Hello Celebritys

Lord, I lift my friend to You, I've done all that I know to do
I lift my friend to You
Complicated circumstances have clouded her view
Lord, I lift my friend up to You

I fear that I won't have the words that she needs to hear
I pray for Your wisdom, oh God, and a heart that's sincere
Lord, I lift my friend up to You

Lord, I lift my friend to You
My best friend in the world, I know she means much more to You
I want so much to help her, but this is something she has to do
And Lord, I lift my friend up to You

'cause there's a way that seems so right to her
But You know where that leads
She's becoming a puppet of the world, too blind to see the strings
Lord, I lift my friend up to You
My friend up to You

Lord, I lift my friend to You, I've done all that I know to do
I lift my friend to You

-- Prayer for a Friend (Casting Crowns)

Economy-Eshonomy. Sigh. It feels like a day when we could all use a little thuggery. Minnesota has been offering up a steady supply of exploits, including Hector's rap sheet, which continues to grow. Here's some more, from Amanda Jackson of MN (thank you Amanda!):

I'm a thug in my late 20s (does that mean I'm past my prime?). I have my B.A. in Human Development, though I currently stay home with our thug baby. My thuggish ruggish husband is an instructor at a power plant, though we usually keep that to ourselves so as not to risk our street cred.

But we weren't always thugs...no...but one day we decided to go to the dark side. A pittie name Paisley dragged us over and so our thug life began. We also recently began fostering through A Rotta Love Plus here in MN. Our current thug-dog-in-residence is Mischief, a little bull terrier pup. He has settled into the thug life quite nicely, enjoying daily play sessions--er, or do I mean fights?!--with Paisley, usually followed by a nice nap on one of the many dog beds strewn around the house. We do feed them daily, though we've heard withholding can toughen them up. Outside time is critical to the thug life--I mean people have to see the tough dogs for it to count right?!

Other interesting facets of our oh-so-thug life: we listen to NPR more than we watch TV, we bike as a family (sans dogs for now, though we're trying to figure out to include them), we cloth diaper and strive to use fewer disposable products over all, we buy organic when we can and when it makes sense, and are generally just trying to live a more natural, meaningful life. And all with 2 dangerous dogs in the house...just how do we do it?! Oh and don't forget the cats--adopted cats are another critical part of our thug life, right?!

I included a few pictures. One is our son Grady with recent foster dog Pumba (red and white). And my husband Jeremy getting some good Paisley lovin', that girl is a total Daddy's girl. ;) - Amanda M Jackson

Who ARE you people, anyway?

Speaking of Thug Nation, it's been SO interesting to read the occupations of people who sign up for alerts via our mailing list. Here's a small sampling of pit bull owners who are getting in touch:

dog trainer, cashier, shelter manager, retired law enforcement, executive assistant, office clerk, RN, personal trainer, sales, frozen goods associate, refrideration tech, medic, letter carrier, spanish interpreter, executive protection specialist, retail, veterinary receptionist, customer service manager at humane society, contractor, homemaker, single mom, animal control, clerk, humane society volunteer, nurse, writer, financial analyst, spay neuter clinic director, dog groomer, mental health therapist, manager, police officer, social worker, hair stylist, retired, manager fishin tackle outlet, administrative assistant, tech support, graphic artist, sales executive, banker, research associate, accountant, event producer, radiation therapist, children's psychotherapist, dog boarding, financial analyst, photographer, shelter manager, legal secretary, student, teacher, marketing writer, business analyst, realtor, arts admin, truck driver, e-bay seller, self employed, media planning, program assistant for musular dystrophy association, mom, occupational therapist, yoga/pilates teacher, paralegal, speech therapist, director of a private high school, cpa, office clerk, military officer, construction, police detective, architect, kindergarten teacher, HR manager, executive director HSPCA, veterinarian, librarian

If you aren't on our mailing list - sign up HERE for the very-occasional update and alert. Thank you!

According to General Statistics Office, in July 2008, Vietnam earned nearly US $1.19 million by exporting almost 305,600 sets of swim suits to various nations. This shows a slight rise of 7.4 percent in terms of quantity and 15.3 percent increase value wise, when compared to previous month and 85.9 percent and 27.7 percent annual hike respectively.

