Imagine 100 men running down Main Street … in high heels. Sound like some kind of bizarre dream? Think again.
On June 12 that vision will become reality when the first-ever Greenville “Run a Mile in Her Shoes” Men's High Heel Race hits downtown.
Men's high-heel races have been taking hold in other parts of the country from New York to Atlanta to raise money for charitable causes. Greenville's race next month will benefit the local chapter of the American Diabetes Association.
It seemed a fitting fundraiser, says Joyce Fort, owner of Ecy Shoes n' Chic Boutique and one of the race organizers.
As the owner of a shoe store and having family experiences with diabetes, “we were really trying to focus on the affects on your feet with diabetes,” Fort says.
Fifteen dollars from every $16.82 entry fee will be donated to the ADA, she says.
The logistics of the race are simple. Men don heels and run (yes, run) a quarter of a mile from The Cook's Station to the Liberty Bridge. There is no heel height minimum, style or brand requirement, Fort says. She adds that many registrants have had successful shopping experiences at Goodwill and Salvation Army stores.
“Other options are typical,” Fort says of choosing an atypical fundraiser. “You have your walk, whereas a men's high-heel race, that's different. That's something that's going to resonate with you and hopefully draw a lot of interest.”
2011年5月31日星期二
2011年5月29日星期日
Inside Tiny Schoolhouse, Everything Old Is New Again
Clothing-donation bins are often viewed as where wardrobes go to die.
Diane Formoso brings them back to life.
Inside a tiny, old schoolhouse, the Caring For Kids founder and her team of helpers sort endless piles of clothing to distribute to various organizations. Last year, they sent 785 heaping garbage bags to Caring For Kids' Ready to Learn Fair, gave another ton to the Springbrook Mobile Food Bank and made regular drop-offs to the Lakes FISH Food Bank.
In what should come as no surprise to anyone who has met Formoso, everything is methodically arranged in categories by size, gender and style.
And everything finds a home.
Men's dress clothing goes to the Phoenix Housing Network and women's, to Clover Park Technical College; costumes are sent to the Boys and Girls Club and baby clothes, to Alfretta House.
Then there are the clothing-bank orders that constantly pour in from counselors in the Clover Park School District. Formoso makes up bags with socks, underwear, clothing and shoes, and delivers them to the schools. She averages about 100 a month during the school year.
“We'll take anything,” said June Williams, who spends an estimated 12 hours a work at the clothing bank. “We have places for everything.”
Formoso nodded emphatically. “We can get rid of anything better than anyone.”
On this day, there was actually walking room in the old schoolhouse that once housed Custer Elementary – it sits on the edge of the school's property – but Formoso said that closer to the Ready to Learn Fair, which serves an estimated 2,600 children every August, the piles are “taller and wider than we are.”
Among the items being sorted were women's tops, men's pants and tiny baby clothes.
The latter is a favorite of Lois Hosking, Williams' mom, who often accompanies her to the clothing bank.
“I like to do these,” she said, holding up a blue onesie with white stars. “They're so cute.”
Not that she's picky, though.
“I just never stop,” she said. “I keep going.”
Such stamina is necessary for a never-ending project. There is always need – and there are always clothes.
Formoso regularly picks them up from a red collection bin shaped like a schoolhouse in the lobby of district headquarters, and she also raids schools' lost-and-found collections at the end of the year. They start picking them up on the last day of school, and some schools have more than 10 bags worth of unclaimed goods.
Amassing so many articles of clothing can make for some long days.
“We have decided that we hate clothes,” Formoso said with a laugh. “We love to give them out and we have to have them … but we hate them.”
Volunteers take clothes home to wash and then package them in white bags for the appropriate destination.
“It's a lot of laundry,” Williams said.
Some of that laundry ends up on the other side of the schoolhouse, in Formoso's meticulously arranged storage area for clothing-bank orders. There are hundreds of pairs of shoes that she buys by the carful from Payless Shoe Source, each labeled and bound together. Racks are stuffed with winter coats – one of the organization's biggest outreach efforts – and the shelves overflow with clothing in every size.
Even with such a large supply, Formoso rattles off a list of current needs: women's tops in size medium; girls' in sizes 6, 8 and 10; girls' shoes in sizes 12 and 13; toddler clothes in 18 and 24 months.
“To put these orders together, (the challenge) isn't getting them out, it's getting everything together,” she said.
Formoso admits that the best thing people can donate is money so she can purchase exactly what is needed at the time.
Besides, she said, “people will spend a lot on an item to donate, and for the amount they spend, I can get three.”
Even so, they won't turn anything away – within reason.
“There's a lot of garbage that kids would never wear in a million years,” Formoso said.
Anything stained or with huge holes – Hosking punctuated the guidelines with a dismayed look at a severely torn Hawaiian shirt – is not accepted. They do minimal mending, but volunteers will turn holey jeans into quilts to donate to Caring For Kids' annual dinner and auction.
And apparently, Formoso said, pointing at the ceiling, “We even take cobwebs in.”
The clothing bank's location is both a blessing and a curse to those that work there.
Prior to moving into the 1932 schoolhouse, the clothing bank was housed in the old Park Lodge Elementary, which was torn down in the mid 1990s.
Now, they operate out of a tiny building with a roof that leaked twice this winter – “and we had just cleaned the rug,” Williams said wryly – and boarded-up windows. About five years ago, a group of kids broke in and sprayed fire extinguishers everywhere. Fortunately, though, it was right after the Ready to Learn Fair, so there wasn't much there.
Since then, they have developed a strategy to keep kids from Custer and adjoining Hudtloff Middle School at bay.
“We tell the kids the place is haunted,” Williams said with a laugh. “And it works.”
Challenges aside, Formoso isn't complaining.
“The place is old and falling apart, but it's ours,” she said. “Everyone knows it's bad, but we manage – as long as we can do our work.”
Diane Formoso brings them back to life.
Inside a tiny, old schoolhouse, the Caring For Kids founder and her team of helpers sort endless piles of clothing to distribute to various organizations. Last year, they sent 785 heaping garbage bags to Caring For Kids' Ready to Learn Fair, gave another ton to the Springbrook Mobile Food Bank and made regular drop-offs to the Lakes FISH Food Bank.
In what should come as no surprise to anyone who has met Formoso, everything is methodically arranged in categories by size, gender and style.
And everything finds a home.
Men's dress clothing goes to the Phoenix Housing Network and women's, to Clover Park Technical College; costumes are sent to the Boys and Girls Club and baby clothes, to Alfretta House.
Then there are the clothing-bank orders that constantly pour in from counselors in the Clover Park School District. Formoso makes up bags with socks, underwear, clothing and shoes, and delivers them to the schools. She averages about 100 a month during the school year.
“We'll take anything,” said June Williams, who spends an estimated 12 hours a work at the clothing bank. “We have places for everything.”
Formoso nodded emphatically. “We can get rid of anything better than anyone.”
On this day, there was actually walking room in the old schoolhouse that once housed Custer Elementary – it sits on the edge of the school's property – but Formoso said that closer to the Ready to Learn Fair, which serves an estimated 2,600 children every August, the piles are “taller and wider than we are.”
