many hybrids based on AdSense like advertising. Also, a lot of services can work together with AdSense to earn you an even greater amount of revenue for your ad space.

PPPPP

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Dermabrasion for Skin Rejuvenation

If you are searching for solutions for your acne scars for a long time, dermabrasion is the perfect answer for removing your acne scars. Dermabrasion is an ablative surgery procedure, which physically abrades the epidermis and dermis of your skin in a controlled fashion using a fine wire brush or a diamond fraise.

Besides using the dermabrasion technique for your scars you can also go for it for removing your facial rhytids and for treating various other skin conditions troubling you. The ablation in a dermabrasion rejuvenates the skin by stimulating the production of new layers of skin.

As a surgery procedure dernabrasion needs a lot of care before and after. Preparing for dermabrasion surgery is as important as the actual surgery itself.

Preparing the skin before the procedure

Preparation for dermabrasion includes the application of ointments such as Retin-A to be applied to the area every night before going to bed.

In case you are prone to cold sores, the doctor may prescribe you a course of antiviral pills a few days before the dermabrasion surgery. You should not be taking Accutane for the past eighteen months, if you have so you will not be considered for the procedure. Similarly, dermabrasion cannot be performed for a minimum of 6 months, preferably up to 1 year, after taking oral isotretinoin. Its use needs to be stopped well before the surgery.

You need to tell your cosmetic surgeon about any herbal supplements that you may be taking as some of these supplements may interfere with anesthesia and cause problems during the surgery because of their blood thinning properties.

Even some over-the-counter vitamins can be hazardous to you, for example vitamin E, which reduces your body

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Models Direct: London Fashion Week Backstage Hair and Beauty Style Tips. - Entertainment

Models Direct have had a great time reviewing all that's been going on at London's fashion week, and although we're all a little sad it's over, we have, on the positive side of things gathered up some great beauty and hair style tips from all the backstage happenings. Read on to discover some of our favourite style tips to have come from London Fashion Week's dressing rooms.

HAIRSPRAY - Hairstylists at all shows across London Fashion Week could not seen without their trusted can of hairspray, always by their side. Hairspray is of course great for keeping any style in shape. At the Badgley Mischka show stylists used lots of spray to keep high ponytails in place.

NEON - Neon continued to be popular at this season's London Fashion Week, with fashion designers such as Victoria Beckham and Peter Som using it on their catwalks. Models Direct loved the neon flicks painted onto models' eyes at the Peter Som show. Imitate this look to glam up your eyes for a night out.

TEXTURE - Hair at the Matthew Williamson show was all about texture with fluffy ends and slick, wet-look roots. If you fancy trying this style at home then begin by working backwards. Hairstylists for the show began by styling the ends of the hair first, and then adding lots of serum to the roots, working it gradually through the hair.

BLOWDRY CHEAT - If you're in a rush but want that 'just blow-dried look' then try this great tip from London Fashion Week. Hairstylists clipped the top section of the hair up, then curled the underneath hair slightly at the roots and brushed through to give the hair that much loved body. The top layer of hair then sat neatly on top.

GOLDEN GLOW - With the summer months behind us we're already starting to miss that summer glow, so why not cheat and fake it like they did at London Fashion Week. Marios Schwab used several light layers of St Tropez and finished off with a St Tropez bronzer to give the tan a more natural look.

BIG HAIR - The 1960's bouffant and beehive are back. Great examples of the hairstyle were used on the Sass & Bide runway. The hairstylists applied lots of mousse to the hair giving the extra volume needed for the style. If you fancy trying this at home then a great tip is to do it on hair that hasn't been washed for a few days as it will be much easier to style.

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A Clothes Encounter In The Business World

Do you ever wonder where all the dress rules have gone? Depending on when and where you are on any given business day, the words "distant past" might come to mind. It's difficult to decide if people don't know what to wear to work or if they have lost sight of the relevance of appearance to professional success.

The Queen of England is reported to have told Prince Charles, "Dress gives one the outward sign from which people can judge the inward state of mind. One they can see, the other they cannot." Clearly, she was saying what many people are reluctant to accept; that people judge us by the way we dress. In all situations, business and social, our outward appearance sends a message.

Try going to a busy restaurant at lunchtime. Look around you at what people are wearing and see if you don't make judgments about who they are, their line of business, their personalities and their competencies. Think about how you feel when you are dressed in your usual business attire as opposed to casual dress. Your choice of business apparel speaks to your professional behavior and credibility. It is important to understand how to dress for business if you wish to promote yourself and your organization in a positive manner,

How you dress depends on four factors: the industry in which you work, the job you have within that industry, the geographic area in which you live; and most importantly, what your client expects to see.

Professional Dress for Men

In men's clothing, fashion does not change significantly from season to season but business attire is about being professional and not about being fashionable. It's about presenting yourself in a way that makes your clients feel comfortable and confident with you. Dressing for success is still the rule. The professional businessman should keep in mind these few points when deciding what to wear to work.

Choose a conservative suit in navy, black or gray either pinstripe or solid. The quality of the material speaks as loudly as the color and can make the difference between sleaze and suave.

A solid white or blue dress shirt with long sleeves offers the most polished look. The more pattern and color you add, the more the focus is on your clothing, rather than your professionalism.

Ties should be made of silk or a silk-like fabric. Avoid the cartoon characters and go for simple and subtle if you want to enhance your credibility.

Socks should be calf-length or above. Make sure they match not only what you are wearing, but also each other. A quick glance in good light before heading out the door can save embarrassment later in the day. Check for holes as well if you'll be going through airport security and removing your shoes.

Shoes should without question be conservative, clean and well polished. Lace-up shoes are the choice over slip-ons or flip flops. Don't think for a minute that people don't notice shoes. Many people will look at your feet before your face.

Belts need to match or closely coordinate with your shoes. Once again, quality counts.

Keep jewelry to a minimum. In a time when men sport gold necklaces, bracelets and earrings, the business professional should limit himself to a conservative watch, a wedding band and maybe his college ring.

Personal hygiene is part of the success equation. Freshly scrubbed wins out over heavily fragranced any day of the week. Save the after-shave for after hours, but never the shave itself.

The finishing touch for the business man is his choice of accessories: briefcase, portfolio and pen. When it comes to sealing the deal, a top of the line suit, a silk tie and a good pair of leather shoes can lose their affect when you pull out the ball point pen you picked up in the hotel meeting room the day before.

Professional Dress for Women

When women entered the workplace in the 1970's and 1980's in greater numbers than ever before and began to move into positions which had traditionally been held by men, many of them believed that they needed to imitate male business attire. The result was women showing up at the office in skirted suits or coordinated skirts and jackets with tailored blouses finished off with an accessory item that looked very much like a man's tie. Happily those days are gone. While the business woman may now wear trousers to work, she does it out of a desire to appear professional and at the same time enjoy the flexibility and comfort that pants offer over skirts. Her goal is no longer to mirror her male colleagues.

The same overall rules apply to women's work attire as apply to men's. Business clothing is not a reflection of the latest fashion trend. A woman should be noticed for who she is and her professional skills rather than for what she wears. Her business wear should be appropriate for her industry and her position or title within the industry.

Start with a skirted suit or pants suit for the most conservative look. A skirted suit is the most professional. With a few exceptions, dresses do not offer the same credibility unless they are accompanied by matching jackets.

Skirts should be knee-length or slightly above or below. Avoid extremes. A skirt more than two inches above the knee raises eyebrows and questions.

Pants should break at the top of the foot or shoe. While Capri pants and their fashion cousins that come in assorted lengths from mid-calf to ankle are the latest trend, they are out of place in the conservative business environment.

Blouses and sweaters provide color and variety to woman's clothing, but they should be appealing rather than revealing. Inappropriate necklines and waistlines can give the wrong impression.

Women need to wear hose in the business world. Neutral or flesh-tone stockings are the best choices. Never wear dark hose with light-colored clothing or shoes. Keep an extra pair of stockings in your desk drawer unless the hosiery store is next door or just down the street from the office.

Faces, not feet, should be the focal point in business so chose conservative shoes. A low heel is more professional than flats or high heels. In spite of current fashion and the sandal rage, open-toed or backless shoes are not office attire. Not only are sandals a safety hazard, they suggest a certain official agenda.

When it comes to accessories and jewelry, less is once again more. Keep it simple: one ring per hand, one earring per ear. Accessories should reflect your personality, not diminish your credibility.

