India : ‘The Debut’ for prestigious fashion institutes students

March 1, 2008

Wills Lifestyle took forward its search for promising talent with the second edition of ‘The Debut’, a unique initiative that recognises India’s young fashion talent. The contest was initiated last year and the winner of the first edition was Mr. Shivan Bhatia of NIFT.

This year Wills Lifestyle announced the second edition of “The Debut” involving students from the country’s prestigious fashion institutes like National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), National Institute of Design (NID), Pearl Academy of Fashion and JD Institute of Fashion and Technology.

The contest received an overwhelming response through 250 entries from all over India. The design team at Wills Lifestyle further short listed the entries to 45 potential candidates, who presented their creations in front of an eminent jury of Deepika Govind, Neetu Gupta & Nien Siao at the regional rounds to held in Bangalore.

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USA : ASAP receives the largest number of loyal exhibitors

March 1, 2008

All major apparel industry production managers and sourcing personnel are attending the ASAP Show to meet new factories and develop relationships.

The thirteenth bi-annual ASAP Global Sourcing Show was held at the Las Vegas Venetian Hotel, February 11-14, 2008. There were more than 80 leading full-package apparel factory representatives exhibiting from over 13 countries. The goal of the ASAP Show is to bring hundreds of choices together so that buyers can source their apparel production needs in an efficient manner.

The World’s Longest Running Garment & Textile Sourcing Show
The reason ASAP Show is the world’s longest running sourcing show is because…
• ASAP has the largest number of loyal exhibitors – over 80.
• ASAP has a diversified representation of countries – Bangladesh, China, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Macao, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, USA, Vietnam, and more.
• ASAP Show offers complete solutions for global trade – Educational Seminars, financial assistance through Letters of Credit, Global Logistics, and quality assurance inspection, verification and certification programs.
• ASAP has exclusive Match Making Sessions – private, pre-arranged meetings between qualified factories and buyers in an exclusive buyers lounge.
• ASAP is the only sourcing show with exhibitors reporting more than $30 million dollars of sourcing transactions transpiring at the show; and $80 million dollars of transactions in the months between shows.
• ASAP is endorsed by dozens of overseas Governments who see the ASAP Show as the premier venue for their country to exhibit through.

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ASAP Show Inc

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India : Tommy introduces Sporty watches

March 1, 2008

Tommy Hilfiger has introduced the new line of Sports & Fashion watches.

With the new bold & elegant designs from Tommy Hilfiger, enthusiastic watch lovers will have an opportunity to own the trendiest fashion accessories of the season.

These new variants offer a sense of fresh style, underpinned by careful attention to quality and functionality, and finished with unique Tommy Hilfiger signature details.

This watch is reminiscent of the driving watches from 1940's. This sporty watch with contrast punch-out hole detail on the steel/rubber strap features a multifunction movement with day, date and 24-hour sub dials.

The TH flag - accented seconds hand personifies the cool, classic, American inspirations of Tommy Hilfiger design. Available in Stainless steel, Blue and Black rubber straps this watch is being priced.

This is a sleek three-hand model with rivets highlighting the bangle curves. The new Karung Lizard leather integrated onto the bangle makes it uniquely fashionable. The leather on the bangle is available in Red, Black and White colours and is being priced.

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USA : Impressive results for debut of Materials at WSA Conference

March 1, 2008

Organizers have confirmed that last week’s debut of Materials at WSA Expo & Conference attracted an impressive 1,695 visitors.

The 105 exhibitors at the show were delighted with the caliber of visitors and felt this was due to the well-defined, structured and marketed event.

An invaluable educational program, combined with the buzzing trend area and exceptional showcase of materials innovations, sitting alongside The WSA Show, served to create a marketplace unrivalled across the globe.

Diane Stone, chief operating officer, comments, “We are delighted to have had such an outstanding first show. Having set out to provide a unique and all-encompassing business proposition for the footwear industry, the phenomenal feedback leads us to believe that we have achieved just that. The show has caused a great deal of excitement.”

The show’s cutting-edge trend area was a particular hit. Designers, product developers and suppliers were treated to an inspiring environment, which stimulated creativity, provided solutions, and drove attendees to visit the exhibitor’s booths who participated in the trend area.

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USA : Big 5 Q4 2007 earnings in line with revised guidance

March 1, 2008

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation, a leading sporting goods retailer, today reported financial results for the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter and full year ended December 30, 2007.

