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When it comes to ‘gifts for him’ it’s long been known that the quickest way to any man’s heart is via his stomach, and with the selection of fabulous food and drink gifts available for your favourite gastronome, he’ll be singing your praises in no time!

Food glorious food!

If he’s a lover of the hot and spicy, why not give him the ‘grow your own’ chili kit, for the ultimate in window-box gardening skills! Who knows, the fruits of his labour may entice him to create some spicy dishes of his own in the kitchen! Or if he prefers something less ‘lively’ on his plate, perhaps try the ‘grow your own’ herb kit - perfect to chuck in the next spag bol!

Perhaps the man in your life is a bit of a health nut, in which case gifts for him might include the gorgeous deluxe fresh fruit basket, filled to the brim with a selection of the finest and freshest seasonal and exotic fruit - pineapples, grapes, satsumas, apples - he’ll be able to look horribly smug, while the rest of you tuck into the usual festive fare of snacks and chocs!

Foodie experiences

Otherwise, make the foodie experience an active one, with gifts for him which combine the best of food and drink, with an exciting trip - for example, a wine tasting experience and tour of an English vineyard, with a history tour, a wine tasting, a cold buffet lunch (after all that wandering about) - and even your own complimentary wine bottle to take home afterwards… Otherwise gifts for him don’t come much more suave than a Thames Dinner Cruise for two in a luxury catamaran cruiser, combining a night-time cruise of London, entertainment from a live jazz band and a top-notch four-course a la carte dinner with wine and chocolates thrown in! Dig out that old dinner jacket and smarten him up for the occasion, he’ll love how the high-life tastes compared to a usual Saturday night knees-up down at the local…

You might also want to treat him to luxury gifts for him that can be enjoyed outdoors - for example, the Baileys Hamper, which presents a bottle of the famous Baileys treat with two personalised glasses, some Twinings coffee and a box of delicious mint cremes - the perfect basis for a picnic - even one in your living room!

Tackle a thirst!

For lovers of fine-quality drinks, possible gifts for him might include a personalised 12 year old malt whiskey, or luxury champagne - a ‘premiere cuvee’ blend of Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, presented in a gift box. Certainly more stylish than the usual four-pack he keeps in the fridge. Make sure you get a glass or two yourself!

With the ‘morning after’ in mind, good choices might be the ‘tea and coffee’ gift box, which takes the humble tea institution to dizzy new heights, with the chance to grow his own coffee beans and tea leaves! The box includes seeds, growing pots, coconut husk compost, little plant markers and a booklet of handy tips. He’ll never look at a PG Tips in the same way again!

Sweet tooth gifts!

If he’s more of a sweet tooth man - and who said chocolate was for the ladies only - then he’ll love the more masculine spin on the yummy stuff with the quirky Chocoholics pizza! Created from the highest quality of chocolate, this pre-sliced chocolate ‘pizza’ combines Belgian chocolate with a choice of toppings - from jelly beans to honeycomb - and featuring Smarties, mini-marshmallows and vanilla fudge somewhere along the way! It comes in either an 8 slice, 10 inch version, or 16 slice, 12 inch version - but either way, it’s a sure fire thing that there’ll be competition for a slice of this memorable gift. Just remember - this is one pizza that doesn’t go in the microwave!!

And if he’s the caring, sharing type - or has no choice in the matter - then make it easy with the Big Share basket of treats - a giant basket, containing a delicious range of wickedly tasty treats for everyone - packed with chocolate muffins, brownies and shortbreads, and all overflowing from a lovely keepsake wicker basket. A perfect party-gift or a practical compromise where family members are concerned!

So go on, treat the man in your life with delicious food and drink gifts for him. With so many options on offer he’ll be spoilt for choice - and who knows, chances are he’ll need a bit of help getting through them all…

To explore our range of gifts for him further, please visit our website at http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk.

There’s an unwritten scientific law which states that ‘the best presents come in the smallest packages’… and certainly that’s never more true than at Christmas, when children of ‘all ages’ become incredibly excited at the prospect of glorious little stocking fillers!

