Breakfast and School Performance

A very important component of your child’s school success is breakfast. In the morning, energy levels are low and need to be kick-started. Healthy breakfast foods help replenish these energy levels and provide nutrients, like calcium and iron, that often are low in children’s diets.

Eating breakfast increases cognitive performance in children, especially tasks that involve processing complex thoughts. Other benefits of breakfast include the increased ability to concentrate, stay alert, solve problems, and memorize. Some studies have linked a good breakfast to better moods and improved performance on tests.

A healthy breakfast should consists of whole-grain bread or cereal combined with a calcium and protein source, such as low fat or fat-free milk, yogurt or cheese. A piece of fresh fruit is a good way to round out the meal.

Consider the atmosphere in which your children eat their breakfast, too. Do they have enough time to sit and eat what you or they have prepared or do they feel rushed? Planning enough time for a sit down breakfast is a great way to start the day at a low stress level.

It may take some planning ahead to make a healthy breakfast part of your child’s morning routine, but it can yield benefits related to academic performance as well as nutritional status and health. And that is certainly worth the effort.

Hillsborough County school children are provided a free breakfast, so if your morning routine just doesn’t allow breakfast at home, be sure your child gets to school in time for breakfast in the cafeteria.

Sexualization of Girls - What Parents Can Do

In its recent report on sexualization of girls in the media, the American Psychological Association reported numerous negative impacts of the powerful message that what matters is “how hot you look.” The pressure to be thin, beautiful and sexy can have devastating results on developing girls.

According to the APA research, when combining television, Internet and video games, children use media an average of 6 ½ hours per day. Girls now equal boys in video game use as well as Internet use. The researchers explain, “Massive exposure to media among youth creates the potential for massive exposure to portrayals that sexualize women and girls and teach girls that women are sexual objects.”

However, parents can still have a powerful influence on how their children interpret media messages and make healthy choices for themselves. For example, the APA recommends teaching girls to value themselves for who they are, rather than how they look; and teaching boys to value girls as friends, sisters and girlfriends rather than sexual objects.

They also suggest that parents “tune in and talk.” Watch, listen and read the same media your children are using and talk to them about it. Ask them what they think and listen carefully to what they tell you. Also speak up if you don’t like a TV show, video, music lyrics or even a doll. Let your children know what you object to and why.

Brilliant Venus and Old Moon in the Dawn Sky

With sunrise at 7:00 in the morning, I find this time of year to be one in which I can do some early morning stargazing without having to change my morning routine. This week the waning Moon provides a lovely scene against the backdrop of brilliant Venus, bright Saturn and the bright star Spica. The illustration demonstrates what to expect in the eastern skies as the Moon shrinks each day on its way to the New Moon on December 5^th. If you are a morning person with an interest in astronomy, this will be an excellent week for you. Get out your binoculars for an especially riveting view of these heavenly bodies, and take in a few minutes of beauty about an hour before the sunrise.

Teaching Teens about Money

In 2002 teens spent over 170 billion dollars - an increase of almost 40% in five years. Nearly 50% of today’s college students have four or more credit cards. I remember when my oldest child got her first job. She was barely 16 years old, but the credit card offers came pouring in! Although teens are controlling more and more money, studies have shown they have less and less financial understanding. How can we help our teens be more money smart?


University of Florida researchers recommend that parents introduce pre-teens between the ages of 9 and 12 to spending plans, savings and bank accounts. A teen’s income sources might include allowances, gift and/or employment. If you chose to give an allowance to your kids, determine the amount of an allowance they will receive based on how much her or she actually needs for school or other expenses, and how much the teen can spend as he or she chooses.

Encourage them to open a savings or checking account to begin managing their own money. Once teens have experience managing a checking account, they should be introduced to debit cards or pre-paid checking cards. They gradually become ready for credit cards. As a parent, we need to teach them to keep track of their purchases and to pay off balances each month.

Begin planning for the future with 16 to 18 years olds. Explain taxes and other with-holding that appear on their paychecks. Also, encourage them to open an investment account, placing whatever money they can into the account each pay period. By teaching financial dos and don’ts at an early age, researchers say we can reverse the trend of over-extended college students and personal bankruptcies later in life.

What parents can do to fit their child's temperament

Some babies have regular sleep patterns and cruise serenely through the day, while others wake up often during the night and during the day, demanding seemingly constant attention. Some children make friends easily and others have difficulty making friends. Just as babies are born with different combinations of physical characteristics, they also have certain patterns of behavior, or temperament, which make them unique.

Sometimes parents and children have different temperaments, and in that case, parents may need to adjust. How can you, as a parent, create a good fit between your own temperament and your child’s temperament? First, be aware of your temperament and how your child’s temperament is similar to or different from your own. Keep these differences in mind when you don’t see eye to eye on things, when your youngster pushes your limits, and when you have trouble understanding your child’s behavior.

Embrace what makes her or him unique, without comparing your child to others or trying to change your child. For example, you may have been painfully shy as a child and when you see your young child being shy, you might want to “force” your child to be more outgoing. Be patient, and actively work to change any negative reactions you have to your child’s behavior. Also, avoid situations that might set your child off. If your child becomes anxious around crowds and commotion, having a large birthday party at a busy play center may ruin the day for everyone.

When we can adjust our parenting methods so there is a good fit between our own temperament and the child’s, time together can be more enjoyable.

Review of iPhone Astronomy Apps: ISS Visibility and Iridium Flares

Two of my favorite iPhone apps are ISS Visibility and Iridium Flares, apps that help you to locate satellites very precisely. I use these two apps extensively, anytime I have clear skies and want to enjoy the spectacle of dazzling satellites crossing the sky, even here in the bright city lights of San Francisco. Continuing from my previous post on iPhone apps, here are two more reviews.

ISS Visibility does exactly what it promises by telling you when and where to look to see the International Space Station. Transits of the ISS across the evening or morning sky are impressive, whether the viewing is of the space station crossing a broad arc across the sky, or a short appearance that ends in the impressive flickering and fade of the ISS as it crosses the Earth's shadowline from daylight to night. At a price of $1.99, ISS Visibility gives you simple-to-use charts based on your location, and shows you where to look along with a nice 2D map showing the location of the ISS over Earth as it passes your viewing site.