Among the items being sorted were women's tops, men's pants and tiny baby clothes.
The latter is a favorite of Lois Hosking, Williams' mom, who often accompanies her to the clothing bank.
“I like to do these,” she said, holding up a blue onesie with white stars. “They're so cute.”
Not that she's picky, though.
“I just never stop,” she said. “I keep going.”
Such stamina is necessary for a never-ending project. There is always need – and there are always clothes.
Formoso regularly picks them up from a red collection bin shaped like a schoolhouse in the lobby of district headquarters, and she also raids schools' lost-and-found collections at the end of the year. They start picking them up on the last day of school, and some schools have more than 10 bags worth of unclaimed goods.
Amassing so many articles of clothing can make for some long days.
“We have decided that we hate clothes,” Formoso said with a laugh. “We love to give them out and we have to have them … but we hate them.”
Volunteers take clothes home to wash and then package them in white bags for the appropriate destination.
“It's a lot of laundry,” Williams said.
Some of that laundry ends up on the other side of the schoolhouse, in Formoso's meticulously arranged storage area for clothing-bank orders. There are hundreds of pairs of shoes that she buys by the carful from Payless Shoe Source, each labeled and bound together. Racks are stuffed with winter coats – one of the organization's biggest outreach efforts – and the shelves overflow with clothing in every size.
Even with such a large supply, Formoso rattles off a list of current needs: women's tops in size medium; girls' in sizes 6, 8 and 10; girls' shoes in sizes 12 and 13; toddler clothes in 18 and 24 months.
“To put these orders together, (the challenge) isn't getting them out, it's getting everything together,” she said.
Formoso admits that the best thing people can donate is money so she can purchase exactly what is needed at the time.
Besides, she said, “people will spend a lot on an item to donate, and for the amount they spend, I can get three.”
Even so, they won't turn anything away – within reason.
“There's a lot of garbage that kids would never wear in a million years,” Formoso said.
Anything stained or with huge holes – Hosking punctuated the guidelines with a dismayed look at a severely torn Hawaiian shirt – is not accepted. They do minimal mending, but volunteers will turn holey jeans into quilts to donate to Caring For Kids' annual dinner and auction.
And apparently, Formoso said, pointing at the ceiling, “We even take cobwebs in.”
The clothing bank's location is both a blessing and a curse to those that work there.
Prior to moving into the 1932 schoolhouse, the clothing bank was housed in the old Park Lodge Elementary, which was torn down in the mid 1990s.
Now, they operate out of a tiny building with a roof that leaked twice this winter – “and we had just cleaned the rug,” Williams said wryly – and boarded-up windows. About five years ago, a group of kids broke in and sprayed fire extinguishers everywhere. Fortunately, though, it was right after the Ready to Learn Fair, so there wasn't much there.
Since then, they have developed a strategy to keep kids from Custer and adjoining Hudtloff Middle School at bay.
“We tell the kids the place is haunted,” Williams said with a laugh. “And it works.”
Challenges aside, Formoso isn't complaining.
“The place is old and falling apart, but it's ours,” she said. “Everyone knows it's bad, but we manage – as long as we can do our work.”
2011年5月25日星期三
Best men's select shops
Seoul-based fashion journalist and photographer Hong Sukwoo is one of Seoul's undisputed style gurus: from taking the Sartorialist around town to hanging out with Simon Collins (dean of Parson's School of Fashion), he seems to only hang out with the current and future arbiters of cool.
He's pretty busy, too, with ongoing projects including collaborating with Incase on a pocket-sized magazine
Style, not trends
Hong started the first fashion blog with street snapshots in Korea back in 2006.
Of his own style, Hong says that he used to pay attention to the overall look of certain designers, but now he is more interested in collecting well-made items that are not affected by trends.
"Well-made doesn't necessarily mean expensive," says Hong, pointing to his own attire. "Right now I'm wearing a shirt from Muji, which cost around ₩30,000 and this hunting jacket from a vintage shop in Gangneung was only ₩50,000."
But not everyone has the eye of a fashion photographer, and sometimes the line between stylish and ridiculous can be quite thin. For such would-be fashion adventurers, Hong is currently writing a column in "Arena Homme."
"You can start small," says Hong. "Instead of a wardrobe make-over from shoes to watch, try a new pair of interesting socks. Or head to Uniqlo for a pair of pants that fits you better than your dad's."
He also recommends getting fashion tips from serious fashion websites.
"If you divert just five percent of your attention for the stock market and spend it on fashion, you'll be stylish in no time," he says.
Hong Sukwoo's picks
Unipair
Unipair, the first select shop in Seoul to specialize in high end men's dress shoes, boasts an impressive array of brands from the British classic Edward Green to more casual Italian maker Stokton.
Jay Kang, the store manager who knows everything there is to know about shoes, is proud to introduce Resh, Unipair's in-house shoe repair service.
“Koreans like to glue protective rubber on the leather out sole of nice shoes, but the best way to wear dress shoes is in its original form," says Kang. "Resh offers high-quality replacement leather out soles so you can wear your favorite shoes for years to come."
The store also has a Prestige Room where you can try on and order luxury shoes like Stefano Bemer and Alden. Edward Green shoes start at ₩1,500,000 and a pair of Stefano Bemer is ₩2,500,000 and up.
The tastes of the younger crowd are not neglected, as the store carries widely popular desert shoes by Stokton (₩258,000) and colorful deck shoes by the French maker Paraboot (₩ 700,000).
“Paraboot shoes are so comfortable they're called the Air Max of non-sneakers,” said Kang.
Addicted
Hong's next pick is Addicted, which celebrated its seven-year anniversary in April 2011.
“Seven years is a remarkably long period of time considering Seoul is still a hard place to manage a privately owned select shop,” says Hong.
The store specializes in introducing obscure European brands to the Seoul fashion scene.
“You might think our store is full of crazy outfits, like this bunny hat from Benstock Speirs,” says the shop's buyer Jiheh Kang. “But there are a lot of wearable items, like checkered shirts from the Swedish maker Velour and TopMan collection by TopShop.”
Addicted also carries retro color block suits by Paul Jensen, and funky KTZ sweats, two of many brands the store introduced for the first time in Korea. Prices range from ₩100,000 (graphic T-shirts by Cassette Playa) to ₩900,000 (winter jackets).
MSK shop
The last of Hong's picks is MSK, a shop hidden away in the sixth-floor attic of an office building in Apgujeong.
“We have clothes that you would want to wear every day, something comfortable," says owner Suki Min. "Only the people who really love our aesthetics come to our store."
About 70 percent of brands at MSK shop are local labels by Seoul-based designers.
“From the beginning Min wanted his shop to be an incubator and showroom for local designers,” says Hong.
Among them is Spectator by An Teok, which has shirts, chinos and jackets of classic American style. Fitbow by Chon Kyungbin is another brand of note -- its sub-label Arkestra offers relaxed yet stylish cotton jackets with handmade details for less than ₩300,000.
The store also carries little-known foreign labels such as Our Legacy from Sweden with signature waterproof jackets and colorful chino pants by a New York based label UNIS.
He's pretty busy, too, with ongoing projects including collaborating with Incase on a pocket-sized magazine
Style, not trends
Hong started the first fashion blog with street snapshots in Korea back in 2006.