In the first seven months, Vietnam exported around 7.8 million sets of swimwear, a rise of over 178 percent, when compared to same time of 2007. The export earnings touched approximately $35.2 million, experiencing a boost of 70.4 percent, in comparison to January to July 2007.

During this period, the export of swimming costume to US market soared up to 222.9 percent in volume. Nearly 5.9 million sets were shipped to fetch almost $27.9 million, growing 114.4 percent over January to July of last year. The export of swimwear has contributed 79.2 percent to the total overseas earnings made by Vietnam by exporting various products to US.

In EU market, Vietnam exported around 1.2 million set of swimming suit, with annual hike of 137 percent, when compared to first seven month of 2007. The nation fetched nearly $4.5 million of foreign currency, observing a year-on-year growth of 28.2 percent.

Within the EU, export turnover in markets like Germany, Italy, Spain, and France increased substantially. The demand from Germany increased almost 82 percent, as a result Vietnam exported around 40,700 sets. It helped nation earn nearly $1.8 million, a year-on-year rise of 21.4 percent.

The export of swimming costume to Italy also grew as Vietnam earned approximately $1.26 million, boosting 844 percent, by shipping nearly 49,400 pairs to various markets, a rise of 173 percent when compared to first seven months of 2007.


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Life can get tedious at the shelter. Once our dogs learn their basic obedience, it's a challenge to give them enough work to ward off kennel stress while they wait for that adoption that always seems to take longer than we expect. To help keep our dogs sane & happy, our trainer Sara has become a master of finding new ways to engage them.

This is Newman - one of our brainiest little guys - learning a new game. If dogs can be nerds, he fits that description. He's a real 'thinker' - always trying to figure out how the world works. He's so cerebral that he's even good with cats. Okay adopter -- come meet this boy before he figures out how to pick the locks and hot wire the Animal Control truck!

In the present society, women are more conscious about their personality and demand for gorgeous intimate apparels has increased. They prefer wearing beautiful lingerie as an expression of their sensuality. Twenty-five years before, women of UK had only a handful of choices regarding lingerie's; either M&S cotton briefs, or cheap intimate wears from Knickerbox, or a simple one with lace trims. Lingerie was considered as a commodity or necessity. The feeling that intimate wears are important came into the minds of British women during the 90s, and the motive of fashion lingerie was nurtured. Now, the average British woman is elegantly dressed and looks confident than she was years before, due to the disposable income she has acquired, and the wide range of choices available in front of her.

British Lingerie – Industry Overview :

The total worth of British lingerie market is estimated to be around 2.48 billion during the past year, which is a growth of 13% compared with the figures of 2002. On an average, one million bras are being sold in the UK market; annually. Industry leaders are of the opinion that UK lingerie market will further grow to around 2.73 billion at the end of 2008, exhibiting a growth of 16% as compared with 2004, and reach 2.9 billion by 2011. They further contemplate that the market may be dampened by a slow down in consumer spending on the high street and a relatively flat period of price rises. Global market is being manipulated by cheap overseas products, and this will have an influence on the slow growing, stable lingerie market in UK.

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Luxury products are likely to wither and undergo changes during the course of time. Some products pass the recessionary times better than others. As far as lingerie is concerned, Italians understand the products much better than anybody else. Currently, lingerie is a part of Italian tradition, and is a big business. In ancient times, merchants of Venice traded in silk, and encouraged people engaged in silk cultivation to settle in Italy. Italian silk was so popular in Europe, that Francis I, from France invited the Italian fabric makers to France to establish a silk industry.

Sensual And Stylish World Of Italian Lingerie’s – Industry Perspective

Lingerie industry in Italy is comprised of thousands of small family type units supplying products to specialty shops. This family based model of capitalism has trouble to cope with the modern world of 'globalization' in which manufacturing processes are shifted to places where wages are much lesser than in Italy. Yet, Italians are famous for their romantic, classic, and sexy lingerie designs with a meticulous attention to quality. The Western Europe market for women's wear is estimated to be $11.27 billion USD. Germany has the largest lingerie market, followed by Italy, France, and Spain. The market value of Italian lingerie industry is worth $3 billion USD. During the past few years, purchase of intimate wears by Italian women rose by 13%, and a similar inclination is expected by industry key players till 2012. This has caused a flurry of mergers and acquisitions in the intimate apparel market.

