Living XL Announces Unique New Products to Make Everyday Living Easier and a Lot More Comfortable

Living XL, a division of Casual Male Retail Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CMRG) proudly introduces the latest innovative products to make life more convenient and comfortable for plus-size men and women.

Sturdy, oversized chairs continue to be our most requested item – we now have more seating options than ever before:

--On-the-Go Portable Chairs

One of Living XL's most requested item is a durable, portable chair, now made exclusively for Living XL by TRAVELCHAIR?. These oversized canvas chairs are available in 500-lb. and 1,000-lb. weight capacities and have been quality tested to meet or exceed the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association standards.

All of our portable chairs are made of heavy-duty, high-quality materials and many come with handy carry bags. Choose from a range of solid colors, plus collegiate, NFL, and MLB team colors with logos.
http://www.livingxl.com/store/en_US/catalog/browse_product.jsp;jsessionid=XDWOVT5QEDJF1LAZAGRSFEVMDEA0IJVC?clear=true&catID=cat70187&id=cat70187

(VIDEO)
http://www.livingxl.com/store/en_US/general/PortableChair.htm

--Chairs for the Home

Another new seating option is the outdoor rocking chair with a 600-lb. weight capacity. It's made of durable resin that won't warp, rust, blister or peel, making it the perfect addition to any patio or porch.
http://www.livingxl.com/store/en_US/catalog/browse_sku.jsp?clear=true&catID=cat10145&prodId=X1855&id=cat190188

--Chairs for the Office
The hardest working new additions to your home office, in a choice of practical and durable vinyl or luxurious leather. The Vinyl Office Task Chair holds up to 500 lbs. The Executive Leather Office Chair holds up to 1,000 lbs. Each style features generous foam padding, adjustable screw base lift, oversized base with heavy-duty casters, and steel-reinforced construction.

Our best-selling office chairs provide practical comfort and long wearing durability. They're 50% wider than average chairs and support up to 1,000 lbs. Available with or without arms.

And for the ultimate in luxury office seating, experience the Ergocraft Atlas High-Back Office Chair with all the bells and whistles: sculptured design, built-in lumbar support, extra-thick padding, pivoting armrests, and so much more!
http://www.livingxl.com/store/en_US/catalog/browse_product.jsp;jsessionid=XPCM20SKAJOH1LAZAGRSFEVMDEA0IJVC?clear=true&catID=cat10141&id=cat10141

More Exciting New Living XL Offerings that Cater to Your Safety & Well-Being...

--GT. Seat Belt Extender? allows drivers and passengers to stay safe and be comfortable with just a simple click. This portable extender simply attaches to a car's standard seat belt, giving up to ten extra inches more length, keeping pressure off the body until restraint is required. It's available in two sizes and three colors. http://www.livingxl.com/store/en_US/catalog/browse_sku.jsp?clear=true&catID=cat360198&prodId=X1873&id=cat360198

These seat belts comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards organization to ensure safety.

--Fitness for All
From burst-resistant Body Balls to Professional Rowing Machines to Oversized Bicycles, Living XL offers a variety of safe solutions to staying healthy.
http://www.livingxl.com/store/en_US/catalog/browse_sku.jsp?catID=cat10097&id=cat10097&prodId=X1797&src=quickOrder&source=Search&_requestid=32704

http://www.livingxl.com/store/en_US/catalog/browse_sku.jsp?catID=cat10097&id=cat10097&prodId=X1808&src=quickOrder&source=Search&_requestid=32706

Living XL is dedicated to providing products for big and tall men and women that are specially and proportionally designed with certain needs, sizes and weight capacities in mind.

About LIVING XL and Casual Male Retail Group
Living XL is a division of Casual Male Retail Group, Inc. CMRG is the largest retailer of big and tall men's apparel with operations throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Casual Male Retail Group, Inc. operates 465 Casual Male XL retail and outlet stores, over 20 Rochester Clothing stores, and direct to consumer businesses which include several catalogs and e-commerce sites. The Company is headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, and its common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "CMRG."

For Information, Contact:                            
Ric Della Bernarda
Sr. Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
Casual Male Retail Group, Inc.
781. women's coats 828.9300

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DownEast Basics Opens New Glendale and Tempe Arizona Stores

DownEast Basics, a high-style, low-price fashion retailer that specializes in trendy fashions as well as modest clothing, announced today that it will celebrate the successful opening of two new Arizona stores by offering shoppers the chance to win a shopping spree with four friends at all of its Arizona locations in October. DownEast's most recent openings include stores at the Arrowhead Town Center in Glendale and the Tempe Market Place in Tem women's jackets pe. The retailer now operates five stores in Arizona.

"Arizona has been a major focus for us in our recent expansion efforts," said Klane Murphy, CEO, DownEast Basics. "The decision to open the new Tempe and Glendale locations was driven entirely by the growing demand we saw in the Greater Phoenix area for our high-style, low-price fashions. We look forward to continuing to provide our customers in Arizona with the fun, guilt-free shopping experiences they seek at our stores."

Already, the two new locations are proving to be popular – generating even greater sales than expected based on previous Arizona store openings. To show customers its appreciation for their loyalty and support, DownEast will offer all of its Arizona shoppers a chance to enter a "Shopping's More Fun with Your Girlfriends" giveaway that will run from Friday, October 22 to Friday, October 29. Customers will have the chance to register in person at all area stores for the giveaway and also enjoy special grand opening promotions. The giveaway will award one lucky winner a shopping experience valued at $200 and also present a $50 gift certificate to each of four friends selected by the winner. The winner does not have to be present at the time of the drawing on Saturday, October 30, to win.

For contest updates and apparel fashion news, local customers can join the DownEast Basics Facebook Fan Page. They can also follow the DownEast By Design blog (downeastbasicsblog.com) for special insights from DownEast's Product Development Team.

Visit the New DownEast Basics Stores in Glendale and Tempe

DownEast Basics' latest store openings took place in late September and early October, with the new locations at the Arrowhead Towne Center (7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Suite #2043, Glendale) and Tempe Market Place (2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy Space #H-4, Tempe). Collectively, the two stores have hired 15 new employees.

About DownEast Basics

DownEast Basics (http://www.downeastbasics.com) offers high-design looks on a bargain basement budget for today's cost-conscious yet fashionable consumer. The DownEast Basics clothing line features smart layering pieces and wardrobe enhancing garments so you can embrace the American classic look with your own sense of style.

Shop for cute tops, modest dresses and accessories for women and girls at DowneastBasics.com.

The fast-growing retailer operates nationally with its Basics line via its online store in addition to 41locations throughout the West including Utah, California, Idaho, Arizona, Washington, Nevada and Wyoming.

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Six Designers and 18 Fashion Bloggers Rip Runway for Charity

On Monday, December 13 bloggers, young professionals, philanthropists and fashion industry professionals will be present to witness six designers, 18 fashion/lifestyle bloggers and a special belly dance wear fashion show by Decotach by Angela Lambru Belly Dance Fashion/Costume designer at the "Bloggers Soiree Presents: Fashion Is Never Bottomless" charity benefit for Bottomless Closet NYC. Bottomless Closet is a non-profit organization providing clothing, resume writing services, workshops, financial management, and professional development services to disadvantaged women in New York City. 75% of the proceeds will be donated to the charity.

Kendall Farrell, Executive Director of Bottomless Closet, opened her doors to the Bloggers Soiree with welcome arms when Desiree Frieson, founder/organizer of the Bloggers Soiree, presented the idea of organizing a unique and fun fashion show and benefit in honor of the non-profit. "Bottomless Closet is thrilled to participate in fun and innovative events like the Blogger Soiree fashion show," said Farrell, "It helps us to raise awareness of the work that we do which ultimately supports women who are transitioning back into work."

"I want to create a fun and unique way for bloggers to come together and give back to the community via service and attending these events," said Frieson, " We bloggers have an amazing voice and reach into larger audiences to help raise awareness for lesser known charities." Frieson put out a call to leading and emerging fashion designers to come together for a night of charity and Gwen Beloti, Viva Aviva, Astrophel and Stella by Kristin Klonoski., Caycee Black, Hare + Hart and the PR office for Tracy Reese answered the call for charitable duty. A wide response was received from the blogging community and 18 bloggers committed their time and services for the "Fashion Is Never Bottomless" charity benefit.

Bloggers include: Hazel Sy of "Tasty Pursuits"; KerryYanique & Jae London of "Champagne Dreams"; Nicole Colon of "Style Me Bad"; Naima Sanowar of "The Adventurista"; celebrity blogger Tia Walker of "The Quest for It"; Grace Gold of AOL's "StyleList"; designer and blogger Lace Swan; Yvonne Lee of well known social event calendar "Socially Superlative"; Lauren Washington of "The Queen of Hearts" blog; Tiffani Rogers of "Accidental Chic"; Christie Neptune of "Underthemush.com", Taylor VanAllen of "SkillSlate.com"; stylist Kalyn Johnson of "Possess Your STYLE"; Ysolt Usigan of "MyMomIsFabulous.com"; Melissa Hall of "Melissa Hall Concepts"; Sally Golan of company Social Media Exposure; and Ericka Rodriguez of La Vue PR.

Special features include: a live performance by International singer-songwriter, Alexis Foxe, a Cuban and Colombian singer set to release her first album in coming months; belly dance wear fashion show by Decotach; and music by DJ/Designer Haleh. Bottomless Closet will host an accessories drive at the event. Guests are welcome to bring and donate scarves, gloves, hats, shows, jewelry, and clothing. IRS tax forms will be available for all donations. Raymond Hakimi of Jewels of Ocean will display elegant jewelry from his collection.

Sponsors include:

TouchofFabulous.com, an online boutique shopping experience featuring unique emerging designers, a service of tracking down those hard-to-find, luxury items featured in the fashion magazines, and sought-after trunk shows for women who appreciate individual style; Media sponsor, Social Exposure Media, a Sally Golan film/PR/media company; event sponsor The Independent Handbag Designers Awards, founded by Handbag Designer 101, the handbag designer resource, The Independent Handbag Designer Awards is the only international design competition to discover, recognize and create brand awareness for independent handbag designers; and event sponsor Good Girl PR, a PR company specializing in business, entertainment, beauty, fashion, and digital PR. Good Girl will provide massage therapists from Just 1 Touch Massage Therapy

Gift bag products were donated by Sacred Space Acupuncture, Avon, Arbonne International, Arganica, Salon DP Lorana, products from Carol's Daughter, Pooka Pure and Simple products, and lipsticks By Lauren Luke. Makeup will be provided by Jillyan Scarpa, Makeup Artist of Skin Bar Paint and Hair Studio.

