text: i BUILDING VICTORIA'S INNOVATION CAPACITY THROUGH CREATIVITY Discussion paper prepared for the Victorian Government's Innovation Economy Advisory Board August 2004 Preamble This paper reviews and evaluates recent work that argues for the rising importance of Creative Capital, and of creativity in general, in the context of the Innovation Economy. Each of these key terms - innovation, Creative Capital and creativity - is ambiguous, and requires further definition. The paper has two main parts. First, it seeks to provide a working definition of creativity and discusses shifts in the advanced industrial economies leading to the emergence of the Innovation Economy; a structural transition which has been characterised by a shift in economic focus from tangible to intangible assets, and from commodity manufacturing to services and "elaborately transformed" manufactures. The paper also briefly examines how these developments relate to the literature on creativity and innovation, including the transition from the "knowledge" to the "creative worker". Second, it reviews current trends in economic development policy in relation to creativity, from both a sectoral (Creative Industries) and an occupational (Creative Class) perspective, including implications for Victoria. Finally, it lists a number of issues and potential actions for further consideration. Office of the Innovation Economy Advisory Board Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development ii "In [the UK] Government, we have always been a champion of the Creative Industries… but now, I believe we need to move to a new challenge – to promote creativity and innovation in every part of our economy… In today's world, we need creativity; we need innovation, in every part of our society and our economy. In a world that is changing faster than anyone could have foreseen, our creativity is the key to our future..." (Speech by The Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State and Industry, UK Government, to Citigroup, London, 29 June, 2004) "People with ideas – people who own ideas – have become more powerful than people who work machines, and in many cased, more powerful than people who own machines" (The Creative Economy, John Howkins, 2001) Table of contents: Preamble ......................................................................................................................................... i 1.0 Introduction: Creativity and Innovation ........................................................................ 1 1.1 What is creativity, and why does it matter? .................................................................... 1 1.2 Context – the Innovation Economy ................................................................................. 2 1.3 From Knowledge Worker to Creative Worker ................................................................ 3 2.0 International Policy Perspective – Creative Workers, Creative Work and the Creative Sector .................................................................................................................. 3 2.1 The Creative Industries Model ........................................................................................ 4 2.2 The Creative Class Model ............................................................................................... 4 3.0 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Key Challenges ............................................................................................................... 6 1 Building Victoria's Innovation Capacity through Creativity "The real assets of the modern economy come out of our heads, not out of the ground: imagination, knowledge, skills, talent and creativity." 1 1.0 Introduction: Creativity and Innovation Today's economy increasingly runs on knowledge, creativity and innovation. As the economic focus of the advanced industrialised nations has shifted from the consumption of natural resources to the utilisation of intangible assets, a new (post-industrial ) economic order based on the production, distribution and use of knowledge has emerged (OECD, 1996),2 what the US Federal Reserve's chairman Alan Greenspan has termed the 'weightless economy', what Charles Leadbeater (1999)3 has described as 'living on thin air', and Barry Jones as the 'dematerialisation' of the economy. According to The Harvard Business Review, the Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) is rapidly becoming the new MBA and the essential qualification for a successful business career. 4 The concepts of "creativity" and "innovation" are often used interchangeably, and there are almost as many misconceptions about creativity as there are definitions. Creativity is not a "mystical talent" which some people have and others do not; it is both an intrinsic human capability and a high-order set of skills which can be learnt. Nor is creativity the preserve of the arts and cultural sector; it can equally be found in industry, in the sciences, engineering and education. Creativity is not about self-expression, and while it involves an element of risk, it is not about chaos. Creativity is about focused inquiry, problem solving, productive outcomes, discipline and teamwork. 1.1 What is creativity, and why does it matter? "Creativity involves thinking a problem afresh and from first principals; experimentation; originality; the capacity to rewrite rules; to be unconventional; to discover common threads amid the seemingly disparate; to look at situations laterally and with flexibility" 5 In a globally connected and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) enabled world, access to knowledge is no longer enough - it is how you use it that matters. Knowledge, creativity and imagination are the wellsprings of innovation, and innovation is the critical 21st century asset – supplanting land, labour and capital – and source of competitive advantage.i Creativity is a pervasive and important enabling capability which contributes to innovation, productivity and competitiveness. Creativity is: imaginative activity leading to productive outcomes that are both original and of value; 1 Surfing the Long Wave – Knowledge Entrepreneurship in Britain, Charles Leadbeater and Kate Oakley, 2001 2 The Knowledge-based Economy, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 1996 3 Living On thin Air, Charles Leadbeater, 1999 4 The Harvard Business Review, 'Breakthrough Business Ideas for 2004', Daniel Pink, February 2004 5 The Creative City, Charles Landry and Franco Bianchini, 1995 2 the capacity to generate ideas, concepts and processes (Creative Capital); a process, a type of thinking and an approach to problem solving; an intrinsic human capability, and a high-order skill which can be taught and learnt; not limited to any one sector or area of economic activity – it applies equally across the economy in multiple industry sectors. Webster's Dictionary defines creativity as "the ability to create meaningful new forms" and innovation as "the introduction of something new" and as "a new idea, method, or device". Traditionally, creativity is defined as the process whereby ideas (for new products, services or processes) are generated, and innovation as the process of shifting, refining and (critically) implementing these ideas - that is, creativity is about "divergent thinking" and the generation of ideas, while innovation is about "convergent thinking" and putting ideas into action. Creativity is a core capability for the innovation economy: A source of competitiveness - the shift from tangible to intangible value; A driver of innovation and Intellectual Property - the shift from comparative advantage to competitive advantage; A source of authenticity and differentiation in an increasingly globalised, connected, open and standardised world; Has the capacity to generate significant spill-overs; and Builds on established and recognised expertise/strengthens in Victoria. While the characteristics and general attributes of creativity, and of creative people and creative environments, are well documented in the literature less is known and understood about the conditions that foster and sustain creativity, and the mechanisms, processes and resources that transform new ideas into successful innovations. 1.2 Context – the Innovation Economy The world economy is changing - rapidly and profoundly. New, open global markets for goods, services, talent and finance are emerging. As these markets "churn" jobs, products and whole industries at an accelerating rate, they place a premium on innovation. Worldwide, the demand for people who use creativity, ideas and knowledge rather than physical effort to solve complex problems, devise new products and services and find better ways of doing things is increasing. The nature of work is also changing, becoming more knowledge and information intensive. Nearly a third of the workforce in the advance economies is now employed in the knowledge and services based industries – science, engineering, health care, finance, law, medicine, personal services, media and the arts. Talent is increasingly mobile, and having low costs is no longer enough - companies are choosing to locate themselves in places with think labour markets, good infrastructure, high levels of Creative Capital and strengths in knowledge, research and development and technology. Increasingly, it is cities and regions rather than countries that are competing globally – presenting particular opportunities for Victoria. 3 1.3 From Knowledge Worker to Creative Worker This new economic order demands new skills. In the early 1990's Robert Reich 6 - Labour Secretary under the Clinton administration - argued that America's future prosperity would depend on the skills and knowledge of its workers, not the profitability of its corporations. Reich attributed this transition to the move form "high volume" to "high value" enterprises, in which the knowledge, know how and creativity embedded in new products, processes and services are the primary source of value. In turn, Peter Drucker characterised this as the transition from the industrial to the "knowledge economy", in which "The basic economic resource – "the means of production", to use the economist's term – is no longer capital, nor natural resources (the economist's "land"), nor labour. It is and will be knowledge. . ." 7 This line of reasoning – which postulates the need for a new type of worker for a new kind of economy - can be traced back to Daniel Bell's8 pioneering work of the 1970's, in which he argued that the institutional and functional shifts then taking place in the United States (and the advanced industrial nations), when taken together, heralded the emergence of a new "post- industrial" society. This increasing focus on Human Capitalii and, by extension, its container the innovative worker, anticipated the present wave of interest in fostering a creative workforce. 2.0 International Policy Perspective – Creative Workers, Creative Work and the Creative Sector "We traditionally think of creativity as an attribute of an artist or the arts. Yet creativity is a broad, fundamental notion . . . [that] encompasses innovation, entrepreneurship and expression. It connotes both the art of giving birth to new ideas and the discipline of sharing and applying those ideas to the stage of realised value." 9 Examining recent public policy and current literature on creativity and creative work, two broad themes emerge. The first argues that the creative sector and, in particular, the Creative Industries are a rapidly growing part of the modern economy. The second postulates that there is a growing global "Creative Class", accounting for between 25 and 30 percent of the workforce in the advanced economies, and that the new economic winners are those cities and regions that are abundant in ideas and talent, rather than raw materials or cheap labour. Essentially, the debate can be characterised as being between a perspective which views creativity as primarily an output of a particular sector of the economy (the Creative Industries) and one that sees it as a means to a (business) end; that is, between creativity as "product" and "process". 6 The Work of Nations – Preparing Ourselves for 21st Century Capitalism, Robert Reich, 1991 7 Post-Capitalist Society, Peter Drucker, 1993. 8 The Coming of Post-Industrial Society, Daniel Bell, 1973 9 The Creative Community: Leveraging Creativity and Cultural Participation for Silicon Valley's Economic and Civic Future, Collaborative Economics, 2001 4 2.1 The Creative Industries Model Mainstreamed in the United Kingdom by the Blair Labour Government, and still strongly identified with that country, this model focuses on a specific (if fragmented) sector of the economy and applies a range of traditional industry development strategies to grow the sector, including: Collection, aggregation and analysis of data across a range of sectors/activities; Access to finance and business advice/support for start-up, micro and SMEs; Export assistance, support and advice; and Marketing, brand building and positioning, i.e. "Cool Britannia". The Creative Industries are broadly defined as those sectors of economic activity whose outputs are governed by intellectual property (IP) law, including the sciences and the subsidised arts and cultural sector.iii Exemplified by authors such as John Howkins and Charles Leadbeater, the principal policy questions for advocates of a sectoral "Creative Industries" approach to creativity are concerned with "How best to define, measure and understand the creative industries/sector", and "What are the most appropriate strategies to promote its growth?" The Creative Industries model has been widely copied nationally and internationally, including recent initiatives in Queensland, New Zealand and Singapore. 