Hello Celebritys

Contra Costa Times did a nice video report + pix on the Shots Fair. Thanks to John Simerman, who dug right in and got a good story. Print ARTICLE. (Please remember to swing him a thank you for the positives!)

"The free isn't the best part of it. It's the offering." - Arikha Jay of Oakland

Oakland pet owners poured into the parking lot of the Eastmont Mall yesterday with every kind of dog you can imagine for our first Free Shots Fair of 2008. It was packed. The chihuahuas have been multiplying in a scary way and were out in full force. Thank goodness, we had enough tiny collars for them (and no one was bit by the tiny staple-guns this time. A first!). Lots of American Bulldogs, too. But of course, we were all eyes for the pit bulls.

BEEF.
This big girl was so suave and handled the chaos like an old pro. Her handler followed suit. Oh - and she was already spayed.

One of the main goals of the quarterly Shots Fairs has been to get word out about the East Bay SPCA's free spay/neuter program for pit bulls (Pit Fix) and the low-cost surgeries for Non-Pits. When we started doing these fairs 3+ years ago, you rarely saw a fixed dog in the crowd. Now, they're a regular thing.

Already neutered and soon to be joining the Pit Ed classes. Very nice dog. This sweet family adores him beyond belief. We know the feeling.

What a cute kid. His dog was as bubbly as he was.

Revolution Anyone?

Voluntary Spay/Neuter Efforts are alive and well in the SF bay area ... Well, in the east bay, anyway.

Special thanks to Pet Food Express for the wonderful leash and collar donations for this season's fair.

Friday, March 28, 2008 (Canada)

Bata Shoe Museum Member Lectures will be held on 16th April, 2008.

Discovering Treasure: Bata Shoe Museum Member Lectures
Ceramic Boot Vessels: Fashions and Symbolism from the Ancient World
Illustrated talk by Amy Barron, Dept. of Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations, UofT.
Presented by the Bata Shoe Museum & the Canadian Society for Mesopotamian Studies

The Bata Shoe Museum has several examples of a very rare and unusual artifact from the ancient Near East, ceramic containers made in the shape of boots with upturned toes.

These ceramic boot vessels appear geographically from northwestern Iran to central Turkey between the years 1800 – 800 BCE.

They can also be compared to contemporary booted pouring vessels from the same regions, and later boot-shaped amphora of the Greeks and Etruscans.

Footwear had many symbolic meanings in the ancient world as is indicated in literary, legal and religious texts. In Mesopotamia, shoes were evoked in both curses and blessings, and the Bible describes the use of footwear as a legal symbol of ownership.

Some of the few clearly archaeologically excavated examples of ceramic boot vessels come from what appear to be funerary contexts, suggesting a deeper ritualistic purpose for them.

Come and explore the history and possible meanings behind these beautiful and intriguing artifacts. A fascination with footwear is not a modern phenomenon.

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Friday, March 28, 2008 (UK)

Bombay Sapphire, the world's leading premium gin, has inspired three prominent names in luxury and design - Baccarat, Garrard and Karim Rashid - to create Revelation, five handmade crystal bottles individually decorated with sapphires and diamonds.

Recognised around the world for its striking translucent blue bottle, Bombay Sapphire has showcased the world's finest glass creations for the last 20 years.

The Bombay Sapphire Prize is the world's biggest annual glass award and the Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition is one of the top design contests for emerging designers.

Created by one of the hottest designers in the world, Karim Rashid, each of the five Revelation bottles has been handcrafted in France by Baccarat, the pre-eminent creator of the world's finest luxury crystal.

The bottle has been cut into the shape of a giant gemstone with 10 principal facets, representing the 10 botanical ingredients used to create the complex and refined taste of Bombay Sapphire.

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Friday, March 28, 2008 (India)

The tranquilizing Sepia collection inspired by the English watercolour that brings to mind vivid images of the seaside, soft vegetation and a somewhat overcast sky.

This contemporary and classical collection by Sepia is soon to be found at The LOOT. This collection crafted with sophistication in an essence of the old world charm embellished with slightly quirky fashion, lends itself to both day and evening in alarming simplicity.

Fluid silks and georgettes are cut into luxurious silhouettes, with quirky detailing. Satin stripes, watercolour prints, burnouts, silks are set off with denims and jersey to create a look that is at once easy and yet very rich. Detailing includes various textures created from yarns and fabrics, appliqués, satin, tapes etc.

These do not overwhelm the ensembles; instead add a touch of interest. It slides from sand, to reed yellows, moving on the pale aqua and teals that finally end in rich plantation browns and charcoal.

The LOOT is gearing up to welcome its newest acquired women’s brand ‘Sepia.’ This brand was launched in 2006 which is collaboration between Indian designers and Texport Syndicate, the largest clothing exporters Indian fashion venture.

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Friday, March 28, 2008 (USA)

In her Fall/Winter 2008 collection, designer Thuy Diep exhibited that contrasting ideas can come together to form one complete, cohesive collection.

As the models parted the curtains, romantic yet modern designs filled Exit Art gallery on the first weekend of New York Fall 2008 Fashion Week.

The play between asymmetric shapes, masculine and feminine forms, sheer and opaque fabrics, bold and neutral colors, defined the designs.

"My collection is about contrasts harmony within disharmony," said Thuy when discussing her inspiration.

For her third collection, Thuy demonstrated her strong grasp of tailoring and architectural lines once again. She materializes the myriad of inspirations of her Manhattan environment, where contrasts of colors and forms are ubiquitous, creating a collection to dress the modern, chic and sophisticated woman.

Thuy's unique designer perspective was conveyed through her outerwear as she showed a command of layering techniques.

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Friday, March 28, 2008 (USA)

KN Karen Neuburger (KN Ltd) reaffirmed its commitment to provide journalists with accurate and up-to-date information by adding a comprehensive Media Room toits website.

Journalists seeking information about the KN brand and its products, executives who can provide expert comment, or high resolution images and surveys can access the information easily, which was designed to meet their needs quickly and efficiently.

