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Boys of summer

summer style jeansLondon, Paris, New York, Milan... when it comes to fashion week,women's trends always soak up the spotlight. Although many of theindustry's famous designers are male, menswear barely registers onthe style barometer. But fashion matters to men. Despite the credit crunch, when guys dohit the shops the average spend in their favourite clothing storeis ￡140, according to industry analyst Drapers. Inspired by the likes of style icons David Beckham, Brad Pitt andnew cool kid on the block Mark Ronson, men don't have to be vain tocare about looking good. With Father's Day approaching on Sunday, it's time for men's styleto shine. From George Clooney gentleman to Liam Gallagher rock god,this season's trends should appeal to his fashionista alter-ego. Ian Bryder, menswear design manager at ASOS, gives the low-down onthis summer's hottest styles. Miami nice If your man likes to scrub up nicely, this summer's smart preppylook with a twist should tick his style boxes; a look ASOS havedubbed 'Poolside'. "It's very 'Englishman in LA' with smart, relaxed, colourful takeson classic Anglo menswear pieces," Ian explains. "Think cotton blazers, smart shorts, slim short-sleeved checkshirts and canvas deck shoes with retro tortoiseshell-framed shadesand a straw trilby." BAG THE TREND: Right, Next's grey cotton blazer and t-shirt set,￡85, belted jeans, ￡40, and white pointed lace-up shoes, ￡45; orleft - from House of Fraser - Ralph Lauren navy blazer ￡340 ,Ralph Lauren blue V-neck tank top, ￡70, Tommy Hilfiger white,tailored shorts, ￡60, Tommy Denim white shirt, ￡60. Festival fare Festival wear doesn't have to mean grungy macs and green wellingtonboots. ASOS have rocked up festival gear with a Tokyostreet-inspired look, christened 'Fuji Festival'. Ian says: "Festival essentials have been given a lightweight,layered, lived-in feel with a vintage Japanese graphic edge. "It's all about lightweight nylon jackets and wellingtons for thosemid-summer downpours and rolled-up denim shorts, retro checkedshirts and Y-neck t-shirts ready for those rays of sunshine." Summer staples Want to know what to shop for to update your seasonal wardrobe? Ianrecommends the top ten buys to splash out on this summer

2008-06-12 13:22:05

posted by uebhnb on Jun 14, 2008 5:33 AM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Hall-Effect Latches suit non-automotive applications.

Custom Made SuitPress Release Release date: June 3, 2008 Allegro Microsystems, Inc. Announces New General-Purpose Latchesfor Non-Automotive Applications Small, Robust Packages with Reverse Battery Protection Worcester, MA - June 3, 2008 - Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. hasreleased two new temperature-stable and stress-resistantHall-effect latches, especially suited for operation in consumerand industrial products. Superior high-temperature performance ismade possible through Dynamic Offset Cancellation, which reducesthe residual offset voltage normally caused by device packageovermolding, temperature dependencies, and thermal stress. The twodevices are targeted at non-automotive applications and areidentical except for their magnetic switchpoints. Both devices include, on a single silicon chip, a voltageregulator, a Hall-voltage transducer, a small-signal amplifier,chopper stabilization, a Schmitt trigger, and a short-circuitprotected open-collector output to sink up to 25 mA. A southpolarity magnetic field of sufficient strength is required to turnthe output on. A north polarity field of sufficient strength isnecessary to turn the output off. An onboard regulator permitsoperation with supply voltages in the range of 4.2 to 24 volts withan operating temperature range of -40

2008-06-12 13:22:00

posted by uebhnb on Jun 14, 2008 5:33 AM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Men's combed cotton T-shirt with camouflage-print sleeves

T Shirts MenClick "Inquire Now" to request for more information from thissupplier. Note: All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwisespecified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewedonly as reference prices at the time of interview and may havechanged. Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed andare for reference purposes only. Those product images featuringproducts with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended forsale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates' respective directors,officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do notaccept and will not have any responsibility or liability forproduct images (or any part thereof) which infringe on anyintellectual property or other rights of a third party.

2008-06-12 13:21:55

posted by uebhnb on Jun 14, 2008 5:32 AM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Keep your cool but make temperatures rise

mesh for garmentCurrent Publication Date: 06/06/2008 Keep your cool but make temperatures rise Hot new summer collection from Nike As the sun shines and the temperature heats up, Nike celebrates theathlete inside with a hot new collection that shines on the outsidebut is strong to the core - just like the women who wear it.Whether its running on the beach, pumping it in the gym, orshaking it on the dance floor, Nike will make you look as good asyou feel this summer. With the ultimate in high performance cardio workout gear you willlook hot while your pulse races and the music pumps. The NIKE TECHTANK is constructed of tonal colour blocks of Nike Dri-FITfabrication and sleeve sections created from double layers of mesh,the tank provides zoned ventilation ideal for sweaty cardioworkouts. NIKE TECH KNIT CAPRI also has a Dri-FIT poly/spandexfabrication for ultimate movement, and spandex power mesh insertsfor ventilation edging the waist. Add an eye-popping racer stripedown the side seams, an Mp3 player pocket and away you go. The NIKESHOX SCULPT TRAINER, with the innovative two-column Nike Shoxsystem, provides responsive cushioning and comfort. The soft tonalpalette and mix of satin and metallic textures proves just howbeautiful high performance can be. Take to the streets and keep on running. The NIKE S/S TOP takes youfurther thanks to its seamless Dri-FIT fabrication and engineeredpattern of mesh wrapping from your shoulder blades, increasingventilation and breathability. Reflective heat transfer dots at theback create an eye-catching pattern, ideal for twilight runs. Mp3cord management clip located at the back neck of the garmentstabilizes your Mp3 cord when you run so it isnt a distraction.The NIKE+ CAPRI is made from Dri-FIT stretch knit, ensuringincredible comfort, mile after mile. Thoughtful design featureslike a looser knit at knee and wide elastic waist are not onlygreat fitting; they flatter your figure as well. Right down to thenotched hem with a slight kick out at the bottom, the line skimsyour figure from hip to knee - never tight or clingy, so all youhave to focus on is your next lap. With Nikes hot new dance collection, you can have the confidenceto get out there, be unique and shake what your Mama gave you! TheHIP HOP GRAPHIC TANK features no two garments with the same graphicplacement as the pattern is randomly cut from the fabric; makingeach tank as individual and special as you are. The HIP HOP HOODYCOVER UP is slightly cropped to provide a flattering cinch to yourwaist when layered over a longer top making this hoody the idealcover-up for summer evenings. Be functional and fabulous with the new Nike SOUL WINDRUNNER,transforming classic cool into something extraordinarily funky. Thesearing new graphic is composed of two original Nike fake it prints- the snake and the leopard - with an infusion of hot pink, purpleand poison green to make it even more memorable. Bubble gum pinkrib on cuffs and waist add the last bit of pop. The teeny tinystretch cotton SOUL HOT SHORT fits like a dream thanks to a workingfly with zip and double gold snap hardware, plus an adjustable pullcord inside the waistband. See the light while blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays in NIKEINSPIRE sunglasses. The ventilated flying lens feature andadjustable, ventilated nose bridge offer improved airflow andreduced fogging on muggy summer days. Secure-wrap temples grip theback of the head gently for stability and comfort. NIKE IMPELsunglasses are made to go the distance on hot summer days thanks totheir adjustable ventilated nose bridge and Swift Cut flyinglenses, which reduce fogging when you start to sweat. And when yousoar into high speed? Cam-action spring hinges lock into place,leaving you confident during sprints. For more details on the new collection visit www.nikewomen.com. For a full list of stockists call 1800 411 096. (Publication Date: 06/06/2008)