2.2 The Creative Class Model Originating in the United States, this more controversial and still evolving model views creativity as vital to the economy as a whole. Centered on a specific and growing class of "creative" occupations (and the individuals who hold them), the Creative Class model emphasizes the importance of Creative Capital to regional, organisational and individual innovation, productivity and competitiveness. Richard Florida, Heinz Professor of Economic Development, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, author of The Rise of the Creative Class (2002) and originator of the "Creative Class Theory" of regional economic development, is the best known advocate of this approach.iv Focusing on changes to a specific class of occupations (and the individuals who hold them) rather than a specific sector of the economy, the Creative Class model argues that attracting creative talent – via Florida's "Three Ts" (Technology, Tolerance and Talent) - is the key to economic development, and that High tech industries are attracted to locations with large Creative Class populations; High-value jobs increasingly follow talent, and not the other way around; Talent is increasingly mobile, intrinsically motivated and in demand; and Location choices of the global "Creative Class" are primarily lifestyle and values driven. Traditionally, employees have been seen to be motivated extrinsically by money and security. The Creative Class Theory begs the question; "What are the economic implications of a workforce motivated by what they do and where they live, rather than what they earn?" 5 Examples of Creative Class derived economic development initiatives include "Creative Tampa Bay" (Florida), and "Creative Memphis" (Tennessee). These U.S. initiatives are primarily lifestyle and urban/civic amenities focused, and are intended to stem or reverse the flight of talent from their host cities. 3. Implications for Victoria "It was naïve to imagine that the global reach of the internet would make geography irrelevant. Wireline and wireless technologies have bound the virtual and physical worlds closer than ever… Actually, geography is far from dead." 10 News of the death of geography (like that of history itself) has proved premature, and exaggerated – recent research suggests that space and location are increasingly important, and that a new economic geography of globally connected, creative cities is emerging. v Research undertaken by the National Institute for Economic and Industry Research 11 on behalf of the Board, and applying Florida's "Creative Class Theory" indices to Melbourne, Sydney and selected jurisdictions, found that Victoria is a regionally significant centre of Creative Capital, with strengthens in science and technology. Research findings include: Melbourne Central scored higher than Sydney Central for the Creativity Index (1026 versus 1020); Both Melbourne Central and Sydney Central ranked 4th when compared to US regions; Relative to the US, Melbourne rates highly in terms of bohemians (those employed in artistic and creative occupations), diversity (proportion of same-sex couples), creative class (those employed in high skilled occupations), foreign born and talent (proportion of those with bachelor degree or higher qualifications); High growth between 1996 and 2001 in the proportion of those employed in high skilled and creative occupations (for Melbourne Central an increase from 44.6 to 49.5 per cent); High growth between 1996 and 2001 in the proportion of the population aged 15 and over who have obtained a bachelor degree or higher qualification (for Melbourne Central an increase from 30.7 to 38.2 per cent). However, this research also indicates that Victoria's performance in leveraging its Creative Capital to realise economic, social and cultural value currently lags that of other leading "best- practice" jurisdictions, most noticeably the United States and Nordic countries. While additional research is need to determine those factors affecting Victoria's performance, matching international best-practice is likely to result in significant economic gains. Victoria does not have an overarching Creative Industries strategy. Various Creative Industry sectors, however, are addressed through a range of State Government strategies and policies, including State of Design – Future Directions (design), Creative Capacity + (arts and culture), the Biotechnology Strategic Development Plan (2004-2007), Game Plan: Game On and Next Level (interactive computer games), VicStart (technology commercialisation), Growing Tomorrow's Industries Today (ICT) and various Film and Television related initiatives, including Melbourne on Screen and the Central City Studios. Additional research and analysis is 10 The Economist, 2003 11 Melbourne Creativity, National Institute of Economic and Industry Research, February 2003 6 required to determine whether positioning these initiatives within a single strategic policy framework would deliver demonstrable benefit. The identification of design as a key strategic capability of the Innovation Economy (and the State of Design – Future Directions initiative) is significant in that it positions design (an intangible inputvi) as an important cross-sectoral enabler – along with Information and Communications Technologies and Biotechnology – capable of transforming the way that all sectors of the economy operate, and with potential to develop new hybrid industries, products and services. This is in addition to design services being a key growth sector and potential export earner in its own right. 3.0 Conclusion Worldwide, economies (and economic policy makers) are being squeezed by a combination of the "big three" – convergence, digitalisation and globalisation.vii Although the idea that government intervention can create national wealth is not universally endorsed, there is increasingly support for the notion that economic development strategies based solely on micro- economic efficiency gains and liberalisation cannot produce the desired "push-up" the value chain to innovative, high-value add industries and jobs. At the same time, both in the literature and in public policy circles, increasing attention is being paid to creativity as a means of driving innovation, the generation of intellectual property and competitiveness. There would seem little doubt that creativity and Creative Capital, however ill-defined, have an important economic function. To date, the majority of initiatives undertaken in this area have utilised a sectoral and industry based approach rather than an occupational one, and have sought to foster and promote the Creative Industries – including, explicitly or by default, the subsidised arts and cultural sector. Little work has been done, either in Australia or internationally, to position creativity as a potential "whole-of-economy" strategic capability. 3.1 Key Challenges Victoria's ability to harness and better utilise the intrinsic creative capacity and capabilities of a majority of its workforce, and a majority of its public and private sector enterprises (irrespective of their size and the sectors of the economy in which they operate) will be critical to determining competitiveness and prosperity in the 21st Century Innovation Economy. If one accepts the premise that creativity is an increasingly important Innovation Economy input, a number of implications flow from this, including: The critical role of (primary and secondary) education in ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills and attributes to succeed in the Innovation Economy; The need to ensure that Victorian businesses, and its business culture, are open and receptive to new ideas, innovation and creativity and have the requisite skills and capability to turn ideas (irrespective of their source) into productive outcomes; including - The importance of leadership in fostering an organisational climate and culture of innovation and creativity - The important role of (tertiary) business education in equipping managers with the skills to successfully manage creativity and creative workers, and 7 - The importance of the "cross-fertilisation" of ideas, technologies and knowledge between and across industries and sectors The need to ensure that public policy formulation and application in Victoria is equally creative and responsive, and able to utilise innovative thinking to enhance public good. Endnotes: i Microsoft is often cited as the quintessential "new economy" firm – with a mere 5 per cent of the tangible assets held by General Motors, by the mid-1990s, Microsoft had achieved a market capitalisation three times that of the former industrial giant. Microsoft's profits are derived primarily from the creativity and intellectual capacity of its employees – high level skills that are increasingly in demand across all industry sectors. ii Human Capital is both the accumulated stock of skills, talents, capabilities and experience of a firm's employees', which makes its workers more productive, and the capacity of individuals to create, understand and utilise knowledge to create commercial value. Human Capital is composed of creative, social and intellectual capital. iii The UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) defines the Creative Industries as "those activities which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have the potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property". According to DCMS, the Creative Industries include the advertising, architecture, design, designer fashion, craft, film, television and radio production, visual and performing arts, software, interactive computer games, music and (print, software and electronic) publishing industries (DCMS, 1998, Creative Industries in the United Kingdom). In 2001 the Allen Consulting Group (The Economic Contribution of Australia's Copyright Industries, 2001) estimated that Australia's copyright industries contributed $19.2 Billion in industry gross product (IGP) in 1999-2000, and that in terms of value-adding, this represented 3.3 percent of Australia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Also, that over the period 1996-97 to 1999-2000 the copyright industries in Australian grew at an average annual growth rate of 5.7 percent, which exceeded the average annual growth rate of the total economy over the same period (4.85 percent per year). iv Florida's "creative class" consists of a super-creative core of people in the sciences and engineering, architecture and design, education, arts, music and entertainment whose primary job is to create new ideas, technologies and creative content. In addition to the super-creatives, there is a broader group of creative professionals in business and finance, law, health care and related fields. The "creative class", according to Florida, comprises some 25 – 30% of total employment in the United States and accounts for "nearly half of all wage and salary incomes – as much as the manufacturing and service sectors combined". Florida is not without his critics, however; see for example Joel Kotkin and Fred Siegel's "Too Much Froth" (available at: www.ndol.org/print.cfm?contentid=252300) and Steven Malanga, "The Curse of the Creative Class (available at: www.manhattan-institute.org/cfml/printable.cfm?id=1203). In turn, see Florida's response "Revenge of the Squelchers" (available at: www.americancity.org/Archives/Issue5/florida.html). v A convergence of urbanising flows – of people, ideas and investment – means that cities are more important than ever for human well-being and prosperity. Internationally, increasing attention is being paid to the role of cities as centres of creativity and innovation. Examples from the literature included Jane Jacobs' seminal The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), Richard Florida's The Rise of the Creative Class: And How It's Transforming Work, Leisure, Community and Everyday Life (2002), Polese and Stren's The Social Sustainability of Cities: Diversity and the Management of Change (2000); Healey's Collaborative Planning: Shaping Places in Fragmented Societies (1997), Fischer's Citizens, Experts and the Environment: The Politics of Local Knowledge (2000) and Charles Landry's The Creative City: A Tool Kit for Urban Innovators (2000). vi "Tangible" resources are physical inputs such as machinery, plant and equipment that have a clearly defined market value. An intangible input is more difficult to measure because it has no material properties. The value of an intangible asset to a particular firm may vary depending on the relationship between different sets of intangibles within a particular workplace. "Value-add" is increasingly obtained through combining intangible inputs into the production process (for example, closer links with customers and suppliers) with knowledge and creativity-related intangible inputs such as R and D, intellectual property, patents, design and market research. The shift in favour of services has meant that intangible inputs are an increasingly important input into the production process of "old economy" industries as well as new ones. For example, seventy per cent of the value of a car is now attributable to knowledge-based elements such as styling, design and software. vii Globalisation is not simply about firms exporting more to other countries. A more important trend is the proportion of the world economy that is "globally contestable", with firms from other countries able to compete in what were once closed local or domestic markets – estimated to be worth some US$21 trillion in 2000 alone.