Business attire is different from weekend and evening wear. Investing in a good business wardrobe is an investment in your professional future. For those who think it's not what you wear but who you are that creates success, give that some more thought. Business skills and experience count, but so does personal appearance and that all-important first impression.

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Christmas Article 5

5. Have a Chic Christmas - All About Style and Fashion for the Holidays

In New York, a style capital of the world, black is always a chic and

fashionable selection. That's even more so in the Fall and Winter seasons when

dark colors are favored. But even the fashionistas who like somber colors add a

bit of sparkle and cheer to Christmas and holiday clothing with some color,

usually magnificent red.

Dominant colors at Christmas are red, black and white and a red scarf, or

a white one, is a must-have accessory.

Holiday-themed apparel with snowflakes, candy canes, stars, Christmas

trees, are also popular during the season. Along with being colorful, they also

convey the message that the person is fully embracing the spirit of the season

and is in a festive mood. When individuals wear holiday-themed apparel, they are

therefore radiating a positive attitude and giving the signal that it is

pleasant to be around them. After all, nobody wants to be around the 'grumpy

bah-humbug' type of personalities during the Christmas season.

Holiday-themed jewelry also works well as accessories. These can add that

little sparkle to an outfit that makes it stand out in an admirable way.

Holiday-themed jewelry is also perfect for those individuals who simply want to

show a touch of the holiday spirit without having to actually wear holiday-

themed apparel because it maybe too different from the conservative style of

their wardrobe.

It is necessary to add some sparkle to apparel during the Christmas season

and current style trends of having jewel-engraved or embroidered tops play well

for the Christmas season. They will allow the wearer to look festive in a very

understated but elegant way.

Fall popular styles will also undoubtedly be a fashionable way to dress

for the holidays. Based on the Fall Fashion Shows in New York, there are five

basic outfits that stylists say should be in the wardrobe of all women. They

are: the Tunic, Winter Short - which is cut just above the knee - the Vest,

Pencil Skirt and the Super-wide pant.

The vest can be a dressy one with embroidery or other adornments, or it

can be more minimal based on the overall outfit. The Winter Short and Pencil

Skirt can easily convert from working outfit to party wear with the right

accessory, making them perfect to wear to an early evening Christmas or holiday

party. A variation from the Pencil Skirt is the Pencil dress. This too is likely

to be popular for Christmas as it can be easily accessorized with a broad belt,

which is one of the accessories that top fashion advisers say is a 'must-have'

accessory for the Fall.

The Tunic and Super-wide pant are also liked for Christmas and the Holiday

season because they are very flexible in how they can be paired with other

garments.

Another fall fashion staple are Knit Sweaters - oversized and as tunics. They

will also work well with black tights and leggings, which has made a comeback in

leg wear. Leggings can be worn under skirts or dresses. Very slim leggings can

also be worn simply in place of pants, worn with a jacket or again, with an

oversized knit sweater. Using the basic colors of red, white and black that are

popular during Christmas and the holidays, colored leggings will definitely add

a nice touch of style to outfits and make them seem perfect for the Christmas

and holiday season.

It is also good that dresses are once more welcomed among the fashionable.

And the red dress for Fall fits well into Christmas and the holiday season.

The latest in jeans, which is a mainstay in everyone's wardrobe and suitable to

wear at all times including during Christmas and the holidays, is that a skinny

fit is in. And if ultra-skinny is not very complimentary to your body shape, you

can still get one of the newer types of jeans that are said to have a lot more

stretch, giving a 360-degree or all-around wrap to the body for a perfect or

near perfect fit.

And since Christmas is the season to be happy and cheery, the truly jolly

can always top off their Christmas outfit with a cone-shaped, red and white

Santa hat.

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Do I Need A Degree To Be A Fashion Designer

Do I need an education to be a fashion designer? You might be asking yourself this question at the end of high school or sixth form. The answer is preferably yes, as a degree in fashion will give you the practical tools and training and creative stimulation to follow your dream. But if the thought of spending money and time at school or university puts you off, the answer could be an Internet course in fashion training.

A career in the glamorous world of fashion must be one of the most exciting and lusted after jobs in the world. The field attracts people who have high levels of creativity, an eye for matching colours and designs and an interest in popular and designer fashion. Your course will build on these abilities and teach you much more.

Throughout your training you will learn about the different talents that are necessary for you to get the best start in this highly competitive career. Options taught include how to design and present your ideas, and more practical essentials such as textiles and garment making basics.

A degree may also equip you with the knowledge, skills and attitude you will need to succeed in the business side of fashion. You might want your qualification to lead to a job with an established clothing design company- anywhere from Prada to Primark. Or maybe you fancy using your talent and training to start your own business. Individual courses may give you extra training in options such as business studies and media and advertising.

Other complementary courses include Pattern, Cutting and Design training, Dress Making or Textiles courses and related subjects like Free Hand Drawing or Art and Design. Wherever you choose to follow your interest, whether at college or on the net, the education providers should help you choose which combination of fashion degree options is best for you.

An Internet course has the added benefit that you can complete it in your own home, at your own pace. This means you can complete you training without having to give up your current job or even move away to study. These online courses vary in expense and quality, so it is important to think carefully about you decision before committing to anything.

In an online course you will still benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable tutors who should have lots of experience in the fashion business. These tutors will work with you individually, guiding you through your studies via email and interactive websites. There may even be options such as virtual lectures or message boards where you can discuss your ideas with other students.

Most fashion training courses will end with some form of coursework or outside assessment. Upon completion, you should find yourself with the skills, ability and confidence to use your talent and make your mark on the streets and on the dance floor. Good luck!

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Public Sector Economies in Transition

In the previous article, we described the various methods developed in the West to cope with the ever-burgeoning public sector.

Yet, economies in transition everywhere in the world have learned a lesson the hard way: not everything that is Western - necessarily fits their needs. Many Western techniques, methods, systems and ways of thinking cannot be applied in Macedonia, for instance.

The public sector is a great burden on economies everywhere.

It is mostly financed by collecting taxes from individuals and businesses.

Taxes are re-allocation of economic resources. Taxes are nothing but money transfers from one group of citizens (the taxpayers) to other groups: to those who cannot pay taxes (such as children and the elderly) and to those who would not pay taxes, the tax evaders. Taxes are a penalty paid by the more productive and honest segments of society. Small wonder that taxes have a bad reputation in the West. They are considered to be both unjust and inefficient.

But taxes are both necessary and inevitable. There is no better way to finance the operations of the government and of the public sector.

The more taxes collected - the heavier the involvement of the state in the economy. This involvement is measured as a percentage of the GDP - the Gross Domestic Product. As we mentioned in our previous article, the figures are frightening: governments consume from 19% (Singapore, Hong-Kong) to 59% (France) of the products and services produced in the economy!

Research shows that public spending of tax money is 6 times less efficient than the same money invested by the private sector. The two sectors: the Private and the Public compete on the same, limited, amount of resources. Every Denar paid to the tax collector is one Denar less invested in the formation of new businesses and one Denar less invested in private consumption.

We can safely state that taxes inhibit economic growth and increase unemployment.

So the current mood in the West is anti big government and anti taxation.

People evade taxes. About 13 - 25% of the total capital in the world is "black" capital, upon which taxes were not paid. It is estimated that Macedonian firms and individuals hold more than 1 billion USD in undeclared cash - against an official figure of 200 million USD in circulation in the whole Macedonian economy.

People openly refuse to pay taxes and they take their governments to court on these issues.

Governments are doing their best to simplify procedures and tax returns (=the forms on which income is reported).

In fiscal theory, we differentiate between progressive and regressive taxes.

A progressive tax is one which is larger - the larger the income is. A millionaire in a progressive tax system will pay much more (as a percentage of his income) than his driver.

A regressive tax is one that totally unrelated to the level of income. Both the millionaire and his driver will pay the same percentage of tax if they buy a car, for instance.

Governments have become desperate. They introduce one rate income tax systems: all incomes are taxed at the same rate, regardless of their size. They are switching from taxes on income (which are socially progressive in nature) to taxes on consumption (such as VAT - Value Added Taxes) which are socially regressive in nature.

The overall goal is commendable: to lower the burden of taxation to less than 20% of the GDP.

But obtaining this goal means that Governments will have to reduce their involvement in the economy and cut back on services and on the public sector.

This is not a very clever idea for economies in transition.