Iridium Flares are bright lights in the sky that shine when Iridium Satellites in orbit around Earth reflect sunlight back toward the planet and produce a particularly bright glint of light in the sky for a few seconds. I find iridium flares wonderful to watch because at their best they flare up to -7 or -8 magnitude, many times brighter than Venus or Jupiter at their brightest. Also, being able to predict these special events is quite a lot of fun. I love to show off iridium flares to friends when the conditions permit. The Iridium Flares iPhone App costs a mere $0.99 but will pay back many times over.

Enjoy these two apps to see things in the sky that will certainly impress you.

Understanding Your Child's Temperament

When a second or third child is born, many parents immediately know that everything they thought they had figured out about parenting had just gone out the window. While siblings come from the same parents and environment, there is often little about each of their personalities that are in common. Each child has a different temperament and every parent learns this quickly. Learning about their temperaments and how to manage children’s differences can be quite an adventure.

All children are born with their own style of interacting with or responding to the world. In a groundbreaking study in the 1950’s, researchers identified nine temperament characteristics, or behavior traits, that clinicians and researchers continue to use today. The researchers found that these nine traits were present at birth and continued to influence development throughout life.

The nine temperament traits include a child’s activity level, their rhythm or lack of rhythm in sleeping and eating habits, and approach or withdrawal (for example, does the child shy away from new people or make friends with every stranger). Three additional temperament traits include adaptability, intensity, and a child’s typical mood.

A child’s persistence and attention span are also examined for temperament, as well as their sensory threshold, or their ability or inability to tolerate external stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights. The final trait is distractibility; the child’s ability to shut out external distractions and stay with an activity.

As parents understand and embrace their children’s temperaments, they usually have better responses to their children, hopefully making the adventure of parenthood a more pleasant ride. More on temperament to follow on another day.

Preventing Holiday Exhaustion

To control your stress during the holidays, it’s important to have a balance of socializing with others and being by yourself. Give yourself time to reflect on the past year and time to think about what you want for the coming year. Set one or two goals for next year. This doesn’t mean a lengthy New Year’s Resolution list, but a few things you want to accomplish.


Keep a positive attitude. Find something you enjoy in each activity and event. Limit time with negative people as much as you can.

It’s important that you take care of yourself throughout the year and especially important during the holidays. This means watching what you eat and drink, getting enough rest and exercising. Take care of your own needs and pace yourself.

If you are getting together with relatives or returning to your parent’s home, anticipate what might happen and be prepared with a non-defensive response. Be realistic about your family and don’t use holiday celebrations to settle old conflicts. Plan on taking a quiet walk when people get to be too much.

Remember to engage in fun activities that aren’t costly so that you can focus on the true meaning and essence of the holidays. As a family, plan an event which involves helping the less fortunate.

Spend time individually with each child so they get the attention they need during the busy holiday season.

Practicing stress management exercises will help control your stress, too. For a free on-line stress management workshop, go to: http://hillsboroughfcs.ifas.ufl.edu/Stress-Management.html

Realistic Holiday Expectations

As wonderful as holidays are, they can also be a time of stress for individuals and families. Some of this stress comes from the expectations we each have of the holiday season. The difference between our expectations and our reality can be disappointing. Here are some ideas to maximize the pleasure of the holiday season.


Look at the difference between your expectations and your reality by assessing your current situation (including time and money) and acknowledge the limitations you and your family might have. Is it reasonable to expect that you can put on a holiday dinner just like grandma used to make? Is it reasonable for your children to expect the same amount of gifts under the tree this year if you have been out of a job for the past three months?

Adjust your plans and budget to be more realistic. Aim for reasonable and reachable goals. Be honest about your situation and your feelings with family members. A good start to a conversation might be: “I need to stick to a tighter budget this year and would like to adjust our holiday spending.” Or “I would like to cut back on the number of gifts we exchange this year, would you be willing to do this?”

Discuss gift giving in advance – Thanksgiving is a great time to talk about the December holiday plans. Offer a gift of time or help instead of a purchased object. In fact, I would love a home-made coupon book for car washes, window cleaning, weed-pulling or a back massage in my stocking! Children might like homemade coupons or gift certificates for one hour of Monopoly playing, a bike ride together, or one day free from chores. Remember to include fun activities for your family!

Leonid Meteor Shower 2010

A very fine meteor shower arrives this week. The Leonids peak on the night of November 17 and morning of November 18th, bringing a fairly reliable collection of meteors to the eastern skies. Best viewing is well after midnight into the early morning hours (around 4:00 AM until sunrise), when the Moon will have set and the Earth is better positioned to intersect more meteors.

Star Date Online has a nice article and image about the Leonids, so named because they appear to originate in the zodiac constellation of Leo. The constellation rises in the early morning sky and dominates the eastern sky. As the Sun does not break the darkness of the morning sky until 5:30 AM, the best darkness will be from 4:00 until 5:30 at which an observer in dark skies can see dozens of meteors per hour. Another good online resources is Astronomy.com with a good article on the Leonid shower.

Image from Astronomy.com.

Re-evaluating Your Holiday Traditions

Traditions are important to families. They reinforce meanings in life, bind us together and provide continuity of the past and present. It’s fun to pass down traditions we remember from our own childhood to our children and grandchildren.


In our busy world, however, it’s not always realistic to continue some traditions. If an old family tradition doesn’t work for your family anymore, recognize the need for change. Engage your family in the process of setting up new traditions that you can each participate in and enjoy together. Establish your own traditions while keeping the customs that mean the most to you.

Make a list of your traditional holiday preparations – from holiday greeting cards, gift exchanges, holiday meal preparation, to decorating and “clean up and take down” day.

Then gather your family together and ask what is important to each of them and see if they are willing to help continue that tradition. All family members must “buy into” the activities and at least lend a helping hand if not completely take over a task.

If a tradition has become unimportant to you, or not worth the time, energy and money you would spend on it, feel free to cross it off your list – at least for this year. You can re-evaluate it later.

