Golfers wear them and so do Brownies. Every Hollywood director since Steven Spielberg did Jaws considers it part of their work wardrobe. Its a US import which has become an integral part of British society.
And this year it has a special birthday. The baseball cap is fifty.
Up until 1954, it was up to individual baseball players to choose a hat to keep the sun out their eyes.
Some went for straw boaters, others preferred jockey caps. There was no consistency amongst players, let alone teams. So, in 1954, a hat company called New Era came up with the standard issue cap known as the 59Fifty.
This brought uniformity to the game and fifty years on, its still the official cap of Major League Baseball.
In the late 70s and early 80s the American public became interested in wearing the caps worn by their favourite team and the big names in the game. The trend took hold and the baseball cap eventually made its way into every part of American society, including Hollywood and most importantly, the music scene.
In 1994, New York film maker Spike Lee asked the cap manufacturers to make him a fitted Yankees cap in unofficial colours. At first they thought it was a strange request whod want a cap that s not identical to the Pros? But Spike got what he wanted, people noticed, and demand for hats like his took off making Spike Lee the founder of the fitted fashion cap.
Ian Spencer of UK based cap specialists, Capitate.co.uk said The baseball cap made its way to the UK a while ago, but the last 4 years has seen extraordinary growth, largely due to the increasing number of homes with satellite TV.
Through MTV, artists like Limp Bizkits Fred Durst helped introduce the UK to the New York Yankees cap. This was around the time when the British public were keen to show their solidarity with New York after the 9/11 tragedy.
Baseball caps continue to grow in popularity and the music industry retains its influence over whats hot.
Usher is currently doing his bit for the Atlanta Braves while Britney flys the flag for the Birmingham Barons. Hats off to the baseball cap.
Ian Spencer is the Managing Director of and is the UK specialist in authentic baseball caps and trucker hats.
Ian grew up in Canada, spent a number of years in the US, and now lives and works in Scotland.
Preparing for prom night should begin months ahead of time.
Getting a date comes first.
Girls without steady boyfriends spend more time finding a date than do the boys. The best strategies involve becoming a part of a particular group and building a particular friendship with prom night in mind.
Boys and girls each have their respective areas to prepare.
Sometimes it s difficult just to get the boys to rent their tuxedo, but they also need to arrange for the limousine rental, cover all costs, and make the arrangements for the night-such as a group activity or a romantic dinner before.
For girls, preparing for prom night is more intense. Make a to do list for the prom.
Make another just for your hair. Select dress, jewelry, and hairstyle in that order, coordinating everything. If you need a hair stylist, begin asking for recommendations in advance.
If you have one already, make a special appointment three months ahead to discuss your prom hairstyle.
Six weeks ahead, book an appointment with your stylist no less than four hours before the limo arrives. Try a complete dress rehearsal with hair, dress, and jewelry a month before your prom.
Finally, on the day before collect all your essentials in one place. Does your hairdryer work? Do you need more gel?
These are the essential steps when preparing for prom night. Finally, don t forget that you and your date will exchange corsage and boutonnire. Buy it the day before, keep it refrigerated, and please try not be nervous when you pin it on.
Getting the right prom date is often the result of careful planning.
Girls typically work harder at getting a prom date than do boys. They seem to know intuitively how to get a prom date: planning months in advance, spending time with the right guy, and hanging out in the right group.
These, the most successful methods, work best with advance planning.
Guys need to face their fears: Will you risk rejection by asking the person you are most attracted to, or play it safe by asking someone else? For you, how to get a prom date includes deciding what you want and what you are willing to risk.
Then, ask-but don t wait until prom week.
If you did wait until prom week, you may still find a prom date. If you have a girlfriend or boyfriend, you should already know how to get a prom date-but you should have asked before now.
The next easiest approach is to ask a good friend. After that, asking someone in a lower grade is a safe bet for guys, because junior girls often make it a top priority to go to prom with a senior. Asking someone in another school works, too, since it feels risk-free all around.
If prom week is upon you and you are still wondering how to get a prom date, try asking your cousin, or your brother or sister. Admittedly this is a last choice, but it has a long tradition going back to the earliest of proms.