Let’s face it, big fancy presents are ace - but there’s also something undeniably enthralling about those little itty-bitty stocking fillers which are so often the most surprising, humorous, and touching!

For him

Even big hairy men can’t resist quirky stocking fillers! Just make sure he leaves out a clean sock - not the filthy pair from the bottom of the washing basket. Pop in the ‘build your own Lamborghini’ kit to fuel his racing dreams! And then remind him that he’ll need to get saving if he wants a real version, with the original coin sorter! A dip down the back of the sofa should bring up a few coppers to start with… For smart gents who like a laugh, why not tickle his humour with some wonderful ‘Mr Men’ cufflinks - or if he fancies himself as more of a hard nut, challenge him to grow his own super-hot chilli plant… and laugh merrily at the results!

For her

When she starts dropping heavy hints about the lovely presents she’s hoping for at Christmas, don’t panic, show her how much you care with a thoughtful selection of little stocking fillers - she’ll be singing your praises for the holiday season! Why not decorate the festive tree with a cute little ‘Shopaholic’ bauble, devoted to your own Retail Queen, or make sure your smiling face is the first thing she sees upon waking, with the dinky ‘boyfriend’ red-heart photo frame - poor love. Princesses of all ages will love the ‘make your own tiara’ kit, but if the regal headgear - and the festive bubbly - start to go to her head, calm her down with the beautiful glowing ’sun jar’ and a squeeze of her own personalised teddy bear… If you’re feeling extremely easy-going, why not offer her some amusement with the devilish ‘control a man’ remote control. Of course, if the remote gets lost - as they so often do - it won’t be anything to do with you will it…?

For the kids

Aah, those happy images of angelic children at Christmas time - little faces beaming and eyes sparkling as they joyfully receive a single orange and a lump of coal in their ancient festive stocking…. well sadly those days are gone, and your little darlings will working themselves into a hyperactive frenzy with thoughts of all manner of exciting stocking fillers! Why not start with a beautiful vintage stocking, filled with treats. Your little monkeys will love a mini flying monkey toy with cape - and no, Dad really doesn’t need to carry out rigorous testing and quality control himself first! Kids of a certain age will love the naughty ‘On a roll’ crime scene toilet tissue (one to avoid giving to holiday guests) and dreamers will love scrawling in the quirky ‘I’m going to change the world’ planning notebook. The ‘Christmas Game’ box will hopefully distract them from fighting - but if the excitement gets too much, the slightly weird ‘bacon and egg’ bandage tin should soothe any bumps! Finally, pack them off with a selection of diverting games - the money maze or some old fashioned space intruders should keep them quiet for - oh, about two minutes!

Grandparents

Too old for stocking fillers? Nonsense, your lovely grand folk won’t stand for any of that malarkey! Nowadays there are plenty of interesting stocking fillers for even the most ’senior’ of Christmas kids! Why not show Grandma your old fashioned appreciation of the kitchen with “Mrs Manley’s Christmas Treat’s’ recipe book. Of course, she needn’t know that your domestic skills extend no further than ‘defrost and microwave’ - and with any luck she’ll offer to get cracking with some mince pie recipes! For Grandad, darken his green fingers with the carnivorous plant kit! It’ll go a treat in the greenhouse - and slightly disturb the neighbours. Bonus! Otherwise, he might like the mini golf kit. That way he can focus on perfecting his putt, and quietly zone out from the Christmas chaos unfolding all around!

Of course, these are just a few ideas - and there are literally endless options for stocking fillers when you put your mind to it! Have fun with it and go wild - and remember, it’s the personal touch which really shows your loved ones that you care - so get online, and enjoy playing Santa this Christmas!

To explore our range of stocking fillers further, please visit our website at http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk.

Everyone must own a pair of jeans; it is one of the few essential clothing items that one should possess in their closet. They earn this honor simply because they are so versatile. The great thing about a pair of Carhatt jeans is that you can dress them up or down, which ever way you like it or whatever the situation at hand demands. They can do great for smart casuals or look just plain casual. They are available in a variety of colors, washes, styles and embellishments. Just when you think that you have seen it all, you are bound to see jeans that have something new about them. So how does one keep up with the latest trends for Carhatt jeans? Here are a few tips.