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Do these rugs feel "soft" underfoot? I want something that I can get down on the floor and comfortably sit on, not something that is potentially going to be scratchy or plasticky in feel.
I love this rug, but the edges are beginning to curl and it still sheds very bad after a year and a half.
This grey and black area rug features a bold over-dyed, washed finish for a dramatic addition to your favorite room. With a traditional Oriental-inspired base, this soft, beautifully stylish rug was designed for maximum durability and comfort.
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One of today's hottest trends, the over-dyed look, is replicated here in washed shades of grey and black. Encompassing the best of both worlds this rug offers high style, affordability and ease of care.- Primary materials: Polypropylene
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Beautiful Rug I love this rug, but the edges are beginning to curl and it still sheds very bad after a year and a half.
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Just what I thought based on reviews When you layer this rug with furniture and accessories, put a good quality pad under it, and get it to stick down, it is exactly what I wanted. The color is definitely taupe, gray, and black. (if you have some color blindness it can appear brown.) When "layered" it is quit stunning. I am looking into getting it to bound to a thick backing to make it look more substantial. I was expecting the quality to be about what it is. However, an authentic over dyed rug is thousands more than I paid for this. I am sure this style is a fad so I am willing to let it be a cheap knock off. By the way I saw this rug on a DYI show, in a redecorated basement and it looked fabulous there also. It was layered with lots of furniture.
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beautiful This is not quite the quality i had hoped but I like it. It looks good in our room and adds a wonderful contemporary flair.
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Not as nice as the photo. The photos/images that were shown on the site were at a weird angle and had lots of shadowing, so i feel i couldn't get an accurate read on how it truly looked. I was hoping that it would have that "worn" look without looking like it was trying too hard to have that look. But it sort of does look like it's trying to hard. I meant this rug for the living room but may end up moving it into another room. I'm going to change some main pieces of furniture in the near future, so maybe i will feel differently about the rug then & it might end up staying in the living room...we'll see. I knew i was taking a chance on this based on the lousy photos, and i may have not ordered it had it been lighted in the photos properly. Live and learn.
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Odd looking pattern I would not purchase this again. This rug looks very cheap.
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Not really worn, but dyed to look like it is. This is the perfect rug for someone with a boho sensibility. My son loves the overdyed rug look but the original Turkish ones are in the thousands. The truth about this rug is that the pile is not worn, but dyed to look so. It's fine - it creates the illusion, but it's not a show rug. As a result I convinced him to use it in the dining room where it's partially hidden by the table and the illusion works much better. Also because of the look, spills and stains would only add to the style. I applaud Overstock for finding these affordable versions because they offer a cool option to traditional rugs.
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Disposable Rugs We purchased two of these rugs for our booth at a Trade show. For the price, they served their purpose, but showed extreme amounts of wear and tear after the three days on the floor. They curl, they shed...by shedding, I mean it looks like someone came in and shaved off their dreadlocks onto the rug; immense, almost endless amounts of shedding. I would not recommend this for a living or formal space. Might be fine in a basement, wreck-room or the like. It does look cool for the aesthetic purpose, but for the money you can get a rug of much higher quality here.
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This rug is made primarily of polypropylene, a material that is both durable and soft. It should, therefore, feel comfortable to bare feet.
Is there any price adjustment guarrantee, just purchased this, haven't even received it and it's 44.73 cheaper than I paid. Thanks
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I would like to see what the weave of this rug looks like. I can't tell how tight the weave is. Furthermore, what is polypropelene? I love the look, just want to be sure what it looks like.
Polypropylene is a synthetic. Weave is short and tight. It feels a little like jute. Low maintenence/easy care. These can be cleaned with mild soapy water and a hose.
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For someone who amounted to part-timer, Ryan Freel gave a lot of joy to baseball fans. He exhibited a colorful, sometimes bizarre personality and demonstrated an acrobatic, sometimes reckless style of play that took a toll on his career. He was fun to watch and write about. But he also was troubled. And now we are left to wonder why he took his own life.Please bookmark!
Freel was found dead at his home in Jacksonville, Fla. on Saturday afternoon, victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police confirmed via the Florida Times-Union. Freel was 36 years old, leaving a wife, Christie, along with three daughters, notes C. Trent Rosecrans of CBS Eye on Baseball.
First Coast News of Jacksonville reported his death first.
Freel played in parts of eight major league seasons, seeing action in 594 games — 544 with the Cincinnati Reds — and four other teams, from 2001-2009. He batted .268/.354/.369 with 143 stolen bases and 22 home runs. He logged most of his innings in the outfield, particularly center, but was known for having enough versatility to play third base and second.
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Sunday, December 23, 2012
Ex-Major Leaguer Ryan Freel Found Dead
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Florida Seafood Festival en
The Florida Seafood Festival is an annual public event held in Apalachicola, Florida on the first weekend of November. It features a parade, A carnival, blue crab races, an oyster eating contest, an oyster shucking contest, a 3.1 mile road race, a country music concert,arts and craft booths, and plenty of fresh local seafood.The local seafood served is made by the local Non-Profit groups. It is the oldest seafood festival in the state. The 2010 Florida Seafood Festival Oyster Shucking Champion MIke Martin won the 2010 National Oyster Shucking Championship. [ - ]
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Dear Friends and Partners:
Happy New Year,
Thanks for helping us provide Thanksgiving Baskets to 1025 families and toys to over 3000 inner city KIDZ!!!!!!!!!!!
Building upon the old, and moving towards the new, we celebrate 2014 accomplishments which allowed World Missions to partner with McLean Bible Church, Gen8 Foundation Inc, Boundary Public House, Asst. Chief Groomes and the Metropolitan Police Department, McKinley Technology High School and the North Capital Ecumenical Rhode Island Ave Council of Churches in providing Thanksgiving Baskets to 1025 families and toys to over 3000 inner-city kids is why with great anticipation do we look forward to 2015 which will allow us opportunity to do everything all over again. Smile!!!!!!
We are looking for People to volunteer with us as Mentors &Volunteers:
We are looking for persons to serve as volunteer mentors/tutors for inner-city children, youth and adults needing help in all academic areas and work readiness training. We are also looking for volunteers interested in helping incarcerated youth in our Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services Just FRIENDS Ministry. Should you be interested in volunteering and or doing community service with us, please email us. Thanks
Prayer Request:
As we begin the year, by using the month of January as our prayer and reflections time designed to seek God's wisdom and favor/blessings for the whole year, we invite you and your family to attend our January 31st Prayer Rally. Please feel free to send us your prayer request.
In closing, I say again thanks so much for your prayers and support
Dr. J. Perkins, President/CEO
World Missions Inner-city EXTENSION Center
Mission Statement:
As a community based organization, it is our mission to provide educational training services that positively impact lives of children, youth and adults living in inner-city neighborhoods.
To Accomplish our mission:
The EXTENSION Center annually sponsors 6 Special Event Outreach Rallies and through our Positive Alternative Skill Building Mentoring/Vocational Training Programs we tutor children and youth and provide Job Readiness Skill Development/ Scholarships/ Workshops for youth and adults and parenting workshop which are designed to improve parenting skills.
On the Horizons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 31st Prayer Rally
We will sponsor on Saturday, January 31st at 9:30am our annual prayer rally at our church which is located at 1720 First Street NW. Washington, DC 20001. Please feel free to send and click on our prayer request link so that we can pray for you.
Blankets and Coat Drive:
We are also collecting blankets and coats for the homeless and kids and adults needing coats
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Was it racist? Caroline Wozniacki imitates Serena Williams, stirs controversy
Tue Dec 11, 2012Will science someday rule out the possibility of God?
Tue Sep 18, 2012Man's $2 million inheritance missing after he's killed
Thu Jul 19, 2012Warrants in Marine wife murder case reveal text messages, sex dungeon
Thu Jul 19, 2012GOP: Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry fail to qualify for Virginia primary
Sat Dec 24, 2011Police arrest 47 as Boston Occupy camp is broken up
Sat Dec 10, 2011Flier, displaced by obese seatmate, forced to stand
Wed Nov 23, 2011Video spreads of UC Davis cops pepper spraying Occupy students
Sat Nov 19, 2011Is Newsweek's Sarah Palin cover sexist?
Tue Nov 17, 2009


