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(08/24/10 4:34am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Sunday-night crowd at Kilroy’s on Kirkwood was a bit sparse. A small gathering of freshly moved-in college students were noshing on burgers and the bar’s famous stuffed breadsticks, while seated in the outdoor patio area.At a passing glance, nothing seemed to have changed. But a quick look through the open-air windows of the newly renovated Kilroy’s shows a true transformation.Complete with granite countertops, new flooring and an upstairs bar with leather booths, Kilroy’s seems to have taken a fresh breath. Workers still wear T-shirts and make small talk with guests; friends still hug and laugh at each other’s jokes. The only thing slightly changed is the atmosphere.“I like the old Kilroy’s, but we opened it up, and it’s actually a great change,” bartender Eric Bergman said. “If you don’t want to deal with the crowd, the raging and the noise of downstairs, you can go upstairs and have a nice conversation with your friends in a more intimate setting. Plus, the new windows create a more open feel to the whole building.”Senior and MBA student Kevin King said the bar’s new facade is a great place for incoming students to make new memories, but also for the regulars to remember the good times that they had at the original bar.“I like the new place, but I also like that they brought in a new flavor while keeping remnants of what the old bar was like,” King said.Renovations of the bar began in early June and are still in progress. Maggie Prall, co-owner and manager of Kilroy’s, said the current overhaul seems almost never-ending.“We still have a lot to do,” Prall said. “The lighting and the patio aren’t fully done yet, even though we really tried to push to get it all done before the students came back.”Prall and her construction staff utilized the efforts of about 30 Kilroy’s employees to help with the summer revamp, which cost around $8 million.With all of the changes, Kilroy’s has ultimately seen an upswing in business during its recent summer reopening. The bar reopened on Aug. 18, a mere 12 days before the official start of IU classes.“Every day it’s getting busier because there’s a huge increase in space,” server Josh Rodgers said. “And the more comfortable and enjoyable our bar is, the more business we will see.”Despite all of the aesthetic changes the bar has seen, Kilroy’s on Kirkwood still remains a family-owned and run business. Prall and her brother David inherited the responsibility of co-owning the business from their parents.“We had such a great time remodeling this place that I only see the minor imperfections as character,” Prall said. “This was us bringing the bar into the new generation, and it came along really well.”
(08/04/10 10:20pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>This year has seen its share of ups and downs in clothing trends. Skirt lengths went up to mid-thigh, and the lengths of some dress pants rose to just above the ankle. Floods were also spotted on men’s pant legs when a seemingly worldwide phenomenon of the “roll-up” pant ankle began.But flowing maxi dresses and tunics provided a much-needed anchor to their shorter counterparts. This juxtaposition theme of summer’s fashions, however, is turning into one of innovation.Designers are stepping out of the box this fall and showcasing their talents as creative visual artists, not just pattern-makers and sewers. New trends in color, form and fit are being explored and provide a great deal of variety for young shoppers to look great at the start of a new school year.One new trend for fall will banish all negative thoughts of the term “matchy-matchy.” For Bottega Veneta’s fall 2010 line, warmer color families were seamlessly incorporated in silky, rose-colored blouses and crimson leather pants. At Akris, a women’s business suit, fully saturated in yellow-green chartreuse, caught looks as it passed down the runway. And Oscar de la Renta created blazers of royal blue and bright eggplant, paired with patterned tights of an identical hue.At first glance, these color combinations might seem a bit jarring, but they do provide a simple way to dress in the morning, especially if one needs to catch a bus after oversleeping. Since matching colors and hues is now the new hot topic, you can rest assured that throwing on a full ensemble of yellow with a matching scarf and shoes will not be so tacky anymore.Another strong influence on designers this fall was the idea of making everything longer.Miniskirts and short shorts are apparently dead, and amply draped dresses and coats have sprung to life. At designers Michael Kors’ and Ralph Lauren’s fall shows, skirts and dresses softly brushed the ankles of the statuesque models. Cardigans and coats by designers Peter Som and Marc Jacobs were refreshing twists on their originals; the designers made these layering pieces knee-length. And there were no high heels to accent these nearly floor-touching pieces, either. Flat-soled skimmers and leather boots without any extra height were shown.So, in an effort to stay warm and stylish on campus, investing in some lengthy outfits would be a good idea. The more layers and length you can wear this upcoming season, the better.Plus, the combination of long skirts or dresses with shorter heels or flats will make the morning walk to classes a lot easier on your feet and legs.In short, this fall will be a season that contradicts the styles of summer and bring a fresh perspective on color and fit. All you need to do now is scrape up some money for new digs and take inspiration from fall’s hues, lengths and styles.
