Fashion Mode

There are many reasons and many ways to conduct your next shopping venture. There are plenty of opportunities and necessities for purchasing throughout the year, especially in the fall and winter holiday seasons.

Yes there are children, teens and young adults heading back to school but there are also men and women of all ages going back to work, continuing their education and trying out new career ventures. All of the above can appreciate the plethora of sales, new designs and fashion shows available this fall. Many people enjoy this time of shopping for their wardrobe, their home decor, their holiday presents and just because. That's why, in today's shopping market, you can find special deals that are in stores only, online only and a variety of opportunities with coupons and specialty offer for any purchase that you intend to make.

On one hand, shopping for your wardrobe should be easy but it does depend on the method chosen. You have to first know your style, your correct size, and your budget. You should also take inventory of whether you are content with your wardrobe as is and wish to simply add to it. Or do you want to gradually or dramatically replace your existing wardrobe for some new and adventurous pieces. And adventurous in your style may just mean adding color, or it can mean finding a fit that is more flattering to your figure, to accommodate your changing body due to weight loss or pregnancy.

On the other hand, shopping for your home decor is a little bit easier because you just have to determine the personal environment you want to live in each day. You will want to highlight what you use your spaces for: children's play area, entertaining, home office or master bedroom. Then finding the right piece of furniture and the best placement for it depends on the dimensions of your rooms. Thoughtful furniture selection and placement allows the foot traffic of you and your guests to flow between rooms effortlessly.

You can even use furniture selection and decorative elements to recreate your favorite spot in the world. You can create the ideal Caribbean, Mediterranean, Californian or New England style atmosphere year round in your home. For example, the use of wood flooring, leather furniture and thick, dark decorative elements have been known to warm up a cold stark space. Or you can use a couple of neutral base colors in your paint and your large furniture pieces, to maintain the room's size perception, while using color in the wall decorations, rugs, and other accents through out the room. Remarkably the same trick of adding color to a few major neutral pieces maintains versatility in your home or your wardrobe. What your home or your wardrobe will be is up to the choices you make in the department store or online. You can work with a stylist and even dig through the plethora of catalogs out there but the treasures you find will be the ones that speak to you.

Louise Hay has inspired millions of people with her books, recordings, events and publishing company, Hay House. She is loved by many for her positive philosophy of life which allows us to take control, to heal our lives through our own action. Through Louise's work we are encouraged to turn our lives around by realising that it is we alone who have the power to change our beliefs and thoughts, to release negative emotions from the past, and to learn to love ourselves as a basis for then being able to offer love and our unique gifts to the world.

As an astrologer, I am of course interested in her Birth Chart. Is there something here that speaks of the determination and brilliant success of this inspiring woman? I do not have an exact birth time for Louise, and so my comments here relate to her chart set for noon on 8 October 1926. Because of this, I shall keep my analysis to the features of the chart that would not have been significantly affected by a substantially different birth time.

Louise Hay is a Libra, with Mercury and Venus also placed in this most gracious, stylish and diplomatic of signs. Given this emphasis, it is fitting that Louise spent some of her career as a fashion model, and is still looking wonderful now into her eighties. In addition, her charm, grace and calm and collected approach to even the most difficult matters in life has been soothing and healing for millions of people.

According to the life history Louise gives in her most famous work 'You Can Heal Your Life', Louise Hay grew up with difficult family circumstances, experiencing childhood rape, abuse and the very painful situation of giving up her own baby at the age of sixteen. Her fortitude and ability to transmute these horrific experiences into a positive philosophy of life is symbolised by Louise's Moon taking the sign of Scorpio. This Moon-sign gives an innate capacity to deal with crisis, with the dark underbelly of life, and to withstand extreme emotional situations, to survive. It also suggests that powerful emotional experience is a necessary part of her make-up. That her Moon receives an opposition from Chiron in Taurus suggests that part of her life's journey was to understand bodily and sexual wounding and the healing process that would need to ultimately follow. This opposition seems further implicated, with wonderful expression, in the healing work she did with HIV and AIDS sufferers in the 1980s.