As the Company previously reported, for the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter, net sales were $232.1 million, compared to net sales of $234.5 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. Same store sales declined 4.7% for the fourth quarter. The decrease in sales is primarily attributable to weakened customer traffic as a result of the challenging consumer environment.

Additionally, sales results were impacted by a significant deterioration in the performance of the roller shoe product category over the prior year, which accounted for approximately 45% of the same store sales decline.

Gross profit for the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter was $79.2 million, compared to $80.4 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year. The Company's gross profit margin was 34.1% in the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter versus 34.3% in the fourth quarter of the prior year.

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USA : UGG Brand performs better than expected

March 1, 2008

Deckers Outdoor Corporation announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

Fourth Quarter Highlights:
• Net sales increased 56.2% to $194.2 million versus $124.4 million last year.
• Diluted EPS increased to $2.69 versus $0.95 on a GAAP basis. On a non-GAAP basis excluding the restatement adjustments of $0.3 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, and the impairment charge of $11.0 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, both incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, fourth quarter 2007 diluted EPS increased 47.8% over last year.
• UGG Brand sales increased 61.8% to $177.7 million compared to $109.9 million a year ago.
• Total domestic sales increased 54.9% to $177.7 million compared to $114.7 million in the prior year.
• Total international sales increased 71.1% to $16.5 million compared to $9.7 million last year.


Fiscal 2007 Highlights:
• Net sales increased 47.5% to $448.9 million versus $304.4 million in 2006.
• Diluted EPS increased to $5.06 versus $2.38 in 2006 on a GAAP basis. On a non-GAAP basis excluding the restatement adjustments of $0.9 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, and the impairment charge of $11.0 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, both incurred in fiscal 2006, fiscal 2007 diluted EPS increased 53.3% over fiscal 2006.
• UGG Brand sales increased 64.4% to $347.6 million compared to $211.5 million in fiscal 2006.
• Total domestic sales increased45.3% to $386.6 million versus $266.1 million a year ago.

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USA : Zumiez to broadcast review of Q4 2007 results over internet

March 1, 2008

Zumiez Inc announced that the Company's conference call to discuss fourth quarter fiscal 2007 financial results will be broadcast live over the Internet on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time and may be accessed at zumiez.com.

To listen to the webcast, please go to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the start time to register.

Zumiez is a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories.

Zumiez Inc

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Hong Kong : Hon Frederick Ma to speak at Prime Source Forum

February 29, 2008

The Hon Frederick Ma, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, will welcome on behalf of the HKSAR government, delegates from all over the world who will be in Hong Kong next month for PRIME SOURCE FORUM, the annual meeting of the global Apparel Industry to be held again in the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre on 1st and 2nd April.

Mr Ma will speak at a luncheon which will be held in the Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel on the first day of the Forum.

The Forum opens on the morning of 1st April with a Keynote address by Dr William Fung, Group Managing Director of Li & Fung Limited, whose topic is "Global Sourcing in the Next Three Years". Day 2 will be opened with a Special address by the Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Mr Rufus Yerxa who will be speaking on the Industry from the perspective of the WTO.

Some 50 panelists, each a specialist in his or her own particular field, who will participate in the eight sessions spread over two days in which the expected 400 delegates from all over the world will join in discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today and in the future.

Total interaction is the unique feature of Prime Source Forum.

Asia Pacific Leather Fair Ltd

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Denmark : IC Companys begins share buyback

February 29, 2008

The previously announced share buyback for 2007/08 has commenced as planned. The total share buyback is expected to amount to approximately DKK 200 million in the period until 30 June 2008.

The share buyback will be effected within the authorisation given to the Board of Directors at the company’s annual general meeting held on 24 October 2007 to acquire own shares up to 10% of the share capital.

The second share buyback programme amount s to DKK 90 million and is expected to be implemented in the period from 29 February 2008 to 15 May 2008.

The Programme is being implemented in accordance with the provisions of the European Commission’s regulation no. 2273/2003 of 22 December 2003 which protects listed companies against violation of insider legislation in connection with share buybacks. The detailed terms of the share buyback are provided below.

IC Companys A/S has appointed SEB Enskilda as lead manager of the Programme. SEB Enskilda will, under a separate agreement with the company, buy back shares on behalf of IC Companys A/S and make decisions in respect of IC Companys A/S shares independently of and without influence from IC Companys A/S as to the timing of the purchases, and will complete the buyback within the mentioned framework of the Programme as set out in this announcement.