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Australian living in Beirut, Lebanon. Works in human rights and political advocacy.
Perdita has completed online and offline ID verification.
You are most welcome anytime you feel like a Madrid escapade. You are the perfect guest
It was an honour to host Marion and her friend on her trip to Ireland, they were extremely friendly, clean, courteous and I would welcome them back to my home should they return to Ireland :)
Perdita was a great guest - super friendly and open - it was lovely to chat with her! Welcome here anytime!
Very good guest!
c'etait un plaisir de recevoir Perdita, c'est une personne souriante, gentille et charmante, elle a respecte l'appartement et a été tres correcte. je la recommande fortement et les yeux fermés.


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a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w y z search |
TeachMeFinance.com - explain flight surgeon flight surgeon 'flight surgeon' is an military term. It means '(DOD,NATO) A physician specially trained in aviator medical practice whose primary duty is the medical examination and medical care of aircrew'. About the author


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Political Animal
When I talked about the Truthification of Public Discourse I had people like John Podhoretz in mind. Facts simply don't matter for these folks. The worst thing about the IRS scandal was that it was treated as a partisan scandal in the first place. No evidence has ever surfaced that anyone outside the IRS had any role in their screening process, and progressive organizations were flagged along with conservative organizations. In the end, despite some inexcusable delays, no conservative organizations were denied tax-exempt status. And that's the real travesty.


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From Sweeny Murti of New York's WFAN comes word that Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes departed in the fourth inning of his ALCS Game 3 start against the Tigers because of a stiff back.
Hughes cruised through the first three innings before yielding a solo home run to Delmon Young and a walk to Andy Dirks. He motioned for a trainer two pitches into the next at-bat against Jhonny Peralta and departed the field after a short conversation with the Yankees' head trainer and manager Joe Girardi.
Hughes held the Orioles to one earned run over 6 2/3 innings during his lone outing in the ALDS. He threw a career-high 191 1/3 innings during the 2012 regular season. It's a cold night at Comerica Park.
The Tigers currently lead this ALCS Game 3 by a score of 2-0. Justin Verlander is throwing a gem.
- dondada10 - Oct 16, 2012 at 10:25 PM
With the way their pitchers have had to carry them, I'm surprised this is the first stiff back.
- Old Gator - Oct 16, 2012 at 10:33 PM
Oliver Platt: Swept! Swept!
John Turturro: Sniff. Whimper.
- Old Gator - Oct 16, 2012 at 10:35 PM
Verlander looks like a replicant out there so far. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion….
- historiophiliac - Oct 16, 2012 at 10:42 PM
OG, does this mean you are going to do a run down of the game in Slaughterhouse-Five style as I hoped?
- Old Gator - Oct 16, 2012 at 11:12 PM
Alex Rodriguez has become unstuck in time. Listen….
- tbk201 - Oct 16, 2012 at 10:58 PM
Did Hughes wrong Trump in some way, too?
- hojo20 - Oct 16, 2012 at 11:01 PM
Will Hughes be okay for a potential Game 7?
- fantasymoney - Oct 16, 2012 at 11:06 PM
Ah snap! Let's start up some controversy! "Phil Hughes caught eating two cheeseburgers in the clubhouse during a game 2 Yankee loss leads to a stiff back in the 4th inning of his game 3 loss to the Tigers! Fire Joe Girardi!" Click here to watch the video.


