Steroids And Sports - With All Due Respect Congress Keep Away

Steroids and sports is a very serious issue. While it is proper for the lawmakers of this or any country to create laws making steroid users and sellers criminals. It is not right for Government to tell a private industry how to handle their own internal affairs.

The perception by congress is that Baseball and the other major sports in this country have a Steroid issue and if these sports don't move fast to resolve this issue that congress will enact laws to resolve the steroid problem in sports.

Congress claims to be worried about young children in organized sports from little league thru high school who follow the example of these major leaguers and take performance enhancing steroids, Are congress imposed penalties on the professional level really going to change the level of usage among children?

If congress is really concerned about the children wouldn't it be better to spend their energy on toughening the laws and enforcing the laws. Shouldn't the dealers and suppliers be the focus of congress instead of the rare athlete who gets caught.

It appears that baseball has the steroid situation well in hand. Only a handful of players tested positive for steroid Use. How many players want to go thru the mental abuse of the fans that Rafael Palmeiro was subjected too after his recent suspension after a positive steroid test.

Many ballplayers have already expressed disgust over steroid use. Wouldn't it be better to allow the sports to continue in the direction they are heading since it appears they are moving in a positive direction.

About the Author
Mike Makler Offers Financial Services (Mortgages,Life Insurance, Annuity) in Florissant Missouri which is in North St. Louis County Missouri Just Across the Bridge from St. Charles Missouri

Call Mike at 314 398-5547

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Rock the Trend - Punk Chic

Remember Joan Jett and the Blackhearts "I Love Rock 'N Roll"? Most of us tried to mimic it a bit at one point or another in our lives. Well, the look is back with an added touch of chic. The Punk Chic, or Subtle Punk, look is back in full effect for Fall this year. This trend is defined by Goth shades and carefully placed metal details on classic pieces for a subtle yet punk effect. If you want to rock this trend, read on to find out more.

Tops. For this trend, go for tops made out of luxurious fabrics with fabulous detailing. A silk vest in moody mauve with decorative metal detailing all-over will give you a subtle, punk, edgy look and make passersby notice your outfit. Look for detailing that is small in size and grand in coverage of the pieces. Metal details that are too large will give you a biker look instead of punk chic.

Bottoms. Since our inspiration is punk, keep pants slim or skinny in dark colors. Black is the ideal. Skinny black jeans (in denim or leather) with zipper detailing at the bottom of the leg and at the waist (front and back) will look undeniably punk. To soften the look and add the "chic", go for a slouchy black sweater in cashmere or superfine wool. The mix of textures and details will make you seem ahead of the times whenever you step out.

If you want to go for a different type of bottoms, a short skirt is also another great option. Go for one that is no longer than mid-thigh length, but comes in a flattering shape. Be sure the skirt you choose has plenty of zippers, buttons, studs, or other fun details. If short skirts aren't your favorite, wear the short skirt with a pair of opaque dark tights or leggings in a coordinating color.

Dresses. Keeping it clean is the way to go. This means dresses with simple shapes, such as shift or A-line, will work the best. To stay with this trend, be sure you choose a dress with plenty of pleating, studding, leather patches, etc. The punk will be in the details while the chic will be in the shape of the dress.

Shoes & Accessories. Leather, patent leather, and suede are favorites for this trend. For shoes, keep the look punk but still chic, go for rounded studs and other metal details as opposed to pointy, sharp, or jagged looking ones. For handbags, go for large hobos in a sturdy and rugged material. You can keep the detail minimal here since you have metal detailing in one or more pieces of your ensemble. For jewelry, go for rubber, leather, or silver. Funky chain detailing on a smaller scale keeps jewelry looking punk without being intimidating.

So now you are ready to be punk, subtle, and chic all at the same time. This trend is great to incorporate with many pieces of your wardrobe as well as it can be easily worn in tandem with other trends that are hot this season. To make sure that you are not overdoing it, try to wear no more than three studded or metal detailed pieces in the same outfit. Good luck and Happy Shopping!