(07/21/10 10:47pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A pure white, half-inch border frames a slideshow of horizontal photographs from Balenciaga’s fall 2010 campaign on the label’s website. A menu slides out from the left side of the screen, providing links images of clothing, accessories, shoes and handbags for sale.A few short months ago, these links to the online shopping site were not available. Balenciaga, along with other fashion houses, is feeling the pressure of an already harsh American economy. So now, instead of clients having to trek to cities like New York, Las Vegas or Los Angeles to get their hands on designer pieces, they can have luxury items delivered to their doorsteps.This sudden upswing in online retail springs from slower department store sales, price reductions on merchandise and even the increases in oil prices.Department store sales have taken a hit as of late, which might have affected the overall sales of luxury goods. The industry for luxury goods experienced a decline of 8 percent last year, and department stores have only made $23.79 million worth of revenue this year.Ten years ago, clothing store profits accounted for $168.5 billion of U.S. retail sales, while online commerce contributed only $110 billion. In 2010, online sales have settled at $102.3 million and in-store apparel sales have declined to about $82.172 million.This downfall of in-store sales also means customers are using less gas and spending less time on the roads to travel to boutiques. Gas prices alone have fluctuated within the past six months from a national average of $2.76 per gallon in January to $2.90 per gallon in April and are currently back down to $2.78. And this difference is apparent in the decrease in consumer spending that has happened in the past few months. According to national consumer surveys, clothing store sales declined by 1.3 percent in April, but online retail sales improved by 15.6 percent since May of last year. Designers now turning — or soon turning — to online sales include Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, La Perla and Hugo Boss. These online sales could potentially help or hurt these luxury brands’ profits, but only time will tell.In smaller towns like Bloomington, many stores don’t have e-boutiques. Only a Facebook page and MySpace profile can be found for Cactus Flower, located on Kirkwood Avenue. And one won’t find online merchandise from Cha Cha, either. Even with IU’s more than 32,000 students and plenty of Bloomington residents, most local clothing stores might not feel the need or pressure to provide online sales. They get enough traffic inside their stores.But for larger companies, the Web does pose an opportunity to increase profits: No middleman, like a department store or specialty boutique, is involved.If the benefits of e-commerce outweigh its disadvantages, we as consumers might see many more luxury and department store brands giving in to the appeal of online retail. But for now, there are still many stores we must step into to hang their items in our closets.
(07/14/10 9:38pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>This summer’s animated comedy “Despicable Me” brings bunches of laughter, action and bad-guy-gone-good material to the screen.The film’s quaint town houses evil doctor Gru (Steve Carell) and the younger, more ambitious villain, Vector (Jason Segel). The main plot line moves quite slowly, with a view of Gru’s daily routine seeming somewhat fabulous and mundane all at once. Gru’s ultimate call to action occurs when he learns of Vector’s recent ancient pyramid steal.Gru attempts to pull a bigger heist but ends up creating more obstacles for himself when he takes on the responsibility of foster father. The kids, Margo, Edith and Agnes, are first intended to be Gru’s hench-children, but after a few cutesy scenes, Gru’s attitude toward them changes.The animation and voice talent is incredible throughout this film. I didn’t even recognize the voices of Russell Brand or Segel upon first listen.Another humorous performance by comedy greats has been produced, and it has translated incredibly well into children’s cinema — even if its title is a bit “despicable.”