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Thanks to a blog reader (hat tips, anon) for sending a link this morning about a raid in Alabama. The news is sad, the story is perennial, but the compassion shown by the authorities is encouraging, and we have to hope, a sign of a new trend in animal law investigations.

I was asked the other day......what would you say to somebody who says well they're just dogs. I'd say to somebody who says they're just dogs - that's probably somebody who would say they're just kids or they're just seniors. We can not allow the defenseless among us to be abused and hurt and caged and chained as we see here. - Attorney General Troy King

It was reported that Montgomery Humane Society will be evaluating the animals and making them available for adoption. That news seems a little premature since of course the dog owners have a right to due process, however interested readers might want to send donations to MHS for the extra burden of housing and placing the dogs, along with a hardy 'thank you' for taking them in.

While the news is calling this a dogfighting operation, we have to point out that old scars and chaining should never be misconstrued as fight evidence. The authorities will have to produce more substantial evidence in order to justify felony dog fighting charges (if that's what they're going for). In the meantime, it appears that the lack of water and food gave them enough cause to remove the animals. Kudos to them.

In the perspective of lingerie's, men are only left to wonder, 'boxers or briefs' whereas; a woman's physique being sculpted and adorned in a unique way of its own, offer a wide assortment of choices. The market for women's wear lingerie is being manipulated by the advent of modern technologies and fabrics that make new designs, and innovative intimate wears. These products have a higher profit margin than any other regular apparel. New trends in lingerie and fabric emerge exclusively from Europe and predominantly from France and Italy. France is at the forefront of fashion lingerie's. Designers in France give more focus on rich looking fabrics, vibrant hues, laces, and embroideries. Just as their fashion, French lingerie's also exhibit richness and elaborate embellishments that are preferred worldwide.

French Lingerie – An Industry Overview

France contributes to the origin of the word 'lingerie' which in French means 'washables'. French lingerie's come in sophisticated different lines; basic, sexy, and flirty, fitting every season. The designs are akin to both classical and modern look, and make a woman fit in line with the trend, while rendering her to 'stand out'. They are available in a wide range of materials, tailored efficiently in different cuts and types, styles and colors. Their lingerie making techniques are based on centuries of expertise.

Current lingerie industry in France is valued to be $3.1 billion USD, and is further expected to increase by 0.8% consecutively for the next five years. French consumers spend about 13 billion euros a year on the purchase of lingerie's. A lingerie industry survey states that French women spend 20 percent of their fashion budget on lingerie's. Sale of lingerie's account to 18% of total sales of women's wear apparels in France.

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Lookit this girlie. She gifted us with a happy ending today that, at first appearances, wasn't supposed to happen. If you remember Sophie, she was the severely neglected dog that was slated for a week's compassion hold before we put her to sleep - Eep. We do a certain number of compassion holds for dogs that are too damaged or sick or troubled for adoption, but who otherwise deserve a a little kindness before they go. But thankfully, Sophie was SO messed up that her optimism just seemed to shine out ten times brighter than other dogs, so she found her way like so many other dogs can't.


We flaunted the overbred, one-eyed, fight scarred, longtime chained, emaciated, broken wristed, crooked jawed, balding, cancer-ridden, dentally-challenged Sophie to the media (Hey - What's not to like?) way back when we were trying hard not to talk about the Vick dogs. Reporters weren't nearly impressed. But true hearts were, and today we celebrated a long happy foster-to-adopt period by officially signing her over to her new people today. (We actually could've signed her over months ago, but dang dog duties kept getting in the way....And yes, we know we're shamefully behind on updating the Happy Endings page)

This is the first round of people who saved Sophie - Martha left, and Megan of the Oakland Animal Services. In this age of fad breed overpopulation, they say more good-byes than any human should have to say, so Sophie's return from the dead means a lot. The next in line is BR foster mom Stephanie - shown in the video - who provided a respite when we thought she was going to die with us (Stephanie knew better from Hour One).