Sasha is a fashion editor and accomplished fashion stylist. Visit her website at: http://www.fashionistaspalace.com, to shop at some of the hottest online retailers today and see some of her recommended reading material. Still want more? Then don't forget to, sign-up for the weekly newsletter full of fashion tips and exclusive deals.

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Why UGG Butte Boots Are Popular Among Women This Winter Season?

Many a times you get disappointed by the boots that you buy as they don't fulfill your requirements, but now no more frozen toes as Butte is there to protect your feet from extreme cold, so enjoy winter season, go out in snow, play with your friends or go out for a movie. You don't need to get upset or spoil your parties because of the tight or uncomfortable boots as Butte will never let you down.

This classic boot is trimmed in sheepskin that embodies all your functional needs and at the same time look great too. The sheepskin makes your feet warm and cozy all the time. These boots are must for winter. Your winter collection will be incomplete without them. These are the lace up classic boots which not only gives a trendy look but also provides easy on and off. It has a full-grain leather upper and windproof eVent membrane that "vents" moisture from inside the shoe which assure durability and makes them waterproof. You can now go out in snow with the thought that your feet will never get sweat or smelly as these boots are always going to keep them dry. With the use of Direct Venting proprietary and patented technology , millions of pores can breather that allow sweat to vent out of the fabric very easily. They have a great look and can be worn for style too.

It also has a removable sheepskin sock liner that provides ultra warmth, comfort and coziness to your feet. Its shaft is 7 inch and circumference is 14 inch. These boots are strongly recommended. Complete your winter collection by purchasing these comfy, attractive and beautiful boots.

Find out more information about UGG Boots or read about UGG Cove Boots.

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The New It Bag

It's official the new 'It' bag is the individual handcrafted leather handbag. Style gurus and fashionista's alike no longer to be different, they want to be individual and they want to be trendsetters.

The 'It' bag a term coined by the media to describe the latest fad in designer handbags, has shown a peak in popularity over the last few years with celebrities and others clamouring to get their hands on the latest trend in handbags with waiting lists building up before the product is even released. The 'it' bag is very much a product of celebrity endorsement, clever marketing and a materialistic characteristics of consumers.

The first it bag was probably the Fendi Baguette, which tucked neatly under the arm like a baguette. Its 'It' bag status was created when it was sold at a much reduced price to many fashion insiders, who were the spotted and photographed. Since then their have been numerous 'it' bags including the Dior saddlebag in 2000, and the Chloe Paddington in 2005. So what is the new 'It' bag and what will we be seeing on the arms of the celebrities for the seasons ahead?

The new 'It' bag is different. Celebrities like Kate Moss don't follow trends they want to be different and this is the newest trend especially in handbags. This whole new feeling of being different especially where accessories are concerned can be seen in the huge surge in vintage fashions and clothes. Most vintage clothing is unique and you are unlikely to find someone else wearing the same.

The huge popularity of the 'It' bag has actually proved to be its downfall. The demand has created a market for counterfeit 'it' bags some such good copies it can be difficult to tell the difference from a distance.

The current economic climate has also had its part to play in the demise of the 'it' bag. People now have less disposable income than they had a few years ago and less credit available to them. The latest 'it' bag is no longer a major priority when working out the monthly budget.

So next time you decide to spend you whole month's salary on a new handbag think again. Instead of spending money try spending a bit of time finding a really unique and original handbag that no one else will have. Try looking for handcrafted leather bags crafted by artisans in different parts of the world. People will stop and ask you where you got it from and no one will doubt whether it is genuine.

This article was written by Danielle Sharpe for Munique Fashion - muniquefashions.com. Munique brings you unique, quality handcrafted fashion and accessories from artisans around the world. These exotic designs communicate rarity and say something about you the wearer.

Our simply stunning collection of funky unusual jewelry handbags and sandals are specially selected for their uniqueness and are not available on the high street.Weare sure to find something special from our range of Ethnic jewelry and gifts.Buy online and start that conversation with fashion that begins "Where did you get that?"