Pare down your to-do list and write names of the people who will take responsibility or help out. Break large projects into several smaller steps. Then use good organizational and time management techniques to plan ahead, delegate or accomplish tasks necessary for each holiday tradition.

Film #138: Disneyland Dream (RIP: Robbins Barstow 1919-2010)

In 2008, among the 25 movies that the National Film Registry included in its yearly list of American movies to be preserved was one title I didn't recognize (not something new for me with the Registry; they're astonishing authorities on indespensible film obscurities). The movie's was called Disneyland Dream, and it was made in 1956 by a Connecticut family man named Robbins Barstow. I saw the

Film #138: Disneyland Dream (RIP: Robbins Barstow 1919-2010)

In 2008, among the 25 movies that the National Film Registry included in its yearly list of American movies to be preserved was one title I didn't recognize (not something new for me with the Registry; they're astonishing authorities on indespensible film obscurities). The movie's was called Disneyland Dream, and it was made in 1956 by a Connecticut family man named Robbins Barstow. I saw the

Film #137: Marcel The Shell With Shoes On

When I hear about something like Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (what a fantastic title), as I just have today, I feel both behind and in front of the times. Behind because this has become an "internet sensation" with nearly 1.5 million hits on You Tube. In front of, because I think it deserves many more hits, and it doesn't even have an entry on IMDB. It's directed and co-written by Dean

Film #137: Marcel The Shell With Shoes On

When I hear about something like Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (what a fantastic title), as I just have today, I feel both behind and in front of the times. Behind because this has become an "internet sensation" with nearly 1.5 million hits on You Tube. In front of, because I think it deserves many more hits, and it doesn't even have an entry on IMDB. It's directed and co-written by Dean

Selecting Work Out Clothes For The Gym

Gym workouts are the most effective ways to get yourself looking good and feeling great. The woman who is seeking to get probably the most out her weight reps and jogging sessions, though, needs to wear the absolute best clothing. Correct clothes presents looks, function, and luxury to the health-minded individual, and right here is a few essential women's gym clothing.

A snug sports bra is an important part of any woman's exercising wardrobe. Like or not, we dwell in a society that locations a lot emphasis on modesty in women's clothes in public and this carries over into the gym. In the gymnasium, a better range of motion is utilized than in on a regular basis activities, so the sports bra needs to be firm as well as enable for better motion. A workout must be thorough with out adding unnecessary pain, so the bra provides assist and security while performing exercises. Sports activities bras can be found in a really large number of colours, so there are many choices for the fashionably conscious.

In case you are seeking to obtain the most return on your

conditioning investment, circulation is the name of the game. Sensible shorts are due to this fact a vital piece of girls's health club clothing. You are not exactly sitting still whereas doing all your cardiovascular, so the shorts need to offer your legs essentially the most circulation possible. Although they'll must be flexible, they cannot be baggy. If they are too free fitting, they will develop into snared within the machines or end up embarrassingly on the floor while jogging or doing squats. The wandering eyes of some males can be irritating to a woman who is just attempting to get in a healthful exercise, so knee-length shorts are a superb style.

One side of fitness center clothes that's simple to neglect is moisture absorbency. No matter what kind of attire you are wearing, it should take in extra moisture easily. The salt from perspiration glides around in the water after we sweat and might irritate the pores and skin when sweaty physique components slide against every other. Chafing can happen, making for a workout you would somewhat neglect or for one you chop short. If a rash varieties, it would take just a few days to clear up, throwing off your workout routine. Garments that do not absorb moisture additionally depart behind sweaty reminders that someone has been on a machine earlier than you. You don't wish to be that lady.

Essential girls's gym clothing ought to present consolation whereas offering the very best benefit from exercise. Clothes might be the distinction between a refreshing exercise and a painful experience. Feeling and looking good is something ladies (and males) ought to look ahead to.

Popular Traditions And Origin Of Halloween

Lots of youngsters around the world are ready for the approaching of Halloween. This holiday only occur once every year and it has a long and interesting history. For lots of youngsters, Halloween is about candy and wearing costumes but it surely has a deeper meaning. There are two events which have possible connection on the origin of Halloween. First is Samhian as a Celtic harvest pageant and second is the celebration of Christianity of All Saints Day on November first.

Basically, the time period Halloween came from All Saints Day. It is also generally known as "All Hallows' Even". It has been rephrased and it is known as Hallowe'en because of the shortening of the word "Even" to e'en. The time period "Even" is the origin of the phrase eve and evening. Within the trendy period, individuals name it Halloween which implies the evening earlier than All Saints Day.

Halloween right now is made up of different traditions of individuals around the world. Fashionable traditions normally come from extra ancient traditions. Jack o' Lanterns is part of these traditions. Folks love to carve pumpkins during Halloween and turn it into Jack o' Lanterns. This tradition got here from an old Irish story about Stingy Jack who was cursed. The one mild of Stingy Jack comes

from a candle inside a turnip. It began with the craving of turnips and placing a lighted candle in it.

Wearing costumes throughout Halloween is also part of the long standing tradition. Numerous children buy greatest Halloween costumes and mimic their favourite cartoon or fairytale characters. A few of the youngsters additionally purchase finest Halloween costumes to scare people. They try to wear ghoul and ghost costumes to scare people. This tradition is claimed to have roots in different festivals within the earlier days. Before, Pagans wore costume to frighten demons. Immediately, children wore costumes to celebrate Halloween.

Different Halloween costumes in America on the previous years are influenced by widespread culture. Historical traditions solely play a small half within the development of Halloween costumes. Frankenstein and vampires are one of many standard characters from fashionable literatures in Europe. They are re-popularized by American horror films. These motion pictures have different props that are related to Halloween like ghosts, spirits and others. A number of the fashionable costumes are cartoon and fairy tale characters and tremendous heroes. Kids like to mimic their favorite super heroes and so they wish to wear gowns and appear to be a princess in a fairy tale.

Aside from wearing costumes and trick or deal with, people also love going to Hunted Houses throughout Halloween. Going to Hunted Houses is already part of the tradition of quite a lot of people. On the fashionable era, Haunted Homes are very popular and they are made accessible in theme parks when Halloween is coming.