To find one's destiny through the deepest and darkest of emotional transformations is also indicated by Louise having the North Node in Cancer conjunct the planet Pluto. This suggests that one's soul growth comes through the critical purging of the Self that occurs in extreme life situations, through brushes with the taboo; with matters connected with sex, death and all that is buried. Louise herself faced cervical cancer in the late 1970s, but in deeply engaging with her own beliefs around healing and the importance of both body and mind to the process, she was able to rise again for greater adventures in life.

We must never use astrology to make excuses for what we cannot do in life. Louise Hay has made a wonderful success of her life, but we cannot say she has an 'easy' chart. Traditionally, both Sun in Libra and Moon in Scorpio are in fall and Louise has both Moon and Venus strongly challenged through oppositions from Chiron and Uranus. This suggests that her identity as a woman has had to undergo powerful experiences of awakening and wounding prior to her obtaining her current level of wisdom and understanding. She also has a Grand Cross in her chart, consisting of Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Neptune. Grand Crosses are patterns that tug us in four directions, first here, then there, then somewhere else, and then somewhere else again! They are difficult to integrate. With Louise's Mars in Taurus, not the best placement for initiative and action, under heavy fire, she has done wonderfully well to work with her birth energies to create the absolute best; a lesson for us all - horoscope patterns may indicate our core energy dynamics but they never indicate barriers to ultimate happiness and success.

Louise Hay discovered the Church of Religious Science, whose philosophy was to change her life and form the foundation of her subsequent work, during her Uranus half-return. This is a classic point in anyone's lifetime, occurring between the ages of about 40 and 45 dependent on one's exact birth date, and symbolic of an awakening to one's unique individuality. It is a call to action for those who have until now not expressed all of their very own brand of genius and can be a powerful time as regards an increase in consciousness.

The secret to success and wisdom? Being who one is, working with one's own energetic patterns and having sufficient self-reflection to learn from past experiences and take control of one's own destiny.

If you're a fan of the 1960s both in terms of culture and style, you'll no doubt have made time to watch AMC's award winning drama, 'Mad Men', by now. Set in mid-century Manhattan, primarily at an Advertising agency, this show is impeccable in its historical detail, and its aesthetics. Boasting a talented cast and nail-biting plots, it has it all. Yet what is most remarkable, from a style perspective, is the female characters' stunning fashion. Since the show is now five seasons long, it has spanned half of this stylish decade, and as such has incorporated much of its clothing inspiration. Let's take a look at the most incredible, in order to emulate these classic retro styles.

When it comes to Mad Men, the most notable character on a visual level simply has to be Joan Holloway. With her stunning red hair, and enviable hourglass figure, this sexy secretary seems to have it all. She knows how to use her charm to her advantage, gets the men on her side, and yet is a trusted confidante to all the girls in the office too. Channel Joan's incredible style in tailored, bodycon dresses in jewel and earthy tones, paired with classic heels for that famous walk. Perfect the beehive for an authentic 1960s look, and don't forget the winged eyeliner and impeccable lips. With Joan, it's always pure class.

If you're a fan of the shift silhouette, look to the talented Peggy Olsen for inspiration. She could almost be a predecessor to Alexa Chung's vintage style look, all about the Peter Pan Collars, and the shift dresses with cute lace details. Scallop hems are a great way to bring a current twist to this cut, and make the straight silhouette of the dress more interesting. Add retro school satchels and hairbands for a look that is studious but pretty, polished and yet hints that the wearer has more important things to do than merely look nice for the boys. Peggy is all about trailblazing in her career, paving the way for other women to achieve in what is still very much a man's world. Her look therefore demands that she means business, but she's still free to have a little fun too.

If you love the Mad Men style but the more classic shapes, look towards the mother of Don Draper's children, Betty. Character flaws aside, she always looks perfect, in her 1950s housewife style dresses and Grace Kelly inspired hair and makeup. Go for dresses that are fitted on the torso but flare out at the waist, for a flattering, feminine cut. Pair with smart heels and a ladylike handbag for an outfit that screams vintage and yet never goes out of style due to its sheer beauty. You can update Betty's style with a fun, playful print. Look to Prada's 2012 vintage car print for inspiration, or go for fruits and vegetables for a humorous take on the trend. Vintage dressing is all about having fun and looking to the beauty of the past as a way to enhance the present.