Of his own style, Hong says that he used to pay attention to the overall look of certain designers, but now he is more interested in collecting well-made items that are not affected by trends.
"Well-made doesn't necessarily mean expensive," says Hong, pointing to his own attire. "Right now I'm wearing a shirt from Muji, which cost around ₩30,000 and this hunting jacket from a vintage shop in Gangneung was only ₩50,000."
But not everyone has the eye of a fashion photographer, and sometimes the line between stylish and ridiculous can be quite thin. For such would-be fashion adventurers, Hong is currently writing a column in "Arena Homme."
"You can start small," says Hong. "Instead of a wardrobe make-over from shoes to watch, try a new pair of interesting socks. Or head to Uniqlo for a pair of pants that fits you better than your dad's."
He also recommends getting fashion tips from serious fashion websites.
"If you divert just five percent of your attention for the stock market and spend it on fashion, you'll be stylish in no time," he says.
Hong Sukwoo's picks
Unipair
Unipair, the first select shop in Seoul to specialize in high end men's dress shoes, boasts an impressive array of brands from the British classic Edward Green to more casual Italian maker Stokton.
Jay Kang, the store manager who knows everything there is to know about shoes, is proud to introduce Resh, Unipair's in-house shoe repair service.
“Koreans like to glue protective rubber on the leather out sole of nice shoes, but the best way to wear dress shoes is in its original form," says Kang. "Resh offers high-quality replacement leather out soles so you can wear your favorite shoes for years to come."
The store also has a Prestige Room where you can try on and order luxury shoes like Stefano Bemer and Alden. Edward Green shoes start at ₩1,500,000 and a pair of Stefano Bemer is ₩2,500,000 and up.
The tastes of the younger crowd are not neglected, as the store carries widely popular desert shoes by Stokton (₩258,000) and colorful deck shoes by the French maker Paraboot (₩ 700,000).
“Paraboot shoes are so comfortable they're called the Air Max of non-sneakers,” said Kang.
Addicted
Hong's next pick is Addicted, which celebrated its seven-year anniversary in April 2011.
“Seven years is a remarkably long period of time considering Seoul is still a hard place to manage a privately owned select shop,” says Hong.
The store specializes in introducing obscure European brands to the Seoul fashion scene.
“You might think our store is full of crazy outfits, like this bunny hat from Benstock Speirs,” says the shop's buyer Jiheh Kang. “But there are a lot of wearable items, like checkered shirts from the Swedish maker Velour and TopMan collection by TopShop.”
Addicted also carries retro color block suits by Paul Jensen, and funky KTZ sweats, two of many brands the store introduced for the first time in Korea. Prices range from ₩100,000 (graphic T-shirts by Cassette Playa) to ₩900,000 (winter jackets).
MSK shop
The last of Hong's picks is MSK, a shop hidden away in the sixth-floor attic of an office building in Apgujeong.
“We have clothes that you would want to wear every day, something comfortable," says owner Suki Min. "Only the people who really love our aesthetics come to our store."
About 70 percent of brands at MSK shop are local labels by Seoul-based designers.
“From the beginning Min wanted his shop to be an incubator and showroom for local designers,” says Hong.
Among them is Spectator by An Teok, which has shirts, chinos and jackets of classic American style. Fitbow by Chon Kyungbin is another brand of note -- its sub-label Arkestra offers relaxed yet stylish cotton jackets with handmade details for less than ₩300,000.
The store also carries little-known foreign labels such as Our Legacy from Sweden with signature waterproof jackets and colorful chino pants by a New York based label UNIS.
2011年5月23日星期一
Rohit Bal to launch shoe line for men
Apart from designing Amitabh Bachchan's looks for the fifth season of Kaun Banega Crorepati and opening a store in New Delhi, fashion designer Rohit Bal, now plans to launch an exclusive line of shoes for men within this year.
Gudda, as he's fondly addressed in the f
ashion circle, plans to get craftsmen from Italy to work on the line. “Italians are the best craftsmen for shoes in the world. So, I'm employing them to work on my signature line too,” beams the ace fashion designer, who will soon be showing at the Men's Fashion Week, Lakme Fashion Week and the upcoming Couture Week. Rohit is in the process of sealing his deal with a French-Italian company for his line of footwear. He's not frozen on a name yet, but he's sure the line won't include formal wear.
“There are hundreds of local and international brands all over the Indian market that offer formal shoes. So, I don't want to become an ‘also there'. I want to give men something that can be easily worn and looks and feels comfortable,” he explains, adding that he doesn't feel men are snobbish about their footwear. “I want them to become a little more conscious. Women are snooty about what they wear for a specific occasion or attire.”
The designs will have an Indian feel to them replete with hand paintings, Madhubani patterns and brocade work on leather. “To make this line really special, I'm going to employ the finest labour in the world to get a limited stock of these shoes. So, the line will be expensive. Sizes 40, 42 and 44 are the highest selling in the Indian market and these shoes will be in the same bracket,” says Rohit. “Anyway, good pair of shoes never comes cheap.”
Gudda, as he's fondly addressed in the f
ashion circle, plans to get craftsmen from Italy to work on the line. “Italians are the best craftsmen for shoes in the world. So, I'm employing them to work on my signature line too,” beams the ace fashion designer, who will soon be showing at the Men's Fashion Week, Lakme Fashion Week and the upcoming Couture Week. Rohit is in the process of sealing his deal with a French-Italian company for his line of footwear. He's not frozen on a name yet, but he's sure the line won't include formal wear.
“There are hundreds of local and international brands all over the Indian market that offer formal shoes. So, I don't want to become an ‘also there'. I want to give men something that can be easily worn and looks and feels comfortable,” he explains, adding that he doesn't feel men are snobbish about their footwear. “I want them to become a little more conscious. Women are snooty about what they wear for a specific occasion or attire.”
The designs will have an Indian feel to them replete with hand paintings, Madhubani patterns and brocade work on leather. “To make this line really special, I'm going to employ the finest labour in the world to get a limited stock of these shoes. So, the line will be expensive. Sizes 40, 42 and 44 are the highest selling in the Indian market and these shoes will be in the same bracket,” says Rohit. “Anyway, good pair of shoes never comes cheap.”
2011年5月19日星期四
Big garage sale this weekend to help fallen hero
It was pouring rain, 3 a.m. on our first night in Courtenay/Comox. Horrible sounds from outside could only mean a collision — and a big one.
A night owl by nature, Christopher Hamilton was tinkering with a wood-carving project, his pet bub (pet rat), Onyx on his shoulder; while I, his longtime soulmate, was leaving a voice-mail for a friend in Vancouver.
Christopher quickly dropped Onyx in her cage, plunked his feet in boots and was out the door like a shot as he shouted for me to follow him.
I arrived across the North Island Highway, my pajamas already soaked, to see a vehicle completely upside-down, orange flames visible inside despite the deluge. Christopher was inside that wreck so quickly, it was as if he had vanished.
Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion.
Neighbors milled about. Two fellows who had been weekend partying came on the scene.
Christopher freed a trapped man. One of the partiers helped lift him away from the tonne of twisted metal before it went "kaboom!"