The KN Media Room's key features and media resources include:
- KN Brand Profile -- Provides a general overview of the KN lifestyle brand, management biographies, company fact sheet and lists KN's strategic partners.
- Product Information Center -- Provides a comprehensive product overview for key brand categories, including detailed product descriptions, price points, availability, images and downloadable fact sheets.
- Multimedia -- Provides downloadable high-resolution product and lifestyle images for each KN brand category along with select introductory brand and product videos.
- Surveys -- Journalists can have full access to lifestyle surveys commissioned by KN about comfort, sleep, family and reading to children.

KN Karen Neuburger

What's Life like for investigation dogs in your shelter? It's a good thing to know because in most, custody dogs fall to bottom-drawer priority and suffer long months of maddening isolation and kennel stress before their fates are determined by the courts. In many cases, the dogs are pit bulls and their jail time is a direct result of bad decisions on some human's part...Victims of idiocy. There's a lot of that going around, unfortunately.




The staff at the busy Tampa-area shelter that I keep blabbing about (Hillsborough County Animal Services) have been losing sleep over their custody dogs for awhile. They traveled to the bay area last year to attend Pit Ed Camp and to learn new ways to keep kenneled dogs happy. The trip included a visit to see Corinne Dowling's Give A Dog A Bone project for fresh inspiration. Less than a year later, they pulled together enough funds and community interest to create a big happy playground just for the dogs waiting out long-term jail sentences.

This may seem pretty basic, but it's actually revolutionary - especially when you consider how dogs like Spyder might've grown up right in the head had her shelter had similar resources. Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County Animal Services

This 30lb sweetie was awarded to the HCAS by the courts and will be going up for adoption. They look for the same qualities that we look for in our BR dogs, so if you're shopping for a new pit bull in the Tampa area, high tail it over to see this munchkin, a female named 'Pheebee.'

Ding Dong the Bill is Dead! Florida's HB101 - the bill that would've permitted BSL in the State of Florida - is dead! Congrats to everyone who worked so hard to bring it down.

High fives to BR volunteer Roxanne Alden and her pit bull Jackson, who were recognized by a local paper (Sonoma Index-Tribune ) for earning their AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate. Roxanne's winning quote in the article, "Jackson is not an exception to the breed norm, he's an example of it." ...Word!

In South Carolina three of eight dogs taken from a fight bust were moved into foster care and have been receiving training in preparation for adoption We just love when shelters buck the system in favor of helping the animals. In Pima AZ, the authorities finally charged the six pit bull owners with dog fighting. Their dogs will be available for qualified rescue groups soon, although with over 100 dogs-in-need, it's certain that only a small number will find help.

Thursday, March 27, 2008 (Brazil)

Capital Fashion Week (CFW) is considered by fashion critics and specialized consultants as the third in rank in Brazil, after São Paulo Fashion Week and Fashion Rio.

The event has had ample national media repercussion, showing the rest of the country fashion made in the Center-West region of Brazil.

A bill passed by the city council recognizes CFW as the official fashion event in the nation’s capital, having included it as part of the Official Calendar of Brasilia.

Created and developed by Marcia Lima, local entrepreneur, Capital Fashion Week has mainly an economic outlook, striving to consolidate local brands from the Center-West region with marketing strategies used abroad, offering sales results and the stregthening of participating brands.

Successfully taking place since 2005, always in September, at the Ulysses Guimarães Convention Center, CFW has brought together over 40,000 people.

Drawing towards it’s fourth edition, the event is highly influential in the Center-West, as well as the Northeast of Brazil and attracts fashion makers and buyers from these and other regions.

The repercussion generated by CFW created a demand for two yearly editions. That’s where the idea for a “pocket edition” came from. It will be held in March and will show local brands’ and designers’ autumn/winter collections.

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Thursday, March 27, 2008 (USA)

Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) has announced the educational program for its 40th annual Expo New York show, April 13-15, 2008, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

The program features a wide range of seminars that include design and business topics, as well as several At the Bench Live demonstrations. The program also includes the debut of "Technique Tuesday," which offers hands-on training by Swarovski and Beadalon experts.

"We're very excited about the quality of this year's educational program, especially with the high level of business and practical expertise that our presenters bring to the table," says Teresa Shannon, MJSA director of education.

"Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most renowned experts in the industry - on everything from making their businesses more profitable to valuable tips, tricks, and techniques on making high-quality jewelry pieces."

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Thursday, March 27, 2008 (USA)

Most of us have lots of shoes we no longer wear. According to one estimate, more than one billion pair of shoes lay idle in American closets. Yet there are millions of people both here in the United States and around the world in desperate need of footwear.

That's why Shoe Carnival is teaming up with Soles4Souls, the international charity dedicated to providing free footwear to people in desperate need, to provide a basic, yet indispensable gift that most of us take for granted: the gift of shoes.

"The partnership with Soles4Souls is a great fit for Shoe Carnival. Their mission to provide shoes for those in need is a message that resonates with our customers," said Todd Beurman, Senior Vice President of Marketing. "We are proud to partner with Soles4Souls to help provide families all over the world with much-needed footwear," he said.

At Shoe Carnival you'll find an open format, catchy music, and friendly associates set the stage for a wonderful shopping experience.

Throw an unbelievable product assortment, great brand names and value pricing in the mix and you get a one-stop footwear destination that satisfies the needs of the entire family.

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Thursday, March 27, 2008 (USA)

In a new twist on their classic scents, Jean Paul Gaultier Parfums and Parfums Issey Miyake have revealed their 2008 Limited Edition Summer Fragrances.

With designs as different as the two fashion legends themselves, the collections are inspired by wonderfully contrasting aesthetics.

Issey Miyake, ever motivated by nature's most abundant element, delivers his dream in water, while Jean Paul Gaultier, a celebrated globe trekker, sets his classic scents beneath African skies.

Jean Paul Gaultier - Under African Skies:
This summer we find Jean Paul Gaultier's CLASSIQUE and LE MALE in a sun- scorched land, amidst the heat and bewitching rhythms of Africa.

She is a queen, a sensual temptress wearing an ornament of wood and glass beads. He is a manly, sensitive Maasai warrior sporting a solar talisman.