2008-06-12 13:21:50

posted by uebhnb on Jun 14, 2008 5:32 AM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Adjusting to the New Design

with new desigIt looks different around here, doesn't it? The absolutely awesome site redesign, that has slowly beenimplementing itself throughout all of the truly tremendous SBNation blogs has finally reached Rock Chalk Talk. It really ispretty incredible how much better this new design is. So much moreattractive. Anyways, it should take awhile for all of us, especially me, to getadjusted to the new format and all that jazz. That being said, Ithink that you will find (from my experience on other,already-redesigned SBN blogs) that it is truly a tremendousimprovement; well worth the required adjustment period. In the meantime, check out JQ's post (which I will bump back up tothe top later tonight) about the mythical NCAA baseball NIT. It isawesome. ROCK CHALK!

2008-06-12 13:21:45

posted by uebhnb on Jun 14, 2008 5:31 AM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Shocking! Stereotype gains traction in suit

custom tailored suitsWelcome to Lawsuit Week on Page 2. It's like Shark Week on theDiscovery Channel, but with fewer lawyers. Rim shot, please. I'll be here all week, try the Canzano. With a bigger (read: any) budget, I'd have pulled together ahigh-priced, finely tailored collection of lawyers the likes ofwhich you only find discussing the ins and outs of celebritydivorce and/or arrest on cable news networks. And we'd sit in four little squares (though this is print, and youwouldn't know it) and talk all about the hot legal issues of theday in the world of sports. We'd speak expertly, because that'd beour job, even if all we'd read was a wire story like, say, thisone, from The Associated Press. "As an aspiring racing official, Mauricia Grant had grown used toworking in a man's world. "When she finally made it into NASCAR, Grant was appalled at theway she says she was treated beginning from her first day on thejob until her firing last October. "Now she's suing NASCAR for $225 million, alleging racial andsexual discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination." Shocked! Shocked! Shocked! I say, to find . . . Gambling in this establishment? (So I've got a big italics budgetand a Bogart jones, sue me.) CONTINUED 1 | 2 Next 2008-06-12 13:21:39

posted by uebhnb on Jun 14, 2008 5:30 AM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Teddy helps you navigate through traffic

Teddy Bear ShirtA Japanese firm has created a talking teddy which will chat you up as you drive,and guide you through traffic hotspots. According to Topgear , the thing will also ask you if you've been drinking, whichpresumably you must have been to have either bought the thing, oraccepted it as a gift. The teddy doesn't appear to be equipped with an ejector seat so youcan send it hurtling 25,000 feet into the sky so blue. We have noticed that a lot of male taxi drivers switch off thesound on their GPS systems because they don't like a continualchattering person telling them what to do next. Perhaps the soundof Hector the Teddy Bear will be more preferable. More here . And another kind of Teddy Bear with an Everywhere Girl t-shirt,is pictured below. X

2008-06-12 13:20:55

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Food contain hidden salt supermarket scares

olives in brineAsda's Chicken Tikka Masala with Pilau Rice is the worst readymeal, with 5g of salt per portion. Kellogg's Corn Flakes pack in 1g of salt per serving and RiceKrispies contain 0.6g - that's more salt than a packet of saltedcrisps which has 0.5g. And while Heinz Baked Beans contain 1.8g per 200g tin, Kwik Save,Somerfield or Morrisons beans have a massive 3g of salt per tin. Marks and Spencer’s tomato-based pasta sauce contains 2g per100g, more than twice the amount of Asda’s sauce with just0.8 per 100g. Fit Squad diet expert Amanda Ursell says: "Even though therecommended daily allowance is 6g, you should really aim for 3g ofsalt per day if you want to be healthy. "Grams of salt are not always given on nutrition labels, but youcan calculate the amount by multiplying grams of sodium by 2.5. "One pinch of salt used in cooking is about 1g and salt cellarswith multiple holes deliver about 1.3g of salt per shake.

2008-06-12 09:50:50

posted by uebhnb on Jun 14, 2008 5:29 AM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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ShirtsMyWay buttons up Promotional Products Market

ShirtsMyWay Garment Buttons up Promotional Products Market with CustomizedDesigner Shirts Quality designer shirts hits marketing merchandise to become a newtwist to promotional products. For Immediate Release COPENHAGEN, Copenhagen Denmark/EWORLDWIRE/May 22, 2008 --- Therecent expansion of the online custom shirt maker, ShirtsMyWay.biz,into custom company dress shirts (shirts with logos), paves the wayfor what company Founders Peter Crawfurd and Michael Yang predictis an upcoming trend: quality and designer company shirts.ShirtsMyWay.biz is launching an international Web site today basedon this idea, with free design and marketing consultation. "Companies who have shirts made with logos often find out, toolate, that the shirts don't live up to their company identity,"said Crawfurd. He attributes the disappointment to a lack ofpersonal guidance and professional marketing input on the side ofthe shirt maker. "Buyers are losing out or don't know the marketingpotential of their shirts." Yang and Crawfurd are delivering an improved design, with aconviction that the fit of today's logo shirts can dramaticallyincrease the chance of the shirt from being a promotional productinto a garment someone wears for pleasure. While company shirts aretraditionally used exclusively for promotional purposes, companyshirts are evolving into a more modern and fashionable garment. Company Shirts with Fashion Trends For certain businesses, looking cool and updated is a significantpart of the corporate image and that includes following certainfashion trends. Maintaining consistency with presence becomespossible with company shirts only when shirts are fullycustomizable and usually when personal consultation is involved. Today, thousands of companies use dress shirts as marketingmerchandise, from airline uniforms, bartenders, waiters, tohigh-end product promotion; however, most of these lack thedistinct touch of quality and design that in turn positivelyincreases customers' or potential customers' perception of a brand. Crawfurd and Yang will personally consult with any company aboutcustom company shirts without obligation. 2008-06-06 13:09:34

posted by uebhnb on Jun 10, 2008 2:19 PM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Wide range of safety equipment from Cleaning Supplies