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Designer Inspired Handbags - The Lowdown

First of all there seems to be some confusion around the term designer inspired handbags, for example does it refer to replicas and fakes? The simple answer is a resounding and emphatic NO! Replica and fake designer handbags are illegal copies that not only infringe copyright but also have been associated with the seedy underbelly of society, terrorism, child labour etc due to the lack of paper trail involved in many business-to-business transactions. Designer inspired handbags are legitimate handbags that may bare a remarkable resemblance to designer handbags but lack branding and in the majority of cases are not true mirror images.

There are certainly many benefits to owning or buying a designer inspired handbag over a replica or fake handbag. Not least of which is the legality you can legitimately purchase and carry a designer inspired handbag without fear of legal recriminations. Where as it is not only a criminal offence to sell replica or fake handbags but also to own or even carry one. Legal issues aside designer inspired handbags are great! With the credit crunch taking a huge bite out of our disposable incomes there's often little left over for luxury purchases.

However with designer inspired handbags running at an average of five percent of the cost of designer originals you can still afford all the key looks of the season and maintain your personal style. In fact if you are feeling the pinch and can only afford to purchase one fashion item per season a hot, new, on trend handbag is the way to go as you can wear it with any of the classic pieces in your wardrobe (colours permitting of course) and instantly look modern, up to date and chic. If you are a style savvy chick you probably already realise which handbags are hot but just incase here is the low-down for the autumn/ winter season 2008.

Handbag Prints:

Following on from spring florals are still big big news this season in a wide array of colours and print sizes although generally speaking the bigger, the better.

Handbag Styles:

More or less anything goes style wise from clutch bags to oversized tote handbags. However soft and slouchy handbag styles are the key shape for autumn/winter 2008 with deep jewel shades of suede being a particular hit both on the catwalk and the high street.

Adornments

No discussion of autumn/ winter 2008 would be complete with out the mention of tassels, fringes and drawstrings. These were all featured heavily on designer catwalks this season.

Colours

Hot colours this autumn, traditionally black and brown are timeless classics for autumn and winter but this year anything grey is an instant hit as are al the jewel shades so deep vibrant greens, reds, purples and blues are all handbag hits.

Fabrics

There are four key trends in fabrics for handbags this autumn/winter as already mentioned soft supple jewel toned suede is really hot and ideal statement piece. In fact pretty much all animal skins and prints are hot and here we encounter an other benefit of the designer inspired handbag they rarely feature genuine animal skins so are far less contentious. Lastly as always at t his time of year the allure of the patent handbag is never far away and this years contemporary coloured patent handbags are delicious.

There you have it the low-down on designer inspired handbags for autumn winter 2008 fashion season.

For great value designer inspired handbags visit http://www.handbaghabit.co.uk or if you would like to keep up with the latest handbag chatter visit the http://handbaghabituk.blogspot.com

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Some Of The Big Reasons Louis Vuitton Handbags Are So Popular

Ever since they hit the market, Louis Vuitton handbags have been sought after for their fine craftsmanship and unmatchable aesthetic appeal. Louis Vuitton handbags are now the international standard in baggage, the suitcases and bags from which all others are judged.

Like champagne, Bourdeaux wines, cheeses, and many other things that greatly improve this life, Louis Vuitton handbags began in France. In the beginning of the nineteenth century, the emperor of France, Napoleon III, was looking for someone to manage the bags of Empress Eugene.

The man the emperor found was Louis Vuitton, a professional luggage handler who packed luggage for upper class families. Vuitton broke ground by inventing airtight and flat stackable luggage. From these beginnings, Vuitton constructed his business, establishing his first design offices in 1854.

At the World's Fairs in 1867 and 1889, Louis Vuitton won first a bronze and then a gold medal in recognition of the excellence of his bags. But it wasn't until 1892 that the first Louis Vuitton handbags hit the market. Soon after the Louis Vuitton Company's luggage line grew larger and larger. Since the very beginning, and right up to today, Louis Vuitton handbags have been respected and known as synonymous with high end quality and craft.