In the CLASSIQUE 3.3 oz Alcohol-Free Summer Fragrance, Rose flirts with Orange Blossom, enlivened by a zest of Clementine and Sicilian lemon.

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Thursday, March 27, 2008 (USA)

Specialty retailer J. Jill is offering a drawing for the chance to win a modern safari and stylish new wardrobe for four friends.

The "Find Your Passion" sweepstakes runs March 26 through April 27, 2008, with entries available at any J. Jill store or online.

The lucky winner will choose from one of the following getaway adventures from Manifesta Safaris for herself and three friends:
- Artista Creative Safaris for Women - introduces a woman's inner artist to the inspiring coastline of Carmel-by-the Sea, and immerses each potential artist in a blend of creative sessions, including abstract painting and printmaking.

Safaris include art materials and instruction, classic accommodations, all meals, daily yoga, body massage, spa treatment, activities special to the region.

- La Vista Active Safaris for Women - an active vacation hybrid that sets an easy-going pace, but leaves plenty of time to enjoy the sights of California's Central Coast, including adventures in Monterey Bay, Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

La Vista focuses on hurry-free biking, hiking, and kayaking adventures, punctuated with wine tasting, yoga, fine dining, spa treatment, shopping, and more.

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Thursday, March 27, 2008 (USA)

Aussie Soles International LLC, has announced that effective the opening of market on March 24, 2008 the company's trading symbol has changed from KNIE to AUSE.

This symbol change will reflect K-9 Concepts' recent acquisition of certain intellectual property assets through the acquisition of Aussie Soles International LLC.

"We are very pleased and excited that our new symbol will reflect the Company's new focus," said Founder and CEO Craig Taplin. "We are striving to become a leader and innovator in the footwear and apparel market."

Aussie Soles develops and retails innovative hard sole casual footwear that utilizes technically advanced closed cell polymer foam, "AUSLITE" which is soft, supportive, slip resistant and anti bacterial! Aussie Soles will concentrate its efforts on retailing and branding its primary footwear line, which consists of; SNUGGS, STARFISH and MARINE.

Focusing on these primary lines with their unique materials & design Aussie Soles is setting itself apart from its competitors.

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The V-dogs tend to be a little bit - ahem - energetic. We figure they're making up for lost time. These are some of the ways that their foster parents help them stay in shape and have a good time.



1. (Stuffed) Kong Balls
Big Bulldog Thanks to Teacher Lisa Jackson's 6th grade class from Sablatura Middle School (Pearland, TX) for your AWESOME donation to the Vick dogs. You guys are the best ....The dogs love their kongs!

2. First Dates
Teddles and Dutch. "Nice to meet you." Play sessions = Da best fun eva.

3. Study Time
Jonny Justice hits the books in Pit Ed class. He's an Honor Student, of course.

4. Run Baby, Run
No, he's not running from Ingrid ... Uba here is blissing out on the treadmill. It's his brand new favorite toy. Sleep well tonite, sweet Uba!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (India)

Given the commendable record of 600 test wickets achieved by Anil Kumble, the BCCI has decided to commemorate Anil Kumble.

A record like this deserves something special and to create a memorabilia keeping in view the magnitude of his achievements, BCCI appointed ORRA to create a trophy.

ORRA has been the exclusive choice for creating the most stunning pieces of jewellery and works of art. From adorning the likes of Nicole Kidman and Joan Rivers at the Oscars to providing exquisite jewellery for Mallika Sherawat at Cannes film festival to creating a Million Dollar Bustier in honour of Prince and Princess of Belgium and a beautiful diamond bracelet for Hollywood actress Juliana Moore at the recent Oscars in 2008, ORRA- The Diamond Destination has done it all.

In fact recently it also collaborated with renowned artist Anjoli Ela Menon and replicated her painting into a beautiful pendant for a charity auction.

Mr. Vijay Jain, CEO, ORRA says, “The challenge for our design team was to create something unique but at the same time something that would be symbolic of his achievement.

The finest craftsmen were used to create this memorabilia comprising of the finest Belgian diamonds and rubies set in gold.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (Australia)

Metalab is proud to present a collection of extraordinary new works by ten talented Tasmanian women. An exhibition 3rd April to 26th April, 2008 designed to showcase the diversity of jewellery inspired by each other and by the isolation of their beautiful island state, where traditional Tasmanian indigenous design is created alongside contemporary works.

Drawing on Tasmania’s remote wilderness and natural surrounds, this distinctive collection of exhibition work explores thought provoking environmental issues from the fragility of nature and the threatened intracacies of different ecosystems, to the issues of endangered old growth forests.

A diverse range of concepts and materials are created in limited edition production pieces to exotic wearables and small sculptures, such as in Jeanette James’ work “Echidna quill necklace” or discover Marisa Molin’s intricate one-off sculptural forms cast in bronze and silver. Dulcie Greeno, Tasmania’s longest practising Aboriginal artist, creates traditional neckpieces in Green Maireener and Rice shells.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (USA)

Tim A. Peterman, an experienced media executive whose career has focused on building, acquiring and operating interactive media and commerce businesses, has been named president of The J. Peterman Company.

Peterman will succeed his father and founder of the company, John Peterman, in the chief operating role. John Peterman will remain active in the company, and become the chairman.

Tim Peterman, 40, joins the family business after serving six years at The E.W. Scripps Company, a diversified media enterprise based in Cincinnati.

In his role as senior vice president of corporate development for Scripps, Peterman helped guide the company's expanding presence in the Internet commerce market place.

Peterman will leave Scripps to join The J. Peterman Company on April 1.

"Tim is uniquely qualified to help us continue to build The J. Peterman Company into an innovative brand that's able to leverage the power and utility that the Internet makes possible for our customers," said John Peterman. "We couldn't be more fortunate to have him on board."

Peterman will oversee one of the country's most recognized, specialty retail brands. The J. Peterman Company offers a growing range of interesting and unique products, including men's and women's apparel, home furnishings, one-of-a-kind, kitchen-ware, antiques and more.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (USA)

311 Travel Bag Inc, a developer of practical carry-on solutions for the modern traveler announced that the Clear Bag System is now accepted in all Canadian airport pre-board security checkpoints by Canadian authorities.