Tensens Cleaning Supplies also provides other safety equipment likeb arricade elastic tape red, white - danger - do not enter (DONET10075),barricade tape yellow, black - caution CT10075, safety tag - reddanger STD12575, sunscreen 1 litre bottle ss1, fluoro orange x backsafety vest svo-asx ( Sizes: M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL) , fluoro yellow x back safety vest svy-asx, yellow pvc rain jacketonly rj, yellow pvc rain pants only rp and aprons. Different types of safety masks are available at Tensens Cleaning Supplies. Masks like non toxic dusk mask PC101 andrespirator P2 with valve PC321 are available. The respirator P2with valve PC321 features with a P2 rating for protection against mechanically and thermallygenerated particles. It is colour coded and available in nose-pieceand packaging. The yellow PVC rain coat RC supplied by Tensens Cleaning Supplies , is available in both PVC and polyester with elastic cuffs plusstuds. It has two large pockets, it has a full length for lower legprotection as well. 2008-06-06 13:08:50

posted by uebhnb on Jun 10, 2008 2:19 PM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Red Wings look good for next year

Many of the Red Wings' best players are under 30, includingforwards Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen, ValtteriFilppula, Dan Cleary and Jiri Hudler and defensemen Niklas Kronwalland Brad Stuart, if they're able to re-sign the unrestricted freeagent. And their top two defensemen, Niklas Lidstrom and BrianRafalski, and No. 1 goaltender, Chris Osgood, are still performingat an elite level well into their 30s. "They're a blend of young and old talent. It's the best of bothworlds,'' NBC's Mike Milbury said. "Credit the organization. If youcan continually roll over your organization like that you're goingto have great success. And nobody has had more success in the last10 years than the Detroit Red Wings. Nobody has done a betterjob.'' No Cup champion has advanced past the first round of the playoffsthe following season since 2002, when Colorado lost to Detroit inthe conference finals. Four of the past five Cup winners (Detroit,New Jersey, Tampa Bay and Anaheim) were eliminated in the openinground. The other, Carolina, failed to qualify for the postseasonthe following year. "It's incredibly difficult to repeat, but I believe their core willbe in place for at least the next couple of years,'' Versus analystBill Clement said. "The Red Wings are as good a bet to be at thetop of the heap for the next two years as any team.'' Signing a No. 4 defenseman is Holland's top priority. He's hopingit will be Stuart, if he agrees to accept less than the $3.5million he earned this season. The Red Wings, who have plenty ofcap space next season, will try to re-sign Andreas Lilja and arelikely to bring back Chris Chelios for another year as their eighthdefenseman. They must make room for young Kyle Quincey, who is outof minor-league options. They have two top blue line prospects inJonathan Ericsson, who could be ready to step in next season, andJakub Kindl, who is still a year or two away. At forward, young Darren Helm has likely earned a roster spot fornext season with his strong playoff performance. Highly toutedFinnish prospect Ville Leino will have an opportunity to earn aroster spot in training camp. Justin Abdelkader is likely to spendat least one season in Grand Rapids (AHL) but showed much promiseduring his brief time with the big club. In goal, they would be willing to re-sign Dominik Hasek, 43, foraround $1 million, if he wants to return. Otherwise, they willeither pursue a veteran free-agent to back-up Osgood or go withJimmy Howard, who can still spend another season in Grand Rapidswithout having to clear waivers. "They handled the free-spending era better than anyone else andthey've handled the Back Cap era better than anyone else,'' Melrosesaid. "They never panic, never make a big mistake, always got agood mixture of young guys and older players, so that helps thecap. They always seem to have room at the (trade) deadline to add aplayer.'' 2008-06-06 13:08:34

posted by uebhnb on Jun 10, 2008 2:16 PM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Texas lethal injection was to resume

HUNTSVILLE _ Condemned double-murderer Derrick Juan Sonnierreceived a reprieve about two hours before he was to walk intoTexas' death house Tuesday, the second time he has escapedexecution. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals granted a stay of executionafter the Texas Defender Service, a watchdog capital punishmentgroup, filed two last-minute appeals in the 40-year-old man's case. Sonnier was sentenced to die for the 1991 stabbing deaths of MelodyFlowers, 27, and her 2-year-old son Patrick. Authorities said he had stalked the single mother of five formonths before the murders. After he received word of Tuesday's stay, Sonnier called familymembers and friends, but he did not issue a public statement, aprison spokesman said. Sonnier was scheduled to die once before, but Harris Countyprosecutors set aside the Feb. 27 execution date to await the U.S.Supreme Court's decision in a Kentucky case that challenged theconstitutionality of its three-drug lethal injection protocol, thesame used in Texas and dozens of other states. In April, the high court upheld the practice, but the Texas Courtof Criminal Appeals, the state's highest criminal court, has notyet ruled on the issue. So far, three other states have carried out death sentences. Sonnier was to be the first inmate put to death in Texas since theSupreme Court ruling. Michael Richard was the last, on Sept. 25. In its appeals, the Texas Defender Service argued that the statemade changes May 30 to its lethal injection protocol that have notbeen reviewed by any court. Its second appeal argues that the lethal injection protocolviolates Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusualpunishment, an issue raised in two other cases pending before thestate court. Details demanded Attorney David Dow, of the defender service, said the Texas court'sstay was an appropriate move given that it has not yet ruled on thelethal injection process. The prison system, he added, must also provide more details aboutthe procedure it follows to carry out capital punishment. Michelle Lyons, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of CriminalJustice, said the system's protocol has not changed. Prison officials, she said, made changes to internal writtenprocedures in light of the Supreme Court's ruling, but theprocedure remains the same. Among the additions made, she said, the prison system spelled outthe amount of training executioners receive. "We clarified in writing what we were already doing," Lyons said."The protocol remains the same." The state, however, must prove that Sonnier's executioner hasindeed completed the minimum training stipulated in the reviseddocument. Still, the procedural issues raised in the last-minute filings willunlikely free Sonnier from death row, Dow added. Two of Melody Flowers' daughters and other family members hadplanned to witness Tuesday's execution. Tameka Traylor, one of Flowers' daughters, held up a photo ofSonnier as she described him as "somebody that was able to brutallybeat an innocent mother and child." She also said it's been 17 years since the murders and Sonnierstill hasn't paid for his crimes. History of stalking On Sept. 16, 1991, police found Melody Flowers, 27, in thepartially filled tub of her Humble apartment. She had been bludgeoned with a claw hammer, raped, strangled andstabbed. The stabbed body of her toddler, Patrick, was on top ofher. Sonnier was dating one of Flowers' close friends and lived nearby.Authorities said Sonnier once slipped into her apartment when shewas not home. After the murders, police searched Sonnier's apartment and foundFlowers' bloody blouse and a blood-soaked towel that also belongedto her. Police later found a grocery bag stashed in a field near thecomplex that had his bloody socks, Injection Shoes, and other items thatconnected him to the crime. 2008-06-06 13:17:57

posted by uebhnb on Jun 10, 2008 2:16 PM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Bald (legged) and beautiful: Men who shave their legs