And next is Teresa and Ted and their pit bull Bubba, who shouted 'Mine Mine!' when they first spotted Sophie here on this blog. Twelve year old Sophie has a happy home with these folks and they consider themselves lucky to have her in their lives. Bless you, people. We need more of you on this planet, pronto.


Har-Har
A few people have commented on Harley from yesterday's blog. Yep, the bully gods sure had a sweet tooth for handsome dogs when they brewed up this likable fellow. Here's a little video of him being predictably adorkable.
GOOF

Guess what?! I, Laura, feel quite "old." Why, you ask? It couldn't have anything to do with the fact that this past week I purchased my first car, could it? Well, it's not my first car to drive, but it's my first car to buy. :-) Last week I became the proud owner of a 2002 Honda Civic EX. Yep, I like it.
The inside of the car. Note the air conditioning button. That is something that was "mandatory" on whatever car I ended up getting, because the last car I drove (also an '02 Civic, interestingly enough) didn't have A/C. :-) Also note the cruise control. That's a pretty nifty feature! What you can't see is the controls for the power windows, and the buttons for the sunroof. :-)

What happens when a moose and a mouse decide to play hide-and-seek? The mouse might just hide in the antlers of the moose, keeping the moose looking all over the place! That's just what happens to Mudgy Moose in a new children's book, Mudgy and Millie, written by Wee-Sing author and local resident, Susan Nipp. Mudgy looks all over Coeur d'Alene for Millie!

This book has created a lot of hype in town, for obvious reasons: first off, the author is well-known, and she lives here in town. Secondly, the hide-and-seek search in the book takes place right here in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Thirdly, a local artist has created some amazing sculptures of Mudgy and Millie which are placed all over town along the trail that Mudgy takes trying to find Millie.

The book came out just a couple weeks ago, and the author, illustrator and sculptor were all on hand to autograph copies. My mom, being a children's book connoisseur, just had to have an autographed copy. So, we headed downtown recently to meet the author, and to walk the Mudgy and Millie trail.

Yes, my mother made me pose for a picture with Mudgy. I guess I can now say that I have hugged a (very soft) moose. :-)
We wanted to see all the moose, so we walked the trail. The trail begins at the bottom of Tubbs Hill. We didn't see the second moose on the trail because it is at the library, and we were going to drive there before we left, but we forgot. Ooops!

Mudgy finally finds Millie when he stops to get a drink from Lake Coeur d'Alene. He bends over and sees Millie in his reflection. I think this moose is my favorite because it overlooks the steps and I love how it is positioned with the flag pole right behind it. Congratulations, Mudgy -- you found Millie!

Sound like a cute story? Look for Mudgy and Millie at your local bookstore!

Lingerie industry is in a state of intense competition. Fashionable and price friendly lingerie's are sold by the manufacturers while global brands are looking for new markets. International specialty brands are at their wings; seeking entry into emerging markets for future growth. Current global market for lingerie's rose by 2.6% to $29.92 billion USD from 2004 to 2007, while clothing prices dropped down by 4%. China, as an emerging market has seen a growth rate of 8.1% during the same time. Fast fashion retailers are now offering fashionable intimate apparels at lower prices and are undertaking hardcore marketing efforts to sustain their brand image in China. On the other hand, China itself is a major exporter of apparels to the global market at competitive prices.

Chinese Lingerie Market :

Chinese lingerie market is a dynamic sector. Their market structure is composed of many national and international brands, and intimate apparels are brought in by many countries; names unknown to the consumer.

The country's lingerie market is a fast moving one, and there is a drastic change during the recent past. The lingerie market is estimated to be of a total value of 2 billion euros, and industry experts predict a further positive increase of 20% every year. The country is the third largest for luxury consumption, and is assumed by the market leaders to catch up with the position of Japan in the next 10 years. China is a key player in fabric industry, having good potential for creation and consumption. Major lingerie players in China have reassessed their market positions, and are now closing the knowledge gap to become 'low cost' producers.

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Holding people accountable for their actions is just common sense. Here are some cases that remind us to keep blame where it belongs.

An OR man was sentenced to one year for abusing his pit bull ... A San Jose man is facing felony charges for letting his off-leash pit bull hurt another dog ... A St. Louis couple was charged with evidence tampering when they tried to blame a tiger mauling on a pit bull....Oy vey. And - finally! - Marjorie Knoller was sentenced to 15 years for the mauling death of Diane Whipple. That took far too long. Thumbs up to the prosecutors for getting that conviction.