Under Transport Canada regulations, air travelers are only permitted to carry on liquids, gels and aerosols in 100 ml or less containers, which must be enclosed in a clear, 1L zip-top bag.

With the Clear Bag System acceptance, Canadian travelers now have an alternative to leaky containers and a standard plastic baggie.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has confirmed that the Clear Bag System is compliant for use in all 89 CATSA-serviced airports across Canada.

"We are proud that our product is now recognized and accepted in Canada," said Linda Padgett-Stinson, president, 3-1-1 Travel Bag.

"This confirmation gives Canadian travelers the confidence to travel safely and securely under Transport Canada regulations without giving up their independence."

The practical yet stylish answer to airport security restrictions, the Clear Bag System cases alleviate confusion and frustration at airport check points ensuring a faster and more relaxed travel experience.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (Bahamas)

The fashion world is buzzing about “Islands of the World Fashion Week” (IWFW) to take place in Nassau, The Bahamas, November 5-8, 2008, set to showcase well-known and new designers from islands around the world and to promote cultural diversity and creativity.

The producer of IWFW is Mode Iles Ltd, an affiliate of The Montaque Group, a diversified financial services operation with interest in film finance and production. Inaugural IWFW venues will include the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau and the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, The Bahamas.

“This event was not conceived to be just another fashion week,” explained Owen Bethel, President and Managing Director of The Montaque Group as well as Founder of IWFW. “While certainly providing a showcase for eligible designers originating from developing islands similar to the typical fashion week, the mere fact that this event specifically focuses on designers from islands in itself makes it a unique event.

Islands conjure up images of a unique lifestyle, both exotic and colorful. Further, this event is not simply a commercial venture, as it concurrently aims to draw attention to several global issues which also significantly affect island states.”

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (USA)

Steven Madden Ltd, a leading designer, wholesaler and marketer of fashion footwear and accessories for women, men and children, announced the final results of its modified "Dutch Auction" tender offer, which expired at 12:00 midnight, New York City time on Tuesday, March 18, 2008.

Steven Madden Ltd has accepted for purchase 2,600,000 shares of common stock at a price of $17.00 per share, totaling $44.2 million. These shares represent approximately 12.9% of the shares outstanding. An aggregate of 3,227,534 shares of common stock were properly tendered and not withdrawn at a price of $17.00 or less per share.

Steven Madden Ltd will purchase 2,600,000 shares, resulting in a proration factor of approximately 80.6% of the shares tendered, other than the "odd lot" shares properly tendered at the $17.00 purchase price, which will be purchased prior to proration.

The depositary will promptly pay for the shares accepted for purchase. With completion of the tender offer, Steven Madden, Ltd. now has approximately 17.6 million shares of common stock outstanding.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (USA)

Easton-Bell Sports Inc a leading designer, developer and marketer of innovative sports equipment, protective products and related accessories under authentic brands, will discuss its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 on a conference call to be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Interested parties may listen to the conference call via webcast. In addition, interested parties may listen directly to the call by dialing(within the United States and Canada) or(outside the United States and Canada).

The pass code for the call. A replay of the call will be available on March 27 through April 9, 2008 by dialing.

Results for the Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2007:
The Company’s net sales of $724.6 million for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, increased $85.6 million, or 13.4%, as compared to $639.0 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006.

The increase in net sales is primarily attributable to the inclusion of Easton Sports Inc. (“Easton”) for a full fiscal year in 2007, as compared to 2006, which only included such business from the date of acquisition on March 16, 2006. Easton represented $67.9 million of the increase in net sales in 2007.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (USA)

True Religion Apparel Inc announced that it received a Nasdaq Staff Determination letter stating that the Company is not in compliance with the filing requirements for continued listing as set forth in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(14) due to the Company's failure to timely file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The Company also announced that it has received an extension to April 30, 2008 from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Panel to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and its restated financial reports for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, including the quarters therein, and the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007.

The Company announced on November 7, 2007 that it would need to restate its previously issued consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, including the quarters therein, and the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007 due to certain accounting errors. At that time, the Company also announced that it would voluntarily review the accounting for its historical equity granting practices.

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Monday, March 24, 2008 (Italy)

A.Celli Nonwovens will be attending the world’s leading nonwovens exhibition which displays the latest industry developments, technical breakthroughs and proven products and processes.

Visitors from all over the world attend the exhibition to see the best of the nonwovens industry, seeking and exploring new ideas in the sector.

Solutions:
A.Celli Nonwovens is dedicated to the design and manufacture of value adding solutions for the nonwovens industry in particular winding, rewinding and slitting machines, roll handling and packaging equipment and airlaid web forming technology.

In each area of its technology portfolio the latest developments will be presented with a specific focus on the new generation of winders and slitter-rewinders, specifically developed for top performing spunmelt lines producing low basis weight for the hygiene and medical markets.

The new winder and slitter-rewinder feature the latest technology and target the production speed of 2000 m/min at the slitter-rewinder.

Complementing the technological advances in winding and slitting is Slittopack, the latest in terms of integration between roll handling, packaging and slitting.

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Monday, March 24, 2008 (Belgium)

EATP – the European Association for Textile Polyolefins Seminar is scheduled to be held on 19-20 May 2008 at Imperial Riding School Vienna (Renaissance Hotel), Vienna.

EATP – the European Association for Textile Polyolefins – represents, promotes and serves the interests of the European polyolefin textiles industry, provides the industry with business services and constitutes a forum for contacts and discussion (in full respect for European and international competition law) on issues of common concern. By these means, it aims to promote the profitable development of its member companies, and of the industry as a whole.

The Seminar will deal with a wide range of strategic management and commercial challenges, confronting the polyolefin textiles industry, in Europe and worldwide, from polymer and additives through to final products.

This year, the programme gives special emphasis to strategies for building competitive advantage, including opportunities in emerging markets such as Egypt and Russia, and a special section on innovation management.

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Monday, March 24, 2008 (Hong Kong)

At a meeting of the Federation of Hong Kong Garment Manufacturers Association, the director of the Hong Kong Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Ma ShiHeng said that, the value of all textiles and apparels products exported in 2007 from Hong Kong touched nearly HK $ 33 billion.