Brand Name Sport ShoesIt was the summer of 1990, and Stephen Bullard had become adedicated triathlete, fit and fast for swimming, running andcycling after five years of regular competition. He was aburgeoning young buck, eking up in the local ranks and looking thepart -- all hot pink and Spandex and mirrored sunglasses -- savefor one fuzzy detail: He had hairy legs. So it was one bright spring evening when Bullard, now a managementtrainer in Minneapolis, took blade to skin and began thedeforestation of his lower leg. "It was the thing to do if youwere serious about triathlon," he said. Bullard turned 50 this winter, still a committed triathlete,cyclist and Nordic skier. It's been 18 years since his virginshave, and Bullard's legs have been shiny and smooth ever since. Beyond aerobic sports, in no other part of mainstream Westernsociety does the male species commonly take wax or blade to leghair. But among the Lycra set -- particularly cyclists, swimmersand triathletes -- smooth legs are touted as a rite of passage anda performance-enhancing procedure. Bullard, who shaves twice a week, up to 45 minutes at a time, saidhair-free legs identify a man as someone who takes his sportseriously. "It's a badge," he said. Showing off rippling thighs doesn't hurt, either. Nor does thefeeling of fresh bed sheets on clean calves, admitted one maleshaver. And after a day of cycling a self massage on smooth thighsis irresistible, according to Steve Madden of Bicycling magazine. "Massage is the No. 1 reason to shave for seriouscyclists," said Madden, who serves as editor in chief at theEmmaus, Penn., magazine. "Lotion and leg hair don't go well together, and after ridingall day cyclists need a rub-down." Madden, 44, has shaved on and off since 1980. Narcissism andvanity, he admits, are part of the allure. Ditto to fitting intothe crowd. "Cycling is a very tribal sport," Madden said. "Youtake cues from the leaders -- the pros -- who all shave." More practically, cyclists shave because cuts and road rash canheal faster after a crash. "Hairless legs are easier to cleanand bandage," Madden said. What about aerodynamic advantages on a bike? In a wind tunnel,under perfect lab conditions, leg fuzz swirling in the breeze maycreate a tiny amount of turbulence and drag. But it has almost noaffect on riders in reality. "It's pure B.S.," Maddenspouted. Instead, your clothing, riding position, your helmet, eventhe placement of a water bottle cage can cause more drag than leghair, he said. In water, where resistance is greater, hair can make a measurabledifference. As such, swimmers have long shaved their legs -- andtheir arms and chests, too -- for hydrodynamic gain. A bald body,like a seal, slips quicker through the pool. In other sports, smooth man legs are a Grade A diversionary tactic. That's according to Dan Williams, a 42-year-old adventure racerfrom Champlin, Minn., who compares leg shaving to poker: "It'slike Texas Hold 'Em," he said. "Anything that gives you apsychological or perceived psychological edge, will in fact giveyou that edge." In any competition, Williams continued, there's a field of athletesattempting to read where each person ranks. Having clean-shavenlegs -- thighs flexing, contoured muscles sparkling in the sun --immediately identifies one as core. "Like mirrored sunglassesor carbon-fiber spokes, clean legs promote a slight mystery aboutyou," Williams said. For serious road cyclists -- the most vocal and particularparticipants in this investigation -- legs are an instantidentifier, said Jamie Smith, author of "Roadie: TheMisunderstood World of a Bike Racer" (VeloPress, 2008). Smith,a shaver for 22 years, said male legs are the first thing he looksat when showing up for a group bike ride. "A quick glance determines where you are in the sport,"he said. "I know who the serious and safer riders are fromtheir defined tan lines and clean legs." In a section of his book titled "Do You Really Shave YourLegs?", Smith writes: "In any group of cyclists, aserious Roadie can instantly spot the not-so-serious Roadie. Thetelltale sign: hairy legs. A cyclist makes a strong statement abouthis dedication to the sport when he goes against the societal normand shaves all the hair off his legs." Not that aerobic athletes shy from bucking societal convention. Thesame demographic that shaves is known to do other crazy things,too. Like run 50 miles in a day. Or bike around Lake Superior for funone month. But the buff guys in Spandex -- chests puffed out under jerseys,legs glimmering above athletic shoes -- are also an easy butt endto a joke. Just ask Stephen Bullard, a man who for a time wore aone-piece hot pink zebra striped suit to race in triathlons."The truth hurts, but I admit it," he said. Today, Bullard's preferred brand of shaver is one his daughter gavehim for Father's Day. The Gillette Venus has five blades and a"ribbon of moisture." It comes in pink and teal, and thecompany tags a slogan on the packaging: "Reveal the goddess inyou." "I keep telling my wife that shaved legs are sexy,"Bullard said. "But she remains unconvinced." Pulling Back the (Shower) Curtain. . . Seven men reveal reasons and rationalizations for shaving theirlegs in the name of aerobic sport. . . * Stanley Barton, 41, technology entrepreneur in Minnetonka, Minn. Why he does it: "Mostly in the event of a bike crash to helpheal road rash. And because I'm vain." * T.C. Worley, 30, photographer in Minneapolis On his first time: "It was quite feminine to glide a razorover the length of my leg. It felt like a sneak peak into a woman'sworld." * Rich White, 48, writer, Big Bear Lake, Calif. On the psychology: "Before a big bike ride or event shavingputs me in the warrior mode. It makes me feel like I'm ready torock!" * Dan Kimmel, 56, software developer in Burnsville, Minn. Why he shaved (just once) at age 53: "My cycling workoutbuddies were doing it. I thought I should try to understand whyother guys did it." * Ed Korb, 36, educator in Tustin, Calif. His girlfriend's reaction: "She thought it was hot! I shavedjust to try it, but after a day or two I starting liking it. . .." * Dave Melcher, 51, analyst in Richfield, Minn. On peer pressure: "If you line up for a bike race with hairylegs you are quickly identified as an inexperienced cyclist whocannot hold his line and may cause an accident." * Jason Prudhom, 23, bike parts factory worker in Minneapolis On why he shaves twice a week: "Narcissism probably mostprimarily. I like the aesthetic of clean tattoos better than hairyones." 2008-06-06 13:17:41

posted by uebhnb on Jun 10, 2008 2:15 PM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Keith Jones Teams with African-American Company