But before we lose faith in our fellow two-leggeds, here's one of the best anti-BSL editorials we've read in awhile. Seattle Humane Society executive officer Brenda Barnette rejects BSL and points out that a recent dog attack in SeaTac came after animal control failed to respond to several complaints about loose running dogs. (Seattle AC has a reputation for being less-than-efficient with enforcing local laws.) Words from the wise:

"Until we start focusing on the underlying causes of bites — instead of focusing on specific breeds of dogs — we'll never decrease the number of dog attacks. Enacting a breed ban will make it more difficult for shelters to place loving pit bulls with responsible owners, increasing the number of dogs killed in shelters, without making anyone safer." Brenda Barnette Seattle Humane

The Good Guys
We presented at an American Bar Association event in Chicago this past Friday. One of these days, I might actually be able to stand up and address an audience about the Vick dogs without choking back tears - but not yet. Wimpy-Me. It was fascinating to hear little known case details from the attorneys that worked on these and other similar cases. ASPCA forensics expert Dr. Melinda Merck was recognized about a dozen times as being one of the main reasons Vick and his boys folded - It's nearly impossible to fight charges with so much physical evidence. Thanks again, doc.

A highlight of the event was an award presented by Special Master Guardian Rebecca Huss. It was the first annual 2008 Rose Memorial Award for Compassion in Action and it went to BR's own Nicole Rattay for putting her life on hold in order to bring comfort & compassion to the Vick dogs that waited six additional long weeks in confinement. Kennel stress was taking a heavy toll on the dogs, but Nicole's work gave the dogs a head start on their healing. Congratulations Nicole, and thank you again.

"Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."
-- Chinese Proverb

Hurting from People Problems
Too many wonderful puppies and dogs are flowing into Oakland Animal Services this season (and, everywhere, we imagine). It pains us to see pit bulls especially falling out of hard-luck homes and into overcrowded shelters. If you've considered adopting anytime soon, now's a good time...There's no shortage of exceptional dogs that are in danger. This is Harley. He's a puppyish dog-social dork, and - Tim's description - a Wiggle Master. Wanna fall in love? Let us help.

Sehr Mahmood goes to Manila, Phillipines to compete for the Miss Earth pageant!!! Sehr Mahmood, the current winner and queen of Miss Pakistan World, is representing Pakistan in the world's third largest beauty pageant, Miss Earth 2006.

Sehr had a busy year planned for her from attending fashion shows, modeling, music videos and finally participating in Miss Earth 2006. Sehr will be attending one more international beauty pageant, and uplifting the pageant industry of Pakistan which started in 2002.

Sonia Ahmed, President of Miss Pakistan World says, "This is the second year we are with Miss Earth, and we are very proud of being a part of this. Pakistan has to date taken part in 7 international beauty pageants and has won 4 international titles out of those 7 so far."

"The results for Miss Earth are not out yet, but we are hoping and praying. It's a tough pageant and our background in pageantry is growing tremendously."

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If you’ve been following the Michael Vick story, you know BAD RAP Pit bull, Ted, his foster family Christine and Rob, and their young son Sam. Early on, Sam called this big white dog Teddles and Ted Baby. The names stuck.

I have the pleasure of seeing and working with Ted in my weekly Canine Good Citizen (CGC) class. He’s in his new home now, adoption pending, with his person Cindy. Ted just missed passing his CGC test last month because he’s afraid of trains and loud noises. As luck would have it, this test site was a stones throw from Amtrak and freight train tracks. In the middle of his CGC test, a train roared by and Ted, completely distracted, couldn’t recover fast enough to get back to work. Cindy was understandably disappointed.

In the weeks since though, Cindy has started to wait in happy anticipation for the train. As soon as that train blasts its obnoxious horn, Cindy whips out a favorite tug toy and Ted gets to play "watch me” and tug games. Just the other day as the train screamed by, Cindy and Ted tugged together.
Ted had forgetten all about that train while he happily focused on Cindy and his games.

I felt a big smile spread across my face. You’ve come a long way (Ted) Baby!