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USA : Children's Place to broadcast review of Feb sales

February 29, 2008

The Children's Place Retail Stores Inc announced that in conjunction with its February sales release, you are invited to listen to the Company's pre-recorded monthly sales call on Thursday, March 6, 2008, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

To access the call, please visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's website. or dial (402) 220-2668

An online archive of the broadcast will be available through Thursday, March 13, 2008.

The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of children's merchandise. The Company designs, contracts to manufacture and sells high-quality, value-priced merchandise under the proprietary "The Children's Place" and licensed "Disney Store" brand names.

Children's Place Retail Stores Inc

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India : Reebok chants Fitness Mantra with sexy Bipasha

February 29, 2008

Reebok India has signed on the fittest Bollywood star Bipasha Basu as the new face for the brand. Drawing inspiration from her fitness and glamour quotient, Reebok aims to create a perfect blend of performance and lifestyle in the women’s segment which is also the Brands Focus area.

Reaffirming their choice Subhinder Singh, Managing Director, Reebok India said “Bipasha embodies the pulse points of our brand -individuality, authenticity and a life lived to the fullest in perpetual motion.

She is an actor par excellence, a celebrated youth icon with an immense passion for fitness. These characteristics make her a perfect fit for our brand and we will drive this spirit through our future initiatives to motivate the Indian woman to take up fitness.”

Reebok is gung ho about their Women’s business and have revved up the entire apparel and footwear range to make the collections more feminist.

The blurring lines between sport and fashion have given birth to a whole new segment of sports inspired apparel and footwear and this novel fashion trend will be spearheaded by Bipasha herself as the new face for Reebok.

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USA : Latest Gold Expressions range celebrates Italian design!

February 29, 2008

The World Gold Council, in partnership with Vicenza Fair, the world-famous trade event for jewellery, and AngloGold Ashanti, the world's second largest gold mining company has launched the latest collection of Gold Expressions – a design platform that celebrates the best of Italian gold jewellery design.

The annual output of this leading initiative has become a benchmark for gold jewellery design and craftsmanship worldwide.

The spectacular collection of Gold Expressions 2008 was first launched in Vicenza Fair in Italy in January 2008. Following the launch, the collection will start its global world tour. Dubai will once again be the first stop in the world tour followed by the other regions till the end of the year.

On its fifth year, Gold Expressions will feature over 317 jewels made by 60 leading Italian gold jewellery companies. The program has contributed greatly to renewing the design of gold jewellery and has confirmed the role of Italian gold jewellery companies as innovators, thanks to their creative and production excellence. It has also increased the desirability of and demand for gold jewellery around the world.

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USA : Tiffany & Co Concept Store debut in Glendale, CA

February 29, 2008

Tiffany & Co announced plans to open a smaller-format store in Glendale, California, in mid-October 2008. The approximately 2,600 square foot store will be located in The Americana at Brand, a new 900,000-square foot retail and residential environment developed by Caruso Affiliated.

Covering 15.5 acres that are beautifully landscaped with fountains, plazas and walkways, the expansive property is designed as an ultimate lifestyle and leisure destination, with shops and boutiques, casual cafes, fine dining, and luxury residences.

The store's clean, ultra modern environment invites relaxed browsing and interaction with contemporary TIFFANY & CO. collections, ranging from diamond jewelry in platinum and gold to an array of sterling silver jewelry.

In this atmosphere of easy elegance and accessibility, visitors will discover the new and the renowned in TIFFANY & CO design, strong statements at fashion's leading edge that underscore Tiffany's reputation as a premier jeweler and innovator.

In addition, the collections allow customers to experiment with designs responsive to fashion trends and create different looks to play up personal style.

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India : JJA & GJEPC members visit IIGJ Mumbai

February 29, 2008

A delegation from Japan Jewellery Association (JJA) headed by Mr. Imanishi Chairman, JJA alongwith three members accompanied by Mr. Atul Parekh GJEPC Co-ordinator visited IIGJ Mumbai.

They were briefed and taken around the Institute by Col. (Retd) S.K.Arora , Head of the Institute. They were highly impressed with the State of the art training facilities available at IIGJ.

The purpose of their visit was to understand various facilities available in India in the sector of Gem & Jewellery and to create awareness in Japan and also explore the areas of mutual co-operation.

They also took an oppurtunity to meet Ms.Yuko Ogawa of Japan who successfully completed Basic Jewellery Design course, CAD/CAM Rhino Course & Casting Course. Ms. Yuko Ogawa is a daughter of one of the jewellery designer of Japan.

Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery

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USA : Wayne Marino, the new COO of Under Armour

February 29, 2008

Under Armour Inc announced Wayne Marino, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has been named to the newly-created position of Chief Operating Officer.

In this new role, he will be responsible for leading Under Armour's operational, financial, administrative and strategic planning functions.

He will focus on driving integration between these functions and the Company's product, sales and marketing teams to deliver long-term, profitable growth.

Kevin Plank, Chairman and CEO of Under Armour Inc said, "Wayne has been instrumental in helping build our infrastructure for long-term, profitable growth at the same time that we have delivered exceptional top line and bottom line performance.

As we expand into new product categories and international markets, Wayne's new responsibilities will ensure that our operational excellence continues to develop as we continue to grow."

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Knitting Marzipan

Knitted Marzipan...
Isn't that cute?
Would you like to see how it's done?
Ok...

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Posted in Food , interesting

Link Dump

Hot Links
Funny Picdump
Funny Grannys
Tunnel of Death
Sexy Slow Motion
Funny Jeep Rescue
Coolest Retro Devices
Man vs. Girls Gone Wild
Hippoman - Just like a hippo!
Pole Dance Training Gone Wrong

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Posted in Link Dump

The Future Of Air Travel

we're here to serve you - the Lynx Air experience - just the way you like it - male fantasy.

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Posted in Babes , Cars and Vehicles , Cool Video , Funny Video , Technology

Famous Moms and Their Sons

If your thought that your favourite actor/singer looks stunning just because he is unique, by looking at the moms of some of the most famous men on the planet you will see that it’s the genes that matter!

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Posted in Celebrities , Entertainment

Link Dump

Hot Links
Funny Picdump
Funny Grannys
Tunnel of Death
Sexy Slow Motion
Funny Jeep Rescue
Coolest Retro Devices
Man vs. Girls Gone Wild
Hippoman - Just like a hippo!
Pole Dance Training Gone Wrong

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Posted in Link Dump

Al Pacino - Scent of a Woman

The Tango dance scene from the hit movie "Scent of a Woman".

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Posted in Cool Video , Entertainment , Music Video , people

The Future Of Air Travel

we're here to serve you - the Lynx Air experience - just the way you like it - male fantasy.

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Posted in Babes , Cool Video , Funny Video

Interesting Illusions by Donald Rust

As a camouflage artist, Rusty's fine reputation has spread rapidly. Now, his intriguing work can be seen internationally on products such as collector's plates, tee-shirts, greeting cards, note cards, calendars, limited-edition and open-edition prints. Diversified, best describes his work as his renditions may range from people to wildlife to scenics - always creating the unexpected.























Donald Rust was born in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1932. He began drawing and painting at a very early age and has never had the desire to be anything but a serious artist. His early work was directly influenced by his grandfather, Emil Rust, Gil Elvgren, Bob Toombs, and Norman Rockwell. However, he feels there has been no one single influence in his wildlife art and insists that all wildlife artists have affected his style.
For many years, Rusty's paintings concentrated on circus and portrait subjects; but recently, wildlife subjects have intrigued him more and more.

Rust's paintings hang in the Ringling Museum of the Circus, Sarasota, Florida, the Norman Rockwell Museum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.

Rusty's ability to capture nature lies between fantasy and reality. Realism is his style, but he wants to take the collector's imagination one step further. He is an artist sensitive to nature and its surroundings. The beauty of his artistic documentation is distinctly his own. Rusty takes us not just to a creative visual, but to a place and a story.

Source: rustyrust.dreamg8.com

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Posted in Art , Cool Pics , Design , Illusions and Tricks , Illustrations , Painting

USA : Mr. Fuson predicts top trends driving consumers to beauty counters

February 28, 2008

Rising concerns about potential skin damage are fuelling an increase in sales of sun care products among health-conscious American women who still want a sun-kissed look.

But across the globe, whitening products are flying off the shelves as Chinese and Japanese consumers seek the "must have" fair-skinned look.

Both trends represent significant growth opportunities for companies supplying the manufacturers in the thriving personal care market.

Those who best understand the different trends in various parts of the world and customize their products to reflect variations in culture, gender and even climates, will be more likely to succeed, says Scott Fuson, executive director for Life Sciences at Dow Corning.

Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing materials that give beauty and personal care products unique features and attributes.

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Dow Corning Corporation

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India : Aquamarine Leisure to participate in Mumbai Boat Show

February 28, 2008

Vishal Chaudhry, Director, Aquamarine Leisure (P) Ltd., the exclusive distributor for Princess Yachts in India showcased the P61 & P42 last night.