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Million Muslim March in Bangladesh on Dec 16/ 2013.
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Million Muslim March in Bangladesh on December 16/2013. Islam is under attack in Bangladesh. Please stop Politicking on Islam and Save Islam. Join this movement on the Facebook: http://www.Faceboo.com/MMMdhaka.
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Rate Dr. Adrian Langleben
Dr. Adrian Langleben's Ratings
He is an angel on earth has been dedicated to my husband for 8 years through thick and thin, this man has stood by our family and helped us along the way. It helps that my husband has the same sense of humour, God Bless Dr.L and all the nurses and clinicians and Drs. on 5th floor, 2nd Floor ICU and the 3rd Floor. You've made an enormous difference in the face of cancer.
Was this rating useful? 0 [[ userState['ratings'][2656055].votes_count ]]
Dr. Langleben is one of the most dedicated men in the field. Every day he is faced with patients that are in terrible situations and it is his job to try and make the best solution for them. It is not a Doctors job to be compassionate, it is a Doctors job to advise and inform on the best path forward. Family and friends are there for the patient, the doctor is there to advise on treatment. No doctor spends as much time researching and studying to continually improve the level of care he can provide.
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My father was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). The first time we met Dr. Langleben, he came in "rough", but I was able to take this with a grain of salt. After that, he has been a gentle and very informative man. Although things may not seem very positive, he has been honest, forthright, and has given all possible scenarios. In a recent meeting with my parents and me, he showed how doctors should act in times of need. I have seen some of the lower ratings - people should remember that oncologists face death every day. If they can take that extra moment to talk or comfort patients - then it's one more piece of informstion that they did not have.
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Dr. Langleben agreed to see me the day after I was referred to him for breast cancer when I was frantic and unable to get into see a doctor because he is a compassionate and caring doctor. He is also a "character" who deals with an emotionally difficult illness all day, every day as well as anyone could. He is incredibly knowledgeable -- always up to date on the very latest research and willing to discuss every question I ask, every study I have read, every concern I have. I make sure I have my questions written out and ready to ask but he always makes time. He is consistently very late because he sees more patients than he should and answers every question asked. I have complete confidence that I am getting the best possible medical care with him and I am willing to travel two hours to do so. He can be very direct but he is very compassionate.
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I do not care what anyone says he is an amazing doctor. I was diagnosed at 19 years old and everyone told me he had no bedside manners but I strongly disagree. he can be a bit rough on certain patients but it is only cause he cares. He treated me amazingly and always greated me with a smile and a joke. He loves his patients and will fight with and for them until the end. He is incredibly knowledgable and is always one step ahead.
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TRAC, nestor's Catalogue of Criteria for Trusted Digital Repositories and DRAMBORA were each developed within a culture of cooperation, and can consequently be used in association with one another to facilitate repository assessment. The diagram below indicates one of the ways in which they are used together.
The timeline across the bottom of the figure illustrates the value of these tools at every stage of the digital repository lifecycle.
Irrespective of whether repositories are in planning, development or production stages, they can benefit from the exposure of systems, policies, procedures and infrastructures to one or more of these assessment mechanisms.
Self assessment is indicated in the yellow box, and is analogous to repository management. DRAMBORA's methodology represents the softer approach to audit; many parts of its methodology are intended to be almost indistinguishable from good management practice.
During the self assessment process repositories are expected to define and refine repository policy, aggregate and where necessary create documentation and evidence capable of demonstrating conformance with these policies and evaluating and responding to perceived shortcomings, which manifest themselves in terms of risks.
During formal audit (which may be undertaken as part of a certification process, depicted within the red box) a similar approach is adopted, albeit from the perspective of an individual actor. Again, policies are analysed, available evidence is evaluated and a judgement is issued relating to the extent that the repository conforms to available metrics.
In order to facilitate these audit methodologies, the objective metrics presented within TRAC and nestor's Catalogue of Criteria are pervasive influences, presenting structured insights into the kinds of issues that may correspond to risks, shortcomings and perceived points of failure.
They represent a constant, objective and globally defined set of characteristics that repositories should strive for and see realised through each iteration of self assessment and external audit.
When combined, these tools offer a flexible methodology that supports an organisation or auditor in determining conformance to objective and rigorously defined metrics.
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WARNING! WARNING! Pandora Targeting Radio's Advertisers And Station Clutter.
Pandora executives are making it crystal clear how they plan to grow revenue. They are going after radio's advertisers, both national and local and they say they are delivering a "dramatically better radio experience." And, Pandora is going after an Achilles heal for radio, overloaded stopsets and hours and hours of clutter, be it commercials, talk, liners, whatever. Pandora is downloaded on one out of every two smartphones purchased. It has delivered 3.9 billion listener hours in fiscal year 2011. And, Pandora executives say, "listeners are in control." "A far cry from what listeners are used to with radio" according to Tim Westegren.
Pandora President and CEO Joe Kennedy explained to investors why Pandora is seeing early results at the expense of radio. "We get a modest premium over traditional broadcast radio. We'll get that for a :15 spot over what advertisers would pay for a :30 or :60 spot on radio. The key differences are: our ads are targeted, interactive and measurable, which is not the case for radio. And it's such a superior environment, less cluttered. If you are the advertiser on broadcast radio, you are one of 13 minutes of advertising in an hour. It's much less valuable to an advertiser to be stuck in the middle of a 6-minute pod." He added "Pandora is this wonderful environment that really allows an advertiser to focus on communicating its message to the target consumer as opposed to trying to break through the clutter."
Pandora Chief Revenue Officer John Trimble discussed the $37 billion radio advertising pie. "While that pie is not growing, we see it as an opportunity." Trimble also discussed the local sales teams calling them "our feet on the street" offering advertisers sight, sound, motion and emotion. He showed investors a slide with details of the company's expanding sales offices. And he said Pandora has had 8 quarters of triple digit revenue growth. Another very interesting point made by Tim Westegren in today's call was the fact that Pandora has been holding listener town hall meetings all around the country to get feedback. When was the last time your radio station held a town hall listener meeting? When you do, perhaps the opening question should be, are you all comfortable hearing 15-20 minutes of commercials and chatter every hour? just remember to duck after you ask.
(1/8/2014 9:34:43 AM) RUymcs This is one awesome post.Much thanks again. Awesome. |
(11/18/2013 2:41:25 PM) KPJ9xV Great article.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing. |
(9/13/2013 4:14:14 AM) oQwdwH I really like and appreciate your blog.Thanks Again. Really Cool. |
(9/6/2013 11:06:14 PM) 2iH5Gn Major thanks for the blog post.Much thanks again. |
(7/13/2011 4:31:27 PM) Last I heard, 93% of Americans were still listening to traditional radio every week. I wish the radio industry would stop panicking and realize that just because Pandora is successful, it doesn't mean the end of the radio business. Take pride in your stations, make them better, keep them local, and stop stripping them of what made local radio great in the first place. |
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Fruit Ninja
By Halfbrick Studios
Open iTunes to buy and download apps.
Play Fruit Ninja like never before! We've rebuilt the legendary original slicing game from the ground up, adding fresh new gameplay and characters for new and existing fans alike!
In the biggest addition to Fruit Ninja since launch, all Blades and Dojos now have a unique effect on gameplay. Want a ten-fruit Great Wave? Bouncing clouds to never drop a fruit? Swirling tornados for epic combos? Mix and match your gear, experiment with all the powers and find what works for you!
Joining the action are new characters from the amazing world of Fruitasia. Katsuro and Mari will guide you during the game as you grow from a novice fruit bruiser to all-out slicing machine!
Slice fruit, don't slice bombs – that is all you need to know to get started with the addictive Fruit Ninja action! From there, explore the nuances of Classic, Zen and the fan favorite Arcade mode to expand your skills. Slice for a high score, use powerups and special bananas to maximum effect, and go crazy on the multi-slice Pomegranate.
There has never been a better time to play Fruit Ninja, so unsheath your sword and see what's new in the game that started it all. This is still just the beginning – we can't wait for everyone to join us!
This game contains optional in-app purchases. You can disable this feature in the settings menu of your device.
View our privacy policy at http://halfbrick.com/pp
Views our terms of service at Http://halfbrick.com/tos
What's New in Version 2.2.4
We're back and armed to the teeth with a new premium item: The Chainsaw Blade!
That's right, we accepted Jamie's challenge and cooked up a new level of fruit shredding carnage. Don't just slice fruit, paint the walls with it!
Rev up and let loose, obliterating watermelons with a guaranteed critical every single time. Because if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing!
LOCAL MULTIPLAYER – No iPad? No problem! Local multiplayer is now also available on iPhone and iPod touch. Let the competition begin!
Customer Reviews
Can't Get Chainsaw
Love the idea of the chainsaw. However the app won't let me purchase it.
Yay It's Great!!
I like the new format it's super fun and plain amazing!!!
Fruit ninja HD
I love fruit ninja HD
- $1.19
- Category: Games
- Updated: Mar 12, 2015
- Version: 2.2.4
- Size: 60.6 MB
- Languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Traditional Chinese
- Seller: Halfbrick
- © 2011 Halfbrick Studios
Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.
Top In-App Purchases
- Starfruit Pack 1$2.29
- Starfruit Pack 2$5.79
- Starfruit Pack 3$11.99
- Starfruit Pack 5$57.99
- Starfruit Pack 4$22.99
- Ghostbusters Blade$2.29
- Chainsaw Blade$2.29
- Barrel of Starfruit$4.59
- Ghostbusters Dojo$2.29
- Bucket of Starfruit$2.29


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Conditions not right for APEC attendance: MaBy Adam Tyrsett Kuo ,The China Post August 27, 2013, 12:04 am TWN TAIPEI, Taiwan -- President Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday that the conditions which would allow him to take part in this year's APEC Summit have not been met.
Rumors have recently surfaced claiming that the administration has been seeking avenues through which Ma could attend the meeting. In response to reporters who asked why he couldn't take part, given the current stable ties between the two sides of the strait, Ma said that mainland China is still very insistent on certain points when it comes to international events. Earlier yesterday, the Presidential Office echoed Ma's statements, stressing a "lack of conditions" as a primary reason behind the president's inability to participate in the upcoming APEC Summit. This year's APEC Summit will be held in Bali, while Indonesia is slated to send an envoy to Taiwan by the end of this month to extend an invitation. According to local reports, former Vice President Lien Chan (連戰), who has served as a representative of the president at APEC Summits over the past several years, has yet to be "notified" to take part in this year's event. Sources claim that high-level officials have been working on a plan to get the president to attend, and after several months of talks they have been able to overcome several diplomatic hurdles, but the final decision has yet to be made. In response to these reports, Presidential Office spokeswoman Garfie Li (李佳霏) said that the president will do all he can to take part in the event as an economic leader of Taiwan, but that his "willingness to participate" is no different from former Presidents Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian — neither of whom had been able to take part in the event during their presidencies. Whether this can be realized depends on certain circumstances, Li said, stressing that currently speaking, there is still "a lack of conditions." Li said that Indonesia, the host of this year's APEC summit, will send an envoy to Taiwan to extend an invitation, while the government will stick to the protocol of notifying the host as to whom it will be sending to the event. Over the past several years, Lien, who also doubles as an honorary chairman of the Kuomintang, has taken part in APEC Summits as a "representative of (Chinese Taipei's) economic leader."


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Catalog > Strainers
This strainer for aeration systems is externally installed. Prevent problems due to leaves, grass, weeds, etc. from clogging pumps. Simple to install with (3) screws over intake for aerator pumps. It is also available with an external mount. Install over pump tube before nut, place nut in position and snap Aerator Strainer onto mount.