Beauty of a woman is a matchless attribute; with nothing to surpass it. So long a time there have been the existence of women in this world, there have been lingerie's as well. This fashion serving luxury undergarment expresses her beauty loving feminine personality, apart from the basic need of supporting her physique. Though the word 'lingerie' normally describes both male and female undergarments, the term is commonly used to refer woman's intimate wear. Lingerie is a broad term and includes garments like bras, panties, stockings, thongs, garters, peignoirs, sheer night gowns, and exotic night wears.

Evolution of Lingeries:

Concept of the lingerie's dates back to the period when people lived in forests whose beginnings are lost in far antiquity. Women in those days bound their body with long scarves folded, looped, and cross folded so as to mould their figures and enhance their beauty. Sculptures of the classical age depict women wearing pieces of fabric to support their bust and waist. The applications of these fabrics were simple and functional, focusing more on support over appearance. Lingerie's evolved into a fashion icon during the 19th century. When men were involved in the First World War, women became the breadwinners of their family. This new identity beckoned them about the need for more practical undergarments that are lighter and breathable, and can be worn during industrial works.

Later during the 21st century manufacturers and fashion houses started expanding their manufacturing and marketing with sexy and fashionable designs and colors. There was a renaissance in the lingerie world seen with more focus on female curves, as women went to unforeseeable extremes to obtain the perfect 'hour glass' figure. Lingerie's were designed with lavish laces, embroidery and ribbons. Today, the intimate wears available in the market have more sex appeal as compared with the ones used in olden days. Exclusive boutiques are also becoming inherently popular in cities.

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The Identical twins Ashley Olsen andMary-Kate Olsen, 22, has created a new two clothing lines, a couture collection called The Row and a less expensive line called Elizabeth and James.

But it appears like fashion business is suffering, because of their different lifestyles.

Ashley really wants to be a respected businesswoman and be taken seriously.

And other one, MK also do, but she is not willing to give up her lifestyle and act like an adult for their job.

So Ashley is now differing her twin from the couture line. She decided MK should not be involved with The Row and has asked her to step back from her current responsibilities until she is having her personal life together.

It seems like MK is left to focus on the cheap stuff, the more affordable line, Elizabeth and James, “It’s tough because The Row was so much of Mary-Kate’s idea. Mary-Kate has a unique fashion sense.

Ashley says that she just sees herself more as a business person.

We never really thought of them as having either a unique business or fashion sense, their empire was handed to them when they came of age by crafty lawyers and managers.

Source : latimesblogs.latimes.com

This is Alf. He's one of the Vick dogs. He endeared himself to us back in Virginia with his wonky ears, stubby legs and wild goo-goo eyes.

Alf has been staying rather incognito while his rescuers from Richmond Animal League focused on re-introducing him to the big bad world. He's been playing with other dogs, learning to stay steady around loud noises and he even earned his Canine Good Citizen award. Well done, Team Alf.

We were ever so happy to learn that Alf's foster mom, Molly Gibb, was finally feeling ready to introduce him to the media. A somewhat scary prospect, considering the pair lives in Oklahoma where breed prejudice hit a feverish pitch this summer. But Molly is brave, and her move-forward attitude is rubbing off on Alf.

All hail the funny faced little dog and his diehard support system. You so rock.

'For former fighting pit bull, Oklahoman is fostering hope" --- NewsOK.com Article

Wah HOOOO!
We took the plunge at Oakland Animal Services this weekend and set up a little homestead for the Ambassadog project. As luck would have it, our new trailer is a reincarnated skydiving school from Sonoma, complete with a parachute storage rack. Cowabunga! We don't expect to need parachutes anytime soon, but we love knowing that this sweet piece of portable real estate comes with a legacy of big and happy adventures.

It's a leetle bit blue right now (rare blue?) but a couple of work parties will spiff it up and help bring it down to a respectable institution beige so we don't frighten the neighbors too much. We look forward to having a home base at OAS and a space to give the dogs some TLC away from the shelter's noise and daily hustle.

Big thanks to Dee for gifting the trailer to BR and to PoPo's Transport for donating new tires & labor so it could make it's way on down to Oakland. You were our angels this weekend and we're so grateful!