Rising waistlines and embellishments

These season waistlines are no longer going lower, but they aren’t staying the same either. They are on the rise. And if you like a bit of ‘bling’ well you are in luck – embellishments are in!

Lightweights

If you are fed up of those thick jeans, no problem – just store them away for future use. Carhatt jeans made of lightweight denim have arrived and are doing great as a style. If you can get your hands on a skinny pair that scrunches up at the bottom, even better! And don’t worry too much about your thick jeans; they never go out of style.

Bell legs and the lived in look

Do you literally live in your jeans? Especially to get them to have that look that says you can’t part with your pair? Good news for you too. The lived in look is back in, so these Carhatt jeans are now available of the shelf. You no longer need to actually live in them to get them to look old of course, unless you want too. Watch out for the bell legs too, they are hot this season as well.

Multidirectional weave and detailed back pockets

Multidirectional weaves in a pair of jeans adds an air of sophistication to them and to the wearer. These kinds of jeans make for good smart casual options. Detailed back pockets are also hot this season, they are good attention grabbers and they obviously work excellently with shorter tops.

Vintage – always in style

There’s a reason that vintage is vintage. They are timeless and vintage Carhatt jeans are hot as well this season. Team them with a pair of vintage boots and you have a show stopper.

The finish guide

Apart from all the various styles that are in, there are also the washes to consider. Here’s a quick guide on washes to help you choose:]

Acid wash: Jeans that have been subjected to pumice stones soaked in chlorine to give the denim white highlights.

Clean: Denim that has the new look even though it has been washed many times.

Creased: Denim that has white lines down the front, giving it an appearance that it has been ironed many times.

Dirty wash: As the name suggests, denim that constantly looks dirty. This denim of these Carhatt jeans is subjected to a dying process while being manufactured that gives it a look of constantly being dirty.

Frayed: This needs no explanation. These are jeans that have a frayed finish at the edges, like the waistband and edges.

Indigo: The traditional blue jeans

Over dyed: Jeans that are dyed again after stitching, making the colour of the thread blue as well.

Pre – ripped: Jeans that have been ripped or torn

Sand wash and Stone wash: A look that gives the impression of area specific wear, like fading.

Tint: Jeans that have undergone a special dying process with a yellow khaki colour to give them an old look.

Whiskers: Jeans that have white lines that look like wrinkles near the crotch and behind the knee.

Get the latest in Carhartt Jeans at http://www.workwear1.com. We have a full line of Mens Carhartt Jeans in addition to other Carhartt Clothing.

I should have actually named this article “The Science Of Communication And Why You Should Learn It”. This is because this “art” is also a “science” which is very powerful. The number one power is “breaking the ice”.

How often have you seen some folks at a party, gathering, mixer, or any other group meeting where these folks are only in themselves? Either they look lost, out of place, nervous, or simply trying to kill time by fidgeting, checking the time, or talking on their cell phone to look “busy”. And how often was this person “you”?

The problem with these people is, either they’re too much of an introvert, have an anti social behavior, not confident of themselves, feel uncomfortable in a crowd, lack self esteem, have a speaking problem, have too much of an ego, get tongue tied when confronting someone of the opposite sex, or have bad intentions. The reasons can be one or more of these. However, the bigger problem here is, the person who is trying to analyze and evaluate you will, more often than not, assume one of the wrong reasons!

I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone; there are plenty of folks with the same problem. In fact, I was also one of them. I hated talking to people. I felt as if people would make fun of me. I didn’t want to be a joker or something. I would always want to run away from such situations; even hide myself somewhere where I can’t be found! But now I’ve changed myself. Learnt from observing and reading. Built up the courage myself. Made myself understand that being able to communicate well is important for survival. I failed a lot, initially. But I learnt from my failures and kept a positive and focused will to do it.