Fast forward to today's world, and Louis Vuitton handbags have become markers of class and luxury. This contributes to making Louis Vuitton brand bags the industry leader. In fact, the bags are so coveted that fertile counterfeiters flood the market with fake Louis Vuitton handbags, so that less than 1% of the bags bought and sold are genuine Louis Vuitton made.

In an effort to counter the efforts of bootleg handbags, Louis Vuitton's son Georges introduced the LV Monogram Canvas in 1896, which was an industry first. The canvas is the designer's label branded onto the product at the factory. Only genuine Louis Vuitton luggage has the LV Monogram Canvas. Imitators may try to copy it, but the trained eye will know the difference!

Starting in 1888, Louis Vuitton bags were available in the Damier Canvas. Both Louis and Georges worked on the design, which bears marque L. Vuitton deposee, the French way of saying trademark L. Vuitton. Following this, Georges released the Monogram Canvas whose symbols and graphics were influenced by the Late Victorian influence in Asian art.

In 1901, The Steamer Bag, a small handbag to go with larger LV luggage and trunks, was introduced. 1930 saw the introduction of the elegant and timeless Louis Vuitton handbag Keepall, which first was a fashion sensation and then an icon. Along with its smaller successor, the Speedy, the Keepall's leather is tooled with the trademark LV design throughout, and the hallmark suave curves and handles suggest simplicity and practicality while maintaining the aura of luxury.

Originally a carrying case for five bottles of champagne, the Louis Vuitton Noe bag became a phenomenon when upper class women took notice and transformed it into a must have handbag. Renowned designers Stephen Sprouse and Marc Jacobs unveiled a limited edition graffiti LV monogram in 2001, which was available to only a list of the designer's choosing.

Jacobs followed the graffiti monogram up in 2003 while working with Takashi Murakami to create a new canvas featuring thirty three colors, the Monogram Multicolore. And most recently Takashi Murakami fashioned the Cherry Blossom pattern, in 2004, and new Monogram Cerises pattern, in 2005, both of which were inspired by Japanese animation.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as designer handbags at http://www.buyorborrowdesignerhandbags.com

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A Citizen Promaster Sports Watch Made For Divers

Did you know that the Citizen Promaster sports watch is among the top in its class. Especially the eco drive air divers sport wrist watch.

For example, the Citizen Professional Diver, its a member of the Promaster eco drive sports watch line. This watch is water proof up to 200 meters. It is equipped with a urethane band and stainless steel watch casing. For mixed gas divers, its perfect for air divers. The next step up is one which has a stainless steel band. Finally the top model has a titanium case and a deluxe band designed out of urethane.

With long lasting quartz movement, the Citizen Promaster sports watch has large hands and markers that glow, a ratcheted bezel with a feature that tracks how much time has gone by. Its eco drive technology has a six month reserve of power.

These Citizen Promaster air divers watches are designed to handle any tough conditions. They are built big with a diameter of 46 millimeters for the case, plus it is 18 millimeters thick. A travel case can also be purchased for your Citizen Promaster eco drive sports watch. For further protection the case is zippered and padded, ensuring safety against dropping or accidents.

Susan Bradford helps you find the right Citizen watch for you. Choose from men's, ladies, and gold to chronograph, diamond, military and more.

Footwear UGGaustralia

Serta Sheep Slippers - a Review and Brief History of Creation

Serta Sheep Slippers are a specialty character slipper that has taken the world of footwear by storm. These cute and plush slippers have the figure of the Serta Mattress Counting Sheep on them. They were originally created as gimmicks give away by the Serta Mattress Company. The company had thought that the idea of making their counting sheep that they use in their television commercials would be a cute parting gift as someone left their showroom after purchasing a new mattress.

The slippers started off as just a plain flat bottom slipper with a simple likeness of the Serta Sleep Sheep on them. Then as more customers told their friends and family members of the sweet little gift they got when purchasing their mattress, something strange began to happen.

Within a month of the last of the first batch of Serta Sheep Slippers being handed out at the Mattress stores, people started coming in to see if they too could get a pair of the cute little Serta Sheep Slippers. This was a course of action that had not been anticipated. Yes, it was true that people responded positively to the advertising using the Serta

Counting Sheep but who would have thought that a simple pair of slippers could bring in new prospective customers.