Just About All the pieces You Should Know About The Emo Music Scene

Emo started out being a style of hardcore punk new music inside the 80s which revolved throughout the alternative beliefs than that of most hardcore punk artists of that time. Generally hardcore punk was associated to positivity and turning into 'manly'. Hardcore punk shows would often embody mainly males, and females have been very hardly ever at hardcore shows. The piece members and crowd were often shirtless and it was a extremely robust and uncooked style full of blood and sweat. Slightly than these typical kinds in hardcore, emo formed and was comparatively calm sounding in comparison and considerably more melodic.

The very first emo teams to kind had been notably Embrace, which was a bit fashioned by punk and straight edge veteran Ian MacKaye, one other 1 from the initially emo artists to kind is the piece "Rites Of Spring". The phrase "emocore" which stands for 'emotional hardcore' also started to turn into employed to categorise early emo groups.

Within the 90s the 2nd wave of emo started to become associated with the indie scene far more than the punk scene, as the initially wave of emo was. Important bands throughout the second wave of emo embody Sunny Day Genuine Estate, In the Drive-In and the Get Up Kids. Most of those groups shall be deemed indie to several, however as I've talked about by means of the

second wave of emo there was a grey space by which the two genres appeared to satisfy.

The third wave of emo which is the current wave in the genre grew to change into fairly mainstream, notably on account of the expansion of world huge web utilization plus the simple promotion of companies by way of social and music networking internet sites. There may be a whole lot of disagreement as to what current emo and screamo tracks and corporations are. Most individuals are likely to classify the piece "My Chemical Romance" as a result of the biggest and most mainstream emo strap from the current wave, even though My Chemical Romance themselves have publicly said that they do not have to be often known as an emo band. Other teams which are generally called emo/screamo artists are Senses Fall short, Bleed The Dream, Hawthorne Heights and numerous lots more.

There was significant controversy as regards to emo over the previous a number of years, primarily on account of misinterpretation and ignorance of your subject. As a result of the emo style tends to focus on emotional concepts including lack of actually like, relationships and points within existence many see it as being a whiny style and feel that the genre by itself is selling depression and self-mutilation of which every have nothing in any respect to positively do with emo at all. It is potential that some firms point out self mutilation and exact melancholy but but so do some metallic and goth firms of which are each commonly the most important haters of emo tradition. What numerous fail to recognize is that you simply simply don't have to be depressed or a cutter to grow to be interest and concerned in emo and screamo music and audio. Though it may be accurate that quite a few folks right this moment often observe a tradition to match in, in these cases you will sometimes come throughout those that adopt the self-mutilation and depression to aim fit in.

Emo and screamo tunes has additionally found by itself inside promoting lately as a result of claims that youngsters listening to emo companies are extra potential to commit suicide. In yet one more incident there was large advertising protection for an occasion in Mexico through which assaults on 'emo children' ended up in important marches in protest in the direction of the violence.

Evening Dresses That Complement Your Bodily Features

Celebration robes are definitely a significant portion of women's life. They reveal a girl's choice, style and outlook. There are lots of boutiques, shops and fashion designers from where you might avail your good gown for your memorable events. These dressmakers and shops go that extra mile that can assist you look lovely in the costume you favored, by offering you suggestions concerning the type and shade of gown that will suit your physique and texture and likewise concerning the accents that will match your gown. When looking for an evening costume, bridesmaid robe, bridal robe, big day gown, or anything at all for that matter, it is rather essential know your body and strategies to reinforce the options you want about it.

In case you are trying to hide a tummy, look for an evening gown style that doesn't draw a person's eye to your stomach. Empire waistlines, waistlines that sit on top of your ribcage, right beneath your bust with skirts that flare out slightly, do miracles for masking a not superb tummy. Sherri Hill Model: 3802 is a perfect elegant evening gown if in case you have one of these body. It's strapless that's beaded on top and is obtainable in colours orange, black and purple. Moreover, search for styles that appeal to the attention to your face, comparable to one-with shoulder kinds or square-neck halters and don't fret to attempt to stylize and put on earrings or necklaces that assist maintain

the eye on your stunning face.

If you want to conceal your hips, it's best to seek out an evening robe with an A-line skirt. As well as, if you select a style that has a band or sash at the natural waist it is going to help to attract the focus to your middle. Try a number of of chiffon attire with charmeuse accents on the waistline. Bear in mind that you may at all times personalize a look that you could be like, which doesn't absolutely flatter your type by utilizing the spaghetti straps and shawls that include nearly all of our dresses, by chopping the hem, or by selecting the best accents.

Regardless if you're endowed with a fuller bust or possess a barely broader again, it is possible to divert the attention away from that half to make the ideal shapely silhouette for a particular occasion. The goal is to attract an equal amount of attention to the bottom half of your body, so the top result's the ideal hourglass. You would avoid a night costume types with waists. Waistbands have a tendency to cut your complete body in half and maintain the eye in your high half. Check out a strapless fashion with a straight neckline, and a mermaid skirt. Faviana Type: 6604 is a cultured and complicated yet structured mermaid fashion evening robe in a rich navy color. It is a stretch satin with scalloped sweetheart neckline and mermaid style hem.

A attractive and attractive evening gown will certainly make you the center of attraction. Before buying for a night costume it's important to be specific in regards to the location you're going to and the budget you're going to shell out as well. Then accordingly list down the entire stores, boutiques and on-line outlets you are going to visit. Try magazines to have concept in regards to the latest developments and designs; you may as well take into account concepts out of your family and friends members. Select a gown that can match your skin tone and body shape. A black night gown suits all and is always in style.

Top Designer Evening Dresses

Evening dresses are primarily made to be worn for those exceptional events that occur in evening. Celebrations that are organized in at night time are habitually particular and so they require one thing eye-catchy and trendy wear. Dressing up for an evening revelry is in actual fact vital for any lady and it provides an exceptional feeling of jubilation in her. Because of this, night clothes are designed in sure detailed fashion for dressing in a stupendous manner.