(07/07/10 9:47pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The combination of summer leisure and global warming could be dangerous — and news stations across the United States are already predicting July to be the hottest month of this year’s summer season. Taking advantage of the sun while still remaining protected from burns and heat-related sickness can be hard to do, so it isn’t surprising that there are many creative (and at times expensive) options people turn to for sun protection.For skin, there are a variety of sunblocks and SPF creams on the market that are reasonably priced but undoubtedly pack a strong defense against UVA and/or UVB rays. The first is Coppertone’s UltraGuard Continuous Spray Sunscreen with SPF 70+ for about $8 at any drug store. With the eve of sunblock sprays, I think my good old days of spreading chalky white gunk on myself are far past. A spray mist like this can cover a larger area of skin and spread more evenly over the skin’s surface than a hand-spread lotion might. But on a windy beach day, these canned sprays can really be tricky to apply. For $8 I would probably rather coat myself in Coppertone’s Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50. But that’s just my preference.And preference does take priority in sun protection these days. Fashionable sun wear seems to be everywhere today, with many accessories being produced by designer labels, not just sport shops. Take, for example, sunglasses. Some people will pay ridiculous amounts of money for sunglasses that promise total UVA/UVB solar shielding. A pair of Mykita’s Shield Aviator Glasses will cost you $525 from a high-end department store like Neiman Marcus, and they promise 100 percent UV protection.But some people go to even greater lengths to find eyewear suitable for summer’s sun exposure. Sport sunglasses from Oakley boast polarized lenses, which help to reduce glare from water while surfing, swimming or boating. A pair of these men’s sunglasses ranges in price from $160 to $260. But if you are an advocate of extreme eye protection, the price might be worth it.On the more affordable end of the spectrum, there are clothing options that suit the purpose of being sun barriers, too. Sun hats can be a great, fashionable alternative to smearing your nose with zinc oxide at the beach. Most sun hats have a brim of 4 inches or more and provide shade not only for your face and eyes, but also for your neck and shoulders. Some sun hats even provide UV and SPF defense, like the products from Coolibar. The company’s Wide Brim Derby Sun Hat costs $44 but provides SPF 50+ to guard the sun’s rays. And with a 5-inch brim, you’ll be shaded from scalp to shoulders. If you’re not satisfied with a smaller brim, you can always choose to purchase something that will give more than head-to-shoulder shade. The Merona Large Straw Floppy Hat from Target sells for $12.99 but does not promise any UV defense or SPF power. However, the large brim of the hat will bring optimum neck and chest shade to an otherwise full-sun atmosphere like the pool or beach. Or for about three times the price of the Merona sun hat, you can purchase the Goldie Straw Floppy Hat from the Free People Boutique online. Made of the same material with a 4-inch brim, this sun hat offers more style than functionality. At $58 with no built-in UV protection, it might not be worth the shade it provides.So, when shopping for sun screening accessories, we should all be aware of the products that are functional as well as fashionable. There are many summer shading options that feature UV protection — and you don’t always need to spend $500 to get them.