As of now, I’m very comfortable talking and communicating with people. I can talk to anyone without thinking twice or without any hesitation. I can speak to the president or to the CEO of a fortune 500 company without batting an eyelid. So how did I change myself? I am not a natural extrovert, but a cultivated one. I exited my comfort zone and forced myself to do it. I believed only in one thing – you can do anything you want, within reason, as long as you have the will and perseverance to do it.

First of all, you need to understand that to be a good speaker, you actually need better listening skills than speaking skills. If you can make people speak by beginning with the right sentences and without unnecessarily interrupting them when they speak, they will think that you are a great person to talk to.

Next, you should not be too conscious of yourself. Is your hair combed properly? Can people see the extra pounds you put on recently? (stop tucking your tummy and holding your breath)! Is the ironing of your clothes OK or does it look shabby? STOP! The more you focus on yourself, the less you can communicate. Your hands may shake, you may get butterflies in your stomach, your mouth can go dry, your voice may quiver and your heart may race faster. So just relax, keep your calm and just be your natural self. No one is perfect in this world. A good idea is to be conscious of your surroundings and maintain necessary eye contact with the folks you communicate with.

Another idea is to crack jokes or use some gentle humor, but be careful. You don’t want it to backfire or attract a sneer. If you’re not good at it, drop this thing altogether. It’s a good idea to be a little humorous as it is also a good ice breaker. It relaxes the people you communicate with and allows them to let their hair down. At times, it also keeps people from dozing off, if the subject is boring!

Finally, don’t be afraid of making mistakes. To err is human, so don’t try to hide your mistakes. Openly acknowledge it and even laugh at yourself if you have to; it makes you look like a natural human. For updates on my articles, check out http://www.bharatbhasha.com/author.php/Nirjara%20Rustom – most of my latest articles are always posted there. You can republish them in your own website as long as you keep it unedited and keep the links active in the author’s bio.

Nirjara Rustom moderates the Communication Section of http://www.bharatbhasha.com at http://www.bharatbhasha.com/communication.php - here we cover this subject in much more detail.

In 1889, Capt. James C. Kerr and his crew reported that they saw a whale like creature approaching their lake steamer in the waters of Flathead Lake, Montana. One of the crew apparently fired his rifle at it and it scared the creature away.

In 1949, the Polson family who was out for a picnic near the lake reported that they saw a very huge fish in Flathead lake. It was more than a hundred meters from them but they could clearly see about six feet of its tail appearing above the water. It swam towards the southeastern part of the lake and it produced waves that were a foot high as it gradually went under water.

On May 28, 1955, Leslie Griffith was able to catch a very big sturgeon near Dayton, several miles down the Flathead Lake. The sturgeon put off a very good fight as Griffith pointed out. When the carcass of the white sturgeon was measured, it was about eight foot long; weighing almost two hundred pounds. The remains of the white sturgeon were then brought to the Polson-Flathead Historical Museum.

At that account, people in the area around Flathead Lake assumed that it was the end of the line for their own “Nessie” story. However many skeptics theorized that the large fish might have been pulled from the lake, but it might have been brought in to the lake from somewhere else. True to most theories, the slain sturgeon did not put an end to the stories of the Flathead Lake Monster. More sightings of the creature were reported every year.

In 1993, there were more than twenty reported sightings of the Flathead Lake Monster. Among the most prominent records were those during July 13 and July 29. On July 13, a bank officer and a sales manager of Seattle claimed that they had videotaped their sighting of the Flathead Lake Monster. They said that the monster had a sturgeon-like head but its body seemed to be more akin to that of an eel. They said that the body seemed to be at least twelve feet in length. In the video, a dark shape emerging from the water’s surface can be observed.

Two weeks after, an Illinois policeman with his family said that they saw a “nessie” in the waters near the north side of Wild Horse Island. They said that they were on their boat when they spotted the creature fifty yards away from them. They said that it swam past their boat at a distance of about a hundred yards away. According to the officer, the Flathead Lake monster had a shiny and slippery body. It had a head much like the size of a bowling ball and its body extended to about twenty feet long.

