Talent Agency 411

Thought of the day: Why is it acceptable to wear the same pair of jeans for days, even weeks, without being questioned by friends? Yet wearing the same pair of cargos three days in a row would be scowled upon and considered un-hygienic. Do we actually believe jeans are immune to dirt?

Still on the topic of jeans… remember when all we had to choose from was either a pair of Levis, Lee or Wrangler’s? And all you had in your wardrobe was a choice of black stone wash and blue stone wash?

I remember this quite vividly. There was no such thing as ‘engineered denim’ in the early 90’s when I was a teenager. Yet in the pursuit of being cool, I had to conjure up my own version of ‘engineering’. I got my worn in look by way of scraping my ass up and down the cement footpath out the front of my house (I lived on a main road by the way). Later my mother told me that it would have been a hell of a lot easier to take off the said pair of jeans and rub them against a rough stone. Thanks for the advice mum, but too late. If only my nickname ‘ass scraper’ wore out as fast as my jeans did…

Then something revolutionary happened in the mid nineties (that saved my ass, so to speak). Levis decided that we didn’t have to wait years and years to wear in our favourite pair of jeans, ’cause America’s convicted criminals could do all the hard work for us! Yep, all those second hand Levis being sold in boutiques actually came from America’s prisons. Imagine the satisfaction for the prisoner, knowing that some good came out of their existence? As long as they served their full sentence, of course (jeans just didn’t achieve an optimum level of worn in-ness if prisoners got out early on parole). So my pre-worn Levis alla ‘break and enterer’ became the ‘hottest’ thing in my wardrobe (just kidding, I paid for them). Really, how could I have been so narrow minded as to think crime didn’t pay?

Moving into the new millennium, jean manufactures suddenly realised that it was wrong to allow such an obvious exploitation of America’s prisoners. Especially when the Chinese could do it for a whole lot less, and quicker too! Engineered denim was born. All of sudden, we didn’t have to wait years for our jeans to hit the perfect level of worn in-ness, because we could buy a brand new pair of ‘pseudo old’ that looked like, well, a bad pair of new jeans. Like anything in its infancy, there is always something NQR (Not Quite Right) about it. Kinda like when CGI special effects first started to appear in film. Much to the rile of everyone around me, I just couldn’t help the comment “Aw that looks so fake!” every time a dinosaur ripped apart a person, or when a ship collided with an iceberg in the middle of the Antarctic. It was just a natural reaction to something that looked completely unnatural when trying to appear natural (also my natural reaction when I see a man with hair plugs, or a woman with a bad boob job. But that’s another blog entry all together). And while I didn’t go around pointing at people wearing badly engineered jeans on the street (only because I too was a serious offender), I did wonder when the edges of pockets were going to be grinded evenly, rather then looking like they had been attacked by cat claws.

Today however, while we are finally perfecting pocket grinding, crotch whisker marks, and thigh and ass sand blasting, isn’t this all merely an improvement on the fake worn-in look? I mean, I have a pair of jeans that I bought almost four years ago in dark indigo denim with only a basic enzyme wash. Over the years of wearing, there has not been even the slightest beginnings of fraying along any pocket; the whisker mark around the crotch goes straight across the thigh, (not splayed out in all kinds of unsightly directions drawing attention to my bathing suit area); and my ass does not look likes it’s been dragged over coloured sand! Perhaps we have forgotten what a real pair of worn in jeans looks like?

In saying this, I’m certainly not against engineered denim. It’s interesting and it’s getting better. And while the ‘new pseudo old’ look has now become my daily bread, the ‘engineered’ price tag that comes with the jeans is nauseating. ‘Authentic’ looking old jeans will set you back around $350 (AUD) these days. Common! For me to even want to pay that kind of money, I’m hoping some Chinese worker is scraping their ass up and down the factory room floor for me.

Davina deWitts runs a clothing accessories store, with stock from Australia’s most talented
designers. She also believes she’s a social commentator, finding intriguing what most consider banal. If however you would
like to indulge her, read Fashion Blog.

Dillon Beach is located in the upscale, breathtakingly gorgeous Marin County in California. Dillon Beach is a romantic and relaxing destination that promises the perfect get-away-from-it-all vacation. The beach has a personal and intimate ambiance as it is not very crowded. Gorgeous beach vacation homes are very popular among tourists as they add to the luxury and intimate atmosphere of Dillon Beach. The city has a stunning winter that consists of relatively less wind and fog, and dazzling views of the Pacific Ocean that you can enjoy in your very own beach house!