Both of us had nightmares about that incident — and wondered if the gentleman lived; if so, we hoped he was OK.
Nothing could prepare us for the nightmare that was about to happen — bizarrely — right across the street from that crash.
It was several months since, and it was Christopher's birthday. Since we had had a tough year — losing my mom and grandmother to cancer and Christopher's own scary diagnosis, he had really wanted to plant a rare white sunflower to symbolize a clean, fresh start.
That morning, he bicycled to the garden centre to buy the seeds.
By nightfall, I knew something was very wrong.
Brrriinnggggg! Call display showed St. Joseph's Hospital calling. My heart plummeted.
When I arrived at the hospital, a nurse rushed over to hug me. I joked that "it must be really bad, if I get a hug!"
That's when I found out that my Christopher had fractured his C-2 vertebrae — broken his neck.
So, here we are some months later.
In the interim, visiting at the ICU, I caught back-to-back bouts of some type of "uber-flu." When Christopher's father heard the news of his son, he had a fatal heart attack. A dear friend of ours suddenly passed on. A longtime beloved pet "croaked."
I, normally a friendly and outgoing individual, fell into a numb, withdrawn "phone-phobic" ennui.
Then, there was the matter of no witness and no insurance money.
Going back and forth/back and forth to Vancouver has practically bankrupted us.
Neither of us was aware of any funding for medical travel (in fact we were told there wasn't such a thing).
Some doctors said Christopher he would never speak again — that he would be trachea-tube dependent for the rest of his (very short) life; but he came off "the trach" after a couple of months. "They" said he would never be able to sign his name — wrong, again!
The strength that propelled him into that flaming wreck to rescue a total stranger is the same moxie inside him that is forcing a recovery.
So, this Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., we're having a fundraising sale.
Christopher needs so much. We need so much. Our helper/friend, the precious Diane is helping me sell a locker full of great goods to aid our medical transformations and our reunion. Christopher needs assistive devices that aren't covered by the Ministry of Health.
Just a seemingly simple thing — an upgrade to a wheelchair that can be used outdoors — is over $6,000. If he's ever to be able to come back to the Comox Valley to live and do so enjoyably, that is the kind of assistive device he's going to need.
He also needs a standalone external hard drive and a mid-range "fairly powerful" computer that's capable of running voice-recognition software.
We thank storage owner Pat Bell for generously allowing us to stage the big garage sale in the parking lot of McPhee Mini Storage at 907 McPhee Ave. (at Cumberland Road) in Courtenay.
We've got tools big and small; men's coats; leather purses; a baby stroller; clothing for men, women, kids; brand new men's boots & women's shoes; art in frames; books; CDs; jewelry; electronics; home building supplies; gardening equipment; stuffed animals, games, toys; vases; Christmas decor; Halloween costumes; unopened toiletries; a TV; furniture and more.
One last thing — thanks to Tyler Burgess Smith for finding Christopher hidden in a deep trench along the highway and thereby saving his life.
A night owl by nature, Christopher Hamilton was tinkering with a wood-carving project, his pet bub (pet rat), Onyx on his shoulder; while I, his longtime soulmate, was leaving a voice-mail for a friend in Vancouver.
Christopher quickly dropped Onyx in her cage, plunked his feet in boots and was out the door like a shot as he shouted for me to follow him.
I arrived across the North Island Highway, my pajamas already soaked, to see a vehicle completely upside-down, orange flames visible inside despite the deluge. Christopher was inside that wreck so quickly, it was as if he had vanished.
Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion.
Neighbors milled about. Two fellows who had been weekend partying came on the scene.
Christopher freed a trapped man. One of the partiers helped lift him away from the tonne of twisted metal before it went "kaboom!"
Both of us had nightmares about that incident — and wondered if the gentleman lived; if so, we hoped he was OK.
Nothing could prepare us for the nightmare that was about to happen — bizarrely — right across the street from that crash.
It was several months since, and it was Christopher's birthday. Since we had had a tough year — losing my mom and grandmother to cancer and Christopher's own scary diagnosis, he had really wanted to plant a rare white sunflower to symbolize a clean, fresh start.
That morning, he bicycled to the garden centre to buy the seeds.
By nightfall, I knew something was very wrong.
Brrriinnggggg! Call display showed St. Joseph's Hospital calling. My heart plummeted.
When I arrived at the hospital, a nurse rushed over to hug me. I joked that "it must be really bad, if I get a hug!"
That's when I found out that my Christopher had fractured his C-2 vertebrae — broken his neck.
So, here we are some months later.
In the interim, visiting at the ICU, I caught back-to-back bouts of some type of "uber-flu." When Christopher's father heard the news of his son, he had a fatal heart attack. A dear friend of ours suddenly passed on. A longtime beloved pet "croaked."
I, normally a friendly and outgoing individual, fell into a numb, withdrawn "phone-phobic" ennui.
Then, there was the matter of no witness and no insurance money.
Going back and forth/back and forth to Vancouver has practically bankrupted us.
Neither of us was aware of any funding for medical travel (in fact we were told there wasn't such a thing).
Some doctors said Christopher he would never speak again — that he would be trachea-tube dependent for the rest of his (very short) life; but he came off "the trach" after a couple of months. "They" said he would never be able to sign his name — wrong, again!
The strength that propelled him into that flaming wreck to rescue a total stranger is the same moxie inside him that is forcing a recovery.
So, this Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., we're having a fundraising sale.
Christopher needs so much. We need so much. Our helper/friend, the precious Diane is helping me sell a locker full of great goods to aid our medical transformations and our reunion. Christopher needs assistive devices that aren't covered by the Ministry of Health.
Just a seemingly simple thing — an upgrade to a wheelchair that can be used outdoors — is over $6,000. If he's ever to be able to come back to the Comox Valley to live and do so enjoyably, that is the kind of assistive device he's going to need.
He also needs a standalone external hard drive and a mid-range "fairly powerful" computer that's capable of running voice-recognition software.
We thank storage owner Pat Bell for generously allowing us to stage the big garage sale in the parking lot of McPhee Mini Storage at 907 McPhee Ave. (at Cumberland Road) in Courtenay.
We've got tools big and small; men's coats; leather purses; a baby stroller; clothing for men, women, kids; brand new men's boots & women's shoes; art in frames; books; CDs; jewelry; electronics; home building supplies; gardening equipment; stuffed animals, games, toys; vases; Christmas decor; Halloween costumes; unopened toiletries; a TV; furniture and more.
One last thing — thanks to Tyler Burgess Smith for finding Christopher hidden in a deep trench along the highway and thereby saving his life.
2011年5月17日星期二
Some sartorial advice for the men of D.M.
I'm sure you're just begging for unsolicited advice, especially on your personal style. You're probably perfectly content with your current "fashion" sense, consisting of boot-cut jeans, square-toed hard bottom shoes and a paisley button-down shirt. Trust me, I am all for your personal happiness, but this city is silently weeping with the lack of style, and we can easily turn that around.
What is "style," you ask? Style is swagger. Style is effortless, but can be acquired with a little effort. Style is calculated. There are tons of definitions, but this column will focus on the aspect of style that is sartorial self-expression.