Business process outsourcing is one strategic way to diminish a company's cost. The expense in hiring an established firm as a third-party for service is evidently minimal than traditionally incorporating it to the core of the business. One of the eyed business outsource companies in Asia is the Philippines. Known for professionalism and efficiency in the English vernacular, foreign investors have dramatically entrusted their market with Filipinos. A very unique people who seem to have a close social link with Americans. This is just seen everyday through gadgets, music, food and fashion which are all patterned from what is trending in the United States. Majority of the people in America have less or no knowledge about the Philippines and some would ask if the Filipinos live in nipa huts and eat monkeys' brains. Such a hilarious ignorance but quite acceptable because of geography; the Philippines is such a small country.

With the increase in demand for assistance handling operational and support processes, entrepreneurs from all over the world have come to notice the Filipinos' versatility in communication, task management and quality of service. The mere fact that foreign clients have the advantage of paying less in hiring Filipinos for their non-core needs, excellence in work performance is never an issue; meaning a steady and reliable ground work to support the goals and processes of a company. It is of great significance to focus on a corporation's methods in increasing market value because it will serve as a strong framework for goals to be met and later on would sluice out a huge bag of goodies in the returns of investment.

Competition in the business process outsourcing has dramatically gotten stiff but surveys speak for itself; the Philippines is the top pick for call center agent provider all over the world. Despite the time zone difference, Filipinos have maneuvered over lack of sleep, fatigue and lack of quality time for family just to render high-caliber service to foreign clients. It is not an easy job, though the pay is high and because of the uniqueness in culture of Filipinos, perseverance is a trait that keeps great metrics for service and support. Even at times exhaustion is at the rear end, the Philippines has maintained its name through professionalism and flexibility; a main thing why it is the preference for business process outsourcing in Asia... and the entire world as of 2012.

You might have been shocked to see the alien spacecrafts and extinct dinosaurs in Hollywood movies. The credit for these fantastic visual elements is always given to CGI. The average people would be mesmerized by the results of 'computer graphics'. This is a vast term that encompasses multitudes of visual effects. Digital compositing is one among the most common processes that is currently being used for still images as well as long sequences. A manipulated combination of two source images would produce excellent results. The most common use of this technology is to change the background of an image. The chroma green screen technique is popular these days. This is often being used by the photographers and videographers to alter the final output.

The image should be clicked in such a way that the subject is placed in a green backdrop. The chroma green screen software can help you remove this colored background to replace it with an image of your choice. The uninitiated might wonder why it is important to use green. This color is considered to be the farthest away from skin tone. Image sensors in the digital video cameras are highly sensitive to this shade. It consists of least noise thereby producing the cleanest composite image. However, there are instances where the background could be of a different tint. If you have a subject wearing green clothing or an object with greenish tint predominantly within the frame, you might have to switch to the blue backdrop. Occasionally magenta and transparent backgrounds are also used.

Chroma command line key is for those who would like to utilize the power of scripting. Hundreds of photos can be processed simultaneously when the process is completed through your command line. It becomes easy for you to prototype a concept to show it to the clients to gain immediate approval. The functionality is much similar to that of any other chroma green screen software. However, here you have the versatility to invoke it from the command line. You have complete control over the parameters like background photo and foreground photo. The photographers around the world can make use of this facility to enhance the quality of their work to the best. This program offers you the privilege to combine your creative excellence and technical proficiency.

You no longer need to waste your time in outdoor photo shoots as you can produce similar or better quality outputs with the help of this technique. You can use chroma green screen to merge the photograph of a fashion model who posed for the photographs at your studio with a background image that you have clicked outdoors. It is important that you inform your client or the subject that you are utilizing this technique. You have plenty of opportunities to create appealing images. The online dealers of this program can provide you chroma API on request. They might even be able provide discounts on bulk purchases. The huge companies associated with the creative industries can make use of this. It is quite easy to download and use this application.