Nizamian made Garfield a household name in 43 countries through hisplush toy found clinging to car windows everywhere. during the late80's. He founded Timeless Toys in 1998, a company dedicated toproducing unique, high-quality products while maintaining thehighest standards of service in the industry. BOY The Dog LLC willprovide a toy plush animal product line, which will includepuppets, Animal Slippers and other specialty items. TuneTees LLC, another partner, created the first music-inspired,multi-brand apparel line to combine digital music with designer T'sand apparel, recently launched its Doggy TuneTees(TM) line as wellas the newly created lifestyle brand with Beachaholic Records. Thiswill allow online purchases of designer pet apparel anddownloadable music. A portion of the proceeds will benefitMusiCares, the non-profit arm of the National Academy of RecordingArts and Sciences (NARS), which is devoted to helping musicians inneed. "By partnering with Timeless Toys, Inc. and TuneTees(TM), we havecreated an online community that delivers the finest pet relatede-commerce online as well as provide for an interactive websiteallowing animal enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate theirexperiences through photo displays and text," said BOY The Dog(TM)Partner Keith Jones. Visitors should also look for music inspired by "BOY", with arecord album soon to be released. A preview can be found on thesite, with two songs being featured from the album; "Choose Me",his theme song and "Underdog". Additional site features will focuson user-interaction through an online pet photo gallery, a monthlynewsletter for community members, and the BOY Fan Club. Thesefeatures will give pet owners a way to interact with others andwill allow them the ability to build communities around similarinterests and concerns for their pets. Perhaps the most treasured page on the site is the one assigned tothe Rainbow Bridge; where pet owners who have been saddened by theloss of their loyal companion can share their photos and memoriesonline with those who have suffered the same loss. "We know thatanimal owners are passionate about their pets and consider them anintegral part of their family," continued Jones. "We are providinga gathering place for them to visit and to share that love andthose memories through photo displays and online discussions withpeople from all corners of the globe who know the strength andlongevity of a pet's unconditional love." 2008-06-06 13:17:28

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Edmond women's club donates to children

The event provides 800 foster children from the Oklahoma City metroarea with a new outfit, new Woman's Shoes, new backpack and school suppliesin August. "Citizens Caring for Children is grateful to the Edmond Women's Club for their continuing support and partnership of our mission tobreak the cycle of abuse and neglect, 2008-06-06 13:17:11

posted by uebhnb on Jun 10, 2008 2:15 PM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Beach Volleyball Tour Gives Santa Cruz Players a Chance to S...

Men's Shoes Last Saturday morning, while most of Santa Cruz was still sleepingoff their Friday nights, 60 die-hard volleyball players made theirway to Harbor Beach to compete in the fifth annual Old School ShoesOpen. The Old School Shoes Open is part of the Harbor Beach Open Tour,the only professional volleyball tour that comes to Santa Cruz. “Most tours are in SoCal,” event organizer Dave Yeakelsaid. “But there’s local talent here too.” Yeakel has been trying to bring professional beach volleyball backto Santa Cruz for a long time. “There was a void in pro volleyball in Santa Cruz,”Yeakel said. “I tried to fill it with a pro-level tournament,but with a nice relaxed atmosphere.” Most of the players in attendance are Santa Cruz natives, orvisitors who got hooked on beach volleyball the first time theyplayed it and never left. Each person adds a different dynamic toform a close-knit community of beach volleyball players. “Everyone knows everyone here,” Yeakel said.“It’s nice, but we could always use more people.” Brandy Lewis, a Chico native, moved out to Santa Cruz to play beachvolleyball. “This tournament is fun,” Lewis said. “Others aremore serious. You get ratings and points. But this one is for fun,music and food.” The sponsor, Old School Shoes, is a store on Pacific Avenue,and the tournament is special because it plays with old-schoolrules. Old-school rules mean that the court is 20 percent larger, thereare no antennas on the nets, and the scoring system is different aswell: a team is only able to score when it serves the ball. “The rules are fun but hard,” participant James Kellysaid. “Everyone is used to the new rules. It’s hard toget used to the old ones again.” In addition to great competition, the Old School Shoes Open hasanother incentive: prizes. The prizes total $6,000 worth ofdinners, gym passes, glasses and Old School cash. “People should come to play,” Lewis said. “Plusyou get free lunch, beer, and there are good prizes.” All in all, about 30 teams showed up for the two-day extravaganza.The Open was a double elimination tournament. Saturday hosted themen’s open, women’s pros and women’s collegedivision. On Sunday, players participated in the women’s openand men’s pros. Though the final game was scheduled to go until 5 p.m. Saturdaynight, it continued past 7 p.m., as did the excitement. Throughoutthe day a live DJ performed and a crowd of supporters cheeredathletes on. The Harbor Beach Open Tour holds nine events per year, and eightare in Santa Cruz. The Old School Shoes Open was the second oneheld so far, with the next one, Airel Events Open, scheduled forJune 21 and 22 at Harbor Beach. “The more people we can get involved, the better,”Kelly said. “It’s a fun thing to get involved in.Everyone’s welcome, that’s for sure.” 2008-06-06 13:16:58

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S African construction company profit

Road Construction Construction and small plant hire company Erbacon, which listed on the AltX in December, said yesterday the construction boom had lifted its earnings for the year to February. Erbacon (ERB) revenue for the year climbed 88% to R225m, and CE Dave Erskine said he expected it to top R750m for this financial year if activity in the industry remained as robust. Attributable profit grew 154% to R32m, while headline earnings per share increased to 33,3c, up 170% on the previous year. The biggest contributor to the company's revenues was the civil construction division, which brought in 70% of turnover. The division is involved mainly in nonresidential building operations, such as concrete structures and buildings, bridge rehabilitation, pipeline construction, township services and bulk earthworks and road works. Since its listing, the company has grown through its strategy of acquisitions and expansion beyond KwaZulu-Natal, which has helped its forward order book grow to about R500m. Erskine said while most activities were concentrated in KwaZulu-Natal, construction projects had been started in Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga. In February Erbacon bought KwaZulu-Natal general contracting company Armstrong Construction, paying R78.5m. Erskine said the company's small plant and formwork division opened two new branches in Lephalale in Limpopo and Nelspruit in Mpumalanga earlier this year to expand the division's geographic reach. He said R19m had been set aside to fund this expansion. "The group is looking forward to the new financial year. The business is now well focused and raring to go," Erskine said. "The Armstrong acquisition has been finalized and the expansion of the small plant and formwork division is on track. Tender activity remains strong in Erbacon's target markets and the group is well equipped to take advantage of this," he said. 2008-05-30 17:02:19

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China controls building material pricing