Whether or not it's your promenade night time or the New Year's Eve, designer evening dresses are vastly fashionable no matter what the occasion. The present trend stays to be knee length dresses that can be placed on for an evening journey or even one that may be jazzed up for any really rocking night out. There is no scarcity to the several types of designer night clothes and costume patterns seen in the boutiques today. Each single evening gown pattern is fabricated after thoughtful planning and you may select the best costume pattern to flatter you in the absolute best way. Here is a peek at some methods to pick the precise kind of designer night dresses and gown patterns that could make you look merely beautiful to your particular occasion.

Night clothes with a halter neck will possible depart people round you with jealous appears on their faces. Designer night dress

patterns that integrate the halter neck could be greatest fitted to ladies with the peerlessly toned back. A low again will show the flirty aspect in you. In consequence, make sure you go all out to look nice and get that again and shoulders proper in form. Attractive halter night gowns are sure so as to add more glitter and attract to your evening. Faviana Fashion: 6607 is a sublime and alluring halter evening dress. It is out there in colours plum, aqua and black.

Designer night attire, that are designed as ball gowns, are most widely used for his or her tasteful and extremely sophisticated appeal. Designer ball robes are available in a variety of colours and fit to go well with the varied personalities of a lady. Designer evening ball robes may very well be fitting or with plenty of ruffles for that fuller look. A ball gown is likely to provde the look of a princess. This is truly the perfect evening gown sample for a lady who want to play Cinderella. Sherri Hill Style: 2223 is a stunning rosette covered night ball gown. It is an alluring strapless gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt. It is even more spectacular in individual within the blush color, white or red. This explicit special item has a protracted practice having a gently placed bow on the back. Perfect for any night, this particular eye-catching gown will certainly give an enduring impression. It is accessible in colours gentle pink, white, black and red.

The A-line night gown sample is most most popular by many. These dresses are finest for those ladies who would prefer to look beautiful and have a dainty female contact to all the look. Go for gentle tones if you wish to hold it easy and formal. Slightly pink and sequins can add to the glamour of the evening. Most likely crucial cause that has an impact on the twilight clothes is shade. Additionally, the stuff that is used in these sorts of dresses also performs an especially important function. Along with the above parts, one should also keep in mind that every robe can't work for or swimsuit on all physical structure. Thus, one ought to consider the physique form before selection.

Give A Tungsten Watch For An Eternal Gift

Tungsten is the toughest, most eternal substance that watches will be produced from. It might very effectively be that this is the long run materials of all diamond jewelry since the wide range of tungsten watches, tungsten rings as well as other superb tungsten diamond jewellery is consistently expanding.

Many contemporary watch manufacturing firms would go for tungsten as their favored substance relating to watch creating. It is just because a tungsten watch is recognized among the world's finest watches, produced of premium high quality resources. Moreover, a tungsten watch could maintain a substantial amount of punishment, for the reason that alloy engaged in making this watch is of your premium prime quality. Because of this, a tungsten watch may final even a lifetime, thus, it generally known as the watch that is eternal.

Tungsten gadgets are normally properly polished so that

you could make them search modern and shiny. Moreover they arrived with unbelievable design, doing them far more stylish and beautiful. A tungsten watch is what a hectic particular particular person demands, specifically for people which have been doing a whole lot of activities on a regular basis for the reason that watch will not be rapidly tarnished. So visualize a watch that neither dents nor scratches, or drop its finishing. Which is how unimaginable a tungsten watch is.

Made to final a lifetime, tungsten watches arrived in numerous styles that's appropriate for each women and men. These pretty watches additionally complement very properly with tungsten jewellery, such because the tungsten carbide bracelet and rings as very well as a result of the tungsten carbide pendants.

Tungsten carbide is now swiftly turning out to be the metal of possibility in terms of necklaces doing. The top goods will certainly seem stunningly classy and are even robust enough to withstand the everyday don and tear.

The steel involved in manufacturing these jewelries is critical, and that is the rationale why the worth of a tungsten watch is fairlt excessive priced. A tungsten watch very good when it comes to high quality, but can also be fairly low-price, and will make for an important gift. Certainly, a tungsten watch is what just about every functioning individual desires. The style, innovation and in addition the richness within the tungsten alloy will certainly stay eternal.

Sweden's Heavyweight Boxing Champ Ingemar Johansson

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Ingemar Johannson died at a nursing house in his native Kungsbacka, Sweden at the age of 76 early in 2009. No official cause of dying was given, but Johansson lately returned to the nursing house after a troublesome bout with pneumonia. Johansson had moved to the nursing home on the Swedish coast from Stockholm over ten years in the past after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Johannson rocketed to worldwide fame and rock star like superstardom in Sweden by advantage of his 3rd spherical knockout victory over Floyd Patterson on June 26,'59 to turn out to be only the 5th heavyweight champion born outdoors of the US. Johannson was thought of the underdog going into the matchup, and because of the perception that he wasn't coaching significantly laborious entered the bout a 5/1 underdog. Johansson was steadily seen in Catskill nightspots during his training camp along with his enticing young secretary in stark distinction to Patterson's disciplined regimen in preparation for his title defense.

His efficiency in

opposition to the champ that night in Yankee Stadium shocked the boxing world"after a tentative first two rounds, Johannson floored Patterson with a short proper early in the third. The champ by no means recovered and with no three knockdown rule in effect was knocked down a complete of seven times earlier than referee Ruby Goldstein referred to as a halt to the proceedings and awarded the Swede the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world.

Johannson would hold the title for slightly below a 12 months earlier than he lost it back to Patterson in a rematch at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Patterson was the aggressor from the opening bell, and would ultimately regain his title as he knocked Johannson out chilly within the fifth spherical with a looping left hook. Johannson went down like he bought shot, and took a ten rely staring up on the lights with his leg twitching and blood dribbling out of his mouth. Within the immediate aftermath of his victory, Patterson displayed the category of a champion as he was extra involved about Johanssons nicely being than celebrating his win. Patterson sat on the canvas together with his fallen opponent cradling his head as medical personnel tended to Johannson. Floyd Patterson had simply turn into the primary man to regain the undisputed heavyweight championship, but his thoughts were with the man hed taken the title from.