Philippine President Benigno (PNoy) Aquino continues to enjoys a high trust rating (+67 net approval, August 2012) from his constituents as he enters the third year of his administration. At this point, PNoy ranks as the most popular Philippine President. PNoy basks in so much public adulation that his ascent to power only lacked the palm leaves and the hallelujah for the event to resemble the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

So what power does this man posses that endears him to the general population?

PNoy, a moniker the president likes to go by, fits providentially the man who people dream would change an order that kept a larger part of the population chained to poverty. The moniker plays on Pinoy (slang for Filipino), using an amalgam with the letter P standing for 'president' prefixed on Noy (the president's nickname).

The government media bureau reinforces the claim of reform of this presidency with announcements of economic achievements in the last two years. More recently, the government proudly announced the Philippines' rise by ten notches in the business competitive position and landing at the 65th spot of 144. Earlier in the year, another milestone happened when Standard and Poor upgraded the Philippines' credit worthiness a notch away from investment grade. Certainly, these items deserve some note, however, the feats remain work in progress requiring a lot of work before making the A-list.

In his State of the Nation Address (SONA), PNoy drew a rosy economic picture with the 2012 first quarter growth of the Gross National Product (GDP), posted at 6.4, conveniently leaving out, however, the fact that all throughout 2011 up to July of 2012, the Balance of Payment (BOP) resulted to deficits. We can forgive him for that.

Someone said that PNoy's popularity directly translates into confidence in government and this confidence is the thing that holds the country together amidst threats and weaknesses that plague.

The greater part of the citizenry believes this and hope that the situation, at last, solves the country's lingering economic problem.

Beginnings and the Continuing Saga

The death of his mother, former President Cory Aquino conferred on PNoy the messianic quality the nation had long searched for, just as the death of his father, former Senator Ninoy Aquino did for his mother. His campaign call of "Walang Mahirap, kung walang corrupt" managed to round-up a large margin in the ballot count that left all his presidential opponents eating his dust.

However, both mother and son's lack of preparation, more likely their disinterest for the presidency, showed early on during their transition into power. President Cory, in a rush to dismantle the remnants of the Marcos regime, hurriedly decided to appoint officers-in-charge in place of elected mayors. PNoy, with the same righteous zeal, issued Administrative Order no.1 that effectively fired all sitting heads of government divisions without career executive service officer <CESO> certifications. The result of both actions proved disastrous.

After the initial faux pas, PNoy gained grounds with his first salvo in cultivating a level playing field by issuing the "walang wang-wang" directive. The use of sirens characterized the abusive practice of government officials to have unobstructed passage by ordering the sweep of traffic congested area. People celebrated the return of their streets and gave PNoy the first notch on his governance belt.

His pursuit to impeach the sitting Chief Justice, Renato Corona, also captivated the public that its televised proceedings, of over five months, enjoyed large viewership.

In all, the incumbency of PNoy produced more 'hits' than 'missis', pervading the air with a sense of good governance, smeared sporadically, however, by the usual suspects,cronies and hanger-on.

Marcos-the Ghost of PNoy Future?

Carbon relating PNoy, we see that he inherited both his parents' stubborn streak, unmindful of the pitfalls. That stubborn streak comes with a genetic mindset that is never dazzled with power, totally incorruptible. And so we hope.

Still there were incidents that showed signs of wicked politics at play, Marcosian tactics, if you will. Marcos, in his days, was also thought to be the awaited messiah of the Philippines as PNoy is regarded today. Problem came when Marcos started believing the BS. Today we see PNoy, adapting the same perverse politics in his pursuit of the Arroyo clan and their followers, at all cost, even bending a few rules.

In the events leading to the filing of the impeachment articles, there sprung a number controversies. Stories circulated of members of congress forced to sign without the benefit of reading the article. Still, others told of threats to member of congress should they forego signing the impeachment with the withholding of pork. And more visibly, rumors persist that the current hounding of Congressman Emmanuel Pacquiao by the Bureau of Internal Revenue connects to his indifference to the impeachment.