One of the most exciting attributes of Dillon Beach is its close proximity to a number of famous locations: San Francisco is an hour away, Bodega Bay is about 20 minutes away, and Napa is 45 minutes away. You can visit the gorgeous city of San Francisco and see the famous Golden Gate Bridge, indulge in fine-dining, and visit historic museums. Bodega Bay is a nice town that you can visit to eat at nice restaurants, to horse ride, or go on a fishing trip. Napa is a beautiful town that has famous wineries, upscale spas, and chic restaurants. Dillon Beach’s serene beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and central location make it an attractive vacation spot for everyone. Going on a vacation at Dillon Beach and staying at a beach house while enjoying the wealth of activities and points of interest the town offers is a grand experience.

Choosing appropriate clothing for the business environment can be challenging at the best of times. It becomes more difficult when temperatures rise and we feel being fully covered is uncomfortable and downright hot. It becomes even more of a challenge when we leave home in sweltering heat and then move into an air conditioned work environment. How do we dress? What should we wear?

Knowing how to dress for the summer heat and still remain comfortable and professional has the potential to boost your professional image and maybe even move you up a notch or two.

The Rules of Summer Dressing in a Business Environment:

1. Focus on professional: Resist the urge to wear clothing that shows bare skin. Low necklines, short skirts, sleeveless tops, sheer tops, bare legs are great for summer weather but are more fitting for barbecues and nightclubs than a day at work. When choose our clothing we are also choosing an image to project. If your intention is to move up in the business world keep your business clothes professional.

2. Wear lightweight clothing: You can still stay cool and not show skin. Choose fabrics that are lightweight such as cotton and linen. For example wear a cotton jacket over a lightweight blouse or wear a sweater set. If it gets too hot you can remove the jacket and still be covered underneath. If you work in an air-conditioned environment you will appreciate the added layer while you are inside and the option of removing it when you move into the heat.

3. Choose the proper footwear: Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean that sandals can be worn everywhere. Sandals are not appropriate in a professional setting. Wear only closed shoes such as pumps and sling backs.

4. Stay away from clothing that spells “summer”: That means bright jewelry, cropped pants or skorts. Summer clothing can be worn in a professional environment but ever so subtlety. Wear lighter colored accessories and clothing but nothing that brings attention. For example, choose a pastel blouse or light colored professional handbag.

5. Wear loose clothing: Choose to wear skirts and pants in a light fabric so that the fabric glides over your hips and tummy. White is great for summer but will show every bump and lump if worn too tightly.

© Copyright Sheila Dicks 2005

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women feel more confident by dressing to suit their body type. To get tips on how to dress slimmer and find your best styles get a copy of her ebook “Image Makeover” at http://www.how-to-dress.com or go to http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to get the Free Report ” 7 Things Your Girlfriends Won’t Tell You About Beauty and Fashion”.

My New House Homepage.com….a start-up online pixel advertising website that targets the Housing Industry sector and its customers looking for homes or home products.

An innovative and highly targeted online advertising venture that sells pixel space to companies that upload their logos and link back to their own website in an effort to drive impressions to mynewhousehomepage.com and to the advertising partners’ websites.

New pixel advertising website launched on February 6, 2006 - mynewhousehomepage.com, targets home buyers and shoppers for all things for their homes! Building on the success of the milliondollarhomepage.com which sold 1MM pixels in only 5 months and is currently attracting 1.5MM unique visitors per day, mynewhousehomempage.com takes pixel advertising to the next level!

“We not only offer pixel advertising space on this start-up venture, we target a specific consumer mindset and endeavor to provide one-stop shopping for consumers looking for new or resale homes, furniture, interior design, gardening, accessories and more,” said J. Charles, website owner!

It’s a real win-win proposition! Consumers win by having one shopping resource for all things for the home. Business partners win by numbers of impressions and ultimately watching their online traffic multiply.

“It’s low cost advertising and it’s easy,” said J. Charles. “The beauty of this site as opposed to other pixel advertising websites is that this site it targeted to the home-buyer or shopper, whereas the others offer a variety of products and services without a specific mission. Our marketing plan includes print and online and is targeted. Once advertising partners express interest in our site, we’ll spread the word. Our goal is to drive impressions to our website and our partners’.”