Johannson would again face Patterson lower than a yr later, with the champ retaining his title via 6th round knockout after an thrilling slugfest that saw both rivals taste the canvas. Finally, nonetheless, Patterson's superior conditioning prevailed and he earned the victory. Johannson would fight only four extra instances after that, all in his home country of Sweden, before retiring for good in'63.

Patterson and Johannson remained lifelong friends, and would journey to go to one another yearly until Patterson's dying in 2006. Johannson made a lot of film appearances in Sweden, and spent time in Miami every year. He enjoyed good health properly into his 60's, until a variety of bodily illnesses took their toll.

Johannson was married and divorced twice, and is survived by five children. Ingemar Johannson loved rock star like status in Sweden during his title reign and remained a widely respected and admired sportsman throughout his life. He'll be remembered by the international boxing neighborhood for the vital position he played in popularizing the sport in Europe and Scandinavia.

Bill Wall Leather Jewelry & The Brand's Illustrious Founder Bill Wall

A Complete writeup concerning the Bill Wall Leather-based label, Invoice Wall Leather-based Jewellery and its illustrious Founder Invoice Wall. This article charts the reader by the founding history of the Bill Wall Leather label model and its speedy rise to the apex of the gothic sterling silver jewelry industry.

Invoice Wall's Early Life

It really takes a biker to understand what a biker wishes to wear & look like. For Invoice Wall, understanding what it meant, artistically & culturally to be a biker was simply second nature. Before his jaunt into the design world in 1985, Bill Wall had labored as a crew member on a fishing boat, did slightly freelance performing and construction work. Following an unlucky accident during which he broke his foot, Invoice Wall misplaced all his jobs and joined the ranks of the unemployed.

Following his immobilizing injury, the restless dwelling-certain Bill Wall began to tinker around with cloth. He shortly obtained a machine, some scrap material and commenced stitching designs, the very first of which was a motorcycle. With finances acting as a tight constraint, Bill needed to buy poorly sized, unwieldy scrap items of leather & cloth, combine them in an overlapping trend and sew designs over the stitches; a method

which satirically inspired a new type of jeans. A new fashion born from the resilience of Invoice Wall's character. Throughout this era of his life , Invoice Wall discovered the shortage of ergonomical and presentable biking gear in the market, and went about making a vogue id which bikers might be proud adopting.

The Daybreak of Invoice Wall Leather-based

From that time on, Bill Wall never looked back. Soon, Invoice started collaborating with a close buddy and shopper: the legendary biker jewellery designer Gabor Nagy, to design the complete set of using gear. Drawing inspiration from, Bill Wall began his enterprise into the world of sterling silver gothic jewelry, which he explored with the assistance of Gabor. The partnership finally impressed Bill Wall to create his personal line of gothic sterling silver jewellery generally known as Invoice Wall Leather-based Jewellery or BWL Jewellery, which is often in comparison with the vastly in style Chrome Hearts jewellery label. However, Bill Wall jewellery stays unique and distinguishable.

Why replicas, fakes and Bill Wall Leather-based impressed jewellery is rising in recognition

In recent years, Bill Wall Leather jewellery has confronted adversity in the form of several offshore rivals of equal capacity and talent, assets and talent to offer equally intricate, gorgeous and properly-crafted luxurious gothic styled silver jewelry to bikers & different fans at a small fraction of Bill Wall Leather-based jewelry prices. Now, fans of gothic sterling silver jewellery have an extensive range of alternate options to original Bill Wall Leather jewelry. Gothic silver jewellery followers are wising up to the truth of branding, which is basically nothing apart from an imaginary concept. Brand shouldn't be something which clients will at all times be willing to bear the price for. Given the widespread availability of cheaper & equally intricate choices, it's little surprise that designer label jewellery isn't an uncommon or uncommon sight on the streets however the luxury brand pricing of the original.

Nonetheless, in shopping for alternate options within the type of fakes or equally styled impressed designs, it is essential to confirm the standard of jewellery you're buying.

If You Are Not Comfy In What You Wear It Will Not Look Good On You

When it comes to personal style, it's all preference. You wear what you prefer. If you are attempting to wear something just because it can be trendy, but it had been not really comfortable, then it will not look right on you and you won't be happy.

Wearing something that you're not comfortable wearing isn't fun and if you are not completely comfortable wearing it, you will not be able to accomplish the look. What's the point of just wearing something to migrate in anyway? If it can be not your style, who cares it can be the design, don't waste some time and effort. You are more happy wearing what you want and what you are feeling comfortable wearing. If it happens being essentially the most current fad or style, so be it.

One thing everyone can agree on, no matter what is trendy and what's hot, are t-shirts. T-shirts are timeless, being a rule. Sometimes what's printed on them can be updated or not upward, but still working for the advantage of most people. One on the better things about t-shirts that make

them so popular is that they permit you to be an individual.

Regardless of whether you wear a logo of a trendy band within the shirt, something that everybody knows just by looking at it, it could still show their individuality, because you are showing something you like. Perhaps it is not the version of the shirt that you can the mall, but an actual concert shirt using the dates from the tour. That's even better the most original the shirt, the better. A million people can wear a million t-shirts and no two people have to possess identical exact one. Besides being so unique and allowing you to specific your individuality, t-shirts offer another huge advantage.

These are so comfortable. Who really wants to wear a shirt with stiff collar if you can throw on a t-shirt at home? There really is no other piece of clothing that is comparable to the way a t-shirt feels like if you wear one. These are so comfortable that many people wear a t-shirt to sleep because even pajamas are not as comfortable being a t-shirt.

Serving to Men To Choose Designer Jeans

Designer jeans are something that most girls have considered, shopped for and envied while most men have probably not even considered them. This are some things that men could add therefore to their wardrobe to receive a completely new sense of style. In addition they are going to be noticed more when they are out and wearing them.

If you have never checked out one of these higher priced pairs of jeans then be certain to know that there are advantages. One being you could get any style and size that you could imagine. Plus they are made from higher quality and thicker denim which ensures that they will last for years to come.

Variety if a key selling point for men who're buying these name jeans. You will discover colors, styles, fits and sizes that might not be accessible in all jean lines. Plus the jeans fit more desirable without any areas of gapping or sagging that tend to be seen with less expensive or value priced jeans

which can really make them a better value.