A friend of mine once said fashion is something anybody can pick up, but style is timeless. Yes, style is also subjective and it isn't all about outward appearance, either. Plus, if you're comfortable in what you wear, who is anyone else to judge?
It is all based on how you perceive yourself and how you think others perceive you. This is where I think there is a major disconnect. With the constant growth of our state's capital, Des Moines deserves for its male inhabitants to care about how they present themselves on any given day. And I don't mean by following trends you may find in the NYCs and the LAs of the world, because those trend-hoppers (or "swaggerjackers" as I like to call them) are no better. But it is about knowing what looks good on you.
So how can you achieve this? First, make sure you have a good tailor on speed dial. Shirts and pants from J. Crew and Von Maur are made to fit a general population, and let's face it, 2 percent of us fit this description. I know I hate when I purchase a shirt with the perfect length, but a width that could fit two of me. A tailor can fix any garment to your exact specifications, so tailoring a shirt will only cost you about $20, but will add to your style quota tenfold. And you could always shop at a specialty shop (like Badowers) that will do its damndest to make sure your clothes fit the second you walk out the door.
Next, find clothes that you wear, not that wear you. It's easy to play dress up with your best John Wayne get-up on Friday, then switch it up for that tubular Justin Bieber look on Saturday. If you don't feel comfortable in what you're wearing, what kind of vibe do you think that gives off? I repeat: Fashion trends are only for the moment, style lasts forever. Find a style that fits you and only you, and stick with it.
You can widen your style spectrum, but don't try and cover all the bases with your wardrobe. Find some items that will be staples to build off, whether it's an oxford shirt, m-65 field jacket, chino pants and Clarks desert boots, or slim-fit raw denim, madras shirt, an unconstructed blazer and dirty bucks.
Lastly, the overall conception of your style should be done for your own self-gratification. Style is an expression of self. Don't do it to fit others' expectations or in an attempt to attract a mate. Hell, don't listen to some guy writing a column. (OK, maybe listen to me a little.) Obtaining the look you feel most comfortable in will increase your swagger, and others will recognize that.
The effervescent and all-knowing Deion Sanders has a motto he lives by, and it definitely hits home: "You look good, you feel good. You feel good, you play good. You play good, they pay good." Truer words have never been spoken.
What is "style," you ask? Style is swagger. Style is effortless, but can be acquired with a little effort. Style is calculated. There are tons of definitions, but this column will focus on the aspect of style that is sartorial self-expression.
A friend of mine once said fashion is something anybody can pick up, but style is timeless. Yes, style is also subjective and it isn't all about outward appearance, either. Plus, if you're comfortable in what you wear, who is anyone else to judge?
It is all based on how you perceive yourself and how you think others perceive you. This is where I think there is a major disconnect. With the constant growth of our state's capital, Des Moines deserves for its male inhabitants to care about how they present themselves on any given day. And I don't mean by following trends you may find in the NYCs and the LAs of the world, because those trend-hoppers (or "swaggerjackers" as I like to call them) are no better. But it is about knowing what looks good on you.
So how can you achieve this? First, make sure you have a good tailor on speed dial. Shirts and pants from J. Crew and Von Maur are made to fit a general population, and let's face it, 2 percent of us fit this description. I know I hate when I purchase a shirt with the perfect length, but a width that could fit two of me. A tailor can fix any garment to your exact specifications, so tailoring a shirt will only cost you about $20, but will add to your style quota tenfold. And you could always shop at a specialty shop (like Badowers) that will do its damndest to make sure your clothes fit the second you walk out the door.
Next, find clothes that you wear, not that wear you. It's easy to play dress up with your best John Wayne get-up on Friday, then switch it up for that tubular Justin Bieber look on Saturday. If you don't feel comfortable in what you're wearing, what kind of vibe do you think that gives off? I repeat: Fashion trends are only for the moment, style lasts forever. Find a style that fits you and only you, and stick with it.
You can widen your style spectrum, but don't try and cover all the bases with your wardrobe. Find some items that will be staples to build off, whether it's an oxford shirt, m-65 field jacket, chino pants and Clarks desert boots, or slim-fit raw denim, madras shirt, an unconstructed blazer and dirty bucks.
Lastly, the overall conception of your style should be done for your own self-gratification. Style is an expression of self. Don't do it to fit others' expectations or in an attempt to attract a mate. Hell, don't listen to some guy writing a column. (OK, maybe listen to me a little.) Obtaining the look you feel most comfortable in will increase your swagger, and others will recognize that.
The effervescent and all-knowing Deion Sanders has a motto he lives by, and it definitely hits home: "You look good, you feel good. You feel good, you play good. You play good, they pay good." Truer words have never been spoken.
2011年5月15日星期日
Civil War anniversary: Shoe Makers and manufacturing in Dalton
Early on in the Civil War, entrepreneurs in Dalton began manufacturing an assortment of items needed to equip the military of the Confederacy. Tin ware, pots, kettles, harness buckles, canteens and other assorted metal products were being produced. Oil cloth was being turned out in large quantities and leather products such as sword belts, cartridge and cap boxes were being made. As the demand for all types of leather grew those who produced it grew in numbers as well.
L.M. Munger was operating a tannery on North Depot Street in the city of Dalton and W.R. Long was operating one just outside the city limits of Dalton. Absolom and William H. Foster operated a fair sized tannery in Tunnel Hill and M.P. Varnell’s tannery was located at Varnell Station. A.G.B. Vandevere, Andrew M. Love, John P. Love and Joseph M. Walker were also listed as tanners. They were supplying harness leather, sole leather, upper sole leather and half tanned leather to the quartermasters at Dalton and Columbus.
David Loughmiller & Co. supplied sets of accouterments for the artillery at Augusta and to the infantry at Savannah. He also supplied quantities of candles and soap to the quartermasters at Dalton. James Paxon, a longtime saddle and harness maker, at age 58 was still plying his talent here in 1864 as Dalton became the front line of the Civil War’s fighting in the Western Theater.
By February 1862, the manufacturing of shoes and boots was being carried out in Dalton by three different firms, but they were somewhat hampered by the shortage of leather and the need for qualified workmen. The following is a list of 16 shoe makers who were in Dalton and Whitfield County and were exempt from conscription. They were James Y. Boyd, 45, Roan F. Dantzler, 16, Jacob L. Dantzler, 27, A.S. Dean, 39, Greenberry Easeley, 46, Augustin Harris, 39, L. Harrison, 55, T.R. Harkins, 37, John F. Lane, 24, T.M. McHan, 30, Alfred Ogle, 29, Fred Thompson, S.A. Whaley, 47, John White, 42, Thomas Wiley, 47 and G.H. Worthington, 32.
A resident of Red Clay in northern Whitfield County wrote to Vice President Alexander Stephens asking him to obtain for his friend, James H. Huff, a contract for making shoes for the army. In addition to making contracts with private manufacturers, the Georgia government opened its own shoe shops, but Georgia’s 125 shoe and boot factories were virtually unable to keep up with the demand from the army.