He was all praise for the industry and also added by mentioning that textile & apparel exports had contributed nearly 39% to the basket of exports from Hong Kong and at the same time had played a big role in the economic development of Hong Kong in 2007.

He also stated that while re-export's of textile and apparels stood at HK $ 33 billion, the actual export value of all textile and garment products touched HK $42.5 billion

Monday, March 24, 2008 (UK)

Makeba Lewis: weave is the first museum exhibition of the acclaimed and highly successful woven textile artist and designer.

The exhibition, to be held at the Crafts Study Centre, University College for the Creative Arts at Farnham, will run from 15 January 2008 to 29 March 2008.

An opportunity to meet the artist will take place during a gallery talk Wednesday 27 February 5-6:30pm.

The exhibition contains recent and new work (woven jewellery, pleated scarves and neckpieces) with a special emphasis on hand woven fabric with 24-carat gold and sterling silver threads, as well as articles from the artist's Nomad collection.

These reflect her research into the use of copper yarn and Bakuba textiles, and the exploration of the healing properties of the metal in the context of functional art objects for the body.

Makeba Lewis has shown her work at Origin and 100% Design and was short listed in 2007 for the UK Trade and Investment Award for Export.

Commenting on Makeba's work, Crafts Study Centre Director Professor Simon Olding stated, "Makeba's bold, inventive and deeply-considered creations marks her out as one of the most significant emerging textile artists of her generation."

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Monday, March 24, 2008 (UK)

Mechanical Drawing – the Schiffli Project will start on 8 March - 27 April, 2008 at the hub sleaford.

The Manchester School of Art houses the last working schiffli embroidery machine in the UK. The schiffli project documents and explores textile practice and the creative process through the responses of fifteen artists to this unique machine.

An exhibition of this work opens at Manchester Metropolitan University on 16th November 2007, the exhibition then tours to a further six venues in the UK during 2008.

The work includes subverted domestic objects, such as Dixon and Welsh's 'Armchair Politico', Kate Egan's inflating and deflating quilt, 'Stack' and Nina Edge's net curtain,
'Nothing is Private'.

Wall pieces include huge figurative works by Alice Kettle, Nigel Cheney and Rowena Ardern as well as a quilt by Lynn Setterington.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008 (UAE)

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) announced that it is proposing to build a cotton trade corridor through Dubai with the objective of establishing the emirate as a key link in the global cotton supply chain.

In this regard, DMCC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uzprommashimpeks, a trading company set up under Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and International Trade.

In 2007, global cotton production touched 26.74 million tonnes, with Uzbekistan being the second largest exporter after the US. Imports and re-exports through Dubai were nominal with major re-export destinations being Pakistan and Algeria.

The MoU, which coincided with the recent visit to the UAE of H.E. Islam Karimov, the Uzbekistan President, was signed by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC and Mr. Mirzakhidov Khurshid, Chairman of the State Joint Stock Company, Uzprommashimpeks.

H.E. Elyor M. Ganiev, the Uzbekistan Minister of Foreign Economic Relations & International Trade "MFERIT,” who was present at the signing of the MoU, said: “Uzbekistan and the UAE have a history of friendly relations, and we look forward to building on this through strengthening our economic partnerships.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008 (Switzerland)

ASPEX INCORPORATED is pleased to announce their participation in the upcoming INDEX 2008 show in GENEVA from 15-18 April 2008. They will be participating in Hall 4 , Booth 4280 and demonstrate their latest SpinTrak Spinnerette Inspection System technology for nonwoven and fiber manufacturers.

Founded in 1978, Aspex Incorporated is a world leader in designing and manufacturing Automatic Spinnerette Inspection Systems. The SpinTrak family of Spinnerette inspection system is specifically designed to inspect all types of extrusion dies/spinnerettes used in yarn, staple, spunbond, meltblown and spunlace applications. More than 190 SpinTrak Spinnerette Inspection Systems are running in all major countries around the world.

SpinTrak is the fastest, most accurate and consistent Spinnerette Inspection System available on the market today. Many SpinTrak Systems are successfully running and inspecting nonwoven spinnerettes.

Aspex Incorporated Head Office / factory is in New York, USA. Aspex also has a branch office in India which is handling worldwide sales. ASPEX has a team of experts available to support any application of interest.

ASPEX INCORPORATED

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 (Australia)

The Australian wool market finished 0.6% lower, on average, at sales in Sydney and Melbourne this week.

The AWEX EMI fell by 5¢ (-0.5%), ending the week at 961¢/kg. This reflected decreases of 8¢ (-0.8%) in the North and 4¢ (-0.4%) in the South, with their corresponding Regional Indicators finishing the week at 1003¢ and 925¢ clean, respectively. The Western Indicator remained unchanged at 956¢, as there was no sale in Fremantle this week.

In a two day sale in Sydney and Melbourne, the AWEX EMI was unchanged on Tuesday and fell by 5¢ on Wednesday.

44,675 bales were on offer, compared with 53,698 bales in a three day sale last week, of which 11.7% were passed in, comprised of 10.2% in Sydney and 12.6% in Melbourne. Pass-in rates for Merino fleece and skirtings were 10.3% and 16.3%, respectively. 1,705 bales (3.7%) were withdrawn prior to sale and re-offered bales made up 10.8% of this week's offering.

The US exchange rate (source RBA) was 0.90¢ lower on Monday when compared with Thursday of last week. It was down by a further 0.50¢ on Tuesday, up by 1.08¢ on Wednesday to close at 93.25¢, down 0.32¢ (-0.3%) since the last sale.

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Who knew that this senior staffy bull orphan would be so instrumental in helping to acclimate one of "the most violent dogs in America" (hardly) to life in CA? This alien baby has been earning his kibble bigtime since leaving Oakland Animal Services by playing both mentor and playground buddy to a newly transplanted V-dog.

Life in Pit Bull Land is full of smiles and happy surprises. ...Updates on the way...