What is Pixel advertising? Pixel advertising offers potential advertisers the opportunity to advertise their company logos on the site by purchasing the pixels in blocks of 100. Once the purchase process is completed, they upload their logo to mynewhousehomepage.com and link it back to their own. It’s a proven strategy for online advertising and was successfully executed by Alex Tew of the Milliondollarhomepage.com who sold 1MM pixels in approximately 5 months.

Mynewhousehomepage.com explains it all on their Mission Statement tab on their website. This innovative website is one more attempt in an up and coming trend in online advertising. A definite consideration when deciding where to spend those advertising dollars.

When the time had come for Jews to return to Zion, God stirred up the spirit of Cyrus and the Jews (Ezra 1:1,5). Not everyone was willing to leave Babylon, having settled in, but others inspired with a pioneer spirit were willing to go back home and clear the way for those who would eventually follow (Jer. 29: 4-7).

Those Jews who stayed behind in Babylon were encouraged to assist those who were headed for the front line. Their consequent generosity went down on record, and revealed how eager and willing they were to be involved in such a historic project and holy mission. This partnership, based on a mutual respect, in GOD’S WORK OF RESTORATION, revealed they understood how some are COMMISSIONED to build with the materials others are contracted to provide. It’s most encouraging to know others are
behind you and that God blesses everyone’s genuine efforts (2 Cor. 9:10).

Now God’s time has come to RESTORE THE TRUE GOSPEL TO JERUSALEM! The Church began in Jerusalem and was prophesied to return just before the close of this dark age and the dawn of the Wonderful World Tomorrow (Matt. 24:16). The Jews were the first to be offered salvation and now they’ll be the last to receive it - but they will receive it (Zech. 12:10). Everything has come full circle (Matt. 23:39).

Read here what Mr. Armstrong taught:

“How are we preparing the way for Christ’s Messianic coming? In three ways:

1) by proclaiming and publishing worldwide the gospel of the Kingdom of
God…

2) by making ready a people for His coming… And

3) something that even I did not realize until recently we were also COMMISSIONED to do - clean up the filth and rubble in that area that was the original Jerusalem and City of David… Why is that important? Because Christ has said He will yet choose Jerusalem… His throne will be there.
Do you not suppose it will be in the very spot He chose for David’s throne? Where was David’s throne? It was on this very spot where we are
now cleaning up and hauling off the rubble of century after century of accumulation… That is the spot we are cleaning up!

So there is a physical preparing, as well as a spiritual, in preparing the way for Messiah’s Coming! Further, God says we are to SHOUT [not shut up], with amplified power, to the CITIES OF JUDAH the glad message that the Messiah is soon coming” - Autobiography of Herbert W Armstrong, Volume II, pages 469-470 (emphasis mine).

Isaiah 40:9

9 O Zion,
You who bring good tidings,
Get up into the high mountain;
O Jerusalem,
You who bring good tidings,
Lift up your voice with strength,
Lift it up, be not afraid;
Say to the CITIES OF JUDAH, “Behold your God!”

And during my Bible reading last night, this stood out:

2 Samuel 10:12

12 Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our People and for the
CITIES OF OUR GOD. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

God says, and His apostle taught, we are to share the GOOD NEWS WITH JUDAH. None of the Church of God congregations have done this! What are we waiting for?

We must sound the alarm from Zion (Joel 2:1). What’s spoken in Jerusalem is heard around the world (Joel 3:16). We have the UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY - and responsibility - to warn Judah that a German-led Europe is about to make their move into the Middle East! We could do this through full page newspaper ads!

Europe’s Crusader spirit grows restless. Soon “Roman troops” will again occupy the Holy Land (Isaiah 40:9)! Who else can warn them? Who else can help restore Israel’s identity (Isa. 49:5), and say to Judah, “I am Joseph your brother”?

And doesn’t God’s Word imply an APOSTLE will be sent to the MIDDLE EAST (Isa. 41:27). Couldn’t such an apostle to Jerusalem and the Jews - getting God’s Word out to the cities of JUDAH - something Mr. Armstrong wanted to be and do but wasn’t empowered - be the chief spokesman (in the spirit of Elijah to the NATION) between the Two Witnesses and, as an envoy from the House of David, an anointed DAVIDIC MESSENGER, be
like GOD before the Jews in Jerusalem (Zech. 12:8)? Hasn’t God now shared the
possibility of such a revelation with us? (Isa. 48:6). Will we prepare the way?