The "Fashion Is Never Bottomless" charity benefit is hosted by DesireeFrieson.com, RedRoverStyle.com (founded by sisters Rachael Ann Lechliter and Elena Baxter) and supporting partner HerJourneymag.com (founded by Danielle Fontus). The event will be managed by event planner, Angela Armstrong of "It's A Chick Thing LLC"" career coaching company. Tickets are selling for $20.00-$35 and can be purchased at http://bottomlessclosetgala.eventbrite.com. For sponsorship/in-kind donation inquires please contact Desiree Frieson at FriesoDe@gmail.com. Individuals with official press credentials, please contact Desiree Frieson at bloggerssoiree(at)gmail(dot)com. Red Rover Public Relations and their team of Rover Strategists will live blog /live tweet about the guests and their brands.

About DesireeFrieson.com/The Bloggers Soiree
DesireeFrieson.com is a collection of Desiree Frieson's random musings on all topics social media, television, film, music, books and much more. The main focus of this up and coming online resource is to educate social media beginners on digital marketing best practices and provide solutions to basic online marketing/branding challenges. For more information, visit http://www.desireefrieson.com

The Mission of the Bloggers Soiree is to galvanize bloggers, young philanthropists and professionals to use the power of their social networks and circles to bring about social change through hosting charity functions to benefit lesser known charities and non-profits in the New York Metro Area. For more information visit http://www.bloggerssoiree.com.

About RedRoverStyle.com
Red Rover Style is an online lifestyle and charity magazine that exists to bring people together to dialogue, inspire, and network with the rover community. Red Rover Style is an insider's guide to new and emerging talent while sharing tips on beauty, fashion, NYC hotsp women's coats ots, travel, food, entertainment, current events and more! Red Rover Style is also a channel for people to learn about different charities and learn about philanthropic events. For more information, visit http://www.redroverstyle.com.

About Bottomless Closet NYC
The mission of Bottomless Closet is to help disadvantaged New York City women become self-sufficient through a comprehensive program that begins with business attire and interview preparation and continues with professional development, financial management and personal enrichment. Using the model of women helping women and our network of dedicated volunteers, Bottomless Closet enhances our clients' self-esteem and self-confidence in order for them to enter and succeed in the workforce and improve the quality of their lives. For more information visit
http://www.bottomlessclosetnyc.org/

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Women Take Control of the 'Financial' Purse Strings

Thirty-five years since Charlie's Angels – the icons of 'Independent Women' the world over – first aired, research by Halifax Savings shows that women in today's society are financially women's jackets independent and want to take control of the 'financial' purse strings in their household.

The nation's women not only want to have their own savings pot and maintain control over it, but also want to influence financial decisions in their household. Financial independence is more strongly felt in London, where the 'Bridget Jones effect' has taken hold.

'Independent Women'
Nine in ten women (89%) consider it important to save money or to have their own savings account. Over half (52%) of women think it is important to save money to maintain financial independence and a further two in five (18%) to maintain a safety net in case anything goes wrong in their relationship. 15% are less concerned with relationship problems and are more interested in controlling their own spending and saving habits.

'Financial' purse strings
Women have a strong desire to take control of the 'financial' purse strings in a household. When it comes to taking responsibility for the household budget, three fifths of women (59%) share this with their partner and over one third (35%) happily do this themselves. However, only 2% hand over responsibility to their partner.

Women also take more control, than men, over larger financial decisions, such as buying a new car. Although over half of women (57%) are happy to share the responsibility with their partners, over one third (35%) are solely responsible for these decisions, with only 3% passing responsibility to their partner.

The 'Bridget Jones effect'
Women in London have a stronger desire for financial independence, as the 'Bridget Jones effect' has taken hold. Bridget – the thirty-something working woman living in London - was a nineties icon of 'singletons'.'

Over half of women (54%) in London, take the lead on big financial decisions, with four fifths (43%) sharing responsibility with their partners. They are also the sole decision maker when it comes to smaller financial decisions, such as buying food and clothes. Over two thirds (67%) make these decisions themselves with only three in ten (30%) sharing responsibility. This is in contrast to 57% and 38% at a national level.

The 'Bridget Jones's' are also most likely to take sole responsibility for the household budget (44%), followed by the West Midlands and Wales (40%). Less than three in ten women in the East (28%) and South East (29%) would carry out this task.

It should also come as no surprise that alongside the East (95%) and North East (94%) regions, almost all of the women in London (95%) consider it important to save money or have their own savings pot. Almost a fifth (17%) of women in the South West did not consider it important to have their own savings.

Flavia Palacios, head of Halifax Savings, said;

"It is interesting to see how important it is for women to establish their own savings, maintain control over them and the 'financial' purse strings in the household, especially in London where the 'Bridget Jones effect' has taken hold.

"Getting into the savings habit and maintaining control over your saving and spending habits is good advice for anyone, but has become increasingly so in the current economic climate."

Notes to editors
Research conducted by ICM Research amongst 948 women in December 2010.

For further information please contact:

Claire Miller     Tel: 01422 332833/07900 276400        Email: clairemiller(at)halifax(dot)co(dot)uk
Deepa Bose     Tel: 020 7356 2374                Email: deepa(dot)bose(at)Lloydstsb(dot)co(dot)uk

Web: http://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/media.asp

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How To Sell More Wholesale Suits For Women Starting Today Article Published By Donny Lowy, The CEO Of CloseoutExplosion.com

Tips for how to sell more wholesale suits for women starting today has been published by Donny Lowy, the CEO of Closeout Explosion, a New York warehouse that sells wholesale suits for women. Donny has written an article that contains practical retail tips that can be used by retailers to sell more office and corporate suits for ladies. With the demand for office outfits very strong in African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia, and the request for Church suits by retailers in the Caribbean being strong, Donny has compiled ideas which can help these retailers increase their sales volume.

Closeout Explosion reviews the wholesale suit business in this fashion website, including tips such as:

-How To Attract Repeat Shoppers To Your Suit Boutique
-Tips For Moving Unsold Office Suits
-How To Generate Interest For A Brand Such As Suit Studio In A Market Unfamiliar With It
-Great Ways To Attract New Shoppers To Your Suit Business
-Innovative Ideas For Running A Fashion Sale
-Tools For Marketing Designer Wear To Your Clients
-How Focusing On Successful People Can Help You Sell More Brand Name Clothing

"The demand for premium suits is highly influenced by the growing corporate sector in developing markets. The desire of designer brands such as Tahari, Jones New York, Calvin Klein, and Nine West, is promulgated by the reach of the Internet as women in countries such as South Africa and the Bahamas are exposed to marketing by American and European clothing labels. In addition, the growth of international travel has also helped expose many fashionable brand names to Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East," said Donny Lowy, the CEO of the whole Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) sale export business.

CloseoutExplosion.com is able to supply brand name suits at overstock prices through his liquidation website, and at his Brooklyn wholesale warehouse, by purchasing department store overstock, high end store returns, and closeout deals. The savings are then passed on to retailers and wholesale showrooms, allowing them to enjoy potentially high profit margins. For example, a department store will want to clear out last season's clothing inventory, which Donny Lowy will purchase and then resell to apparel shops located anywhere from the New York Fashion District to downtown Abuja.

The warehouse is open to retailers who are welcome to visit the warehouse. Online ordering is also available, as well as international shipping which can often be done on a freight collect basis through DBSchenker or Express Air Freight.

New Organic Cotton Baby Collections from Sckoon

Sckoon Organics, a leading wholesaler/retailer of organic baby apparel, has launched two new collections, ZEN and KABUKI. Always on the forefront of the latest fashion trends, both lines were influenced by Japanese sensibility and designed by Satoko Asai, the creator of the best selling organic baby kimono lines; Baby Ninja Kimono and Round Kimonos.

Sckoon has created a new niche for baby clothing by selling bold colored and whimsical apparel. All of their products are made with environment friendly dyes and from 100% certified organic cotton. Their exceptionally soft cotton is incomparable to others.

The ZEN collection features kimonos and pants patterned with traditional Japanese motifs, such as Origami cranes. "The crane print was inspired by the Japanese myth that if you make 1,000 Origami cranes, your wish will come true," said Asai. Other prints in this collection include Zuiun (clouds of omen in Japan), Plum, Butterfly and Bamboo.

The KABUKI collection consists of kimonos, pants, caps, and booties with stunning color contrasts that evoke the passion and spirit of Japanese Kabuki. The bold chocolate color creates a striking contrast against the vibrant tassels. "Today there are more fashion forward consumers who are looking for alternatives to pink and blue," the designer explains. "These collections are unique, fun, practical and fashionable."    

Sckoon offers the largest collection of organic baby kimonos. Their designs offer a blend of eastern aesthetics and western practicality. Kimonos are the new sought after "must have". Parents are stocking up on this new trendy apparel that provides both flexibility and comfort for babies of all ages. Sckoon offers more than 20 styles of organic baby kimonos, retailing from $14.00 - $32.00. Not only is the cotton soothing soft, all snaps are nickel free, and some styles' stitches are on the outside of the garment to avoid skin irritation.

ORGANIC COTTON
Known for its incredible softness, absorbency, and ability to breathe, organic cotton is pure and safe for a baby's sensitive skin. The cotton is hand-picked and grown without the use of chemical fertilizers ensuring consumer safety. "Babies develop their senses by the serene smell and softness of the fabric," says Satoko. "Sckoon's clothing is designed to naturally stimulate a baby to help connect them with their family by capturing the beauty of the world around them."

Contrary to the popular belief that cotton is a "natural" fabric, the current manufacturing methods of conventional cotton employs the use of up to 25% of insecticides and more than 10% of pesticides. In the year 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency deemed seven of the pesticides used in cotton production in the U.S. as "probable" or "known" human carcinogens such as acephate, dichloropropene, diuron, fluometuron, pendimethalin, tribufos, and trifluralin

Organic cotton, on the other hand, is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers. Sckoon's partner factories located in Egypt and India are model enterprises for biodynamic agriculture and fair trade.

