السبت، 23 يوليو 2011

The WHY and The HOW

Worldwide, 11 billion pairs of shoes are produced each year. So, in terms of quantity, Vein is not a big player.

And that's a fact we're proud of.

You see, we make shoes for exceptional individuals, like you. Men who value superior footwear.

Men who understand that WHY a shoe was made is just as important as how it was made.

At Vein, the WHY is very simple and clear … we handcraft shoes that say everything you want to, without saying a word. The answer to "how" we do it is equally simple and clear … it comes from over 25 years hand crafting the finest shoes for men.

For example, to create sleek lines and slim profile, 600 pounds of pressure must be applied to the leather in 2 dimensions. Yet to create the tightest curves and beautiful lines that are the signature of a Vein shoe, our craftspeople have learned how to apply 800 pounds of pressure … on 3 dimensions. Only elite cobblers will take the extra time to do it, and invest in the specialised tools. We do it because it is what you'd expect from Australia's premier footwear designer.

You want shoes that really stand out. Yes, our new designs are eye-catching from any distance. But it's up close where the intricate detailing comes into its own. Exceptional detailing and a technically demanding pattern require skilful and fastidious cobbling.

Each new design requires new skills, techniques and knowledge. From start to finish, we practise cutting, lining, bonding, stitching and baking. The end result is higher qualified cobblers and of course, the amazing Vein shoes.

At the core of Vein's design-leading body, is the passion of a quality perfectionist. At least four full time "quality controllers" or "mentors" oversee the all the major stages (initial training on each style, cutting, sewing, bonding and shaping).

If any imperfections are found at any stage of the process, they're empowered to immediately stop the production to fix the problem. Other factories will continue in the face of faults and pick out rejects at the end. At Vein we simply do not make rejects.

Also rigorously tested is the leather for colour, strength and consistencies. Each pair of shoes is made from the same piece of leather so that they match perfectly. Vein's founder personally hand picks the highest grade leathers directly from international tanneries.

The leather bonding is tested in both hot and cold environments to ensure the shoes endure both summer and winter extremes. In contrast, mass production shoes are just that, produced in mass.

The end result of all the extra care and effort we take at Vein is a flawless shoe and the accompanying satisfaction and pride.

Is it expensive to do? Absolutely! But we do it because we want you to get what you pay for, and more.

A monster Named Criney, Who Makes Kids Whiney - Book Review

Excellent! The best children book of this genre that I have had the pleasure to review!

A Monster Named Criney Who Makes Kids Whiney by Heather Zuckerman can be classified as a juvenile fiction geared for children aged between three and seven. Mood-setting bright color full pages greet the reader upon opening the durable cover. Superb use of rhythmic cadence and clever design entices the reader to use voice characterization and promotes interaction with the readers. Because of these traits, this book would work wonderfully when read aloud to a group of children.

Whenever Criney stops near a home to rest his weary feet, the children inside become upset and whine. The story has Criney 'visit' several homes before a solution is found. I think it will help children realize how silly and useless their whining and pouting is. The book goes one step further by teaching children a tool to conquer those awful feelings and change their emotions through laughter. Laughter IS the best medicine after all!

Light-hearted and warm – this book really had me grinning! This could be incorporated as an excellent tool that uses humor to aid parents, educators and anyone else in fields working with younger children, against the nerve-grating whining and anger that all children experience."

ISBN#: 0974430706
Author: Heather Zuckerman
Illustrations: Shelly Meridith Delice
Publisher: Merry Lane Press 

As Long As You Try Your Best, There Is No Such Thing As Failure

I always say to my children, as long as you try your best, there is no such thing as failure. I believe this one hundred percent and it is a philosophy I am trying to install into my kids.

When I worked in the insurance industry, I used to sit the insurance examinations. I would always study hard and give it my all, however there were only three options as results. These were, distinction, pass or fail. I hate this word fail, in their eyes I failed twice, but did I though? As already stated, I could not have tried any harder, therefore how dare they call me a failure.

This result of fail is also a very negative and some what cruel mark. The question I would like answered, is did I fail by a long way, only a couple of points or quite a few points? Seeing the word fail tells me nothing. I personally think that everybody should be given a mark, possibly with an A for the best mark, going down to a G for the worst.