Value is another reason that lots of people choose this higher priced version of jeans. They are impressed when the jeans last them for years while still looking very nice. Plus the fact that they do not rip or wear out as quickly means actual savings in the long term so that you do not have to fret about spending more money now but instead saving more money later.

Certainly one of the items that you have to remember always with mens fashion is how the men typically don't want others to understand they care about fashion. So owning a perfect pair of jeans that may be paired with a couple mens dress shoes plus a mens dress shirt is an effective way to exhibit their style sense. It can be considerably more subtle and does not look like they are attempting as hard as mens suits would.

Probably the things that men often like the most about jeans is that they're so comfortable. This can be also why these are on the list of main pieces of most peoples wardrobes. It is usually possible for the man to become in style without having to get rid of their comfort.

There may be also the truth that you are able to wear an effective pair of jeans for many years to come. It is possible to choose to dress them up or dress them down in order that they can be worn to any event along with any setting. Each and every day you can enjoy wearing a good pair of jeans.

There is one thing to think about when you choose a pair of designer jeans or mens clothing. That is to make sure that you are getting what you want and that you are not choosing something too trendy. By choosing a more classic style you can really make sure that you want to wear them for years to come.

Honey and Infants

Many people find it difficult to resist the sweet taste of honey. New research shows it even contains antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds. But honey isn’t for everyone. In fact, feeding honey to infants less than 12 months old may have severe and sometimes deadly consequences.

While is may seem harmless to add a little bit of honey to your child’s pacifier, honey often contains spores of bacterium that causes infant botulism. Although these bacterial spores do not affect the digestive systems of adults, an infant’s digestive system is not fully developed, and can’t prevent the spores from germinating. When this happens, the bacteria produce a toxin that is often fatal.

Botulism toxin affects the neuromuscular system, leading to a weak and lethargic baby. An infected infant will first experience constipation, followed by a weak cry, poor feeding and sucking ability, droopy eyelids, and overall weakness. Noticing these warning signs and seeking medical attention is the best way to ensure a safe recovery if the baby is infected.

The most important thing to remember is that infant botulism is preventable. You can keep your baby safe by NOT feeding your baby honey, even in baked goods, and keeping honey away from your baby’s pacifier, water and medications. Once the infant is over 12 months old, you can relax and allow your little one some honey.

Exclusive Aishwarya Rai and Abishek Bachchan Event

Spotlight UK were exclusivley called upon to film a once in a lifetime event held by Lux with Indian Superstar Couple Aishwarya Rai and Abishek Bachchan. Attendees of this event were competion winners back in India with them being flown over to London with the highlight meeting former Miss World and well renowned Actress Aishwarya Rai and her Bollywood Celebrity husband Abishek Bachchan.

Charles Schulz At The Movies

Anybody who knows me knows I'm only a rabid fan of three things: Stanley Kubrick, The Beatles, and Charlie Brown. Charles M. Schulz's daily comic strip Peanuts began its life on October 2, 1950, and ended just over 50 years later, with the final strip appearing only days after Schulz's 2/12/2000 death (it continues to be printed to this day, the only strip ever to have outlived its author by

Charles Schulz At The Movies

Anybody who knows me knows I'm only a rabid fan of three things: Stanley Kubrick, The Beatles, and Charlie Brown. Charles M. Schulz's daily comic strip Peanuts began its life on October 2, 1950, and ended just over 50 years later, with the final strip appearing only days after Schulz's 2/12/2000 death (it continues to be printed to this day, the only strip ever to have outlived its author by

Miss Flavour 2010

On Wednesday 3rd November Spotlight UK was at Cafe de Paris to do multi-angle filming on the annual beauty contest - Miss Flavour. We filmed exclusive footage of the event itself as well as behind the scenes nterviews with high profile personalities which was won by Neetu Shota.

Setting Limits and Standing Firm

A toddler needs to learn quite early that he or she should not go beyond the fence or touch the hot stove. A teenager needs to have a reasonable, yet caring and protective curfew. Setting clear limits for children and teens can not only keep them save, but can help to give them boundaries for acceptable behavior.

Limits are at the foundation of parenting responsibility. They protect youth from physical and psychological harm, protect property, and promote respect for others. Limits also give children a sense of security. And usually, they like knowing an adult is in control.

It’s wise to keep the number of limits or rule to the ones that really count. It is important to set limits, but also allow children the opportunity to choose. Giving them a choice when you can, helps them develop independence, confidence and a sense of accountability for their actions.

Expecting too much can lower a child’s self-esteem and cause stress in your child. Parents should use limits consistently so children aren’t likely to get confused. Of course, as children grow older, their limits should change to reflect their developmental stage. In fact, as children grow, they often have wonderful ideas and opinions about limits. Parents can move from being caregivers to nurturers, to encouragers, then counselors. By involving them in discussions, parents are more likely to gain their children’s cooperation in following rules.

Children will try to test their limits to see how parents respond. It’s a crucial part of their development. In testing the limits, children are testing their parent’s love as well as their commitment to their word and rules. All children need the security of limitations to their behavior, while at the same time needing to grow and explore their world.

Dieting Linked to Smoking among Girls

While watching a classic film recently, it seemed that all the characters played by the actors were smoking cigarettes. Then I recalled that was indeed the way it used to be. And, although there are some movies and television programs that have gone back to having main characters smoking, it still is less prevalent than in the days before we learned how detrimental to health smoking really is.

The good news is that in about the past ten years, the percent of high school students in the U.S. who smoked regularly has dropped from about 35 to 23 percent – according to the Centers for Disease Control.


However, there are some teens who appear to be more at risk of picking up the bad habit. Recent research published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that teenage girls who started diets were twice as likely to start smoking as their peers who did not diet.

Consistent with previous studies, the researchers found that dieting and weight concerns were not related to smoking among boys. Additionally, boys who were not overweight were more likely to try smoking, but were not as likely to smoke regularly.

The researchers suggested that health educators and practitioners should consider the link between initiation of dieting and regular smoking as they develop and use intervention and smoking prevention messages and programs. They also caution that parents need not panic if their child changes their diet. If, for example, your child begins eating healthier and more balanced meals, these changes should be celebrated as part of a healthier overall lifestyle.