A large part of any girl s prom is the prom hairstyle she chooses.
The most popular prom hairstyles are subject to change each year. This year feminine, wavy styles are popular, but edgy styles will also fit the bill.
Today s most popular prom hairstyles are luscious curls or waves.
Multiple layers around the face, fresh curls, and shoulder length hair combine into an ideal of the feminine the mirrors the style of leading pop divas. Similar but less finished, soft twists combine those curls with styles that are half up / half down. Bangs are also in, especially large or sultry bangs swept to one side.
In spite of the emphasis on curls, straight hair still has its place among the popular prom hairstyles. Straight hairstyles that are textured or have a sleek mirror-shine are especially popular.
More daring styles include shoulder length bobs reminiscent of the late 70s; the mullet is also in, combining cropped sections with longer tresses.
Also popular is the extremely short cut worn by actress Alyssa Milano.
Always have a fallback style in case your hair refuses your chosen prom hairstyle. The popular French braid is an example of a style that can add class and control to any bad hair day.
The right accessory can make the difference between attractive and stunning. Bejeweled hair sticks or vintage hair combs are popular. Whatever you choose, be certain the hairstyle is consistent with the dress you have chosen, as well as with your jewelry.
About the author:
sustainable land plccharacter11Sustainable Land Plc is an established company, with many years experience in land investments and identifying land for sale. Our experienced teams of professionals allow us to acquire land in strategically placed regions of the country, where the opportunity for development is required, and widely identified by national house builders.
The land (land for sale) we acquire has been identified by the Government as areas where there is a need to establish more sustainable communities.
Sustainable Land Plc recognizes the demand for housing that has been outlined by the government, and seeks to satisfy this need for future sustainable housing.
Sustainable Land Plc is an established company, with many years experience in land investments and identifying land for sale.
A new website lets teachers post their students grades online in real-time.
Sacramento, CA August 4, 2004 As the back-to-school season nears, Engrade, an innovative provider of online tools for teachers, announced today the launch of its website Engrades new website is a free service that allows teachers to post students grades online and allows parents and students to view those grades online in real-time by logging in to their Engrade account.
With this new service, Engrade seeks to give teachers a tool to keep parents and students continually informed of their grades, attendance, and upcoming assignments.
Thanks to educational sponsors, Engrade is a free service.
And because Engrades technology is web-based it does not require any installations all of Engrades service are available through their website.
In the past, teachers only method of grade reporting was to periodically print paper reports. Both teachers and students found this to be problematic because those paper reports became out of date as soon as a new assignment was graded so students and their parents never knew exactly how they were performing in class and experienced long delays before seeing their corrected assignment scores.
Now, Engrades new online reporting tools will solve those problems by continually updating students online grade reports as soon as teachers enter new assignments into Engrades website allowing students and parents to be constantly aware of their class grade and assignment scores.
We feel that Engrade will really help students - and their parents - get a better idea of how they are performing in their classes and increase student-parent participation, said Brian Holt, President and Founder of Engrade.
In addition to online grades, Engrade provides teachers with the option of posting attendance records and upcoming assignment due dates online.
Using Engrades online attendance reports, parents can see their students real-time attendance reports from work or from home and teachers can notify the parents of absent students instantly via e-mail.
With Engrades assignment calendar, teachers can post a list of upcoming assignments for students and parents to see when they log in, making the old excuse of I forgot that was due today, obsolete.
Engrades new website seeks to reshape the way grades, attendance, and assignments are reported, increasing students and parents participation and improving student performance.
For more information about using Engrade in your classroom, visit their website at:
L. Robert Lance Blevins Titles of the Wrong Kind Makes its Dbut L. Robert Lance Blevins Titles of the Wrong Kind seeks the answer to a striking question:How does a child feel when practically raised by his grandparents, blessed with the trait of slow learning and branded a retard?
This new and inspirational work based on a true story is guaranteed to captivate readers of all genres.
July 26, 2004 With the release of a truly inspirational work based on a true story, readers of all genres will be able to find a common connection amongst themselves as they become even more captivated while turning the pages of a truly moving and inspirational story which offers readers everything; love, deception, greed, teasing, frustration and success.