They are participating in ‘The Mumbai Boat Show’ between the 28th of February ‘08 to the 2nd of March ‘08 at The Gateway of India.

India`s celebrated designer Rohit Bal showcased his latest IFW collection, at an exclusive preview of the Princess 61 and Princess 42.

The collection is inspired by an age-old art form titled ‘Ashta Dhatu’- an ancient artistic tradition that involves the combining of 8 different metals for the purpose of creating a variety of aesthetic objects.

The color palette includes Gold, Metallic Copper, Silver, Iron, Lead, Tin, Lead, Zinc and Mercury with strong Indian elements in terms of the fabrics, embroidery, and liberal use of specially created handcrafted ‘Gota’.

The silhouettes have been kept contemporary and international, with a strong element of luxury and sensual appeal.

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Rohit Bal

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USA : Bond No. 9 partners with Andy Warhol Foundation

February 28, 2008

"My favorite smell is the first smell of spring in New York," Andy Warhol once said.

Warhol began painting and silk-screening colored flowers during the 1960s, and returned to the subject in 1970, when he developed a portfolio of vibrantly colored flower screenprints at the first of his two studios on Union Square.

Both the flowers and the location were the inspiration for Andy Warhol Union Square, the latest in Bond No. 9's series of limited edition collectible Warhol perfume ($195 for 100ml; $135 for 50ml).

"Working with Bond No. 9 represents a unique, unexpected, and exciting opportunity to introduce Warhol to an ever-widening audience," said Michael Hermann, director of licensing at The Andy Warhol Foundation.

The connection between the Warhol Foundation and Bond No. 9 is New York. If Andy Warhol was a mirror of his time, he also reflected the vitality and creativity of his adopted city.

Marking the junction of Broadway and Park Avenue South between 14th and 17th streets, Union Square and the park within it have a storied history as a choice location for outdoor public gatherings-notably union rallies in the early 20th century.

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Bond No. 9 New York

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UAE : Parmigiani Boutique to house the most prestigious timepieces

February 28, 2008

Damas, the leading international watch and jewellery retailer in the Middle East, has embarked on a wonderful adventure with Parmigiani Fleurier to open the luxury watch brand’s first signature shop located in Wafi Mall – one of Dubai’s major luxury destinations.

Parmigiani Boutique Dubai is poised to become a true connoisseur's delight as it offers some of the world’s most celebrated timepieces.

Speaking during the press conference to mark the occasion, Michel Parmigiani, CEO of Parmigiani, commented: “Due to the constantly growing success of the Parmigiani Fleurier brand in the UAE over the past few years, thanks to the know-how and expertise of our representative, Damas; Parmigiani Fleurier felt obliged to offer its followers a prestigious location where comfort, elegance and refinement would be fully dedicated to the spirit of the brand.”

Tamjid Abdullah, Deputy Managing Director of Damas, raved: “We are very pleased that one of the world’s top watch brands has teamed up with Damas to set up its first stand-alone shop here in Dubai.

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Damas Jewellery LLC

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Hong Kong : HK International Jewellery show to celebrate 25th anniversary

February 28, 2008

The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, the 3rd largest of its kind in the world, will be held March 4-8 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

More than 2,300 exhibitors from 45 countries and regions will take part in the show, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.

More than 20 special events, including jewellery parades, cocktail ceremonies and a gala evening, will be held during the fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC).

Internationally known industry professionals, including Hong Kong designer Kai Yin Lo and the World Gold Council’s Simon Yau, will speak about design inspiration and provide updates on the gold market.

Other notable speakers will spotlight the pearl industry and Middle East markets. We cordially invite you or your representative to cover the event. Please register at the press counter, located at the Expo Drive Lobby of the HKCEC.

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Hong Kong Trade Development Council

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Italy : Geox BoD approves Strategic Plan for 2008, 2009, 2010

February 28, 2008

The Board of Directors of Geox S.p.A., the Italian company leader in the classic and casual footwear market listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (MSE: GEO.MI), approved today the financial results for year ending December 31, 2007. The Board of Directors approved also the Strategic Plan for 2008, 2009, 2010.

Mario Moretti Polegato, Chairman and founder of Geox commented: "The results achieved by the Geox Group in 2007 are further confirmation of the strong potential of our brand, the success of our patent and the solidity of our business model.