China will intervene temporarily to control prices of steel products, cement and other building materials in the earthquake disaster zone, the central government's economic planning agency said. The National Development and Reform Commission said in a notice that pricing authorities in Sichuan, Chongqing, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces have been authorized to undertake 'temporary price interventions' subject to the approval of provincial governments. The agencies are allowed to set a limit on profit margins, or guide prices, it said. Major producers of building materials are required to submit plans to raise prices for prior approval, it added. The government will also strengthen monitoring of prices of daily necessities in the quake-hit areas, with severe punishment promised for hoarding or price-gouging, it said. 2008-05-30 16:52:58

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US clothing retailers feel the pinch

Clothing retailers are feeling the pinch as shoppers scale back on buying, amid escalating gasoline prices, a housing slump, tighter credit and widespread consumer skittishness. The trendiest fashions, after all, are nice to have, but hardly essential. Sales of women's apparel are estimated to have dropped 3 percent in February and March from year-ago levels, according to market research firm NPD Group. The worst-hit categories: coats, sleepwear and accessories. "In this kind of economy, obviously there's the temptation to shop in your own closet," said Wendy Liebmann of marketing consultants WSL Strategic Retail. "The temptation not to buy is clearly huge at this point." Still, the truly dedicated shoppers are managing to find fashion fulfillment at the high end, and at the low. Retailers like J Crew or Coach Inc are banking that their best strategy lies in stocking one-of-a-kind items difficult to find elsewhere. Those items carry higher price tags, but shoppers may find that their quality and unique design justify the expense. "The 'wow' factor to really surprise and delight consumers becomes much more of an imperative during difficult economic times when women are making much sharper choices in how they spend," Coach Chief Executive Lew Frankfort told Reuters. Moreover, purchasing such an item is partly a need to pamper oneself in difficult times, said Liebmann: "Because things are so damn gloomy, what's the little treat?" On the other end of the spectrum are women whose focus remains on the budget above all else. "In times like this, some consumers flock to more value price points," VF Corp Chief Executive Eric Wiseman told analysts recently, citing down-shifts amid every segment. The apparel maker, whose brands include Lee, Wrangler, Vans and North Face, saw weakness in its jeans division in the most recent quarter as customers gravitated to lower-priced denim. Value-seekers who do not want to sacrifice style in the equation, are shopping at fast-fashion chains like Zara, H&M HMB.ST, Forever 21, and even Target Corp, which just launched a new private-label line called Go International. All offer runway-inspired looks at cheaper prices. "These cheap-chic brands are going to pick up and have more traction," said Pam Danziger, a consumer insights expert at Unity Marketing. H&M, for example, sells billowing skirts and dresses in orange, fuchsia and teal pop-art fabrics -- all below $100. Moreover, a "paradigm shift" in how Americans perceive conspicuous luxury means consumers will be less likely to spend hundreds of dollars on trendy items that will go out of fashion after a season, Danziger said. Still, others may view the practice of seasonally casting off the latest cheap styles as wasteful in this more ecologically conscious, and value-driven world, said Liebmann. "The key is in these times: How do you present innovation, value, relevance, even good citizenship?" Liebmann said. "All these things are going on which are reasons to get people to get out of their houses, to get into stores and buy more things to put on their backs." Furthermore, in a cruel twist, fickle fashion whimsy will demand that wallets be opened wider this fall. It's the time of year that "in" designer styles combat the chill by celebrating rich, luxurious fabrics and tailoring that costs more, not less. Women may have gotten used to recycling their warm-weather looks from past seasons -- spring and summer fashion has not changed that much, after all -- but come fall, as hemlines drop and pant-legs get wider, a shopping trip may be required. "The scruffy poor look is phasing out just as everyone is getting poorer," said David Wolfe, creative director of fashion consultant The Doneger Group. "Women are going to wish they had more discretionary money to spend. Everything is being upgraded because the look is dressier." 2008-06-02 17:39:52

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Wool industry pressures fashion houses

International retailers have been told alternatives to mulesing Australian sheep will be in place before 2010. Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) - the industry's research and development body - says there is full support from the industry for woolgrowers to produce an ethical natural fiber. Earlier this week, another international fashion giant slapped a ban on Australian wool from mulesed sheep. German-based Clemens and August (C&A), with more than 1,100 stores in 16 European countries, became the latest to join Hugo Boss, Abercrombie and Fitch, Timberland, H&M and more than 10 other major retailers in the boycott. The AWI board on Friday sent an open letter to international retailers and wool industry stakeholders confirming commitments to wool from non-mulesed sheep. Retailers were comfortable with the industry's progress, AWI chairman Brian van Rooyen said. "There will be alternatives to mulesing ready for adoption prior to 2010," he said in a statement. "Progress is being made on other alternatives such as breeding and selection. "Already, 23 per cent of Australian wool-producing properties do not intend to mules in 2008. In the interim, pain relief is being widely used and promoted." Woolgrowers were mindful of adapting their production systems, Mr van Rooyen said. "A non-mulesed wool market will be operating through the Australian auction system from July 2008 and retailers also know that 32 per cent of lambs born this year will not be mulesed." Mulesing involves cutting skin from the hindquarters of sheep to prevent fly larvae from feeding on the tissue, but animal rights movement People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) claims the practice is cruel. PETA has targeted Australian wool farmers because mulesing is predominantly performed in Australia. "We've informed PETA that the resolve of AWI is clear and the industry's commitment (to phase out mulesing) is rock-solid," Mr van Rooyen said 2008-06-02 17:36:16

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Wool industry pressures fashion houses

posted by uebhnb on Jun 3, 2008 4:02 PM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Burberry records 14% profit rise

Fashion brand Burberry Group reported a 14 percent rise in annual profit, helped by strong sales of its luxury handbags and trench coats, and declined to comment on talk it could be a takeover target. Chief Executive Angela Ahrendts said in a statement Burberry's adjusted operating profit of 206.2 million pounds in the year to March 31 showed "the robustness of our global luxury business in these challenging times". Underlying revenue at the house, grown from a World War I trench-coat maker, rose 26 percent in Europe and the Americas, and 17 percent in Asia Pacific. Non-apparel, including luxury handbags, shoes and jewellery, rose 39 percent. Business had become "increasingly challenging during the second half", Ahrendts added, providing the latest indication that the slowdown in mid-market consumer spending on the back of rising living costs is beginning to pressure luxury goods. But in a sign of Burberry's confidence, Ahrendts added the fashion house, known for its camel and red check, would nearly double its capital expenditure for this year to 90 million to 95 million pounds, from 49 million pounds last financial year, for new stores, refurbishments, IT and a new headquarters. Burberry shares were flat at 507 pence in early trade, in line with the DJ Stoxx index of consumer goods which includes sector heavyweights LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Richemont. Burberry stock has rebounded 27 percent in the past two months, fuelled by unexpectedly strong fourth-quarter sales and bid speculation with U.S. luxury leather goods house Coach being mentioned as a potential buyer. Chief Financial Officer Stacey Cartwright declined to comment to reporters on whether Burberry, a perennial subject of speculation, had received any approaches from possible buyers. The company had sufficient organic growth potential for it to rule out an acquisition, she added. Burberry cut its full-year earnings before interest and tax guidance to 205 million to 210 million pounds in January 2008 partly due to increased spending on improving its supply chain efficiency with an IT project known as Atlas. 2008-06-02 17:28:09