I was discussing this very subject with a colleague from work. He actually agreed with the points I was making and told me about an argument he had with one of his teachers when he was at school. He had overheard this particular teacher, discussing his sisters previous years examination results, with another teacher. They were being very critical about her, basically saying how badly she had done. My colleague knew how much effort his sister had put in and told the teacher as much, stating that in his eyes she had passed every one of those exams.

Whatever you do in life, as long as you try your best, your can do no more.

Find a Russian Wife, Ukrainian Wife, Russian Bride or Ukrainian Bride .

Why Marry a Russian or Ukrainian Woman?

Many men in the US and other countries venture into the unknown world of Russia, the Ukraine and other East Block countries to find their Russian bride or Ukrainian wife. Many of these women still hold the traditional notion of success for them to be defined by having a family and a loving husband. Over the years this has become harder and harder to find in the West, as woman in the West has taken on their corporate roles and deviated from the traditional values that so many men... still today... desire in their wives, but find it hard to find in the West.

It does not only stop there. Women from the East love to take care of themselves, their children and their family. I can say this from personal experience that I see in my wife, how she puts hours of effort into taking care of herself, just as she does for taking care of our child. But most importantly, she loves doing it! There is a beautiful union when East meets West in a marriage. Men from the West knows how to provide of a family and they love playing the role that a man can play in the traditional sense of a husband... while Russian wives, seamlessly blend into the role of supporting her husband while taking care of the family with her tenderness and loving heart.

Another reason many men seek out to marry a women from the Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Latvia or other East Block countries, are the level of commitment men get from these women. Once you meet a Russian lady and you have mutually confirmed your love for each other, you will have zero doubt about weather she is "with you" or not. There is an undeniable level of commitment that you WILL experience with them, something so unique. Just as regular long distance relationships, International Relationships lend themselves to similar challenges initially, but because you two will find a very deep and exotic love in each other, you will commit to do whatever it takes to "be together". This creates a very intimate commitment that expands love to a new level. Because you will have to go through an immigration process in order to get her a visa prior to her coming over to your country, this will make things extra difficult... but also extra intimate and this by itself is an expression of the unique and powerful commitment Russian women and Ukrainian wives have.


Find Russian Women or a Ukrainian Wife - Where?

Prior to the internet men all over the world have corresponded by postal mail with their Russian darlings abroad. Now the internet has made this so much easier. As you will go through the process of finding your Ukrainian or Russian wife abroad, you will surf the net and be inundated with thousands of women and hundreds of different services. Some services charge around $3000-$6000 for what is referred to as a "Romance Tour". I suggest to all my clients to stay clear from these "romance traps". These services usually will introduce you to hundreds of women in a night club setting and you can forget about any personal attention to what "you" want to see in your wife. In addition most of these services will introduce you to women in "large cities", which from my experience is not the best choice, but we will discuss this in the next section.

There is no way around it. Meeting your Russian wife or Ukrainian Bride will probably materialize by using a dating agency, or as they are known in the Russian world, "Marriage Agency". These companies will offer translations services for your email to your girl and they will translate her reply for you from Russian to English again. Although this is a very valuable service, I have to reiterate that the "big" introduction agencies overcharge for this service. Be very aware of this. Most of my clients are very happy with my proposal to use smaller agencies in smaller cities, since they will tailor services towards what you need, thus only paying for what you use... as well as their fees are much more reasonable.


Small city vs. Big City?

Another aspect I encourage my clients to consider it weather they want a wife with small town traditional values or a wife from a big city. I always emphasize to seriously consider small town ladies before big city women. Just as any place in the world, small town women tend to have more traditional values. They tend to have closer knit families as well as much more knowledgeable of how to get by when money is tight. This character aspect can be very beautiful to see, especially since their Western sisters seem to have lost much of this ability over the years.

There is one small drawback to small town (or smaller city) women. It is the flights! Yes, you will find there are much fewer flights to the smaller cities than there is to the major ones. I can find a flight from Dallas to Kiev (Ukraine) for about $500 right now... but from Kiev to Dnepropetrovsk (smaller city in the Ukraine) will cost me about $400 extra. Having said this, by using smaller agencies in smaller cities will be a huge cost saving to you over the durations that you correspond to your future Ukrainian or Russian wife. The visa process could take between 6-12 months, so these correspondence fees and telephone bills can add up.