The public sector in economies in transition could and should be privatized only after three conditions have been met:

First, the establishment of a strong private sector. Individuals and firms in the private sectors are the consumers of electricity, water and phone services. Without a strong customer base, it would be very difficult to sell the PTT, the electricity company or the water companies to any private investor in reasonable prices. The public sector must become profitable to be sold to the private sector (=to be privatized). A losing company is not worth anything to an investor, unless he thinks that he can turn it around and make it profitable. The best way to do this is to increase its sales to a loyal and sizeable group of clients.

The second condition: the de-regulation of prices and the abolition of subsidies.

The state must exit forgo all levels of intervention in the finances of the public sector. It must not fix the prices of its products and services and it must not subsidize it. Subsidies and tax incentives thwart and distort the true economic and financial picture. They hinder the proper and correct valuation of the public sector firm by prospective investors.

An investor must feel certain that he will be allowed to fix any price for the goods and services sold by the public sector firm that he is buying. This is the way to profitability and financial health. The government does not need to worry:

If the investor will charge too high a price - his clients will go to his competition.

But what if there is no competition? What if electricity is supplied by only one electricity firm (a monopoly)? Who will the client revert to if the prices that he is charged are much too high?

This, precisely, is the third condition:

The opening of the marketplace to competition, both domestic and foreign.

To cancel all laws, regulations, rules, precedents which inhibit or prohibit competition. To eliminate tariffs, quotas, permits, licences and controls (barring those which relate to public health and to the protection of the environment).

Why should Macedonia have only one PTT? Why not six providers?

Why not allow anyone to produce electricity and sell it to the electricity company? Why to have only one electricity company?

Subject to the right regulations concerning safety and financial wherewithal - everyone should be allowed to do anything. Economic history shows that competition provides better goods and services at much lower costs.

It also shows that the public sector is a potential hub of inefficiency and sometimes blatant corruption.

"Lean and Mean" is the name of the game in today's economic environment.

The Public sector is fat and sluggish. It has no right to continue to exist.

Even private sector enterprises are "downsizing" (cutting their labour force considerably).

But certain functions can scarcely be transferred to the private sector. These functions are inherently non-profitable and non-profit motivated. They are usually performed by municipal, local and regional authorities.

The municipal (local) and regional part of the public sector has five sources of income at its disposal:

It is empowered to collect taxes from individuals and from businesses - the size of which is normally linked to the (residential or office) space that they occupy.

It is allowed to collect fees and charges which are fixed and relate to the provision of services such as: water supply, sewage, sanitation, posting commercial signs, parking and toll roads).

It is authorized to levy fines on transgressors against municipal rules and regulations. The best known form of this kind of financing is the parking ticket.

Mainly in the USA, local authorities are permitted to sell municipal bonds ("Munis") to the public - through the Stock Exchange - and directly to institutional investors, such as pension funds.

The local authority which issued the bonds pays the bondholders from current income generated by tax revenues and from specific incomes generated to it by specific projects.

An example: a local authority wants to establish a water treatment facility.

It costs 100,000,000 USD. The Authority receives 60,000,000 from the government and sells 40,000,000 USD worth of bonds to the public via the stock exchanges.

Once the facility is built, it begins to supply water to the residents and to businesses. They pay for the water that they consume - and the income from the sale of the water goes to the bondholders. This income covers both the interest payable on the bond (=its coupon) and the money that the bondholders invested in the bonds themselves and which they have to recover.

* Lately, a new fashion is developing in public administration, called devolution.

It is the transfer of parts of the national budget directly to the local authorities or granting them the right to regulate their own fiscal (=tax) systems.

Devolution is a prime example of a mega-trend in human societies: that of the dismantling of Big Government. But this is subject for yet another article.

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Intelligent Optimism Wins In Today s World

The reality of today's world seems to leave little room for optimism. Almost every news story can lead because it does bleed. We hear of critical food shortages in Africa, daily gang deaths on city streets, the profiteering from child pornography, and the climatic disasters prompted by global warming. Health care costs move up faster than a hummingbird in flight and more children now spout profanities as a regular part of speech. With such negativity, no wonder a 2004 U.S. government survey found that depression afflicts one in 10 adults 14 days a month or more.

You probably get depressed just reading the opening paragraph. But wait! There is hope. Not the cock-eyed optimism that became fodder for a song from the musical South Pacific, but rather what psychologists in France are calling "intelligent optimism." Such optimism does not deny the reality of today's world, but rather seeks to LEARN how to fashion a life amid such difficulties. Martin Seligman, the psychologist who had made optimism and happiness his life's work, would agree with the French: optimism can be taught.

Consider these basic steps:

(1) Focus on what you can control. Don't get carried away by circumstances you cannot change. You might not change global warming but you can control your energy consumption. You can't stop the downsizing in your company but you can arm yourself with marketable skills.

(2) Reframe the event so that you are not a victim. There is always another way to view a situation. The flight cancellation that caused me to miss (and forfeit) a major engagement was not "planned" to "get" me. It just was. My choice is to figure out what I can do to help the current client and what I will put in the place of the cancelled work.

(3) Think "enough". When we concentrate on what we don't have, we miss all the many things we do have. The truth of the matter is that if you are reading this article, you do have enough computer power. You do have enough intelligence. You do have enough time.

(4) Cultivate optimistic responses. Like a farmer tending a field, optimism will never grow unless it is watered, fed, weeded and nourished. We all have days in which negativity can take over. And, sometimes, that is a WISE response because it keeps us grounded in reality. Just make sure it is reality and not the imagination making extraordinary leaps into conjecture. Weed out that conjecture. Ask what you can DO to see a result that gives you a sense of power. If we don't cultivate such intelligent optimism, be aware of reality and willing to find options, then we might do what Alexander Graham Bell warned. "Stare so long at the closed door we fail to see the one that is opening."

(5) Remember the power of generations. Children of depressed parents are more prone to depression. Children of optimists are more prone to be optimists. What do you choose to pass along? Even if your parents were negative, you can break the cycle with stopping, freeze-framing a situation, listening to the negative self talk, and then literally giving yourself a different message. Yes, this takes practice but you can make it a habit if you work it over time.

Ultimately, intelligent optimists understand that change and chaos are given. They know that "this too shall pass". In the meantime, they CHOOSE to take whatever action they can within their own sphere of influence and then settle back. It is enough.

(c) 2005, McDargh Communications. Publication rights granted to all venues so long as article and by-line are reprinted intact and all links are made live.

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What To Know About Organic Cosmetics

Due to the growing concern for the potential damage that harsh chemicals can cause the body and the environment, going natural is the current trend in cosmetics today. Women are now looking for products that are made of natural ingredients that wouldnt irritate or harm their skin in any way. The demand for safer beauty products has given rise to organic cosmetics.

The organic way of life which is usually associated with food intake has now extended its reach to cosmetics and skin care products. People who have ridden on the all-natural bandwagon have started opting for organic beauty treatments to be more consistent with the type of lifestyle that they chose. One can easily find such products in health and spa stores all over the country. Shampoos that are 95% organic or soaps made of essential oils and herbs are selling like hotcakes.

But the question still remains: are organic cosmetics really what they seem?

The answer to that really depends on your choice of makeup and beauty products. There are certain products that are quick to claim that they are made of natural ingredients but are unable to live up to this statement. On the other hand, there really are cosmetic brands that offer organic beauty treatments. The idea is to find out how to distinguish one from the other. Which ones are telling the truth and which ones are plain marketing hype?

The real ones

Organic beauty products should not contain harmful ingredients and synthetic substances. They are ideally made of essential oils and herbs found in nature. Even the sources of these ingredients are not supposed to have been subjected to chemical pesticides and such. Most beauty treatments are made of essential oils but they also have certain active ingredients and additives that may not be good for the body. One should not confuse certain products that contain a small percent of natural plant extracts as organic. Organic cosmetics have natural components for its major ingredients.

Why go organic?

There have been a lot of reports coming up about conventional beauty products containing carcinogenic ingredients. Because the skin is naturally pervasive, these components can easily enter the bloodstream and cause potential damage to the body. Being aware of your health is not only limited to food intake but should also be stretched out to other areas of your lifestyle as well. Opting for products made from natural ingredients is the best way to maintain your bodys well-being and to keep the risk of contracting allergens and various health problems to a minimum. Even if these classic cosmetics contain only a small amount of harsh chemicals, they can still cause potential harm to the body over time.

Organic beauty products are attracting much popularity because they offer a lot of benefits that conventional cosmetics do not have. Continuous use of synthetic chemicals through cosmetics can add to your body burden or the accumulation of toxic substances in your body. Organic cosmetics prevent this from happening because the best ones in the market do not contain toxic chemicals normally found in conventional creams and beauty products.