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Plant study sows seeds of interest in Wadsworth

Coated Peanuts Brady Easterling and Ryan Moore were engrossed in a mystery. They puzzled over a shrub they'd encountered on the edge of some woods not far from Wadsworth's Kaleidoscope Playground. They knew it was a honeysuckle, but what type? They studied its flowers. They examined its leaves. They pored over their field guide. Finally, Ryan pronounced it a swamp fly honeysuckle. ''But we're not in a swamp,'' Brady countered. ''Maybe it's an invasive species,'' his friend posited. Such are the challenges of citizen scientists. Brady, Ryan and their fifth-grade homeroom classmates were among about 200 pupils at Wadsworth's Central Intermediate School who were studying plants last week as part of Project BudBurst, a nationwide effort to track the effects of climate change on plants. They're among nearly 5,000 volunteers of all ages who have registered so far to participate in the project, which involves observing plants during the year and noting such cyclical phenomena as when the first leaf or flower appears or when seeds are dispersed. 2008-05-30 10:30:14

posted by uebhnb on Jun 2, 2008 5:03 PM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Gifts for Nursing Home Residents

Chicken Cages It can be hard to figure out what kind of present to give to a nursing home resident, especially if you don't know what they would like or already have. Here are a few simple ideas: 1. Your time. Obviously, this is the most important gift you can give anyone, but especially someone who lives in a nursing home. If it's been a while since you visited your loved one who lives in a nursing home, go visit. It will be the best thing you can do to make them feel cheered up. While you're visiting, talk with them. Ask them questions about their life, what they did when they were younger, and what stands out in their minds. You might be surprised at how much you can learn from them, and they will enjoy sharing their life stories with you. Not only will you be giving them your time, but you will be reassuring them that someone still cares and thinks about them. 2. A picture in a nice frame. During your visit, take a picture of yourself with them. After you get the picture printed, put it in a nice frame and send it to them. They will enjoy looking at the picture and remembering how nice your visit was. Even if you can't visit as often as you like, this will be a reminder to them that you still care. 3. A calendar. You could use a computer program to create a calendar with personalized pictures, or you could just buy a cheap calendar that has nice pictures in it that you think they will enjoy looking at. If your loved one loves cats, get a calendar that features different cats each month. This can be applied to anything your loved one likes--flowers, cars, dogs, etc. 4. A pillow or a blanket. If you can sew, you can make a personalized decorative pillow for them to look at. Or, you could crochet or knit a blanket for them to wear around their knees or their shoulders as they go around the nursing home. If you can't sew, buy a cheap but nice blanket for them. A light blanket would be ideal. 5. A care basket. Ask the nurses at your loved one's nursing home what kind of little amenities they are allowed to have--chocolate, lotion, nail polish, stuffed animals, etc. Fill the basket with things they are allowed to have that you think they will enjoy. 2008-05-30 10:28:59

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Scary storms bring out lush colors of early May

Preserved Cherries The rains have been plentiful and the temperatures comfortable. The weather has pushed flora and fauna along so fast that I can't keep up. The first five bluebird babies have flown, and mama bluebird is laying the the second batch of eggs. The brisk hummingbird business I had on the porch last week has dropped off dramatically, because the Japanese honeysuckle has begun to bloom. Who can blame the little birds for preferring honeysuckle nectar over boring sugar water? Business will pick back up in a few weeks, after the first flush of honeysuckle flower is on the wane. I found lots of jack-in-the-pulpit blooming in the woods. This is a plant I never saw when I was growing up in Mississippi, so I think of it as rare, though it is not. I don't know that I've ever seen more flowers on tulip poplar. Perhaps it's some reaction to last year's Easter freeze, when the severe cold killed the flowers on most of them. Many nectar-feeding birds are attracted to the blooms, notably the colorful orioles. The tulip poplar is also sometimes called yellow poplar, or a tulip tree. Technically it is not a poplar, but is a member of the magnolia family, as a close look at the bloom should tell you. These trees are very fast-growing and are the state tree for Tennessee. However, they should not top your list for preferred shade trees. Aphids and scale love them, and though these insects do not usually cause lasting damage to the tree, they excrete the sap they've sucked, making everything below black and sticky. UT Extension forestry specialist David Mercker tells me they are not likely to survive lightning strikes, either. I suppose if you have room on the property you should plant a few, but don't use them where you simply must have shade. Early phlox, such as moss phlox and woodland phlox, have just about finished, and most azaleas are past their peak. Iris and roses are showing off, as are the spectacular baptisias at the back of our parking lot. If they need it, azaleas, forsythia and any other early flowering shrubs should be pruned now. Let me stress, "if they need it!" I'm horrified when I see azaleas and forsythia made into cubes, popsicles or cupcakes. Should you need to reduce the size of them, reach down into the shrub and remove the too-large branches back at a joint. You will not be able to see where you made the cuts, for the most part, and you will preserve the natural form of the plant. If you are looking for shrubs with something a little different, try some of the new abelias. "Rose Creek" and "Canyon Creek" are easy to grow, compact forms that bloom all summer long. "Canyon Creek" has golden foliage that mellows to green as summer progresses. Carol Reese is an ornamental horticulture specialist with The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service. For more information, call your county extension agent. 2008-05-30 10:28:11

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Air Connection offers air dryers and air accessories

Compressed air systems like air dryers, air accessories is designed and installed by Air Connection . Air dryers from Air Connection prevent the formation of liquid and prevent damages and contamination caused in the compressed air systems. Air Connection offers range of refrigeration dryers from Mark and Frigematic. Desiccant type of air dryers are also offered by Air Connection. Mark refrigeration dryers from Air Connection come with quality components and it is simple in design. This Mark refrigeration dryer requires low maintenance. Frigematic range of air dryers from Air Connection are reliable and made from copper materials. Frigematic air dryers eliminate internal corrosion and refrigerant leaks. Air Connection supplies diverse range of air accessories for compressed air systems. The air accessories supplied by Air Connection includes air couplings, hose reels, ball valves, air hoses, push fit fittings, brass fittings, air guns and safety valves. Brass fittings from Air Connection are ideal for compressed air systems like nipples, sockets, adaptors, hose barbs, bushes. Air hose and tubing is available in wide ranges including wing foot rubber, self-store spiral hoses, polyurethane tubing and flexible PVC Hose. Air couplings from Ryco, Jamec and Nitto are stocked by Air Connection. Retractable and manual hose reels are available from Air Connection. Safety valves come with range of pressure ratings, pressure gauges are available in both liquid, and dry filled are supplied by Air Connection. 2008-05-30 11:09:03