L.
Robert Lance Blevins Titles of the Wrong Kind is getting lots of attention as it allows parents and school administrators alike to gain a valuable insight into how some of the children in the special education system actually feel about their parents; as well as the system that encompasses their lives.
Made possible by telling the story of the system from the child s own vantage point and not that of the PhD or Administrator, a most valuable new insight into the system, as well as the feelings and thoughts of a child are able to be realized.
Whether you are connected to the special education system or not, this book is truly a must have for any serious reader.
Written by a person who spent a good portion of his life in the special education system and then went on to realize success as well as an induction into the National Register s Who s Who in Executives and Professionals, this book promises to be a absolute success!
Titles of the Wrong Kind is now available for purchase through all major online book stores including , and others.
This new release can also be ordered through your local book store, or at
Collectible figure stands atop your door hinge and easily becomes unhinged to stand on its own base or roam room to room!
Santa Barbara, CA July 21, 2004 HingeHeads Hardware today announced their licensing relationship with Dark Horse Comics, Inc. and Mike Mignola, author creator of the Hellboy comic hero. HingeHeads is proud to release a limited collectors edition of the Hellboy HingeHead; an artistic handcrafted, made in the USA, decorative hardware finial.
This exclusive finial fits on the top of your door hinge pins to personalize your interior doors or use as a freestanding item alone or in communities throughout your living spaces!
Custom crafted by the artisans at HingeHeads, this new concept for home decor is inspired by Mike Mignola s original Comic Book series Hellboy. Made of high quality lead-free pewter, the Hellboy HingeHead stands 2 tall and comes in an OxFire finish.
A two-sided adapter and putty are included to fit the common U.S. Industry Standard hinge sizes.
For display only, a clear vial tube and graphic insert is provided as part of the packaging for use as a display stand.
Distributed through Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. and Things From Another World, HingeHeads now offers this limited edition in the ever-popular Hellboy lineage.
HingeHeads Product Line
In addition to the Hellboy HingeHead, the company offers customers the ability to select from over 150 individual designs or order custom designs for personal, business or special events including (non-profit) organization activities.
About Us
HH Hardware/HingeHeads design and sell expressive home, garden and lifestyle dcor. Our goal is to enhance and lend expression to our spaces, places and faces.
HingeHeads currently holds 3 Design and Utility patents with 4 more pending.
Copyright Information
HingeHeads is a trademark of HH Hardware, LLC. Mike Mignolas Hellboy 2004 Michael Mignola.
Dark Horse Deluxe is a trademark of Dark Horse Comics, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective holders.
Contact Information
For Retailers interested in carrying the custom Hellboy HingeHead, HotHeads, original HingeHeads or our official Red Hat Society products, please contact us by calling: 800.783.3013 (Toll Free) or visit our website:
For business development or press inquiries, contact:
Cynthia Johnston
800.
783.3013 (Toll Free)
SpiderMan toys, action figures and comic books collectors are in for the Ultimate SpiderMan collectible as Marvel Comics Spider-Man comes to life in a new First Edition sculpture exclusively from HamiltonAction! Created by Diamond Select Toys, the Amazing Spider-Man collectible statue combines bold hand-painted artistry with gleaming, crystal clear resin to create a truly unique Spider Man collectible that s certain to become a must-have for every Spidey comic book fan!
July 22, 2004 SpiderMan movie and comic book figure, the Amazing Spider-Man, comes alive in a new limited edition SpiderMan collectibles sculpture figures from HamiltonAction.com.
The Amazing Spider-Man collection is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for fans of Spiderman and Marvel Comics.
SpiderMan, the alter-ego of mild mannered Peter Parker, has entertained fans with his comic book adventures since the original Spider-Man comics debuted in the comic Amazing Fantasy in 1962 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Now, Spider-Man is captured in vivid hand painted, handcrafted detail, and gleaming, glass-like resin. Perched high above the city and clinging to a skyscraper, this Spider-Man figure captures all the action of the Marvel comic books.
Available for the issue price of $39.95, the new Amazing Spider-Man collector statue from HamiltonAction.com features revolutionary design.