How to find them

It's easy to fall prey to marketing hype when you have a wide array of choices available in the market. Due to the rising interest in organic products, some brands are trying to sell off their products as organic without living up to their claims. It's important to be extra careful in making your selection because not all products that are labeled organic are exactly that. Some still contain toxic chemicals that may harm the body in the long run.

The problem is that there is that the US doesn't have a regulatory body for classifying whether a product is organic or otherwise. There are no stringent rules pertinent to this case as yet so it's up to the consumer to make sure that shes buying the right thing.

To find out if a skin-care product is organic or not, the best thing that you can do is to check the label. You will want to verify the ingredients that make up your choice and be extra cautious about certain components that you may find listed. Most toxic chemicals are found in small amounts in certain brands so youll probably find their names listed at the bottom end of the list.

It's also a good idea to go with a trusted brand. Before buying anything, make a research of highly-recommended brands in the market. The Internet and various reputable beauty and fashion magazines can give you a head start.

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Watches Time Pieces Of Eternity

Many centuries ago, man was able to tell the time by looking at the sun and its position in the sky. Then came the sundial and finally the clocks and watches.

The actual purpose of the watch as we all know is to tell us the time, date, month, and day. With the introduction of modern trends, it came to be known more for its ornamental value than anything else. The once steel watch was transformed to Gold, silver, platinum, and white gold. The plain Jane unisex watch did a makeover to look grand with the studding of precious gems that glitter and sparkle on the wrist of both genders. Time never felt or looked better.

Like with everything else, watches have evolved with time. There are mechanical watches, battery, solar, and kinetic powered watches. Mobile watch, ie. the wristwatch was popularized and materials used for the straps are all metals, including materials like leather. Sapphire crystals are used in watches to improve the quality and durability. Electronic watches with quart movements are mainly used these days. They do not need batteries and get charged with movement of the wrist. A mechanical watch does need winding up but lasts longer.

Before the advent of the wristwatch, all mobile watches that could be carried around were pocket watches. They were attached to a chain or rope and were kept in the pocket.

Coming to the current trend, a watch can do more than tell time. Some watches have a GPS or MP3 player in them and some are in fact mini computers. They also calculate for us, we can take pictures, and watch movies. Stopwatches are used for sports and they tell us the time down to the tenth of a second. Watches with heart rate monitors are exercise watches that will monitor and let us know the heart rate while we exercise.

Now, people also look at the style and design of the watch. There are specific watches made for different purposes. There are the diving watches and sports watches that are waterproof. Watches talk of us and bring forth our personality. Choosing the right watch based on our need and requirement is important. For a collector of time pieces, he would be looking at the uniqueness of the metal or precious gems used or the intricacy of the design. Similarly, youngsters would look for watches that make a fashion statement with lots of new features.

Antique time pieces are found in antique stores worldwide and are a collectors joy. It is important to buy them from well-known makers and reliable stores, especially if one is looking for a very expensive stone studded one. For the regular watch, they are found everywhere these days, on the streets, small stores, exhibitions, or malls.

Brand is the main thing people look for while buying a watch as a fashion accessory.

Cartier, Rolex, Seiko, Omega, Swatch. Casio, Tag Heuer are a few of the top watch brands that are famous for their quality, look, and design. Some of them stock jeweled watches studded with precious gems like diamonds and other gems, that gives the watch an unusual and elegant look. They have thousands of varieties in men

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Hair Removal - All Over Your Body

Today, a male body builder is not the only person into removing hair from all over their body.

Aside from the fact that there are more and more female body builders, there are scores of everyday males and females who remove hair from all over their bodies.

Both in the media and on the street, an obvious example is how many males and females are into head shaving.

At the pool or the beach, and even on neighborhood basketball courts, it's much more common to see males with smooth and hairless chests and backs. And even a few without armpit or leg hair.

And if you think about it, males in the media advertising underwear and fitness equipment don't have any body hair. They have it removed because the current fashion in this society is for males to be hairless.

Some would say it's about time they caught up with the females ...

But the truth is - Today's males ARE more aware of and conscientious about their overall image and removing body hair is a major means of projecting the most positive image. Besides, males have been learning what females have known ever since they started removing their body hair - There are some definite benefits to doing so.

Less body hair means less body heat. Less body heat means less body odor. And we can all support that.

But, perhaps even more of a benefit is the fact that removing body hair helps to define body shape. For females in particular, this applies to their legs. For males, their chests.

That's why when body builders are getting their body ready for competition, they use some type of hair removal.

And because there is such a growing trend towards complete body hair removal these days, we look to body builders and other athletes for information about the best way to accomplish it.

But even for body builders, it hasn't always been easy to connect with the, "perfect", hair removal product or system.

Before the mid 90s, body builders relied mostly on services employing people who became their personal body shaver. These people used a wet razor to remove the hair from the body builder's entire body a few hours before a competition. Then they'd oil them down.

After the mid 90s, body builders began relying on laser hair removal treatments. But that didn't really work out so well.

Partly because the high cost of the treatments took a big chunk of their competition winnings, but mostly because their entire body couldn't be made completely hairless in one session, or even two or three. So there was the time factor.

Then there were the unsavory side effects of swelling, redness and maybe even some blistering, that often kept body builders from competitions, even if they completed the treatments well ahead of time. When people started coming up with scars - that was pretty much it.

So many body builders returned to the tried and true body shaver.

But that's not to say that many body builders haven't experimented with a variety of other alternatives to laser hair removal.

The main laser hair removal alternative methods include: electrolysis, waxing, depilatories, and the old stand by, shaving.

Electrolysis may be the only hair removal method that has been proven to be permanent, and that would seem ideal for a body builder, but -

Because electrolysis involves treating each individual hair follicle, (the skin depression from which the hair emerges), it is also the most time consuming hair removal method. It can take years of weekly or monthly sessions to completely remove all hairs in just one area. And -

Because electrolysis involves inserting a fine wire alongside the hair shaft into the hair follicle through which an electric current and/or strong chemical is sent down to destroy the growth source, (papilla), at the end of the hair, it is also quite painful, even for mighty body builders, even with the use of a topical anesthetic. And -

Electrolysis has some of the worst temporary side effects - Swelling, redness, pinpoint scabbing and skin discoloration, and worse, the possible permanent effects of skin discoloration and scarring.

Add to all of that - Electrolysis is the next most expensive method of hair removal.

So it's easy to see why electrolysis is not a viable laser hair removal alternative for body builders.

A hair removal method that isn't as expensive, can last for 3-8 weeks and would seem viable for body builders is waxing. And because waxing can be done on the entire body in one session, it would seem ideal for a body builder, but -

Waxing basically involves applying a warmed taffy like substance to the hairs in an area, then cloth strips, all of which are allowed a moment to cool and adhere to the hairs and then the strips are very quickly removed, pulling the hairs out by their roots.

Obviously, this hair removal method is pretty painful, so a topical anesthetic is recommended. But that's not the real problem.

The real problem is that while the wax is adhering to the hairs, unfortunately, it's also adhering to the skin. Which means when the cloth strips are yanked off, sometimes so is some of the skin. Understandably, this leads to some swelling, rawness and redness.

Usually, if waxing is done several days ahead of time and they stay out of direct sunlight, a body builder's skin is able to heal for competition. Usually ... There have been some complications such as infected ingrown hairs and other infections that have left scars.

Which means waxing is not the best laser hair removal alternative.

A host of body builders use the hair removal product of a depilatory to remove all of their body hair. It's an inexpensive method that can remove hair on the chest, back, underarms, hair in the bikini line area ONLY and legs quickly, easily and painlessly for a few days, but - You knew there had to be a but -

A depilatory employs strong chemicals that basically, "melt", the hairs above the skin, which can then be wiped from the skin surface.

Problem is, hair and skin are composed of similar materials so that these harsh chemicals that melt the hair can also burn the skin and cause swelling, redness, bumps, ingrown hairs and even scarring.

So using a depilatory hair removal product is still not the best laser hair removal alternative.

Which is why many a body builder is still a body shaver when it comes to inexpensive, reliable and relatively safe hair removal that, when done properly, provides smooth results.

Sure, there's only one way to receive a, "razor burn", and that's by shaving. And it's possible to get scrapes, nicks and cuts, as well as rashes, bumps and ingrown hairs from shaving, but -

These are minor side effects as compared to all other hair removal methods. And they can be covered with make up if need be. (Yes, make up is worn by body builders, when necessary.)