ABOUT SCKOON:
Located in New York, Sckoon offers a line of organic baby clothing with a wide variety of styles from the classic to the fashion-forward. The line includes baby kimonos, onesies, caps, hats, tees, pants, blankets, and dolls along with a cloth diapering system. Sckoon also recently launched a first time ever preemie kimono line and plan to introduce organic pet apparel this fall. All products are made of 100% certified organic cotton. Metal free dyes make it safe for babies to put the dolls in their mouths. Sckoon also offers 100% organic cotton reusable menstrual & postpartum pads for women as a healthy alternative to disposable products. Sckoo Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) n products can be found at specialty retailers and online/mail order catalogs throughout the U.S., Canada, France, England, Finland, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Korea and Japan.

For more information or to review our products, visit http://www.sckoon.com. Please feel free to download images from our website. To request photography samples, please call our Customer Service at 1-877-671-2145.

Contact: Satoko Asai
1-631-728-1784 (NY)

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Global Swimwear Market to Reach $17.6 Billion by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts

The desire of women to look fashionable by the pool and at the beach is driving demand for bikines and swimsuits; and these changing trends in fashion are prompting designers to update swimwear and beachwear costumes regularly. Increasing incorporation of fashion elements into swimwear is attracting more consumers, especially the new generation. The women's swimwear fashion is led by asymmetric designs, bold colors, African and geometric prints and the classic yet modern silhouettes. This trend is noticeable in several new collections, such as The Secret Designer Collections of Victoria comprising push-up tankini-tops in tiger prints and dots and one-piece Red Carter Giraffe cutout. The latest New York Runway fashion includes jungle and tribal prints in their collections.

Currently, consumers sport swimwear in all seasons, which is driving business growth. The way men regard swimwear changed over the years and the product is increasingly moving into the casual clothing category. With conventional men becoming more conscious about their looks, designers are expanding product options, leading to increased business. There is a growing use of swimwear such as shorts, particularly boardshorts as casual clothing. A key reason for entry of fashion into men's swimwear is more men sporting silhouettes, including ones that reveal body shape. While sports brands are becoming more fashionable, fashion brands are getting more sports functionality.

Europe and the United States dominate the global swimwear and beachwear market, as stated by the new market research report on swimwear and beachwear market. Major drivers for the swimwear and beachwear market include relaxed dress codes, increasing interest in body care, social mobility, and improved performance of textile industry. The developing world such as the South East Asia a Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) nd China provide a greater opportunity for the growth of the swimwear market as the western swimwear habits gain hold in the developing nations. Swimwear for older women, made of specialty fabrics, supporting their physique, serve to propel growth of swimwear among older women. Other drivers for swimwear and beachwear include the growth of the beauty and spa industry along with an increased demand for specialty swimwear by women.

Key players profiled in the report include American Apparel, Inc., Diana Sport, Eveden Group, Equatorsun Ltd., Jantzen, Inc., La Perla Group, Nitches, Inc., NOZONE Clothing Limited, O'Neill, Inc., PARAH S.p.A, Pentland Group plc, Perry Ellis International, Inc., Quiksilver, Inc., Seafolly, Seaspray (UK) Ltd., Swim Suit Company, Tefron, The Wet Seal, Inc., TYR Sport, Inc., VF Corporation, and Warnaco Group, Inc., among others.

The report titled "Swimwear and Beachwear: A Global Strategic Business Report" announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a comprehensive review of industry overview, product overview, product introductions/innovations, profiles of major players, and recent industry activity. The study analyzes market data and analytics in terms of value and volume sales for The United States, Europe, Brazil, and Rest of World.

For more details about this research report, please visit http://www.strategyr.com/Swimwear_and_Beachwear_Market_Report.asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a reputed publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company is globally recognized as one of the world's largest market research publishers. The company employs more than 700 people worldwide and publishes more than 880 full-scale research reports each year. Additionally, the company also offers a range of more than 60,000 smaller research products including company reports, market trend reports and industry reports encompassing all major industries worldwide.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
Telephone 408-528-9966
Fax 408-528-9977
Web Site http://www.strategyr.com/

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Glamplaza.com – A New Website for Professional Women who Want to Conquer their Professional and Fashion Desire and Live in Style

Glam Plaza is a newly launched website that features many beauty tips, fashion advice and other great tips and articles about healthy living, fashion and the newest and greatest trends. Glam Plaza makes it so that staying updated with new styles can be easy and quite fun.

The website was launched for the sole purpose to provide tips, articles and the latest advice on the newest and cutest styles and other ways to live "in style" and with happiness.

Glam Plaza does their market research to only provide the best clothing, accessories shoes, makeup and jewelry. In clothing there are a variety of styles in tunics, jeans, dresses, shorts, skirts, halter-tops and other professional apparel as well. The goal is to provide the customers with the best prices and honest reviews so that there is no going wrong with any purchase. The website thrives to only keep the best clothing on display, for a great price!

Glam Plaza features lots of apparel, from vibrant colors, to comfort, to exotic designs, to vintage to unique designs to wear anywhere and everywhere. The attire is catered to business professionals and young women alike so that they can always look confident, in and out of work.

The website features many deals for international clothing, from exuberant places like Europe and Asia. There are many branded clothes that are sold with great prices from some of the top vendors and named companies in the fashion industry and business.

At Glam Plaza, we value the need for the latest trends and which is why the website is regularly updated to reflect the newest trends on the market today. With the changing seasons, we keep on top by bringing out summer fashions and winter fashions according to demand and popular desire. Since fashion styles are always changing, here one day and gone the next, Glam Plaza goes the extra mile to make sure the website reflects each trend accurately. There are many resources on the Internet and glam plaza does it's best to keep in consistent and rule out the fad designs from the styles that are here to stay.

The whole mantra is "live in style". The website has many fashion tips and other advice's, along with a great database of clothes, all updated by the season. Glam Plaza's vision is to provide clothes for any type of person with a keen eye on quality and prices. The clothes an Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) d accessories featured on the website are ideal for travelers, business women and any other women just looking to "wow" with their keen taste of fashion and grasp on overall styles.

With the beautiful spring weather here and the summer eater right around the corner, make sure to check the website for cute sun dresses and sunglasses to keep the sun away. The spring weather has brought many new and cool articles of clothing to wear while at the beach or just having fun in the sun!

Glam Plaza also encourages interactions. Follow us on Facebook, twitter and Google Plus for our latest updates on spring and summer clothing. If you have anything to add, or to just let us know how we are doing, interact with us on social networks. In the future, Glam plaza is planning to host contests and sweepstakes, so stay tuned. Glam Plaza appreciates the growing fan base.

Visit Glam Plaza for other cool trends and outfits to suit any occasion.

BoHo Chic' Struts Off the Runway, On To Furniture - La-Z-Boy from High Point: Furniture Market: Free-Spirited Fabrics Illustrate Furniture Fashion

Fresh from spring showrooms, the trend report for home furnishings is out and according to La-Z-Boy, "BoHo chic" will soon be seen in living rooms throughout the country. From fabrics with florals and ornate designs to stripes and bursting patterns, BoHo chic, or Bohemian Rhapsody as La-Z-Boy is calling it, is one trend your home can "wear" all year long.

The bohemian trend made a splash in women's wear this fall, and now showrooms at the High Point Furniture Market are highlighting Bohemian Rhapsody, a combination of women's coats online "old world" and fashion-forward styles. Often classified as a "hippy" look, Bohemian Rhapsody makes its way into home décor with the same oranges, browns and golds that make its layered looks so lovely on ladies. Each Bohemian Rhapsody fabric brings life to the living room – patterns translate seamlessly to sofas, loveseats and chairs and the multiple BoHo colors complement solid paint colors and accessories.    

Furniture Follows Fashion
"Furniture often follows fashion, and in recent years trends are moving from the runway to the living room very quickly," said Penny Eudy, product manager of upholstery for La-Z-Boy. "Just like clothing is a personal taste, La-Z-Boy offers a wide-selection of furniture options, including fabric choices that fit your lifestyle."

New to Market, La-Z-Boy is showing fabrics that embody Bohemian Rhapsody including "Vanity" pattern in "Maple" and "Tolland" pattern in "Paprika." As shown in these fabrics, Bohemian Rhapsody includes an earthy color palette, bursting with hues of orange, red, brown and gray. The style incorporates the Bohemian lifestyle of free self-expression and comes to life with a collection of free-formed, whimsical patterns.

"The Bohemian lifestyle centers around individualism and choice, which is what consumers will get with these new fabric options," said Eudy. "Each pattern has an expressive look that allows consumers to identify with a particular style and incorporate it into their home decor."

To see the new Bohemian Rhapsody style, go to http://www.lzb3D.com to view the colors in a 3D room layout. Or, consumers can visit http://www.la-z-boy.com and search for fabrics in the design center.

About La-Z-Boy
Headquartered in Monroe, Mich., La-Z-Boy is one of the world's leading residential furniture producers. The company manufactures a full line of comfortable products for the living room and family room, including the company's world-famous recliners, reclining sofas and love seats, sleep sofas, modular furniture and leather upholstery, as well as stationary sofas, love seats and chairs. It is a division of La-Z-Boy Incorporated (NYSE: LZB), one of the world's leading residential furniture producers, marketing furniture for every room of the home. "Live life comfortably(SM)."

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Exhibitor Space Now Available for the Project 2011 Beauty and Fashion Extravaganza

Project 2011 offers designers, manufacturers and shop owners the opportunity to get "face-to-face" time with high caliber retail buyers. The event is expected to bring together thousands of executives and buyers women's jackets from major companies in the apparel and beauty industries' supply chain, who will attend to take advantage of the opportunity to track trends, find new resources and place orders.

The theme of this two-day celebration given to honor women of achievement is "Bite the Spirit of Fun with Fashion and Beauty." Benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The vendor expo will take place from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm each day. Live entertainment and a designer denim auction will also help to bring in members of the general public. Each evening (from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am) will feature a tent, huge stage, gigantic runway, a unique and entertaining fashion presentation and , with celebrities in attendance. As part of the evening event, fashions will be presented in context, in scenes meant to portray the emotion and relevance of the designs.