There is a website that describes the Flathead Lake Monster and numerous other creatures of Cryptozoology in detail, this website is called: Unknown Creatures and it may be found at this url: http://www.unknown-creatures.com

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet since 2001, and has been producing low-cost software for many years. He first released software on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970’s-80’s. Robert has written many articles pertaining to numerous subjects, and he has also developed over 7 different websites. Seasonal Vacation Spots http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

As the spring season slowly ends and the warmer days of summer are approaching, finding great outerwear is essential. Coats are generally too hot and going without is generally too cold. My solution was simply – purchase a jacket. But the majority of those particular pieces of outerwear do not meet my own personal standards for fashion. Ok, maybe I am not a fashion diva, but I do like to look as good as I can when I go out. This means I soon discovered the beauty of embroidered jackets.

Sometimes, I look back at a life without embroidery, but in all honesty, embroidery is something that is super easy to do albeit a bit time consuming if you do this yourself. Embroidered jackets are so fashionable though that I simply had to have one.

Finding great customization storefronts is easier than ever before thanks to the wonders of the internet. Local customization shops simply did not have the personalization capabilities I was looking for. The internet is filled with great options with even nicer prices.

For instance, you get to choose the thread color you want, the thread thickness you want, and the thickness of the stitch – in most cases. Having complete freedom to choose means you get a more personal choice that will last forever. That is just for choices with the embroidery too!

Pick a favorite jacket; decide whether it is capable of being personalized and what type of customization would work best. The ability to customize something generally comes down to the thickness of the garment itself. If the stitching is too large, customization will probably not stick. However, today is a day where everything and anything is possible. You may be surprised what can be done for your favorite new garment. All you have to do is ask!

Choose a design!

This is the opportunity you will have to choose a favorite design that can be chosen from a template or chosen from scratch. Not all companies can customize those pants with what you are wanting, but if you look, you will find what you are looking for. The internet is filled with companies wanting to earn your respect and your business. The good news is that since the internet is such a large marketplace, those companies do have to earn your respect if they ever want repeat business.

Of course you will also want to investigate how long it will take for the design to reach you. If you shop down at the local store, you will generally have to wait as well. However, the internet usually takes a little longer. You will want to insure you have a realistic time from for the delivery of the final product. Sometimes, you will even be able to order online and pickup at a local store. How awesome is that?

When it comes to embroidered jackets, you have a lot of options. Taking that step from spring to summer is made a lot more comfortable when you have a stylish jacket of your own that has been customized to personal perfection. You get complete style in a personal, unique package.

Max Johnson of The Uniform Connection click for Corporate Apparel. Click for more Embroidered Jackets.

Choosing the best designs for work or play is always a great opportunity to explore the possibilities for your life. There are a copious number of styles and choices available to you when you decide that you need something more for your wardrobe. For instance, maybe you will find embroidered jeans or shirts are something that will make your day or evening all that much better. These are styles that fit your life making things more elegant and a bit more customized. Your life at its best where you control the look and the final outcome.

Embroidered jeans are a great way to turn that everyday pair of pants into something extraordinary. This embroidery can be a customization or personalization of your choice. That is the beauty of customization! You get to have something that is uniquely you.

Do you like dragons or fairies? You can have your favorite, everyday denims personalized with an exquisite dragon or fairy design. Choose a variety of colors thanks to thread choices, or choose something more solid by choosing one color of your choice.

Once upon a time, if you wanted something as intricate as a dragon or fairy, you would have to spend a lot of money to someone who would take weeks if not months of embroidering to get the perfect look and feel. Today, machines get the same exquisite look in a lot less time and for a lot less money. These designs can even be better because you get direct control over the look, placement, and size. Thanks to technology, you can get those embroidered jeans you want in the blink of an eye.

Where can you get those stylish additions to your wardrobe?

Start by checking locally, or take a leap and investigate what the internet has to offer – you may be surprised. As is common with any large marketplace, you will find the internet offers superb deals and styles for you to choose from because there are many people wanting your business and trust. Fortunately, there are websites that promote a good work ethic that will insure you get the best designs and styles without spending a proverbial arm and leg.