(06/23/10 10:58pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>One of the few times in my life when anything goes, style-wise, is summer. Summer clothing might be made of lighter — and less — material, but the strain on my wallet remains the same for a tank top as for a wool sweater. So, to solve this predicament, I went to four Kirkwood Avenue hot spots to find summertime trends, each for less than $50.URBAN OUTFITTERSAt Urban Outfitters, the Ruffle Tier Tank by Kimchi Blue is a great piece for a night out at the bar or even a bonfire. The crossback straps and boatneck make it versatile enough to be worn casually or dressed up, and it is made in floral prints and solids. At $38, this tank is sure to be a fresh summer staple.CHA CHACha Cha provides a multitude of airy, whimsical dresses to suit anyone’s preference. Their 100 percent cotton white allover-eyelet lace strapless dress by designer Double Zero makes for a perfect hot-weather piece. A lot of casual white dresses showed up on runways this spring, especially in the collections of Max Azria and Cacharel. This dress is full of feminine detail, with a ruched elastic cotton back panel to keep the top in place. For $45, it might seem a bit pricey, but its classic style will lend itself to many occasions.PITAYAThe store features playful and eclectic pieces, and accessories are a huge part of its summer merchandise. At $12 per accessory — unless otherwise marked — the store has plenty affordable options to choose from. Crochet and leather waist-cinching belts, flowered headbands, and multi-stranded necklaces adorn the front half of the store. As seen in Hermes’ spring 2010 accessories, leather waist belts are a must for pairing with flowing tops and dresses. And the store’s long, chunky necklaces are reminiscent of Philippe Ferrandis’ mixed media jewelry for spring 2010. CACTUS FLOWERBohemian chic is the vibe for summer at Cactus Flower. Lightweight, vibrantly patterned viscose scarves by Shiraleah and Karma are $20 and $18, respectively. Handmade and vintage apparel is coming into focus now, with designers such as Versace and Diane Von Furstenberg being inspired by 1960s and ’70s culture for their spring and summer accessory lines. Cactus Flower is definitely the place to find affordable one-of-a-kind accessories this summer.
(06/09/10 10:16pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Remember when your grandmother sat down with a roll of yarn and a needle and created something spectacular within an hour? The same craftsmanship Grandma showed then is now being seen in the summer 2010 collections of Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Marni. What these designers have started is a handmade revolution. Chanel showed crocheted dresses and jackets for its spring 2010 runway show, Dolce & Gabbana now features knitted undergarments, and Marni is supporting needlecrafts with its crocheted handbags. But those of us who cannot afford $925 knit undergarments from D&G will have to seek more affordable alternatives. Here in Bloomington, there is hope for craft finds like those spotted on summer runways. In local shops and art galleries, there are many opportunities to discover handmade and crocheted items. Crochet is an abundant art at Yarns Unlimited, located at 101 E. Kirkwood Ave., Suite 109. Knitted and felted items from designer Jennifer Peterson are fresh and funky for summer, and the lightweight cotton boucle yarn used by designer Robin Edmundson is perfectly suited for summer’s hot days and lukewarm nights. With all the store offers, Yarns Unlimited can keep you chic without breaking the bank. Moreover, a trip to Wandering Turtle Art Gallery and Gifts, located at 116 W. 6th St., offers another affordable option for these summertime trends. It features Tizo silver solder jewelry starting at $14 and hand-blown glass pendants by Brent Thackery, as well as polymer clay jewelry by Joyce Fritz.So with a little effort and some support for local talent, you can end up with a beautifully crafted piece of clothing or jewelry and look just like a Chanel model for much less.
(06/02/10 9:09pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>“Sex and the City 2” recaptures the glamorous essence of first film while remaining true to its own storyline. The film, directed by Michael Patrick King, features the four fabulous women from New York City — Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Samantha (Kim Cattrall) — and cameos by big stars Miley Cyrus and Liza Minelli to spice up the already witty screenplay and lavish costume spread. The women voyage to Abu Dhabi courtesy of Samantha’s all-expenses-paid business trip. Despite the intriguing locale, the film includes small moments of drab humor and useless dialogue. However, sharp writing and acting pull it back to more entertaining ground. Relationships, children and marital issues are the main foci of the movie’s plot, and high fashion is, again, ever-present in the four women’s on-screen lives. The plot is fairly simple and easy to follow, providing ample surprises into the final scene. Simply put, the film moves away from the first film’s story just enough to nicely play into a fresh narrative, again from main character Carrie Bradshaw.