This hand-painted sculpture is combined with dazzling crystalline to create the first-ever Spider-Man sculpture of its kind. Sculptures are limited to 95 casting days, are hand numbered and include a matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
This exclusive, limited-edition SpiderMan collectible is available only through HamiltonAction.
com and only while supplies last. According to Steve Milo, Director of E-Commerce Business Development for HamiltonAction.com, SpiderMan Collectors shouldnt wait, as this SpiderMan limited statue will be gone before you can blink!
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, HamiltonAction.com develops an innovative array of products that will satisfy the increasing demand for collectibles inspired by some of todays hottest television and big screen entertainment including Family Guy, Marvel Comics, The Simpsons, and more. HamiltonAction.
com is a subsidiary of The Hamilton Collection, an established direct mail company that has proudly provided sought after collectibles to millions of collectors for more than 30 years.
To learn more about the new The Amazing Spider-Man statue and other products offered by HamiltonAction.com, check out the company s web site at
Storming Robots Learning Center, Helping to Build a Generation with Robotics Science as Part of Its Culture Storming Robots Robotics Learning Center is the first learning center in New Jersey offering multi-disciplinary Robotics programs for youth, as well as the LEGO MINDSTORMS Center provides hands-on LEGO robots workshops.
Its programs aim to inspire children s interests in robotics and science technologies by developing their intellect in fundamental engineering concepts, mathematics, strategic thinking, and problem solving.
Branchburg, NJ July 17, 2004 Storming Robots, the first learning center in New Jersey offering multi-disciplinary Robotics programs for youth as well as the LEGO MINDSTORMS Center provides hands-on LEGO robots workshops. The majority of exercises utilize the popular Lego, Mindstorm and Robotics Kits as learning tools.
Its programs aim to inspire children s interests in science technologies by developing their intellect in fundamental engineering concepts, technology, mathematics, strategic thinking, and problem solving.
The popularity of LEGO among children is undisputable. Do you remember the wonderful feeling of completing your own LEGO construction with your own hands?
It is even more fun programming your LEGO Robots to move on command. However, don t think it is a trivial task. It requires planning, problem solving, analysis and programming.
Under proper instruction, children further develop their applied mathematics skill, fundamental engineering concepts, strategic thinking, and programming knowledge.
Children learn robotics by integrating basic mechanics, mathematics, design and programming.
Learning Tools include LEGO MINDSTORMS components, graphics user interface (GUI) programming languages such as RCX Code and ROBOLAB, along with other LEGO accessories.
The MINDSTORMS core comprises of various sensors along with a main building block housing an autonomous LEGO microprocessor named RCX which communicates to a PC through its Infra-Red port. You may think the LEGO Robotics Kit was created for entertainment value only but don t underestimate the benefit and intricacy of these tools. These robotics devices are much more than meet the eye.
The same components are used at the college level and for PHD robotics classes.
In order to promote awareness of science in robotics, Storming Robots is sponsoring a Robotics Youth Club for children aged between 9 and 15. Children will periodically meet at the Storming Robotics center.
The center provides all software, computers, and LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics components for members to conduct their robotics activities and exploration. Membership is free, but the major requirements for participation are enthusiasm, interests in math and science, thirst for challenges, and respect for others. If interested, you may signup online at .
Because the first year enrollment is limited to 8 - 16 children, an assessment may be given as part of the membership enrollment process.
Members will participate in the annual FIRST LEGO League Robots Tournament as well. The FIRST LEGO League is an internationally known robotics program for children.
Annual tournaments allow teams to conduct hands-on robotics design and authentic scientific research. For those with higher aptitudes in math and other science areas, Storming Robots will also make available other related contests, such as the National Continental Math League Contest.
LEGO Robotics activities integrate LEGO construction with fundamental engineering concepts and strategic thinking.
Most challenges involve a team of two to four members. At the end of most programs, children create an open-solution project by building their own robots, programming it and making a short presentation of their invention. For the more comprehensive programs, parents are invited to watch these presentations.
Storming Robots offer robotics programs which addresses the National Science, Math and Technology Standards.