Once the popularity of the Serta Sheep Slippers became realized it was really a no brainer. They would need to start producing more of these slippers. The slippers became such a popular item people would get them with a purchase of a new mattress set and then turn around and sell them on eBay.

Looking for Serta Sheep Slippers? Then visit our website!

UGGaustralia Women Sexy

Maternity Clothes

The days that maternity clothes featured a classic jean and a long oversized T-shirt are long over. Hollywood actresses and fashion designers introduce today a new much more stylish image for modern women who are expecting. Today, delivering a baby has become something like a new trend, making maternity clothes an absolute must for a soon-to-be mother's wardrobe.

While for the first few months of a woman's pregnancy, the choices in garment and accessories can remain unchanged, as the belly becomes evident, the waistline increases and the breasts become bigger, new clothes, specifically made to accommodate a woman's maternity needs enter their closet spaces. In fact, visiting the local maternity clothes store, either for a special occasion outfit, or to browse the plus size maternity section, provides women with a great variety of possible clothing solutions. Understanding the women's need to feel comfortable but also chic, clothes manufacturers have developed new maternity clothes lines that are trendy and fashionable. Promoting the specific period in a woman's life has indeed become a new focal point for the fashion industry, which has managed to reason the old doomed feeling of fashion exclusion. Vibrant colors, new trendy styles, and comfortable designs, can actually help women reach their baby delivery day in a glowing outfit. Expecting women, who show off their bellies instead of hiding it under layers of clothes, have become a common sight that puts smiles on people's faces.

Since in most cases being pregnant today is in fact a matter of choice, maternity clothes are designed to reflect that happy feeling of bringing a new baby into this world. Hippie choices, for example, like stylish free-flowing ethnic skirts, kaftans and yoke dresses that can easily accommodate a growing belly, encompass both the need to feel comfortable and also trendy. Accessories that keep visual details on top, such as a scarf, a small bolero jacket, or bold jewelry, reflect the woman's desire to be hip and trendy, as well as to show off a happy maternity look. Comfortable, sports underwear and maternity jeans are of course among the must-haves during the maternity period, since the female body needs the necessary room to grow and also requires comfort and support. Finally, suits that can be worn in multiple circumstances, also known as multi functional suits, can help women be in fashion and feel sexy during an evening out.

In short, being pregnant today should not result in women looking tacky or sloppy. Women can and actually should wear clothes that make them feel comfortable, but at the same time promote their maternity status. Being able to select from a great variety of maternity clothing, pregnant women are eligible to enjoy the period before giving birth as much as they will enjoy the one after; probably, fashion-wise, even more!

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Clothing, Beauty, and Travel

UGGaustralia Women Sexy

Womens Prada Shoes and Mens Prada Shoes - High-Class Fashion For Stylish Women And Men

Womens Prada shoes and Mens Prada shoes can now be bought online for less than $300. For those of you who are looking for Prada shoes, that should be music to your ears. Womens and Mens Prada shoes are being sold on the Internet for fractions off the retail prices. How amazing is that? Cheap Prada shoes for sale online.

One of the best reasons to purchase Prada shoes is for the design and style of the shoes. These shoes are the epitome of high fashion. You will find more men wearing these luxurious shoes now-a-days than ever before. Due to the popularity of the shoes, women are also being seen wearing them more often than ever. These shoes have functionality, durability, and style all wrapped up into one. You can definitely wear these shoes from work to play. Go from a business meeting to a night out on the town. There are so many styles and designs of these shoes available to men, women and children.

The Womens Prada Mary Jane pump can be matched up to any outfit and can be worn with just about any dress or suit. These shoes can make an outfit look like a million bucks. Your best bet when wearing these shoes is to get them in black. You can match any outfit to these if worn in black.

Another great shoe for women is the Prada Open Toe pump. This shoe can be worn with any outfit that you are wearing. Dress up a plain pencil skirt or wear these shoes with your favorite sweater dress this fall season. Its fashionable style allows any woman to be able to carry off a look of sophistication and class.