The squid tactic employed to railroad the impeachment of Corona tend to remind one of the kangaroo court that presided over the trial of the father of PNoy. And in a twisted fashion, the impeachment cast Enrile, the person responsible for the incarceration of PNoy's father, in the role of presiding judge.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Sereno concedes her appointment to God's will (which got people questioning her mental state) however, some see it more as the last nail in PNoy's quest to control the whole bureaucracy.

Another reminder of Marcosian politics are the 'crewnies' who after being embroiled in controversies were defended by PNoy. These 'crewnies' mostly shooting buddies of the president hue close to the likes of Danding Cojuanco, Roberto Benedicto and Jose De Venecia.

Assistant Secretary of the Department of Transportation allegedly caused the resignation of the highly regarded, then Secretary Ping de Jesus over STRADCOM. Ronald Llamas, supposed enforcer of the Corona impeachment, remains in government after being arrested for illegal gun possession and caught on camera buying pirated DVDs. As of this writing, another 'crewny' in the thick of a controversy and heavily defended by PNoy, under-secretary Rico Puno, adds another dent to the image of the president.

For all the reasons people think that Ferdinand Marcos and PNoy are poles apart, there exist some similarities that shaped both men's minds. One, they were both of political clans. As a result, both their fathers were victims of political assassinations. Both were raised in the most trying of circumstances by strong-willed mothers.

While both were part of the legislative bureaucracy, they seem lost in economic policies as they concentrate on the Machiavellian lessons of power building.

2013

Lest PNoy takes the 'trapo' path, his administration needs a strong credible 'fiscalizer'.

With the coming election in 2013, PNoy will try to maintain his control in both congress and senate. However, the success of such might prove disastrous for the country with PNoy showing inclination towards 'Machiavilian' politics.

At the moment, the political scene lacks a credible 'fiscalizer', in the same league as Alan Peter Cayetano to foil the immense popularity of PNoy.

To forward the platform of economic growth based on freedom, the system of check and balance has to be regained.

Marcosian politics, as history shows, stands as the lesson on 'what not to do'.

PNoy has the making of a great president, we certainly hope he succeeds.

You would have heard that ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer. That's why skin specialists and ophthalmologists suggest sunscreen lotions and sunglasses with (UV) protection. However, you need to check more than just the label on the sunglasses to determine which ones are the best suited for you. Just because a pair of sunglasses is expensive, does not necessarily mean that it provides ultimate protection, there are cheap sunglasses available in the market which provide quality protection against the sharp rays. Whether you plan to buy replica sunglasses or a pair of designer eye wear, following are different kinds of lenses you can choose from to safeguard your eyes:

1. Polarized Lenses

These lenses reduce glare and provide extra security. Generally, polarized lenses do not provide UV protection unless they are treated specifically with UV coating. These lenses help in eliminating the glare produced by reflective surfaces like dashboards, wet roads or other cars etc.

2. Photo-chromic Lenses

Photo-chromic lenses darken when they are exposed to UV radiation. So once you are out in the sunlight, the lenses will gradually darken in approximately a minute, and when you are away from the UV light, the lens gradually comes back to its standard transparent state. These too can provide adequate UV protection when you need it while retaining the clear standard plastic state when not required.

3. Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are by far the most effective in providing protection against the harmful UV rays. They provide 100% protection and are 10 times more impact-resistant than glass and plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses were generally used for safety glasses for industrial purposes, however they are now becoming popular among sports wearers too. These are the safest options to provide children complete protection as they are break resistant and lighter.

4. Infra Red Lenses

Infra red lenses are great for mountainous or high altitude activities as they provide protection against infrared radiation.

5. Mirror Coated or Tinted Lenses

These kinds of lenses are most popular among sportsmen and mountaineers as they provide complete protection against the UV rays. A mirror coated lens filters almost all of the harmful rays. Tinted lenses, although don't provide as much protection as mirror coated lenses, but depending on the quality of lenses can retain the balance between making a fashion statement and filtering the UV rays.

You can choose a good pair of cheap sunglasses with either one of the above lenses and you are good to go.