text:
A Landscape of Insects
- Author:
- Duncan Neil Macfadyen
- Format:
- Hardcover
Out of stock
This item has been added to your basket. To obtain your free quote, click on Get Quote in your basket.
Product details
- Author:
- Duncan Neil Macfadyen
- Subtitle:
- And Other Invertebrates
- Publisher:
- Jacana Media
- Photographer:
- Shem Compion
- 9781770097674
- Audience:
- General
- Pages:
- 278
- Width (mm):
- 259
- Length (mm):
- 251
- Additional Info:
- An environmentalist and a professional nature photographer, Shem Compion has a passion for natural areas that, through his creative photography, he channels into generating an appreciation of the environment. Shem, whose work is published worldwide, is known for his original representation of everyday subjects, and his images have won national and international awards. Duncan MacFadyen is a great naturalist and nature lover. He has a national diploma, B-Tech and Masters Degree in nature conservation, an MSc in entomology and zoology and is presently busy with a PhD on small mammals in the Bankenveld. Being passionate about insects and their conservation, he has researched Jewel Beetles, Buprestidae, and Long-horned Beetles, Cerambycidae, in Namaqualand, the Waterberg and Telperion and has two species of jewel beetles named after him in recognition of his contribution to research in this field. Duncan has worked in scientific services in the Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park and Singita, and was curator of mammalogy at the Transvaal Museum of Natural History. Presently manager of research and conservation for E Oppenheimer & Son, he is also on the De Beers Biodiversity and Environmental peer group committees. Duncan co-authored a book on Norman Lighton's Insects of Medical Importance and is co-author of a children's book series. He has a number of scientific and popular articles to his credit, is regularly aired on radio and has presented papers nationally and internationally on the ecology of South Africa.
- Weight (g):
- 1859
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Would it be possible for the brown Genuine Leather Brown Multistrap And Cord Adjustable Bracelet to come back in stock any time soon?
It's a bracelet. It goes on my wrist, and it looks great.
Genuine Leather Brown Multistrap And Cord Adjustable Bracelet
This bracelet, a black woven leather cord intertwined with two brown leather straps, is unique and hip making a stylish statement. The bracelet fastens with a sliding cord making it adjustable, suitable for a variety of wrist sizes.
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This bracelet, a black woven leather cord intertwined with two brown leather straps, is unique and hip making a stylish statement. The bracelet fastens with a sliding cord making it adjustable, suitable for a variety of wrist sizes.- Material: Leather
- Style: Cuff
- Color: Brown
- Clasp: Slide
- Metal weight: 6 grams
- Bracelet dimensions: 10 mm wide x 60 mm inner diameter
All weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information.
Features | |
Color | Black Brown |
Stone | No Stone |
Length | Adjustable |
Gemstone Color | Brown |
Bracelet Style | Fashion Leather |
Dimensions | See description |
Materials | See description |
Model Number | 302497 |
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a leather bracelet It's a bracelet. It goes on my wrist, and it looks great.
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Don't buy! This bracelet broke within one week. Don't buy!!! It looks great but its bad quality!!!
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Hello alysiabfk, items are restocked as they become available; however we cannot guarantee an item will be restocked. Thank you for shopping with us. Vicki H
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Trends in Leather Necklaces
Leather has always been trendy, and leather necklaces are a current hot item. Leather necklaces are very hip in men's jewelry categories because they are masculine, edgy and nature-inspired. Whether you choose black leather jewelry, brown leather men's necklaces or dyed leather necklaces, leather jewelry is versatile and always unique. You can add leather necklaces to any basic outfit to punch up the style; check out the top trends in leather men's necklaces before you start shopping.
How to Braid a Bracelet
Braiding has existed for thousands of years as a basic way of joining cords, hair, ribbon and many other types of material. It has practical uses as well as decorative applications. The practice of braiding bracelets has been around just as long as braiding other materials but has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years. Braids remain a popular design because of their simplicity and elegance. Braiding is a trendy way to create friendship bracelets as well as fancier accessories, and braided jewelry can be worn by men or women. By learning how to braid a bracelet, you can create beautiful jewelry to wear or give as gifts. All it takes is some basic jewelry and beading supplies and a basic understanding of the braiding technique. You can then experiment with types of braided jewelry and accessories and create wearable works of art in many styles and materials such as cord, embroidery floss, leather, hemp and ribbon.
Trends in Men's Fashion Jewelry
Pieces of jewelry are works of art, and men's fashion jewelry categories contain a myriad of fine pieces to choose from. Men's jewelry is an evolving collection; each season brings a new assortment of fashion jewelry for your wardrobe. A simple braided leather bracelet or a polished stainless steel ring will add dimension and texture to an outfit. To keep your men's jewelry collection updated and to be sure that you always have the right fashion jewelry pieces, consult our list of the top new trends in men's fashion jewelry.
How to Choose a Men's Leather Jacket
What do James Dean, Michael Jackson, and Marlon Brando have in common? Each of these American icons was famous for wearing a leather jacket as a prominent piece of their wardrobe. Leather continues to be a classic choice among men's jackets. If you're thinking about adding one to your wardrobe, follow these tips to choose one that you'll want to wear for many years.
Timeless Men's Leather Jewelry Styles
Leather has been popular for centuries, and leather jewelry is very sleek and stylish. Men's jewelry needs to be interesting, unique and masculine, and leather jewelry fits the bill. Men's leather jewelry is also versatile; many different timeless leather men's jewelry pieces are available. A piece of men's leather jewelry can add rugged style to your wardrobe for an entire lifetime. Choose one of our favorite leather jewelry styles for a piece that will never go out of fashion.
What to Wear with Leather Bracelets
Consider leather bracelets the next time you are shopping for cutting-edge jewelry. Leather has always been popular in fashion accessories, but it can be difficult to work bold leather pieces into your current look. Leather bracelets bring just a touch of the exciting look to an outfit. Wearing bracelets made of leather takes some thoughtful mixing and matching to achieve the desired style. Too much leather can overpower an outfit; the wrong leather bracelet styles can make your look seem cobbled together. Use these tips to pair leather jewelry with clothing and accessories in a way that is fashion-forward and artistic.
New Trends in Braided Leather Bracelets
Leather has always been trendy, thanks to its striking good looks, dependable durability and wide range of uses. Braided leather bracelets are among the coolest jewelry this season, with a fresh crop of styles ranging in color, decoration and pattern. If you're in the market for a trendy new bracelet, consider one of these hip new pieces.
FAQs about Men's Shoes
Whether you're shopping for men's shoes or simply trying to make the most of the best men's shoes you own, you might have concerns about caring for both men's casual shoes and men's dress shoes and looking great in men's leather shoes. Whatever your questions are, we have the answers and tips you need. Read on for frequently asked questions about men's shoes.
Best Jewelry Ideas for Men
Jewelry can really add to the style of a man, depending on how he chooses to wear it. The type and quantity you choose to wear really says a lot about you. Wearing the right jewelry and watches can catch the eye and give you a look that is quite professional and classy, while wearing the wrong jewelry can appear tacky. Whether you are buying men's jewelry for yourself or shopping for men's watches, rings, necklaces and bracelets to give as gifts, the best men's jewelry ideas are those that reflect your personal style and contribute to a sophisticated look. Rings are one of the most common men's jewelry items and can require a lot of thought during the shopping process. Whether you are shopping for a men's wedding band, a special ring for an anniversary or Valentine gift or just want to add a nice ring to your jewelry collection, masculine rings come in a variety of styles to suit nearly every man's taste. Classic materials such as silver and gold are a great choice in men's rings because they are timeless and come in nearly every shape and size to fit you just right. On the other hand, materials such as tungsten, titanium and stainless steel are becoming popular choices for men's rings because of their durability and sleek, modern look. Men's rings are also available with diamonds and gemstones if you are interested in a ring with a little more flair. The right watch will add a lot to your daily look, and should also be a highly functional piece. You have a wide range of options when shopping for a men's watch. If you feel overwhelmed by the process, then you might try narrowing it down by price, material and functions. Men's watches are available in a wide range of prices, so establishing a budget is a great first step in the shopping process. Additionally, with so many styles available, it is important to have a general idea of the look and type of material that you want in a watch. Sporty watches with high quality plastic and leather straps are perfect additions to casual looks, while fancier watches made of gold, silver, titanium, stainless steel, tungsten and platinum can add a lot to a classy and dressy wardrobe. When it comes to functions, shopping for the perfect watch becomes very personal. Every man needs something different in a watch and you can find the perfect one for you, whether you want something very simple and basic or you desire a highly technical timepiece. Shopping for men's bracelets, necklaces and earrings can be a little tricky and requires some careful thought. Many men find that watches and rings are simply not enough for their jewelry wardrobe. There are many different kinds of men's bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other unique pieces that you can add to create the right look for you. These pieces come in many different varieties to suit your style preferences. Necklaces and bracelets made of gold, silver, titanium and platinum add a bit of polish to an outfit, while natural materials such as hemp and leather provide a more understated look. When shopping for men's earrings, personal style is a main factor and you can choose between studs with diamonds and gemstones, ear plugs, surgical steel hoops and many others. Don't be afraid to let your personal style shine through, use men's jewelry pieces to accentuate every outfit in your closet. View All Men's Jewelry Back to Guides Directory View All Men's Jewelry
Best Engraved Men's Jewelry
Personalization has been important since you were a child, when you delighted in adding superhero stickers to your dresser and glow-in-the-dark beads to your bike spokes. As an adult, you can personalize your wardrobe with unique pieces of engraved men's jewelry. Whether you are new to personalized jewelry or you are looking for your next engraved jewelry purchase, these five pieces can inspire you to choose exceptional men's jewelry. Shop Engraved Men's Jewelry ▸ Wedding rings:Many men choose to have their wedding ring engraved with a special saying or affectionate nickname. You can coordinate with your fiancee when choosing an engraving for your wedding band or surprise her with a cool engraving that references an inside joke. You might prefer to shop for antique wedding bands. Many vintage wedding rings already have messages and dates engraved on the inside of the band and can connect you to the past in a meaningful way. Bands:Men's bands are very trendy at the moment, inspiring designers to create interesting new rings. Some men's bands are engraved on the outside, giving the piece an eye-catching bit of exclusivity. Popular engravings include tribal patterns, flames, and animals. Dog tags:Dog-tag engravings have very important practical purposes, but their design can also be used in fashion. You can have your name or initials engraved onto a set of dog tags or opt for a picture or quote. ID bracelets:If you're looking for an understated piece of men's jewelry, then consider investing in an ID bracelet. ID bracelets feature a small blank plate made of titanium, steel, platinum, gold, silver, or tungsten, which is attached to a sleek chain or a rugged piece of leather or rubber. Your name, your initials, or a meaningful word can be engraved onto the plate, giving you a modern piece of jewelry with a personalized touch. Watches:Watches are often engraved when given as gifts, but you can have your own watch engraved, too. Having your name engraved onto the watch backing can give you some peace of mind if you ever misplace your expensive timepiece. If you prefer the styles of the past, add an engraved pocket watch to your retro wardrobe. Shop Men's Jewelry See All Guides
Chopard Watch History
Chopard is a name that you hear whispered at the world's most exclusive parties and events. Chopard watches are luxurious and elegant enough to be worn by elite men and women. Women's Chopard watches and men's Chopard watches will add unprecedented luxury to your wardrobe. When you buy an authentic Chopard watch, you are buying a piece of luxury Swiss watch history. Whether you have a growing collection of Chopard watches, an armoire filled with Chopard jewelry or you are purchasing a genuine Chopard watch for the very first time, knowing a bit about the company can add to the shopping process. This guide will highlight the main points in the history of men's watches and ladies watches by Chopard, as well as feature tips on how to choose a genuine Chopard watch from this famed Swiss watch brand.
Top 5 Men's Oxfords
Wearing a tuxedo, suit, dress pants or even jeans? Men's oxfords are the perfect men's shoes to wear with a variety of different outfits. Known for their familiar lace-up style and leather, vinyl or suede construction, men's oxfords are a great way to complete your wardrobe. Read on for the top 5 men's oxfords and ways to wear them.
Cleaning and Care Tips for Leather Jackets
Leather jackets are classic, iconic, and always cool. A simple black leather jacket can really transform an outfit. With many classic and modern designs available in both men's jackets and women's jackets, leather is becoming more and more of a style essential. Leather is, however, one of the hardest materials to take care of. Once you've found your perfect leather jacket, follow these easy tips to clean and care for your leather.
Tips on Selecting Men's Designer Jewelry
If you are a man who feels like he blends in a little too much, consider purchasing men's designer jewelry. Men's jewelry selections, such as necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings, provide a great way to personalize a suit or a pair of jeans. There are endless men's jewelry options available, from men's rings for the conservative businessman to men's necklaces for the laid-back guitarist. When shopping for men's designer jewelry, it is important to select pieces that will reflect your lifestyle and fashion preferences. Let us help you choose men's designer jewelry that is tasteful and versatile.
How to Choose a Ring for a Man
A ring is a very personal gift, and choosing one for a man takes some careful consideration. Men's rings come in simple designs for men who prefer to keep their bling subtle, as well as flashy designs for men who love to accessorize with statement jewelry. Many men limit their jewelry to a wedding band, and others enjoy accessorizing with several rings and matching men's jewelry selections such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Plan ahead before you go ring shopping for the man in your life and consider several factors when choosing men's rings and men's wedding bands.
Best Ways to Wear a Copper Bracelet
Copper jewelry has a certain mystique. Copper is eye-catching and interesting with its gorgeous brown, shining appearance. Copper bracelets can be feminine or masculine or entirely unisex. Fitting this fun and beautiful jewelry style into your fashion routine is simple when you think in terms of fantasy and dress-up. You can wear copper bracelets with many pieces of clothing and jewelry in your wardrobe. Copper cuff bracelets, copper bangles, copper link bracelets and other pieces of copper jewelry are romantic and will spice up anything you wear. Consult our tips to construct a great look around your copper jewelry pieces, such as copper bangles, copper cuffs and other bracelets.
Ulysse Nardin Watch Buying Guide
Ulysse Nardin has a passion for watches and watchmaking that goes back to 1846. Named for its founder, Ulysse Nardin has always understood the importance of an accurate and stylish timepiece. Ulysse Nardin watches will add a lot of style, value and history to your watch collection. Authentic Ulysse Nardin watches are meant to last a lifetime, whether you are looking for chronograph men's watch with a stainless steel band or a ladies genuine Ulysse Nardin watch with an intricately painted face. Buying luxury Ulysse Nardin watches takes some careful consideration. A bit of information about Ulysse Nardin and the watches they offer can help you select a genuine Ulysse Nardin watch for your collection.
How to Choose Men's Jewelry Pendants
Jewelry can be flashy, luxurious or subtle, but it should always reflect your personal tastes. Men's necklaces offer the perfect opportunity to personalize your look because there are so many men's jewelry pendants to choose from. You can wear stainless steel men's pendants with jeans or you can rock a diamond jewelry pendant with your best slim-cut suit. Men's necklaces with gemstone pendants bring color to any neutral ensemble, and men's jewelry pendants made of wood, shells and leather are interesting and natural. You can add a variety of men's pendants to your collection for a versatile wardrobe or choose one men's jewelry style for a streamlined closet. Start shopping for jewelry pendants with our tips.
How to Care for Leather Jackets
A high-quality leather jacket is not an inexpensive item; it's definitely a wardrobe investment. Leather jackets are both stylish and durable -- and with proper care, they can last for years. A few steps will ensure that your women's outerwear and men's outerwear will stay soft and supple -- and wearable -- for years to come.
Tips on Buying Men's Jade Jewelry
Jade is considered one of the most stunning gemstones available, and with its low cost and incredible versatility, it's no wonder jade jewelry is so popular. Jade jewelry has a decidedly masculine appearance, especially when it is set into simple settings and paired with sleek metals. If you are looking for men's jewelry with gleaming gemstones and a laid-back aesthetic, then consider men's jade jewelry. Men's jade jewelry selections, such as lustrous rings, textured bracelets, mystical pendants and simple earrings, quickly add value to any jewelry collection. Take your men's jewelry assortment to the next level with jade.
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Credits & Info
- Uploaded
- Jul 7, 2005 | 9:49 AM EDT
- Daily Feature July 8, 2005
- Weekly 3rd Place July 13, 2005
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Plenty more like this here!
The Five Shades Collaborations where authors work with a set pallette.
Author Comments
**EDIT: Thanks alot for Front Page and the mention on AOTS, Tom!
This is latest addition to the 5 Shades Collection! This time, the only colors allowed used were 5 specific shades of brown. The flash also had to be based on nature and all its beauty. The included artists are:
Thanks to everyone who participated and to DNR for helping out bigtime with the menu animations.
Please enjoy this collab as we all worked very hard on it. THANKS!
Rated 4.5 / 5 stars
I loved them all, but i like how their all so different. My favorite one was the squirrel. But they were all good
nice job artist
Rated 4 / 5 stars
i never heard of soviet robots being part of nature's glory... but not bad.
Rated 4 / 5 stars
I liked it. especially DNR's and mynamewontfitin's
Very good. Oh, and gemineye, you forgot to mention white not being a shade of brown. Or is it a very light shade? :)
Rated 5 / 5 stars
I love these.
I love all of the "Five Shades of..." movies. Please keep making more. They all convey a different meaning...amazing how five simple shades of one color can show so many things.
Rated 4 / 5 stars
MOzzile, Mozzile, good things good things
I thought that the idea was pretty clever and that all the different styles worked really well together. The thematic was cohesive, the only one that was kinda out of sync was the Nature's Glory, but it was cool on it's own account. But black is not a shade of brown.
How do you know it's black? It could just be a very very dark shade of brown.