(06/02/10 9:00pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>“Songs for a Sailor,” the first of an 11-volume EP set by the Smashing Pumpkins, left me swinging between love and dislike. The first track, “Astral Planes,”had me questioning who this band is, but in a good way. Energetic jam bursts combine with howling electric riffs to create a wonderful vortex of sound. The only downside to the track is that Billy Corgan’s usually tongue-in-cheek lyrics remain unheard, leaving the vocals fluffy and uninspired. Two middle tracks, “A Stitch in Time” and “Widow Wake My Mind,” offer little more than blends of indie rock and electronica. This works well for the experimental nature of this volume but deters from the richer, somewhat gloomier Smashing Pumpkins records of previous decades.However, a standout track comes at the end of the volume. “Song for a Son” begins with a beautifully melodic piano sequence, later coming together with overdubbed acoustic and electric guitars. Corgan’s vocals shine here, as sardonic and introspective as ever. The volume is a great show of experimentation but unfortunately lacks consistency and lyrical strength.
(05/26/10 10:02pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Green is a word with many connotations. Sometimes it means fresh and new, while other times it describes naivete. To think that green is just a pretty color is fine, too. But, for now, let’s just say “green” is becoming “red hot.”The green movement is currently making leaps and bounds in the fashion world. Clothing and accessory makers have begun to embrace this eco-friendly trend and are profiting from materials the earth provides without turning customers off. And with so many options available, from bamboo fiber to vegan materials, designers and retailers now have the chance to dazzle consumers with earth-conscious style.With a wealth of organic resources available, many manufacturers are turning toward selling exclusively eco-friendly products. Sling and Stones, a Seattle-based denim manufacturer, creates jeans from certified organic supima cotton denim loomed in Okayama, Japan. The company boasts the use of all-natural plant dye, or no dye at all, in the production of its denim pieces. Although the price of these jeans is quite high — about $270 from www.selfedge.com — the idea is that organic cotton is more sustainable and therefore won’t break down as quickly over time.Another larger retailer has also caught on to the earth-friendly fashion movement — American Apparel. The hip California retailer offers customers various styles of shirts, pants and underwear made of 100% organic and pesticide-free cotton material. Organics for men, women and children are available, starting at $6 and topping out at $42. The company is opposed to sweatshop conditions and is a member of the Cleaner Cotton Campaign, which provides cotton farmers with non-chemical options for treating cotton fields during cultivation.With all the hype surrounding eco-friendly products, it seems going green will continue turning up the heat in the fashion world, one eco-conscious garment at a time.
(05/26/10 9:58pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>“Shrek Forever After,” the fourth installment of ogre fairy tales directed by Mike Mitchell, is truly disappointment-proof. The film begins with the signature storybook reading by an unfamiliar voice, which, we later realize, is that of Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn). A brief backstory of the first film introduces Rumpelstiltskin as a sort of fairy godfather who writes up magical contracts — each one with strings attached. An exhausted and perturbed Shrek (Mike Myers), overwhelmed by his infant children and newfound popularity with the villagers of Far Far Away, signs one of Rumpelstiltskin’s agreements, later realizing it creates a world where he doesn’t exist. The plot includes twists and turns galore, including a plate of waffles that leads to an underground ogre army that features Fiona (Cameron Diaz) as its leader. An overweight version of Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) provides comic relief, and Rumpelstiltskin becomes the dynamic villain with quirky tendencies — he wears flashy wigs reflecting his various moods. All in all, the film merges adult and child humor as in the previous three films and never feels overdone.
(05/19/10 9:07pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A week’s holiday in Verona might just lead to true love. At least, that’s the message of the new film “Letters to Juliet,” directed by Gary Winick. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is a recently engaged Brown University graduate working as a fact-checker for the New York Times. The first few scenes show her scouring New York City’s phone books for an important source regarding the famous photograph “V-J Day” by Alfred Eisenstaedt. Sophie’s search for a confirmation of spontaneous love in the photograph sets her on a journey to discover her own definition of true love. Her fiance Victor (Gael Garcia Bernal) whisks her away to Verona, Italy, where she becomes captivated by a wall containing letters to the fictional Juliet of Shakespeare. Through research, she aids one of the letters’ writers, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave), on a quest to reconnect with a lost lover from 50 years ago. With the plot’s charming humor and touching romance, “Letters to Juliet” shines as a love story for both the young and old to enjoy.