The citizenry found it difficult to procure footwear and soon began making their own shoes from hides tanned by a simple process of burying them in a solution of red oak bark from three to six months. The hides of horses, hogs, cows and even dogs were utilized. For the blacking of these homemade shoes a mixture soot and lard was smeared on with a brush of swine hair. A shine was produced by spreading over this blacking a paste made of bolted meal or flour.
By the winter of 1863-1864, the hospitals, manufacturers, ordnance depots, commissary stores and most of the civilians had evacuated Dalton for safer locations further south. It took about 15 years for Dalton’s population to again reach the 1860 level of approximately 2,400.
General Joseph E. Johnston wrote to President Jefferson Davis from his headquarters at Dalton that his men’s shoes “were worn out much faster than received. As the supply is diminishing rapidly the number of men unable to march is increasing as fast.”
To this end Johnston was successful in resupplying and reclothing the men in the Army of Tennessee while here in Dalton. By May of 1864, as Sherman’s federal legions marched into Georgia toward Dalton to begin the Atlanta campaign, most of Johnston’s men were ready for battle.
L.M. Munger was operating a tannery on North Depot Street in the city of Dalton and W.R. Long was operating one just outside the city limits of Dalton. Absolom and William H. Foster operated a fair sized tannery in Tunnel Hill and M.P. Varnell’s tannery was located at Varnell Station. A.G.B. Vandevere, Andrew M. Love, John P. Love and Joseph M. Walker were also listed as tanners. They were supplying harness leather, sole leather, upper sole leather and half tanned leather to the quartermasters at Dalton and Columbus.
David Loughmiller & Co. supplied sets of accouterments for the artillery at Augusta and to the infantry at Savannah. He also supplied quantities of candles and soap to the quartermasters at Dalton. James Paxon, a longtime saddle and harness maker, at age 58 was still plying his talent here in 1864 as Dalton became the front line of the Civil War’s fighting in the Western Theater.
By February 1862, the manufacturing of shoes and boots was being carried out in Dalton by three different firms, but they were somewhat hampered by the shortage of leather and the need for qualified workmen. The following is a list of 16 shoe makers who were in Dalton and Whitfield County and were exempt from conscription. They were James Y. Boyd, 45, Roan F. Dantzler, 16, Jacob L. Dantzler, 27, A.S. Dean, 39, Greenberry Easeley, 46, Augustin Harris, 39, L. Harrison, 55, T.R. Harkins, 37, John F. Lane, 24, T.M. McHan, 30, Alfred Ogle, 29, Fred Thompson, S.A. Whaley, 47, John White, 42, Thomas Wiley, 47 and G.H. Worthington, 32.
A resident of Red Clay in northern Whitfield County wrote to Vice President Alexander Stephens asking him to obtain for his friend, James H. Huff, a contract for making shoes for the army. In addition to making contracts with private manufacturers, the Georgia government opened its own shoe shops, but Georgia’s 125 shoe and boot factories were virtually unable to keep up with the demand from the army.
The citizenry found it difficult to procure footwear and soon began making their own shoes from hides tanned by a simple process of burying them in a solution of red oak bark from three to six months. The hides of horses, hogs, cows and even dogs were utilized. For the blacking of these homemade shoes a mixture soot and lard was smeared on with a brush of swine hair. A shine was produced by spreading over this blacking a paste made of bolted meal or flour.
By the winter of 1863-1864, the hospitals, manufacturers, ordnance depots, commissary stores and most of the civilians had evacuated Dalton for safer locations further south. It took about 15 years for Dalton’s population to again reach the 1860 level of approximately 2,400.
General Joseph E. Johnston wrote to President Jefferson Davis from his headquarters at Dalton that his men’s shoes “were worn out much faster than received. As the supply is diminishing rapidly the number of men unable to march is increasing as fast.”
To this end Johnston was successful in resupplying and reclothing the men in the Army of Tennessee while here in Dalton. By May of 1864, as Sherman’s federal legions marched into Georgia toward Dalton to begin the Atlanta campaign, most of Johnston’s men were ready for battle.
2011年5月11日星期三
Balmain Shopping: 2-for-1 offer's limited
FOTI Kostula is offering a buy-one-and-get-one-free sale to his customers as his lease ends and he moves a few doors up the road.
His store, Kostula, is the go-to place in Balmain for men's fashion and suits are his speciality.
The Faldini suits he sells are made overseas and shipped over to Australia specifically for Mr Kostula.
“They are made in Milan for Kostula,” he said.
Kostula sells cuff links, jeans, shoes, hats, scarfs and of course hand-made suits.
PET BARGAINS
AS the season gets colder you will be investing in jackets, but don’t forget about your pet.
Simply Anything 4 Pets in Balmain is renovating.
Water-proof, reflective dog coats are available along with ``chocolate’’ goodies for your pet.
The shop is trying to clear all stock before it renovates so head there now and pick up a bargain.
His store, Kostula, is the go-to place in Balmain for men's fashion and suits are his speciality.
The Faldini suits he sells are made overseas and shipped over to Australia specifically for Mr Kostula.
“They are made in Milan for Kostula,” he said.
Kostula sells cuff links, jeans, shoes, hats, scarfs and of course hand-made suits.
PET BARGAINS
AS the season gets colder you will be investing in jackets, but don’t forget about your pet.
Simply Anything 4 Pets in Balmain is renovating.
Water-proof, reflective dog coats are available along with ``chocolate’’ goodies for your pet.
The shop is trying to clear all stock before it renovates so head there now and pick up a bargain.
2011年5月9日星期一
Prada shop to rouse Valley fashionistas
Italian luxury retailer Prada will open its first Arizona store at Scottsdale Fashion Square later this year.
The high-end Milan fashion house, led by head designer Miuccia Prada, has been noticeably absent from the Arizona retail-fashion scene, and its arrival reflects the area's growing shopping clout.
Prada currently operates boutiques in 10 U.S. markets that sell women's, men's and some children's clothing and shoes in addition to handbags, jewelry, eyeglasses, belts and leather goods.
The Scottsdale store is good news for Prada fans who have seen the label become scarce in the Phoenix area as the designer has moved to enhance the exclusivity of the brand.
Prada has steadily reduced shipments of its products to upscale department-store chains such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney's New York, where the label was once readily available.
Prada contends its brand is cheapened when the products are subject to department-store discounts.
Instead, Prada and other luxury labels, such as Gucci and Dior, have been pressing department stores to lease them space inside their stores for independent boutiques, or concessions.
In Las Vegas, Prada staffs and operates a boutique inside Neiman Marcus. The fashion label shoulders more risk with a concession but has more control over prices.
Not all retailers are cooperating. In February, Barney's turned down Prada's request for concessions, which prompted the designer to pull its women's wear out of all of Barney's stores, including its location at Scottsdale Fashion Square.
The spat with Barney's further reduced the availability of the Prada label in the Phoenix area and may have contributed to the decision to open the stand-alone boutique.
Prada did not return calls seeking comment on its decision.
The Prada boutique will be located near rival Gucci on the mall's second level where a sign announces the store's expected arrival. An expected opening date is unknown.
Prada was founded in 1913 by Mario Prada as a leather-goods shop that sold trunks and handbags. His granddaughter Miuccia took over the business in 1978, and with help from business manager and eventual husband Patrizio Bertelli, she built it into one of the world's top fashion labels. The brand became a household word with the 2003 novel "The Devil Wears Prada" and its screen adaption in 2006 starring Meryl Streep.