Storming Robots utilizes robotics curriculum developed by the renowned robotics institutions as its guidelines. These institutions include: the Robotics Academy (a division of the National Robotics Engineering Consortium from the Carnegie Mellon University) and the Tufts University Engineering Continuous Education.
These programs address the National Science, Math and Technology Standards. Storming Robots also participates in various related communities to include educational events which focus on software and educational program development involving LEGO RCX (the brain of the robotics kits).
Storming Robots has posted some of its simple robots in its activities page.
Click to view some of the activities and programs currently available. Note all bots are made from scratch, i.e.
starting from a couple of LEGO bricks.
You may also visit to look at some inventions.
To sign up, the children need to be aged 8 or over.
You may sign up online at or email to . Note that each class size is limited to 8 children, while workshop is limited to 16.
The tentative Opening Date will be October 15th of 2004.
If interested, you may sign up in advance and receive 25% off your first month class and workshop fees. Check the Storming Robots program site for possible early classes in August and September of 2004. All robotics challenges have open-ended solutions.
The challenge is only limited to how far the child is capable to reach.
Cool experiences, Indeed!
Kids Start Off on the Right Foot with Shoe Clues !
Mom Inventors, Inc. launches innovative new product that helps kids put the Right Shoe on the Right Foot!
WALNUT CREEK, CA April 26, 2004 Mom Inventors, Inc.
, a Walnut Creek, CA based company announces that it will unveil its newest, Mom Invented product at The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) Tradeshow in Dallas, Texas on May 2, 2004. The international JPMA show is the worlds largest juvenile products tradeshow.
Shoe Clues are fun and durable stickers that teach children to put the right shoe on the right foot!
Shoe Clues feature three pairs of stickers in a colorful package. On each pair of stickers is a lovable animal that, when properly placed in the heel of a childs shoes, will be looking at the other. Children quickly see that if the animals are looking in opposite directions, their shoes will be on the wrong feet.
The Shoe Clues packaging boasts the tagline I Can Do It Myself! because children are trying to master new skills daily. A simple task like putting on shoes can be frustrating when a proud child gets dressed all by herself only to be told, your shoes are on the wrong feet, says Tamara Monosoff, CEO of Mom Inventors, Inc.
Shoe Clues is a fun tool that helps children put their shoes on successfully and builds confidence!
We are looking forward to showing Shoe Clues to buyers from the nations most respected childrens products retailers, says Monosoff. There is nothing like it on the market today and we have received enthusiastic responses from retailers and consumers who have previewed the product.
We love Shoe Clues! We think this will be one of the hottest new products on the market says, Adena Surabian, President, With Shoe Clues, not only does my three-year-old proudly put her shoes on the right feet but she eagerly shows her friends the fun stickers in her shoes!
Shoe Clues will be sold where kids toys, games, clothing, and shoes are sold.
Shoe Clues are patent pending and trademarked.
Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) - The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JPMA) is a national trade organization representing 95% of the $6.
02 billion industry. JPMA has grown to include more than 400 companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. These companies manufacture and/or import infant products (856-638-0420).
Safe Secure Baby - At , we are passionate about providing parents, grandparents, and other care providers with the knowledge, products, and services needed to improve the safety of children everywhere (888-801-BABY.).
Mom Inventors, Inc.
Established by a mother and inventor in early 2003, Mom Inventors, Inc. is founded on the principle that many of the best and most unique ideas come directly from their target market Moms. In addition to developing its own brand of Mom Invented products, Mom Inventors, Inc.
, licenses products, as well as assists and supports other mom inventors in taking their product ideas to market (866-376-1122).
Tamara Monosoff holds a doctorate of education and is a former member of the Clinton White House staff.
OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc.
said Thursday it has licensed two patents covering potential diabetes treatments to Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
By Claire Burbage The wife of North-East astronaut Dr Nicholas Patrick has spoken exclusively to The Northern Echo about the emotional moment she watched her husband launch into space.
Ten patents were awarded to Utah inventors on Nov.
14
In the annals of history, mythology and fiction someone has always been assigned the arduous task of gatekeeper of information. In ancient Greece, sage sibyls like the Oracle of Delphi, Pythia veiled her revelations to those seeking the god, Apollo s favor. To those who could glean approval from the seer s sacerdotal message, victory and conquest were assured.