(05/13/10 4:31pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In “Nine,” directed by Rob Marshall, Italian movie director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) finds himself in a bit of a pickle when he cannot discover his inspiration for writing the script of his much-anticipated film, “Italia.” Contini struggles with hard interviews from the press, physical illness and love affairs while trying to complete the idea for what seems to be the most important film of his career. As he attempts to finish his script within ten days, Contini is equal parts nervous madman and heavy daydreamer.Each character possesses his or her own inspiring qualities for the Italian director, but he finally realizes that the women most prevalent in his own life are the best models upon which to build “Italia.” “Nine” is humorous, beautiful and heartfelt all at once. Showcasing the talents of Daniel Day-Lewis, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz and Nicole Kidman, “Nine” provides brilliantly choreographed dance numbers, sparkling costumes and amazing vocal talent from each actor and actress. It will leave you wanting more from both classic Italian filmmaking and the Broadway stage.
(05/13/10 3:57pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Newborns have never been so mundane. The international documentary “Babies,” directed by Thomas Balmes, follows the first year in the lives of four babies, each from a different country and culture of the world. The four children, Ponijao of Namibia, Bayar of Mongolia, Mari of Japan, and Hattie of the United States each possess the same characteristics of a typical newborn. They cry, sleep, and become fascinated with their surroundings. While there are moments of undisputed cuteness, like scenes in which the babies interact with animals, there are also scenes of boring daily chores like baths, cradling, and first steps to which only a real parent could relate.All in all, the film was a disappointment. Without some sort of dramatic cinematography, compelling sound or voice track to keep the film’s energy intact, it felt like little more than a home movie compilation. If you are more interested in differences between cultural natal practices than in watching a baby puke and cry, then you should see this movie. But if you don’t want to have a lesson in anthropology while at the theater, you should spend your money elsewhere.
(05/12/10 11:31pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Online retail just became a lot more interesting and interactive. With the advent of social networking, many fashion websites are heeding technology’s call to utilize a new business fad aptly named “crowd funding” to provide clients with support.Crowd funding first appeared in France in 2004 and has since spread to the business worlds of the United States and other European countries. The basic idea behind this Internet phenomenon mixes social networking and monetary donations to provide business sponsorship. Fashion sites using this medium include catwalkgenius.com from the United Kingdom, the Chicago-based cameesa.com and the upcoming fashionstake.com. Catwalkgenius.com uses a system in which adult visitors to the site living within the UK or Ireland can invest in a designer — based on photographs of sample pieces — in increments of 11 pounds to fund a collection by that designer. Once a designer reaches their funding goal, which could be anywhere from 5,000 to 50,000 pounds, the designer then has six months to produce and sell a clothing line earning at least equal revenue to what the investors had given. If all goes as planned and the collection earns as much as what it cost to produce, a percentage of the profits goes to the catwalkgenius.com users who previously invested in that designer. This kind of stock market approach to the fashion industry promises great benefits for both consumer and designer. Customers decide which creative minds to invest in, and the up-and-coming fashion designer receives the funding he or she might not have otherwise had to produce his or her own clothing line. This creates a support group for new designers, giving them the monetary and social backbone needed to survive in the fickle fashion industry. However, risks are always present in any stock market. If a designer does not meet his or her funding goal, the line never launches, and investors lose the money they had advanced to the designer’s aid.Although catwalkgenius.com only allows for UK and Ireland residents 18 years of age or older to financially back designers, the site does receive and ship orders to and from the United States and Europe. Fashionstake.com is set to launch very soon and will provide the United States with a version of catwalkgenius.com in which American consumers can become active shareholders of designers. So the next time you have dreams of being a fashion star, try asking for donations from your friends or family members to fund your line. Just make sure you have enough money to go around once you become famous.