There are now more than 250 Prada boutiques worldwide, that generate more than $2.4 billion in annual sales.
The high-end Milan fashion house, led by head designer Miuccia Prada, has been noticeably absent from the Arizona retail-fashion scene, and its arrival reflects the area's growing shopping clout.
Prada currently operates boutiques in 10 U.S. markets that sell women's, men's and some children's clothing and shoes in addition to handbags, jewelry, eyeglasses, belts and leather goods.
The Scottsdale store is good news for Prada fans who have seen the label become scarce in the Phoenix area as the designer has moved to enhance the exclusivity of the brand.
Prada has steadily reduced shipments of its products to upscale department-store chains such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney's New York, where the label was once readily available.
Prada contends its brand is cheapened when the products are subject to department-store discounts.
Instead, Prada and other luxury labels, such as Gucci and Dior, have been pressing department stores to lease them space inside their stores for independent boutiques, or concessions.
In Las Vegas, Prada staffs and operates a boutique inside Neiman Marcus. The fashion label shoulders more risk with a concession but has more control over prices.
Not all retailers are cooperating. In February, Barney's turned down Prada's request for concessions, which prompted the designer to pull its women's wear out of all of Barney's stores, including its location at Scottsdale Fashion Square.
The spat with Barney's further reduced the availability of the Prada label in the Phoenix area and may have contributed to the decision to open the stand-alone boutique.
Prada did not return calls seeking comment on its decision.
The Prada boutique will be located near rival Gucci on the mall's second level where a sign announces the store's expected arrival. An expected opening date is unknown.
Prada was founded in 1913 by Mario Prada as a leather-goods shop that sold trunks and handbags. His granddaughter Miuccia took over the business in 1978, and with help from business manager and eventual husband Patrizio Bertelli, she built it into one of the world's top fashion labels. The brand became a household word with the 2003 novel "The Devil Wears Prada" and its screen adaption in 2006 starring Meryl Streep.
There are now more than 250 Prada boutiques worldwide, that generate more than $2.4 billion in annual sales.
2011年5月5日星期四
As readers clamour for our Royal Wedding horseshoes
As readers clamour for our Royal Wedding horseshoes, the inspiring story of devotion and courage behind... the hottest shoes in town
They are the equestrian answer to Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, John Lobb and Church's rolled into one. If you happen to be a horse, then nowhere has better, smarter shoes than the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Forge here in London's Hyde Park.
This was where the four-legged stars of last week's Royal Wedding procession all came to be fitted for their boots. Every one of the 186 horses on parade that day, from Goliath, the largest ‘Cav Black' in the regiment, to a pair called William and Catherine played an unforgettable role in that exemplary pageant.
And now countless Daily Mail readers are hoping to win one of the 744 everlasting souvenirs of that occasion — a Royal Wedding horseshoe.
The tradition of the horseshoe as a lucky wedding charm is rooted in an ancient belief that metal wards off evil spirits. Others link the custom to St Dunstan, a 10th-century Archbishop of Canterbury and former blacksmith, who sent Satan packing after hammering a horseshoe into his foot.
But you do not have to be superstitious to appreciate the charm of this royal memento.
Last Friday's parade may have involved ‘all the Queen's horses and all the Queen's men'. But they also happened to be from the groom's old regiment. Prince William — like Prince Harry — started as an officer in the Blues and Royals which, together with the Life Guards, make up the Household Cavalry.
Billions were dazzled by the wedding and, now, many of them are clamouring for a souvenir. The regiment's Facebook page — facebook.com/hcmr — is buzzing. Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hughes says he has received requests from all over the world for a keepsake from one of the great days in modern royal history.
But they are out of luck. Because these horseshoes have all been earmarked for Daily Mail readers in exchange for a substantial contribution to the Household Cavalry Central Charitable Fund.
This is, of course, first and foremost a frontline military unit whose men are routinely in danger around the world. Their ceremonial duties are simply what they do between missions.
Most of those in the wedding parade had recently returned from Afghanistan and needed no reminding of their comrades who were too badly injured to take part, not to mention those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Military life is always hazardous. The fund provides badly needed support to all injured soldiers past and present and to the families of those who have died. That is why Farrier Major Wayne Freeman and his team of ten farriers are going to such efforts to ensure this brilliant fund-raising idea does justice to the noble cause it is serving.
Household Cavalry horses are reshod every few weeks, and normally the old shoes would be dispatched to a scrap dealer for recycling.
Since last Friday, however, every shoe has been carefully removed, tagged and logged by Farrier Major Freeman. It goes without saying that it is all being done with military precision.
Once the last wedding parade horseshoe has been detached — some time at the end of next week — the farriers will then take each one and reheat it in the furnace. When it's red hot, it will be removed and cleaned with a steel brush to remove all imperfections. The farriers will then stamp each shoe with the wedding date — 29.04.11 — hammering every numeral by hand.
Each horseshoe will be lacquered and sealed in a box with a photograph of its horse and rider and a certificate of authenticity. As Royal Wedding souvenirs go, it beats anything bar a slice of the actual royal cake.
‘My mother keeps asking me for a wedding shoe, but I've had to tell her that even I can't have one,' laughs Farrier Major Freeman, 38. The father-of-two served all over the world with the regiment, starting out at the helm of a Scimitar tank, before moving to the forge in 2001.
Think of a forge, and images of burly blokes sweating away in grimy, clanking semi-darkness spring to mind. It's not like that here. There are, indeed, a lot of burly men sweating away, but it's light and airy and one of the cleanest workshops I've seen (there is no background squawk from a radio station, and no pin-up calendar either). Even the men's vests have ‘E II R' emblazoned on them. No one forgets who's boss around here.
Four open furnaces glow at one end, while five splendid horses loiter patiently like chaps at a St James's bootmaker waiting to be served.
Home for these immaculate animals is Hyde Park Barracks, next door to the most expensive block of flats in Europe. By equestrian standards, this place is equally plush. Each horse has a stall full of shavings, round-the-clock veterinary care, daily outings around Hyde Park, a central part in a world-famous daily tradition — Changing the Guard — and holidays in the countryside.
The 300 soldiers stationed here keep them fed, watered and groomed to the highest standards. Woe betide the Trooper whose horse is not in tip-top condition.
They are the equestrian answer to Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, John Lobb and Church's rolled into one. If you happen to be a horse, then nowhere has better, smarter shoes than the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Forge here in London's Hyde Park.
This was where the four-legged stars of last week's Royal Wedding procession all came to be fitted for their boots. Every one of the 186 horses on parade that day, from Goliath, the largest ‘Cav Black' in the regiment, to a pair called William and Catherine played an unforgettable role in that exemplary pageant.
And now countless Daily Mail readers are hoping to win one of the 744 everlasting souvenirs of that occasion — a Royal Wedding horseshoe.
The tradition of the horseshoe as a lucky wedding charm is rooted in an ancient belief that metal wards off evil spirits. Others link the custom to St Dunstan, a 10th-century Archbishop of Canterbury and former blacksmith, who sent Satan packing after hammering a horseshoe into his foot.