And shaving truly can be done on any part of a body builder's body. In fact, if it happens to be part of their overall presentation, there's really no other way a body builder can achieve a beautiful bald head than by head shaving.

These then are the hair removal experiences and results of body builders from which the everyday person can learn.

Although there is one more method of hair removal for all body shavers, including those into head shaving - It's still shaving, but with an inexpensive tool designed to easily, quickly, and most importantly, safely provide clean, close, and smooth hair removal - All over your body.

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Diamond Fashion Rings Are For Both Sexes

Diamond rings have always fascinated men and women throughout. Such is the beauty of a diamond that makes one feel special just by wearing it. It elevates ones persona and gives the wearer the feeling of being one above everybody else.

With the coming into being of the fashion conscious modern woman, there was need for a change in the designs of rings too. With this in mind, jewelers started modifying the traditional designs to gel with the modern concepts of living. Thus was born the diamond fashion ring. The beauty of diamonds beckoned from the most modern precious metal setting and this proved to be a major attraction in the current day.

Diamond fashion rings come in a variety of designs to match every possible modern outfit and every personality that one can think of. Diamond fashion rings are made in all shapes, from geometrical to square, while the round diamond ring still remains a hot favorite amongst many. It is the combination of the old world with the new world that has brought about a revolution in jewelry and gave birth to the diamond fashion ring.

The four-leaf clover theme diamond fashion ring is in vogue and is seen adorning the elegant fingers of many celebrities. The three stone diamond ring is a representation of the past, present and future. The value of this diamond fashion ring is not only the superficial elegant look, but the beautiful thought that goes with it. It is said that just as the man and woman and bound together in marriage, similarly their past, present, and future all come together with the wearing of this ring.

Under the diamond fashion rings category falls the ever-fashionable solitaire ring.

They could very well be the best diamond fashion rings. These rings include basket diamond rings and trellis diamond rings too.

Diamond fashion rings come in a variety of metals, aside from gold and silver. They come in titanium and platinum too. They need less maintenance and are lighter than gold and silver, and they are very popular.

Diamond fashion rings are a great way to celebrate special occasions. There are the engagement rings and the wedding rings, which are the most popular, but even a passing out of college is a great occasion that warrants a diamond fashion ring gift.

The new age fashion trends tend to be different and look for occasions to celebrate. You will find the singles ring also for the single men and women. This ring sends a message of being single and looking. There is the unbelievable chameleon like mood ring, which changes colors with the change in our moods. Imagine being envious of someone and the ring turns green.

The diamond fashion rings have taken a life of their own and have a place in everybody

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Big Brother I Was Watching You

Just my thoughts...

Rula Lenska

This was all so, so unfair for poor Rula. Many will now probably remember her career for two things; Rock Follies and this TV Folly. Rock Follies was arguably the start of her career in the public eye and this TV Folly looks like being the end of it. Pray for a cat-food commercial, Rula! In fairness, though what a nightmare she must have found herself in - a 57-year-old, clearly past her physical best, finding herself in the company of a Mata Hari (Faria), a Daisy Duke (Chantelle), Britain's Primo Slapper (Jodie) and, to cap it all, Baywatch Babe Traci! Most woman well past a certain age would bridle at the thought of competing with any of them, poor Rula had to take on the lot and she lost, in spades. I thought George Galloway was right in his comments after she did that ludicrous striptease - she was, indeed, trying too hard. Who wouldn't have their confidence rocked? The brave face she put on arguably wasn't the best one either. Go to bed with a countess, wake up with a count. I choose my words very carefully here! Gee, I'd rather go to bed with Pete - at least he looks the same in the mornings as he does last thing at night!

Chantelle Houghton

A (not quite) singing version of Jade Goody.

She is so very self-possessed, the producers must have been thrilled beyond belief by the way she stood up to Dennis Rodman. Enough is being written about her at the moment; I have no further comment other than to observer she seems areal-life version of Billie Piper's character Rose in the current Dr. Who.

Dennis Rodman

Everyone knew Pete Burns had a hard time deciding what to wear for the day but what about poor Dennis, eh? Let's (hypothetically) listen in...."Uhm it's time to get up, what kind of look shall I wear today? Little Lord Fauntleroy? Nope, did that the other day. Geisha? No, Pete'll do that any minute" (and he did). "I got it - lemme see now, just give the ol' tattoos a burnish....get them pointy studs all in...adjust the baseball cap just so...and there it is - third circle of Hell! Yay, me, not that I give a shit..."

Did anyone note that while Pete Burns got awful raggeddy when he ran short of booze and cigarettes, both Dennis Rodman and the adorable Traci Bingham got grouchy when the food got low? They being the two pro athletes it wasn't at all surprising. I noticed Dennis complaining that training without proper food wasn't too much fun. Probably the first time he's ever had to do it.

And did you see how he balanced on the exercise ball with one foot while he did push ups? Have you ever tried that? Do you know how HARD that is? And he made it look so simple! No wonder this guy is major league.

Jodie Marsh

Poor, poor Jodie. How sad and muddled she appears to be. I gather, though, that there's a very upbeat enthusiastic and likeable girl in there somewhere. She seems to be gathering acolytes rather than making friendships, confusing fans with friends. I noted when Pete Burns and Michael Barrymore were trying to get through to her late one night, Michael suggested to her that she try and envisage a certain scenario just for the sake of argument. Oh no I couldn't agree to that, says our Jodie, that would be immoral and I don't tell lies. Something similar seemed to be happening when she was talking to Davina McCall after her eviction, Davina gently suggesting that the other housemates had been trying to act in Jodie's best interests and Jodie went immediately off on a complete tangent in her reply.

I think myself that there's a great big rock sitting in the head of Jodie Marsh, never referred to, never to be admitted to. What lies under it? Something that Jodie finds so terrifying that she visibly flees from considering the rock's very existence.

One suspects that self-contemplation is not a regular pastime for Miss Marsh. A shame, as rarely does one encounter a light bulb that really, really does need to change.

Poor, poor Jodie.

(Sam) Preston

Just like Dennis Rodman, I had no idea who Preston actually was. I gathered he was in a band called the Ordinary Boys, and going from his appearance in general, I'd have put them somewhere between the Jam and and number of ska bands, say, The Selector? Later in the show we were treated to some Ordinary Boys tunes and it looks as though I wasn't too far off the money.

Apart from that, I knew nothing before about Le Preston and I know little else now, other than that he seems to be a perfectly decent sort of geezer with, I rather imagine, considerable woman trouble on his plate.

All quite ordinary, in fact.

Michael Barrymore

What a piece of work is this man! How infinite in frailty, his new personna suggests, and I have no reason to believe anything other than that the face we saw was the real one. He seemed a perfectly decent being, flawed, ragged round the edges, and while he and Pete Burns together both displayed an ability to provoke gales of genuine laughter (from me) it's Barrymore who has the touch of genius about him, the air of one driven to perform yet denied his stage. I hope the UK does what Pete said it should and opens its arms to welcome Barrymore back. He's a tonic for the nation. We probably need him more than he needs us.

Pete Burns

Twisted embittered genius. Youngsters will probably be too young to realise this but in the genre of movies known as noir, in small, run-down and seedy clubs in the boonies of Anytown, USA, the kind a Private Dick would inevitably find their way to when they were looking for clues or following leads they'd find the Heroine of the movie. She'd be seated, alone at the bar, she'd have a cool drink that she hadn't paid for in a tall glass in front of her and she'd always be smoking. Whatever happened, even if it happened right in front of her, her face would be frozen into a mask of disdained amusement. In other words, she'd look like Pete. Assuming that's what he had in mind when he had his plastic done, he's got it dead right.

For me the best times in the house were when the Pete and Michael show hit the road, late at night or early in the morning over coffee and cigarettes when the rest of the house was asleep. Funny funny funny.

Who was it pleaded with George to go and speak with Rula because she was feeling so bad as a woman? Pete.

Who was it spoke up so volubly for Barrymore after being evicted, saying how much he needed to be rehabbed back into this country? Pete. Not quite such the monster then, eh?