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The BBQ Queens make Tunisian Chicken

Onion Slice Karen Adler and Judith Fertig, known as the BBQ Queens, have written a book that focuses on quick and easy sizzling. Weeknight Grilling With the BBQ Queens (Harvard Common Press, $14.95) is filled with valuable timesaving tips, and many recipes have advice on complementary side dishes. And their "grill once, eat twice" theme delivers detailed information about how to turn leftover entrees into different delectable main courses for future meals. Flatten 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves between sheets of plastic wrap; pound until ? -inch thick (use rolling pin, mallet or bottom of a pot). In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground caraway seeds and 1/8 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes; stir to blend. In another bowl, combine 1 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice. Place chicken on rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle each piece with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil mixture. Sprinkle both sides of each breast with about 1 tablespoon of spice mixture. Cut 2 large peeled red onions into 1-inch horizontal slices. Skewer each slice with a bamboo skewer and place on sheet. Drizzle onion slices with some olive oil mixture (reserve some for couscous). Prepare enough couscous to make 2 cups. Toss with 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots, ? cup currants or sweetened dried cranberries, ? cup chopped green onions, ? cup chopped fresh Italian parsley and about 2-3 tablespoons reserved olive oil mixture. Grill chicken about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Grill onion slices 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and heated through. Serve onions and chicken atop couscous mixture. Makes 4 servings. 2008-05-30 11:07:00

posted by uebhnb on Jun 2, 2008 4:56 PM Permalink | 0 comments | 0 trackbacks | Trackback URL

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Fundamentals spur Kenyan farmers' coffee earnings

IQF Green Bean Peter Mwangi prunes one of his 480 coffee bushes and says a boom in Kenyan bean prices is encouraging his dreams of planting more seedlings. With the help of three casual workers, Mwangi methodically lops off overgrown branches, creating a thick carpet underneath. "Money is trickling down to us. If I had more land, I would plant more coffee," he says, shearing off excess leaves. Mwangi says the price he gets for coffee has increased to 32.40 Kenya shillings ($0.522) per kg in the 2007/08 season from 23.35 shillings the year before. Growing demand for Kenyan beans, an attack of coffee berry disease last year that cut the supply, and direct sales to buyers have driven a surge in coffee prices. "Generally, earnings were very good last year due to supply flows, there was less coffee last year," said Isaac Muchomba, executive secretary of the Kenya Coffee Traders Association. Berry disease cut production by 30 percent last year. In the fertile central province -- where over half of Kenya's coffee is produced -- farms like Mwangi's generate some of the nation's top-quality beans, beloved by global roasters who blend it with coffees from other regions. Kenya is a relatively small producer compared with other coffee-growing nations, accounting for about 1 percent of global output, but the crop earns east Africa's largest economy an average 8 billion shillings per year. RECORD BREAKING In an effort to cut out middlemen who farmers accuse of price-fixing, the government introduced a direct sales programme in 2006 as an alternative to the central auction. The Coffee Board of Kenya (CBK) says 16,400 50-kg bags were sold through direct sales last year, which it says will increase to more than 22,000 bags this year. Kenya is expected to produce at least 42,000 tonnes of coffee overall in 2007/08. "(The programme) has had positive impact because the prices have been significantly higher than what is at the auction," says Bernard Gichovi, a senior techical manager at the CBK. "In some instances we have realised some very good prices, we are talking of something like $700 per bag." Earlier this month, a 50-kg bag of AA graded coffee was sold for $1,138 to a Swiss roaster -- a record breaking price -- says Nairobi-based coffee exporter C.Dorman. "The crop that fetches this kind of price is the pinnacle of quality," says Kit Gulliver of C.Dorman. But some coffee players say the programme has been slow to take hold. "Some farmers have not taken it up. Some who have tried have hit a brick wall," says Ruth Kyatha, chief executive of the Kenya Coffee Growers Association. To help boost quality, growers, millers, marketing agents and the World Bank teamed up to teach producers better techniques in the use of fertilisers, sprayers and pruning. Training is held on selected demonstration farms like the plot that 76-year-old John Gichuki owns. Down a narrow meandering road, Gichuki's 230 bushes sit nestled together at an attitude of 1,600 metres. "Last year, I only had 250 kg. But due to the training, I expect to harvest over 1,000 kg this year," Gichuki says, walking around the dark green bushes, laden with ripening coffee cherries. 2008-05-30 11:03:55

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Drainage products, platform and walkway systems from Graham...

Bar Grating Graham Group offers design and safety services for strengthening gussets and webs, tubular fabrications and hollow structural, tanks and vessels, welded pipe sections, overlapping surfaces, clearance for moving parts, internal threads and nuts and even more. Galintel division of Graham Group is one of the leading providers of proprietary lintel bars. The specialised steel building materials used by Graham Group include angles, ‘T’ Bar, flat bars and Rendabar. These products are designed to suit most applications for use in the domestic and light commercial building markets. Galvanising Services division of Graham Group is one of the leading single jobbing galvanisers in Australia. Galvanising Services division is an active member of the Galvanising Association of Australia. Galvanising Services is quality certified to ISO 9002.1994. Mastermesh Industries of Graham Group supplies Flormesh. Mastermesh Industries has also been offering expanded and perforated metal products. It has export markets in the Asia-Pacific Region. Weldlok Industries division of Graham Group has been supplying quality products like drainage products, Forgebar steel grating, Ball tube hand railing, platform and walkway systems in Australia. The Hot Rolling Mill of Graham Group was developed by using modified ex-merchant mill equipment. The creative heating technology is flexible and has the capability to heat material at 1,200 degrees Celsius in less than 25 seconds. 2008-05-30 11:02:53

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Nepal flag raised at palace of dethroned King

Authorities in Nepal have raised the national flag at the palace of dethroned King Gyanendra. The royal flag has been taken down from Nepal's royal palace as the Himalayan nation celebrates Wednesday's vote to become a republic. The country is marking the decision by a Maoist-dominated constitutional assembly with a two-day public holiday. King Gyanendra, facing a two-week deadline to leave, is reported to be packing his bags. In a landmark vote capping a peace accord between the Maoists and mainstream parties, lawmakers voted to abolish the 240-year-old Hindu monarchy and establish a secular republic. They also ordered that the main palace in Kathmandu be turned into a museum. Nepal's army, long seen as a bastion of royal support, said it will respect the verdict of the assembly. Palace secured from revellers Revellers tried to celebrate near the palace, but were beaten back by police who have kept the area sealed off for several days. The move came hours after stone throwing demonstrators clashed with police and tried to storm inside. Police used bamboo sticks<