Coming soon: A new play yard (Thank you Team Pibble supporters), agility equipment (Bermuda - we love you) and a launch party to celebrate our new venture with the good folks at Oakland Animal Services. There's no place like home ... There's no place like home ...

The pioneering initiative that has made gold a buzz-word amongst fashionable youth in the Arab world is set to make waves in the jewellery world once again. World Gold Council (WGC), the global advocate of gold, in partnership with the region’s leading jewellery house Damas, has launched this year’s ‘Generation Gold’ Youth Campaign featuring its centrepiece youth jewellery brand - Farfasha.

As part of the overall strategy to engage its intended audience, WGC and Damas have come up with a fresh story concept for its main promotional vehicle – a 60-second TV commercial that reflects the unique brand proposition of Farfasha in the context of the ever-changing tastes and sensibilities of the youth.

Nancy Ajram, the celebrated face of Farfasha for three years now, portrays a charming girl-next-door enjoying a typical day in a quaint neighbourhood on a lazy weekend – roaming around in a bicycle, passing by a fruit stand, enjoying baked goodies in a local bakery and meeting a new acquaintance in one of the neighbourhood cafes. The subtle story demonstrates the many facets of a young woman and how Farfasha jewels compliment each of her transformation.

The new TV commercial was shot in historic Batroun, a coastal city 53km from Beirut in Lebanon. The rustic charm of the location was the ideal backdrop for the Farfasha story which celebrates the beauty, playfulness and youthful glow of signature long chains, anklets, bracelets, Kaffs and earrings. The production was led by an international crew that worked for four days, almost non-stop.

The new Farfasha jewels featured in the TV commercial were created by seven noted Italian designers who came up with funky and colourful designs that set the youth trends for the season. What makes the latest collection even more unique is that the pieces can be personalised according to the wearer’s tastes.

To Know More......

Team Pibble here. Woohoo! We finished the Folsom International Triathlon, our fundraiser for the Ambassadog Project over at Oakland Animal Services. Your contributions are going to make such a difference in the daily quality of life for these dogs. We cannot thank so many of you enough for your generous contributions!


And a screamy, extra-affectionate thanks to the pittie in a tutu Miss Clover and her family for coming out to win fans on the sidelines and to cheer us through the race. You made it SO fun!!

Introduction

Technology has propelled the growth of human society in innumerable ways. From the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter to advanced robotics and health care, technology has rapidly assumed the status of an arguably indispensable and highly effective tool in the modern era. Clothing has always been both a necessity with regard to human civilization and a means of showcasing ones culture and interests. Social status, religious leanings, cultural diversity and professional status can all be amply reflected by ones clothes. A wide array of different styles of clothing is now possible, aided by powerful technological tools that supplement and shape the creative ideas of fabric designers.

Evolution of Fabric Design

In accordance with Darwinian principles, man is a remarkable example of adaptability. And a look at the way clothes have evolved only goes to illustrate this. In addition, the progress of mans concept of fashion has also transformed over the ages. Starting from merely covering ones body with natural fur to protect it from the vagaries of the natural elements in ancient periods of human existence to designing special suits and fabrics woven out of exotic materials to meet adverse environment requirements like space and desert surroundings, man has always shown ingenious capability to engineer requisite changes in the fabrics. The concept of fashion too has seen a marked shift with the variety of choices available in the present times. Of course, technology is a major driving force behind fashion trends.

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Surfing has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, but has become significantly more popular among women in recent years. While the industry has been slow to shift and cater to this influx of female surfers, a Venice, California-based company is doing exactly that. Latitude 10 is launching a line of swimwear that not only looks great, but addresses the needs of women with active lifestyles.

Any girl that has braved the ocean’s waves or has gone waterskiing or wakeboarding knows that bikinis are not good at staying in place and often come off completely. Latitude 10 surf bikinis correct this issue with design and technology that ensures the bikini will stay where it should, allowing girls to focus on their craft, rather than worrying about losing their cover.

But functionality alone is not enough. The same design elements that keep the bikini in place, also serve to support and enhance the natural curves of the female body, creating a visibly firmer and fitter look. In addition, all Latitude 10 (L10) surf bikinis are reversible, can be mixed and matched and come in a variety of eye-catching cuts.