The reason for buying designer shoes is not just to look good, but also to have style and comfort. If you need a shoe that will allow you to move from the office to dining in, the Mens Prada Lace-Up Oxford is the perfect shoe just for that. Even the slip-on boots for men are a top choice in fashion. Prada makes a great line of shoes that are worn by all types of men. You will see celebrities; to even the man next door wearing the Leather/Canvas sneakers. Wear these shoes with a comfortable pair of chinos or your favorite jeans.

The designer also designs briefcases and travel luggage for you men out there who want a great designer bag, but don't want to look too flashy while carrying it. There is a very fashionable and manly looking Mens Messenger bag that can be used for work, travel or play. Who says designer handbags have to be just for women?

Look for these and many more fashionable and smart looking Womens and Mens Prada shoes online to save money and time shopping. You can surely go to the store and spend a pretty penny on the shoes of your choice. But, why do that when shopping online will keep you at home or the office and save you up to 40%-50% off of the store price.

When shopping for designer shoes, the difference in retail store shopping and online shopping is not only to save money, but to also save much needed time. Who wouldn't appreciate that? Get your discount Prada online and save big.

Find the best discounted Prada shoes by shopping from my Womens Prada shoes or Mens Prada shoes websites. Here, you will find authentic Prada shoes for less than $300. If you shop from the stores you are sure to pay twice as much. Also, get those Prada Open-Toe pumps for women, right here for $250. Or, the popular Prada Oxfords or Prada Leather Logo Slip-on Loafers for Men for $250. You are sure to find your Prada for the price you want to pay. The website is http://www.squidoo.com/prada_womens_shoes/

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How to Recognize Real Thai Silk

You might be interested in buying Thai silk, 100% pure silk, but don't know how to see the difference between real and fake silk. You got to know that there is a lot of fake Thai silk, in the markets, which are made of polyester. Here are a few guidelines to help you find only real silk.

First of all, there is a big difference in price, as real Thai silk, is expensive. The fake silk will cost a few hundred baht, which means probably around $10. If you look at real silk however, you will find that prices can go to a few thousand baht in Thailand, which can easily run in to the hundreds of dollars ($100's) once you find them hanging in major "name brand" department and/or specialty clothing stores in the United States. But some vendors might be a bit unscrupulous and try to charge the high price in hope that you won't recognize the fake silk, so there are other ways that you can use to verify if it is real.

This one is important, as some shoppers might get confused about it and make a mistake. You should verify the weave of the fabric. Thai silk will have small flaws in the thread, since it is handmade and nothing can be perfect. While a silk made from polyester is made by machine, so there will be no flaws, it will look perfect. Many people get confused that way and think that real silk would be perfect; it is not in fact it's the fake that will look perfect.

Next is the luster of the material. The way real Thai silk is made is to ensure it has unique colors and blends. If you hold real Thai silk to the light, it will always look different according to the angle you hold it. Meanwhile imitation silk will always look white when you hold it in the light.

Finally, you can look at the print to find out any fake silk. You will see that the pattern is printed only on one side. The other side you will see the outline of the print. When you test the luster of the silk by putting it in the light, only the side where it is printed will change color, not the other side. With polyester, you will find that both sides are different; one side has the printed pattern, while the other has plain colors. When in the light, both sides will be white.

So it is very easy to find out if the silk you intend to buy is fake or real. But if you plan on buying from the Internet, make your research well before purchasing to make sure the company is honest, since you cannot see the Thai silk in person. You can look for reviews of the site, ask them some questions about their source of Thai silk and look for customer feedback. So now you won't get tricked anymore into buying fake Thai silk, as you know how to recognize the real one.

You are Invited and More than Welcome to also Please Post your Comments about this article on "How to Recognize Real Thai Silk" at: http://i-shoptheworld.com/2008/09/20/how-to-recognize-real-thai-silk/

Michael S. DeVries is the Founder of I-ShopTheWorld.com (http://www.I-ShopTheWorld.com ) - where You may Save Money on Unique Native Products Direct to You from All over the World!

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