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what?! the spirit?! no way, the only thing this movie f-ed was me by robbing me $10. Even Eva Mendes's curvaceous bod cannot cover her bad acting and the movie's lame story.
Printable View
"Citizen Kane" gave me what you call "mindf**k"... Why all the obsession about the "Rosebud" sled? Yet it was good that the evil Kane died in the end (or the beginning).
OKay. It doesn't evolve movies and such. When I talked to my friend last, i was totally mind f***ed. Her 10 year old sister sounded just like her. And, i think she's a stalker too. But anyway, I couldn't tell which one was which. I mean, if i saw them, it would be as hard. BUt, it had to be over the phone. And, her little sister is SO ANNOYING. >.< I kept on saying "JAMIE WHERE ARE YOU!" and i got this. "AHEM. yeaa... this is like Jamie. OMG! hi!" And, i was so pissed. "Is this Kelly.." And she had the most annoying laugh just like Jamie's. -__-"
Well, if someone searches for mind****ing movies, that's one place to be: Mind**** Movies
I have to see Memento ... Remembered that just now. (:
Edit: Uhm, yeah. The url is being censored, thus the link doesn't work. If you still want to see it, you'd have to change the 'stars' (*) in the link to the one bad word with 4 letters.
Another movie that also could be one of those "mindf**k" movies, would be "The Butterfly Effect"
When the story changes all the time.... It some times gets a little confusing :p