These will be easy to find, and you can insure you get the safest choices for your needs by investigating the website in question. How do others rate the site? Are the designs custom ordered? Are the prices reasonable? How long will it take to get your order?

Another important concept is the fact you need to insure this is, indeed, a real company. You should easily and quickly find contact information. Can you reach a live person?

Of course, there are medical scrubs, vests, outwear, sports wear, and copious choices for you to choose from, but the pants still is a favorite. You can use the top or shirt for the important information, and use customization to make those pair of denims all yours. You get a personal look and feel that is awesome. When you choose embroidered jeans, you will find you get more for your money and time. Nothing could be better or save you more money.

Max Johnson of The Uniform Connection click for Corporate Apparel. Click for more Embroidered Jeans.

Today further planning has become very important for all of us. With the rising demands of our children and even the rising expenses we ought to think about the future of our children as well as our selves. It is for all time a wise and a good decision to switch on to the new types of challenges and accept them and get achievements in our life for a better tomorrow. Nowadays there are many ways which we can think to secure our future and the life insurance policies are some of them. Investing in the life insurance policies and benefiting from them is one of the best ways we can think to protect our future all the times. There are many life insurance policies which we can benefit from. Some of them are the whole term life insurance policy, the universal life insurance policy, the health insurance policy and many more. To gather all the details of the life insurance policies, we either have to log on to the famous website of the country or we have to consult one of the life insurance agents. They will guide us towards the right policy and they will help us to make a decision to which policy to invest in.

My friend is a very rich man today all because his father had bought a life insurance policy for him when he was only three years old. By the time my friend grew up even the returns of the policy was growing up. Finally when my friend was matured enough to take of the money then his father handed him the life insurance policy which he had bought for him years ago. My friend also without any delays was regularly paying the premiums in the policy which his father had bought for him so that the returns which he could get from would continue. In some of the policies we can even remove a part of amount if we require but we have to pay the premiums regularly on time so that the policies does not get lapse in between. Even if we have enough money for today but we must consider about the future and try to remove a part of our earnings and invest for a better tomorrow so that we can rest peacefully.

I had never invested in any of the life insurance policies and neither did my father ever have invested. We were not very rich and could hardly earn so that we could take care of only our present expenses. But my friend insisted me to save at least a small part of my earnings for the future. He told me to start with a small amount and then gradually when I felt that I could spare some amount for the payment of the premiums easily, then I should go in for another policy. This way my friends advised and I agreed and told him that I will try the same. I invested in the universal life insurance policy because I felt that this was a good policy and I could invest the minimum amount in it.

Angela is an expert in the field. For Universal life insurance and for detailed information on life insurance Please visit:http://choicesinc.ca/

If air pollution really does lead to global warming as some experts claim, it is worth considering when using an air emissions source. Especially one operating in a country that follows the Kyoto Protocol and counts emissions.

We need our protective blanket. The atmosphere. It keeps us safe and warm. But not too warm. Do extra carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other gases really make it too warm?

Citizens all over the world now ask what they can do to help keep the balance we all know from becoming upset. Will reducing fuel use do anything constructive? Part of good management is good decision making.

How role does government play?

More and more, industrial firms concern themselves with environmental consequences of their activities, and then the economic consequences of changes to the environment. Most countries have agencies that regulate activities to some degree and support beneficial practices.

Those highly concerned with global warming are glad to see that somebody with power cares, but often wish they had even more power. Then we could all see the difference they are looking for. An active government agency facilitates the creation of that difference and significant moves in the right direction.

Good for the air? Then it is good for the planet.

Air pollution. Water pollution. It is all pollution. Can air emissions cause water pollution? You bet.

We have this little thing called deposition. Particles and other heavy pollutants actually fall out of the air and can accumulate on the ground. A little rain comes along and contamination gets washed into the surface water or groundwater.

It is another problem for industry. One that takes expertise beyond their own capabilities to deal with. This is where groundwater and air professionals come in handy. They know how the natural systems affected work and where cleanup and preservation efforts are best applied.