Traci Bingham

The delightful, the truly gorgeous Traci Bingham. Every man should have a Bingham of his own. starting with me. The rest of you can get your own, though, I want that one. See how she went straight into a series of classic brilliantly executed girlie poses for the photographers as she left the house? An absolute professional, a master of her craft. And how beautiful in her red devil costume! Cheap to run too, (once you've bought the mansion), give her alcohol and she wanders around making small, happy sounds all day (whether you want her too or not). Does the guy she's engaged to realise he's marrying one of the Clangers? "Oh my Gah-had, it's the Soup-Drag-gen..."

I don't think Traci understood the show, which goes a long way to explaining why she was so devastated by being nominated. Observe when she was talking to Davina at the end, she said how hard she'd tried to be a good housemate. I suspect she thought you had to win by proving how pleasant you were to live with and dutifully went out of her way to be just that. I don't think she had to go far our of her way at all, either, I think she really is that nice a person. that's why she was so upset at being nominated, she thought she was doing something wrong on a personal level to the other housemates. Hence her shock and surprise. You get the feeling that to a certain extent, once you reach a certain level of stardom your life is run to a large extent by your agent; Traci and Dennis both gave the impression that they simply went where they were signed to go and did their best when they were there.

George Galloway

What a clear-cut warning to us all of how politicians plan to use us. We seem to be no more than stepping stones to their own self-serving ends. How did he serve his constituency in the BB house? His blustering complaints about censorship left me unimpressed.

I noticed too that when there was the first a major disagreement in the house - I believe over a misunderstanding about racism - George it was who suggested that a round table discussion be held which George, seemingly thoughtfully, offered to chair.

Thus, it begins. How long before, in order that George may the better to fulfil his post as arbiter of the house decisions, not be made to suffer the distractions of, say, hunger; shouldn't he be given a bigger share of the food than the others, so that his thinking may be clearer and not distracted by hunger? It's in the best interests of the group as a whole, after all; he's the decision maker.

In the same vein, we might conjecture, how long before George's sexual needs/desires must similarly be given priority over the others, the women of the tribe, sorry, house, should be encouraged to offer themselves freely and regularly to George over and above the others. All in the best interests of the group, of course. Politicians, eh? They never close.

Maggot

Maggot, the common man - the voice of reason, as he said. A straightforward decent guy. Good to see he got over his initial reserve about Barrymore. Why was he concerned about his image, I wondered? How genuine can he be if that's a concern? Subsequently, though, he proved himself a steadying influence on the rest of the household.

Faria Alam

The Big Brother experience must have been very difficult for Faria. I thought she behaved throughout as I imagine she was brought up to be, dignified and reserved. I never thought she was a slapper, or in any way cheap, when her sex life got her in the news. Her business, I would have thought. I was subsequently a bit disappointed to hear quite how promptly she was hawking her BB story round Fleet Street but, I suppose, a girl has to be practical and topical if she's going to make money that way. For me, the most interesting thing about Faria was her apparent inability to express the emotions she was claiming to feel. I put this down to her upbringing to and there may be a lesson there for all of us. Imagine a girl bought up in strict circumstances in old established traditions, then abruptly cast out of that culture into a new and different one. She'll know how to function emotionally in the old culture, her appropriate upbringing will have prepared her for that, but i n this new (by which I mean, 'Western') culture, one where the world has moved on from the time that birthed the culture she was raised in, she struggles to express emotions that she has no name for. We're probably all a bit that way at times as the world turns faster. Our childhood upbringing can less and less prepare us for adulthood as effectively the two happen in different worlds. Poor Faria. I liked her.

Big Brother grew up and found its feet here, this was ground-breaking TV. It still seems the fashion in newspapers that somehow, inexplicably, appear to consider themselves and their readers above Big Brother viewers. It's only for the oiks is the subtext of the copy in pretty much all the nationals.

Synchronise watches, tv kids; only a matter of time before they change their tune and accept that here are observations made on life in the raw, that the spat between Dennis and Chantelle, the spats between everybody and George, everybody and the confused unfortunate Jodie Marsh, weren't far more riveting viewing than anything scriptwriters could have dreamed up. It's been an age in coming, but Big Brother seems to be coming of age.

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Oscar Awards Celebrity Goodie Bags

You can't help but thumb through the fashion mags after a Hollywood award show to see what the stars wore-the good, the bad and the downright shameful. But one aspect of all the glitz is the goody bags the stars take home. Sure, it may take an entire paycheck (or two or three) to afford just one item from these hush-hush swag bags, but we still want to know what's in them. What is so intriguing about millionaire celebrities (who could stop working today and still live more comfortably than the general populous)getting free stuff that we'd eat Ramen noodles for a month to own?

Maybe it's because stars set the trends-and even if you're not a closet E! News devotee, you'll run out to buy those hot shades Paris Hilton was photographed wearing. And as much as it pains us to think about the unfairness of it all-stars hold a lot of clout when it comes to product endorsements-the very reason companies load them up with free loot. So, even if you think you're the most stylish accountant to grace corporate America, thousands of people won't buy leopard-print pants simply because you wore a pair to the office party.

Okay, so what's in the bags? It could be a Gaiam's Organic Spa Experience, complete with European-style glass aromatherapy essential oil diffuser; organic cotton towel; organic cotton robe; soy pillar candle; botanical shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, body wash and cleansing bar; meditation and Yoga CD sets; and a Maize storage chest.

Celebs at the recent Academy Awards took home a Motorola Special Edition Black RAZR V3. in a keepsake and personalized Jonathan Adler box (sorry folks, this tricked out version of the Motorola's popular mobile is a celebrity exclusive).

How about a two-night stay for two at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley, California valued at $2,500? Or a sterling silver choker/braclet/earring set made of pearls and Bali beads by Cathy Jordan?

To keep track of celebrities' 15 minutes of fame, guests could take home a Fabio Micucci Fabio Micucci (no, not that Fabio) hour glass. And presenters at a past Oscars got a Micucci crystal decanter with a sterling silver stopper (perfect for all those celebrity offspring born with a silver spoon...oh you know what I mean)

It's a bitter pill to swallow but we both know you'll be breaking out the Top Ramen (and I'm right along with you).

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Celebrity Social - Gossip and Scandal is Everywhere

Gossip and scandal are everywhere when it comes to stars and celebrities around the world. And no matter how much you deny that you don't pay attention to celebrity news, how often do you find yourself joining in a hot discussion at work or around the dinner table? Keeping your eye on the stars is one way to amuse yourself and keep smiling.

Not many people can resist a bit of gossip about the celebrities that make the news. Award ceremonies are a great way to see what everyone is wearing and how bad or good they look wearing it. Watching a popular starlet stumble her way to the podium wearing an unflattering dress can lead to weeks of gossip about what not to wear when the cameras are hot and ready. Magazines are filled with the latest fashion mistakes that the stars make when they venture out into public places.

Celebrity relationships continue to baffle most of us. What makes motion picture stars such as Brad Pitt leave one relationship for another? Celebrity gossip has followed Mr. Pitt as he baffles the media with his behavior. The scandal of celebrity relationships gone wrong is always at the forefront of the news, covering the pages of serious newspapers all the way to gossip magazines that line the shelves at the grocery store.

Stars range from movie starlets such as Meg Ryan to music icons such as Madonna. Society loves to follow their actions whether they are performing in front of a camera or on stage. And when these stars are caught at their worst, even more gossip hits that media.

Celebrity news and gossip can be found in magazines, on the radio, and on the television screen. Gossip is a great way to take a break from the more serious news that is found both locally and around the world. As a society we like to follow the actions of those people we see in the media light. After all, do you really want to miss out seeing the next outrageous outfit that Paris Hilton is going to wear?

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Celebrity Hairstyles and Prom Hairstyle Trends

Prom dresses and prom hairstyles are the first grown-up statement young girls make. When a girl feels her prom night is around the corner, a number of ideas come across her mind planning the best look on her big night. It will not look as great as it could be, if you forget the importance of prom hairstyles to accentuate your dress. A balanced combination between your dress, shoes, accessories, hair, makeup, and the magic of a perfume, are a just a few points of attention for a gorgeous look. Sexy looking up-dos, short hairstyles, long hairstyles, and even funky styles, prom hairstyles are a world apart to choose from right one for a stunning looking appearance on your special night.

Whether you are aware of or not, you may have browse through your memory for all the celerity hairstyles you can remember. Everywhere you looked, you could see celebrities with many different and fashionable hairstyles - short, and sweet, or long yet elegant. No matter what the style these celebrities were wearing, they made a fashion statement that everyone else followed after. You may decide to try a Jennifer Aniston sedu hairstyle or a Jennifer Lopez sedu hairstyle. The secret behind their gorgeous hairstyle is of course partly due to the sedu flat iron, not to mention what they do prior to using this wonderful sedu flat iron.