Advantageous information is there if you know where to look, this is data s potential weak point, its Achilles heel, and it s called meta data. Computer software from Microsoft Office applications like Word and Outlook to the widely used graphics programs of Adobe CS s Version Cue and Adobe Bridge capture this meta data information to track document use. Metadata describes how and when and by whom a particular set of data was collected, and how the data is formatted.
It tracks the authors, machines, and versions of Office used to create a document. Many collaboration features, including comments and revision tracking, result in significant amounts of metadata being included in documents (2). Metadata is essential for understanding information stored in data warehouses and has become increasingly important in XML-based Web applications.
This automatically generated information is probably more than you or your business wants to disclose. For example, you create a job proposal template, this is sent out to each prospect only changing the client s name and bid price. Each time this document is reused, each person receiving that over email could access the previous prospects information loosing jobs to your firm.
The complexities of meta data are even more compounded in industries like legal, medical and financial fields where monetary fines are attached for intentionally or unintentionally sharing private information. Unintentional trade secrets amongst chemical or pharmaceutical companies could wash away time and research dollars invested in a project. Between a client and lawyer, leaked litigation information could derail court proceedings.
Patient information on forms or diagnosis notes can be used for identity theft. Even your financial security is in jeopardy if your broker or financial planner is careless with the electronic files kept in their firm s database. Each of these potential weak points can be an open chink in your business s armor.
Preventing these weak points of data transmittal and arming your business intelligently allows you to lessen the impact of sharing documents with colleagues, clients and potential clients. Even in ancient times the arena of commercial competition outlasting one s rivals. The agoras (malls) of the ancient world were among the fist to take advantage of mass-marketing from carved walkways, signage on pillars and placing information kiosks all to out-do their competition.
Security in the ancient world may have been a godly altar or burly man named Herakles (or Hercules). Protection of intellectual property, creativity, and innovation today is as imperative as it was for the ancients. Success in business means not only creating a viable product or service, but also protecting innovations you business creates within that market.
Protecting your digital assets through digital rights management (DRM) software ensures the possibility of creating future business endeavors. With the growing number of trojans, viruses and malware, the need for a company to secure and control its digital assets is greater than ever before. * Small Businesses produce 13 to 14 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms.
* Employ half of all private sector employees.
* Pay 45 percent of total U.S.
private payroll.(3) But how can a small or medium sized business invest in expensive ERM solutions? Rights management solutions can now be for small to medium-sized businesses or sole-proprietorships too.
SBRM solutions provide businesses of a smaller scale an equal level of user rights management and encryption previously available to large corporations and enterprises. ERM or SBRM software gives content authors the power to determine how recipients may use their documents and email. For example, senders can prevent unauthorized distribution (no forwarding, printing) and prevent unauthorized editing (no cut, copy, paste) of content, i.
e. copy prevention. Sharing proposals, information, or other businesses assets no longer has to be one s Achilles heel.
This weak point can be strengthened and the integrity of a business is kept in tact through actively using Rights Management tools. 2.) Michael Silver, Microsoft Office metadata: What you don t see can hurt you, Tech Republic, 4 March 2003 .
3.) Small Business Administration (SBA),SBA Office of Advocacy Frequently Asked Questions Document How important are small businesses, , October, 2005, 1. 4.
) Small Business Rights Management (SBRM) on Wikipedia - 5.) Copy Prevention on Wikipedia - Ms. Veniegas is an alumni of the University of Washington.
Marilee joined the Marketing team at in 2005. She also serves as one of the ESS site editors for a stolen work and SMB resource site.
Beijing, Dec 11: In a rare honour, a 21-year-old Chinese university student has become Asia operations vice president of TopCoder, a US-based multinational online programming company.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Dec. 12, 2006 NVE Corporation said that it has been notified by the U.
S. Patent and Trademark Office of the expected grant today of a patent relating to Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory .
Doctors turn to HDL in battle against heart disease For the last two decades, a fear of bad cholesterol has gripped Americans.
We ve measured it, compared it, worried about it and doused it with statins, now among the best-selling drugs of all time.
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