Meanwhile, though, shouldn’t we do all that we can and WORK TOGETHER WITH JEWISH FRIENDS in Israel, whether sponsoring Israeli author Yair Davidiy’s translation of Israelite identity knowledge into Hebrew (www.britam.org), encouraging the Temple Mount Faithful in every way possible (www.templemountfaithful.org), plant a forest or create a garden in honor and memory of Herbert W. Armstrong, and help those faithful Jews living in pioneering communities (”settlements”) with whatever they need? Who else has any game plan? Let’s at least DO SOMETHING!

May God’s Church be open for suggestions and seriously consider our options. Time is running out!

About the Author

David Ben-Ariel, an American author who has travelled widely and who has lived throughout Israel, shares a special focus on the Middle East and great interest in Jerusalem, reflected in hard-hitting articles that help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out www.benariel.com

Messenger bags are not only an ideal way to transport your items from point A to point B, but they have become somewhat of a fashion statement as well. It used to be that only bicycle messengers would carry these bags, but now everyone from students to business people can be seen carrying their own stylish messenger bag.

Comfort and convenience are of utmost importance and are tastefully combined in these messenger’s bags. Men and women from all walks of life can look smart and sophisticated as they go about their daily business with their messenger carrying bag. Manufacturers are starting to create bag styles that appeal to an even broader range of lifestyles. This means there are messenger bags out there to suit everyone’s tastes.

The fact that these messenger’s bags are made with waterproof vinyl fabric sewn together with heavy duty stitching and protective padding gives you comfort in knowing your precious cargo will be protected from bumps and drops. There is plenty of space in a messenger carrying bag for all of your necessities such as laptops, business files, and other items. With all of the functionality of a briefcase, a messenger bag is more convenient for commuters who travel by foot or bicycle.

If you are looking to purchase a messengers bag, check out the internet for a great selection of brands and prices. Make your commute to work much easier by getting yourself one of these messengers bags, you’ll be glad you did!

Chris Rodriguez is the author/publisher for http://www.a-designer-handbag.com

Visit her sight to discover a wealth of information on your favorite brand name designer handbags such as Gucci, Coach, Prada, Chanel, and many more.

It is a dreary day in the Paris as we prepare for fashion week. There is a great anticipation in the air, not uncommon to the world’s capital of fashion, just before the unveiling of the collections. What will we be wearing next autumn and what colors will occupy our overstuffed wardrobes? What will we have to pack away in storage and what will we pull out again to accompany the looks of winter 2006/2007? It’s a blessing and a curse to live always a season ahead. It’s almost as if spring 2006 has passed before it has even arrived. So, in homage to living in the moment before delving head-first into next winter; let me take this opportunity to stop and smell those roses which will soon be blossoming in Parc de Bercy and the lilacs at La Place des Vosges and remember another reason why we love Paris in the springtime; fashion!

This spring, we get to remember why it is so much fun to be girls! (Or ladies, if you prefer). Lace, flowers, pearls and bows, if it says “feminine” it is on order this coming spring! Don’t pack away your flirty print skirts from last year just yet; they will still look fresh this summer! Preppy shirt dresses will look great on women of every age, weather your hips are more suited to a straight belted style, or a fit and flair, there is something for everyone. We simply must take advantage of the great A-line dresses which will keep us looking fresh and lady-like, while being oh so comfortable. The androgynous look seems to have found it’s feminine place in fashion for the past several seasons and won’t be neglected this coming spring.

Please, do have a flip through your favorite fashion magazines before trying this look at home, however. A heal or open-toed sandal (exposing well-manicured toe nails), puffy sleeves and a generous flower on the lapel keep us from looking like cross-dressers. Spring 2006 is all about celebrating femininity.

It seems hard to find a color not on offer this coming spring. Pick your favorite and enjoy! White will dominate the scene allowing plenty of opportunities to accessorize with fantastic colors. Denim done in a clean-cut casual style opens up the same accessorizing opportunities. Golden beige is can be a bit boring on its own, but mix it with a little white, and you have understated elegance. Or, if you prefer, add a jewel tone and let the fun begin! The little black dress is still a must have; chose a style which suits you and enjoy accessorizing to show your individuality. Floral prints will brighten any spring day weather you chose to get the print dress and accessorize with solid accessories or vice-versa; we have the opportunity to indulge in our individual femininity like never before.

With a little planning and a daring open mind, this spring offers an opportunity for each of us to re-discover our femininity, enjoy sunshine even on the cloudiest of days, and live in the moment making memories of the spring of 2006.