Many great prom hairstyles are created in the salon, but you can get astonishing results with a hairdo made at home by yourself or with the help of your close friends. You can find a good source of hairstyles through online photo galleries, and also browsing beauty magazines and catalogs.

Decide on the style that best fits your personality or the special look you want on your prom night. Sophisticated, classic up-dos are always great to wear on one the most important events of every woman's life. Prom hairstyles come also in long hairstyles and short hairstyles. You can always visit a salon if you are unsure of your choice, and make an appointment. You should call the salon at least one to 2 months prior to the prom to set your appointment.

The most important thing is be yourself. Consider also that short styles are more often associated with casual or sporty lifestyles, while long hairstyles are more likely associated with a sexy looking image. Think of your personality, or the self-image you want to offer on prom night. Explain to your friends or your stylist what the exact look is that you want, and consider having a trial. Most salons gladly will guide you through many prom hairstyles until you find the right one, whether with hair extensions, up-dos, long hairstyles or short hairstyles.

Will the 2006 hairstyles give us the same great looks with celebrity hairstyles or is there a change a coming? Designers are saying that short hair is coming back in style. The bob is one of the hairstyles that is making its way to the big screen and all around Hollywood. This celebrity hairstyle is easy to manage, looks great, and may become the top 2006 hairstyle. Curls are coming back as well in all kinds of lengths from short to long and romantic.

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Celebrities and their Sunglasses

Every celebrity out there knows the real value of a pair of designer sunglasses. Whether it's to hide the effects of a late night out on the town or an effort to blend in on the street, a pair of quality sunglasses is absolutely indispensable. We've seen a lot of trends come and go, but a great pair of sunglasses will always transcend the passing fads of the day.

With the summer just around the corner, we have begun our fashion trend spotting efforts for 2006. Like years passed, celebrities are on the forefront of eyewear fashion. One of my favorite pastimes is to monitor the fashion trends of my favorite celebrities. As with last season, big sunglasses are all the rage for the ladies. God bless you, Jackie O!

Carmen Electra is one of my favorite celebrities, and one of the most stylish women in entertainment. While I could do without another season of her dreadful "reality" television show, I am dying to get my hands on a pair of the Missoni shades she was recently spotted in. They are oversized and oh-so-glamorous!

Catherine Zeta-Jones may have a thing for old, outdated actors but her fashion sense is as fresh as a spring breeze. I recently saw her sporting a pair of Dolce & Gabbana glasses that were out of this world! I suspect they were the utterly amazing "4005" model. They were black, with the D&G logo designed into the arms of the glasses. The shades are big, bold, and beautiful!

Heidi Klum, our favorite supermodel and partygirl, has incredible fashion sense. I saw a picture of her earlier this week wearing a classic pair of Aviator shades. While a number of people in the fashion industry have been lamenting the prevalence of Aviator shades, I couldn't imagine a world without them. Heidi was wearing a pair made by Ray Ban, and they were absolutely fabulous!

Speaking of partygirls, how could I go on without mentioning Paris Hilton? I adore Paris. She may not be taken seriously as an actress or singer, but she reigns supreme over the fashion world. She was recently spotted wearing a pair of the new Oakley glasses for women. That's right, kids. Oakley just launched a new line of shades exclusively for women, and they are the must-have item for this fashion year. Believe the Hype!

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What s the connection between sunglasses Hollywood and World War II

You might not realise it, but sunglasses are fashionable today mainly because of two things: World War II and Hollywood. Early movie stars took to wearing them because the lighting of early film studios was so harsh, and their eyes needed protecting between scenes, while in World War II many soldiers wore sunglasses to protect themselves from the flashes of explosions. When photos of these things started to reach a mass audience, they wanted to know where they could buy the sunglasses for themselves, and an instant fashion craze was born.

The stories of how specific kinds of sunglasses became fashionable tend to look quite similar: a specific celebrity or admirable kind of person started wearing them, and it spread from there. Ray-bans (also known as wayfarers) were popularised by James Dean in the 1950s. The most fashionable sunglasses for women at the moment are known as Onassis sunglasses, after President Kennedy

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How to Get the Hottest Sedu Hairstyles

Many of the most famous celebrities in both television and movies are sporting Sedu Hairstyles. Celebrity Sedu hairstyles are one of the many latest fashion trends to come out of Hollywood. What makes the celebrity Sedu hairstyles unique though? Why are the Sedu hairstyles so popular?

The celebrity Sedu hairstyles are very popular for a lot of women who have naturally curly hair, or thicker and more course hair. Many celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Halle Barry, Angelina Jolie and many others do not have natural long smooth and flowing hair like you constantly see them sporting on television and in movies. The secret of many movie stars is their celebrity Sedu Hairstyles. Why would they choose Sedu hairstyles though?

The celebrity Sedu hairstyles are very popular for a reason. The Sedu hairstyles are created using the Sedu Hair Iron. The Sedu hair iron is uniquely designed and patented using ceramic plates that are actually made of tourmaline crystals. These are combined with a negative ionic charge in order to remove static from the hair. This alleviates the problems of cling in their celebrity Sedu Hairstyles. The end result is a Sedu Hairstyle that will last longer and look better than any other.

How do the celebrity Sedu hairstyles last longer and why? The patented ionic technology of the Sedu hair iron increases the hold in the hair. While this may not seem plausible at first, let us see why. Between the patented tourmaline ceramic plates and infrared heating technology the Sedu flat iron actually molds the hair. The celebrity Sedu hairstyles last longer because there is no need (On most Sedu Hairstyles) for hairspray or other chemicals, which often fail when exposed to heat or light.

What about dyed hair? Actors and actresses frequently have to dye their hair and change their celebrity hairstyles in order to fit better in certain roles. The Sedu flattener Iron is designed so that there is no conflict with dyes or tints normally used in hair coloring. The celebrity Sedu hairstyles you see can be done with any color or variety of hair.

Many ethnic actresses are big fans of the celebrity Sedu hairstyle. Often the desired result is simply to straighten curly, unruly or kinky hair. The Sedu hair iron

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How Watching TV Can Help You Improve Your Beauty Knowledge

When it comes to learning more about popular beauty trends, there many individuals who wonder exactly how turning on the television can help. Well, if you are like many other Americans, there is a good chance that you have cable or satellite TV. If you do, this means that you often have access to a large number of channels. One or two of those channels may be referred to as beauty or fashion channels. These types of channels are where you may want to go to learn more about the latest in beauty or fashion tends. You may also find shows that help you learn how to properly apply your makeup and so forth.

In addition to television channels and shows that are devoted to fashion and beauty, you may also want to think about tuning into an entertainment show. Entertainments shows are shows that often cover the entertainment industry. It is not uncommon to find a popular celebrity being interviewed or shown on an entertainment show. As you likely already know, celebrities are often well known for their good tastes in fashion, as well as their beauty. By watching an entertainment show, you may able get a good look at some of you today

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How Watching TV Can Help You Improve Your Beauty Knowledge

Are you interested in learning about beauty trends? If you are, you may have tried using the internet and you may even spent money on beauty books or beauty magazines, but have you ever thought about just turning your television on? If you have yet to take the television approach, you may want to think about doing so.

When it comes to learning more about popular beauty trends, there many individuals who wonder exactly how turning on the television can help. Well, if you are like many other Americans, there is a good chance that you have cable or satellite TV. If you do, this means that you often have access to a large number of channels. One or two of those channels may be referred to as beauty or fashion channels. These types of channels are where you may want to go to learn more about the latest in beauty or fashion tends. You may also find shows that help you learn how to properly apply your makeup and so forth.

In addition to television channels and shows that are devoted to fashion and beauty, you may also want to think about tuning into an entertainment show. Entertainments shows are shows that often cover the entertainment industry. It is not uncommon to find a popular celebrity being interviewed or shown on an entertainment show. As you likely already know, celebrities are often well known for their good tastes in fashion, as well as their beauty. By watching an entertainment show, you may able get a good look at some of you today

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Celebrity Hair Styles Think Before You Copy

Ever turn on the television and become instantly infatuated with the latest celebrity hair style sported by Jennifer Aniston or other highly-emulated celebrities? If so, you are not alone. In fact, most fashion trends actually begin after a celebrity has worn them and the same is true when it comes to celebrity hair styles.