On behalf of Team Noonie I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of the donors who made our participation in the St. Baldrick’s event on March 15, 2008 so successful. Our team fundraising goal was $10,000 and due to the very generous contributions from so many kind hearted people, that amount was well exceeded. The event raised a total of more than $40,000. St Baldrick’s grants funds to over 230 institutions for laboratory research and to help make clinical trials available to more children than ever, giving those children treatment that offers the best chance for a cure. Fellowships are also funded to encourage the best and brightest new doctors to pursue careers in childhood cancer research. Your support truly makes a difference! As promised...here we are bald! And that's Charlie, my nephew sleeping in the stroller.

Friday, March 21, 2008 (USA)

Travelers seeking a quick and tasty meal or a fashionable fix now have two new options at the AIRMALL at Boston Logan International Airport. Jewelry store Local Charm and national bakery/café restaurant chain Bruegger’s Bagels have landed. Local Charm opened on March 14, 2008 in Terminal B (American Airlines). Bruegger’s Bagels opens today, March 20, 2008 in Terminal E, pre-security.

“The opening of Local Charm and Bruegger’s Bagels represents our continued commitment to bring travelers the highest-quality national and regional brands at ‘Regular Mall Prices…Guaranteed,’” said Mike Caro, vice president of BAA Boston. “It’s what travelers have come to expect, and these two new establishments at the AIRMALL deliver on that promise.”

Boston-based Local Charm brings a stylish touch to the AIRMALL at BOS, stocking unique women’s jewelry at wallet-friendly prices. From striking silver creations to gemstones in funky settings, Local Charm is the perfect place for travelers to pick up a gift or treat themselves to something totally original.

“Local Charm is well known in Boston for its location at the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace, right along the city’s famed Freedom Trail,” Caro said. “Now visitors to this great American city will have another opportunity to take a wearable piece of Boston home with them.”

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Friday, March 21, 2008 (Sweden)

Fashion chain Lindex is opening stores in the Middle East. The first store will be opening in Saudi Arabia in September this year and a further six stores will be opening in the country during the year.

The objective is to open 25 stores in the Middle East over a 3-year period and 50 stores altogether over a 5-year period. The first country targeted for the Middle Eastern expansion is Saudi Arabia, with plans for Kuwait, UAE and Egypt to follow suit.

"We're absolutely delighted to be opening stores in the Middle East, which is a fast-growing region with high fashion awareness and strong purchasing power.

We're also seeing shopping tourism growing constantly in the region. We're convinced that Lindex' inspiring affordable fashion will be a hit in Saudi Arabia," says Göran Bille, CEO of Lindex.

The first store is planned to open in September in Jeddah in the well-known shopping centre Stars Avenue mall and during 2008 a further six stores will be opened in Saudi Arabia.

The stores will cover a floor area of between 400-1000 sqm and will be fitted out according to Lindex' modern store concept.

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Friday, March 21, 2008 (USA)

Acclaimed designer Cho Cheng has been named one of China's top five designers by Modern Weekly a national Chinese luxury and lifestyle magazine.

Cited as "the new master of red carpet glamour" Cheng shares this illustrious recognition with fellow native sons Derek Lam, Peter Som, Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim.

"It is an honor to be recognized as a master of glamour and couture," said Cheng who plans to aggressively expand his design house by opening five stores in China by the end of this year as well as an atelier in the States.

"This distinction places me among the world's design elite and I look forward to continuing to communicate my signature design aesthetic on an international level."

Cho Cheng initially stepped into the world of design with his signature couture collection. Renowned for his impeccable detailing, influence of old world elegance and unparalleled sophistication, his designs have garnered world-wide appeal and been coveted by royalty, celebrities and socialites alike.

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Friday, March 21, 2008 (USA)

Tiffany & Co announced that its Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee, is nominating the following incumbents for re-election to the Company's Board at its upcoming 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders: Rose Marie Bravo, Gary E. Costley, Abby F. Kohnstamm, Michael J. Kowalski, Charles K. Marquis, J. Thomas Presby and William A. Shutzer.

The Board also nominated two new independent candidates for election: Lawrence K. Fish, chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland America and Citizens Financial Group Inc, and Peter W. May, president and founding partner of Trian Fund Management, L.P.

Michael J. Kowalski, chairman and chief executive officer, said, "I am pleased to announce these candidates for election as directors at Tiffany's 2008 annual meeting.

We have an active and engaged board and management team who, together, have worked aggressively and diligently to identify and implement sustainable growth initiatives.

We believe that Larry Fish and Peter May will add valuable insights as members of our board and we look forward to working with them."

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Friday, March 21, 2008 (Germany)

As part of the forthcoming Body Look held under the umbrella of the Igedo Fashion Fairs Düsseldorf from 27 - 29 July 2008 in Düsseldorf the Igedo Company will present the “Igedo Company Award 2008 – Best of Body, Beach and Legwear“ for the first time.

Exhibitors at Body Look representing the areas of body, beach and legwear can submit outstanding, imaginative products from their women’s and men’s collections for Spring/Summer 2009 as entries, to arrive at the Igedo Company by no later than 15 May 2008. Prizes will be awarded in the Bodywear, Beachwear and Legwear categories.

The jury composed of experts from the industry and from social and scientific spheres will judge the submitted styles and presentations according to design creativity, e.g. innovative materials, colours, silhouette, styling, optimised cut technology or latest finishing technique – the factors that make a style the highlight of a collection.

The award ceremony will take place as part of an evening gala held during Body Look.
Winners can expect
• The award presentation at a large event
• Presentation of the award-winning collection items in a high-exposure
exhibition area of Body Look in July 2008
• Coverage in the fashion press and on radio and TV

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Friday, March 21, 2008 (USA)

Perry Ellis International Inc announced that the company has been added to the Standard & Poors (S&P) SmallCap 600 after the close of trading.

"Perry Ellis International's outstanding performance and strong financial position made possible our inclusion in this prestigious index. We want to thank S&P's Index Committee for our selection," commented George Feldenkreis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Introduced in 1994, the S&P SmallCap 600 index is designed to be an "efficient portfolio of companies that meet specific inclusion criteria to ensure that they are investable and financially viable," according to Standard and Poors.