I have enjoyed this day dream of near anticipation. And now, off I go back to the future of autumn/winter 2006/2007! I will keep you updated when the time comes, but certainly not too soon! Enjoy looking forward to a beautiful spring but don’t forget to live in this moment.

Jennifer Marvin is an American born Parisian fashion designer who grew up in the mountains of Colorado passing wintry days at a sewing machine under the guidance of her mother. Jennifer’s passion for creating and manipulating fabrics into wearable art took her from her family’s Colorado ranch to London and finally to Paris where she now considers home. Her work has been published in British Vogue magazine, sold on the most fashionable street in Paris and auctioned for charities such as Seeds of Peace in New York City and The committee for Missing Children International.

Jennifer Marvin, Paris

http://www.jennifermarvin.com

There are a few things you’ll require to procure when you start cycling. The first and most obvious is a first-rate bike that suits you! While that may well appear like a no-brainer, stacks of people start out on bikes that are either too little, or made with poor quality parts, basically because they are considerably cheaper. The correct fit and a well manufactured racing bike can make your trip a lot easier, though, do not be tempted to bargain shop for your bicycle. Instead, pay for one that will survive you a substantial amount of time. As soon as you have a racing bike that is suitable for you, it is time to acquire the other items that will help you to become a regular cyclist.

Lights: The minimum needed by UK law for your bicycle is a few reflectors. Although a headlight & tail light are worthwhile even during the day. When it is dark & rainy, they can make a huge difference in your visibility to cars.

Tools: Just like driving a motor vehicle, accidents do take place while you’re cycling. Keep some kind of tool kit on you at all times to take care of flat tires, uncooperative chains, loose bolts and any other issues.

Helmet: While it’s legal in the majority of locations to go without a helmet, in numerous others, one is compulsory. If you are aiming to cycle regularly, it is shrewd to have one even in areas where no helmet law exists. Get cycling equipment uk at Sportswear-Equipment.com.

Clothes: Although special cycling clothing is certainly optional, it’s smart to pay attention to what you’re wearing. Loose clothes ought to be avoided, or tucked up so they don’t get trapped in the chain.

Locks: If you are lucky enough to live in an area where you can keep your bicycle inside all the time, a lock is imperative. Even in rural areas, there are people who will gladly take and resell your bicycle.

Related topics of interest include: Formula 1 Racing & Buy Toys.

You may need to replace dishwasher parts from time to time. Call or visit your local appliance parts outlet. There you will find a full selection of dishwasher parts you can buy to self-service your dishwasher. Some examples of commonly replaced parts are:

1) The drain hose. These are necessary for draining the machine back into the plumbing of your home. This hose can crack, tear, or become weak. You can replace it yourself for under $20.

2) Switches and latches. Door switches, selector switches, handle latches, knobs, and other switches can break off from time to time. These are usually available for under $20 each.

3) The air gap. This prevents waste from seeping back into the unit. It is located in the sink, near the faucet. If you’ve already tried unscrewing and cleaning the air gap, a new one can be had for under $15.

4) Dishwasher rack plastic repair material. If any parts of the two or three racks in your dishwasher break off, apply some of this glue-like material and stick the part back on. It costs around $20 or $30 a bottle. It’s powerful stuff.

5) The complete pump and motor assembly. Motors and pumps can sometimes break down. Unfortunately, they cost anywhere from $100 to $200. Be sure to try and self-start the stuck motor by manually spinning it before you go and buy a new one.

6) Push-button control panels. These can short out, sometimes causing an alarming cloud of smoke. If you ever experience this, disconnect the power, pull the unit away from the wall if you can, and get a new push-button control panel for about $100.

7) Internal control panel contacts. If you are handy with electronics, and the control panel seems burnt out, you can avoid buying a whole new panel by soldering new contacts in place. If you don’t know what that means, you’re probably not qualified to do this. That’s OK. Buying a new control panel would be much easier than learning all about its electronics.

The control actuator and control module. These shut off water to the bottom spray arm at the end of the run. If your machine floods, you might have to spend $50 to $100 to replace these parts.

9) The heating element. This heats the water. If the water is cold, a new heating element costs about $100.

10) The timer. This controls how long the machine is on and washing your dishes. Replace it if the machine shuts off too early, too late, or not at all. It should cost under $40.

Dishwashers Info provides detailed information on standard and portable dishwashers, dishwasher parts and repair, and reviews of the best dishwasher manufacturers and products. Dishwashers Info is the sister site of Water Softeners Web.