When do you want a "big city" wife? One of my clients values the intellectual mind of his wife very much. Since his whole family has been in the medical profession and he is also, this simply was very important to him. He wanted a wife that had a Masters Degree in something concrete. So, he ended up marrying a lady from a "big city" with 2 Masters Degrees.


Which Country Should I Look At?

The former USSR states has been divided into 15 independent countries. Of these I really suggest only two countries to my clients: The Ukraine and Latvia. Of cause this should not stop you from looking at others countries if you so choose, but both the Ukraine and Latvia has made great progress in their democratic development as well as their vision to join the European Union. My favorite is the Ukraine, maybe because my wife is from there, but also because it is possible to walk into the Ukraine with your blue American passport without a visa. In order for an American to enter Russia you will need a $200 visa every single time you go and visit your fiancé. You will also see that there is a huge single female population in the Ukraine... larger than in Russia.

In addition, Russia has some talks about revoking the Russian Citizenship of Russian women who marry foreigners. Russia has picked up on their crem-del-a-crem marrying men from abroad and seem to want to take a stand against this. But then again, this might not be important to you.


Immigration

As I mentioned earlier, you will experience a new level of commitment from the women you meet in the East - there is no doubt about this! If you have a "long distance relationship" with someone in your same country, it is difficult, but it is extra difficult for those who have to go through the process of immigration before they can be together. Your love will grow so much stronger over the months, but there will always be a small part of you that will wonder: "What if we do not get her a visa?". This can be very challenging times, but finding the best legal help OR doing it yourself with 1000% dedication to detail can ensure success in this realm.

The men will be expected to collect many documents for your fiancé. You will be expected to provide copies of your letters, phone records, your bank accounts, etc... just to mention a few. The immigration process is not for the fainthearted, but it will pay back in a life long adventurous journey with your Ukrainian or Russian love.


The Stigma You Will Be Faced With:

Out there in the world there exist a stigma about marrying a Russian women. A stigma about the all so well known phrase "mail order bride". This concept has been created by the media and is so very touché. The fact of the matter is that the concept of "mail order bride" does not exist. Once you go through the immigration process you will learn how this is NOT "anything mail order". For starters immigration requires that you have at least physically met once before applying for your visa. There is nothing instant about this kind of love.

Often my clients are faced resistance from their friends and family because their friends and family simply does not understand the courage it takes to go and find your love abroad. In addition it is honest ignorance from their family and friends who does not understand what it takes to marry a foreign national. YOU STILL NEED TO BE IN LOVE AND LOVE MUTUALLY. There is no way around this. To all my clients I emphasize this over and over and over. It must "feel" right".

Some men make the mistake to believe that the "love will grow". If you are not in love when you meet, it is very unlikely it will grow in the future. There are some aspects of finding your love abroad that is exactly the same as dating a local woman and being in love is imperative.


In Closing

Finding your soul mate in the same city as you is difficult. Finding your love abroad, can make certain things much easier, but it introduces other aspects of challenge to the game. Having said that, the happiness can me blissful and ecstatic. A happiness we all deserve. 

Make Gold In World of Warcraft quick And Easily

If you're reading this, you need Gold for World of Warcraft (WoW) and you need it bad. You need to buy your character his mount, his skills, his armor and his weapons; not to mention the occasional potion. And you need to do it all as fast as possible without buying any World of Warcraft gold, either! Why do you need to do all this? Because without Gold World of Wacraft is no FUN! Don't you PAY every MONTH to have FUN? Where is the fun if you can't kick everyones butt with great armor and weapons? So, you need to get WoW gold and you need to get it now!

So, you want to make Gold in World of Warcraft, do you?

Well, I don't blame you.

Making gold in World of Warcraft is easy if you have a strategy. The better the strategy, the more gold you will be making. In this article I have put together 7 quick tips that can form a simple but effective strategy for making gold in World of Warcraft

Gold is without question the most valuable resource in the game that literally can control how much fun you have while playing.

If you don't have gold, you cannot buy anything. That means you are not able to upgrade your spells, your armor or your weapons. Even worse, you are not able to buy a mount, or any of the simply outstandingly fun epic mounts!

Without gold, World of Warcraft is effectively turned into nothing but a virtual space where you pay to kill the same monsters over and over and over and over and over again, fighting for scraps so you can try in hopes to buy what you want eventually.

Fortunately, this is not always the case.

Getting gold can actually be very, very easy and very, very fun!