"Project 2011 offers exhibitors an excellent money making opportunity. Project 2011 event will be a huge draw with everyone from industry heavy weights to the fashion-conscious public. We'll be keeping the Expo open until 11:00 pm, to give everyone plenty of time to shop."

To reserve a space at the vendor expo, visit http://www.project2011.com/main/exibitors.php Please note that exhibitors will provide their own booths (including tables, chairs, displays, etc.).

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Spirit for Living Fights Poverty with Donation to the Hamels Foundation

Though founded less than a year ago, Spirit for Living, a daily and active women's brand, is already living true to their promise of making an impact on women's lives here and around the world. Founder and Designer Jennifer D. Smith recently donated $2,500 worth of clothing to benefit the Hamels Foundation's annual Diamonds & Denim Event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "I am committed to improving the lives of women and families. Spirit for Living is more than a brand, it is a way of life," stated Jennifer. The Hamels Foundation is an international not-for-profit organization that strives to end extreme poverty through education.

In September 2010, after years of research and planning, Jennifer launched Spirit for Living, a women's clothing brand of stylish yet comfortable daywear made from organic and nature fibers. Having traveled extensively around the world for business and pleasure, Jennifer has witnessed firsthand extreme poverty and its devastating path of destruction. "I have been to various places in the Middle East, Asia, South America and even right in the U.S. where I have witnessed poverty and all of the various social effects it has on families and communities. It is amazing how education can dramatically affect children by providing encouragement, self-esteem and knowledge about themselves and the world around them. The correlation between education and poverty, nutrition and income levels support why this excellent cause is so important. I commend organizations that tackle this grave societal concern."

Over the past few years, Jennifer has donated hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to support various social causes such as early childhood cancer, sustainable waste management and homelessness. Her passion for social development and sustainable living is the main driver that led her to Spirit for Living. Jennifer noticed the proliferation of waste and usage of harsh chemicals in the clothing industry and wanted to fill that gap with an eco-friendly brand. She developed Spirit for Living clothing to provide women with durable and classic pieces made from natural fibers. Spirit for Living does not end there, one of the founding missions of this organization is to support the global community by encouraging women and families to live more cognizant and thoughtful lives.

"I applaud the Hamel Foundation for the strides they have made for women, families and generations to come to end poverty-induced social injustice by empowering young people." Attendees of the Diamonds & Denim event will receive a gift bag with a $50 voucher towards any Spirit for Living online purchases. The voucher is good for one year.

"Spirit for Living will continue to support social causes that improve the lives of women and families around the world. That is our promise."

For more information or media inquiries regarding Spirit for Living, please contact Cynthia Cook, Spirit for Living Media Relations at PR(at)SpiritForLiving(dot)com or via phone at (866) 238-2319.

The Facts:

Who: Spirit for Living, a women's daily and active wear brand headquartered in New York City, donates $2,500 worth of women's clothing to the Hamel Foundation's Diamonds & Denim Event. One of many philanthropic endeavors that Jennifer Smith and Spirit for Living are committed to supporting.

What: Attendees of the Diamonds & Denim Event will receive a gift bag that includes a $50 clothing voucher for Spirit for Living, a women's daily and active wear.

When: The Hamel Foundation's annual Diamonds & Denim Event will be held in Philadelphia, PA on August 11, 2011.

Where: The Diamonds & Denim Event will be held in Philadelphia, PA.

Why: Spirit for Living is committed to supporting causes that improve the lives of women and families in the U.S. and worldwide. This sponsorship demonstrates the commitment Spirit for Living has towards social causes and sustainable living.

Spirit for Living supports healthy living by creating women's daily and active wear that is high quality, affordable, and beautiful. Spirit for Livin women's coats g provides clothes that are comfortable, versatile, natural and socially responsible!

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Petite Me, A Premium Full Service Children’s Clothing and Accessories Boutique is Finally Here

Fashionable and custom baby products are the latest must-have. Petite Me, LLC is an online boutique for premium children's clothing and accessories. Petite Me caters to Boys and Girls ages Newborn through age 7, and offers brands such as Emile et Rose, Kate Mack, Wes and Willy, Ben Sherman, and Giggle Moon, to name a f women's jackets ew. The Gift Boutique offers unique and fun gifts for that special baby shower or birth along with gift-wrap services. The Birthday Boutique can outfit your little one for that very special birthday occasion.

Not only does this boutique carry the most trendy lines out there but their concierge service is top notch assisting busy moms around the country find that perfect attire for their little fashionista. A concierge isn't just for hotels and vacations. Moms need assistance too, even just to keep their little ones in style. These were the words of inspiration upon which Petite Me, LLC was founded. The founders being two women who haven't left each other's side since the ninth grade. Deanna Russo, took the business route as a high profile career woman on Wall Street. Those 15-20 hour work days as vice president came to a close when she became a mother herself. Nicole Ryder, a fashion veteran, went with her passion and has assisted the wardrobes of shoppers from Saks Fifth Ave to flourishing Internet sites. Two very driven career women on very different career paths in life were always bonded together by their love for fashion and the finer things in life. This common bond shared between two close friends, who always aspired working together one day, developed into the concept now known as Petite Me. Fashion and finance finally came together.

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Four Million Say It Would Take Being Burgled to Get Insurance, Post Office Data Shows

Almost four million people admit it would take being burgled to make them consider getting their possessions insured, according to new data from Post Office Home Insurance[i], which also revealed over eleven million people (23 per cent) do not have their home contents insured.

Worryingly, a third (34 per cent) of those without insurance say they would only consider taking out insurance once their home had been burgled, rat women's coats her than seeking peace of mind by getting cover to protect their belongings from theft, loss or damage. A fifth (18 per cent) of those without insurance also said that a family or friend being burgled would have the same effect. For 14 per cent of people without insurance, reports of crime in the area would make them consider taking out a policy.

A quarter of people (26 per cent) believe that insurance may be too costly. One in five of those who are uninsured (21 per cent) feel they don't need insurance, and one in ten (11 per cent) think it is a waste of money. However, 29 per cent of those without insurance say they're worried about not having cover; this figure rises to a third (33 per cent) of women.

Post Office head of Home Insurance Gerry Barrett said: "Anyone who waits until they or someone they know is burgled is playing a game of chance with their possessions. It's not just opportunistic burglars that people need to protect your valuables from, but also hazards such as fires, floods or other accidental damage."

For well over a million people[ii] getting a new gadget is the trigger they need to take out contents insurance. Of these people almost half (46 per cent) say they would take out insurance if they bought an iPhone or other Smartphone.

Gerry Barrett continued: "It's not just your latest mod con which needs to be insured, and anyone who is waiting until they buy high-tech items could be putting the rest of their possessions at risk in the meantime. Few people would be able to afford to replace even the basics in their home such as clothes, kitchen equipment or furniture.

When it comes to the items we place most value on in our homes it's laptops that top the bill, followed by items including jewellery, heirlooms or antiques, mobile phones and entertainment systems. A good night's sleep is also important with beds featuring in the top ten of items which are most important to people.

Gerry Barrett continued: "While monthly payments can be off-putting, being able to replace those expensive gadgets and jewellery should you need is priceless for those who simply cannot afford to fork out for new ones. Underestimating the value of cover, or leaving it until after you need it, is not a risk worth taking."

Post Office Home Insurance policies includes personal possessions cover of up to ?1,500 as standard. Post Office Home Insurance also guarantees to beat the renewal premium offered by your current insurer by at least ?25.

To find out more about Post Office Home Insurance visit http://www.postoffice.co.uk, call 0800 434 6731, or pop into your local branch.

For more information, please contact:

Ruth Barker
Post Office Press Office        
0207 250 2468 / 07575 888841

Notes to Editors:

[i] Populus interviewed 2,102 adults via an online survey between 09 - 11 September 2011.

UK adult population 49,121,000

23% do not have contents insurance = 11,297,830

34% say being burgled would make them take out cover; 34% of 11,297,830 = 3,841,262

[ii] 12% of uninsured UK adults (11,297,830) said they would take out insurance when they bought a new gadget = 1,355,740

Top Ten valued items revealed by survey – ranked in order of value (importance, not cost):

1. Laptop/ computer
2. Photographs
3. Jewellery
4. Family heirloom
5. Mobile phone / smartphone
6. Entertainment system
7. DVD / music collection
8. Bed
9. Clothes
10. Camera

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DinoDirect's Leads Consumers into the Biggest Christmas Countdown Sale of the Year

Everyone loves to wake up and find exciting gifts and treats stuffed in their Christmas socks. DinoDirect is giving all consumers the chance to find the ideal gifts for their loved ones as the clock counts down to Christmas.

"Join the Grand Christmas Countdown; let DinoDirect lead you into our Biggest X'mas Sale Ever! The year's collections of high quality products are being updated here every week." The store's manager spoke about the countdown sale.

Shoppers are now searching for the ideal Christmas Presents for their loved ones. The online retailer is aware that consumers are looking for desirable gifts at affordable prices and that is why they have placed their top products on sale. From trendy clothes to high-tech electronic gadgets; the store has a selection of ideal gifts to choose from.

The Android Tablet remains amongst the top list of gifts for most consumers, and the store is offering their collections of Tablets on sale. The reason why these devices have maintained global popularity is because they could be considered as part of the 'Green Campaign.' They eliminate the need for paper usage in learning institutions and the work place. These devices have also been able to revolutionize how people access entertainment and carry on with their work while on the go.

RC helicopters and stuffed animals are also some of the popular gift choices which are up for sale during DinoDirect's Christmas countdown promotion. Contrary to popular belief, stuffed toys are not only ideal gifts for children b women's coats ut they are the perfect gifts for vehicle owners who want to personalize their cars. Radio controlled toys on the other hand are ideal for everyone; they give the young at heart an opportunity to rekindle their childhood. The store has a diverse range of other ideal gifts for children as the store manager explains, "Christmas is the time to enjoy fun and happiness, and we know it! We have thousands of Christmas gifts for toys and hobbies. Have a good look around; find the best inspirational ideas for ideal Christmas Gifts."

The online store has also placed their diverse selection of products on sale including home and garden products, sporting goods, cell phones, cameras and other electronic products.