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Shelter ramblings ... Too many bouncy dogs in one room makes for a busy two days of musical chairs: Do you like your neighbor now? No? - How 'bout now? .... Ants in the treat dispenser; Damn! ... Trail of blood all down the hallway leads to Ward F. Do I dare look inside? .... Pretty red-brindle girl flinches during ball toss, then belly crawls meekly, asking for comfort. Scribble YES on her paperwork to keep her safe ... Ants in the peanut butter now? Crap. .... Piglet decides playing with Jelly Roll Jones is fine. Good news. They'll sleep well tonight.... Why is Marley back? (The home skipped the part of the directions where dog-intros should go slooow & easy, not fast & crazy. Oops.) ... Scary dog slamming at the kennel door to get to me. Why is he still here? (Oh. His owner is fighting to get him back. Good grief.) ... The nearly-naked rooster flirts shamelessly with the hen. Hasn't he looked in the mirror lately? ... Long legged husky bows and smiles. Let's take a break and give him some time outside. He dances like Fred Astaire. Who lost this wonderful dog? ... Two females surrendered with a "Please dispose of this dog" signature from their owner. One will move to adoption; the other will be euthanized tomorrow...Piglet hides her treats under her kuranda bed ... Newman wags 'Thank you' for his kong ... The laundry is totally done. Amazing ... A terrier mix barks furiously through the fence ... Checking the locks, whispering good night to Ward T, thinking about dinner ... It sure feels like fall this evening.

Interested in doing shelter work? 

Ashley Tisdale one of the hot personality was seen in the Red Carpet. Her arrival was one of the most anticipated of the night, and Ashley Tisdale definitely didn’t disappoint the paparazzi outside of the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

One of the hottie actor in the movie “High School Musical” showed up turning heads in a sexy white sequined dress along with a pair of silver strap heels and matching silver bracelets.

She was looking gorgeous in her outfit and was the center of attraction in the whole function. Most of the young crowd was feeling lucky to see and meet her.

And with a host like the most outspoken Russell Brand, the sky is the limit for this year’s VMAs, taking place at the Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California.

Source : www.celebrity-gossip.net

I came across a quote in my Leadership textbook today during class and thought it provided some food for thought:

--President Ronald Reagan

Any thoughts?

Prepare For Chaos - That's What Designer Lucie Boshier Says She Is Planning For NZ Fashion Week This Year.

No stranger to controversy, the Auckland-based designer has in previous years distributed leaflets questioning the direction and morals of the fashion industry.

Last year a flyer showing a cartoon-esque figure - looking remarkably like Karl Lagerfield - positioned behind a skinny, pale model bent over snorting cocaine got the fashion industry's hackles up.

Although she's taken part in the public events at fashion week this will be her first year showing to those all-important overseas buyers.

Boshier says she is excited about the prospect of buyers from outside of New Zealand seeing her collection.

"Sometimes people come into my shop and look round and walk out and I think - you just don't get this, I know there's a much bigger market out there."

Boshier says that the run up to Fashion Week has been ‘crazy'.

Also said that “I thought sorting out the seating would be easier - I was saying to everyone - yeah I can find you a seat and then Fashion Week takes 40 seats for sponsors and then there are the buyers...and now I'm not sure I can fit everyone in."

All of Boshier's clothes are manufactured in New Zealand.

Inspiration for the latest collection is the musical Caberet.

"The collection is based on the Liza Minnelli character in the film - and we're going to have girls coming out of giant champagne glasses."

Sounds like the Lucie Boshier show will be a very interesting experience.

Source : http://www.stuff.co.nz

We hear tell that some very famous BR dogs are going to be out and about at two separate events this weekend in the bay area.

1. Doc's Clocks in San Francisco will be holding a fundraiser this Saturday, Sept 6 from 4-8pm. One half of the bar proceeds will benefit BAD RAP. WOOF! Organizer Carey even organized a silent auction to help buy extra good stuff for BR's dogs. Thank you Carey!

2. And all weekend long, BR dogs and their advocates will be at the Bay Area Pet Fair and Adoptathon at the Marin Center in San Rafael. Please stop by and talk pit bull with the gang.