Solutions for these problems may come from emissions management. Maybe something else. Maybe close monitoring of processes, or rerouting fluid flow within the plant.

Who is qualified for air-environmental work?

An experienced weather forecaster who now does air quality predictions. A good professional in this area uses strong intellect and savvy, scientific methods, statistical research and analyses for interesting and unusual things. It helps if one likes to entertain possibilities. For some things, the more unorthodox, the better.

It also helps to roll with the punches quite effectively. If such a person can come up with a better plan while doing so. It will be a logical plan for sure.

It is good to be open minded. Good at dealing with emerging issues and allowing a plan to develop over the course of action. And incorporating input from others. Tis better to understand others than to pass judgment on them. Just remember, it is all good.

Where do I learn about meteorological concepts?

How about photos and articles? You might start with a place for student and teacher resources. A place where readers can read and learn and enjoy the writing. Maybe even see what kind of relevant products and companies are up and coming.

Want to see somebody with credentials? Somebody with both education and experience in the subject of meteorology. See what a meteorological expert has to say about the subject. And maybe even his other interests. To do so, type something like “barometer makes” or “explain humidity” into your favorite search engine and see what comes up. For environmental pollution topics, try “air quality testers” or “water pollution pictures”.

Barry is an experienced air quality modelling scientist. See how air quality modelling solves some of our environmental problems. His weather man page provides more details about the author.

Well the new Stade Francais’s rugby kit is causing a stir! Made by Adidas, it is covered in repeat block colour images of Blanche de Castille, France’s thirteenth century ruler, complete with crown. The design is clearly reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe prints.

Personally I quite like it, not sure it’ll look quite the same filled with a large French rugby player, but as a garment it works. The colours and design are strong and eye-catching. The contrast darker sleeves and side panels help to counteract the bright colour blocks and slim the figure and tone down the overall appearance of the garment so that it isn’t quite so garish. It certainly opens up a whole new area of sportswear design for those of us who have had the task of trying to come up with a new way of introducing team colours in various panels, piping and trims.

Whereas before garments have been limited by where seams can be put for comfort, strength and cost, the placement of colours was also limited to these areas as fabrics are still generally supplied in single colours.

The application of images and multi-coloured prints to sports clothing could completely change the way we do things. The advancement of sports fabrics has played a big part, new fabrics can be coloured and printed in ways which wouldn’t have worked so well in the past. This means that as new cheaper methods of printing are developed that allow for smaller runs of fabric, the way we think about sportswear design has also changed. More items are using printed fabrics within their design to try to give their product the edge. Gilbert for example use camouflage prints on their rugby protective gear. It still isn’t as financially viable for most team-wear as printed fabrics will still be more expensive and minimum quantities will be higher to make print runs worthwhile. But the concept is out-there now and more is sure to follow.

I like that the designer thought outside the box and I really like that Stade Francais were brave enough to go with it. It is so automatic to keep trying to come up with a variation on a theme, thinking in a completely new direction is rare. Although the design itself is reminiscent of earlier designs by Warhol, the use of that style of pattern in this context is radical and it has started debates on various websites. The fact that people are discussing the design of a new rugby kit is a great thing. Normally a kit would be launched and accepted without much notice being taken. Some fans will automatically buy a new kit whenever it is launched, others will buy them less frequently. This new kit will certainly test the loyalty of the team’s following!

Will they sell many to supporters? I don’t know, quite possibly the typical rugby crowd won’t be keen on having a bright pink queen (quite literally) on their front. Then again the design may appeal to a whole new audience. Certainly some might be more keen to wear this one as it certainly makes a statement, not only about which team you support but about the kind of personality you are - bold, outgoing, flamboyant.

Stade Francais often seem to get noticed for their kits, their pink one started an influx of other pink rugby and sports clothing. Brands such as Kooga have used pink for their polo shirts and rugby match shirts. So will this new design have us all following the trend? I can’t wait to find out. Will I be rushing out to buy one? No, I’m British! But if they make us one with our Queen on it instead or the faces of the England squad then, yes I’d wear one – would you join me?

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