Consumers have the opportunity to stock up on the store's selection of men's and women's winter clothes in readiness for the chilly weather that accompanies this festive season.

Consumers will benefit greatly from DinoDirect's Christmas countdown sale, because this is the time to buy Christmas gifts at affordable prices. Consumers who take advantage of the sale on the 5th of December are entitled to an extra 5% discount coupon code.

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Yoga and Athletic Wear Designer, TerraFrog Clothing Corporation, Celebrates Four Year Anniversary with Huge 24 Hour Flash Sale

Women's Sportswear designer, TerraFrog Clothing Corporation, announced today that the company will hold a one day online flash sale on January 28, 2012, to celebrate four years in the apparel industry. The Canadian athletic wear company officially launched their designer sportswear line four years ago this January. Since TerraFrog's first leap into the athletic apparel industry, the company has grown from a small grassroots clothing manufacturer to a well known lifestyle clothing and yoga line in Canada.

"In four short years, TerraFrog has far surpassed our five year business plan," said TerraFrog Director, Bobbi Windsor. "We are really excited about celebrating this milestone with our customers. A flash sale is always a lot of fun and the deals will be colossal!"

Online customers wanting to take advantage of the anniversary flash sale can go to http://www.terrafrog.com on January 28th, 2012. All TerraFrog lifestyle clothing and designer athletic wear will be up to 70% off-- including TerraFrog's cozy jackets made from recycled plastic containers. Shop early for best selection.

About TerraFrog Clothing Corp:
TerraFrog Clothing Corp. is a Canadian athletic wear manufacturer providing unique, high quality yoga clothing to individuals and select retail outlets. TerraFrog is well known for their exclusive, trend setting designs and styles. This stylish lifestyle and casual wear company limits the numbe women's jackets online r of pieces they make despite consumer demand.

TerraFrog designs can be purchased directly through the TerraFrog website or at select retailers across Canada and in New York City. TerraFrog wholesales their active wear line and yoga accessories to trendy boutiques in the United States and across Canada.

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Washington D.C Women Declare, We Are Watching and Propose International Blue Bra Day to Coincide With International Women’s Day

Last December, the Internet lit up with images of the Egyptian military ferociously stripping, kicking and beating a veiled woman protestor demonstrating outside of Egypt's parliament building. As the world watched this unknown woman's rights along with her clothing stripped from her body, it was revealed that she was wearing a blue bra. Her individuality and her femininity, hidden under her veil, would not be suppressed.

"I've been haunted by that image," says Cynthia de Lorenzi, founder of Success in the City. "I felt it was outrageous to live in the most powerful city in the most powerful country in the world and remain silent about this event. It is time for women to raise their voices together from around the world and declare We are Watching Wherever Women are Repressed."

Success in the City wants to ignite an International Blue Bra Day movement to coincide with International's Women's Day.

"Our desire is to use our growing network of professional business women to raise awareness here in the United States and globally that we will no longer tolerate violence against women and the repression of their rights," says de Lorenzi

Just like the power of a viral video, Success in the City will use the power of the Internet to reach out to find and nurture a global sisterhood.

"We are inviting women (and men) to visit the Success in the City International Blue Bra Day Blog site, http://www.bluebraday.org and add their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for supporting this movement. The site will soon host a variety of online activities suggested by a community of supporters and thought leaders. In the future, the site will promote the work of other independent organizations to raise the awareness of their incredible work in serving the needs of women and their families."

"Success in the City has shown that when women work and s women's jackets tand together we discover just how great our power and voice is," says de Lorenzi. "Blue Bra day can serve to remind each of us that our individuality is a precious resource not to be wasted but to be protected for the future of us all."

To learn more about the Blue Bra movement visit the Blue Bra Day site at http://www.bluebraday.org.

About Success in the City
Success in the City (SITC) is an executive women's organization for smart, unique, and driven women. It is a community focused on celebrating women's success and accomplishments and providing a rich network of shared experiences, and professional resources. A SITC woman has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and seeks to cultivate community, share wisdom, and foster knowledge with other accomplished women. Today, Success in the City is comprised of some of the most influential women business leaders in the Metro D.C. Area. With a dedicated membership, we have established a place where friendships come first, business booms, and laughter is always in style. Success in the City – http://www.successinthecity.org

Birmingham Salvation Army Teams Up with Milo’s Famous Tea to Host National Pro/Am Pecan Pie Eating Championship

The Birmingham Salvation Army (http://www.birminghamsalvationarmy.org) will host a fund raiser on May 12, 2012 that kicks off National Salvation Army week which will conclude with The Birmingham Salvation Army National Pro/Am Pecan Pie Eating Championship Presented by Milo's Famous Tea (http://www.milostea.com/). The fund raising event, held at Birmingham's Railroad Park, opens at 11:30 a.m. and will provide a full day of family fun activities and celebrations. All Pro Eating Promotions (http://www.CompetitiveEaters.com) will be sanctioning the National Pro/Am Pecan Pie Eating Championship and will be featuring their #1 Ranked Professional Competitive Eater, Eric "Silo" Dahl, in the Eating Championship. The Birmingham Salvation Army National Pro/Am Pecan Pie Eating Championship Presented by Milo's Famous Tea will award prize money to the top three finishers with the first place prize being $500.00. In addition, All Pro Eating will be establishing a new National Pecan Pie Eating Record which will be determined at the event.

In addition to The Birmingham Salvation Army National Pro/Am Pecan Pie Eating Championship P women's coats resented by Milo's Famous Tea, there will be a children's pie eating contest held prior to the main Eating Championship where the lucky winner will win an amazing prize and be given the fantastic title of Champion. The day's activities include food, games, a celebration of Mothers during Mother's Day Weekend and a special recognition of the 50th Anniversary of The Birmingham Salvation Army's Women's Auxiliary. All of the funds raised and proceeds from the day directly benefit The Salvation Army.

Todd "The Hungry Genius" Greenwald, Chairman of All Pro Eating, commented, "All Pro Eating is grateful to be involved with The Birmingham Salvation Army National Pro/Am Pecan Pie Eating Championship Presented by Milo's Famous Tea. The Birmingham Salvation Army has met the needs of their community in some amazing ways and we're hopeful that this event provides an entertaining way to raise additional much needed funds." Greenwald continued, "It is fitting that the National Pecan Pie Eating Champion will be crowned in Birmingham, and although Eric Dahl will certainly be tough to beat, I am guessing there will be plenty of local competitors who would like to keep the title home in Alabama instead of watching it travel with Eric to Minnesota!"

Eric "Silo" Dahl has taken this event as a personal challenge to keep his current Pie Eating Championship streak intact. Dahl recently won the World Hands-Free Pumpkin Pie Eating Championship where he established a new World Hands-Free Pumpkin Pie Eating Record after eating 27 pieces of Pumpkin Pie in 8 minutes without using his hands. He also recently won the National Pulled Pork Eating Championship and completed two 3 Pound burritos in 3 minutes and 25 seconds. The Birmingham Salvation Army National Pro/Am Pecan Pie Eating Championship will award a total of $800.00 in prize money and local competitors and participants are encouraged to get involved. Additional information can be found on The Birmingham Salvation Army's website or by contacting Todd Greenwald at HungryGenius(at)CompetitiveEaters(dot)com

About THE BIRMINGHAM SALVATION ARMY: The Birmingham Salvation Army is part of the universal Christian Church and supports individuals in need without discrimination. The Birmingham Salvation Army provides assistance every year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for the underprivileged regardless of race, color, creed, sex or age. For more information, please visit http://www.birminghamsalvationarmy.org/

About ALL PRO EATING PROMOTIONS: Founded in 2004, All Pro Eating Promotions has sanctioned over 170 major Competitive Eating contests and events throughout the world that showcase "Picnic Style Rules" which were created and developed by All Pro Eating. All Pro Eating Promotions' "Eatertainers" (event participants) along with their events and contests have been featured in all forms of major world-wide media. All Pro Eating Promotions is also home to the Nation's only Collegiate Competitive Eating sanctioning body – The National Collegiate Competitive Eating Association ("The NCCEA"). More information can be found at http://www.CompetitiveEaters.com and http://www.TheNCCEA.com

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All American Clothing Co. Honors American Heroes in Weeklong Memorial Day Recognition Event

In recognition of Memorial Day, the All American Clothing Co will be giving away a number of "Freedom is not free" tee shirts to commemorate those who have fallen while serving and protecting the freedoms that American citizens enjoy today. The saying "freedom is not free" serves as a reminder to the acts of honor, sacrifice, and valor our servicemen and women have given for their country.

To take part in the weeklong event simply join the USA Made clothing company's newsletter for a chance to win a "freedom is not free" tee shirt. Participants can also thank a veteran in the comments section of the company`s Facebook page to enter. Participants who do this will have an opportunity to win a tee shirt with an opportunity to thank a veteran with a large community.

In addition to this, the All American Clothing Co. will be donating $1.00 to the Wounded Warrior Project in accordance to the amount of orders they receive from May 22 through May 28.The ultimate goal of this event is to recognize our servicemen and women with a big 'thank you'. For more information on the event, visit the company on Face women's jackets online book.

About All American Clothing Co:
All American Clothing Co. is a success story for small business in today`s economy. The entire group of employees understands the need and support of USA jobs, American made products, and a World Class service record. They strive to foster the loyalty among customers. To find out more about the passion and effort it takes to build a business in today`s economy, go to http://www.allamericanclothing.com and click on "Our Story".

Disabled Veterans National Foundation Receives Outpouring of Gratitude from Veterans They’ve Helped – Share Your Story

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (http://www.dvnf.org), a non-profit veterans service organization that focuses on helping men and women who serve and return home wounded or sick after defending our safety and our freedom, has provided more than $16 million in cash and supplies to veterans in need. DVNF is now asking veterans who have been helped by these programs to give feedback to DVNF…. Tell us your story.

Direct veterans feedback and veterans' stories about how t women's coats he DVNF assistance has helped them in their daily lives will go to further designing the existing DVNF programs to better suit veterans in need. The testimonials are an important tool to hear directly from the men and women who have served the country but now are not finding the help they require to move on with their personal and professional lives.

"So much of what we do combines direct financial grants and assistance with educational programs such as our free employment webinar series as well as shipping needed supplies to veterans service groups around the country," said Raegan Rivers, Chief Administrative Officer of DVNF.