With 2007 we close three years of rapid expansion of the Group, both on the domestic market and, above all, on the European market, a phase that began when the Group was listed on the Milan Stock Exchange in December 2004.

Today Geox is ready to face a new round of expansion, which will lead to a consolidation of our leadership in Europe as well as considerable international growth; this is an objective that we intend to pursue above all by enlarging the network of Geox Shops, which should reach a total of more than 1,500 in 2010.

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USA : Express yourself in spring with Prime style

February 28, 2008

Here it is! Peel off those itchy wool sweaters, ladies, and jump into spring style with the ultimate guide to this year's warm weather essentials from Celebrity Stylist Mark-Alan Harmon and the frugal fashionista shopping haven, Prime Outlets.

According to Harmon, style sensei to Hollywood elite for more than a decade, bringing great style into your wardrobe can be as simple as adding just a few key pieces each season.

"Dressing well and expressing yourself can be easy and affordable; you just need to know what to look for and how to make it work with the rest of your wardrobe," he explains.

Another key factor, according to Harmon, is knowing where to go to get the look, citing the outlets as the place where women can experiment with trends and get direct access to designers and manufacturers of some of the world's most fashionable, trend-defining clothing.

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Germany : STFI to host Nonwovens Research Academy

February 28, 2008

The 2008 event will be hosted by the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) in cooperation with the University of Leeds and the IFTH (Institut Français Textile-Habillement).

EDANA’s Nonwovens Research Academy aims to promote fundamental understanding and knowledge of the science and technology of nonwoven fabrics, products and processes as well as related disciplines.

The Academy will bring together an interdisciplinary group of academics, students, researchers, scientists and engineers to present and disseminate pre-competitive and post-competitive research studies relevant to the nonwoven industry.

The intention of the Nonwovens Research Academy is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and research results and to encourage the development of technical understanding and knowledge that will help to support the growth of the nonwovens industry in the future.

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USA : Bill McLaughlin to continue as Select Comfort President & CEO

February 28, 2008

Select Comfort Corporation, the nation's leading bed retailer and creator of the SLEEP NUMBER bed, announced that the company has separated the positions of chairman of the board and chief executive officer.

The company's board of directors has appointed Ervin Shames as chairman. Bill McLaughlin, who has held both positions of chairman and chief executive officer since 2004, will continue in his role as president and chief executive officer of the company as well as board director.

"Today's decision is the result of the board's ongoing review of best practices with regard to corporate governance," said Shames. "On behalf of the board, I want to thank Bill for his four years of leadership in the role of chairman. I look forward to continuing to work with him and his team in my new capacity as chairman as we continue to position Select Comfort for long-term success."

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South Africa : Strong rand pushes wool market down

February 28, 2008

Due to the stronger rand, the market retracted marginally from last week’s price levels and Cape Wools’ Merino indicator closed 2.2% softer at R68,16/kg (clean).

This was in tandem with the Australian market, which closed 2.3% down on last week’s levels.

Quality wools, however, are still fetching excellent prices and there was good demand for from all sectors of the trade for these types.

The rand, which had recovered much of its losses since the previous sale two weeks ago, was trading 3% firmer against the US dollar at R7.46, while it was virtually unchanged against the euro at R.11.23.

Fine wools were the most affected with 19 microns posting the biggest decline. Medium to stronger wools were on average 3% to 4% cheaper.

It was a fairly large offering, totaling 10 499 bales of which 96% were sold. Major buyers were Modiano (2 166 bales); Standard Wool SA (1 998 bales); Chargeurs Wool (1 901 bales); Lempriere (Aust) Ltd (1 346 bales) and Stucken (1 227 bales).

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Find the man in the coffee beans!

find the face, originally uploaded by Shirley Two Feathers.

This is bizarre -- after you find the guy -- it's so obvious. Once you find him -- it's embarrassing, and you think, Why didn't I see him immediately?

Doctors have concluded that if you find the man in the coffee beans in 3 seconds, the right half of your brain is better developed than most people. If you find the man between 3 seconds and 1 minute, the right half of the brain is developed normally. If you find the man between 1 minute and 3 minutes, then the right half of your brain is functioning slowly and you need to eat more protein. If you have not found the man after 3 minutes, the advice is to look for more of this type of exercise to make that part of the brain stronger!!! And, yes, the man is really there!!!

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Posted in coffee , optical illusion

Flowering Bananas

Did you know that banana trees have big beautiful flowers?
They do!
Take a look at these lovely images!

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Posted in flowers , Nature