R.I.P. Jill Clayburgh (1944-2010)

God, I loved this woman. And I do mean WOMAN. She was every inch a woman, not a girl. Every time the camera mapped her face, as perfect as it was, I was enthralled. Yesterday, Ms. Clayburgh died of leukemia, from which she had suffered for more than two decades. And I am so sad about it. It's difficult to scan all of the movie-related deaths out there, and I try not to focus on them. But

R.I.P. Jill Clayburgh (1944-2010)

God, I loved this woman. And I do mean WOMAN. She was every inch a woman, not a girl. Every time the camera mapped her face, as perfect as it was, I was enthralled. Yesterday, Ms. Clayburgh died of leukemia, from which she had suffered for more than two decades. And I am so sad about it. It's difficult to scan all of the movie-related deaths out there, and I try not to focus on them. But

My Movie Poster Collection: B

As always, click on each image to see them larger: B MONKEY (Michael Radford, 98). Rolled, G I've never even seen this movie, but I sure do love me some Asia Argento. This is the best American poster featuring her magnificent visage. BABY LOVE (Alastair Reid, 68). Folded, GSure would! Why not? Especially if she wears that little skirt all the time. BAD COMPANY (Robert Benton, 72). Folded,

My Movie Poster Collection: B

As always, click on each image to see them larger: B MONKEY (Michael Radford, 98). Rolled, G I've never even seen this movie, but I sure do love me some Asia Argento. This is the best American poster featuring her magnificent visage. BABY LOVE (Alastair Reid, 68). Folded, GSure would! Why not? Especially if she wears that little skirt all the time. BAD COMPANY (Robert Benton, 72). Folded,

My Movie Poster Collection: C

As always, click on the poster for a larger image: THE CANDIDATE (Michael Richie, 72). Folded, FTerrific image, with political newcomer Robert Redford having his face obscured by bubble gum. Still one of the most intelligent movies about politics around (perhaps even more relevant today), with an Oscar-winning script by Jeremy Larner. I love this poster, too, for its lack of a tagline, though

My Movie Poster Collection: C

As always, click on the poster for a larger image: THE CANDIDATE (Michael Richie, 72). Folded, FTerrific image, with political newcomer Robert Redford having his face obscured by bubble gum. Still one of the most intelligent movies about politics around (perhaps even more relevant today), with an Oscar-winning script by Jeremy Larner. I love this poster, too, for its lack of a tagline, though

Harry Potter- Good for Reading

Are you excited about the new Harry Potter movie? I am, but I usually read the books before I allow myself to see the movie. I’m a little behind on Deathly Hallows.

When you think of celebrities that are household names, you’re not likely to think of a fictional character – yet Harry Potter has certainly earned that distinction. And while the Harry Potter books and movies have catapulted to record-breaking success, even amid controversy, these books have also had another extraordinary effect on our youth. Harry Potter has stimulated an interest in reading among older children.

In a recent study conducted by the research firm Yankelovich and Scholastic Educational Publishers, children and their parents credited the Harry Potter series with getting more young people to read for fun and with helping them do better in school. Just more than half of the children between the ages of 5 and 17 claimed that they didn’t read books for fun before reading Harry Potter, and 65% reported they have been doing better in school since they started reading the Potter books.

Their parents were a little more enthusiastic, with 89% reporting their children showing an improved attitude toward reading, and 76% believing their children are doing better in school since starting to read the Potter books.

In the Kids and Family Reading Report, the researchers found that older children claimed that they don’t read for fun because they can’t find books that interest them. However, the Harry Potter books have garnered interest along all ages and have given many families books to enjoy together. This leads to improved attitudes toward reading.

Perhaps the magic of Harry Potter was equally powerful outside of the story, as the study shows that parents who want their children and teens to read may have found a spellbinding solution. Now I need to go find my daughter’s latest copy of Harry Potter!

Teenager's Internet Use

In my home, everyone uses the internet to get information for reports, the news, to shop, and to communicate with friends. We are fairly typical of families these days – in fact, more than half of American families with children now have Internet access.

While the Internet is a useful tool, it also poses challenges for parents who want to protect their children from inappropriate content.

In a recent study appearing in the Journal of Marriage and Family, researchers used data from a national survey of online teenagers and their parents to develop a profile of parents’ internal rule setting. Sixty percent of American parents with Internet access said that they regulate their teenager children’s Internet use by limiting the time they can spend online and by checking the Web sites their teens use. Another option is to install software to block questionable Web sites, and about 44% of parents reported using this option.

Parents who use the Internet with their teens are more likely to regulate Internet use, although older teens are less likely to have many rules.

You might be surprised that the research revealed that fathers are more likely than mothers to check the Websites their children visit and parents with lower education are more likely to put monitoring software on their home computers.

More information is needed to better understand the challenges of the Internet for families. But, understanding the opportunities and the risks of the Internet may help parents make decisions about the access they allow their teens.

The Protective Role of Grandparents

Being a grandparent today can mean many things. Many grandparents have a daily impact on their grandchildren because they live in the same household or they may be serving as surrogate parents. In fact, nearly 6% of children in the U.S. are now being raised by their grandparents.

These grandparents find themselves parenting their grandchildren when the adult child is unable to care for their own children and the grandparents step into help. Research tells us that grandparents are also the most willing of any family member to take grandchildren into their home.

Additionally, grandparents can affect grandchildren even when they don’t live under the same roof. Grandparents can make a difference “from a distance” by positively affecting a child’s development. Recent findings have shown that grandparents buffer the negative effects of high risk circumstances on children. For example, a grandchild’s sense of emotional closeness to, frequency of contact with, and their view of grandparents as a source of social support can buffer the negative effects of poverty and family stress.

The researchers also found that the closer grandchildren were to their grandparents, the less likely they were to be depressed as adults, particularly if their mother experienced depression during their childhood years.

As we can see, keeping children involved in their grandparent’s lives for the sake of Grandma and Grandpa is only part of the picture. These studies show that it certainly goes both ways! Grandparents are important in children’s lives, especially when facing difficult circumstances.