Here is just one testimonial from a veteran who was facing difficulty, Cam H. –U.S. Marines/U.S. Army veteran. Cam was a decorated veteran who served as a Marine in the Gulf War, and afterwards, continued his service to the U.S. Military in the Army National Guard. During the winter months, he found himself in a bind. He was not able to work due to a recent surgery and bills began to pile up. He was living in an old house with his family, and the house was unfortunately not very energy efficient.

To make matters worse, his young son had just undergone a major heart surgery, and for him to get sick could have been potentially fatal.

"Gas and electric bills were burying me deeper and deeper and I just couldn't seem to get them caught up or paid on time. My son couldn't afford to get sick because an infection would attack his heart," Cam said.

Cam turned to DVNF as a last resort. Understanding his dire need, DVNF paid his gas and electric bills so he and his family could make it through the winter, also allowing time for Cam and his son's health to improve.

"Thank you so very much. You foundation helped me and my family when we need help the most. Thank you again; I just can't say that enough!"

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) has provided $16.1 million in cash and requested items such as clothing, food, health & hygiene products to tens of thousands of underserved and disabled veterans nationwide.

For more, go to http://www.dvnf.org

DEMERARA: Upcoming Women's Collection

Cassie and Andrea Ganesh, Texas born and raised military brats, were destined to be entrepreneurs. Sharing the mutual desire of owning their own business, dressing to express, and the need to shop frequently; the sisters incorporated their first business, DEMERARA, a men's and women's boutique located in Dallas, Texas.

"The girls," as many refer to them, were raised in Dallas/Fort Worth. Cassie and Andrea both graduated with their MBAs in May of 2010 at the ages of 21 and 22. While at home applying for doctoral programs, the sisters conjured up DEMERARA, which opened its doors on September 1, 2011.

DEMERARA made its grand debut in the heart of Dallas, and quickly became "the it store" for contemporary fashion seekers. This men's and women's boutique, centered in Dallas' West Village, offers up a variety of designer apparel and a women's jackets ccessories for the trendy Uptowner. The girls have loaded this exemplary location with an array of modern collections. Decked out in crystal chandeliers and dark woods, the store makes a clear statement of individuality that sets it in its own genre of retail. Variety is kept large and quantities are set low, ensuring customers with pieces that are considerably exclusive to Dallas, and even in some cases Texas. Expect to find a majority of on-trend, up and coming labels not yet found in "mainstream" stores. As an added bonus, customers are encouraged to take advantage of complimentary in-house tailoring on all apparel purchases.

    With its one year anniversary approaching in the month ahead, DEMERARA plans to celebrate with a runway event that unveils the company's private apparel line. The sisters are currently designing and undergoing the processes of manufacturing their own U.S. made, ready-to-wear women's label, "DEMERARA by Cassie and Andrea Ganesh". The line is scheduled to launch with Spring/Summer 2013, local preview to be held in Dallas, TX.

NAPW Joplin Chapters Hosts Meetings in July and August to Discuss Upcoming Events and Chapter Goals, while Welcoming Guest Speakers Tina Hallmark and Kara Gallup

Members and guests of the NAPW Joplin Chapter met for several meet-and-greet networking meetings on July 18th, July 26th, August 15th, and August 23rd at Pacific Rim Restaurant. The group hosted re-cap meetings in order to ensure that members who weren't able to attend previous meetings had an opportunity to suggest ideas for the goals of the Chapter, as well as provide insight on charities they feel would be important for the Chapter to support.

Shanna Heckmaster, Joplin Chapter President, began all Chapter meetings by introducing herself, read a "welcome" letter from National, and gave members an opportunity to talk about themselves. Members in attendance at the July 18th meeting were Lori Buresh, Tonya Sprenkle, Alaina Yockey, Kelly Musick. Also in attendance were guests Sharon Mason, Carey Prater, Tina Dickerson, Tina Hallmark, Kristie Sanders, Becky Seidle, and Miranda Lewis. Tina Hallmark, from LCL Financial spoke to the group about being financially prepared.

Next, Shanna read the NAPW Mission statement, and highlighted the value of being proactive in networking with like-minded professionals, as well as making and impact in the community. She read, "Our Mission is to provide the most advanced forum for members to connect with like-minded professional women to develop innovative business and social relationships. We continuously offer our members the resources and benefits necessary to foster professional and personal success."

Shanna then opened the floor to suggestions from members regarding potential charitable endeavors. Also, the ladies discussed participation in Dowtown Joplin Association's Third Thursday, at a cost of $50. The meeting was wrapped up, as the ladies made plans to meet on July 26th for lunch to review the topics discussed. In attendance for July's lunch meeting were member women's jackets s Lori Buresh, Tonya Sprenkle, Alaina Yockey, Kelly Musick, Shanna Heckmaster, along with guests Sharon Mason, Carey Prater, Tina Dickerson, Tina Hallmark, Kristie Sanders, Becky Seidle, Miranda Lewis.

In August, NAPW Joplin Chapter met on August 15th Shanna reviewed the purpose and mission of NAPW for guests and new members. Topics included resume help, mentorship program, networking, discounts, and community wall for sharing thoughts, as well as the bulletin board of new events, free entrance to conferences, and the newsletter. After members introduced themselves to one another, guest speaker Kara Gallup took the floor.

Kara shared Jeremiah 29:11 which has been an important passage to guide her on her adventure of life. She is a Mary Kay Sales Director who just qualified for the pink Cadillac. She grew up in Lockwood on a farm with many teachers in her family and a long standing belief in one marriage. Kara earned her degree in Child Development from SMS yet did not become a teacher. She also was married and divorced within three months early in her life. She set the tone that she was not like the rest of her family. Working as a case worker for the Children's Center, she met Darren Gallup. They married 10 years ago and have two children. Dylan is a 9 year old who was born with a heart defect. They adopted Kaden when he was born and he is now 5. Kara needed to find a new path from the Children's Center and became a Probation and Parole officer for 7 years. She also inspected daycare centers for 18 months. She soon realized that she wasn't fulfilled inspecting daycare centers, and went back to working in Probation and Parole. When she decided to get out of that environment, she revisited working with Mary Kay, as she felt the desire to move away from her previous environment. After trying it out, Kara surprisingly enjoyed it. Within a year she was able to transition into working full time with Mary Kay and has been doing so for the last 2 ? years. Highlighting that she has to be on track at all times in order to earn, Kara stated that her biggest motivation attributing to her success is the desire to be financially fit.

Kara discussed the importance to "dream big", along with the significance in asking yourself "why" in order to push ahead. Referencing "windows" to adventures, she noted that she felt through these times in her life, God has been her business partner. She also pointed out that sometimes the people who are supposed to be the biggest supporters can turn into the biggest naysayers and it's important to decide for yourself to listen or not. She also said that the closer you get to your goal, the tougher it is to reach, so work hard. Her best quote of the night was,

"Sometimes we have to put on our big girl panties and our hooker boots and get it done!" Shanna talked about other ideas in supporting a charity; there was strong support for the Lafayette House as well as an upcoming Dress for Success event, where clothes will be donated for women to have professional outfits for job interviews. They also talked about other talents that they could provide in order to help women with their job opportunities such as resume writing, IT skills, make-up, or job searching.

As the meeting was adjourned, the ladies were thrilled with what was planned for upcoming events. Upcoming NAPW Joplin Chapter meetings are to be held on September 19th and September 27th, also at Pacific Rim Restaurant.

The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) is the largest and most recognized network of female professionals. NAPW provides a forum where women can interact, exchange ideas, educate, network, and empower. NAPW Local Chapters allow members to maximize their experience through meetings, networking opportunities, and professional events.

For additional information regarding the NAPW Baton Rouge Local Chapter and/or NAPW, please visit http://www.napw.com.

Follow NAPW on Facebook and Twitter.

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Fishnet Craze - Not Just on Halloween by Feeling USA

The new line includes super sexy fishnet dresses, tank st women's jackets yle, long sleeve and strapless creations that are available in basic black and in super hot neon colors. The fishnet patterns range from micro holes, standard fishnet holes, diamond shaped knit, null net to open hole fabrications. Sexy dresses with opaque strategically placed insets suitable to wear out on the town. Long and short fishnet tops available in exotic colors, such as turquoise and hot pink. Bodysuits and Bodystockings in various styles, that look great with a sexy bra or opaque tank top and a mini skirt. Tights and stockings with or without backseam, adorned with bows, rhinestones, contrast color lace tops and many other novelties.

Never has wearing fishnet been so much fun. Fishnet is now available in many different colors, from basic black to bright neon colors. It used to be that fishnet was worn mostly by exotic dancers, street walkers and rock stars, it was considered to be very naughty. This has all changed, now many celebrities have been spotted wearing fishnet, and women follow this trend and wear their fishnets out in public, and don't hide them away in their bedrooms. Some women find fishnet more comfortable than sheer nylons. The open weave design keeps their legs cooler than nylons. Nude fishnets are perfect for those women that don't want to appear too flashy. Colored fishnet tights or stockings add a dab of color to any wardrobe. Seamed fishnets create the illusion of longer legs and are perfect to wear out on a hot date.

Fishnet looks great over a bikini, a tank top, or paired with a mini or a longer pencil skirt, with high heels or with flats. The possibilities are endless. Feeling USA offers most of their fishnet selection also in plus size.

FeelingUSA.com is a large lingerie store on the web, and retails lingerie, corsets, sexy clothing, costumes, bikinis, stockings, bodysuits, and high heel shoes, also specializing in plus size lingerie, as well as leather, vinyl, and latex. The company was founded in 1996 and carries close to 6'000 items in the online lingerie store. FeelingUSA provides secure e-commerce, accepts all major credit cards, and also offers Google and Paypal checkout. Worldwide shipping, free within the US, great prices, lingerie on sale, discounts, free panty, and price guarantee. The team at FeelingUSA Lingerie loves to assist and can help choosing the correct size, shipping methods, and any other question about buying lingerie. FeelingUSA makes it easy to bring sexy back into every women's life.