Contrary to popular believe, earning World of Warcraft Gold is not that challenging at all. For starters, you should be ashamed if you ever have purchased gold. Come on guys. Don't support Chinese farmers when you can do it yourself just as easily. Just follow some of the tips below and you'll be overflowing with gold before you know it! In fact, I have a level 22 right now that has over 300 gold and my characters under level 10 usually have over 8g!

How much gold are you looking for? 5000 gold for an epic flying mount? Maybe just a regular flying mount? Just some cash for late-game equipment? Decide how much gold you want to make and play accordingly. Tape it to your monitor if you have to. Starting out with an attainable goal is key to accomplishing anything in life, not just making gold in World of Warcraft.

Even though crafting professions (Leatherworking, jewelcrafting, tailoring and blacksmithing) are temping to pick up, avoid them like the plague! If you want to drown in your own gold, pick up two gathering professions! For example, get herbalism and skinning or skinning and mining or mining and herbalism. Then, SELL THE LOOT YOU GET! The Auction House is always alive with activity and buyers trying to get their hands on leather, ore and herbs. People are LAZY, or they simply don't have the profession required by their trade skill! So, you're the hero they needed to deliver the goods to them, and you pull a hefty profit at the same time!

*The above alone is one of the greatest techniques there is to massive gold earning! Seriously... try it.

For your third profession, fish once in a while. Some stacks of fish can net a lot of money on the Auction House. If you are waiting for a group to enter an instance, waiting to PvP, or just bored with questing, fish for a profitable way to kill time.

Even when you enter World of Warcraft as a level 1, get bags. All that you can carry. If you have a high level character already, buy the biggest bags you can and send them to your new character. This is a simple and easy to understand step that most people fail to use! If you have all 4 bag slots filled up right away, you can A) Continue questing without having to return to sell off items so you will level faster B) More importantly, be able to make much more gold as you will not have to delete items to make room for others. You can sell all your loot when you return for maximum profit even from the very beginning!

Always look to sell drops at the Auction House. Always sell your gathered leathers, herbs, or metals here as well. You will get more money than vendors almost every time. Check out the prices that other similar items are going for, so that you know how to price your item. You should also always use a buy-it-now price.

When you are choosing which professions you want, do not go with a crafting profession and a gathering profession (I.E. Leatherworking and Skinning.)

Instead, choose two gathering professions. You will use the Auction House to make all your hundreds and hundreds of gold with this effective technique.

Pick up two of any of the following: mining, skinning, herbalism or enchanting (to disenchant)

These simple tips will really get you making a lot of gold in World of Warcraft. 

New Low Cost Jewels Make Luxury Affordable For All

For centuries sparkling, beautiful jewels have been THE sign of wealth and luxury the world over. Wearing quality jewelry makes just about everyone feel special and look better. Jewels have had such a long and lasting importance in our world that we give them as a sign of our most treasured possession -- a long-term relationship. 

Increasingly, wearing fine jewelry can be a noticeable sign of your success and achievement. Walk into a business meeting wearing an eye-catching ring, bracelet, or watch and your stature immediately rises as perceived by those around you. Your ideas seem more important and your power to prevail increases. Centuries ago only Kings and Queens could afford jewels. Even in recent years, only the well-healed could afford a nice selection of quality jewels. You could expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $5,000 for a nice piece of jewelry. That meant either wiping out your retirement account or making monthly payments, sometimes for years. Today all that has changed for the better. Recent changes and discoveries in the jewelry market have made wearing fine jewelry more affordable than ever in history. Gold rings with genuine stones can now be purchased online and elsewhere for well under $100. I recently found a genuine white gold diamond ring for just $129.99. Another option that is used today to keep the costs affordable is to use a sterling silver base and coat it with gold. Prior to this method, the only affordable jewelry was to use sterling silver but it had the disadvantage of tarnishing. This new method offers many advantages. It does not tarnish because it is gold plated, it is more beautiful than sterling silver and it is certainly more affordable. Those kinds of prices put fine jewelry in a whole new light. For many of us, the $100 to $150 range falls into the realm of an easy purchase. You can buy it just because it makes you feel good without having any impact on your budget. New much lower jewelry prices mean you can have a different style or color of jewelry to go with each of your suits. You can have a several-piece collection of similar designs to go with each of your favorite dresses. Perhaps even more important, it's easy to give nice jewelry as a gift, even if for no other reason than you were just thinking how much you value the recipient.