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He just compared our sex to a grand slam on Wii fitness
You're doing it right
SShout out to Barney the Dinosaur for teaching me how to sing the ABCs backward. I just scored a free pitcher.
I took a 19 year old to a strip club and ended up in a three way. Divorced life might be OK.
I told him I had an IUD and he asked me how was a bomb a form of birth control..
pretty sure I woke up to him jacking himself off IN MY BED
Every time you talk about your facial hair I immedately get horny
Stripping out of my teacher clothes to Talk Dirty to Me. Who let me become a teacher?
I almost had sex in a public restroom last night in case you're wondering how much of a mess 22 is for me
I don't care who you bring as long as they are fun and not a cop
She climbed up the stairs with three brownies in one fist, two in the other, and one in her mouth. Also, she opened the bedroom door with her foot. I may be in love.
You blacked out at 9:30 and insisted on sleeping in the hallway after you chugged an entire pitcher of beer. I guess the Jell-O shots were stronger than we thought...
There something liberating about walking through the dorm hallways without pants on.
Omg. We have to workout today. I just looked at myself in the mirror and thanked a god I don't believe in for drunken boys and dark rooms.
Also I think I realized when my life started to turn into shambles.. The day I took my high school senior picture WITH A HICKEY ON MY NECK
It was 16 hours of liver killing mistake making goodness
Follow @tfln


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follow Dictionary.com
What word or phrase does your mother always say?
1560s, from empiric + -al (1).
empirical em·pir·i·cal (ěm-pēr'ĭ-kəl)adj.
Relying on or derived from observation or experiment.
Verifiable or provable by means of observation or experiment.
Of or being a philosophy of medicine emphasizing practical experience and observation over scientific theory.


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Giants at Phillies, 4:57 p.m.
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Part 3 of Robert Whiting's series on Hideo Nomo has been published in the Japan Times.
Giants at Phillies, 4:57 p.m.* * *Part 3 of Robert Whiting's series on Hideo Nomo has been published in the Japan Times.
Hi everyone. I'm packing up gear.January 31 marks the last day for Dodger Thoughts at ESPNLosAngeles.com. Please follow me to my new location, which will have the dodgerthoughts.
If you want to dive into some serious Dodger prospect details, you could do worse than Kevin Goldstein's new report at Baseball Prospectus or Brandon Lennox's ongoing countdown at True Blue L.
Been meaning to wonder aloud about Hong-Chih Kuo, who remains unsigned with February just around the corner. The Dodgers declined to offer salary arbitration to Kuo for obvious reasons following his massive struggles in 2011, but the memory of his 2010 dominance makes him a good guy to have at Spring Training on a low- or no-guarantee contract.
Can the seventh-best team in the National League in 2011 become the fifth-best team in 2012? Nothing's official yet, but Bud Selig thinks the expansion of MLB's playoffs to 10 teams could come this year, reports The Associated Press.
Potential ownership groups featuring Peter O'Malley, Magic Johnson, Joe Torre, Steve Cohen and Stanley Gold are among those whom Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.
By offering big bucks up front and an opt-out clause after four years of a seven-year deal, the Dodgers were finalists in the bidding for Prince Fielder after all — and perhaps would have signed him if Detroit, reeling from the ACL injury to Victor Martinez, hadn't swooped in.
At lunch Wednesday with Dodger publications director Jorge Martin, we marveled with glee not only at Clayton Kershaw's magnificent 2011 season, but our inability, despite knowing all about how hard the job of pitching is, not to expect him to dominate every time out in 2012.
A bundle of clickable goodness today ... Andre Ethier had some interesting comments in an interview Tuesday with ESPN AM 710. ... Asked about wanting to be with the Dodgers long-term, Ethier said, "It comes down to the security part, too, but it also comes down to unfinished business and I feel like, yeah, I'm facing that decision now where hopefully it doesn't come down to me having to leave and [I can] be a part of this team when we start rebounding and getting back to where we need to be.
On the morning of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords' emotional resignation from the House, I checked in on the website in memory of Christina-Taylor Green, Dodger scout John Green's 9-year-old daughter who died in the mass shooting that severely wounded Giffords.
Prince Fielder and the Detroit Tigers are close to a contract — a nine-year, $214 million contract. That's a bigger deal than I expected Fielder to get, and I'm not surprised or particularly crushed that the Dodgers didn't top it.
Initial bids for the Dodgers officially have been made. Tony Jackson covered it for ESPNLosAngeles.com, while Bill Shaikin was on it for the Times. Not much in the way of surprises in a process that still has some time to develop.
The other day, Molly Knight and I were chatting on Twitter when we both realized how much each other loved the films of 2006. That happened to be my first fall working full-time at Variety, and it was a spectacular one for the movies, led by "Little Children," "United 93" and "The Last King of Scotland.
It still seems like such a significant period in my life, but it really was just so short.Five seasons. Five seasons between the moment, at an exhibition victory over Dallas at the Coliseum in August 1975, when I fell suddenly and deeply in love with the Rams (and sports in general), and their departure from the Coliseum for Anaheim following the 1979-80 campaign.
I wrote in October that the Dodgers could and should sign Prince Fielder. More and more people appear to be coming around to the idea, as this post at Hardball Talk indicates.
Reading Evan Bladh's recent post on Mike Piazza at Opinion of Kingman's Performance, I got to wondering about the Mike Piazzas of every team in baseball — which players were the most valuable to both the Dodgers and another team.
* * *
Part 3 of Robert Whiting's series on Hideo Nomo has been published in the Japan Times.


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I have been coming to this place as my favourite Pizza den for the last 12 years and I cannot remember having had a bad experience as far as the food in concerned. The atmosphere is not great, with TV on and a casual cafe feel to it, but this atmosphere is very representable for the sicilian type Pizza cafe. I always recommend this place when people want to go for good pizza and pasta.
Il Bacio Express
Venue name: | Il Bacio Express | Contact: |
Address: |
90 Stoke Newington Church Street London N16 0AD |


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The folks at Urban Outfitters in Philly landed another mini-exclusive by scoring a few dozen of the Filson Japan red label goods, available in the U.S. for the first time. These made in the USA canvas and leather bags are being offered in two styles — tote ($150) and zippered tote ($175) — and three special colors (red, white and blue — naturally) and have a nice red Filson label on the exterior. With the khaki Filson bags being so ubiquitous, these are a nice alternative. If you can get your hands on one that is.
New York's Finest: Miller's Oath.
At a certain point in your life you accept the fact that you need a tailor—a real tailor, who makes a suit specifically for you. It's going to cost more than $3000, and you respect (perhaps grudgingly) the fact that that quite serious amount of money is going to a craftsman who's learned his trade over decades; it's going to buy cloth woven in the finest mills; it's going to a cutter who's refined his pattern to create a refined silhouette. Your money is not going to underwrite a luxury goods behemoth, it's not going to anybody who appears in his own ads—it's not going to anybody who has ads. You seek a local tailor.
That equation is simple, but difficult to achieve. That's why New Yorkers are lucky to have Miller's Oath in our fair city. Kirk Miller, formerly of Paul Stuart and Thom Browne, ran Barker Black with his brother, Derrick. Over the years he's met suppliers, tailors, and methodically plotted his own venture. He opened Miller's Oath, late last year in a handsome narrow storefront on Greenwich Street—around the corner from the beloved Ear Inn. And the results couldn't be better.
- Guy Trebay's insiders guide to Milan. [The New York Times]
- Mesmerizing video of the making of a Marc Newson for Ikepod hourglass [Nowness]
- Images from the Civil War in 3D [LOC on Flickr] [Pictured]
- Blue jeans and a white button-down. Lunch with Natsumi from Lark [Sokokashiko]
- Calling cards are undergoing a bit of a revival. We like it. [The Wall Street Journal]
Maps & Intel | Los Angeles Shopping Update
We just posted an update to the L.A. shopping map (that lives on the Maps & Intel page) to include some new openings (like Unionmade L.A.) and some old favorites that should have been on there long ago. Any suggestions, drop them in the comments and we will take them under consideration. Next on our list to update, New York shopping. More on that soon.
View Men's Shopping in Los Angeles by ACL in a larger map
A Final Plunge at the Harvard Club
May 1940. Germany has just invaded France. Neville Chamberlain resigns as British Prime Minister. The country is poised on the brink of war. The burning question – how are they coping at the Harvard Club?! Something like that must have been behind Life's decision to dispatch photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt to 27 West 44th St. in New York, just as the Germans captured Paris causing the U.S. Navy to augment its ranks – including several able-bodied Harvard men.
Others however were content to whittle away the hours in the stately confines of the Harvard Club, centered on a three-story red brick neo-Georgian building by McKim, Mead & White constructed in 1894. Within its richly-paneled walls was everything a gentleman could require: good food, plentiful cocktails, a vast library, a barber, a smoking room, an indoor swimming pool, squash courts and a fully-stocked wine cellar, all far from the fields of battle.
Eating Austin | Frito Pie
While in Austin a few weeks back we popped into Lamberts for a quick bite and a break from the chaos that is SXSW. The intention was to saddle up to the bar and dine on some of the tasty food that Lamberts has become known for. While tempted by the aromas of the slow smoked meats, we instead veered slightly off course and selected the Frito Pie, a decision that will reverberate for years to come in the form of cravings for a dish in a far away city.