But you do not have to be superstitious to appreciate the charm of this royal memento.
Last Friday's parade may have involved ‘all the Queen's horses and all the Queen's men'. But they also happened to be from the groom's old regiment. Prince William — like Prince Harry — started as an officer in the Blues and Royals which, together with the Life Guards, make up the Household Cavalry.
Billions were dazzled by the wedding and, now, many of them are clamouring for a souvenir. The regiment's Facebook page — facebook.com/hcmr — is buzzing. Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hughes says he has received requests from all over the world for a keepsake from one of the great days in modern royal history.
But they are out of luck. Because these horseshoes have all been earmarked for Daily Mail readers in exchange for a substantial contribution to the Household Cavalry Central Charitable Fund.
This is, of course, first and foremost a frontline military unit whose men are routinely in danger around the world. Their ceremonial duties are simply what they do between missions.
Most of those in the wedding parade had recently returned from Afghanistan and needed no reminding of their comrades who were too badly injured to take part, not to mention those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Military life is always hazardous. The fund provides badly needed support to all injured soldiers past and present and to the families of those who have died. That is why Farrier Major Wayne Freeman and his team of ten farriers are going to such efforts to ensure this brilliant fund-raising idea does justice to the noble cause it is serving.
Household Cavalry horses are reshod every few weeks, and normally the old shoes would be dispatched to a scrap dealer for recycling.
Since last Friday, however, every shoe has been carefully removed, tagged and logged by Farrier Major Freeman. It goes without saying that it is all being done with military precision.
Once the last wedding parade horseshoe has been detached — some time at the end of next week — the farriers will then take each one and reheat it in the furnace. When it's red hot, it will be removed and cleaned with a steel brush to remove all imperfections. The farriers will then stamp each shoe with the wedding date — 29.04.11 — hammering every numeral by hand.
Each horseshoe will be lacquered and sealed in a box with a photograph of its horse and rider and a certificate of authenticity. As Royal Wedding souvenirs go, it beats anything bar a slice of the actual royal cake.
‘My mother keeps asking me for a wedding shoe, but I've had to tell her that even I can't have one,' laughs Farrier Major Freeman, 38. The father-of-two served all over the world with the regiment, starting out at the helm of a Scimitar tank, before moving to the forge in 2001.
Think of a forge, and images of burly blokes sweating away in grimy, clanking semi-darkness spring to mind. It's not like that here. There are, indeed, a lot of burly men sweating away, but it's light and airy and one of the cleanest workshops I've seen (there is no background squawk from a radio station, and no pin-up calendar either). Even the men's vests have ‘E II R' emblazoned on them. No one forgets who's boss around here.
Four open furnaces glow at one end, while five splendid horses loiter patiently like chaps at a St James's bootmaker waiting to be served.
Home for these immaculate animals is Hyde Park Barracks, next door to the most expensive block of flats in Europe. By equestrian standards, this place is equally plush. Each horse has a stall full of shavings, round-the-clock veterinary care, daily outings around Hyde Park, a central part in a world-famous daily tradition — Changing the Guard — and holidays in the countryside.
The 300 soldiers stationed here keep them fed, watered and groomed to the highest standards. Woe betide the Trooper whose horse is not in tip-top condition.
2011年5月3日星期二
Factory Connection clothing discounter coming to Liberty Square
Factory Connection, a clothing discounter, is coming to the Liberty Square Shopping Center off Interstate 64 at Winfield Exit 39.
According to the company, Factory Connection offers junior, missy and men's fashions along with accessories and shoes at up to 20 to 50 percent off retail every day.
The new store will be in the 6,409-square-foot space at 109 Liberty Square formerly occupied by Tuesday Morning. The Factory Connection is expected to open in time for the back-to-school season.
Factory Connection was established in 1976. The company, headquartered in Albertville, Ala., has more than 240 stores in 10 states.
According to the company, Factory Connection offers junior, missy and men's fashions along with accessories and shoes at up to 20 to 50 percent off retail every day.
The new store will be in the 6,409-square-foot space at 109 Liberty Square formerly occupied by Tuesday Morning. The Factory Connection is expected to open in time for the back-to-school season.
Factory Connection was established in 1976. The company, headquartered in Albertville, Ala., has more than 240 stores in 10 states.
Summer all about having fun with fashion
When a man is confused about what to wear, what’s the best thing he can do?
When you are confused,keep it easy and simple! Opt for a classic look which doesn’t allow you to go wrong. A good bet would be to wear a white or black shirt with denims and team that with a pair of black or brown shoes and belt. Black aviator shades could be used as an accessory to enhance the look.
Where do men usually go wrong?
Men tend to go wrong while choosing the right look for different occasions. It could be the colour or texture of the attire or even the wrong accessory. Formal attire teamed with casual accessories are a mismatch. In their attempt to make a statement, even men become fashion victims.
What are the must-haves for men during this season?
This summer, linen trousers or shorts, linen kurtas or bandhgalas and shirts, chinos, cotton t-shirts or shirts, wayfarers or aviator shades, a pair of loafers and slippers, colourful belts and a hat is a must.
What kind of head gear should men don during summer?
Hats are the best head gear for men this summer. However, caps and linen scarves can also be used as a headgear this summer.
What fabrics work well as men’s fashion in summer?
Fabrics like linen, cotton, khadi work well for men’s fashion in summer. These fabrics are light weight and comfortable. They act as a second skin allowing our skin to breath in the humid summer weather.
What are the accessories men should try out?
In terms of footwear, loafers, chappals and canvas shoes are the ones to try out. Sunglasses like wayfarers and aviators are in fashion. A watch with a coloured strap, oxidised silver rings or pendants can also be tried out. Men can also sport hats and caps. In fact, make a statement with big man bags too.
When you are confused,keep it easy and simple! Opt for a classic look which doesn’t allow you to go wrong. A good bet would be to wear a white or black shirt with denims and team that with a pair of black or brown shoes and belt. Black aviator shades could be used as an accessory to enhance the look.
Where do men usually go wrong?
Men tend to go wrong while choosing the right look for different occasions. It could be the colour or texture of the attire or even the wrong accessory. Formal attire teamed with casual accessories are a mismatch. In their attempt to make a statement, even men become fashion victims.
What are the must-haves for men during this season?
This summer, linen trousers or shorts, linen kurtas or bandhgalas and shirts, chinos, cotton t-shirts or shirts, wayfarers or aviator shades, a pair of loafers and slippers, colourful belts and a hat is a must.
What kind of head gear should men don during summer?
Hats are the best head gear for men this summer. However, caps and linen scarves can also be used as a headgear this summer.
What fabrics work well as men’s fashion in summer?
Fabrics like linen, cotton, khadi work well for men’s fashion in summer. These fabrics are light weight and comfortable. They act as a second skin allowing our skin to breath in the humid summer weather.
What are the accessories men should try out?
In terms of footwear, loafers, chappals and canvas shoes are the ones to try out. Sunglasses like wayfarers and aviators are in fashion. A watch with a coloured strap, oxidised silver rings or pendants can also be tried out. Men can also sport hats and caps. In fact, make a statement with big man bags too.
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