The criteria that S&P has outlined for addition into this index include: (1) market capitalization between $300 million and $2.0 billion; (2) financial viability, represented as four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings; (3) public float of at least 50%; and (4) the company's sector representation.

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Friday, March 21, 2008 (USA)

Cabela's Incorporated, the World's Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, announced the retirement of Michael Callahan, Senior Vice President of Business Development and International Operations.

"Mike has had a very successful career at Cabela's and will leave a positive mark on our Company's history," said Dennis Highby, Cabela's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Mike was instrumental in our growth in retail and was personally responsible for leading the team that took our retail store count from nine to 26, as well as leading our expansion into Canada."

"It has been a wonderful and rewarding 18 years," Callahan said. "I have had the good fortune to go places and do so many things I may not have had the chance to do otherwise. In retirement, I will continue to work diligently and passionately to promote and support Cabela's, as I always have."

Callahan's retirement is effective May 17, 2008, but he has agreed to remain as a consultant to assist with transition.

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008 (USA)

On Saturday April 12 at 6PM celebrated bridal designer Jenny Lee will unveil her Fall 2008 Collection. The fashion show will take place at the Prince George Ballroom at 15 East 27 Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues.

Jenny Lee is known for designing exceptional bridal gowns. She uses luxurious fabrics imported from Italy and France, to create architecturally simple, elegant and feminine creations. This season she is adding a new collection.

"I am proud to introduce my new line, JL Couture, it offers fashion forward women the ability to create their own look while not feeling like a traditional bride." says Jenny.

"Each gown enhances women's body and unique beauty. This bride is confident and has her own point of view about how she wants to look on her wedding day."

JL Couture affords bride the ability to have a formal look for her ceremony and "red carpet" elegance for her reception by offering mix and match pieces. By adding color to the gowns, which is exclusive to Jenny Lee, it allows the bride to be her own woman.

This trend eliminates a brides need to buy two dresses for the day's events and the flexibility to utilize these pieces again. The gowns are guaranteed not to sit in a closet!

Jenny comes from a remarkable background. At an early age, her mother had all of Jenny's clothes custom made. By age six she was exposed to the process of selecting fabrics and colors for her own wardrobe. Seeds were planted and Jenny knew she wanted to be a fashion designer.

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008 (Germany)

With immediate effect Angelika Grammozi is now to take over as Project Manager at Body Look, Germany’s leading body, beach and legwear fair, where she will be in charge of the fair’s conceptual further development, organisation and customer care.

She will take over from Sabine Schommer who successfully managed the fair after its move from Leipzig to Düsseldorf in July 2006.

In her role as Project Manager Sabine Schommer will, in future, focus more heavily on the organisation and further development of Düsseldorf’s sourcing fair Global Fashion.

At the same time, Kirstin Deutelmoser will also be adding to her responsibilities at Messe Düsseldorf as Project Manager of GDS/GLS and global shoes & accessories in her new capacity as Director of Body Look at the Igedo Company. In this position Kirstin Deutelmoser will be responsible for the overall strategic orientation of Body Look.

“Since its move from Leipzig to Düsseldorf Sabine Schommer has very successfully developed the Body Look fair, making particularly significant progress in increasing the event’s international flair.

However, with two fairs held twice a year the workload has become too much for one person in the long run. For this reason we have made a joint decision to share the burden,” explained Igedo Manager Frank Hartmann.

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008 (Hong Kong)

Since 1963, lifestyle brand Ben Sherman has influenced generations of fashion fans and emerged as a mainstay of British and global popular culture.

The first Ben Sherman store in Hong Kong celebrated its grand opening on the fifth floor of Times Square in Causeway Bay with a star-studded rock 'n' roll fashion show in front of a crowd of media and industry VIPs.

The brand took advantage of the occasion to launch its Spring/ Summer 2008 Collection, which features the famous Ben Sherman trademarks of quality tailoring and attention to detail along with the attitude that inspired some of the world's best rock bands, and launched a thousand more.

The Spring/ Summer 2008 Collection, themed "Decades" in reference to the brand's inextricable link with 45 years of influential British music and style, focuses on the three distinctive looks of "The Original Brighton Mods," "Punk with a Ska Twist" and "Britpop."

True to Ben Sherman's love for local music, Hong Kong rock stars Ryan Hui and Kubert Leung provided the music for the occasion with roof-raising performances.

Pop stars and Ben Sherman fans Ken Hung and Sherman Chung, as well as a host of gorgeous models, also showed off the Collection to the delight of the crowd during a fashion show that was capped off with a revved-up appearance by Sherman.

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008 (UAE)

Damas, the leading international jewellery retailer in the Middle East, showcases one of the most remarkable jewellery brands to emerge from Italy - Calgaro.

As a design house that burst into international prominence in less than a decade since its founding, Calgaro creates jewellery inspired by the world of fashion and glamour.

Its signature jewels speak the language of style and are defined by the woven gold and silver material for which the company has a patent.

Calgaro’s latest collections Cipria and DiVa display the virtuosity of the brand with stunning effect, offering lavish and opulent pendant chains, bracelets, earrings and rings in gold and silver, embellished with diamonds and a variety of gems such as pearls, white agate, quartz crystal, cabochon, topaz, citrines and tourmalines.

"Calgaro can rightly be hailed as the haute couture accent to a woman's wardrobe. It is unique in every way, offering creations that are dramatic and awe-inspiring in terms of material and design.

They break away from traditional norms to elevate themselves as jewels of rare character,” said Tawhid Abdullah, Managing Director of Damas.

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008 (Japan)

Kao Corporation (President and CEO: Motoki Ozaki) launches its premium hair care brand Asience Shampoo, Conditioner, and Treatment in Shanghai and Bangkok in spring 2008. This move will increase the number of Asience markets to five Asia areas, following existing sales in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Since its initial launch in Japan in October 2003, Asience, as a premium hair care brand with the quest of enhancing the beauty of Asian women's hair, has received enormous support from women with a sophisticated beauty sensibility.

Over time, Asience has added new products in its lineup and repeatedly improved product quality with a further enhancement for the October 2007 re-launch in the Japanese market.