Just think of Ashton Kutcher and how many men now wear his tousled celebrity hair style. How about Kate Winslet and all of her manifestations? The truth is that styling your tresses similar to a celebrity hair style is hot. But should you always turn to celebrities to find your latest style, and how can you mirror the celebrity hair style when celebrities have a staff of professionals catering to their every hair whim?

There are good reasons on both sides of the equation when it comes to choosing a celebrity hair style. For some, a celebrity hair style can be the perfect answer when they find themselves in a style slump. For others, choosing a celebrity hair style can be a big mistake. Here are just a few of the pros and cons when it comes to celebrity hair styles.

Why you should copy

1. Celebrities have access to some of the most talented and highest paid beauty professionals in the industry. While you may not be able to afford a consult with one of these style legends yourself, you have the perfect opportunity to see and emulate their work with a celebrity hair style.

2. For the most part, celebrities are on the cutting edge of fashion. When you choose a celebrity hair style, you do not have to worry about looking dated or being out of style.

3. C'mon let's face it. We look up to celebrities because they always look fashionable and beautiful. If you are looking for a celebrity hair style to pull your look together, then there is no better place to look than to the stars.

Why not to copy

1. Celebrities are seen by virtually everybody, and when a new celebrity hair style causes a sensation, you can be sure that everyone will be trying to emulate it. So, while you may be thinking that you are going to look sensational with your new celebrity hair style, you may end up looking like a copy cat.

2. Celebrities do not have to choose easy styles because they have hair stylists and make-up artists solely dedicated to making them look beautiful. On the other hand, you probably do not. So, be careful not to choose a celebrity hair style that will have you pulling out your hair when you have to spend hours keeping it up.

3. Stylists to the stars choose particular celebrity hair styles for their clients because they are perfect for their face shape and type and texture of hair. Not everybody can pull off every style. Be careful not to choose a celebrity hair style that makes you look ridiculous.

While there are pros and cons to everything, choosing a celebrity hair style should be something that you give some thought to before making a final decision. Not everyone is worth millions, but you can look like you are if you choose your celebrity hair styles wisely.

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Celebrity Colorist Shares Insider Tips For Maintaining Beautiful Hair Color

Every season, women take a page from fashion magazines and update their clothes, shoes and makeup while overlooking their greatest accessory: hair color. Some women don't realize that hair color, like perfectly shaped eyebrows, can actually define a woman's look. While a change of season becomes an opportunity to experiment, it's important to not only know the basics behind color-treating tresses, but also the process of maintaining it.

"My clients are always asking how they can sustain color and keep it from fading," says Pantene Celebrity Colorist Rita Hazan. "I always emphasize that there is no use spending a lot of money to color your hair if you aren't going to follow the right steps and use products to actually make the challenge of retaining deep, radiant color effortless."

Here, Hazan shares some simple tips on how to ensure your hair color is rich, vibrant and healthy looking:

Lifestyle Lesson: Before making any color changes, realistically think about your lifestyle and how much time you can commit to maintenance and care. Adventurous types who are up for the challenge can consider making a more drastic change, while low-maintenance girls should probably aim for an easier-to-manage color process such as highlights.

Maintenance Must: To keep color from fading or looking dull between salon visits, proper maintenance is a must. Always use products designed specially for color-treated hair. For the 33 percent of women who complain that their blonde highlights turn brassy, try the new Pantene Pro-V Blonde Expressions Highlight Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner, designed to enhance blonde tones and protect against damaging elements such as mineral deposits and dulling residues.

Extra TLC: Color-treated strands require a little extra care during daily hair care routines. Instead of rubbing hair vigorously after washing, gently pat it dry to prevent color from looking faded. Always use a rinse-out conditioner on color-treated manes and let hair air-dry for a few minutes whenever possible before blow-drying so that you use less heat and keep more moisture intact for vivid, healthy-looking color.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Hair loses moisture during the color-treating process and as a result women are left with thirsty, straw-like tresses. Try using a deep-conditioning treatment once a week to keep hair hydrated, shiny and healthy. Massage treatment through strands from root to tip and make sure to leave in for 30 minutes so that it deeply penetrates hair.

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Workplace Fashions: How to Familiarize Yourself with the most recent Trends. -

Are you preparing to start a new career or do you just like to always look neat and fashionable for work? If you do, you may be interested in keeping up the newest in workplace fashions. If you are and if this is your first time trying to do so, you may be curious as to what all of your choices are. If you are, you will want to continue reading on.

One of the many ways that you can go about familiarizing yourself with the newest in workplace fashions, like which clothing and clothing accessories are popular, is by purchasing fashion magazines. A large number of fashion magazines can be purchased for fewer than five dollars. If you are interested in getting a clothes magazine, you can want to flip through the magazine in question before doing so. While nearly all clothing magazines do have a section that talks about workplace fashions, not all do. If you are able to find a magazine that does, you could walk away with extremely helpful facts on workplace fashions, like what you must and shouldn't wear to work.

one more way that you may go about familiarizing yourself with the latest in workplace fashions is by using the internet. Online, there are a big number of fashion websites, as well as online fashion magazines that you can gain free access to. these online resources are an excellent way to learn more about workplace fashions, especially the trends that are current at the current moment. Since you would likely be focused on workplace fashions and not necessarily casual wear, you may need to think about customizing your internet search to include phrases like "workplace fashions," "work clothing clothing," and so forth.

You could also be able to familiarize yourself with the most recent in workplace fashions by turning on your television. As fashion becomes loved by more individuals each day, it is easier to discover fashion focused television shows and even television channels. By checking your television's onscreen guide or by viewing a printed television schedule, you need to be able to see if any upcoming clothing shows will be focusing on clothes in the workplace.

Another one of the many ways that you can familiarize yourself with the latest in workplace fashions is to start shopping. If you need to shop online, you will likely discover that fashion retailers have their most popular clothing pieces and accessories prominently displayed on their website's main page. For storefront retail locations, you will likely find that popular and sought after clothes pieces and accessories are often the bit of a store display. Also, by customizing your shop search to involve those that are focused on career orientated individuals, you are more likely to discover what you are looking for, in terms of garments and fashion accessories to be clothed in to work.

As you may see, you have a number of various choices when it comes to familiarizing yourself with workplace clothes trends. As a reminder, just because you see that something is popular at the moment; it doesn't necessarily mean this it is right for you and your workplace. Before implementing any fresh workplace clothes trends, you are encouraged to analyze your workplace environment. You will additionally want to keep in mind what is considered comfortable and what is not.

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Get Latest Fashions On Wholesale Name Brand Garments - Business

Among women, the necessity to wear the newest trends and to seem their best has become increasingly important. Every lady needs to sport the foremost upcoming fashions which are seen on the red carpets across the world. For those that earn in huge figures, it is not a downside to pick their clothing from fashionable complete name clothing stores. Except for the bulk of us who live regular lives, high finish brand name clothing isn't within our budget all the time. An exquisite resolution to this is to buy whole name clothing from wholesale dealers. You'll look on-line for trustworthy wholesalers who sell authentic and latest fashion clothing. Once you discover such a store, go right down to the warehouse where you'll look around as abundant as you please and decide whole name garments of your choice. Common high finish brands for women are accessible in all ranges of sizes and colors. Use caution to stay faraway from the previous stock of clothes as there will be masses of such items at the warehouse also. You ought to have an eye fixed for the upcoming trends in the fashion marketplace for this and you must remember of the trends going out of fashion. Wholesalers sell garments in bulk. This manner you'll search for all the women in your family and additionally your friends at one go. All the ladies can visit the wholesale clothing store to attempt on the most recent trendy clothes on the market there. Seek for good quality items and find out completely different stores that provide a variety of alternatives at totally different prices. You'll raise for discounts for many brands. Shopping for in bulk can additionally facilitate your avail discounts. Generally, branded wear stores reject clothing with minor defects. These clothes reach wholesale markets and can be a huge benefit for you if you get these as there wont be any visible damage. There are several appealing styles which you may like during this section. As competition to look the for emost stylish is high among ladies particularly, you will not want to spend big amounts of cash on achieving the look. Wholesale clothing has now become a massive business online as well. Browse online sites to search out the most promising wholesale dealers that will additionally provide you timely deliveries as well. For girls who have weight issues, there are several brands which cater to and sized women. Wholesale clothing offer the foremost glamorous and fashionable look and are inside the regular lady's budget. Wholesale clothing has become the simplest choice if you wish to induce the latest fashions on wholesale name complete clothing for women.

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