Send Diwali Gifts to Mumbai and convey best festival wishes for loved ones in Mumbai

Today, with Navratri festival, the festival season has started in Mumbai. For next nine days, Mumbai would be busy celebrating Navratri Festival. People around Mumbai would be busy with worshipping Goddess Durga. Big pandals with magnificent idols of Goddess Durga have been put in every part of Mumbai and its suburbs. Since morning today, people from every sects and religion have queued up to worship Goddess Durga in these pandals. In the night, the Dandiya-Raas would start. Massive arrangements have been made around Mumbai to celebrate the Dandiya-Raas. Men and women around the city have been busy with their last minute shopping to be ready for the next nine day celebrations. In various part of Mumbai, Ramlila have also started from today. During Ramlila, the drama on the life of Lord Rama would be played and the teachings of how the good can defeat evil would be shared. On the tenth day of this magnificent festival, Dussehra would be celebrated. Every year on Dussehra, the effigies of Ravana (a mythical king of Sri Lanka), his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad are burnt. Please exchange gifts on this occasion and send gifts to Mumbai for their loved ones
As per Hindu mythology, after 19-20 days of Dussehra, Lord fashion jackets Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, returned to Ayodhya. To mark the return of their beloved prince Rama, the residents of Ayodhya lit their houses with earthen lamp called Dipak. Since then Diwali festival is celebrated all across India. This year Diwali would be celebrated on 13th November. People across Mumbai have started the preparation for this festival. People have already started cleaning and painting their houses. The markets are full of shoppers with people buying necessary cloths and other items for the autumn and winter. One of the customs is to exchange the gifts on this occasion. People send Diwali gifts to Mumbai for their loved ones. Those, who are not present in Mumbai, place online orders to send Diwali Gifts to Mumbai.
Mumbai Online Gifts team has been busy with preparing for Diwali and Dussehra. Mumbai Online Gifts offers wide range of Gifts, Sweets, Dry Fruits, Chocolates, Fresh Fruits and other Diwali Gifts. The logistics team at Mumbai Online Gifts has made arrangements to deliver the Diwali Gifts to Mumbai on the date specified by the customer. People across the globe can avail the trusted services of Mumbai Online Gifts to convey their best Diwali wishes for their loved ones, family, relatives and friends in Mumbai.

PrimeTime Clothing is Featured on Popular TV Show

PrimeTime Clothing, the online supplier of premium wholesale fashion apparel and accessories, is featured on a popular Spanish television show named, "Esto es Insolito" that is broadcast nationwide on LATV along with its network affiliates. The hosts of the Spanish language program frequently wear some of PrimeTime Clothing's latest clothing trends. This partnership has allowed for PrimeTime's quality apparel to be viewed by a wider and more diverse audience.

"Esto es Insolito," or "This is Unusual" (translated into English), is a much beloved Spanish language television show that presents some of the most amazing, funny, bizarre and shocking videos and images from around the world. The show, reminiscent of the iconic "America's Funniest Home Videos," features hip young hosts who often adorn the latest fashions and trends available through PrimeTime Clothing. In addition, the hosts recognize PrimeTime Clothing's contributions at the end of many of the shows.

PrimeTime Clothing is a leading online wholesale fashion apparel and accessory supplier. They women's jackets offer massive discounts and maintain regular low prices on their high quality goods all year around. Their website features the most fashionable in wholesale accessories, wholesale dresses, wholesale plus size clothing, wholesale jewelry, cheap clothes for men, various wholesale women's clothing and more. PrimeTime Clothing is excited to have their quality apparel featured on "Esto es Insolito" and they look forward to continually supplying their customers with the latest in wholesale fashion at the lowest online prices.

About PrimeTime Clothing
PrimeTime Clothing is an online premium wholesale fashion apparel and accessory distributor with low, discounted prices. Based in Los Angeles, they have high quality goods that arrive daily from hundreds of Los Angeles area manufacturers and importers, so their customers have access to the latest fashions. They have over 25 years of experience in the business of discounted wholesale apparel. They offer additional discounts on top of their already low below wholesale prices. For more information, visit http://www.primetimeclothing.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Tumblr, Google+, or Instagram.

Mesopotamia: Could This Civilization Be Responsible For Western Culture?

One of the earliest civilizations that have influenced western culture to this day has been the civilization of Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia was perhaps the first civilization to create art in the form of huge structural creations and sculptures. This art has helped each oncoming civilization grow and develop from there, helping others to improve on their own lives. However, we cannot talk of Mesopotamian art without discussing their location, way of life, and religious traditions.

The name Mesopotamia literally means, "Land between two Rivers". These two rivers are the Tigris and Euphrates. Farmers were often having problems with their crops because of the flooding of these rivers. Eventually, they developed methods of irrigation allowing them to grow more crops then what they actually needed. By having control over the rivers, and having excess crops, these people needed some form of record keeping.

Historian Delahunt believes that cuneiform was the first writing system developed in the world in about 3500 BC. They used wet clay tablets and used sharp reeds to scratch the records onto the tablets. The tablet would dry becoming a permanent record. However, not everyone could read or write therefore, official scribes had that duty. Scribes became important people since even some kings couldn't read. Knowing that the scribes kept all the records, it is logical that the scribe's duty would also included having good math skills just like in Egyptian culture.

It would be common then to make sculptures of their scribes as a tribute to them. One such sculpture that is believed to be a minister of finance is the stone sculpture of Ebi h-Il, the Superintendent of Man. The sculpture found in the Temple of Ishtar is made of a type of stone called alabaster. A closer look at the statuette reveals cheerful optimism by the person and a fur skirt, which tries to portray realism. With clasped hands and wide eyes there is a sense of divinity revealed by this sculpture.

Also, the control of these two rivers allowed for the people of Mesopotamia to settle into city-states. Each city-state was protected by thick walls and had a towering mud-brick building in the center of the city. This structure is called a ziggurat. These ziggurats were towers constructed as terraced pyramids with inclined walkways connecting each terrace.

The ziggurats were used as temples for worship of their many gods and goddesses according to Delahunt. Stone figures found in the Abu Temple, from about 27-- 2600 BC, reveal some interesting facts about religious traditions. These Tell Asmar figures were "stand-ins". These figures were part of a religious ritual of leaving stand-ins at the temple when a person was dead.

The Tell Asmar statues are stylized with large eyes and are in a pose of supplication. Every element of the Tell Asmar figures except the faces is reduced to the simplest form possible. This method reinforces the "power" of the faces.

The figures are dominated by huge eyes (eyes that would have once had colored stones). Also, the different sizes of the statues reveal that there was a hierarchy in this society. Males generally were made taller, had long hair and a heavy beard. The female is smaller in size with a heavy coil arranged vertically from ear to ear and a bun behind.

A consistent symbol of Mesopotamian royal power has been the bearded bull's head. Ancient Mesopotamians valued cattle. Cattle were good w women's jackets orking animals, provided milk, leather, meat and had religious importance to them. The Bull headed lyre, was part of an ancient Sumerian harp. It has gold-decorated posts, four narrative scenes, and a bulls head with a lapis lazuli beard. The lyre was found near the body of a musician who may have performed during the burial ceremonies.

Another interesting sculpture that represents the Mesopotamians and gives us more insight into who they were is the Ram caught in a thicket or also called He-Goat in Flowering Tree. This sculpture was made in 2800 BC and is roughly 18 inches long. First this ram is not really a ram. It is a golden goat. It was found in a Sumerian grave at Ur.

The animal's head and legs, as well as the flowering tree, were made of wood overlaid with gold. His coat is of shell, his horns and eyes are of lapis lazuli.

The ram is much different from the Figures of Tell Asmar. There is lots of energy and power in the bearded face, bright eyes, curling horns, and springing flowers. The ram may represent the god Tammuz-the male principle in nature. This figure is stylized in some respects, but the overall effect is one of life and energy. Also, it is considered to be a symbol of fertility.

One more sculpture worth mentioning is Head from Nineveh. This sculpture is a magnificent copper head. It most likely represents Naram-Sin, Sargon's grandson. It accentuates the nobility of Akkadian Kings, who by 2300 BC began to take on godlike aspects.

Also, sculptures began to express a new idea. The idea gave emphasis to dignified and powerful monarchs. The hair is plaited, wound around the head and gathered in a tight bun. As mentioned by Robert C. Lamm, in The Humanities in Western Culture, this head reveals "he is a ruler in absolute control."

Mesopotamian sculpture and art was elaborate and complex. Clay was the most abundant material while stone, wood and metal had to be imported. Art was primarily used for religious purposes or had religious association. The Mesopotamian way of life, location, and religion helped to further develop the great civilizations that were about to follow.

Best Carpet Cleaners’ Advice: Keep Dry, Bid Molds Goodbye

Best Carpet Cleaners Recipe for Molds and Mildew: Clean, Pat, Dry

It's a long magical ride for carpets, which may have originated in Central Asia in the 3rd millennium, traveled all the way to Europe and found prominence i women's jackets n many stately interiors, until it found its way to almost every American and European homes, today.

Cleaning Carpets is the least-liked household chore of most women for three counts: first, it covers a wide expanse of space, second, it requires a certain degree of skill and care, and 3rd, it should not be a woman's chore! Period.

The "odds" however are far outweighed by the benefits of unrolling this felted cloth on the floor. Here are some of them:

- Aesthetics. Carpets have a comfortable look ( and feel) on them; they can easily transform a dull room into an attractive and cozy place; carpets also lend a certain degree of class in the interiors of any house or office.

- Energy saving. Homes with carpeted flooring cut back on energy costs since carpets are heat insulators.

- Safer. Fewer slip and fall accidents are attributed to carpets than wood or laminated surfaces.

- Practical. Cleaning carpets, though it entails cleaning a whole lot of space, is easier to do than other surfaces. It eliminates the stripping of old wax and application of a new coat for one; cleaning can be scheduled less frequently than cleaning wood and laminates.

- Other Plus points. Carpets reduce noise as it absorbs it; air pollutants that enter the household are trapped as well.

But just like in anything doing well, there are always "spoilers".

Molds and mildew can grow at a faster rate under carpets because of the textile's tendency to hold in moisture. Let alone, molds and mildew can chew up your carpet easy…slowly but surely.

Best carpet cleaners, also referred to as "the carpet authority" can recommend products in the market that can provide instant solution to the problem, but would advise you not to throw caution to the wind. Read the labels carefully; check the manufacturer's warnings.