(01/13/10 11:37pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Incorporating new trends into our apparel is almost as hard as following through on yearly resolutions. But as 2010 begins, the fashion forecast is bringing a breezy transition.Old trends will continue with famous designers collaborating with department stores. Rodarte has already partnered with Target until Jan. 31 to provide looks starting at $9.99.But new trends in color and fit will be explored in many fashion houses, and will provide greater versatility.Color will be important. Think nude, peach and powder blue for women, and chocolate brown and hints of army green for men. Pinches of coral, scarlet and white will also appear, as seen on Donna Karan’s spring 2010 women’s runway. But I think simplicity is the key to using bold color. Style-wise, this upcoming year will provide boyish silhouettes made feminine and messy hairstyles for women, courtesy of loose chignons or teased ponytails, according to W Magazine’s January 2010 issue. For men, style will definitely return to old world simplicity. Burberry’ 2010 men’s collection, found on their Web site, reminded me of ’50s period films.Sport coats will no longer be worn with jeans, but with slim slacks and either untucked or tucked-in cotton shirts.These styles may sound a bit involved at first, but when paired with a distressed brown leather coat or a pair of canvas sneakers, they are instantly dressed down for the day.
(06/21/09 10:55pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Medicine advertisements often claim to provide relief from migraine headaches in 30 minutes or relieve back and joint pain within an hour. But there could be a less expensive treatment for personal ailments – laughter.The Bloomington Laughter Club, founded and headed by certified “laughter leader” Sulaiman Zai, provides participants a lesson in “laughter yoga.”The club meets from 6 to 7 p.m. every second, third and fourth Wednesday of each month and is free and open to the public. The sessions take place at Unity of Bloomington, on South Rogers Street. The group’s meeting begins with a short introduction, in which Zai discusses the health and wellness benefits of laughter yoga. The exercises have been proven to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the face and increase endorphins within the body, he said. Once the session begins, Zai gathers his group into a small circle and explains that talking and cracking jokes during the meeting is counteractive to the laughter process and that plain laughter should be a main focus. “When we do an exercise, if you don’t feel like laughing, fake it,” Zai said to the group. “And leave the critical mind outside.”Participant Millie Jackson said she’s noticed the impact of laughter yoga on her health.“It has enhanced my awareness of the benefits of laughter,” Jackson said. “I didn’t realize you didn’t have to be laughing at something funny to benefit from laughing. I have always been more inclined to use laughter as a response to something that was bothering me. It’s a way for me to respond to things in a more constructive way.”Laughter yoga originated in Mumbai, India, where a doctor developed the exercise to help calm his personal stress. Today, the exercise has spread across the world, with more than 400 clubs devoted to it in the United States.“I saw this topic on the Web and thought it was a great idea,” Zai said. “I also teach martial arts, so anything that can connect mind and body interests me.”Group exercises include pretending to scarf down a giant slice of watermelon, laughing while walking on invisible hot coals and fueling a make-believe motorcycle with laughter.Carol Spencer, another participant, said the effects of these exercises are long-lasting and help relieve the jitters of meeting new people.“There are some benefits that I anticipated and some that I didn’t,” Spencer said. “One I anticipated was that it would help me feel more optimistic and happy about life. ... I also didn’t think that there was such a sense of bonding in the group. We don’t get to talk. We just do the exercises and laugh. When I look in the eyes of another person, it just feels like an instant bond.”Zai also emphasized the importance of keeping eye contact with each fellow member in the group and acting happy and energetic even when feeling sad or moody. His philosophy is to act happy and the happiness will spread itself. “Making direct eye contact with someone you haven’t spoken to before can be a little intimidating,” participant Mary Kern said. “So I loved it when the group lay on the floor in a circle, heads facing into the center. You begin to laugh, forcing it, but eventually you are laughing so hard your sides hurt.”