This dramatic evolution was accomplished by Kao's development of a proprietary technology that supports the function of 18-MEA, a key component on the cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair shaft. With this technology, which provides a protective coating for the cuticle, Kao has succeeded in recreating the smooth feel of undamaged hair.

Along with the launch of Asience in Shanghai and Bangkok, the renewed Asience line with the technology that supports the function of 18-MEA will be introduced into the three markets - Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore - where Asience is already available.

Simultaneously with the launch, proactive promotional communication activities will be implemented to draw attention and express the attractive world of sophisticated "Asian Beauty" in each market.

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This is Spyder - affectionately known as Maya by her foster mom, Kim. She's got quite a story, altho' you might've noticed that she didn't get air time during the V-dog celebrations.

I'll just get to the meat of things: Spyder is a little bit screwed up.

Not from fighting, but from her early life in the shelter that took her in after the Vick bust. Her home for six months was in-no-way-ready to have 17 fighting dogs dumped on them. And being understaffed and ridiculously under-resourced, they were ill-prepared to help puppies grow up right in a gawd-awful-crazy kennel environment. While some animal welfare orgs solicited buttloads of money on the backs of Vick's victims, this little place saw penny-zero and couldn't afford an office chair, much less extra kennel help (Literally, they didn't have an office chair!) The two (count: 2) guys that worked there were in over their heads from Day One. They were, essentially, as screwed as the dogs they were supposed to be caring for.

Six Virginia animal shelters took in Vick dogs after the bust. Some were fantastic and the dogs shined in their care. And some shelters, not so good. We're not placing blame...We're just sayin.' When housing abused animals, resources matter.

So, six month old puppy Spyder and her littermate Frodo grew up in a loud, dirty echo chamber with no comforts and no one to take them outside. And yes, it caused permanent damage. Dogs like our Ernie came from this same shelter, but because he was already a stable (and well socialized) adult when he entered, he was better wired to endure the intense stress of confinement.

Suckers-R-Us, our hearts hurt for these funny little yearlings when we met them back in September. We wanted to give them our best, even if that meant they wouldn't be able to be famous or 'normal' like Jonny Justice, Hector, Ernie, Teddles and the rest. So when the courts granted us the opportunity to take dogs home for interim foster care weeks early (designed to prevent stressed-out dogs from deteriorating further) we weighed our options and put the pups on the bus along with the Rock Stars. It was only right; hogging all the Stars when other groups were stepping up would be wrong, and we had room for the siblings, so why not.

Fast forward to Now. Amazingly, Brother Frodo seems to be doing 'okay.' He's no lion-heart, but he's participating in the real world and trying his best to be brave. As stunted as he is, he's full of joy and hope and will be protected and loved by his circle of supporters in BR. But his sister?...Not so okay. Spyder enjoys the world in small spurts. Dogs are her biggest happiness and her play manners are wonderful. She loves her crate, her ball and FOOD - Ohmagod. Food is good. But in total, the world outside is a very scary place for Spyder.

After several months of home care and minor victories, it became clear that city life was causing her more fear than joy. And that's just not fair; We didn't get into this project to cause more stress.

So now comes the good news:...As of yesterday, Spyder went to live at Best Friend's Sanctuary in Utah. The world is smaller there; quieter. A 10x20 pen is her new kingdom with toys and sun and no city noises to rattle her nerves. She'll be able to play with other dogs and smell the fresh air and watch the Utah weather and bark at coyotes and go for walks with her new 'family' - a small circle of people who've committed themselves to her care. In our heart of hearts, we believe she'll be truly happy there.

We certainly considered the option of putting Spyder to sleep. We do our share of 'culling' dogs that aren't right for this unforgiving world and we knew no one would blame us for this sad task. But doing this does take a piece of your soul away each time. We've seen it turn seasoned breed people bitter and ill-tempered towards everything and everyone. I imagine demanding perfection in an imperfect world can have the same negative accumulative effect as living in a small cage with no light or fresh air. So maybe in part for selfish reasons, to protect our hearts from hardening to the point of no return, we voted for Life for Spyder. Thank you Best Friends for giving us the opportunity to make that choice for her. Above: John Garcia of Best Friends greets Spyder.

Vid Clip: Frodo and Spyder (in red collar) Saying Good Bye.

Here's a quick clip of Spyder getting loaded up for her trip to Utah. Big day! Plane Ride Home .... Later, I'll tell-all on the Best Friend's V-dog that came to take Spyder's place in CA. The adventure continues.

Pearl

I wanted to post a tribute to Pearl (blog below). She graced our Katrina Survivor Calendar cover last year, running like happy gangbusters on the beach in her new land. I was floored by Nicole's initial interest in rescuing Pearl from a sea of pit bulls in the rescue station of NOLA way back when. When asked why she wanted the black scarred up girlie with swinging teats, protruding vulva and chopped ears, Nicole stated matter of factly, "Because this is the dog that everyone else will leave behind." You so rock, Nicole.

God speed Miss Pearl...The beach is all yours now. Off leash, at that!

I’ve been meaning to write about my experience in VA (and I will), but life moves fast and when I returned home, Pearl received a diagnosis of lymphoma. We had been busy making the most of our time together, until Monday at 5 am, when my precious Pearl died from lymphoma. She was a fabulous creature. Some people may say she wouldn’t have won a beauty contest (I, of course, think otherwise), but Pearl had an excess of personality. In the weeks of treatment at a local hospital, the staff treated her like royalty, never kenneling her because “she couldn’t have cared less about the other animals and we liked to sit with her.“

Pearl tried to make a friend of everyone she met.Sometimes people weren’t interested…like the man who yelled at me last week on a public sidewalk for not having a muzzle on her…Pearl continued to wag and smile at him while he berated us. Heartbreaking and so completely infuriating at the same time. Maybe some people have been so conditioned by what they read and see on TV that they fail to think for themselves and are unable to recognize the reality of what is right before their eyes.

And heartbreaking too, to think that there are thousands of other perfectly wonderful dogs just like her who are exterminated each year because they were unlucky enough to be rescued from the property of a dog fighter. Strange to think that Pearl was luckier to be caught up in a hurricane than to be rescued by some animal welfare agencies.