It's easier to grab from store shelves, molds and mildew removal solution than replacing a damaged carpet altogether, which is far expensive, too! Don't believe on the first product advertisement you hear. If unsure, you can have a "dab test" on a less conspicuous part of the carpet, to make sure that the color of your carpet does not bleed with the molds and mildew solution.

Homemade solutions against molds and mildew may prove useful too, according to some carpet dry cleaning experts: try dusting off carpets with your kitchen's baking soda. When done regularly, this can eliminate the proliferation of molds and mildew on your carpet. Don't forget to vacuum after a few hours.

"Prevention is better than cure". That's the other golden rule. Molds and mildew grow in damp areas. To avoid persistent problems with molds, there are housekeeping "ups" that can tilt the balance in your favor:

- Brighten up! A well-lit household has a lower incidence of growing molds and mildew because these can't thrive under the light. Replace dimly-lit bulbs with bright ones in areas or rooms that pose a higher risk to grow molds and mildew. It's cheaper to invest in well-lit bulbs than replacing carpets;

- Clean up. The real antidote to all housekeeping woes is to keep all areas in your house clean. Simple.

- Dry up. Your carpets hold in moisture as it circulates in the air. Molds and mildew thrive on beneath your carpets for the same reason – they need moisture to survive. To minimize growth of molds and mildew, you should lessen the amount of moisture that circulates in the air and sinks into the carpet. Wipe everything dry as you go – shower rooms, where bathroom mold starts to form should be maintained clean and dry; kitchen sinks, too. Hang damp clothes, instead of letting them stay in the laundry bin, until the next washing day. Molds and mildew destroy fabric, too.

You may opt for Carpet dry cleaning, which is usually done by a professional. Carpet dry cleaning professionals operate their business legally; this is premium service guarantee.

There are other "un-homemade" solutions like buying a dehumidifier, which lowers the humidity level indoors, and purposely eliminate the growth of molds and mildew. You can try this one out, if you have cash to spare. Fans and air conditioning units have proven helpful, too.

In the overall, carpets remain as one of your wise investments for the home. The soft feel and welcoming effect of carpets, makes coming home each day, not a drab routine but a renewing experience.

Should You Lie In Your Online Dating Profile? Maybe...

Copyright (c) 2010 Dirk Sayers

I ran across a post on an online dating site, the other day, entitled "Why You Should Lie In Your Online Dating Profile." No kidding. In the interests of full credit for work done, Russ Ruggles is the author. Google it and you can find his post. Proving once again if you look hard enough, you can find just about anything online, irrespective of merit. No, Russ is not talking about the whopping misrepresentations that plagued online dating in the early years. Those of you around "back then," know what I mean. He's talking about itty-bitty fibs targeted at expanding exposure...about gaming the search engine on the site, by stretching or shrinking the truth. Two examples used in his post were women under-reporting their weight or men adding an inch to their height to improve their search results in the interests of upping the number of prospects.

Russ doesn't stop there. He blends social science into his argument; using two studies specific to online dating. The first was the small sample (163) study conducted by Eastwick and Finkel at Northwestern University and the second the much more ambitious 2008 Michigan State University Study of Toma, Hancock and Ellison, entitled, "Separating Fact From Fiction: An Examination of Deceptive Self-Presentation in Online Dating Profiles"...though he attributes it to Ellison only. One of their findings in the latter indicate that 90% of respondents copped to deceptive self-representation in their profiles... but only, Ruggles notes, in matters unlikely to be noticed on meeting. All of which makes it okay, right? I don't want to sound stiff-necked, but it makes me squirm when someone (male or female) advocates conscious misrepresentation. I'll concede it happens. I've been on the business end of "creative" self-representation in online dating. I'll even cop to being tolerant of the kinds of minor infractions he refers to, if "she" was otherwise attractive to me personally. And, in Mr. Ruggles defense; the social honesty bar isn't very high, when we have web sites devoted almost exclusively to fact-checking the statements of our elected officials. The inescapable conclusion is we EXPECT to be lied to. Or should we call it "marketing...or spin?" So lying on your profile...particularly little lies...are no big deal, right?

Sorry, Russ. Can't see it that way...for (at least) these three reasons.

1. We become the decisions we make. If you choose to lie in small things, you're prone to developing the insidious habit of doing so whenever it's convenient. Will it inevitably lead to bigger lies? Maybe not. But if we can agree we are over-supplied with examples of whoppers told for personal gain in business and politics, aren't we justified in concluding there may be something to the ole slippery slope analogy?

2. Lies are the necessary accomplices of greater offenses. What Enron, Bernie Madoff, the Arco debacle and the ill-conceived war in Iraq all have in common is their foundation in lies. They rely on deception to attract support or money. While the stakes in online dating seem inconsequential by comparison, someone who consents to meet you invests the time it takes to determine whether you might be a fit. Yes, that's part of the understood cost of online dating, but don't we owe each other "truth in advertising" out of respect for each other's time...because none of us will ever get that time back.

3. There's a better way. Interestingly enough, on a different site on the same day, a poster identified only as Liz made the counter point beautifully, when called both herself and online dating sisters out for their stubborn adherence to rigid and restrictive "requirements." She had recently concluded her own laundry list had l fashion jackets online ittle or nothing to do with what she actually found attractive in men. As a man, I can second her opinion and tell you I have often opted for something other than my hypothetical ideal when confronted with a profile that fell outside those preconceived notions. The key, Liz correctly observes, is flexibility on our parts, with regard to those stated requirements; not creative treatment of the truth.

Someone reading this right now is whispering, "Yeah right. You're dreaming! How many are REALLY willing to compromise on their expectations and accept me as I am?" It's a fair question. But if we're honest, the answer is MOST of us are. How many of us...men or women...wind up with the "ideal" man or woman paraded in front of us by mainstream media? How many men of your personal acquaintance are married to super models? How many women do you know with truly narrow gauge "heavy hitters" for their main squeeze? Unless you're pretty narrow gauge yourself, the answer is not many!

But most importantly...what does it mean if you or I buy into the argument in Russ Ruggles' post? That it's okay to stretch the truth? That if everyone else is doing it, we have to as well, in order to compete? Or might it mean that, deep down we don't think we're worthy just as we are? I can't answer for Russ Ruggles...or for you. But you must answer for yourself, as must all of us. In the end, we are the stewards of the image others form of us and above all of ourselves and how we feel about us. No one will ever feel better about us than we do. Yes, Virginia and Virgil...you are whom you attract! If that bothers you, work on fixing your reality...not the appearance of it!

Menopause, Modern Medicine, and the Celebrity Spin

The medicalization of menopause is a process that has subtly been going on since the 1930's, although it wasn't until the 1960's that it really picked up momentum in the public eye. This medicalization has transformed the understanding of what is a natural proces women's jackets s, into one defined as a disease.

When you define something as a disease, then treatment becomes compulsory. And the implication is that if you don't get treatment, or what is defined as acceptable treatment, then you are being irresponsible and negligent in your own health. Women's menopausal experiences were for a long time dismissed as the product of their own imaginations, then later embraced by pharmaceutical companies and subverted to push their shiny new pills.

And given that HRT has been so widely taken up by women, and is still used despite its risks, it has been a successful approach by the drug companies.
The celebrity factor in promotional campaigns has been very effective at selling both the idea of menopause as a disease, and the promises of hormone replacement therapy. The FDA and their comparative bodies in most countries require that product claims are verified by appropriate and legitimate studies. But celebrities in interviews are not subject to those rules, which are designed to protect the public from misleading and harmful information. So when an actress or aging supermodel enthusiastically enacts the lines of the drug company's scripts - that menopause is fraught with risks of diseases like alzheimers, heart attacks, colon cancer, cataracts, teeth loss, bone fractures and more (p43), in the guise of 'education' and personal sharing, this is seen as legitimate. There is no reference to the fees they were paid for this work, the source of their information, or its scientific validity (or lack thereof). Nor is their any mention of the fact that even initially, though there were short term benefits, the long term effects of hormone replacement therapy were not known. These celebrities were either ignorant themselves of their own status as human guinea pigs, or didn't care.

Menopause is sold with the language of 'decline', as though once a woman's estrogen 'dried up', so did she. She was relegated to an image of being 'less' than she was before, with the implication being that her value and contributions as a person were defined by something that time would take away. Unless of course she accepted the 'help' of the drug companies with their 'medicine' for her newly defined 'disease'. So instead of being supported as her body moved into another phase of its life, women were basically told they were losing what defined them as 'women', as though one hormone was responsible for what made them unique individuals. As though femininity was characterized not by their own choices and expressions, but driven by hormones. And as though 'femininity' was equated with youth, and that once this passed, women would not enjoy their 'best years' as they would otherwise. And, of course, if a woman wasn't feminine, in the appropriately defined way, then she was not really a woman...

Add to this mix the spectre of diseases that women would supposedly be in greater danger of getting, despite the fact that if scientists really knew the single cause of these diseases they would have triumphantly been marketing the cure to everyone - regardless of gender. When doctors treat alzheimers, heart attacks, colon caner, cataracts and teeth loss, they do not have one treatment for men and one for women. And in most cases, they don't guarantee a cure with their treatments anyway. So this suggests not only do they not have the cure, but they don't fully understand the cause. The murky waters of risk assessment are both complex and already muddied.

Women were given estrogen only in the early years of medical promotion. As studies emerged which showed women taking estrogen were more at risk of developing endometrial cancer, progestogen or progestin was added to form the combined hormone replacement therapy that became known as HRT. It was advertised for a long time as reducing the risk of heart disease, amongst other things. But in 1998, a high quality study, the HERS trial, found that in the group of 3000 older women they were studying over 4 years, who all had some form of heart disease, those on HRT were not in fact protected from heart attacks after all. And during the first year of the study, there was a higher incidence of heart attacks in the women on HRT compared with the placebo group. This was completely the opposite of what the drug companies had been advertising, based on their own observational studies, as opposed to the randomized control trial that the HERS study was.

The HERS trial was not the only one that would raise some niggly little facts about the menopause gravy train.

References: R Moynihan & A Cassels, Selling Sickness - How Drug Companies are Turning Us All Into Patients (Allen & Unwin, 2005)